More on Cronulla For six decades, Cronulla has relied on Green’s Footwear to shoe the community. But the family-run shoe store almost didn’t make it past its 50th anniversary. Second-generation owner Robert Green was all set to retire and close the business when his daughter Lucy Hodson stepped in. “I have grown up in and around the store. In primary school I'd work the Spring Fair weekend in the stall with my sisters – we would be paid in a sausage sizzle from the butcher and a spotty dog ice cream from the New Zealand [Natural] ice cream shop,” Hodson recalls. “If you'd asked me if I'd end up running the store, I would have told you ‘absolutely not!’ I left school and worked in marketing and loved it. When I became pregnant with my son, my dad was about to retire and close the business. The timing seemed right; I’d be working close to home and be able to continue my family’s business.” Almost 10 years later, Hodson has taken the reins from her semi-retired dad, who can’t quite seem to leave. “The plan was to retire five years ago but he loves being in-store,” she says. “I've really enjoyed working with my dad, it's really special to have a great father-daughter relationship as well as a working relationship. Working with family in a family business is special.” It was Hodson’s paternal grandparents Louise and Alan Green who started the business at 88 Cronulla Street, and then 13 years later moved the growing business to its current premises at number 45. The building already had a history in footwear spanning back to the 1920s with Baird Shoes – owned by the grandparents of former NSW Premier Mike Baird – and Fay’s Shoes as previous tenants. Its legacy is something special for Hodson. “We have so much history being in business for 60 years,” she notes, “for instance, the shelving in the storeroom is built by my great-great-grandfather, grandfather and dad; we have a family height chart on the wall down the back that has all my family’s measurements on it; and Grandie [Alan] used to come and deliver coffees to the staff every afternoon until his late eighties.” She mentions that many staff members have clocked on for more than two decades for Green’s throughout its operation. “Our staff are like our family too,” says Hodson. In 60 years, the footwear business has certainly evolved from a time when there were no shoes on display in-store – customers would indicate what colour shoe they were looking for and the occasion – to the current day where the Green’s website sells shoes 24/7, nationally and even internationally. And while there have been some tough periods – the global financial crisis earlier this century, and the Covid pandemic – there have also been plenty of memorable moments. “Puberty Blues being filmed, the adjustment from Cronulla Street to Cronulla Mall,” says Hodson. And distinctive footwear trends too: wooden wedges of the ‘70s, pixie boots, skate shoes and “those over-the-knee long boots from the movie Pretty Woman”. At the time of writing. Hodson is overseeing the finishing touches to the store’s renovation, “a Green’s 2.0,” she calls it. “We will have a fresh, new, warm and inviting store with the same great staff who give great service and offer comfortable and stylish shoes.” Although the offering will change with the addition of new clothing and accessories lines, the good old-fashioned community feel won’t. It’s this local support that has contributed to the business’s success, she says. “I love hearing stories from customers who have been served by Nan and Grandie [Louise and Alan] as children and now bring their grandchildren in to be served by Rob and I. Generations serving generations of Cronulla locals – it’s pretty special.” Local favourite Lucy Hodson from Green’s Footwear lives locally with her family: her husband, two kids and dog Winnie. “On the weekends we love being outdoors – playing sports, walking our dog or having a family picnic at Lilli Pilli Point.” Green’s Footwear (www.greensfootwear.com.au), at 45 Cronulla Street, celebrates 60 years in October 2023. By Adeline Teoh

More on Cronulla The Cronulla RSL began as a small club, leasing a few rooms in the Cecil Hotel in 1942 and has grown into the iconic waterfront venue we know today. However, one thing has remained the same - their dedication to engaging and supporting the Cronulla and Sutherland Shire community. With weekly activities, including bingo, Zumba and trivia, and subsidiary clubs and sporting groups, there is something for everyone at The Club. However, if that hasn’t tempted you to The Cronulla RSL, we know what will – the highly anticipated refurbishment and re-opening of their stunning Deck Bar. Cronulla RSL Deck Bar - New and Improved Cronulla RSL’s Deck Bar is THE PLACE to be on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. With Stunning views of South Cronulla Beach – where else would you rather be? After closing the doors on its panoramic views in May this year, The Deck at Cronulla RSL finally reopened in late July. The fantastic new deck boasts a fresh and vibrant ambience and, as described by The Club itself: “an unparalleled dining experience”. Sounds like just the place to be to us! With a gorgeous new modern coastal aesthetic, The Deck Bar’s new look has been carefully curated to induce a laid-back atmosphere, complete with soothing colours, natural elements, and plenty of comfortable seating. You won’t be able to beat settling into the weekend with a cocktail and taking in the stunning views. To accompany the renovations, The Deck Bar is also slinging some fantastic new cocktails, as well as tried and tested classics to tickle your tastebuds: Signature cocktails Surf Juice (Haku Vodka, Coconut, Seltzer, Lime, Bitters) Emerald Spritz (Midori, Roku Gin, Suze, Pineapple, Seltzer) To Share Shark Punch (Basil Hayden, Rum, Tea, Giffard Apricot) Miami Vice (A Deck Bar Daquiri inside + Cronulla Colada) Cocktail Tree (Your choice of Aperol Spritz, Margarita or Espresso Martini to share with 8-12 guests) Cocktail Tasting Paddle (sample of 6 of your favourites in mini form) On Tap Espresso Martini Tommy’s Margarita Cronulla RSL’s CEO, Sue McNeil, has shared her thoughts on the re-opening, stating, “With this renovation, we wanted to create a space that not only showcases our beautiful coastal setting but also provides an exceptional experience for our valued patrons. