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High School Catchment Questions Raised In Brookvale

Brookvale Public School families are seeking clarity on Brookvale high school catchment arrangements after their intake alignment remained with Cromer Campus despite Freshwater High being closer.

Brookvale High School Catchment Changes In Context

New Northern Beaches high school intake areas were released in 2024, alongside plans for Freshwater Senior Campus to transition into a full Year 7 to Year 12 high school.

Brookvale Public School families say they expected rezoning as part of the broader Northern Beaches adjustments, but the school remained aligned to Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus.

high school catchment — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Distance And Access At The Centre Of Brookvale Concerns

The distances cited by the Brookvale school community place Cromer Campus at 3.7 kilometres from Brookvale Public School, while Freshwater High is described as 1.3 kilometres away along Winbourne Road.

Parents have raised concerns about the practical impact of travel, including reports that trips to Cromer can take about 45 minutes by bus and may involve transfers or timetable issues.

Department Rationale And Boundary Alignment

In a formal response to questions about the Brookvale alignment, the Department said intake adjustments followed consultation and were informed by enrolment modelling, projected student demand, teaching space capacity, and alignment between feeder primary schools and secondary intake areas.

The Department also stated Brookvale Public School’s alignment with Cromer Campus remained consistent with its previous high school alignment.

Brookvale school zoning — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Concerns And Next Steps

The Brookvale P&C has raised concerns that the outcome may disadvantage a culturally diverse school community, including families navigating the process in a second language.

The Department has said it has met with the school’s P&C and will continue working with the principal as changes take effect. Enrolment patterns and Year 7 placement data across the Northern Beaches are to be monitored over 2026 and 2027.

Families can also apply for non-local enrolment, with Forest High expected to have capacity for non-local enrolments in 2026 and beyond, subject to the school’s criteria and available places. An appeal pathway is available for non-local decisions.

Published 15-Dec-2025

Brookvale Surfboard Business Destroyed by Fire

Photo Credit: Facebook / Rhino Laminating Store

A well-known Brookvale surfboard business has been completely destroyed by fire, with investigators now working to determine what sparked the blaze that ripped through the premises on Sunday evening.

Rhino Laminating, located at 42 Orchard Road, is regarded as one of the country’s premier custom glassing facilities, offering surfboard manufacturing, repairs and custom board services to the Northern Beaches surfing community.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to reports of the factory fire shortly after 5.15pm on Sunday, 23 November. First responders from Dee Why station spotted a large column of black smoke and immediately called for additional resources.

Twelve fire trucks carrying 40 firefighters rushed to the scene, with crews from Dee Why, Manly, Forestville, Narrabeen and Mona Vale stations attending. Northern Beaches police closed surrounding streets and moved people away from the danger zone.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Rhino Laminating Store

Two people were inside the building when the fire broke out – the business owner working alongside his 15-year-old son. Both managed to escape, though the teenager suffered superficial burns to his hands.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the boy at the scene before taking him to a nearby brewery where staff helped cool his burned hands with fresh running water. He was later transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in stable condition.

The fire proved difficult to control due to highly flammable materials stored at the premises. Flames broke through the roof and threatened neighbouring businesses, including a paint factory. Firefighters set up the Ladder Platform truck from Manly station and ran multiple hose lines whilst remaining outside the structure.

The intense heat caused the roof to collapse and set an outbuilding alight. Large volumes of water used to fight the blaze created a new hazard, with potentially contaminated runoff flowing toward nearby drains.

A specialised hazmat crew from Alexandria was called to establish containment booms across Greendale Creek to prevent toxins reaching Curl Curl Lagoon. Water testing showed no unsafe contamination levels had entered the creek system.

The fire was brought under control by 6.30pm, with all flames extinguished by 8pm. The factory was left completely destroyed, along with numerous surfboards, wetsuits and manufacturing equipment inside. Most crews departed by 8.30pm, leaving Lane Cove and Hornsby stations to monitor for any reignition.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the cause remained unknown and would be investigated. He noted they received approximately 40 triple zero calls reporting the fire.

Authorities confirmed on Monday morning that SafeWork NSW and Northern Beaches police are examining the circumstances of the blaze. The NSW Coroner will also receive a report, as is required for fires causing significant property damage.

The Fire Investigation and Research Unit has been assigned to the case due to the intensity of the blaze making it challenging to determine where the fire started.

Business owner Juan Twycross founded Rhino Laminating out of a passion for finely crafted surfboards, establishing the facility to serve board shapers working with various designs and finishes. The company worked with several respected shapers and offered custom board painting and traditional glassing techniques.

