Neighbourhood Media St Ives Magazine | August 2021

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ISSUE #4

MURDER ON THE LINKS UPGRADES TO THE VILLAGE GREEN BIG DOGS OF 2075 + MORE SHOP P I NG

WE L L N E S S

FA S H I O N

CO MMUN I TY

LIVI N G

H EALTH

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YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA Cover image: Mark Kennedy

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FROM THE EDITOR

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HISTORY Murder in the Links?

COVER FEATURE Meet Mark Kennedy, Cover Image Photographer

FEATURE Mayor Jennifer Anderson Feature

COMMUNITY Barra Brui to Bungaroo Bush Trek

COMMUNITY St Ives Village Green Upgrade

KIDS Are Your Child’s Eyes Coping with Online-Learning?

WELLNESS Indoor Plants to Improve Overall Health and Wellness

PETS Avondale Pony Club

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​​NEIGHBOURHOOD Media enjoys bringing stories of local people and places to you in postcode 2075, and in this issue we won’t disappoint.

Starting with a murder mystery, our history feature is a true story set in 1913. We look at the events that took place surrounding the murder of a local police sergeant, which are still, to this day, unsolved.

Our cover image comes from Mark Kennedy, a local photographer, who, although early in his career, has already produced some stunning images. We chose this image because for us it symbolised a glimmer of hope and gave us a warm fuzzy feeling.

I also had the opportunity to catch up with Mayor Jennifer Anderson, who shared with me all the great work, both in the field and online, that the council has completed - or is underway - in St Ives. The Mayor also gave us a window into her world and how she has been conducting business in lockdown.

I don’t know about you, but COVID has gotten me outdoors and to new places I haven’t previously walked along, just to relieve the mundanity of home-school and lockdown! So if you’re looking for a new bush walk, and 4km doesn’t phase you, then check out our feature on the Barra Brui to Bungaroo Bush Trek.

We are living in unprecedented times, and for many of you this presents new challenges and experiences. We encourage you to stay close to your community, looking out for friends and neighbours.

Whilst we cannot encourage you to go out and enjoy beautiful St Ives, we can urge you to jump online and read up about all your talented neighbours and businesses in the area. Thank you for reading this Neighbourhood Media magazine. Please enjoy ‘2075’.

Lisa G

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media EDITOR - Lisa Goodhand DESIGNER - Robert Everett CONTRIBUTORS - Alec Smart, Lisa Goodhand, Elliot Lindsay and Catherine Makinson ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

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HISTORY

MURDER ON THE LINKS?

By Elliot Lindsay

Very few Sydneysiders had heard of St. Ives in the 1910s when the district was covered with citrus orchards and cow paddocks. That all changed when the evening news across Australia reported a “shooting in St. Ives” that resulted in the murder of a police sergeant. To this day, mystery shrouds the events that transpired on the 1st of May, 1913.

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A LANDHOLDER named Thomas Edwin Brown owed unpaid maintenance to his ex-wife and young daughter. Sergeant Hickey and Constable Barclay from Pymble Police Station were tasked with serving Brown with a warrant for arrest unless he paid them the outstanding sum. Sergeant Hickey had served at Pymble Police Station for twenty-five years and knew Brown very well. The versions of events to follow, however, differ drastically between the police and the Brown family.

THE POLICE Constable Barclay testified that he and Sergeant Hickey were invited into Brown’s home to discuss matters before being set upon by Brown and his sons. A brawl in the living room resulted in Brown shooting Hickey, point-blank, in the stomach during the struggle. Hickey hit the ground, then got up and staggered to the front gate. Brown fled the scene, on foot, to Pymble. Barclay then helped Hickey into a passing wagon that he ordered to be taken to a hospital. Sadly, the Sergeant bled to death in transit.

Barclay returned to the station, obtained a motorcar, tracked down Brown. He was arrested on Gordon Rd (Pacific Highway), where the putt-putt golf park sits today. Brown then confessed to shooting Sergeant Hickey.

THE BROWNS The Brown family testified that the police entered the property illegally, attacked Brown, and pushed him into the bedroom.

Sergeant Hickey then attempted to strangle Brown before obtaining a revolver, conveniently sitting on a chest of draws in the bedroom, with the intent to shoot him. However, the mightier Brown managed to overpower Hickey, and the revolver was discharged while in Hickey’s possession. They also allege Constable Barclay ran away scared after the first shot was fired.

They claim not to have seen Hickey get shot because he got up and casually walked out after.

Brown faced trial for murdering Sergeant Hickey on three separate occasions. The first trial resulted in a hung jury, and in the second trial was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. However, the sentence was commuted to life in prison, and then he was given the right to appeal the verdict.

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At the third trial, the jury could not be sure beyond a reasonable doubt who fired the shot that killed Hickey. Their verdict was not guilty of murder or manslaughter. The judge acquitted Brown, who walked out of court a free man. However, the police immediately arrested him on the charge of lunacy. He was declared insane by a court and interned in the Callan Park Asylum until he was released in 1916.

Records show Brown to have been a violent and disturbed man. His wife divorced him on the grounds of violent abuse (he threatened to shoot her). He was required to pay maintenance but was arrested by Sergeant Hickey several times for not paying.

In addition, he developed a complex about being persecuted by the government, filing litigations against dozens of government officials, judges, police, and the press between 1900 and 1913.

He believed the government conspired against him.

Brown even demanded the NSW Department of Justice protect him, or else he would be compelled to defend his family with lethal force.

Having read many documents relating to the Coroner’s report and the three trials, it is of my opinion that Brown was indeed guilty of murdering Sergeant Hickey. However, as all the witnesses have long since passed away, unfortunately, the truth was taken to the grave with them.

SO, WHAT BECAME OF BROWN’S ORCHARD? In 1920, various men in the district discovered that a cow paddock on Brown’s orchard was ideal for playing golf. So, they decided to purchase the land from the Brown family to develop into an exclusive golf club called Pymble Golf Club.

According to the club, the first six holes lay on Brown’s Orchard, perhaps even on the spot where poor Sergeant Hickey was shot to death.

Sergeant John Stuart Hickey today rests in the St Johns Anglican Church Cemetary on St Johns Road Gordon. He was the Sergeant of Pymble Police Station for 25 years.

Elliot Lindsay, creator of the Murders Most Foul Podcast.

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‘2075’ Editor Lisa Goodhand caught up with Mayor Jennifer Anderson this month during the lockdowns, to learn what she has been up to and what new developments are taking place in St Ives.

IT WAS good to see a number of initiatives online developed on the Kur-ring-gai Council website, can you tell us about that?

MA: It’s something that council staff have been working on since the pandemic started, which I had the pleasure of participating in when I was filmed reading children’s stories to our young people. It was such a delight to be able to do that.

It certainly took me back to my early career working in Lane Cove Public library.

I am proud of the way our staff have been able to offer as many essential services as I can through online methods.

How has COVID-19 impacted your work regime?

My normal day during COVID is basically handled remotely by responding to emails and phone calls. I’ve always been a councillor, right from my election in 2006, who has made herself available to our residents.

The only time I have been going into the office is for essential matters, such as the signing of documents that have to be hand-signed, or for monthly council meetings.

What doesn’t go on anymore is the vast array of community events that I would normally have attended. That is a great loss from my perspective, because I’ve always very much valued more informal interactions with members of the community.

There are some community members that would feel very ostracised because they are not online or social media savvy, what support is available for them?

Kur-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre is certainly still undertaking as much as they can in a face-to-face, COVIDsafe way to help vulnerable residents who need assistance, like being transported to medical appointments or help with grocery shopping.

We have also been encouraging our community and neighbours to check on those surrounding them in a COVIDsafe way to identify if any of them, especially their elderly neighbours, need any support, and to alert us so that we can provide proper assistance to them.

Can you share with us some recent council activities that are taking place in St Ives?

