Police are urging local tradespeople to increase security after a targeted series of thefts from work vehicles saw thousands of dollars worth of equipment stolen in the Brookvale area.
The warning follows several break-ins that occurred between Sunday evening, 15 June 2025, and Monday morning, 16 June 2025. During this period, thieves targeted three separate commercial vehicles parked on Consul Road, Old Pittwater Road, and Funda Place. The offenders stole power tools, including drills and nail guns, with an estimated total value of around $15,000.
In a related incident in the neighbouring suburb of Dee Why, a family-run business suffered an even greater loss when their entire work ute was stolen from Whaddon Street. The family, who have four young children, stated that the return of their vehicle is crucial for their livelihood.
Authorities believe the stolen tools are likely to be sold through online trading platforms and are advising the community to be watchful for suspicious listings.
To combat these thefts and improve the chances of recovery, police are encouraging all tool owners to take simple but effective preventative steps. They recommend recording the serial numbers of all valuable equipment. As an alternative, owners can permanently mark their tools by engraving their driver’s licence number on them, as this provides a unique and lifelong identifier that can help police return recovered items to their rightful owner.
To assist residents in securing their property, Dee Why Police Station is making an engraver available for public use. This initiative allows tradespeople and other community members to easily mark their valuables, making them less attractive to thieves and easier to identify if found.
We’ve combed Allambie Heights, Beacon Hill, Brookvale, North Manly, Oxford Falls, and Warringah Mall for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Nick Z ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It was a short drive from the hotel. My colleagues did not want to have breakfast at the hotel so we took a drive down the road to Fuel.. I wanted something healthy so I decided on the Acai bowl. I was happy with the meal, nicer and refreshing. I’d say it’s in my top 5 of Acai bowls I’ve ever had. It had a good blend of fruit and granola mix with the acai. I should have asked them if they had peanut butter to make it even better. Maybe next time.
Nadav L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visited with friends for dinner and absolutely loved it! All dishes were great and authentic, and the service from Jess and the team was very welcoming! The dips with the bagel are a great way to kick off the meal. We then had the beetroot, the grilled eggplant, and the tabbouleh salad which were all excellent. Out of the bigger dishes we tried the Turkish kofta which was very authentic and well executed and the shawarma which was great too. All of that for a very fair price. Very warmly recommended!
Bec S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This beats Ottolenghi restaurants in London! Amazing Middle Eastern flavours, beautiful presentation, fine precision from the chef in balancing flavours & careful knife skills. The staff & manager were fantastic & talked us through the traditional Israeli street food inspiring their menu. Can recommend the Jerusalem bagel with homemade dips (hummus, labneh, eggplant, olive oil w pomegranate molasses), roasted beetroot entree, Arabic kofta & coconut malabi dessert. Well done Fuel.
Simon S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently dined at this restaurant, and I can honestly say it was an incredible experience. Every dish was not only delicious but also brought me so much joy. The flavors were vibrant and perfectly balanced, making each bite a delight. I left the restaurant with a big smile on my face and a craving to return. I can’t wait to come back and enjoy this amazing food again!
Jessica Yunjun P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food at this restaurant is of great value for the money. The dishes were served very quickly, and all the ingredients were fresh! The customer service was kind and attentive, and there is ample parking space available. The quality of the food was superb. I will definitely come back for more.
Peter N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was delicious, portions were large, all at a low cost. Impressive. Chicken karaage was soo crispy and perfectly cooked, salmon was very tasty. Staff were friendly. Reccomend.
Maria L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shaggys is a great place to go when your a local and fancy a meal out with a Freshly made Cocktail, Fantastic Food, Frozen Margarites are the best. Highly recommend this place, support our local Allambie shops with this new wine bar.. 🙂 Thanks Shaggy, we will be back soon.
Ashlee D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely love this coffee shop! The atmosphere is always welcoming, the drinks are consistently excellent, and the service is top-notch. Isabella is especially amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and always makes my coffee just right with the perfect amount of caramel. You can tell she genuinely cares about creating a great experience for every customer. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!
Tracey Z ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such delicious Mexican and family friendly. So reasonable – not many places in Northern Beaches you can get away for dinner for two with two drinks under $60!! Our go to when we don’t feel cooking.
