A Balgowlah apprentice carpenter has admitted he was the driver in a Snapchat video that shows a ute swerving to hit two kangaroos on a rural road near Lithgow.
His plea was entered at Manly Local Court on Thursday, 21 August 2025. Police facts state the incident occurred at Running Stream, about 60km north of Lithgow, at 6:34 p.m. on 19 July 2024.
The video was filmed by a passenger and shared on Snapchat.
What the Court Heard
The court was told Leo Boland, 21, of Balgowlah Heights, pleaded guilty to recklessly beating and seriously injuring an animal, and failing to disclose the identity of a driver or passenger. A more serious torture charge was withdrawn after discussions with police prosecutors, and a new set of agreed facts was tendered. The ute was registered to his mother, who is not accused of wrongdoing.
The police began investigating in September 2024 after seizing the passenger’s phone and locating footage of a Holden Colorado deliberately swerving into kangaroos. On 4 October 2024, Boland declined to identify the driver; on 9 October, the passenger confirmed to police that Boland was behind the wheel. There were claims that one animal was mutilated, allegations that preceded the later plea to the reckless harm charge.
Serious animal cruelty under section 530 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment when the act is intentional; a related offence introduced as section 530(1A) covers recklessness as to severe pain and carries a lower maximum of three years.
Magistrate Robert Williamson ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned the matter for sentence to Thursday, 2 October 2025, at Manly Local Court.
For Balgowlah residents, this case is close to home: it involves a Northern Beaches local, behaviour recorded and spread online, and wildlife that many locals value and encounter on regional trips. The outcome will signal how courts treat reckless harm to animals when digital evidence is central to the brief.
Parents and students in Balgowlah have expressed strong opposition after Catholic Schools Broken Bay confirmed the closure of St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School at the end of 2025.
St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School in Balgowlah will close permanently at the end of the 2025 school year. The site will be repurposed as a new Year 5 and 6 Learning Hub for St Paul’s Catholic College, which recently transitioned from an all-boys school to a co-educational model.
Students currently enrolled at St Cecilia’s have been offered places at St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School in Manly Vale. Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) has given families two weeks to complete enrolment transfers to secure placements.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Wider Education Strategy
The closure forms part of CSBB’s five-year strategy, Shaping Tomorrow, Together in Faith, launched in July 2025. The plan outlines major changes across six precincts within the Diocese, including Northern Beaches, North Shore, and the Central Coast.
In the Southern Beaches precinct, the strategy merges St Cecilia’s and St Kieran’s into one school community based at Manly Vale, while Balgowlah is repurposed for St Paul’s College. The plan also includes new K–12 pathways, specialist schools for additional needs, and more than $300 million in upgrades across the Central Coast.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Consultation Process
According to CSBB, consultations had been underway for more than three years. These included community forums, surveys, and meetings. A briefing was held on 12 August 2025 at St Cecilia’s, where the closure was confirmed.
CSBB stated that only a small number of families from St Cecilia’s had engaged in earlier consultation, with fewer than ten survey responses submitted out of more than 200 families.
Community Sentiment in Balgowlah
Many parents said they were caught off guard by the announcement, describing the process as lacking transparency. Families reported learning of the closure during the 12 August evening meeting, with some parents saying they only attended after being alerted through social media groups.
Concerns raised include the limited time for enrolment decisions, the future of funds raised for school facilities, and the disruption to children’s education and social connections. Some families have begun petitions calling for the closure to be delayed until 2027.
Students have also expressed sadness, particularly younger pupils who fear separation from friends, and older students concerned about missing out on leadership roles in their final year.
Next Steps
St Cecilia’s staff have been assured that all permanent teaching positions will be retained, with teachers expected to move with students as part of the transition.
CSBB has emphasised that the strategy aims to expand pathways, modernise facilities, and strengthen Catholic education across the Diocese. Parents, however, continue to call for more time and clearer communication about the changes affecting Balgowlah.
A plan to add nine berths and a public kiosk to the North Harbour Marina in Balgowlah has been recommended for approval, escalating a dispute with hundreds of residents who formally opposed the project.
The proposal, put forward by property developer Addenbrooke for the North Harbour Marina, involves a significant refurbishment of the site historically known as Davis Marina. The plans include adding nine new berths to reach a total of 44 and removing ten swing moorings to widen a channel in the adjacent Jillings Cove.