Despite the impact of COVID on the economy, we have managed to maintain a strong financial position in council. We are one of the only councils in New South Wales to have met the State Government’s criteria for financial sustainability.

During this time, I’m very proud of our open space acquisition strategy that’s delivered 27,500sqm of new open space for the community. I believe this is a massive achievement for Ku-ringgai, and for the future of all our residents.

Also, dealing with our draft housing strategy has been successfully undertaken with the completion of that in accordance with the community’s wishes; that residents wanted our existing local environment plans and the capacity currently within those to be utilised first for the development, before thinking about any future rezoning. So, I’m pleased to YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

say that was the resolution of the council.

In St Ives we’ve made a lot of progress on various projects, including the commencement of work on the Youth Precinct, which will be a wonderful recreation precinct with a new children’s playground and skate park. It will have a central promenade, walking facilities with the surrounding parks with paths, seating, children’s facilities, landscaping and improvements to the public toilets.

There is also the St Ives’ Community Youth Centre, which has also undergone substantial renovations. It was due to open in July, but under the current lockdown rules it’s not open to the public yet. Renovations include meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and storage, and it has been upgraded with furniture and lighting.

Also, we have agreed as a council to proceed with the preparation of a DA for two additional indoor basketball courts at the St Ives indoor sports centre. When that is all built, there will be a total of four indoor courts available for use by the community outside school hours and by the school during school hours.

And, of course, there’s the wonderful St Ives Showground.

It was the recipient of government grants worth $1.7 million in 2020 as part of COVID grants that were offered across the state. It also received an additional council contribution of $1.8 million from our budget.

With this money, we have created a new regional playground there, with an extensive range of works, including resurfacing and upgrading of the main arena loop road in the parking bay, fencing, softball servicing, signage for the new playground, refurbishment of the amenities’ block near the playground (making it accessible to the change rooms), upgrades to the kitchenette in the Louise Lennon building, improvements to the Douglas Pickering Pavilion, and rebuilding of the kiosk, which is also used as an information centre for major events.

I understand the Council election voting day has been changed, is that right?

Yes, the original date, which was the 4th September, has now been postponed until the 4th December.

(You can find more information at the following link krg. nsw.gov.au/elections) How are you keeping yourself fit and healthy outside of work?

I certainly enjoy the walks around our local area and on the weekend I was at Lindfield on Trion Road. There is a wonderful soldiers’ memorial there, and it was a beautiful day weatherwise. It was wonderful to see a lot of community out and about in a COVID way.

Neighbourhood Media would like to thank you for your time today, especially when we know how busy you are.

Thank you very much for your time and congratulations on a great local publication.

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COVER FEATURE

MARK

KENNEDY

By Lisa Goodhand

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Capturing sights and scenes around the Northern Beaches and beyond.

MARK KENNEDY is a local photographer who grew up in Cherrybrook and then moved to the Northern Beaches when he was 21 with his mates and never looked back. They were seeking out the beach lifestyle and after suburb-surfing for a couple of years, finally settling in Belrose, which is now his own family home.

By day, Mark is a software development manager, but his real passion is with the art of photography. This passion came about in parallel with his love for travel, so wherever he went he took his trusty camera with him. ”I love capturing moments in time,” Mark revealed, “and then being able to look back at them when they randomly appear on my phone, so I can remember all about it. I'd say that when I went to Tassie a few years ago was when I really started getting into my photography. As a location, it has been my favourite to photograph.”

As you will see from Mark's Instagram feed, there are a number of bushland images, taken here in our beautiful bushland. He is a big fan of sunrise and sunset photos, although he admits he's not much of a morning person, so tends to lean more towards the sunset!

Mark let us in on one of his favourite locations: “There is a magic spot not too far from where I live that looks over the Garigal National Park across to St Ives, and captures the perfect light as the sun is going down. I keep going back because no day is ever the same. Bushwalking in the late afternoon is awesome for

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capturing golden light.”

We asked Mark what his top tips were for getting the perfect shot. He replied: 1. Always have a camera with you; 2. Be sure to get the perfect light; and 3. Always be on the lookout for sights or scenes around you. “I am often seen rushing back home to grab my gear when I see something cool happening,” he shared, “such as a unique sunset or something I don’t want to forget.”

If you want to check out Mark’s work, go to his instagram page, @markkennedyimages, where he curates his favourite images of mostly NSW bushland and animals. He admits that his repertoire will continue to expand once he is allowed to travel again.

We asked Mark what’s next on his horizon? “I am keen to dabble in macrophotography. I have a new lens on the way and am super keen to give it a try. I see lots of inspirational macro shots online and have decided to give it a go myself. Outside of this, I love exploring the bush and the local area for anything that catches my eye.”

If you would like to learn more, check out Mark's Instagram feed or send him a message.

Mark Kennedy Instagram: @markkennedyimages

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Wildflower Garden, pool above Phantom Falls_ Robyn Connacher | robynconnacher@gmail.com

Magnolias on Bobbin Head road_ Robyn Connacher | robyn.connacher@ gmail.com.jpg

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Get creative during lockdown and win a $200 Gift Voucher!

ST IVES Shopping Village is relaunching our St.Art and Photography Competition, so it’s time to channel your creative energy!

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world and we’d like to see what’s inspired you.

Submit an artwork or photo featuring NATURE to go in the draw to win a $200 Gift Voucher.

How does it work?

Take a photo or create an artwork of something featuring NATURE. It could be a photo of your favourite bush walk or something you have noticed in your backyard – the opportunities are endless!

Artworks can be delivered to the Concierge for hanging in The Gallery. These must be on a canvas or in a frame, ready to hang, minimum size A4. Include a hook or hanging device on the back.

Hayley Bilski | bilskifamily@gmail.com

Entries must include your name, age and phone number.

Winners will be appointed for each age group: 6 – 10 years, 11 – 15 years, 16+.

Photos must be submitted via email: concierge1@stivesvillage.com.au

Entries will be open until Friday 27th August. concierge1@stivesvillage.com.au stivesvillage.com.au/events/covid-art-competition

LIMITED PLACES FOR 2022

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COMMUNITY

BARRA BRUI TO

Image: Alec Smart

BUNGAROO BUSH TREK

By Alec Smart

With a decent pair of hiking boots, or a mountain bicycle with suspension, Barra Brui Oval to Bungaroo and back through Garigal National Park makes an enjoyable return-trek of around 4km.

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GARIGAL National Park, the 2,202-hectare protected native bushland to the east of St Ives, features a number of pleasant forested paths, particularly in the ‘Cascades’ region between St Ives and Belrose.

Here, at the Stepping Stones crossing between the confluence of three bush trails – Bungaroo, Governor Phillip and Middle Harbour walking tracks – flows Middle Harbour Creek.

In the aftermath of rain, the creek transcends from a slowflowing narrow stream, weaving around sandstone rocks, into turbulent, tumbling cascades.

The Stepping Stones can be reached by following the fire trail known as Pipeline Track, which runs eastward from Barra Brui Scout Hall in south St Ives, adjacent to a large green pipe carrying drinking water. Approximately 800 metres from the start, Bungaroo Track (on the left) veers off to the north, then continues east, parallel to Pipeline Track (the latter safer for cyclists).

The trail meanders 1.5km through the bush, passing a lookout over the valley, and eventually dropping down a steep descent reinforced with stone steps until it reaches a sandy beach beside Middle Harbour Creek. A sharp bend in the water course diverts the path left, west again, to meet at the Stepping Stones - approx. 8 flat sandstone boulders spanning the narrow creek.

Crossing the creek – beware, it is treacherous and fast-flowing after heavy rainfall! – turning left joins the Cascades, but right, following Governor Phillip Track just 20 metres downstream, brings you to a natural freshwater pool. Approx 12m length, 5m width, and 2 metres deep at its centre, it is a refreshing oasis in which to swim and cool off on hot days.

Now named ‘Bungaroo’ – a word derived from the Dharugspeaking Indigenous clans of Sydney – it is thought to mean either ‘resting place’ or ‘running water’.