Murilo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authentic and very high quality Brazilian food. The service is outstanding and the owners are always working and making sure that everything is perfect. Highly recommended
Christa E ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Freshly cooked on the BBQ, the chicken hearts were so delicious we even forgot to take a picture. The hosts are so nice and they will make you feel very welcome. The great service just makes dining there such a pleasurable experience! The food is absolutely delicious, fresh and you can taste that the owners care about the food they put on your plate. Highly recommend!
Annaliese C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is awesome! Ivan has absolutely nailed the art of hospitality and customer service. It feels like dinner at a friend’s house with incredible food. We loved everything we ate and we took on board Ivan’s suggestions and got that too – delicious. We loved it all so much we doubled down and ordered seconds (leaving us overfull but very happy!). Also don’t leave without getting some Churros!!
I’m BOO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great atmosphere, clean, and delicious food. Perfect for dinner or after work, as the place stays open late. If you’re looking for a chill spot with Thai style, I totally recommend this place.
Su Min Sussan L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything was so delicious and well cooked. The crispy chicken entree was both crunchy and juicy! And I loved the prawn pad thai especially. I’m so happy a nice sit-down Thai restaurant has opened inside the mall, I will definitely be returning. Staff are super friendly too.
Brookvale has been revealed as one of the most heat-vulnerable suburbs in the Northern Beaches, with just 21 per cent tree canopy coverage—among the lowest in the local government area—and experiencing urban temperatures over 9°C above reference levels.
A new study conducted by Northern Beaches Council in partnership with Western Sydney University has delivered the most detailed microclimate and urban heat mapping of Brookvale to date. The data paints a confronting picture of the suburb’s exposure to heat extremes, much of it driven by low vegetation and the dominance of hard, grey infrastructure.
Allenby Park (Photo credit: Google Street View)
Across the 30 monitored locations, the study found that temperature differences of nearly 5°C can exist within the same suburb. The highest temperature, 43.7°C, was recorded on Mitchell Road during the peak of summer on 28 January 2025. By contrast, cooler pockets were detected near Allenby Park, where denser tree coverage helps moderate the local climate.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The suburb’s industrial and mixed-use zones were consistently the hottest, with some streets having less than 10 per cent canopy cover. These areas not only heated up faster but retained heat longer into the evening, illustrating the classic symptoms of the urban heat island effect. Streets like Dale Street recorded mean air temperatures nearly 1.5°C warmer than greener locations such as Clearview Place.
Yet, the study also revealed that while trees are essential for reducing daytime heat, dense canopies can act as thermal blankets at night, trapping warm air beneath. This dual effect adds complexity to urban planning and highlights the importance of a balanced approach to vegetation and airflow.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The findings are set to directly inform Council’s Brookvale Structure Plan – Greening Strategy, which aims to tackle these heat issues by adding more shade, greenery, and water elements to public spaces. Council is also exploring further temperature monitoring subject to additional funding, to track the effectiveness of future interventions.
The project was funded by the Australian Government’s Housing Support Scheme Grant and is part of broader efforts to build climate resilience in the rapidly evolving suburb.
With development pressures increasing and summer temperatures soaring, the study offers clear evidence that Brookvale’s future liveability will hinge on how quickly and effectively its urban forest can grow.
St Augustine’s College in Brookvale hosted the then-Father Robert Prevost in 2008 during World Youth Day. This was years before he became Pope Leo XIV. At the time, he was serving as the global leader of the Augustinian order and took part in religious activities with students and staff.
The visit included prayer with students and staff, joint participation in a beachside Mass at Collaroy, and a return visit in 2009 to present awards. The Pope’s interaction with the school community left a lasting impression among staff and students, with particular focus on his approachability and engagement.
While the visit to Brookvale occurred during the same period as the Augustinian Youth Encounter (AYE), held at the nearby Collaroy Conference Centre, the school visit was separate. The AYE brought together young people from various countries for faith-based activities aligned with Augustinian values, including cultural exchanges, beach Mass, and community-building events.
These gatherings highlighted themes of unity, shared life and spiritual development—principles that Father Prevost supported in his role at the time.
Current students at St Augustine’s College have expressed appreciation for their school’s link to the Pope, noting it as a meaningful aspect of their faith journey. Staff members also acknowledged the significance of having welcomed someone who has now assumed the highest leadership in the Catholic Church.