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back and share the joy of this new chapter." It certainly seems the newly refurbished deck is going to be the Cronulla hot spot of the spring and summer season. While the Deck Bar is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons until late, The Deck’s seating area is open every day and drinks can be purchased from other bars throughout The Club and enjoyed on The Deck outside of its bar's usual hours. With stunning views of the beautiful Cronulla foreshore, there’s never a wrong time to enjoy the newly re-opened Cronulla RSL Deck. To check out all the upcoming events, menus and operating hours at The Cronulla RSL and read more about The Deck, head to www.cronullarsl.com.au

More on Cronulla Our bodies are the only thing we’ll have forever, so it’s important to keep them in the best possible condition. Thankfully, there is physiotherapy in Sutherland Shire. Locals have Swell Physio and Pilates. We caught up with their founder, Shire local, James Wood, to find out more about what he and Swell are doing differently and how it benefits the community. James Wood and Origins of Swell Physio and Pilates James came to physiotherapy as many do, through a keen interest in sport and a curiosity in movement and muscular mechanics. However, he found that the industry lacked personalisation and wanted to delve more into treating the individual rather than just the injury. Thus Swell was born; “I wanted to add value to the community and build a place that is primarily focused on helping people. I’ve worked throughout Sydney in my career and always struggled when friends asked, “Who do you recommend in the Shire for physio?”. People will look for different ways to recover from injury and pain; I hope I can provide somewhere that helps people who want a holistic approach, are looking to understand their issue more fully, and wanting to be empowered in their recovery,” James explained. “Clients immediately feel comfortable when they enter Swell. Many of them have found gyms or larger Pilates classes intimidating, so I’ve created an atmosphere that is welcoming and relaxing to allow people a comfortable space to exercise or recover from pain or injury. Because the feel of the space puts them at ease, they are less tense and guarded in their body, meaning they have a better session, and leave feeling amazing.” Whole Person Physiotherapy in Sutherland Shire Since it’s opening in March 2022, James has been demonstrating that Swell skews away from the hyper-isolating approaches of more traditional physiotherapy practices and clinics typically offer. “We provide a genuine personalised touch. In physio, we treat the whole person. That means assessing how your whole body is moving and how this impacts on the problem area, to understand the actual causes of your pain. It also means understanding the influences of other parts of your life, this includes stress, sleep, diet, and more.” Said James. “I have done a huge amount of training in ConnectTherapy and the Thoracic Ring Approach, which are ways to assess which parts of your body are causing pain, and how to most effectively treat it. Maybe your old knee injury is altering how you squat, leading to your current back pain. Traditional forms of physio don’t go beyond the immediate area of pain, meaning the underlying cause often gets missed, and the pain can return. We will definitely treat the current issue, but when we identify why the problem exists, you get better faster, and for good.” James has recognised not only the importance of a person’s lifestyle on their health and wellbeing but also how their community can impact approaches to health. We provide a different options for physiotherapy in Sutherland Shire and Cronulla. Most physiotherapy in the area is very limited in its approach. A heat pack, massage, and pre-printed exercise sheet for every person. No two injuries are the same because no two people are the same, so the treatment should always be tailored, and that’s what we do. Our sessions will be completely different for every person, depending on what they need. James has expressed deep gratitude to The Shire community for how well Swell has been received noting that it has been “Fantastically humbling”. “I’ve built some great relationships with specialists, GPs, other allied health, local business owners, and have some incredible clients who refer everyone they speak to! I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from the community.” If you’re looking for physio & pilates that’s done differently, you simply must try Swell. Head to their website to book an appointment online or call the clinic on 02 7253 8577. Swell Physio and Pilates can be found at 2/25 Cronulla Street, Cronulla 2230 By Isabella Edwards