The redevelopment would also introduce a waterside kiosk open to the general public and provide new storage racks for 72 dinghies, many of which are currently left along the foreshore. While the marina’s overall footprint would not increase, the scale of the proposed changes has become a point of friction within the community.
Tidal Wave of Community Concern
Photo Credit: Google Maps
When the development application was opened for public comment, it drew a tidal wave of opposition, with more than 250 submissions lodged against the plan, compared to just 17 in support. Residents and local boaties expressed fears that North Harbour would become clogged with larger vessels, creating environmental damage and safety issues.
The North Harbour Community Group voiced concerns about a loss of amenity for locals. The group’s secretary, Terry Le Roux, stated that the waterway is primarily used for recreation by residents in kayaks, on paddle boards, and in small sailboats, while the larger boats seeking berths would likely belong to non-residents.
Others worried about increased noise from the kiosk, which was slated to begin service at 6 a.m. with outdoor seating. On land, local Kerry Smallman submitted that the kiosk would intensify traffic and strain the already inadequate parking situation on Gourlay Avenue.
Due to the significant public response, the application was referred to the independent Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel for a final decision on July 16. In its assessment report for the panel, the council recommended that the development be approved. Council staff advised the panel that the proposal had been amended during the assessment to lessen its impact.
The changes included reducing the overall scale of the development, capping the maximum length of boats at the new berths to 15 metres, and scaling back the kiosk, which will not be permitted to sell alcohol. According to the council’s report, the amended works are now considered compatible with the area and the desired future character of the harbour. The owners of the marina have been contacted for their comment on the matter.
A proposed McDonald’s outlet in Balgowlah has been formally rejected following concerns from residents, planners, and NSW Police over traffic, amenity, and antisocial behaviour.
In February 2025, McDonald’s submitted a $4 million development application (DA2025/0132) for a new restaurant at 37 Roseberry Street, Balgowlah. The plan included a drive-through, parking for 41 vehicles, and round-the-clock trading. Following widespread community objections, the proposed hours were amended to 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Despite the changes, the application was escalated to the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel for determination.
On 2 July 2025, the panel unanimously refused the application. Panel members cited unresolved concerns around traffic congestion, particularly given the site’s proximity to the Manly Vale B-Line stop and its location near residential areas. Police had previously raised concerns about public safety. They referenced 112 incidents recorded within the vicinity over the past two years. A comparable 24-hour McDonald’s nearby recorded 58 incidents in the same period.
The panel noted that the applicant failed to adequately demonstrate that the development would not cause unreasonable impacts to the surrounding road network or contribute to further antisocial behaviour.
Photo Credit: DA2025/0132
Community Sentiment and Local Opposition
Residents submitted 740 formal responses during the consultation period. There were only two supporting the proposal. A Facebook group formed to mobilise opposition gathered over 400 members, and an online petition against the development attracted close to 4,000 signatures. Community concerns included road safety for pedestrians, increased vehicle movements, noise, odour, and the site’s interface with nearby homes and schools.
McDonald’s has not confirmed whether it will seek a review or appeal the panel’s decision. A company spokesperson stated that they are reviewing the outcome and considering their next steps.
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
Veterinary staff in Balgowlah are calling on residents to register their pets as blood donors, amid a growing need for life-saving transfusions at SASH Northern Beaches.
Ongoing Demand for Pet Blood Donations in Balgowlah
A 24/7 veterinary hospital in Balgowlah is urging local pet owners to support a critical need for animal blood donors. Staff at Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) Northern Beaches say they are facing increasing demand for transfusions to treat dogs and cats with acute injuries, surgical blood loss, or autoimmune conditions.
SASH Northern Beaches, located on Roseberry Street in Balgowlah, is the newest facility in the SASH network and the first specialist-led, round-the-clock emergency animal hospital based in the Northern Beaches. While its services also extend to nearby areas such as the Lower North Shore, the hospital is primarily positioned to meet demand within the Northern Beaches region.
The purpose-built site includes departments for surgery, internal medicine, critical care, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, and behavioural services.
Since its launch, the Balgowlah location has joined SASH’s broader effort to build its in-house blood bank, first established in 2007. The Balgowlah team is now actively seeking community participation to meet local transfusion needs.
