Balgowlah News

Balgowlah Local Champions Elderly Care with Over 5 Years of Volunteering

Paola Matthews, a Balgowlah local with a heart of gold, has devoted over five years to volunteering in aged care within the Northern Beaches community, significantly enriching the lives of many individuals by providing companionship and support.

Her advocacy as a volunteer began with her desire to connect with and support the elderly, a group she feels deeply compassionate toward. Working with Proveda, a leading community care provider in Northern Sydney, Paola has been crucial to initiatives to enhance the quality of life for older adults facing common age-related challenges.

Her work includes engaging in personal interactions. She listens to and cherishes the stories told by the elderly, filling a crucial gap left by absent family members.

Proveda’s Community Initiatives

Proveda’s commitment to building a stronger, more supportive community is evident in its various programs, notably the Belong Club and its comprehensive Volunteer Program. These initiatives foster a sense of belonging and provide practical support to those navigating life’s challenging times, ensuring every community member feels valued and connected.

The Belong Club offers many activities, from book clubs and walking groups to online exercise classes and educational workshops. The group invites individuals from all walks of life to engage in meaningful interactions.

Membership is free, promoting inclusivity and easy access to anyone seeking companionship or new interests. The club enhances social engagement and allows members to develop new skills and rediscover old passions through various scheduled events.

Artistic Outreach: Beyond Traditional Volunteerism

Aside from her regular volunteering duties, the Balgowlah local also manages monthly live online painting classes designed for individuals battling cancer or undergoing treatment. These sessions serve as mindful therapy, providing a creative outlet for participants confined to their homes.

This initiative reflects Paola’s broader vision of volunteerism as a means to touch lives beyond conventional boundaries, leveraging art to heal and unite.

The success of Proveda’s programs heavily relies on its network of enthusiastic volunteers, all committed to the organization’s mission of nurturing a connected and caring community. These volunteers are instrumental in implementing the variety of services offered, proving that community strength truly lies in the collective efforts of its members.

National Volunteers Week Recognition

As National Volunteers Week runs from the 20th to the 26th of May 2024, the dedication of volunteers like Paola Matthews is especially highlighted, showing community service’s powerful impact on individuals and the broader society.

Published 8-May-2024

Mysteries Unveiled on Disney+: Balgowlah Producer Unlocks ‘Secrets of the Octopus’

Colette Beaudry of SeaLight Productions in Balgowlah has expanded National Geographic’s captivating nature documentary portfolio with the exciting new addition, “Secrets of the Octopus,” now streaming on Disney+.

Ms Beaudry, the force behind the film, is a seasoned figure in the documentary field, having produced numerous significant works for major broadcasters globally. With a foundation in environmental science and a profound history in media, Ms Beaudry’s leadership at the Balgowlah-based SeaLight Pictures has been commendable.

The company is renowned for its high-quality productions, such as “Life in Colour with David Attenborough” and “Can We Save the Reef?”

Secrets of the Octopus from Colette Beaudry of SeaLight Productions in Balgowlah — *Photo Credit: SeaLight Productions/Facebook*

Production and Insights

Following the successful launches of the James Cameron-produced “Secrets of the Whales” in 2021 and “Secrets of the Elephants” in 2023, National Geographic and Disney+ introduced the third instalment of the acclaimed series, “Secrets of the Octopus,” on 21 April 2024.

Narrated by actor Paul Rudd, the series delves into the extraordinary abilities of octopuses, presenting them as almost alien beings with features such as three hearts, blue blood, and the capacity to pass through tiny spaces as small as their eyeballs. The documentary accentuates their intelligence, showcasing their use of tools, body transformation capabilities, and interspecies communication.

The filming of “Secrets of the Octopus” lasted 200 days and took place in various natural habitats of octopuses, capturing unique behaviours and social interactions. The series comprises three episodes: “Shapeshifters,” “Masterminds,” and “Social Networks,” each focusing on distinctive aspects of octopus life.

Dr. Alex Schnell, a noted Australian marine biologist featured in the series, provides expert commentary, enriching the series with insights gleaned from her extensive research on marine intelligence.

Broader Reception and Impact

Upon its release, the series was immediately available on Disney+ and Hulu, coinciding with Earth Day celebrations to emphasise the importance of understanding and preserving marine life.

“Secrets of the Octopus” continues Mr Cameron’s legacy of blending science with cinema and stands as a testament to the innovative storytelling and filmmaking that Australian producers like Ms Beaudry bring to the global stage.