More on Cronulla When Mark Jeffree and the GJ Gardner Homes team started planning to walk the iconic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, it wasn’t just a matter of crossing an item off their bucket list. Instead, they used the milestone trip to raise more than $147,000 for two charities close to their community. Mark Jeffree Operates GJ Gardiner in Caringbah Mark, along with his wife Kylie, operate the Sydney South franchise of home-building company GJ Gardner Homes situated in Caringbah. A builder by trade, he now spends his days running the business, co-ordinating their nine employees and “a whole suite of suppliers and subcontractors” – from allocating work to ensuring they’re safe and paid. Overhearing a couple of members of the GJ team talk about Kokoda reminded Mark that he had the trail on his bucket list. “I didn't have any relatives that were involved [in the World War II campaign] directly, but it was just something that was on our doorstep and if people didn't keep going and listening to the history of the place, over time it just gets diminished,” he says of his motivation to visit. About the Kokoda Trail The Kokoda Trail campaign was part of a 1942 series of battles in the Pacific during World War II between Japanese forces and an alliance of Australian and US soldiers. The isolated mountain terrain and jungle environment made for notoriously difficult conditions through which the alliance prevailed with help from the well-known hospitality of Papua New Guineans. Today, tour companies such as Adventure Kokoda – which Mark and the GJ team went with – guide hikers along the trail, strengthening the experience with historic commentary and local knowledge. The Kokoda Trail Walking Team The GJ team comprised 16 people, including Mark and his 15-year-old son. Due to the iconic nature of the trip, the team decided to turn the walk of a lifetime into a fundraising opportunity. They chose charities with a link to the team and the trip: MATES In Construction, a suicide prevention organisation aimed at construction workers – who are eight times more likely to die by suicide than an accident at work; and Legacy, a 100-year-old charity which supports families of veterans. The thematic links came in handy when the GJ team reached out to its network to raise funds. “It was something a bit more rewarding when you're asking people to put some money towards it, because it's something that we could all speak about,” Mark explains. “A lot of our subcontractors and suppliers were keen to support. Some of the older ones that had connections to Papua New Guinea were even keener and really excited about hearing about the trip as well. Virtually everyone supported us whichever way they could and in the end we raised just over $147,000.” Training For The Kokoda Track While the team trained in Australian conditions – Mark and his son hiked trails around the Illawarra Escarpment and the Blue Mountains – “the track itself is a lot more challenging than any of the training tracks we did,” says Mark. “And doing a walk in the Blue Mountains when it's four degrees doesn't compare to doing a walk in Papua New Guinea where it's 30 degrees and 95 per cent humidity.” Other research included watching YouTube videos to help with mental preparation, both for understanding the history and context of the area and the difficulty of the trail – though Mark drew the line at showing the more extreme ‘horror hikes’ to his son. On the trail, there was a mix of a “big sense of accomplishment of finishing every day” interspersed with moments of reflection. “When they're recounting stories about what happened where we were, you go, ‘oh wow, people have lived, breathed and even been killed in this very area’ and it's quite sombre to go through those places seeing what people were doing for their country,” says Mark. A couple of team members did need to be evacuated out of the area due to injury and it’s at these moments when Mark saw the locals’ hospitality come to the fore, looking after casualties and ensuring they were catered for until handing them over to the helicopter. “You could sense that that's what they did for us during the course of the war and there are stories that are just like that but tenfold,” says Mark. “They're a caring bunch of people.” It also drove home the importance of the communities who still live in the areas where many Australians may only visit once in a lifetime. “Support the locals where you can because they're there to help you and support you on the trek, and going through their villages,” Mark notes. “On top of that, some of us have gone on and supported some local PNG boxers as our trek leader was involved in that scene. We've supported one of their heavyweight boxers so he can get to competitions and training, because he lives out on Manus Island.” The best part? “Doing it with my son was a big highlight for me,” nominates Mark. And it has also been a great team-bonding exercise. So much so, many are already thinking about where to go next. “Everyone seemed to get quite a bit out of it and it was all going to worthwhile causes and charities. If you get the opportunity to do it, it's really nice to be able to give something back. It's a win-win for everyone.” Local favourite Mark Jeffree from GJ Gardner Homes Sydney South recommends the Port Hacking Yacht Club for lunch. “It’s a really nice place to go on the water, nothing pretentious. It’s like a pub, but with a great outlook.” By Adeline Teoh

More on Cronulla Cronulla is known for its beautiful beaches & one of the favourite pastimes to participate in there is surfing - it's no wonder they have their very own Surf Museum. By Jamie Apps Cronulla is known for its beautiful beaches & one of the favourite pastimes to participate in there is surfing. In the grand scheme of things, surfing has an incredibly long history, dating all the way back to Polynesia where cave paintings indicate that surfing as we know it has existed since the 12th century. Here in Cronulla though the history of surfing is also very extensive. So much so that we have our very own Cronulla Surf Museum. Established to help document the history & legacy of surfing in the area the Cronulla Surf Museum showcases the surfers, influential characters, competitions, clubs, classic days and memorable highlights from the 70s, 80s, 90s & beyond that helped make surfing a phenomenon. The early days of surfing in Cronulla in the 60s Surfboard riding evolved from lifesaving in the 50s, but as