Balgowlah News

Balgowlah And Surrounding Suburbs Public Safety Round-Up: 21–27 February Incidents

Police and emergency services responded to a range of incidents across Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Seaforth and Clontarf between 21 and 27 February, according to reports received by authorities.

Balgowlah

Rescue

Just before 4:30pm on Saturday, 21 February, Fire and Rescue NSW Manly Station attended West Street following reports of a kookaburra caught in a tree. Firefighters freed the bird, which was then taken to a veterinarian for treatment.

Theft And Break-Ins

Just before 7:45pm on Monday, 23 February, NSW Police were called to Cross Street to investigate a reported break-in.

Shortly before 5:00am on Wednesday, 25 February, officers responded to a report of an intruder at a property on Boyle Street.

Shortly before 5:30am the same morning, police received a report of property stolen from a vehicle parked along Sydney Road.

Just after 2:30pm on Friday, 27 February, police were again called to Cross Street following a further report of a break-in.

Traffic

Just before 10:00am on Tuesday, 24 February, NSW Police received a report of a motor vehicle collision on the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation.

Fire Alarm

Just after 10:00am on Wednesday, 25 February, Fire and Rescue NSW Lane Cove Station responded to a fire alarm activation at Manly Golf Club on Balgowlah Road. Firefighters determined the alarm had been triggered accidentally.

Hazard – Fallen Powerlines

Shortly after 11:00am on Wednesday, 25 February, NSW Police and firefighters from Lane Cove Station attended Lower Beach Street following reports of fallen powerlines. A timber power pole had snapped, bringing down approximately 30 metres of wiring. Lower Beach Street and Bungaloe Avenue were closed until Ausgrid carried out repairs.

Balgowlah Heights

Disorder

Just before 4:30am on Sunday, 22 February, NSW Police received a report of a group of youths behaving in a disorderly manner near Tutus Street.

Hazard

Just after 9:45am on Friday, 27 February, a resident found around two dozen syringes washed up at Forty Baskets Beach. The items were cleared from the water’s edge and Northern Beaches Council was notified.

Seaforth

Disorder

Shortly after 10:00am on Monday, 23 February, NSW Police received a report of activity involving drugs along Sydney Road.

Traffic

Just after 3:15pm on Friday, 27 February, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and firefighters from Manly Station responded to a single-vehicle crash on Manly Road near Avona Crescent. A northbound utility crossed into southbound lanes and struck a rock wall. The male driver was not injured. Southbound traffic was reduced to one lane until the vehicle was towed at about 4:00pm.

Clontarf

Theft

Just after 10:15pm on Saturday, 21 February, NSW Police received a report of property stolen from a vehicle parked on Cutler Road.

Disorder

Shortly after 8:00pm on Friday, 27 February, police received a report of a group of youths behaving in a disorderly manner near Sandy Bay Road.

Several matters remain under investigation.

Published 28-Feb-2026

Balgowlah and Balgowlah Heights Residents Gain Faster Access to Free Urgent Care Close to Home

For residents of Balgowlah and Balgowlah Heights, a late-night injury or a sick child no longer has to mean a long wait at a hospital emergency department, with a new bulk-billed urgent care clinic now operating just minutes away in Brookvale, reshaping how the Northern Beaches access after-hours medical care.

Local Access to Urgent Care

The Dee Why Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, located at 10 Dale Street in Brookvale, is now providing walk-in treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions for people living across nearby suburbs, including Balgowlah and Balgowlah Heights.

The clinic operates extended hours, seven days a week, and does not require appointments, offering an alternative to hospital emergency departments for issues such as minor injuries, infections and illnesses that cannot wait for a regular GP visit. Services are fully bulk billed for patients with a Medicare card, removing cost barriers for local families.

Relieving Pressure on Hospitals

Health data from New South Wales indicates that Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are contributing to a measurable reduction in non-urgent and semi-urgent presentations at hospital emergency departments. Across the state, semi-urgent emergency visits have fallen by more than five per cent, while non-urgent cases have dropped by nearly nine per cent since the clinics began operating.

For Northern Beaches residents, this shift is expected to ease demand at Northern Beaches Hospital, allowing emergency staff to focus on more serious and life-threatening cases. Information on statewide performance trends can be found through NSW Health resources.

Designed For Families and After-Hours Needs

Nationally, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have recorded more than 2.4 million patient visits since mid-2023, with a significant proportion involving children, weekend visits and after-hours care. Health authorities report that many patients attending these clinics would otherwise have sought treatment at hospital emergency departments.