Watch “Secrets of the Octopus”

Published 24-April-2024

The Community Votes: What Should Be the New Name of Balgowlah Shopping Centre?

Property development firm Revelop. the new owner of the Balgowlah Shopping Centre, is seeking community input in helping rename the iconic retail hub of the area.

At present, four potential names have been put forward for consideration: Balgowlah Village, North Harbour Village, Totem Village, and Totem Centre.

The historical significance behind “Totem” dates back to the 1960s when the shopping centre was originally named Totem Shopping Centre. Back then, the trend of totem-style constructions for retail centres in the United States inspired the interesting name.

The name with the highest votes will be in the newly crafted logo made by the Revelop’s design team. Alongside this, the official renaming of the centre is scheduled to be public in May 2024.

Exciting things are waiting for those who want to participate in the naming process of the beloved retail landmark, as Revelop offers a chance to win a $1,000 shopping centre gift card.

Community members are encouraged to visit the voting website and select their preferred name before the entry deadline at midnight on Sunday, 21 April 2024.

Community members who want to exercise their creative minds also have the freedom to suggest alternative names if none of the provided options resonate with their liking through the website’s ‘Other’ option.

Attracting a massive number of 3.5 million customers annually, Balgowlah Shopping Centre houses retail stores like Coles, Harbord Growers Market, Fitness First Platinum Gym, and over 70 speciality shops.

Revelop was founded by cousins Anthony El-Hazouri and Charbel Hazzouri, who acquired the centre for $155 million in March 2024.

Published 19-April-2024

Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club Proposes $7.4M Upgrade to Modernise Facilities

The Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club is embarking on an ambitious $7.4 million redevelopment that will radically transform the longstanding community hub.

Read: Guganagina Lookout in Balgowlah: Cultural Tribute with a Bird’s-Eye View

The details of the extensive refurbishment plans were recently submitted to the Northern Beaches Council in a development application.

If approved, the project will see the demolition of parts of the existing clubhouse to make way for a host of new and upgraded facilities.

Artist’s impression of the new Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club (Photo credit: DACCA Architecture)

Key elements of the proposed $7.4 million makeover include:

Demolition of the existing ground floor general lounge, cafe, TAB, and smoking areas
Construction of a new lounge, cafe, TAB, and smoking zones with the addition of an “operable” glass roof and landscaping
An 86 square metre increase in the club’s overall gross floor area

The plans, designed by DACCA Architecture also call for a minor height increase, though the building would still remain below the local 12.5 metre maximum height limit.

Notably, the club is also seeking to extend its bar trading hours to 1 a.m, seven days a week – a significant expansion from the current hours of 10:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Tuesday, and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for the rest of the week.

To help mitigate potential noise impacts from the extended trading, the proposed outdoor area will feature louvres and retractable panels that will be closed from 10:00 p.m.

“The bar area will operate from 10am to 1am daily, providing patrons with ample opportunity to enjoy our facilities. These hours have been chosen to cater to the diverse schedules of our members and guests while respecting the local community’s lifestyle and noise considerations,” the club wrote in planning documents.

Club officials indicated that the multi-million dollar facelift is essential to modernise the ageing facilities and meet the evolving needs of their large and loyal membership base.

The development application is currently under review by Council, with a decision expected in the coming months.

About Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club

Established in 1956, Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club is a local entertainment and dining complex located in Seaforth. The Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club offers its members and guests a wide array of dining choices, entertainment options including live performances, comfortable gaming facilities, and engaging promotions.

Read: New Parking Sensors To Be Installed In Clontarf, Other Popular Beachfront Locations

Published 6-April-2024

Retail Renaissance: Stockland Balgowlah’s $155 Million Transformation

Stockland Balgowlah, a beloved shopping destination that has graced the Northern Beaches since 1959, recently changed hands in a significant deal worth $155 million.

The bustling hub, known for its array of specialty stores and eateries, now belongs to REVELOP, a private property development firm headed by cousins Charbel Hazzouri and Anthony El-Hazouri. With this transaction, Balgowlah’s loyal shoppers are left pondering what lies ahead for their beloved retail haunt.

A Familiar Face: Balgowlah’s Transformation

Since its inception, Balgowlah Shopping Centre has been a fixture in the local community. Despite recent ownership changes and the introduction of residential apartments in 2009, the essence of this retail landmark has remained intact.