boards got shorter and lighter surfers broke away from lifesaving clubs. In Cronulla riders like Bobby Brown, Frank Latta, Brian Jackson, & John Coleman soon put the local crew onto the surfing map. Bobby Brown was the Southside's first major star and next big thing until his untimely death after a pub fight. Spots like Cronulla Point, Sandshoes and Voodoo became known thanks to Jack Eden’s magic camera lens. Bob Weeks was also putting his camera to good use capturing the mood of the time. The original Cronulla Boardriders club began in the early 60s and Graham Ferris, Norm Casey, Baron, G&S, Peter Clarke & Jackson Surfboards provided the equipment. By the later part of the decade, music was changing with Hendrix and The Doors part of the Hippy rebellion. Hair was longer and boards were getting shorter. Kris Puckeridge, Ed Conlon and “Fast” Frank Latta were the first rippers to make the easy transition from long to shorter board length. The rise of shortboards & the counter-culture movement of the 70s The counter-culture wave of the 70s also saw it making a mark in surf culture with the sport moving in a new direction during the decade. The so-called “Bankies” (people from Bankstown & surrounds), soon began to discover the joy of surfing & were seen invading Cronulla beaches in the hundreds every summer. Surfers like Michael Petterson &the stylish Terry Fitzgerald still ruled the waves though. The Point became the centre of attention as the surfing world discovered its hollow powerful tubes. Steve Cores magazine Surf gave the local boys plenty of much-needed exposure. Riders like Greg Meluish, Banksy, Gary Hughes, Popout, ‘Chook’ & the unforgettable style of Bob Radical rose above the pack. The 1976 World Champ Peter Townend called Second Reef home for a time. Photo guys ‘Simo’, ‘Butto’ & Dave Shaw took water photography to new heights. Southern Comfort, G&S and Emerald Surfboards by Steve Griffiths shaped the way. Twin fins and stubby designs flooded the market. Up the beach, a new young crew was evolving and tearing up the contest scene. Ross Marshal, Pete Smith and Craig Naylor led the new rip-and-tear school. The Original Wall was smashed in the giant storm swells of 1974. Around the corner at Sandshoes the short but sucky barrel kept a hungry pack of local tube junkies stoked. The Ally Rip bowl became the centre focus of smash and bash ripping. KP, Voodoo and the soon-to-become infamous Shark island were all conquered and tamed. By the end of the 70s punk rock brought on a new style to the sport. Punk rock mentality & surfing in the 80s When we think punk rock we typically think black denim & leather but in the surfing scene fluro wetties, blow wave hairstyles, sticker sponsors, New Wave music and Corporate Surf brands like Billabong, Quiksilver and Rip Curl dominate the scene. Channel bottoms and then Thrusters became the vehicles of choice. Force 9 shapes and Waterforce then began to arrive. It was the age of Pro Surfing, with an all business mindset, as the circus slowly came to town in Cronulla. Local entrepreneur Graham Cassidy brought Night Surfing and Fancy Dress to thrill the masses. It was also the rise of a new era of Cronulla rippers. Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo, Richard ‘Dog’ Marsh, Alby Ross, Gary Green, Glenn Pringle, Dean Whiteman, Adam Brown, Andrew Murphy, Ashley Gee, Troy Dennehy and the Darcy Brothers all led the charge. Martin Potter moved into town and introduced high-performance aerials as standard moves. Michael Mackie, Chris Iredale, Richard James & the late Geoff Solness dominated at Shark Island. Cronulla and the Elourea Boardriders Clubs develop a competitive rivalry that will last for years. Occy blitzed the World Tour aged just 16, & in his first year finished in the top 16. A while later Greeny took his chance on the world tour and finished 6th overall, before then retiring shortly afterwards to go soul surfing. Dog after winning the Pro Junior, then the Australian Open title hit the world pro circuit as well, where he became a constant threat for over a decade. Cronulla dominates on the world stage in the 90s During the 90s, after years of honing their craft here on local beaches, our best prospects continued their surge on the world tour & dominated for much of the decade. Occy & Dog were the main two men on the world tour during the 90s, with the two schoolmates establishing Cronulla surfing as a world force. At his peak Dog would finish 8th on the world tour while in 1999 Occy would come out of early retirement to finally capture the championship. At the age of 33, after battling through periods of depression, Occy would return to become the oldest world champion ever. Back here at home guys like Rusty Moran, Sparky, Mark Ryan, Terepai, Jezza Hrbac, Boogs, Ox and Speg McKinnley go all out in the big stuff. Chasing down mutant swells on distant reefs way out on the horizons, with jetski tow-ins becoming the new toy of the big wave hunter. 2000s & beyond The turn of the decade saw the rise of a new generation of Cronulla surf stars. A wave of red hot kids like Blake Johnston, Kirk Flintoff, Luke Palmer, Joel Bonning, Andy King, Todd Mingramm, Chris Gerard, Dylan Hayllar, Joe Sear, Kirk Jenkins, Dylan Hannah, Keelan Veitch, Jake Stalker, Chicka Jackson, Wylie Fowler, Luke Weinert, Matt and Tommy Mulder, Fletch Hayllar, Matt Griggs, Dane Durban, Jack Irvine, Rory Jenkins, Jarrod and Jesse Horner, Harrison Martin, Zac Scott, Lachlan Gill, Beau Junk, Jordan Windenstrom, Jared Campbell, Connor O’Leary, Chris & Corey Robertson, Dane Long, Caleb Mclean, Rhett Clarke, Joe Wallace, Kurt Kiggins and longboarder Dane Wilson were making their mark. Today the names & talent just keep coming. While ever the swells continue to break, Cronulla will produce future champion surfers & blow away the surfing world with the awesome reef waves the Shire is renowned for.

