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“Simple is Best”: The Philosophy Behind Allambie Heights’ New Favourite Cafe

A chef from one of Sydney’s most respected wine bars has teamed up with two cafe industry stalwarts to get back to basics in Allambie Heights, where their new venture Dandy, is proving that simple food made with exceptional skill is what locals crave most.

City Talent Comes to the Suburbs

Allambie Heights is buzzing with the arrival of Dandy, a cafe that brings a wealth of top-tier industry experience to the local shopping strip. The venture is led by co-owners Brooke Tooley and Anthony Svilicich, both veterans with more than 20 years in the business at beloved Sydney spots like Excelsior Jones and Le Monde.

They’ve partnered with chef Hai Le, whose background includes a notable tenure at the top-rated city wine bar 10 William St. The team’s shared vision was to establish a local cafe that felt both familiar and special. The result is a slick, modern space with stone flooring and green tiling that offers a welcoming spot for the community, complete with indoor and outdoor seating.

A Menu of Elevated Classics

The philosophy at Dandy is that simple food can be exceptional when done right. Chef Le is leading a menu that shifts with the seasons but remains grounded in classic cafe fare made with care. The goal is to serve food that is comforting yet elevated just enough that you wouldn’t easily whip it up at home. Sandwiches are a major focus, with standouts like the “Schnitty,” featuring a panko-crumbed chicken thigh with bread and butter pickles, and a retro curried egg sandwich that has quickly become a favourite.

Beyond sandwiches, the menu offers creative takes on breakfast and lunch. The porridge is enhanced with burnt butter and a chai-poached pear, while an Arabic egg omelette is served with labneh, sumac, and roasted vegetables. Already a hit with locals, the sausage and egg muffin is a go-to choice, and customer reviews consistently praise the bacon, egg, and hash brown sandwich for its perfectly cooked ingredients and house-made sauce.

The Neighbourhood’s New Favourite

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, cementing Dandy’s status as a local gem. Patrons frequently praise the cafe for having the best coffee on the northern beaches and for its bright, friendly atmosphere. Co-owner Brooke Tooley has been especially touched by the demand for her baking. She shared that her aunt’s carrot cake recipe has been a surprise smash hit, selling out so consistently that she now ensures it’s available every day alongside a picture-perfect sponge with lemon curd.

Svilicich believes the cafe’s success comes from a commitment to making food with love, care, and excellent ingredients. It’s this dedication that has made Dandy a cherished spot for everyone in the area, from teenagers to their grandparents.

Published Date 06-October-2025

Brookvale Depot First in Sydney With Fast-Charging Electric Buses

Brookvale has become the first bus depot in Sydney to be converted for gantry-mounted fast-charging, enabling electric buses to recharge in as little as 20 minutes.

Background

On 19 September 2025, the Brookvale Bus Depot on Sydney’s northern beaches was officially fitted with Australia’s first gantry-mounted fast-charging station for electric buses. This marks the first upgrade of Sydney’s 11 major depots and represents a key step in phasing out diesel buses by 2028.

Plans for the depot’s transition were first announced in late 2022, with Brookvale chosen as the pilot site. It currently operates 13 electric buses, which will grow to a full fleet of 229 battery-powered vehicles within three years.

Charging System and Capacity

The $25 million installation at Brookvale includes 13 pantograph charging positions and 10 plug-in chargers. Each bus can travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge, with recharging possible in 20 minutes to one hour depending on conditions.

To support the facility, a 250kW rooftop solar system has been installed to power depot operations such as lighting. The depot’s wider electricity supply is planned to be sourced from renewable energy.

Expansion Across Sydney

The Brookvale project is part of a larger program to convert Sydney’s 8,000-strong bus fleet to battery electric power. Depots at Leichhardt and Kingsgrove are scheduled to install the same charging technology in 2026, while a new purpose-built facility is planned at Macquarie Park.

The program also includes regional trials, the delivery of a new depot at Macquarie Park, and the purchase of 1,200 new electric buses. From 2027, at least 50 per cent of bus production will include local Australian manufacturing content.

Community Impact

For northern beaches residents, the Brookvale conversion is expected to deliver quieter, cleaner, and more reliable services. The introduction of fast-charging allows buses to return to service quickly, improving frequency and reducing downtime.

