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Mona Vale Centre Selected for New Housing Developments

Photo Credit: DA2025/0143

Mona Vale is set to see significant changes as it becomes the sole town centre in Pittwater designated for new low to mid-rise housing developments under recent NSW government planning reforms.

Development Details

housing developments — *Photo Credit:* *DA2025/0143*

The new rules mean that areas within 800 metres of Mona Vale’s town centre, specifically within R2 zones, will allow the construction of two- to three-storey terraces, townhouses, and apartment buildings.

Certain R3 zones closer to the centre will permit buildings up to six storeys, while those further out will allow four-storey structures. This focused development aims to bring more diverse housing options to the area, catering to families and essential workers.

Local Impact and Planning

The selection of Mona Vale follows discussions between local representatives and the NSW government, where the unique challenges of the Pittwater region were highlighted. Concerns about the area’s geography, infrastructure, and environmental risks, such as flooding and bushfires, were raised.

Local representatives advocated for local council control over planning in other Pittwater villages, ensuring decisions were made with community input. They stated that this approach allows for sustainable development that respects the region’s character outside of the Mona Vale town centre.

Housing Targets and Regional Growth

This development is part of a broader plan to meet the Northern Beaches’ housing target of 5,900 new homes by 2029. The government’s reforms aim to address the ongoing housing needs in Sydney and surrounding areas.

The Northern Beaches Council’s work and consultation with the Department of Planning were acknowledged as crucial to the final planning outcomes. The Department of Planning offers a mapping tool to help residents determine how these changes will affect specific properties.

Published Date 24-March-2025

Mona Vale Roads to Slow Down with New Safety Changes

Photo Credit: Felipe Jiménez/Pexels

Mona Vale’s streets are about to get safer, with speed limits lowered and new crossings planned to protect pedestrians in high-traffic zones.

Set for Slower Speeds and Safer Crossings

Mona Vale residents will soon see major changes to local roads, with reduced speed limits and new safety upgrades rolling out as part of a Council initiative to make neighbourhood streets safer.

From May 2025, Northern Beaches Council will roll out a 40km/h speed limit on streets east of Pittwater Road, from Narrabeen Beach to Mona Vale Hospital, along with new crossings, kerb extensions and signage to slow traffic and boost safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Community Safety First

The changes follow months of community feedback across the Northern Beaches. In Mona Vale, locals raised concerns about speeding, parking, and pedestrian safety near schools and shops. Council revised the original plans to reduce traffic disruption while still improving safety.

While not all suggestions were adopted, Council aimed to balance community input with the goal of reducing accidents and promoting walking and cycling. The revised plans were endorsed in April and will go to the Local Traffic Committee in May for review.

Road Changes Focused on Pedestrian Safety

In Mona Vale, the project targets high-foot-traffic areas with raised crossings near schools, kerb build-outs to shorten walks, and possible one-way conversions on narrow streets to ease congestion and improve visibility.

These changes are part of the Council’s broader Safer Neighbourhoods strategy to improve local road safety and encourage active transport, with Mona Vale among the first areas to move toward implementation.

Drainage and Streetscape Already Upgraded

In 2022, Council completed drainage upgrades on Park Street, Mona Vale to boost stormwater capacity, reduce flooding, and improve traffic safety and public space.

A planned driveway raise at 18–20 Park Street was dropped after surveys showed it wasn’t needed. Two new trees near Mona Vale Church were shifted slightly north-west to allow more space to grow.

Published 21-April-2025

Worker Dies in Tragic Construction Accident at Mona Vale

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A construction worker has died after falling approximately 16 meters from scaffolding at a building site in Mona Vale.

The fatal accident occurred just after 11:30am yesterday (Thursday, April 10) at the corner of Bungan Street and Waratah Street, where a four-level apartment building is nearing completion. The victim, a man in his 50s, fell from the upper level of construction scaffolding and landed on the pavement below.

A pedestrian who witnessed the accident reported hearing yelling from above before seeing the worker crash through tree branches and land on the pavement. The witness, who was walking through the pedestrian arcade adjacent to the building from Akuna Lane, stated the victim landed dangerously close to them.

Following the fall, colleagues of the worker rushed to provide aid and began CPR while emergency services were contacted. According to the witness account, the man appeared to have been killed instantly.

Four NSW Ambulance crews responded to the scene, including Intensive Care Paramedics from Narrabeen Ambulance Station and NSW Ambulance Inspector Christine Ashman. Upon arrival, they confirmed the man was deceased.