By ALEC SMART Blake Johnston, legendary Cronulla surfer and manager of Cronulla Surfing Academy, whom we featured in the second edition of 2230 magazine, has recently completed a record-breaking surfing marathon, raising funds for the Chumpy Pullin Foundation. 40-Hour Marathon Surfing Challenge On 17 March, Blake undertook a 40-hour surfing challenge, breaking South African Josh Enslin’s existing 30-hour world record for non-stop surfing. After completing several long-distance runs in Sydney and the Royal National Park in 2020, he set his sights on a greater challenge. “I was already running big distances,” he said, “before deciding to run from Queensland to Cronulla.” Some of these were achieved without wearing shoes, which followed on from his first marathon in September 2019 in which he joked on social media that he was the “only entrant in the barefoot division, ha! ha!” However, before he set off on the 1000km long-distance road challenge (presumably he wasn’t going to run all the way from Queensland in bare feet?!) what inspired him to aim for a world record surfing session instead? “After surfing in the Melbourne wave pool for 7 hours and riding 100 waves,” he said, “I Googled ‘world’s longest surf’ on the plane heading home. “I had done a few 40hr runs and just thought I could do it. A bit arrogant but yeah, to be out in my happy place, bring in the community and do it for a cause close to my heart - I just knew I could do it.” Blake chose The Alley, the legendary and popular surfing spot between North and South Cronulla, for his epic record attempt, which, luckily, delivered 40 hours of decent waves upon which to ride. “It’s a special place to me,” he revealed, “where I grew up surfing and have amazing memories there. It moulded me and many other great surfers from Cronulla and it’s the perfect place to get the community as close to the water as possible to feel like they were out there with me.” However, he faced other obstacles beyond the incredible combination of mental and physical stamina. At one stage it was pitch black and he was surrounded by jellyfish (and possible sharks, which couldn’t be seen in the dark!). But he persevered and afterwards carried up the beach to cheers from a crowd gathered to witness his record-breaking achievement. “There was never a moment in all the 40 hours that I thought I was not going to finish,” he asserted. “I totally trusted the process and accepted the discomfort and pain.” A considerable amount of money was raised for the Chumpy Pullin Foundation, thanks to Blake’s selfless efforts. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks rugby team presented Blake with a number 7 team jersey in acknowledgement. Is the fundraising approaching the $250,000 goal? “We are currently at $422 000,” Blake proclaimed, “which is amazing! The more money we raise the more kids we can help. I chose the Chumpy Pullin Foundation as it is focused on the youth, and mental health is one of their pillars.” Established in memory of the late, Alex “Chumpy” Pullin, an icon of Australian snowboarding, the Foundation aims to “break down barriers to provide support and inspiration for young Australians to participate and grow through sport and life,” with an emphasis on providing financial assistance and development opportunities to Australian snowboarders. Since this epic event, Blake has settled back into coaching surfing, including hosting a surf wellness retreat attended by 60 kids. Keep a look out on Blake’s social media pages for other goals and charitable events. “I have a few challenges ahead,” he revealed. “A 100km SUP from Bankstown to Cronulla; 220km barefoot adventure run from Ulladulla to Cronulla… but the one I’m most excited about is a course learning to climb alpine mountains in New Zealand in November - that’s gunna be epic!” Blake Johnston Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeyjohnston/ Chumpy Pullin Foundation Sponsor the World’s Longest Surf: https://worldslongestsurf.com/blakey-johnston Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chumpypullinfoundation/ Cronulla Surfing Academy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cronullasurfingacademy/ 2230 magazine previous feature on Blake Johnston https://www.neighbourhoodmedia.com.au/post/blake-johnston-cronulla-surfing-academy

More on Dee Why If you are looking for a project to get the kids outdoors and on a real life adventure, then Tiny Doors is for you. This youth inspired art collaboration gave life to 32 unique miniature doors that have been hidden across the Northern beaches. The doors are meant to represent portals from literature and each has its own unique back story. The aim of the game is to find all 32, with everything from The Cat in the Hat to Dr Who. It’s a great way to get them looking for clues, and initiating story time. The project was inspired by a similar one run in Atlanta Georgia. The objective is to engage kids and youth in a treasure hunt and share in the love of books and adventure. To get in on the hunt, all you need do is visit any of the libraries in the 6 Northern Beaches locations, and ask for a Tiny Door’s passport and map. Libraries included are Dee Why, Manly, Seaforth, Warringah Mall, Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Avalon, Frenches Forrest and Belrose. The passport and map outline clues to help you find each of the hidden doors on these locations and you tick them off your passport one by one, taking a photo and loading via social media. In Dee Why library for example, you will find the Snoopy Tiny Door installation. Designed by Jamie Quiqqin, he shares why he came up with this design, which is made of wood, polymer, canvas and acrylic paint: “Cartooning is my favourite drawing style and I admire Charles M. Schultz talent. Snoopy’s adventures are funny, especially when he pretends to be other characters, and I really like how much he loves Woodstock.” Check out the website to learn more about the project and the back stories to the doors. It’s free, it’s fun and it's educational, so a winner for all involved! Website: tinydoorsnb.com.au