Looking Ahead

By 2028, Brookvale is expected to operate a fully electric fleet of 229 buses. As additional depots complete their conversions, the move to zero-emission buses will progressively expand across Sydney, creating a long-term shift toward cleaner public transport.

Published 28-Sep-2025

Pedestrian Bridge Calls Grow Near New Forest High School in Allambie Heights

Photo Credit: Pexels

Safety concerns are growing around the new Forest High School in Allambie Heights, with community calls for pedestrian bridges and safer traffic management as the campus nears completion.

Background On The New School

The Forest High School is being relocated from Frenchs Forest to Allambie Heights. Construction is due to finish before the end of 2025, with students expected to move in at the start of Term 1, 2026. The new site is located at the intersection of Allambie Road and Aquatic Drive, close to Warringah Road, and will cater for about 1500 students.

Traffic Management Changes

Initial plans to replace the existing roundabout at Allambie Road and Aquatic Drive with traffic lights have been withdrawn. The revised approach will retain an upgraded roundabout, which authorities say can be delivered more quickly and will accommodate future increases in traffic volumes.

The decision was made after assessments indicated that constructing the roundabout upgrade would allow work to continue while the current intersection remained in use, avoiding delays that traffic lights would cause to the school’s opening schedule.

Pedestrian Safety Concerns

Community members have raised concerns about student safety when crossing nearby major roads. Proposals for pedestrian bridges over Warringah Road and Aquatic Drive have been suggested but were not included in the project scope.

The Education Department has stated that it does not hold concerns about safety and confirmed it has worked with local transport organisations to implement traffic and pedestrian measures at the site.

Allambie Heights school safety — Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Response In Allambie Heights

Residents have expressed unease about future congestion, noting that peak-hour traffic at the junction is already heavy. Many support the installation of pedestrian overpasses, while others suggest lowering speed limits or adding further pedestrian crossings along Allambie Road.

Concerns have also been raised about access for nearby streets once the school and additional developments are operational. Several locals pointed out that pedestrian bridges are already common near other Sydney high schools, questioning why they have not been considered here.

The opening of a Bunnings Warehouse with 400 parking spaces on Allambie Road in 2026, located about 250 metres from the school, has added to concerns that the area will face even greater congestion and safety challenges.

Next Steps

The Education Department has confirmed it is working with the school’s leadership team to finalise operational arrangements for staff and students ahead of the 2026 opening. Community calls for further safety measures, particularly pedestrian bridges, continue as construction moves towards completion.

Published 23-Sep-2025

Westfield Warringah Mall’s Skyline Could Change With 39-storey Towers

Photo Credit: SSD-83464714

Westfield Warringah Mall could become home to eight residential towers, including one rising to 39 storeys, bringing 1,500 new apartments to Brookvale.

Plans Now Before State Authorities

Scentre Group, the owner of Westfield shopping centres, has lodged a State Significant Development application with the NSW Department of Planning for the project. The proposal seeks approval to rezone the Warringah Mall site to allow residential high-rises and includes an Environmental Impact Statement supported by urban design studies.

Stage one outlines a 34-storey tower with a five-level podium that would host shops, cafés and community spaces where Bunnings and a medical centre now stand. A 19-storey tower is also proposed near Aldi.

Community Spaces And Town Square

Alongside housing, the project features a new civic plaza near the B-Line bus stop on Pittwater Road. Plans describe this town square as a route from public transport into the mall, with areas for community events and play spaces for all ages.

The design also includes a High Street-style thoroughfare with retail, dining and active frontages, a linear park beneath a parking ramp, and smaller local greens and recreation areas. Architects from SJB have set out open space character plans showing youth areas, children’s play zones and shaded seating to encourage outdoor use.

Balancing Growth With Council Plans

The Northern Beaches Council’s Brookvale Structure Plan allows for buildings of up to 15 storeys next to the mall and eight storeys along Pittwater Road. While the council plan also calls for a town square on the Bunnings site, Scentre’s proposal exceeds the height limits.

Planning consultants for the group said the level of housing and density in their scheme is necessary to achieve the public benefits outlined in the structure plan, including better transport links and open space improvements.