The Dee Why clinic is commissioned by the Northern Sydney Primary Health Network, which oversees planning and access to primary health services in the region.

Community Impact on the Northern Beaches

For communities such as Balgowlah and Balgowlah Heights, the proximity of the Dee Why clinic means quicker access to care, reduced travel time and fewer hospital visits for manageable conditions. Local health planners say the model is intended to complement existing GPs rather than replace them, filling a gap during evenings, weekends and public holidays when many clinics are closed.

Published 22-Jan-2026

Local Restaurant Guide – 2093

We’ve combed Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, Manly Vale, and North Balgowlah 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!

1. KUZIRA Japanese Dining

About KUZIRA Japanese Dining
4.9 Google Rating

Shop 8/371 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Google Reviews

Samuel T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I opened up my order to find they had generously upgraded my Teriyaki Salmon with rice to a full Bento Box!
Every part of the meal was presented well and tasted amazing. It was my first time ordering from the restaurant and I will definitely be visiting for dinner soon.

Ki P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was an amazing experience to enjoy high-quality Japanese food in Australia. Every dish was fresh with perfect texture, and the staff were incredibly friendly. It made my trip to Manly truly memorable.

Darcy S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great food and hospitality

2. Chez Maurice Et Linda

About Chez Maurice Et Linda
4.6 Google Rating

292 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Bradley H
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wonderful French food at Balgowlah. Everything we had tasted so good and will definitely be back to try more

Nic Y
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfortable & cosy, 10/10 service & BYO

Ami L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent food, good atmosphere, and excellent service.

3. Monkey King Thai – Balgowlah

About Monkey King Thai – Balgowlah
4.7 Google Rating

Shop 26/197 – 215 Condamine St, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Carlos J T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had ordered few time for takeaway, but this was my first time dining in.
The food was delicious! As a starter we had the puff curry, and as a main the panang curry and stir fried oyster sauce with beef. All of the dishes were really good.
The atmosphere was great, nice music and a nice outdoor area. The service was friendly and good.
I will come again!

K Clarke
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The food is fresh and they have a very good lunch special menu.

David B
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There’s a reason it has 810 reviews, it’s the Best Thai this side of the Spit Bridge

4. Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant

About Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating

Shop 4/318 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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MACP’S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really love every bits of the food that they serve here. Taste really authentic, so many different variety. The atmosphere is really cute. Don’t judge by the design or the restaurant service scape, it’s more about the taste of the food really. Everything is top notch. Well done👍 .

Raoni C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Super friendly staff, delicious tuna belly, grilled calamari. Top quality sushi and sashimi. My new favorite for best value is the chirashi bowl. Clam miso soup is also delicious.

Paul C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Relaxed dining, friendly service, food always delicious and freshly prepared. Very popular with locals for eat in or take away. My favourites are the Queenscliff set for lunch, Gyoza, Rainbow Rolls, Tempura, Miso Ramen or the tasty Agedashi Tofu. Some great draught beers on tap or try the Choya plum liqueur after your meal!

5. Cielo Pizza

About Cielo Pizza
4.7 Google Rating

457 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Google Reviews

Freya C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best pizza on the beaches and our go to spot!! Lovely staff, great atmosphere and quick service! The pepperoni and margarita is incredible, with authentic flavours and perfect crust. Also can never go wrong with the Nutella pizza! Great pricing with 25% off on Wednesdays!! Thanks Joe will definitely be back for more!!

Mrinal C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We were so hungry that dug straight in 🙂
Joe was a wonderfull host & great with kids – even shouted us a garlic bread and bottle of wine – Pizza’s were great – we got the Vege, Margherita and Lamb! Salad is a must try!

Louis V
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The food was amazing and Joe’s warm hospitality made my dad’s birthday a night to remember. From the greek salad to the delicious fig and prosciutto pizza to the pork ragu everything was 10/10. The last traditional old school Italian shop on the northern beaches. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting a great night feed with good laughs!

Facebook Australia Boss Sells Balgowlah Heights Home

Photo Credit: Cunningham Real Estate

Facebook Australia chief Will Easton and his wife Joanna have sold their renovated Balgowlah Heights home for more than $5 million, according to local sources.

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence has undergone extensive modernisation since the couple purchased it for $2.19 million in 2013, transforming it into a contemporary coastal home.