The community has rallied around the affected family as investigations continue.

Published 24-November-2025

Bellburra Welcomes First Residents To Allambie Heights Community

Photo Credit: Bellburra

Bellburra, the new premium independent living addition to Allambie Heights Village on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, has officially welcomed its first residents this week as the development reaches near full occupancy.

Designed For Independent Living And Connection

Approved in 2022 and now complete, the 24-apartment Bellburra building sits beside Allambie Heights Village and the Martin Luther Hostel aged care facility. It forms an integrated living environment for over-55s planning to age in place.

Only three apartments remain available after strong demand from downsizers seeking space, privacy and secure community living. The development involved Allambie Heights Village Ltd, architect Jackson Teece and builder Richard Crookes Constructions. Bellburra focuses on wellbeing, accessibility and social connection.

Apartments offer three-bedroom layouts, lift access and wide internal pathways for easy mobility, supporting move-ins now underway. Communal facilities include a resident clubhouse, sauna and spa, with bushland views and outlooks toward the city and Blue Mountains.

Strong Community Interest And High Pre-Sales

Eighty-eight percent of apartments were secured before completion. This reflects strong confidence from local residents familiar with Allambie Heights Village, which has operated since 1966.

The continuity of services and the co-location with aged care next door have fuelled community uptake, offering residents future care pathways without needing to relocate outside the suburb.

Smooth Move-In Process Underway

Residents began moving into Bellburra this week, and the operator has reported that the process has been smooth due to the intentional layout design. Most residents are expected to move in over the next fortnight.

The development is described as a major step to expand the existing community, not create an isolated village. It reinforces Allambie Heights as a long-term residential option for older Australians who want to stay independent without leaving their local area.

Limited Availability Still Remaining

With only three apartments left, Allambie Heights Village is encouraging final enquiries from interested buyers who want to remain on the Northern Beaches while moving into a lower-maintenance environment.

Experts expect demand to stay strong, as Bellburra transitions from a construction project into an active, lived-in residential community.

Published 22-October-2025

Brookvale Karate School Tackles Domestic Violence Through Free Self-Defence Class

Photo Credit: GKR Karate

A Brookvale karate school is addressing domestic and family violence by hosting a free community self-defence class as part of a national awareness campaign.

Brookvale Dojo Hosts Free Community Self-Defence Class

GKR Karate at Westfield Warringah Mall in Brookvale will hold a free two-hour self-defence seminar on Saturday, 25 October, under its annual “Stop Domestic & Family Violence” Purple Belt Campaign. The event welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels to learn practical safety and awareness techniques.

The class aims to teach attendees how to stay safe, avoid conflict, and de-escalate potential threats. It also promotes GKR Karate’s broader mission to use martial arts as a tool for empowerment and personal development.

Brookvale self-defence class — Photo Credit: GKR Karate

Domestic Violence Remains a Concern on the Northern Beaches

Official data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows 383 domestic violence-related incidents were recorded across the Northern Beaches in the 12 months to July 2025 — an increase from 331 the previous year.

The rate of domestic violence-related assaults in the region reached 143 per 100,000 residents, compared with 494 per 100,000 in Sydney’s outer south-west and 466 in the outer west and Blue Mountains. The figures highlight the need for continued awareness and community involvement in prevention efforts.

Supporting Survivors Through RizeUp Partnership

The Brookvale seminar supports RizeUp Australia, a national organisation that assists families escaping domestic and family violence. Funds raised through the sale of purple belts, T-shirts, and merchandise will go directly to the charity’s support programs.

GKR Karate’s collaboration with RizeUp aligns with its goal of combining physical training with social awareness and advocacy for safer communities.

GKR Karate’s Approach to Empowerment and Inclusion

GKR Karate promotes respect, discipline, and confidence alongside self-defence skills. The organisation encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to train together in a family-oriented setting that values wellbeing and mutual support.

The Brookvale event is one of several across New South Wales, with seminars also being held in Glendenning, Katoomba, Wollongong, Riverstone, Penrith, Blacktown, Campbelltown, and Cameron Park.

Continuing Community Engagement in Brookvale

Through its annual Purple Belt Campaign, GKR Karate continues to advocate for domestic violence awareness and personal safety. The Brookvale class reinforces the importance of collective action and education in reducing violence and promoting resilience within the community.

Published 21-Oct-2025

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

Photo Credit: Dandy Allambie/ Instagram

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