The College Headmaster, Jonathan Byrne, stated that the institution remains open to welcoming the Pope again, reaffirming its commitment to Augustinian hospitality.
The school’s chaplain described the election of Pope Leo XIV as the “greatest honour” for the Augustinian community. His appointment has been viewed as a moment of significance for those connected to the order’s traditions of community, reflection, and learning.
A Brookvale brewery has expanded its operations by converting a former 1980s wedding venue into a late-night destination featuring a cocktail bar, pool hall, and karaoke rooms.
Bucketty’s Brewing Co, located in Brookvale, has extended its footprint with the launch of two new hospitality spaces. The development involved repurposing a 1980s-era wedding venue once known as Valentine’s. Owners Nick and Lexi McDonald oversaw the transformation, which introduces both a nostalgic cocktail bar and a sports-focused pool hall.
The updated site operates as a single venue called Chalky’s, which houses Valentine’s — a soft-lit cocktail and wine bar located at the other end of the space. Valentine’s draws inspiration from the original wedding venue, offering classic cocktails and premium wines. Chalky’s includes six 8-foot pool tables, two private karaoke rooms, and large booths suitable for groups.
Photo Credit: Chalky’s/Instagram
Food and Drink Offering
Head chef Martin Brito leads the kitchen across both venues. Brito, who trained under renowned chefs including Peter Doyle and David Thompson, offers South American-inspired dishes and elevated pub meals. Menu highlights include a 600g ribeye known as “The Expensive Steak”, slow-cooked lamb shoulder for two, and a Sportsman platter featuring sliders, calamari, and fries.
Chalky’s also features 16 taps dedicated exclusively to beers from independent local breweries such as Bucketty’s, Freshwater Brewing, and Dad and Dave’s Brewing. A whisky selection includes rare and local varieties like 78 Degrees Muscat and a 21-year-old Auchentoshan Scotch.
Patrons can hire pool tables for $20 per hour, while uniquely styled karaoke rooms are available for private rental starting at $90 per hour. One karaoke room includes vintage décor resembling a classic lounge room, while the other is covered in rock posters collected by a family member of the venue owners.
The expansion reflects the brewery’s strategy to circumvent limitations faced by independent producers in entering mainstream pubs and bottle shops. By operating its own venues, Bucketty’s can directly serve its range of products and showcase other local makers. The owners have also secured approval for a second site in Bucketty, near Cessnock, with plans for a brewery, café, and restaurant.
Open daily from 3 p.m. on weekdays and from noon on weekends, the Brookvale venue adds to the Northern Beaches’ growing independent hospitality scene. The development preserves the memory of Valentine’s while offering a modern mix of entertainment, dining, and locally made drinks.
Brookvale will return to alcohol-free zone status after ongoing reports of street drinking and antisocial behaviour led Northern Beaches Council to prioritise new restrictions. The decision follows a peninsula-wide review, with support from police, rangers, and locals ahead of its proposed start in September 2025. Community feedback is open until Sunday, 27 April, through the council’s “Your Say” website or by written submission.
Brookvale’s alcohol-free zone expired in 2023, but continued public drinking—especially near Pittwater Road and Warringah Mall bus stops prompted its return, with police data and council patrols confirming ongoing alcohol-related disturbances.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The decision means people will no longer be allowed to drink alcohol on public roads, footpaths, laneways, and carparks within the designated Brookvale zone. Police and rangers will have the authority to seize opened alcohol containers if someone is drinking or appears about to drink in a restricted area.
What the Review Covered
Brookvale was one of 19 alcohol-free zones reviewed by Northern Beaches Council in a region-wide assessment designed to streamline timelines and apply consistent rules.
The review used police data, complaints, and community input to guide changes, some zones, like Avalon and Newport, were adjusted, while others, including Belrose and Cromer, will be removed due to fewer incidents and reduced concern.
Council confirmed the changes won’t affect licensed outdoor dining, parks or beaches, as alcohol-free zones apply only to road-related areas, aiming to keep shared public spaces safer for families and commuters.
How Residents Can Have Their Say
Northern Beaches Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed zones until Sunday, 27 April 2025, via its “Your Say” website or by written submission.