Mr Hazzouri, one of the new co-owners, is quick to allay fears of its redevelopment, affirming their commitment to preserving Balgowlah’s status as a village shopping hub. He emphasises the importance of community input in shaping the future of Balgowlah Shopping Centre.

With plans to introduce fresh food options and revamp the interior, REVELOP seeks to align the mall with evolving consumer preferences.

As discussions around potential name changes surface, memories of the centre’s past iterations, including its original moniker, “The Totem,” resurface, underscoring the deep-rooted connection between Balgowlah and its patrons.

The Totem, inaugurated in 1959, stood out as the premier “American-style” mall on the northern beaches, featuring replicas of Native American totem poles adorning its entrances. Within its walls, patrons enjoyed amenities such as a Franklins supermarket, a 10-pin bowling alley, squash courts, and a childcare centre.

The Totem in 1960 — *Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Library*

In 2002, the property, originally named the Totem Shopping Centre, was acquired by Stockland.

in 2007, Stockland undertook a redevelopment project, demolishing the existing structure to make way for the construction of Stockland Balgowlah Village. This revamped complex, which also incorporated 240 residential apartments, debuted to the public in mid-2009, ushering in a new era for the iconic Balgowlah locale.

Strategic Expansion: REVELOP’s Vision

For REVELOP, the acquisition of Stockland Balgowlah represents more than just a business transaction—it’s a strategic move to bolster its diverse portfolio. With an eye on enhancing the retail landscape, the firm is no stranger to such endeavours, having undertaken similar ventures across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Their commitment to community engagement and tenant satisfaction underscores their dedication to ensuring Balgowlah Shopping Centre thrives in the ever-evolving retail landscape.

Published 12-March-2024

Celebrating Community Champions: Westfield’s Local Heroes Program Returns

Every community harbours unsung heroes—individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves to fostering positive change in the lives of those around them. In Brookvale, Balgowlah and beyond, Westfield is amplifying the spotlight on such local champions through its annual Local Heroes program.

With a staggering $1.26 million in grants up for grabs, this initiative not only honours these individuals but also provides essential support to community organisations. Since its inception, the program has injected $7.395 million into over 700 community organisations, illustrating the profound impact of recognising and nurturing local heroes.

Nominations Open: Recognising Extraordinary Contributions

Westfield’s Local Heroes program for 2024 is now accepting nominations, inviting Australians to shine a light on those who go above and beyond in making a positive impact on their communities. For the first time, New Zealanders may also nominate a hero in their community.

The Local Heroes program aims to celebrate the positive role models within communities, offering grants of $20,000 and $5,000 to support their causes. These grants serve as vital support for community organisations and their ongoing efforts to make a difference.

Pam Wilson, Scentre Group National Community Manager, emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting local heroes, encouraging participation from communities across Australia and New Zealand. The program’s impact extends beyond individual recipients, empowering community organisations to continue their valuable work.

“We’re a small and growing startup charity focused on men’s mental health, and the awareness Westfield Local Heroes has brought to us is an important part of our growth. This grant is helping us to not only continue our work in the men’s mental health space but also develop more mental health programs and grow our presence in the community,” Westfield Local Heroes alumni, Tim Hewson from Mongrels Men of Balgowlah said.

How to Nominate and Support Local Heroes

Nominating a local hero is a simple yet impactful gesture, requiring community members to submit their nominations by 18 March 2024. Following the nomination period, a panel of Westfield team members and local community partners will select three finalists for each Westfield centre. The community will then vote for their local hero, with successful recipients announced on 15 October 2024.

NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HEROes

As the Local Heroes program enters its seventh consecutive year, Westfield remains committed to recognising and honouring individuals who make a tangible difference in their communities.

Published 16-Feb-2024

A Canine Carnival: The Street Paws Festival Balgowlah

Photo Credit: Facebook / Street paws festival

EDITOR’S NOTE: This event has been postponed until further notice. (as of 16-Feb-2024)

Heads up, fur pawrents! The Street Paws Festival is coming to Balgowlah! A collaboration with the Manly Dog Training Club, the event is where pet owners can join the FREE ‘Strut Your Mutt’ or ‘Cutest Pooch’ competition; or see which furball has the waggiest tail; watch flyball demos; or chow down some Cheeky Chicken treats.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Street paws festival

Generously sponsored by The Pet Specialists (formerly NVS) and Puppi Lovers, the February 17 festival will be held at at 215 Condamine Street and promises to be a day filled with activities and competitions. Vetafarm and Lovebites For Pets have also come on board as prize sponsors, ensuring that the winners of the day’s events will go home with some fantastic goodies.