Situated on an 834-square-meter block, the property features abundant natural light and offers convenient access to Balgowlah Heights Village’s shops, dining, and educational facilities. The home is also nestled among picturesque harbour reserves, including Forty Baskets, Dobroyd Head, and the popular Manly to Spit walking track.

Easton returned to lead Facebook Australia in 2017, having previously headed the company’s emerging markets division for Asia Pacific. The former Google and Microsoft executive has recently been at the centre of industry controversy following Meta’s decision to withdraw from Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code.

The code, implemented in 2021, had directed approximately $600 million to Australian media organisations for content sharing arrangements. Meta’s exit has been linked to job losses across multiple news outlets, including Nine Entertainment. The tech giant has also publicly opposed the Australian government’s proposals to introduce taxation on technology companies to support journalism.

The property was scheduled for auction on Saturday, May 10, with James Haywood of Cunninghams Real Estate handling the sale. Mr. Haywood was unavailable for comment.

Published 19-April-2025

Double Win For Local Butcher At Sausage King Awards

Photo Credit: Instagram / @millinsbutcher

Balgowlah Heights has a new claim to fame as local favourite Millin’s Free Range Butcher brought home two prestigious first-place trophies from the NSW Sausage King awards.

**Millin’s Free Range Butcher claimed top honour for their Thick Beef Sausages in the Traditional Australian Beef Sausage category.**
Photo Credit: Millin’s Free Range Butcher

The New Street West shop’s declaration that “the bangers are better at Balgowlah Heights” was proven true when they claimed top honours in both the Traditional Australian Beef Sausage category and the Poultry Sausage division with their satay Malay chicken sausages.

**Their Chicken Satay Malay Sausages were also awarded the top honour in the Poultry Sausage division.**
Photo Credit: Millin’s Free Range Butcher

For the tight-knit Balgowlah Heights community, the wins represent more than just recognition of quality meat products – they highlight the suburb’s growing reputation for artisanal food offerings.

Owner Stef Millin, a familiar face to locals who frequent the New Street West shopping precinct, accepted the awards after 12 years of competition entries. The business also secured impressive second-place finishes for their Morroccan Lamb & Raisin Sausages and their beef, Spanish onion, carrot, and parsley burgers.

**Their Morroccan Lamb & Raisin Sausages secured an impressive second-place finish for the Gourmet Lamb category.**
Photo Credit: Millin’s Free Range Butcher

The Balgowlah Heights shop has developed a dedicated following among northern beaches residents who appreciate the butchery’s commitment to sourcing premium grass-fed meats from the Barrington Tops and Hunter Valley regions, as well as lamb and pork from Cowra.

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Millin’s has become a cornerstone business in the Balgowlah Heights shopping strip, with their focus on quality ingredients and innovative flavour combinations making them a destination butcher for discerning local customers.

The awards add to Millin’s previous accolades, including several state awards and a national title for Best Butchers’ Beef Burger in 2019, further establishing Balgowlah Heights as a food lover’s destination on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Published 13-March-2025

Balgowlah Heights Man Faces Court Over Alleged Kangaroo Cruelty

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 20-year-old Balgowlah Heights resident is contesting multiple animal cruelty charges after allegedly deliberately running over kangaroos with a utility vehicle near Lithgow last July.

Leo Boland has pleaded not guilty to charges including torturing, beating and seriously injuring an animal; recklessly beating and seriously injuring an animal; and failing to disclose the identity of a driver or passenger as required.

Court documents reveal the disturbing allegations stem from a July 19 incident approximately 60 kilometres north of Lithgow, where Boland allegedly used a Holden Colorado ute to chase down and deliberately strike multiple kangaroos, including a joey. Police further allege that one kangaroo’s body was mutilated following the incident.

The case has direct connections to the northern beaches area, with the investigation led by local police after the incriminating Snapchat video came to their attention in September. Boland was subsequently charged on October 18.

In Manly Local Court on Wednesday, the police prosecutor stated that authorities had seized a mobile phone belonging to an unidentified passenger in the vehicle. When questioned on October 4, Boland allegedly refused to reveal the passenger’s identity.

While Boland was absent from Wednesday’s court proceedings at Manly Local Court, Magistrate Daniel Reiss scheduled an August 21 hearing expected to last between three and four hours.

The charges facing the Balgowlah Heights resident are serious, with police documents alleging he caused “prolonged suffering” to the animals and had “the intention of inflicting severe pain, committed a serious act of cruelty.”