What This Means For Locals

If approved, the project would replace Bunnings, Supercheap Auto, a gym, a medical centre and 450 parking spaces with new housing and public spaces. Residents could expect pedestrian-friendly streets, expanded recreation areas and a town square linking to the B-Line bus stop.

The changes are designed to accommodate a growing population and improve community connections. Scentre Group said the Westfield Warringah Mall site is key to its broader push to boost housing supply.

Published 19-September-2025

Morning Commuter’s Car Destroyed by Fire at Brookvale Oval Car Park

A Brookvale worker got the shock of their life yesterday morning when they returned to find their car completely destroyed by fire in the Brookvale Oval car park.

Emergency services rushed to Alfred Road just after 7:15am on Thursday following reports of a vehicle ablaze near the popular sports ground. When crews from NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW Dee Why Station arrived, they discovered a white 2014 Jeep Compass engulfed in flames and smoke.

The vehicle was parked in the car park near the corner of Alfred Road and Pittwater Road, close to the oval that’s well-known to locals as home to the Warringah Rats rugby league club.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly got to work, using hose reels from their truck to battle the blaze. The fire had started in the engine bay but had already spread into the cabin by the time crews arrived, causing extensive damage throughout the vehicle.

Within half an hour, emergency responders had completely extinguished the flames, with the all-clear given by 7:45am.

The car’s owner had parked there around 7am before heading to work at a nearby business, completely unaware of what would unfold. Police contacted the owner, who rushed back to find their vehicle had been reduced to a charred shell.

According to the owner, there had been no warning signs when they parked that morning. The Jeep had recently passed registration and undergone repairs, making the incident all the more unexpected.

Police have confirmed they’re not treating the fire as suspicious, suggesting it was likely a mechanical fault that sparked the blaze.

Fortunately, no other vehicles or property were damaged in the incident, and no injuries were reported. The area was cleared by 8am when a tow truck removed the burnt-out remains of the Jeep.

The car park at Brookvale Oval is regularly used by commuters and sports fans, making it a busy spot during morning hours. Yesterday’s incident served as a reminder of how quickly vehicle fires can develop, even in seemingly normal circumstances.

Emergency services praised the quick response time, which helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles or the oval’s facilities.

Published 4-September-2025

Man Jailed After Crashing Through Brookvale Bunnings Gates

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 53-year-old man who crashed through the boom gates at Bunnings Warehouse in Brookvale has been sentenced to six months imprisonment after a magistrate rejected his claim that the incident was a medical emergency.

Matthew James Hall was discovered semiconscious behind the wheel of a BMW at approximately 10.23pm on 3 March, having crashed through the car park entrance at the Bunnings store located at Westfield Warringah Mall in Cross Street, Brookvale. The vehicle had rolled about 30 metres before colliding with a parked Kia sedan.

The unemployed Erskineville resident, who has been banned from driving until 2031 and hasn’t held a valid licence since 1998, told emergency services he had been attending a nearby party when he left to purchase food. Hall, who suffers from diabetes, claimed he desperately needed sustenance to prevent his blood sugar from dropping dangerously low.

His solicitor, Simon Grover, argued in Manly Local Court on Wednesday that his client’s judgement had become impaired due to hypoglycaemia. “It was a medical emergency, that’s how I see it,” Mr Grover told the court, explaining that Hall’s thoughts had become erratic due to low blood sugar levels.

However, Magistrate Daniel Reiss was not convinced by the medical emergency defence. He questioned why Hall had not simply asked for food at the party or requested someone else drive him to obtain supplies if he was feeling unwell.

“It’s not a justifiable medical emergency,” Magistrate Reiss stated. “Your driving record is horrendous.”

The court heard that Hall has 10 previous convictions for driving while disqualified, though he claimed these related to his use of electric scooters rather than motor vehicles.

Under NSW law, driving while disqualified carries maximum penalties of up to $3,300 and six months imprisonment for a first offence, while second or subsequent offences can result in fines up to $5,500 and imprisonment for up to 12 months.

Hall pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified as a second offence. Magistrate Reiss sentenced him to six months prison and imposed an additional 12-month driving disqualification period.