More on Dee Why Dee Why is home to many different businesses, all of which have insightful stories about life and work in Dee Why. Matthew Luba, Ashton & Co. Watches How long have you lived/worked in Dee Why? Lived in Dee Why since 2012 & Ashton & Co. was started in 2018 with our first watch collection called "Wanderlust" being available for sale in 2020. What is your favourite thing about the 2099 community? My favourite thing about 2099 is the beachside feel. I love how the Dee Why community has really grown and changed over the past few years to become a hot spot on the northern beaches. So many small boutique stores and new cafes/restaurants have opened to make Dee Why the vibrant suburb it is. What inspired you to start your business? I have always had a love of watches, and dreamed about starting my own online business, so I took the leap and started designing my own boutique style watches. The more I researched the more I discovered a huge gap especially in the women's market between affordability and quality. I soon realised the outrageous markups the big brands added to the price and my journey to create watches to be worn everyday began. Our watches can be worn for a casual outing or for a dressier occasion, and are truly affordable, whilst maintaining the high quality expected by our consumers. Website www.ashtonandcowatches.com Instagram @ashtoncowatches Facebook @ashtoncowatches Gavin Peimer, Chargrill Charlie's Dee Why How long have you lived/worked in Dee Why? I've been working in Dee Why for almost a year and a half since we opened our Dee Why store in 2019, however I had previously lived here for about 3 years prior to that. I've also worked in the Northern Beaches for over 7 years. What is your favourite thing about the 2099 community? I love the diversity in the 2099 community. You've got local Aussies mixed with incredible international cultures and a mix of ages from families to young couples. What inspired you to start your business? I noticed there was a big change coming to the Dee Why area a few years ago with lots of new developments. Chargrill Charlie's was a completely unique offering that perfectly embodies the community spirit of the Dee Why area so knew it was going to be the right fit. We're a family run business, that is community first above all else. Nothing makes me more excited than being able to work with our amazing staff to prepare delicious, quality home-style meals for our neighbourhood. Website www.chargrillcharlies.com Instagram @chargrillcharlies Facebook @chargrillcharlies Sebastian Matiz, Katja Girdler & Ryan Girdler, Girdlers Cafe, Dee Why How long have you lived/worked in Dee Why? The cafe has been in Dee Why since 2006. What is your favourite thing about the 2099 community? The relaxed beach lifestyle, the community feel and the beautiful Northern Beaches scenery. What inspired you to start your business? After successfully changing our families diets and life to overcome health issues we wanted to bring the benefits of healthy eating to our community. Website: www.girdlers.com.au/ Instagram: @girdlers_cafe Facebook: @Girdlers

A stunning collection of fragrances and candles, inspired by the Northern Beaches of Sydney. We caught up with Kirsten Walker, the Founder of Palm Beach Collection, to find out her inspiration for their amazing range of candles and fragrances. Who is the inspiration behind Palm Beach Collection? "It’s more of a “Where?”. We draw inspiration for our products from our home, the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Growing up by the sea in Palm Beach has inspired us to create a nostalgic collection of scents for our products." What makes Palm Beach unique? "When starting out, we didn’t want to be just another candle brand so we worked on the idea of bringing the Palm Beach lifestyle to life via home fragrances. We wanted customers to buy our product and each time they use it, be reminded of the area. Even if people hadn’t visited Palm Beach or weren’t familiar with the Northern Beaches of Sydney, we knew the scents were so powerful that it still would create an idea of the beach lifestyle for people. To survive in business, you have to have a story and a point of difference." "Our ingredients are sourced sustainably from all over the world and also Australia." What are your most popular products? "Our customers are really supportive of all our products, but I think the way scent is delivered through a person’s home is pretty subjective. Some people love burning a candle, some prefer the Reed Diffusers or even our new Essential Oil Blends and Aromatherapy Diffusers. Overall we are most famous for our standard 420g candle with the top fragrances Coconut & Lime, Clove & Sandalwood and Sea Salt. They are such a gorgeous luxury item that always makes such a fantastic gift!" What's the Wellness Collection about? "Our Wellness Collection was inspired by the importance of self-care. We wanted this collection to inspire people to slow down and embrace a slower living. The 3 unique fragrances are a subtle blend of natural essential oils that are useful to refresh, revive and uplift." Are there any new products/fragrances in the pipeline? "We have some exciting new products being released soon! A summer inspired limited edition candle is in the works, as well as a redesign of our beloved deluxe candle and our scented hydrating hand creams." Where can our readers find your products? "You can find the whole collection www.palmbeachcollection.com.au Our stockists are also listed on our website"

More on Dee Why When the first Europeans arrived in Australia, they were very modest and decreed it socially unacceptable to swim in the sea. By ALEC SMART Unlike the Indigenous peoples, who fished, swam, canoed and interacted with the ocean for thousands of years, the new arrivals did not enter the sea for bathing until the 1880s, when medical experts believed salt water immersion had health-giving properties. According to the National Museum of Australia (NMA): “There was little need for surf lifesaving clubs during the 19th century as it was illegal to swim in the surf during daylight hours. It was seen as immoral, and men and women could only ‘bathe’ in the early morning and late evening, and never at the same time.” The issue at the time was centred on what constituted ‘public decency’, and, unlike Britain, Sydney beaches didn’t feature changing sheds, whilst dedicated swimming costumes were difficult to obtain. Swimming Under Cover of Darkness Immersing in sea water was only permitted under the cover of darkness (which put them more at risk of being eaten by sharks!), participants had to be completely covered in non-revealing clothing, and men and women weren’t permitted to swim together. A Law, enacted in the 1830s, reinforced this social distancing, forbidding: “Bathing in waters exposed to views from any