The pool, situated in a natural reservoir just above the upper tidal reaches of the saltwater Middle Harbour Creek, is where, on Wednesday 16th April 1788, Governor Phillip and a party of marines pitched canvas tents and camped overnight.

We know for certain Governor Phillip’s party camped at Bungaroo, because he followed Middle Harbour Creek inland and

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described the campsite in his memoirs as where «the flowing of the tide ceased».

This took place during the first of several treks exploring the region north of the new British colony of Sydney. Phillip sought arable land to establish farms to feed the 1000 convicts, marines and settlers that arrived in 11 ships just 11 weeks earlier.

During the Great Depression (1929-1939), the natural waterhole at Bungaroo, then called ‘Cascades Pool’, was well known to residents of St Ives and the new suburb of Davidson as a popular picnicking and swimming spot.

Unemployment relief workers in the early 1930s reinforced the reservoir with stone blocks (probably from nearby Davidson Quarry) to create a more insulated swimming pool.

Paths wide enough for vehicles were hacked through the bush from Mona Vale Road and Belrose (Quarry Track) to the pool (now among several interconnecting fire trails), and during WWII, military troops stationed at St. Ives Showground travelled down them to swim.

After the war, the stagnant pool became polluted, and KuRing-Gai Council demolished the stone walls that contained the water, allowing the creek to flow naturally through again, cleansing it.

Garigal National Park is named after the Indigenous Garigal clans that hunted, fished and gathered sea foods for millennia along Middle Harbour Creek and across the forested regions descending to the coast. There are 76 identified Aboriginal sites on the shores of Middle Harbour, including shell middens, rock overhangs and cave art.

There are over 35 trails through Garigal Park covering 120km.

The 4km hike from Barra Brui to Bungaroo and back should take under 2 hours to complete on foot.

COMMUNITY

Providing an Important Service for Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy.

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THE Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) has been operating for over 75 years. Our organisation was developed by a group of parents of children with cerebral palsy and was originally known as the Spastic Centre of New South Wales.

We help babies, children, teenagers and adults living with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities lead the most comfortable, independent and inclusive lives possible. Our services include early childhood intervention, therapy, health and wellbeing, short and long-term supported independent living, as well as the Lifestyles program for adults with high support needs.

At the CPA Lifestyles Centre in St Ives, our goal is to provide person-centred, active support so our clients can access the community and enjoy opportunities that are available to us all.

Cooking, drama, music, visual arts, gardening, boccia and sports are some of the programs our clients enjoy. We have a wonderful garden and are establishing VegePods for a good supply of vegetables and herbs to use in our cooking program.

During the Covid lockdown in 2020, we provided support to our clients within their homes and with virtual programs. During this current lockdown, we are fortunate to remain open as an essential service that provides vital health and well-being benefits for clients (and staff!). Infection control, PPE, masks, vaccination and increased cleaning schedules are now second-nature!

Volunteers help to bring additional support and services to our clients. Whether you are a keen vege-garden expert, cook, musician, artist or have other talents, there are many ways to get involved.

For more information about services cerebralpalsy.org.au Volunteers cerebralpalsy.org.au/work-with-us/volunteer-information-opportunities

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We believe there’s one way you can give back to the community, and that is to volunteer your time.

It costs you nothing, but could make a huge difference. If you’ve thought about volunteering and wondered what your options were, here are some suggestions.

MONIKA’S DOGGY RESCUE Pop down to the Terrey Hills location every Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 2pm, and brighten up the rescue pooches’ day by taking them out for a walk. First time walkers must bring photo ID and register with a one-time $20 fee.

You can also make donations to Monika’s Doggy Rescue online doggierescue.com/donate

KU-RING-GAI NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE (KNC) A place where you can volunteer your time to provide a range of services to the community. They include community care, social group activities, and support groups, along with a range of administrative and training opportunities.

To get started go online www.knc.org.au/volunteering and complete a form, or call 02 9988 4966 for more information.

MEALS ON WHEELS, KU-RING-GAI & HORNSBY Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby Meals on Wheels deliver meals to the local community. Volunteers are required across various levels from delivering meals to clients, assisting in the kitchen or office, coordinating the Monday Lunch in our Turramurra dining room, or delivering meals to other services in the wider region.

To find out more and register, go to kmow.org.au/volunteer-with-us

For all your mobility needs as you move through life.

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KIDS

ST IVES VILLAGE GREEN UPGRADE

By Alec Smart

St Ives Village Green and sporting facilities are in the midst of a redevelopment. So far, the pedestrian crossing in Village Green Parade has been relocated for better access, and the public toilets have been upgraded.

The latest stage of improvements to the recreation precinct, primarily the skate park and children’s play area, has commenced and is expected to be completed by mid 2022.

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CONSISTING of 9.2 hectares of designated ‘community land’, St Ives Village Green is divided into 7 precincts, all conveniently adjacent to the St Ives Village Shopping Centre.

These include: Youth (skate park, children’s playground, youth centre, community hall).

St Ives Bowling Club (three greens, clubhouse and carpark).

William Cowan Oval (upper level softball diamonds and amenities block).

Lower Village Green (large grass area and cricket pitch).

Forested Zone (Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest in the north-east).

Hard Courts (four floodlit dual-purpose tennis/netball courts).

The original Village Green was opened in stages throughout the 1950s (the first annual Village Fair was held in November 1951), and is being managed for the future in accordance with an adopted Plan of Management.

In June 2011 Ku-Ring-Gai Council adopted a Plan of Management that merged several environmental and development strategies (St Ives Village Green Landscape Masterplan, Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan, Ku-ringgai Town Centres Public Domain Plan, and Ku- ring-gai Development Control Plan), all undertaken with community consultation. This was undertaken to provide a new vision for the Village Green and town centre area.

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According to the Plan of Management, “The redevelopment of the St Ives precinct will see a dramatic change in the intensity of use of the St Ives Village Green, and the integration of the park with adjacent land uses.”

Ku-Ring-Gai Council’s website lists key features of the redevelopment project: * A contemporary and challenging skate plaza and bowl areas for a range of skill levels. An inclusive children’s play area suitable for children of all ages and abilities. * An adaptable performance space with a viewing lawn and stage for community events. Shaded areas and sunny terraces overlooking play and skate areas. * Picnic facilities for children’s parties and family gatherings. * Wide new pathways with accessible links to different areas of the precinct Coloured pavements for visual interest, reduced glare and wayfinding. * New seating, shelters, bins and bubblers. * Lighting and possible CCTV. * Retention of existing shade trees where possible. * New shade tree planting and landscaping.

For complete details of the St Ives Village Green upgrade, visit: krg.nsw.gov.au/Planning-and-development

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Kindergarten Master, Susan Ward, on the milestones of the Kindergarten year.

SOCIAL and emotional development is at the heart of the Kindergarten programme at St Ives Prep. Our aim is for boys to be confident, happy, and socially connected.

An emphasis on play ensures boys have multiple opportunities to practise turn-taking, sharing, and negotiating play ideas. It is through these play interactions that boys develop empathy and respect, which in turn positively influences self-esteem and confidence.

Our two large Kindergarten classes have many things in common: dedicated spaces for playing and learning, extensive class libraries, soft spots to relax with a book, and walls filled with the boys’ artworks and ideas.

Whilst our boys are similar in many ways, there is no onesize-fits-all in our Kindergarten. Textbooks and worksheets are avoided in favour of carefully designed tasks that allow all boys to learn at their own pace, resulting in a wide range of different products of learning.

At Grammar we encourage boys to reflect on their learning and gather feedback from a variety of sources. By considering the ideas of others, reflecting on their own growth and being receptive to teacher feedback, our boys become more active in

their learning journey, and highly engaged with their progress.

Grammar boys are encouraged to view learning as a lifelong journey, instead of a race or a competition. During each learning activity, intrapersonal skills such as motivation and perseverance hold equal importance to the acquisition of skills and knowledge.