The convicted man has since lodged an appeal with the District Court challenging the severity of his sentence.

The incident occurred at one of the northern beaches’ major retail centres, with Westfield Warringah Mall being a significant shopping destination in Brookvale that serves the Northern Beaches region.

Published 11-September-2025

Local Businesses Hit as Man Faces 25 Charges Following Northern Beaches Crime Spree

Four Allambie Heights businesses were among 13 local establishments targeted during a five-day crime spree that has resulted in a 23-year-old man facing 25 separate charges.

The alleged offences occurred between 16 and 22 July, with Northern Beaches Police Area Command launching an investigation into multiple break and enter incidents across several suburbs including our local area.

According to police allegations, the man broke into businesses across Allambie Heights, Forestville, Elanora Heights and Freshwater between 18 and 22 July, with investigators claiming more than $15,000 in cash was stolen during these incidents. Four businesses in our suburb were allegedly targeted during this period.

The crime spree extended beyond the Northern Beaches, with police also alleging the man broke into two locations in West Pennant Hills between 16 and 18 July, where a white hatchback and silver SUV were reportedly stolen.

Police arrested the man on Pennant Hills Road in West Pennant Hills at approximately 9am on 23 July. He was initially taken to Hornsby Hospital under police guard for assessment.

Following his release from hospital on 6 August, the man was charged at Hornsby Police Station with 25 offences. These include 13 counts of break and enter, multiple charges related to driving stolen vehicles, four counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, and several other related charges including having his face blackened or disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The accused appeared at Hornsby Local Court on 7 August where he was refused bail. He is scheduled to appear again at the same court on 21 August.

The incidents highlight ongoing concerns about property crime in the Northern Beaches area. According to crime statistics, there were 382 reported cases of burglary and break and enter offences in the Northern Beaches during 2024.

Local business owners are reminded to review their security measures and report any suspicious activity to police immediately. Northern Beaches Police Area Command can be contacted on the non-emergency line or through Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips.

The investigation demonstrates the collaborative efforts of police across multiple commands to address property crime affecting local communities.

If you have information about suspicious activity in your area, contact Northern Beaches Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 8-August-2025

Musical Album Launch to Feature in Allambie Heights

Photo Credit: Humanitix

A long-running musical partnership from the Northern Beaches is set to bring its latest album launch to Allambie Heights as part of a series of live shows.

Musical Collaboration Returns to the Northern Beaches

Rod Crundwell and Stafford Sanders, who grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and first collaborated in high school, are launching their new album Musical Differences under their project Men With Day Jobs.

The pair formed their earliest band in the late 1970s, briefly signed with a major label, and released a single that was later recognised by a national music program in 2024. After the group’s dissolution, both artists pursued music-related paths while maintaining separate careers, eventually reforming as Men With Day Jobs in 2000.

*Photo Credit:* **Men With Day Jobs**/Facebook

Diverse Album Explores Decades of Experience

The new album, Musical Differences, was released on 1 August 2025 via Apple Music and streaming services. It brings together a range of styles including folk-rock, country, bluegrass, pop, and jazz. Eleven tracks span themes from satire and social commentary to personal reflection and instrumental arrangements.

Unlike earlier albums, this release is primarily composed and performed by Crundwell and Sanders themselves, with support from collaborators on select tracks. The production took place over 2024–25, completed at Rodwell Studios. The title refers to the phrase often linked to creative splits but here highlights the strength of their ongoing collaboration.

Allambie Heights Amongst Album Launch Locations

A live performance of Musical Differences is scheduled at Humph Hall, Allambie Road, on Friday 26 September 2025. This follows an earlier launch event at Gasoline Pony in Marrickville on Thursday 7 August 2025, where seating will be limited and the venue will operate under licensing and accessibility policies.

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Local Ties and Continuing Projects

Both artists have returned to live on the Northern Beaches—Crundwell in Fairlight and Sanders in Balgowlah—supporting their continued collaboration. Past works include five previous albums, one group project under a different name, and award-winning songs that have been performed nationally and overseas. Their discography also features a climate satire that remains popular online and a recent contribution to a First Nations group.

Future performances and recordings are in development, with members Pete Purton and Kim Constable joining the project more regularly. All works are accessible via major streaming services, with video clips available on YouTube.