Residents are encouraged to read the full summary of assessments available online, which outlines the reasons for each zone’s status. In Brookvale’s case, the decision was shaped heavily by safety concerns and the push from authorities to prevent a repeat of past issues.
The Broader Picture
The review reflects ongoing efforts to balance safety and public access, with Brookvale highlighting the challenges of managing alcohol in busy hubs with transport, nightlife, and public facilities.
By returning the suburb to an alcohol-free status, officials hope to prevent late-night disturbances and make key parts of Brookvale more comfortable for everyone. The proposed changes reflect not only policy but also years of community input and policing efforts.
The bus stop outside Warringah Mall in Brookvale has been identified as the Northern Beaches’ most problematic street drinking location, with police responding to over 40 alcohol-related incidents, including assaults and property damage, since the start of 2023.
Northern Beaches Council is considering extending or re-establishing 19 alcohol-free zones (AFZs) in response to rising concerns about public drinking and its impact on community safety. Documents presented to the council highlight several locations where street drinking is causing significant issues, with the Brookvale bus stop being of particular concern to local police.
The police commander, John Duncan, stated that maintaining the AFZ status at the Warringah Mall bus stop is crucial to preventing increased alcohol-related incidents and ensuring public safety. He added that removing the AFZ would strain law enforcement and negatively affect community well-being, given the area’s high public usage.
Other hotspots identified in the council’s assessment summary include the area near the ferry wharf at Church Point, where long-standing complaints of outdoor drinking and anti-social behaviour have been reported. Sections of Dee Why, including Oaks Avenue, Howard Avenue, The Strand, Pittwater Road, and areas around Walter Gors Park and the Dee Why B-line bus stop, are also experiencing problems with street drinkers.
Freshwater Reserve has also seen issues with street drinking over the past three years. Manly’s central business district and surrounding streets are noted for high levels of street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. In Mona Vale, concerns about youths drinking near the Seabeach Gardens retirement village at night have been raised. The Wellington Street carpark, located on the banks of Narrabeen Lagoon, is also described as where street drinking is common.
The council plans to seek public feedback on the proposed re-establishment and extension of the AFZs, which, if approved, would remain in place for the next four years. These AFZs apply to public roads and carparks, separate from alcohol-prohibited areas covering parks, reserves, and beaches.
The council documents noted that police data shows that street drinkers have undermined the public use of some existing AFZs. The council aims to balance public access with community safety and well-being.
Young Lehi Hopoate has earned a starting wing position for the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale and secured a long-term contract, solidifying his place in the team’s future.
Hopoate’s journey began with a debut last May, where he played 14 consecutive NRL games, scoring nine tries and assisting seven others. His performance, especially given the team’s injuries, caught the attention of coach Anthony Seibold. Seibold confirmed Hopoate’s place in the starting back five, stating that the young player had shown enough during pre-season to warrant the position.
The coach expressed his satisfaction with Hopoate’s development, recalling his initial belief in the player’s potential, even when giving him a debut against Melbourne as a 19-year-old. The club is now close to finalising a long-term contract extension for Hopoate, transitioning him from the development list to the top-30 roster.
The Sea Eagles’ backline is set with Tom Trbojevic at fullback Reuben Garrick and Tolu Koula in the centres. However, the other wing position is still fiercely contested, with Jason Saab, Tommy Talau, and Clayton Faulalo vying for the spot.
Saab and Talau have faced ankle injuries during the off-season, adding to the selection challenge. Seibold confirmed that Siosiua Taukeiaho will start in round one, marking his return to play since the 2023 Super League grand final.
While Hopoate will start on the wing, the Sea Eagles see him as their future fullback. Club sources indicate that with Daly Cherry-Evans nearing retirement, there are considerations to move Tom Trbojevic to the halves.
This shift would pave the way for Hopoate to take on the fullback role, a position he has already shown promise in, having debuted against the Storm. Hopoate stated his happiness at Manly and his focus on continued improvement. He acknowledged the mental skills coaching he’s received, which has helped him handle pressure.
Struggling with mental health can be an isolating experience, but young people in Brookvale now have a safe place to turn. A new Youth Mental Health Hub has been launched to provide immediate and ongoing support for those in crisis.