Photo Credit: SASH
Criteria and Process for Donating
To ensure safety, dogs must meet specific health and behavioural criteria. Eligible dogs are generally aged between 1 and 7 years, weigh at least 14 kilograms, preferably over 25 and be in good health with no history of major illness or transfusion. They should also be friendly, vaccinated, and able to lie still for up to 10 minutes.
For cats, donors must weigh over 4 kilograms, be aged between 1 and 8 years, and be indoor-only pets. Sedation is standard for feline donors due to their naturally anxious behaviour.
Pets are screened through physical examinations and blood testing to confirm they are suitable for the program.
Local Capacity and Benefits for Owners
Currently, most donors come from pets owned by SASH veterinary staff. However, with a large local population of medium to large dog breeds, staff believe there is significant untapped donor potential across the region.
Donors receive veterinary checks and blood testing—usually valued in the hundreds—as well as their choice of premium pet food or parasite prevention products.
Photo Credit: SASH
Lifesaving Implications
Blood collected from donor animals is processed into red cells and plasma. Each dog donation may assist multiple recipients. SASH states that if donated blood is not used at the Northern Beaches location, it is transported to other SASH clinics across Sydney as required, ensuring it is not wasted.
Veterinarians note that transfusions are commonly needed for pets undergoing tumour removal surgery, suffering from anaemia, or affected by poisoning or immune-related blood disorders.
Community Involvement Encouraged
The team at SASH Balgowlah is working to build stronger community engagement by encouraging residents to register eligible pets as blood donors. Only animals that meet specific health and behavioural criteria are accepted, with temperament and medical suitability assessed during screening to ensure donor welfare.
Pet owners in Balgowlah interested in registering their animals can contact the SASH Northern Beaches hospital directly or submit an expression of interest through its official website.
A proposed upgrade to North Harbour Marina in Balgowlah has triggered strong community opposition, with over 300 public submissions raising environmental and safety concerns.
North Harbour Marina, formerly known as Davis Marina, is located in Balgowlah on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The site’s property developer owners submitted a development application (DA2024/1216) to NBC in September 2024, proposing alterations and additions to the existing marina facilities.
The application, currently under assessment, outlines a $257,500 upgrade aimed at enhancing services for boating customers and includes the addition of nine berths, a waterside kiosk, and storage for 72 dinghys.
Proposed Changes and Intended Use
According to documentation lodged with the application, the owners seek to remove or relocate 14 existing swing moorings to create a 50-metre-wide navigation channel through Jillings Cove. The plan also includes construction of a kiosk with outdoor seating, opening as early as 6 a.m., and accessible to the general public.
Although the development does not propose an increase in the overall marina footprint, the berth sizes will be limited to vessels no longer than 15 metres. The proposed dinghy storage aims to address current clutter along the foreshore.
The proposal has drawn significant public interest, with over 300 submissions received during the exhibition period from 19 February to 19 March 2025. The majority of these oppose the development.
Local residents have cited concerns about potential environmental impacts due to larger and more frequent vessel traffic. Safety concerns have also been raised, particularly relating to kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who regularly use the harbour.
Photo Credit: DA2024/1216
The North Harbour Community Group expressed fears over a “loss of amenity” for local recreational users. Group secretary Terry Le Roux said most marina users would not be local residents, while locals risk losing access to calm waters.
Nearby resident Kerry Smallman raised concerns about increased traffic and pressure on limited parking around Gourlay Avenue as a result of the proposed kiosk.
The application remains under assessment by NBC. A final decision is yet to be made, and the community awaits the outcome as concerns continue to be voiced.
Police have referred the death of Balgowlah toddler Joe Massa to the NSW Coroner and launched an investigation after allegations surfaced that Northern Beaches Hospital reportedly failed to provide life-saving treatment.
Elouise and Danny Massa took their son Joe to Northern Beaches Hospital’s emergency department on 14 September 2024 after he spent the night vomiting. The toddler had hypovolemia, a condition caused by severe fluid loss. Despite a dangerously high heart rate of 183 beats per minute, Joe was reportedly misclassified as a Category 3 patient instead of a more urgent Category 2.