Published 3-Aug-2025

Brookvale Man Charged After Cannabis Operation Discovered in Factory Fire

A Brookvale resident is facing multiple charges after a factory fire on Powells Road revealed an alleged cannabis growing operation containing dozens of plants.

Emergency services rushed to the industrial complex on Tuesday evening, 22 July, following reports of heavy smoke billowing from one of the units. Fire and Rescue NSW crews from multiple stations across the Northern Beaches, including Dee Why, Manly, Forestville, Narrabeen and Mosman, converged on the scene near the Brookvale bus depot shortly before 6pm.

Twenty-three firefighters worked to suppress the blaze, which was located behind partitioning within the rear section of the multi-business complex. The fire was quickly brought under control, preventing any spread to neighbouring premises.

A 50-year-old man found at the property required medical attention for smoke inhalation and was transported to Northern Beaches Hospital by NSW Ambulance paramedics. During the incident, police officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were observed preventing the man from leaving the scene whilst receiving medical assessment.

What began as a fire response quickly transformed into a criminal investigation when NSW Police established a crime scene at the property. Following the man’s release from hospital treatment, he was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station.

Police allege they discovered a hydroponic cultivation setup inside the unit, with approximately 55 cannabis plants seized from the premises. The arrested man, identified as Adam Kristian Cook of Brookvale, was also allegedly found in possession of 21 grams of methamphetamine and $5,390 in cash, which police believe represents proceeds from criminal activity.

Cook appeared before Manly Local Court via video link on Wednesday, 23 July, facing five separate charges. These include two counts of possessing prohibited drugs, cultivating a prohibited plant in commercial quantities, knowingly allowing premises to be used for drug activities, and dealing with proceeds of crime.

The magistrate refused Cook’s application for bail, remanding him in custody to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, 23 September 2025.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about illegal drug operations in industrial areas across Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire are continuing.

Authorities are appealing for public assistance with their enquiries. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 23-July-2025

Proposed Apartment Block Aligns with Brookvale Structure Plan

Photo Credit: DA2024/1684

A proposed 68-unit apartment development has been lodged for a prominent Pittwater Road site in Brookvale, supporting long-term revitalisation plans for the suburb.

Development Proposal in Brookvale Supports Long-Term Plan

A new four-storey apartment complex featuring 68 residential units has been proposed for a vacant block at 638 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. The development forms part of the ongoing implementation of the Brookvale Structure Plan, which was endorsed by NBC in late 2023.

Previous Approvals and Site History

The site, formerly occupied by a St Vincent de Paul shop and warehouse, previously received development approval in 2020 for a three-storey mixed-use building. That proposal included 48 units and three commercial or retail spaces on the ground floor. The site has since been cleared for redevelopment and remains vacant.

Revised Application Details

A new application has now been lodged by a Strathfield-based developer to increase the building height to four storeys and the total number of units to 68. The location, positioned near the Brookvale bus depot and on the edge of an industrial zone, is being targeted as part of a broader mixed-use development strategy.

The developer’s planning consultant noted that the site’s use for shop-top housing fits within the objectives of the Brookvale Structure Plan and represents a logical urban design outcome for the area.

Brookvale Structure Plan Overview

NBC formally endorsed the Brookvale Structure Plan on 28 November 2023. The plan outlines a 15-year development roadmap that allows for up to 1,350 new homes and aims to increase housing diversity and affordability across the suburb. At least 5 per cent of these homes are designated as affordable housing.

The plan also includes provision for up to eight-storey mixed-use buildings along Pittwater Road, with potential for 15-storey developments near Warringah Mall and the B-Line stop. Two industrial zones—east and west of Pittwater Road—will remain, though building heights can reach four storeys.

Additional features include a proposed town square with green space, new community facilities, and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The plan is supported by studies on transport, employment, and housing, as well as feedback from public consultation.

Brookvale Structure Plan — Photo Credit: DA2024/1684

Public Submissions and Next Steps

Public submissions for the development application at 638 Pittwater Road closed on 9 July. The proposal is one of the early developments intended to support the implementation of NBC’s long-term redevelopment plan for Brookvale.

Published 12-July-2025