Young people in Brookvale now have easier access to mental health care with the launch of the Youth Mental Health Hub at Brookvale Community Health Centre. This hub centralizes specialist care and crisis intervention, addressing the shortage of youth-specific services in the Northern Beaches.
Developed after consultations with health and community representatives, the hub meets the urgent need for dedicated support. It is collocated with Brookvale Safe Haven to provide both immediate assistance and ongoing care for individuals with mental illness.
Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Services
To enhance mental health care in the Northern Beaches, officials established the Brookvale Youth Mental Health Hub with a $4.48 million investment from shelved projects, ensuring youth access to expert care and community support.
An additional $1.4 million will fund a Child and Youth Mental Health Service Consultation Liaison, enhancing mental health and substance use treatment at Northern Beaches Hospital and across the Northern Sydney Local Health District. Another $472,000 will expand the PACER service, ensuring trauma-informed crisis care for youth in distress.
Community Support and Future Development
Brookvale Safe Haven, co-located with the new hub, has supported around 50 young people since opening last year. Open Monday to Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, it provides a refuge for those facing mental health challenges.
The new hub is actively seeking community feedback to shape its services. Residents are invited to provide their input through consultations to help tailor the program to the interests of Brookvale’s youth.
The government’s expansion of mental health services in Brookvale reflects its commitment to accessibility and early intervention for young people. The new Youth Mental Health Hub integrates medical care, crisis intervention, and community support to promote long-term wellness beyond crisis management.
Retired Manly Sea Eagles great Max Krilich made an emotional request for his ashes to be scattered at Brookvale Oval, where he built his legacy. When the time comes, the rugby league icon, who captained Australia to a World Cup victory, wants his final resting place to be at the spiritual home of Manly.
Mr Krilich, a stalwart of the Manly Sea Eagles, played 215 games for the club between 1970 and 1983. As a fierce competitor and natural leader, he captained Manly and the Australian national team, securing a World Cup triumph in 1982. Brookvale Oval, now known as 4 Pines Park, was the stage for many of Mr Krilich’s greatest achievements.
Beyond his playing career, Mr Krilich remained respected in the Manly community. He advocates for the club and supports its future generations. His request to have his ashes scattered at Brookvale Oval is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the Sea Eagles and their home ground.
Rugby league administrator and former Manly coach Ken Arthurson has backed the idea of honouring Mr Krilich at Brookvale Oval. Mr Arthurson is campaigning for ‘Brookie Hill’ to be named after Mr Krilich and fellow Manly legend Roy Bull, recognising their immense contributions to the club’s history.
Mr Arthurson, widely regarded as the ‘Godfather of Manly,’ believes that renaming the iconic hill would provide a lasting tribute to two players who defined the club’s success in different eras. The push has gained traction among Sea Eagles fans and former players, who acknowledge the importance of preserving the club’s rich heritage.
The Emotional Support from Family and Fans
Mr Krilich’s wife, Irene, has voiced her support for his wish, understanding how much Brookvale Oval meant to him throughout his life. She shared that his deep attachment to the ground was not just professional but personal, with countless memories made both on and off the field. Fans have also rallied behind the idea, recognising the significance of granting one of their greatest captains his final wish.
A Career of Dedication and Excellence
Mr Krilich was a two-time premiership-winning player who played 215 first-grade games for Manly after making his debut in 1970. Before leading the unbeaten 1982 Kangaroos, he served as a reserve-grade hooker under club captain Fred Jones, honing his skills before assuming the top role. His leadership in the 1978 grand final victory and subsequent international success cemented his reputation as one of the game’s greatest captains.
In total, Mr Krilich played a record 334-grade games for Manly and later transitioned into administration, becoming a club chairman and life member. His contributions to the Sea Eagles extended beyond the field, ensuring the club’s legacy remained strong.
Between playing in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mr Krilich balanced his rugby league career with an apprenticeship, eventually becoming a qualified plumber and running his own business, Max Krilich Plumbing Pty Ltd. In retirement, he remains an active club ambassador and an avid golfer, continuing to be involved in the Manly Sea Eagles community.
Discussions are ongoing regarding Mr Krilich’s request and the potential renaming of Brookie Hill. While official approval is yet to be granted, momentum is building within the Manly Sea Eagles community to ensure that one of their most revered figures is given a fitting tribute at the ground where he made history.