Boys are continually focused on effort, deep thinking, accepting challenges, taking risks, making mistakes and ‘having a go’.

Given the opportunity, our boys rise to the challenge of showing initiative and being independent, moving happily through their Kindergarten year in leaps and bounds.

Apply now for Kindergarten at Sydney Grammar School St Ives Prep, Ayres Road, St Ives To find out more, contact Enrolments on 8302 5200 sydgram.nsw.edu.au/st-ives

ST IVES PREPARATORY SCHOOL Apply now for 2022 A unique educational environment for boys in Preschool to Year 6 To apply or find out more phone 8302 5218 stives@sydgram.nsw.edu.au www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au/st-ives

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St Ives Preparatory School

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KIDS

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St Ives optometrist and mum of 4, Sindy Lowinger explains the visual strain of learning online.

HEALTHY vision is important for your child’s educational, physical and social development and to help them reach their full learning potential.

Did you know that 1 in 5 children has an undetected vision problem?

With 80 per cent of all learning experienced through vision, it is no surprise that children with undetected vision problems often fail to progress well in school.

On-line school makes it that much harder!

Children’s vision can change dramatically from one year to the next, so a thorough eye examination before school starts is recommended to ensure your child has healthy vision.

Many children continue to experience undetected and unnecessary vision problems and often they assume that how they see is normal. We need to be able to recognise the signs of a vision problem, and to ensure children are examined regularly to detect any problems early.

Symptoms to watch out for: Complaints of blurred vision, headaches, or sore eyes/ eye rubbing.

Delayed progress in reading ability.

A turned eye, red or watery eyes, and frequent blinking.

Poor hand-eye co-ordination.

Losing their place or omitting words and skipping lines when reading.

Losing concentration after reading.

Once recognised, these problems are usually easy to correct, which is why early detection and treatment of eye and vision problems are important.

Give your kids the right start. Get their eyes ready for learning.

St Ives Optometrist Sindy Lowinger is a local mum of 4 girls and grew up only a few blocks away from her practice on Mona Vale Rd. She has a special interest in children’s vision and vision processing and loves to give back to the community.

Schedule an appointment today at the new children’s vision clinic at Sindy Lowinger Optometrist! Adult appointments too!

Covid-safe measures carefully in place, off-street location with privacy; by appointment only.

Suite 3, 217a Mona Vale Rd, St Ives 2075. Behind Chargrill Charlies, entry in alleyway up the stairs. sindylowinger.com 0413054440

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By Lisa Goodhand

Some cool sites to keep them busy when you’re busy..

DESPERATE to find a new distraction for my kids so I could attend an online meeting, I decided to undertake some research for fun and educational websites that offered not only videos, but also games and activities.

Here’s what I found and let me assure you, while I was road testing each site, there were two little people desperate to take over my computer - so it looks like they are winners! www.kiloo.com/en/kids-games/ Here you will find a huge selection of Free Kids games that are also educational, from Penguin Skip to Parking Fury. There’s something here for everyone. education.com You will need to sign in for this one, but they have conveniently laid out a range of educational games for all kids from preschoolers to year 8. Games cover topics such as coding, maths, reading & writing and typing.

This site also has free downloadable templates with lots of fun tasks, and you can upgrade for guided lessons. boomerangtv.com.au This fun website has all your favourite cartoon characters, like

Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, Mr Bean, The Happos Family, Taffy and Looney Tunes, with plenty of free game and activity options.

The pets’ section is interactive using their app, and you can share pictures of your pet and see others. We really like the Create section, which has a ton of great craft projects that you can easily do at home. cbc.ca/kids/games Whilst it has a stack of games for all ages, this site also has a Tokyo 2020 special games’ section where you can get your fix on everything from tennis to surfing. If you have a little future Olympian in the house, this one might be for you. cartoonnetwork.com.au If they are hooked on cartoons, then the Cartoon Network site is a winner. Everything from Teen Titans to Mythbusters, they will soon be skating with Gumball through a maze of other fun characters. Perfect for all ages, including teens, and best of all it’s free.

We hope you are coping well with the lockdowns and that you manage to find a little ‘You’ time.

St Ives Shopping Village is open for you and providing a safe shopping environment.

Please Love your Local and support local, independent businesses.

166 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives stivesvillage.com.au @stivesvillage

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WELLNESS

INDOOR PLANTS TO IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

By Catherine Makinson

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ONE of the unintended consequences of having energy efficient, airtight buildings is that trace chemicals from modern furnishings, computers, paint, carpets and so on, create a phenomenon called the ‘sick building syndrome’.

NASA realised that astronauts in space were subject to similar contaminants and did some extensive studies of the best ‘antidotes’… and indoor plants are the simplest and, we would say, stylish solution!

Of the dozen plants NASA tested, all cleaned the air. These included: mother-in-law’s tongues, spider plant, devil’s ivy, Boston ferns, dracaenas, philodendrons and peace lilies. Luckily all of these options are really easy to grow at home too. It’s obviously no coincidence that some plants have names like ‘peace lily’ and ‘happy plants’… looks like they are trying to tell us something!

Apart from cleaning the air, did you know that indoor plants can also help clear your head? Green spaces have a positive effect on mental health, and being exposed to vegetation lowers your risk of respiratory disease and cancer – and even indoor plants work here.

To calm your mood even more, adding scents such as lavender and jasmine can also work to improve your wellbeing. Don’t think that you’ll be so calm you’ll doze off though. Amazingly,

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Interior landscaping undoubtedly looks great, and styling your home with plants has become one of the top trends for interiors, but did you realise it’s also good for you? Plants not only look great, but they have also have been scientifically proven to be good for your overall health and wellbeing.

indoor plants also improve our alertness, concentration and communication skills, so it makes sense to add them to your work space as well.

Some plants are also natural healers. Lavender is well known to help people get a good night sleep and has anti-anxiety benefits in the essential oils it contains. However it will only cope inside for a few weeks and really needs to grow in a full sun position; it’s perfect for pots on balconies.

Also great for pots outside, but better adapted to also cope indoors in bright spots, is Aloe vera. The gel inside Aloe leaves is great to use on sunburn, bites, acne and some skin conditions.

Of course, some things just make us smile, and that in itself is good for you. A stylish bonsai, the elegance of flowering orchid, the splash of colour from a flowering cyclamen or even an African violet, flowering away on the window sill reminding us of our grandmothers… they must have known a thing or two about wellness before it was even a thing!

307 Lane Cove Rd, Macquarie Park edengardens.com.au

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What a time to be thinking of buying or selling property!

SINCE the current COVID lockdown began, the McConnell Bourn team has successfully sold in excess of $56 million worth of property across the North Shore, including St Ives. McConnell Bourn’s record-breaking sales numbers for July might come as a surprise to many, but not for the savvy buyers and sellers swept up in the momentum and taking advantage.

With the extension of the LGA Restrictions, many of our owners came to realise that waiting to see the end of the lockdown might mean waiting till 2022. As such, clients are realising that it is in fact an opportune time to take advantage of the lower volume of properties currently being offered for sale and the consistently strong buyer appetite. This combination is causing exceptional jumps in the median house price across the North Shore.

Like other agencies, McConnell Bourn has also embraced an online auction feature. Ours is called “The Zoom Room”, which is proving to be a very successful and popular function. The Zoom Room provides a friendly and easy to access facility as a means of harnessing competition to maximise a sale price, just like inperson auctions do. The process of harnessing and adapting to this technology was led by our very own talented and hugely successful Auctioneer, Vic Lorusso.

The success of this new way of transacting property is evident in the sharp rise of the number of sales contracts issued per McConnell Bourn campaign, averaging 19, an average of 22 days

on market, an average number of registered bidders increasing to 10, and an auction clearance rate of 100%.