Attendees will have the opportunity to discover unique products and services from Barkly Treats, Pip Pets, Peppers Crew, and Dd And Bear Dogs, all guaranteed to delight both pets and their owners.

Pip Pets cannot contain their excitement for the event.

“We can’t wait to see our Balgowlah customers and pals… Pop by for some Cheeky Chicken or Brilliant Beef patties – wholefood and delish!,” they said. Pip, their CEO and mini sausage, will also be making an appearance.

**Pip Pets’ CEO and mini sausage, Pip**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Pip Pets

The day’s schedule is packed with fun activities for both dogs and their owners:

9.30am: An agility demo by Manly and District Kennel and Dog Training Club Inc.
10.30am: The Cutest Pooch competition (free to enter)
11.30am: Fly ball demos with Manly and District Kennel and Dog Training Club Inc.
12.30pm: Competitions for the Best Trickster, the Waggiest Tail, and Strut Your Mutt (free to enter)

Whether you’re a dog owner or simply a dog lover, the Street Paws Festival Balgowlah is the place to be. Don’t miss out on this day of canine capers. It’s sure to be a barking good time!

Check out the official Facebook Event page for more information.

Published 7-February-2024

Planned Balgowlah Showroom May Shake Up Local Luxury Furniture Scene

Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council / eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Expectations are high that a proposed showroom on Condamine Street in Balgowlah may shake up the local luxury furniture scene.

The proposed two-storey showroom, a King Living project, would be built at 200-204 Condamine Street on the border of Balgowlah and Manly Vale with a central atrium between storeys. and would include car parking areas.

Lodged Plans by King Living to Shake Up Luxury Furniture Scene on Balgowlah/Manly Vale Border — Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council / eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

The proposed building has an open plan, with two escalators serving the first-floor level which is a split level with small stairs connecting the two levels. Also included in the proposal is a driveway located at the southern end of the building linked to the rear side car parking.

“The proposed materials and finishes include precast concrete panel walls, cemintel barestone concrete walls, concrete slabs, glass shopfront façade, fixed aluminium louvres in timber look finish, glass awning above entrance, vertical garden over glass wall and metal roof sheeting.” – DM Planning

However, in order to make way for the new development, King Living would need to demolish three existing empty buildings on the site. This includes the old Barbeques Galore shop, as well as a former outdoor furniture retailer and an indoor plant outlet.

The existing ground floor slabs, western boundary retaining walls and the suspended concrete ramps between the buildings at 202 and 204 Condamine Street will be retained.

King Living’s proposed development will be situated just metres away from another luxury furniture and homewares outlet, Coco Republic, as well as a short walk from Smith Made on Roseberry St. Additionally, there is already a Freedom furniture and homewares store operating on the opposite side of Condamine St to the proposed King Living site.

The proposal at a glance:

Address: 200-204 Condamine Street
Level 1: (GFA: 894m2)

• Open-plan furniture showroom

• Entry with escalators and atrium

• Lift, bathroom, kitchen, waste room

Level 2: (GFA: 1,104m2)

• Open- plan, split-level furniture showroom

• Metal roof with solar photovoltaic panels

Undercroft below the building: For flood storage

Traffic and car parking:

• Two-lane vehicle access driveway from the southern end of the site.

• Twenty-six (26) car spaces located at the rear of the site

• Reinstate the kerb to redundant driveway

Landscaping:

• Landscaping in the 4.5m front setback area located above the proposed suspended slab and around

• A vertical garden wall on the eastern facade

Signage:

• 1 x illuminated business identification sign containing the lettering “KING” on the street-facing elevation of the building.

• 1 x illuminated business identification sign containing the lettering “KING” on the north-facing elevation of the building.

Published 7-April-2023

New Parking Sensors To Be Installed In Clontarf, Other Popular Beachfront Locations

NSW has rolled out new parking sensors to make parking at popular beachfront locations, including at Clontarf, easier and more accessible than before.

Read: Fish Face: Fresh Ocean Flavours in the Heart of Balgowlah

The parking sensors are currently being installed at Shelly Beach and will also be rolled out over the coming months at Little Manly, North Steyne, South Steyne, Clontarf and Sandy Bay Road.