wharf, street, public place or dwelling house between the hours of 6am and 7pm.” In 1902, as beach bathing gained in popularity, feisty Manly resident William Henry Gocher, Editor of the Manly and North Sydney News, announced his intention to flout the ban and swim at the beach during daylight hours. At noon on Sunday 2 Oct 1902, clad in a neck-to-knee costume, Gocher went for a paddle on Manly Beach. When police failed to arrest him Gocher repeated his midday manoeuvre the two following Sundays, until police finally escorted him from the water – although they declined to press charges. But Gocher’s publicity stunt set in motion a tide of support to change the law. In Nov 1903, Manly Council were the first authority to permit all-day sea bathing, provided discreet neck-to-knee swimwear was worn by everyone over 8 years of age. History of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club Startss Thereafter beach swimming became tremendously popular, but people, many of whom couldn’t swim, were at risk of drowning in rough surf or carried out to sea on dangerous rips. Inevitably, volunteer groups were formed to rescue struggling swimmers, which led to life-saving societies. Manly Council was the first to protect surf bathers, employing two local fishermen, the Sly brothers, to patrol the beach offshore and, in 1905, a lifeguard, Edward ‘Happy’ Eyre to patrol from the sand. According to the Surf Life Saving Association (SLSA): “On October 18, 1907, representatives from Sydney Surf Life Saving Clubs, together with members of other interested groups, met to form the Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales, the organisation which is now known as Surf Life Saving Australia... “Surf lifesaving clubs soon spread around the country and the surf lifesavers themselves became an Australian icon. Since 1907 they have rescued more than 630,000 people.” There has been considerable debate over whether Manly, Bondi or Bronte formed the first official Surf Life Saving Club. However, in 2005, a panel of SLSA historians ruled that, based on available evidence, “..the first group of organised lifesavers formed on Manly Beach in 1899. While moves on Bondi, Bronte and Manly in early 1907 saw the organisation of irregulars, it was the surf bathers of Bondi who first organised themselves as a formal club in February 1907.” Dee Why SLSC Dee Why Beach was privately-owned until 1911, firstly by the Jenkins family, who in the early 1800s purchased most of the tracts of land around Dee Why Lagoon, and thereafter by the Salvation Army, to whom they bequeathed it for their farms and hostels. The Salvos even fenced it off from public access. But after the NSW Govt persuaded them to relinquish control of the sand and subdivide their land holdings for new settlers, the beach attracted regular swimming crowds. In 1912 the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) was formed to oversee the public’s safety. According to their website, Dee Why SLSC “is a club of more than 750 members that span Nippers, Cadets, Juniors, Seniors, Masters and Socials. These people come from all walks of life to train, patrol, compete and enjoy the friendly atmosphere that exists on one of the finest beaches on Sydney’s northern peninsula.” According to the NMA: “Today anyone over the age of 15 can qualify as a surf lifesaver. To do so, you must pass a series of tests including a first aid exam and a simulated rescue. You must also complete a 200-metre run, a 200-metre swim, then another 200-metre run in less than eight minutes. “Volunteer surf lifesavers patrol the beach on weekends and public holidays. Lifeguards are employed by local councils to patrol the busier beaches.” Dee Why SLSC explain their life guards’ patrolling duties: “As an active patrolling member of our club you will be allocated to a patrol team and will be expected to attend each of your rostered patrols (typically 11 x half-day patrols each season). Patrols are the most important component of Club activities. “While on patrol your duties will involve: Observing swimmers; Attending to any minor first aid cases; Educating members of the public about water safety; Radio operations; Performing any rescues as directed by the Patrol Captain.” Significance of the black swan The logo of Dee Why SLSC incorporates a black swan into a life-saving ring. The black swan has long been associated with Dee Why, due to flocks of them residing on Dee Why Lagoon. There’s even an historic painting of a black swan, dating back to the 1920s, on the pavement outside 103 Howard Ave, Dee Why that was last retouched in Nov 2020. According to the Northern Beaches Council website: “The painting is a local legend, with the worn-down grass on either side of it hinting at its special meaning – that treading on the swan is bad luck… Back then, black swans were so numerous on Dee Why Lagoon that the bird became an emblem for many local organisations including Dee Why Public School, the bowling club and surfing fraternity. “The black swan was once a fixture of Dee Why Lagoon. Today, it is a rarity, with a family of swans in the lagoon causing great excitement in the local community in recent years. The rarity of the black swans on the lagoon is a result of the sea grasses the swans feed on no longer growing in abundance, due to the urban development in the catchment area and the increasing rate of siltation.” Surf Life Saving is a unique non-profit public welfare organisation that relies on a mixture of community donations, fundraising events, corporate sponsorship and government grants to survive. According to SLS.com.au, Surf Life Saving Australia’s website, “With 173,865 members and 314 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, Surf Life Saving Australia represents the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world.” SLSA annual statistics: Australian surf life savers perform an average 10,249 rescues, 3,951,428 preventive actions, and voluntarily patrol for 1,345,362 hours. They cover 36,000km of coastline, including 12,000 beaches, which receive 100 million annual visitations from swimmers, sun-seekers and beach lovers. To get involved, contact: Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club The Strand, Dee Why Beach PO Box 151 Dee Why NSW 2099 Website: http://dyslsc.org.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/deewhyslsc Phone: (02) 9984 0160 Email : secretary@dyslsc.org.au