In addition to auctions, McConnell Bourn has successfullytransacted many properties ‘off market’ over the past few weeks, evidence that clients are wishing to take advantage of the number of qualified buyers and sell their property, without having to undergo a typical campaign, which is advantageous in the current climate.

The increased interest in property is by no means restricted to property sales. Our Property Management team has been busy continuing to manage and lease property across the North Shore. In particular, the team are seeing an ongoing demand for available rental properties, particularly houses, which is stabilising rent values.

If you’re thinking of selling, buying or leasing property, or would simply like more information on the North Shore property market, please get in touch on 9496 2777.

We’ve definitely got an “Open for Business” sign hanging on our office door.

McConnell Bourn 9496 2777 mcconnellbourn.com.au

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8/7/21 11:01 am

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AVONDALE

PONY CLUB A slice of paradise.

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AVONDALE Pony Club is one of St Ives’ best preserved pieces of history, having withstood the test of time over the last 60 years to remain one of Sydney’s most popular pony clubs. The first committee meeting was held on 12 May 1951 by four very dedicated young ladies, who had a dream of bringing together like-minded horse lovers to form a pony club.

With the help of enthusiastic (or long-suffering!) parents and relatives, the girls were able to build a club almost immediately, with Lesely Maxwell elected as the first president. The original Avondale Riding Club grounds were actually at the northern end of Westbrook Avenue in Wahroonga (now a residential area).

In 1957 approval was granted to develop a scrubby rock escarpment at the end of Catherine St, St Ives, into an area that was appropriate for horse activity - and so the hard work began!

After many years of labouring, filling glass and levelling ground, the beautiful grounds St Ives residents have access to today started to take shape.

Avondale Riding Club developed a reputation for producing riders that excelled in various forms of riding and mastered skills around basic horsemanship and care. Whilst encouraging versatility across various disciplines the club became quite prominent in the dressage scene and until 1988, held the NSW Junior Dressage Championships, where Avondale riders figured prominently many times.

Edwina Tops-Alexander, one of Australia’s best show jumpers and highest-ranked female riders internationally, also started her riding career at lil’ old Avondale!

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Today, Avondale boasts a cross country course, various colourful showjumps and a full-size sand dressage arena. The club welcomes members of almost all ages (8-80) and anyone wanting to join will simply need to join Pony Club NSW and complete the registration form on the website. Pony Club members do require their own horse or a lease pony. Avondale also offers ground membership options open to any riders wanting to use the amazing facilities.

It has taken a village to keep this little slice of paradise maintained and open for people of all ages to utilise; aside form horse riding, a lot of locals use the grounds for exercise or recreational purposes. Having been around for over 60 years, the Avondale Committee always welcomes support from the local community in maintaining the grounds - they are currently holding a fundraiser to improve and upgrade some equipment!

Avondale Pony Club Catherine Street, St Ives avondaleponyclub.com AvondalePonyClub 0410 401 621

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WHEN Laura Scott is not out at various Eventing and Show Jumping competitions around Sydney, you can find her and her squad of ponies at the Avondale Pony Club grounds giving lessons to a team of very promising young riders!

How long have you been riding?

I’ve been riding since I was 6 - so about 26 years. It definitely helped that both my parents were riders.

How many horses do you have?

I have 3 ponies in my stable at the moment!

Harry, my superstar pony who is only 14.1hh. He is currently in full training and being competed by myself in 1* star eventing - which includes jumps up to 1.25m and elementary level dressage tests!

Biscuit is used in the riding school and is definitely a favourite. He’s also been out to compete with myself and students and produced some fantastic results.

Libby is the grandma of the group, but don’t let her age fool you - she’s as sassy as they come. She is also a school pony and teaches our riders to be soft but firm, she is an expert when it comes to teaching correct position.

How did you end up teaching at Avondale?

I attended Avondale as a pony club rider from the age of 7-15. I’m now lucky enough to be able to teach other children to ride on these amazing grounds as part of my riding school.

Best advice for someone wanting to get into riding?

You don’t need your own horse or pony but, you do need to set yourself up for success by mastering the basics -

FOOD

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hand, seat, leg! Find a good riding coach who can support you in the early stages of your riding journey.

What are your 3 golden rules of riding?

1. Build a relationship with your horse, don’t just show up to ride or for a lesson and hop straight on. Grooming is a great way of doing this.

2. Be disciplined - horse riding is all about repetition, correction and being strong with yourself. Being disciplined will stop you from letting bad habits form.

3. Don’t overdo it ! The aim of horse riding is to have a happy, healthy horse! Keep variety in your rides and never make them too long - horses aren’t machines.

What is your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement so far would be breaking in and training my current pony up to 1* level - he is almost always the smallest horse competing!

How can we organise a lesson?

First, send an email to Koojoequestriancenter@gmail. com with your details. From here, we can discuss your riding journey. Lessons can be as little as once a month to multiple times per week, I always create a plan for each individual rider.

Koojoo Riding School at Avondale Pony Club ​​Koojoequestriancenter@gmail.com

Kick-start your creativity with NIDA term and holiday short courses!

Drama and acting classes for all ages available at venues in Belrose, Chatswood and Kellyville as well as NIDA Kensington.

Visit open.nida.edu.au YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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PETS

LUNA

RICO

LUNA - After a very rough start to life, involving two litters of puppies and multiple owners, Luna has landed in her forever home in St Ives with her loving owners Tracy and Dave. She is a beautiful, merle Great Dane and up until her new home in St Ives, had always been an outside dog. She now spends most of her time lazing inside on the couch, occasionally heading down to Bayview dog beach or saying hello to the horses at the end of her street.

RICO - One of St Ives’ newest residents and fur-baby to the very talented local photographer Robyn Concher, who featured on the cover of 2075 Issue #3! Rico was initially staying as a foster, but it became clear early on that he was never going back to the pound and this is where he belongs. He loves his new routine, woofing with excitement before his daily walks and getting spoiled with treats (his favourites are chicken necks and legs) and already follows his new Mum around like a shadow. You can keep up with Rico on instagram @ ricotherescueGSD.

NALA

Join the Neighbourhood Media Doggo Dates page!

NALA - This 6 year old Great Dane x Pointer was rescued from Sydney Dogs and Cats home over 4 years ago after she was found wandering the train track in Sydney’s Southwest - sporting injuries and a demeanour that suggested abuse. Over a few months, Nala’s nervousness began to fade and her beautiful demeanor shone through. She is very sweet and super intelligent with an array of tricks she’s mastered. She loves outings at the beach/park, but is equally happy snoozing with her BFF, Fergus the Cat.

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WE are all about connecting communities and we think it’s important for our four-legged friends to feel connected too. Does your Border Collie get along well with other Border Collies? Is your Staffy well-matched to larger doggy playmates? Our brand new group - Doggy Dates is the perfect place for you to help your pooch find some new friends in your Neighbourhood!

Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page 20

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HUMANS OF ST IVES

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HOW long have you been with IGA, and at St Ives?

My wife and I started the business at the end of 2012.

Did you grow up or live in St Ives? What do you love about the area?

I grew up in Collaroy on the Northern Beaches and was originally born in South Africa. My family migrated to Australia in 1980 and this 5 year old really didn’t have much connection with South Africa. I am of South African Indian origin and my wife is a Kiwi. I support the Wallabies and she naturally supports the All Blacks! My almost 20 years of marriage has been tough to watch from a Rugby point of view!

I rediscovered my South African culture and was also introduced to a number of other cultures in our area. The melting pot of St Ives has been a great experience for our little store. Everyone has been welcoming and always supporting our business to ensure we remain in the area. We didn’t really think at first that St Ives has a community. We were so wrong! And after setting up the St Ives Community page on Facebook we have experienced a lot of love for our business, along with other businesses. We have helped the community see what a beautiful environment we live in and it has helped us to be more connected.

What’s great about IGA St Ives? Why should people shop there?