Published 5-March-2025

Balgowlah Heights Resident Charged in Alleged Animal Cruelty Incident

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A Balgowlah Heights resident has been charged with serious animal cruelty offences after allegedly running over two kangaroos near Running Stream, sparking outrage and legal proceedings.

Leo Boland, 20, from Balgowlah Heights, faces multiple charges related to the alleged incident that occurred on July 19, approximately 60 kilometres north of Lithgow. The charges include torturing and seriously injuring animals, with police alleging he deliberately swerved his Holden Colorado ute to chase and run over two kangaroos, including a joey.

Boland did not appear in Manly Local Court on Wednesday, but his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The case has drawn attention to animal welfare issues in rural areas and the potential for deliberate animal cruelty.

According to police documents, the investigation began in September after CCTV footage emerged showing a vehicle allegedly deliberately running over kangaroos. Officers from the northern beaches command charged Boland on October 18, issuing a court attendance notice.

The most serious allegations include claims that Boland not only ran down the animals but also mutilated the body of one of the kangaroos. Police assert that he committed these acts “with the intention of inflicting severe pain” and causing “prolonged suffering” to the animals.

The matter is scheduled to return to Manly Local Court on February 5, where further details of the alleged incident are expected to be presented.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife protection and the legal consequences of alleged animal cruelty in rural and semi-rural areas of New South Wales.

Published 27-November-2024

Balgowlah Bowling & Community Club Faces Closure, Appeals for Public Support

Photo Credit: Barefoot Bowling Club

The Balgowlah Bowling & Community Club, affectionately known as “The Bally Bowlo,” is in dire financial straits and has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to avoid closure.

The 68-year-old club, located in Balgowlah Heights, urgently needs a minimum of $20,000 in the coming week to remain operational.

Secretary manager Tony Wagener initiated the “Save the Bally Bowlo” campaign on Saturday, emphasising the club’s critical need for funds. The club’s financial woes have been attributed to several factors, including a delayed outdoor liquor licence, a prolonged noise dispute with nearby residents, and the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Balgowlah Bowling Club appeals for public support — *Photo Credit:* *Barefoot Bowling Club*

Barefoot bowling — *Photo Credit:* *Barefoot Bowling Club*

Despite these challenges, the club has been actively diversifying its offerings to generate revenue. It has hosted various events such as weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, and even tai-chi and yoga classes. The club also introduced barefoot bowls and live music to attract a wider audience.

Mr Wagener stressed that the club’s financial situation was not due to mismanagement but rather a series of unfortunate events largely beyond their control. The funds raised will primarily be used to cover operational costs, retain staff, and extend the club’s opening hours.

The Bally Bowlo in Balgowlah — *Photo Credit:* *Barefoot Bowling Club*

As of Tuesday morning, the campaign had raised $15,500 through the Australian Sporting Foundation, with all donations being tax-deductible. The Board of Directors is scheduled to meet with members to discuss the club’s future and the outcome of the fundraising effort.

Balgowlah Bowling & Community Club — *Photo Credit:* *Barefoot Bowling Club*

The club plays a vital role in the community, providing a space for social interaction and physical activity, particularly for older residents. Its closure would undoubtedly leave a void in the Balgowlah community. The public is encouraged to donate to the “Save the Bally Bowlo” campaign to ensure the survival of this cherished local institution.

Published Date 29-May-2024

Balgowlah

Rescue

Theft And Break-Ins

Traffic

Fire Alarm

Hazard – Fallen Powerlines

Balgowlah Heights

Disorder

Hazard

Seaforth

Disorder

Traffic

Clontarf

Theft

Disorder

Local Access to Urgent Care

Relieving Pressure on Hospitals

Designed For Families and After-Hours Needs

Community Impact on the Northern Beaches

1. KUZIRA Japanese Dining

About KUZIRA Japanese Dining4.9 Google Rating

Google Reviews

2. Chez Maurice Et Linda

About Chez Maurice Et Linda4.6 Google Rating

Google Reviews

3. Monkey King Thai – Balgowlah

About Monkey King Thai – Balgowlah4.7 Google Rating

Google Reviews

4. Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant

About Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant4.5 Google Rating

Google Reviews

5. Cielo Pizza

About Cielo Pizza4.7 Google Rating

Google Reviews

About KUZIRA Japanese Dining
4.9 Google Rating

About Chez Maurice Et Linda
4.6 Google Rating

About Monkey King Thai – Balgowlah
4.7 Google Rating

About Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating

About Cielo Pizza
4.7 Google Rating