More on Dee Why Interview of Michael Regan, Mayor of Northern Beaches Michael Regan is the popular mayor for Northern Beaches Council. An independent, he represents Your Northern Beaches Independent Team, who hold six of the 15 seats on the council. Prior to that, Regan served as mayor of the award-winning Warringah Council from Sept 2008 to May 2016, when the council was dissolved and merged into the amalgamated entity that now serves the entire Northern Beaches. 2099 magazine reached out to Mayor Regan to talk about his long reign and plans for the future. How has management of the Northern Beaches district progressed since the 2017 amalgamations brought together Warringah, Pittwater and Manly? We strive to exceed expectations in what is a very highly regulated environment that very few people actually understand, let alone appreciate. I want us to be an employer of choice and be world’s best of any organisation. With coastal erosion a major threat to waterfront communities - how are Northern Beaches Council dealing with future erosion? “Essentially, it is very complex,” Regan considers. “The waterways are State Govt assets. Council has the beach (sand), and then there is a mix of public and private assets like roads and houses. But the sand returns to Collaroy and other places over time. “Along Collaroy, groups of houses are getting together to build a seawall. It requires groups of them to build at once together. Otherwise if there are gaps, it just undermines the walls and makes things significantly worse. Council will contribute 10% to the cost of the wall and the State will contribute 10%. The rest will be paid for by the owners. “Future erosion is an issue that requires all levels of government to address. Sea levels rising, along with more frequent and severe storms, is (and will) continue to impact our coastline, and big expensive decisions will be forced sooner rather than later… We all have a role to play.” Talk us through some of the major works programs in progress across the Northern Beaches region and the their benefits? “Obviously building and connecting the missing links of the Manly to Palm Beach Walk will be a great world-class asset for generations to come – especially with Sculptures By The Sea being added,” Regan replies. “In Dee Why, the town centre has had some interesting improvements with more to come. “Brookvale Vision and Structure Plan sound boring, but promise a long-term vision to help employment stay local, and hopefully create significant affordable housing. “The new Dee Why to Chatswood Turn-Up-And-Go bus service will eventually rival the B1, and when the Harbour Tunnel is complete, will give us new direct connections to North Sydney and St Leonards. “My favourites: one is micro-factories that take our soft plastics and turn them into 3D filament or clothes, and convert hard plastics into products like tables and/or tiles. And the one that I can’t really talk about yet will help reshape our nation and heal our relationships with Aboriginal people. That is very special… What's Mayor Regan’s favourite beach on the Northern Beaches, and does he undertake other water activities, such as boating, surfing, kayaking? “I have always loved hanging at Dee Why Beach and taking my kids (now teens) there,” Regan reveals. “Everything you need is there, including the food outlets across the road. But the big grass area is such a bonus. The events we have down there on a regular basis, the playgrounds and the pool, it’s just such a versatile beach. Something for everyone all the time. Do you have a favourite restaurant or retail trader in Dee Why that you would recommend? “Livoti’s Italian deli and restaurant (on Francis St) hands down is a must!” Regan declares. “I also love the little Oaks Avenue Patisserie for coffee and cakes. Honestly though, there are so many gems in Dee Why, as anyone who lives here knows, but those two are right at the top “Also: Oliver’s Twist Espresso (on Howard Ave); my hairdresser, LM Hair (2 doors up); Mary’s café next door; Wings and Tins; the Dodgy Indian restaurant - want me to stop?! “More restaurants: Olive and Peel; The Thai and I; Stella Blu; Jah Bar: and a whole heap I have not tried yet. Dee Why honestly does not disappoint, and there is more to come. Even the RSL is changing – love Battery House and Dee Why Hotel. Anything that Mayor Regan would like to add? “Yes,” he confirms. “A sincere thank you everyone for their efforts during Covid and in particular the most recent lockdown over Christmas. Our efforts together have made a huge difference. So many people missed Christmas Day in isolation, so a special shout out to them. “We know we live in the best part of the best part of the world. The way we came together, got tested, isolated and ultimately locked-down was humbling and very special. The world’s eyes were on us and were very envious of how we dealt with it. “However, it has come at a cost to many businesses and people’s livelihoods. So please, do what you can to support them and a very big thank you to each and every one of you.” ----------------------- Contact: Mayor Michael Regan Office of the Mayor Telephone: 02 8495 6459 Email: michael.regan@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au Webpage: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au ======================================= Photos via Georgie Pengelly

More on Dee Why If you’re looking for some great local parks to take the kids this weekend then check out these three little beauties. Dee Why Park 17 Grafton Crescent, Dee Why NSW 2099 Dee Why park has plenty of outdoor space and includes a walking/jogging track. Close to public transport and the beach it’s a great place to kick a soccer ball around or let the kids run free. https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/dee-why-park Michaela Howie Playground Ted Jackson Reserve, The Strand, Dee Why NSW 2099 A beautiful seaside park with cafes nearby and a fenced playground for the kiddos. Some picnic facilities available, although it can be popular so make sure you get there early if you want to get a park and use the cooking facilities. https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/michaela-howie-playground Walter Gors Park 36 - 40 Howard Avenue, Dee Why NSW 2099 This is one of our favourites, with plenty of space, a water garden, BBQ’s and tables. This spacious park includes a great kid’s playground with plenty of fun activities to climb and test your balance on. https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/walter-gors-park