His condition allegedly deteriorated over three and a half hours as his mother’s pleas for an IV drip were ignored. Joe suffered a fatal heart attack at 10:47 a.m. and later died at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick due to brain damage.
Hospital Failures Revealed
A Serious Adverse Event Review (SAER), submitted to the NSW Health Ministry in December 2024, identified multiple failures in Joe’s treatment, including:
Failure to recognise and respond to a critically high heart rate.
Ignoring parental concerns about their child’s worsening condition.
Failure to act on internal escalation procedures.
Lack of an automatic alert system in the hospital’s patient IT system.
Two clinicians involved in Joe’s care were referred to the hospital’s executive unit for further management.
New developments have now escalated the matter.
Police and Coroner Step In
Following widespread media coverage and a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the incident on 27 February 2025, NSW Police announced they had retrospectively reported Joe Massa’s death to the NSW Coroner.
A police spokesperson confirmed on 28 February that Strike Force Carlton has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Joe’s death.
“Police have been directed by the NSW Coroner to investigate the death of a two-year-old boy from Sydney’s Northern Beaches in September last year,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Authorities also confirmed that the death had not been initially reported to police.
“More Fluids?”
During a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry on 27 February, Northern Beaches Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Peter Thomas, reportedly admitted that Joe Massa should have received fluids earlier.
“Retrospectively, it would’ve been appropriate to give baby Joe fluids earlier in his admission,” he told the enquiry.
The NSW Coroner’s findings and the police investigation may determine whether further action is taken against the hospital or medical staff.
Community and Political Response
Joe’s parents have called for a full public review of Northern Beaches Hospital’s emergency department and greater oversight of the public-private partnership (PPP) model that governs the facility.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park admitted the hospital allegedly failed the Massa family. Official Chris Minns acknowledged the tragedy, stating that the government was open to further inquiries and potential policy changes.
Meanwhile, Dr Sophie Scamps, a former emergency doctor at Mona Vale Hospital, condemned the hospital’s PPP model, calling it a “failed experiment.” She launched a petition demanding the hospital be returned to public hands, which has already gathered over 1,500 signatures.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Implementation of ‘Joe’s Rule’
In response to the tragedy, NSW officials will overhaul the existing “REACH” protocol, which allows families to escalate concerns about a patient’s deteriorating condition. The new system, to be renamed “Joe’s Rule,” aims to simplify the escalation process and ensure all families are aware of their rights.
The State have also committed the following:
Investigating Joe Massa’s case further through a coronial inquest.
Reviewing the Northern Beaches Hospital’s emergency department procedures.
Examining its contract with private hospital operator Healthscope.
Northern Beaches Hospital’s Controversial Public-Private Model
The Northern Beaches Hospital opened in 2018 under a PPP model. It replaced the public Manly and Mona Vale hospitals, a move that was widely opposed by residents. The state provides ongoing funding to private operator Healthscope, now owned by Canadian investment firm Brookfield.
A 2020 NSW Upper House inquiry into the hospital highlighted operational concerns and recommended ending all future PPP hospital arrangements in NSW. Five proposed regional hospital PPPs were scrapped as a result.
Public Outrage and Calls for Action
Many Northern Beaches residents have renewed calls for an entire public emergency department to be reinstated at Mona Vale Hospital. Former staff have reportedly raised concerns about chronic under-resourcing at Northern Beaches Hospital, with some nurses describing allegedly unsafe working conditions and staff shortages.
Patients have also allegedly experienced delays in emergency care, with some choosing to seek treatment at Royal North Shore Hospital instead.
What Happens Next?
The Massa family remains committed to seeking justice for their son. They continue to push for:
A full independent review into Northern Beaches Hospital’s emergency department.
Mandatory patient IT system upgrades to escalate critical cases automatically.
Legislation banning public hospitals from outsourcing operations to private companies.
Mr Minns stated that he would look into further investigations, and the NSW officials will soon hold a roundtable discussion on hospital reforms. The introduction of “Joe’s Rule” marks the first step towards ensuring no other family experiences a similar loss.
With the launch of Strike Force Carlton and the involvement of the NSW Coroner, the case has now entered a critical new phase of scrutiny.
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.
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.
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?”
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.
Photo Credit: SeaLight Productions/Facebook
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.