Northern Beaches Council expects the parking sensors at all locations to be operational by mid-2023, ready to make parking a breeze in the peak summer months.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the new sensors will help make parking easier and more accessible, while alleviating traffic and congestion on local roads.

“With some truly spectacular beach days this summer, we have all seen just how popular our beaches have become,” Mayor Regan said.

“A family trip to the beach shouldn’t be a hassle so we are doing what we can to make it easier for both residents and visitors to access parking at our popular beachfront locations.

How it Works

Once a parking sensor is installed beneath the surface of the road, it will be able to sense when a vehicle enters or leaves each spot.

The information is then sent to the NSW Government Park’nPay App, allowing drivers to use the app to check how many spots are available before setting off to the beach.

Through the Park’nPay App, drivers could pay for and manage parking within 14 additional council areas across the state.

Meanwhile, the Park’nPay Accessibility Portal has also been launched to help people with a disability find accessible parking in Council carparks.

Read: New Northern Beaches Parking Finder App has Launched

The Park’nPay app can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices for free.

Published 5-March-2023

Fish Face: Fresh Ocean Flavours in the Heart of Balgowlah

Photo credit: Facebook / Fish Face

Set in the heart of Balgowlah, this eatery serves fresh seafood dishes. From oysters and grilled half-shell scallops to snapper and prawn pie and tuna crudo, Fish Face has got your seafood cravings covered.

Fish Face was owners Shahid Rahman and Anna Walker’s answer to the locals’ desire to have a restaurant in the area that is dedicated to fresh seafood dishes. And thanks to head chef Adam Rust, formerly of Harbord Hotel and 12-Micron, Fish Face is able to deliver the kind of seafood-centred menu that captures the fresh ocean flavours inside its equally fresh venue.

Lunch and Dinner offerings that the family can enjoy include freshly shucked oysters with lemon or Kilpatrick and Worcestershire sauce and bacon bits. Their prawn hot pot with mild chilli, garlic and lemon butter served with sourdough baguette is also a definite must try along with grilled half-shell scallops with parsley and lemon butter; and kingfish sashimi made with jalapeno, cucumber and lemon infused olive oil.

Still, you can go for larger plate favourites which include Asian-style fish curry served with jasmine rice; roasted Moreton Bay bugs with chipotle butter, jasmine rice, lime and coriander; and snapper and prawn pie made with snapper fillet and tiger prawns with potato, cream and dill.

Kingfish sashimi / Huon Tasmania Salmon caviar, crème fraiche | Photo credit: Facebook / Fish Face

For the little ones, there’s a special menu too which includes fish (grilled or fried) and chips, crispy fried chicken tenders with chips, and mini hotdogs with chips – all served with tomato ketchup. And there’s angel hair pasta with tomato to go along with these scrumptious eats.

Need something sweet to balance all that goodness? Options include banoffee cheesecake, cookies and cream sundae with crushed Oreo cookies, and churros.

The drinks menu, meanwhile, consists of a list of non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails, beer and cider, wine by the glass, wine by the bottle, and spirits.

BYO is only accepted for Lunch and Dinner every Monday, except Public Holidays. A $7.50 corkage per person applies.

Google Reviews:

“Great service, food was delicious, my favourite dishes would be Tuna Crudo, Clarence River Octopus, Crab & Prawn Pasta, grilled fish, and Banofee Cheesecake for dessert 😋. If you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss out this place. Especially, they have gluten-free fish & chips and many other options if you’ve having dietary requirements. Highly recommended 👍” – J. Tran

“Such a great first experience at Fish Face! Lachie the Manager was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable on the menu and wine list. Food exquisite – kudos to head chef Adam and kitchen team. Wait staff efficient and lovely. We had a big group so were able to try lots on the menu. Everything was delicious with special mention to the prawn pasta and fish pie. We will be back :)” – G. Bennett

“We had dinner for two which was very enjoyable and reasonably priced. Service and food were both exceptional. I had the prawn and crab pasta which was delicious and more than I could eat. My partner had the prawn and snapper pie which was very nice but he would have liked it to be bigger. Churros and strawberry tart for dessert were both yummy. Definitely plan to go back soon.” – S. P.

Fish Face is located at 70/215 Condamine Street, Plaza Level Stockland Mall, Balgowlah.
To book a reservation, click here.