People have choices and we should not only be supportive of our business, but be supportive of the Jonty’s from Stanley Street, and the Growers down the road from us. In 2018/19 it was a tough year for a number of retail food outlets and we can’t survive without the support. Sure you will pay a little more for smaller retail services due to economies of scale, however we still offer over 1300 specials a week in alcohol and grocery. We support our locals by offering free delivery within St Ives for over $30 spend.

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– Sasha Vallaydam, manager IGA St Ives

We have a number of our elderly customers that just want to have a chat to order, so we offer this service. We provide a lot of pre-ordered meat and bakery goods for the local Jewish Community. They have supported us and spread the word in the community during holiday commemorative events.

We will also do our best to locate odd items for customers.

Another great reason to shop with us is to avoid the large crowds, listen to some funky music in store, have a laugh with our beautiful staff, and simply enjoy the experience of shopping again.

What is the strangest/most amazing thing that has happened in the store?

Throughout the years, we have had the best staff and some are still with us from 2012. We have a lot of siblings that have continued the tradition and joined our family. Even after leaving, a number of them still come in to inform us what they are doing in life and convert from staff family to friends. The most amazing thing about our store is mentoring young students through issues that they may not feel comfortable talking to parents about and helping them through life. I can give you a number of funny stories and funny customers, but I think helping kids has been amazing.

Not all have been successful, but without doubt the majority are some of the best staff in the area.

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SHOP

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St Ives Shopping Village works towards a Greener Village.

ST IVES Shopping Village is reducing its environmental footprint with a variety of practices. Following the introduction of a new waste management system in November 2020, wastage and the costs associated with it have significantly dropped.

Over 50 tonnes of waste, from recyclable packaging to organic foodstuff, has been diverted from landfill during the first 6 months, with figures improving month on month.

Monthly numbers at a glance: Minimum 20% of total waste is recycled.

3+ tonnes of paper and cardboard 850 kilos of co-mingled items 6,000 milk bottles (HDPE) 200+ kilos of soft plastics (LDPE) 600 litres of used cooking oil Minimum of 35% of total waste is diverted from landfill.

5+ tonnes of organic food waste (from food retailers and cafes) 1.8 tonnes of used coffee grounds The Village has made a commitment to ensure that sustainability is an integral part of the business operations. Amy Edwards, Centre Manager, declared: “St Ives Shopping Village recognises the importance of its role within the community, and remains committed to the continued development of sustainability practices, so that, together, we move towards a Green Village”.

The new waste management system compliments other initiatives already in place, some of which include the installation of energy-efficient lighting, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and a Boomerang Bag Station to minimise plastic bag usage.

Overall electricity consumption has also been effectively reduced by the installation of sensors on car park lighting and timers on air conditioning units to maximise efficiency.

The future looks greener at St Ives Shopping Village, as it continues along the pathway towards a Greener Village, for the benefit of customers, retailers, the local community and the environment.

St Ives Shopping Village 166 Mona Vale Road 8422 4000 stivesvillage.com.au/in-the-village/sustainability

Set in a peaceful oasis of quiet away from main roads.

Bright, clean, spacious and well ventilated indoor learning environments.

Experienced university trained teachers in each group Supporting children, families and the local community for over 50 years Focus on sustainability Christian based values and ethics

integricare.org.au 22

75 Ayres Rd, St Ives p: 02 9144 3067 w: www.integricare.org.au/StIves

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Times have been tough and St Ives local businesses want to give back to the amazing community that’s supported them through it. Check out the below special offers available just for you, just for living in St Ives.

Make me feel good!

Use Coupon Code SNSMAG21 online at sasynsavy.com.au Not in conjunction with other promotional offers | Minimum spend $50 AUD

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CROSSWORD

Name: ___________________________________________

2075 - ST IVES - ISSUE #4

ACROSS 5.

Which local Japanese restaurant has recently finished an expansion into the space next door?

6.

Historic Police killer Thomas Brown’s orchard was converted to what sports facility?

8.

9.

1

This animal can be found outside a very well renowned butcher, but might look out of place?

4 5

Development plans have just been announced to extend which current forest into a larger recreation area?

6

1.

Sasha Vallaydam, St Ives IGA store manager and our profile in Humans of St Ives, came from which country as a boy?

2.

Which local club launched the career of Edwina Tops-Alexander, top show jumper and highest-ranked female horse rider?

3.

A long hike down the Cascades Trail can land you at which body of water?

4.

One of the best ‘antidotes’ for the phenomenon known as ‘sick building syndrome’ is?

7

8

9

At which watery spot did Captain Arthur Phillip camp overnight in April 1788 while seeking arable farmland?

EASY Across 5. Which local Japanese restaurant has recently finished an expansion into the space next door?

6. Historic Police killer Thomas Brown’s orchard was converted to what sports facility?

8. This animal can be found outside a very well renowned butcher, but might look out of place?

9. Development plans have just been announced to extend which current forest into a larger recreation area?

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2

3

DOWN

7.

Date: ___

NOT EASY

Down 1. Sasha Vallaydam, St Ives IGA store manager and Humans of St Ives, came from which country as a bo 2. Which local club launched the career of Edwina To show jumper and highest-ranked female horse rider?

3. A long hike down the Cascades Trail can land you water?

4. One of the best ‘antidotes’ for the phenomenon kn building syndrome’ is?

7. At which watery spot did Captain Arthur Phillip cam 1788 while seeking arable farmland?

Join our community @ HEALTH/WELLNESS INDEPENDENT LIVING SPECIALISTS Australian leaders in healthcare equipment solutions - we are the Number #1 retailer in homecare mobility and physiotherapy equipment. For more than 16 years, ILS has provided innovative mobility solutions and exceptional customer service across more than 30 retail stores in four states - with more stores to come!

Pop into your local ILS Store Shop 1/192A Mona Vale Road, St Ives - 9138 7212 MCDONALDS PHARMACY The only late-night pharmacy in St Ives, open until 8pm on weekdays and 7pm over the weekend.

225 Mona Vale Road - 9144 5905 HAIR HOUSE 123 Hair House 123 - One of St Ives Chase’s hidden gems, Hair House 123, is an exclusive boutique style home salon managed by a fully qualified senior hairdresser, Debbie Lewy. With most clients seen individually, Hair House offers an intimate and personalized experience every time, at an affordable price.

Call Debbie today - 0411 138 264 ST IVES PROFESSIONAL SKIN CARE Offering specialised facials, waxing, tinting, pedicure, spray tans and many other beauty services.

Shop 91, St Ives Village, 166 Mona Vale Road - 9449 4711 SKIN BY LINDSAY This is skin care with a personal touch - a warm, friendly environment and attentive service coupled with leading edge, medical grade equipment. Your skin treatment is tailored to your needs and comfort, giving you high-quality results and a pleasant experience. The salon offers skin rejuvenation facials, hair removal, micro-needling, pigmentation/ redness/acne reduction, EyEnvy lashes, LED light therapy facials and spray tanning. Go in for a free consultation and find out how to best treat fine wrinkles, spider veins, scarring, large pores or whatever else concerns you. Convenient after hours service and handy location. www.skinbylindsay.com.au 0425 338 227 16 Salerno Place, St Ives Chase ST IVES DENTAL A family practice committed to complete dental care for all ages.Offering a range of services from routine cleaning to implants and veneers.

G3 - St Ives Village, 166 Mona Vale Road - 9983 1166

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SINDY LOWINGER OPTOMETRIST A very highly qualified optometrist who has been practising for 15 years, Sindy is especially interested in children’s vision.

Her approach is holistic, using evidencebased tests to examine a full range of vision-related abilities such as acuity, tracking, eye-hand coordination and other criteria, to determine how vision is contributing to the general well-being of a child. She also works with disabilities and special needs and has trained in Basic KeyWord Signing to help to communicate with non-verbal patients.

Suite 6, 219 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives www.sindylowinger.com. 0413 054 440 ST IVES AFL CLUB Founded in 1968, St Ives Junior AFL Club is steeped in history and tradition, and is one of the most respected clubs in the Sydney competition. We promote and teach the code of Australian Rules Football in our community. Through participation in our exciting team sport, we contribute to the physical, social and personal development of all our members.

