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.
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.
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 26September 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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: DA2024/1684
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.
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.
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.