Auskick (4-8 years) and boys and girls teams from U9 - U18.

Recruitment: Susie Lawson recruitment@stivesafl.com ph: 0412 360 701 President: Lindy Jones president@stivesafl.com ph: 0428 647 862 VISION PT Specialising in one-on-one training sessions there is a huge focus on correct movement and injury prevention - ensuring you reach your fitness goals safely.

Suite 103/164a Mona Vale Road - 9440 3910 ST IVES MASSAGE STUDIO Professional masseuses skilled in oriental treatments, relaxation massage, back stepping and remedial treatments for injury.

Suite 2/219 Mona Vale Road - 0410 722 977 THE MADISON MEDICAL PRACTICE Nestled in a row of shops along Mona Vale Rd, Madison Medical pride themselves on providing the best care possible to the St Ives community.

Suite 8-10/169-177 Mona Vale Road - 9440 9411 MINDSPACE THERAPY Nestled in a boutique home office in St Ives, MindSpace therapy is a compassionate and non-judgemental safe-space.

Hayley Bilski, an accredited mental health worker, specialises in stress management, anxiety, depression, school or friendship issues, family life, gender, and coping with life changes. www.mindspace.com.au Hayley Bilski - 0411646388

if you want your business listed - email Info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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HEALTH/WELLNESS cnt’d ST IVES MEDICAL CENTRE Has been serving the St Ives community since 2004. They offer a range of services including podiatry, travel vaccinations, skin care, and pathology. Their podiatrists can help people out with all aspects of general foot health including nail conditions, sports-related issues, and help with balance, walking and running.

Shop 127/166 Mona Vale Rd, St. Ives www.stivesmedicalcentre.com.au - 9440 5050

HOME NOVALE BATHROOMS Dedicated to delivering dreams for clients on time and within budget. Affordable pricing without sacrificing quality! We aim to simplify the bathroom renovation process as much as possible, to ensure that the journey is as enjoyable as the outcome. From design, layout and materials to quotation and installation, our dedicated project managers will guide you through every step of the way. Our master craftsmen will deliver your dream in style, with high quality workmanship that is supported by premium products, materials, fixtures and fittings.

Call 1800 668 253 or visit the website - www.novale.com.au DWELL NICELY Believing in a kinder, gentler, fairer rental market. In a win-win for landlords and tenants, Dwell offers a digital antidote for rental woes. Dwell streamlines the rental process, from finding your ideal match and arranging inspections, through to onboarding, maintenance requests and making and receiving rental payments for a fraction of the usual costs. Available to download now https://dwellnicely.com/download EDEN GARDENS We believe in enriching people’s lives with plants. Our vision is “to be universally recognised as the world’s leading retailer of plant related products that enrich people’s lives”. Our team understands the holistic purpose of plants and is devoted to customer service. We strive to be personable and offer products that are striking quality and value, we always hope that the customer experience here is inspiring and informative.

307 Lane Cove Road, Macquarie Park - 9491 9900 PLENTY KITCHEN + TABLEWARE We are a local small business, priding ourselves on our comprehensive product range of kitchen products and gadgets in an entertaining store environment.

Shop 64/St Ives Village - (02) 9449 1783

HOME POOLWERX Offering both in-store support and mobile technicians; this is a one-stop shop for both regular and specialized pool maintenance.

351 Mona Vale Rd - 9144 1266 TILE RESCUE Australia’s leading Tile and Grout Cleaning & Maintenance Group. Tile Rescue has been providing smart and efficient solutions for residential and commercial properties for more than 25 years. Their expert technicians specialise in everything from restoring leaking showers and balconies to cleaning and repairing tiles and grout sealing. They can also restore stone and tiles of all types (marble travertine, bluestone, porcelain, sand-stone, terracotta or granite). Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, the team is equipped to provide lasting and highly effective solutions that meet your needs.

Call Damian or Hagan on 1800 85 3335

KEENSPARK ELECTRICAL Offers upfront pricing with a $0 Call out fee. For an amazing service every time, support local and choose KeenSpark every time. Receive $50 off your first job booking + 10% discount for seniors.

Ben, on 0432 145 674 www.keenspark.com.au - FB/KeenSparkElectrical MCCONNELL BOURN Proudly, family owned with proven expertise in property marketing and management. We’re known for being informed, successful property marketers and negotiators. Which is nice to hear – because two decades ago that’s precisely what we set out to achieve.

Every result we achieve adds to our reputation of consistently delivering outstanding outcomes for clients. We live on the North Shore. We know the North Shore. We love the North Shore.

McConnellBourn.com.au 9496 2777 HOUSEPRO Offering to sell your home in two different ways.

1. Sell off-market for free on the housePro Marketplace, where we match your property with our extensive database of profiled buyers in Ku-ring-gai. No agent fees or advertising costs - it’s FREE. 2. Sell your property through an on-market campaign for the lowest commissions in Ku-ring-gai. www.housepro.com.au 0418 117 740 support@housepro.com.au

if you want your business listed - email Info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

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Join our community @ DRIP DROP PLUMBING Our experienced technicians always get the job done right the first time and at reasonable rates. We have the staff, tools and resources necessary to handle all of your drainage issues, no matter how simple or complex. We’re committed to serving the North Shore community with fast, reliable service and immediate response times. Open 24 hours/7 days a week. Give Drip Drop Plumbing and Maintenance a call today! dripdropplumbing.com.au - 6 Putarri Ave, St. Ives - 0414 494 176 - dripdrop@hotmail.com.au NICE CLEAN WINDOWS Paying equal attention to the glass and window sills - this is just like a car detail, for your windows! Quality window cleans really makes a difference to the exterior of your home, and with consistent 5 star reviews, these guys do it best!

Call Rogan today - 0447 263 913

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PICK ME

Robert on info@robeverettdesign.com.au 0415 272 411

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THE CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY OF LUKE VADEKAR

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THE PET CONNECTION Bringing animals and people together in mutually beneficial relationships for 25 years. The staff at The Pet Connection are there because they genuinely love animals and they love what animals can do for people. With great local knowledge on top of their pet expertise, they can advise you on the right pet for your environment. From scales to feathers to fur, they can help you out with information, toys, food, accessories and essentials. And they can help match you up with the purrfect pet.

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For all feedback/enquiries grt in touch at info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

9988 0038 - St Ives Shopping Village, Shop 25c, 166 Mona Vale Rd, St. Ives

ST IVES VETERINARY CLINIC Providing modern, professional and affordable health care for your pets, our dedicated staff and leading veterinarians are all passionate about pets and avid animal lovers.

7/351 Mona Vale Road - 9983 9494

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PETS cnt’d HORSES AND ART Equine Therapy - Run right out of St Ives, Equine Assisted Therapy offers a range of different courses throughout the year. They are great opportunities for kids, and adults alike to practice mindfulness/wellness techniques whilst immersing themselves in nature and learning more about proper care and handling of horses. Next course is Horses and Art commencing in April. Tara is an experienced facilitator.

Contact Tara Reid for more details - 0422 002 990 HEALING HOUNDS MASSAGE Dog Massage Therapy helps to improve comfort and mobility for dogs with joint and muscle pain & stiffness & with post op recovery. Not just for sore joints, this relaxing treat boosts general health & well-being, is great for skin & coat health & reduces anxiety.

Call Ayala - 0431 113 859 SMALL PAWS PET BOARDING The only pet boarding facility dedicated to housing and caring exclusively for cats and small breed dogs. Tucked away in the back of Duffys Forest, these guys will treat your little ones as their own.

413 Killawarra Rd, Duffys Forest - 9450 1579

KIDS INTEGRICARE CHRISTCHURCH ST IVES PRESCHOOL Supporting the local community for over 50 years, Christ Church Preschool prides itself on providing a peaceful learning environment with a strong connection to nature. Indoor spaces are bright, clean and well ventilated. The preschool also boasts a landscaped outdoor space providing even more learning opportunities. School readiness is a key focus; preparing your child for Prep, Kindy and a lifetime of learning.

75 Ayres Rd 9144 3067 integricare.org.au/stives KU-RING-GAI COUNCIL FAMILY DAY CARE Family Day Care offers personalised, flexible and professional care for babies and children up to 5 years old. We also offer before and after school or vacation care for children up to 13 years. Ku-ring-gai Council is recruiting educators to meet growing demand. Please contact us for more information and spaces available for your child.

818 Pacific Hwy, Gordon 9424 0832

SYDNEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL ST IVES PREPARATORY St Ives Prep is a school for busy boys who love to learn, ask lots of questions and think deeply about their world.

From Preschool to Year 6, the school embraces a strong culture of reading and the joy of discovery, offering impressive curricula and extra-curricula programmes in literacy, music, drama, sport, the visual arts, languages, debating, STEM, science and chess. St Ives Prep is set in beautiful grounds, with plenty of space to play, and is dedicated to developing rounded boys who are keen to be active, informed and critical thinkers. St Ives Prep is independent, secular and academically selective, readying boys to go on to College Street for their secondary education.

Ayres Rd, St Ives - 8302 5200 www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au/st-ives

NORTH SHORE BASKETBALL LEAGUE (NSBL) St Ives-based, basketball development program. Offering school-aged children training sessions, competitions and holiday camps since 2013, NSBL is your fun and inclusive local basketball club.

Touch base with the club if you have any enquiries - basketball@nsbl.com.au or www.nsbl.com.au CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Welcoming students and families of ALL backgrounds, cultures and religions. Our aim is to nurture our students into agile, positive global citizens by providing them with a well-rounded, holistic, nurturing education. Within our extensive green grounds and future-focused classrooms, all children can find an opportunity to succeed here.

17 Link Road, St Ives - 9988 3135 ccsi@dbb.catholic.edu.au

NATURE PLAY @ THE WILDFLOWER GARDENS Tucked away at 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives Wildflower Garden is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Set across 123 hectares of pristine bushland and free entry all year round, this is a perfect place to bushwalk, picnic, host, or join an event. Wildflower Garden runs other environmental education programs including Junior Rangers (After School Program), Nature School for Homeschoolers, School Holiday/ Vacation Care, and Wild Birthday Parties. Upcoming familyfriendly experiences include Family Animal Walk, Twilight Safari, and Campfire Experience.

420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives W: krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Ku-ring-gai-WildflowerGarden

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Joinour ourcommunity community@@ Join NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DRAMATIC ARTS (NIDA) Grab hold of your dreams in 2021 with short courses for all ages at NIDA Kensington and other venues across Sydney. Based on the National Institute of Dramatic Art’s world-renowned training techniques, NIDA Open courses provide a safe and encouraging environment where kids and adults alike can unleash their inner artist, build confidence and find their creative voice. Led by a skilled team of teaching artists - term and holiday courses include acting, screen acting, drama, public speaking, TV presenting and more!

1300 450 417 open.nida.edu.au

RETAIL NORTH SHORE BMW One Dealership, Three Showrooms…

Welcome to North Shore Bmw. We provide one thing – Ultimate Driving Machines.

We now have three showrooms in Chatswood, Mosman as well as Artarmon & we continue to demonstrate a strong and uncompromised commitment to the local community.

We have just opened a brand new state of the art BMW accredited Body Shop.

If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle, please visit any of our showrooms and let our expert staff unveil the latest models, while taking time to make sure you are comfortable and well versed in the benefits of the new features.

Chatswood 676 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood.

(02) 9406 0888 Mosman 261 - 263 Military road,Cremorne.

BOOK REVIEW Trading at St Ives Village for the past 50 years, Book Review is keeping the classic paperback alive. Previously known as Peters Book Shop - the space has always been dedicated to serving great reads to the local community.

Shop 6, St Ives Village - breview@bookreview.net.au - 9144 7837

IGA + LIQUOR This IGA Store is ALL for supporting it’s local community, they were even involved in setting up the St Ives Community FB Page - which now boasts over 10k members! IGA + Liquor strive to provide a personalised shopping experience to all of their local customers, even providing the traditional South African dish, Bunny Chow, every Friday night!

351 Mona Vale Road - 9983 9206

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NEXTRA ST IVES VILLAGE Stocks a wide range of products including greeting cards, gift wrap, party ware, stationery, magazines, local and foreign language newspapers and huge selection of gifts. Nextra also offer black/ white and colour photocopy and printing services - from either USB or email.

Shop 23, St Ives Village nextrastives@gmail.com 9449 7565 HARRIS FARM Run by an Australian family that understands the importance of being able to feed the family with quality, nutritious and fresh food.

Harris Farm offers a range of weekly specials, discounted ‘imperfect’ ranges and a ‘last chance shelf’ which guarantee your wallet will be happy as well!

Shop 33-37, St Ives Village - 9394 3262

ST IVES VILLAGE First opening in 1960, St Ives Village is now home to over 100 stores, including Woolworths, Harris Farm and Coles. The centre is committed to supporting and involving the local community and hosts a range of events throughout the calendar year. St Ives Village is a family owned and run business.

166 Mona Vale Road - 8422 4000

FOOD CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES Locals are reclaiming Sydney Harbour and falling in love all over again. Travel before 30 June, use your Dine & Discover voucher and Captain Cook Cruises will double the discount up to $50 per person on a host of cruises including the superb 6-course Gold Dinner cruise. Thrilling locals at every level is the new Harbour Bar and Restaurant. A floating bar and casual dining experience that ticks every box with live acoustic music, bespoke cocktails, comfy lounges and 360-degree waterfront views.

Both entry to the Harbour Bar or a family friendly Rocket Sightseeing cruise reduces to just $4pp with a voucher.

Book now - Captaincook.com.au

PATTISONS Starting as a humble bakery back in 1990, Pattisons has been a long time St Ives resident and is home to exquisite pastries and a range of breads + savouries.

3/237 Mona Vale Rd - 0436 318 363

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FOOD cnt’d

OSCAR’S CHARGRILL Famous for their range of mouth-watering kebabs, but there’s much more on offer! Select from shish platters, rolls and pides, sweets, drinks and much more.

Shop 15, St Ives Village (Outside McDonalds) - 9983 0711

CHARGRILL CHARLIE’S A family-run business whose philosophy has always been “if you take care of the customer, everything else will take care of itself.” Our clean cooking techniques have made our shop the go-to dinner place for busy families since 1989. And our award-winning recipe’s have kept peoples mouths watering for Charlie’s food for over 30 years

ST IVES GREENGROCER Stocking the highest quality fruit and vegetables from all over NSW, this reasonably new store is a welcome addition to the Mona Vale Road set of shops.

Shop 1/235 Mona Vale Rd - 9144 3784 ROSSO CAVALLINO Offering delicious pizza’s as well as traditional Italian Pane, Antipasti, Insalate and Dolce.

229 Mona Vale Rd - 9440 3355

213 Mona Vale Road - 9988 4292

email Info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

35 YEARS EXPERIENCE ALL PLUMBING MAINTENANCE! HOT WATER UNBLOCKING DRAINS + REPAIRS

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NORTH SHORE BMW. THE HOME OF BMW ON THE NORTH SHORE.

One Dealership, 3 showrooms.

Located at Chatswood, Artarmon and Mosman.

Chatswood 676 Pacific Highway, Chatswood. Tel 02 9406 0888. northshorebmw.com.au DL 26386 Artarmon 1/39 Herbert Street, Artarmon. Tel 02 9406 0888. northshorebmw.com.au DL 26386 Mosman 261-263 Military Road, Cremorne. Tel 02 9056 8000. mosmanbmw.com.au

DL 26386