Northern Beaches Police Area Command established a crime scene at the building site and began conducting inquiries with witnesses. A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that the matter has been reported to the coroner and SafeWork NSW, which will be investigating the circumstances of the incident.

The identity of the deceased worker has not yet been released pending notification of family members.

Published 10-April-2025

Half a Century of Service: Zonta Club’s Impact on the Northern Beaches

Photo Credit: Facebook/Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc.

For 50 years, the Zonta Club of Northern Beaches has been changing lives. From crisis support to scholarships, the group continues to champion women’s rights and opportunities.

Northern Beaches Zonta Club Marks 50 Years of Supporting Women

In 1975, a small group of Northern Beaches women united with a modest but powerful vision—to improve the lives of women in their community. Fifty years later, the Zonta Club of Northern Beaches continues to advocate, educate, and support women and girls.

A Legacy of Service

Journalist Maggie Vaile founded the Zonta Club of Warringah, seeing an opportunity to unite like-minded women to make a difference. In 1975, their first fundraiser supported victims of Cyclone Tracy, establishing a long tradition of community-based fundraising. The club renamed itself in 2003 to more accurately reflect its coverage of the Northern Beaches.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc.*

The club has direct programmes for women, for example, education scholarships, study grants, and crisis assistance. The club also interacts with youth through the Z-Club at Mackellar Girls Campus and local high school projects with the aim of promoting leadership and advocacy.

Community Recognition

This year’s International Women’s Day Breakfast, held on 5 March, placed the club’s ongoing influence in the limelight. Squadron Leader Dr. Anna Williams, co-author of Changing Altitudes, shared insights on women’s experiences in the Air Force.

Local community member Lisbeth Lawsen was crowned Pittwater Woman of the Year. This recognition acknowledges her efforts in establishing crisis accommodation for women and children of the Northern Beaches through the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter at night. Supported by Zonta and other community organisations, the shelter continues to provide much-needed service for women.

Looking Ahead to 50 Years

As the club prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2025, members are looking back on their history while also looking forward to the future. Dee Why RSL will host an anniversary dinner on 15 September to bring together past and present members and celebrate their achievements.

The community can get involved by attending meetings held every fourth Monday of the month at The Sands Hotel in Narrabeen. New members, volunteers, and supporters are all encouraged to join their club and be a part of empowering women through service and advocacy.

Published 12-March-2025

Menya Monaka Brings Shime-No-Ramen and Late-Night Dining to Mona Vale

Photo Credit: Menya Monaka/Instagram

Menya Monaka is bringing a new late-night dining experience to Mona Vale, with ramen at its heart.

Owner Fuminori “Bun” Fukuda is introducing locals to shime-no-ramen, a Japanese dining tradition that hasn’t quite made its mark in Australia—until now.

What is Shime-No-Ramen?

In Japan, a night out often follows a simple ritual: start with drinks and snacks at an izakaya, then finish with a steaming bowl of ramen. The word “shime” means “to close,” and shime-no-ramen is all about ending the night on a satisfying note.

Fukuda has noticed that many Australians treat ramen as just another dish to pair with drinks, often letting the noodles sit too long while sipping wine. At Menya Monaka, the concept is different. Enjoy your drinks and small plates first, then savour your ramen while it’s hot and fresh.

Bringing Kanto-Style Ramen to Sydney

Unlike most Sydney’s focus on Kyushu-style ramen—known for thin noodles and rich tonkotsu broth—Menya Monaka highlights Kanto-style ramen, which comes from eastern Japan. These bowls feature medium-to-thick noodles, made fresh in-house daily.

The name “Monaka” combines “Mona” for Mona Vale with “Ka”, the Japanese character for family. It’s a nod to his popular café, Cafe Monaka, and the strong relationships he has built with locals. “Menya” translates to “noodle shop,” reinforcing ramen as the star of the menu.

Each bowl is crafted using house-made noodles and slow-cooked broth options: tonkatsu, chicken, or a soy-based vegan alternative. To maintain quality, the restaurant serves only 100 bowls per day.

More Than Just Ramen

For a true shime-no-ramen experience, Fukuda recommends starting with snacks and drinks first. The menu includes a selection of izakaya-style small plates, such as:

Twisted ramen noodle pretzels
Sourdough with moromi-miso butter
Sesame-soaked smashed cucumber
Nori-shio fries

For something heartier, there’s Wagyu sirloin steak and karaage chicken. The bar offers an impressive selection of sake, Japanese whisky, cocktails, and Australian wines.

lunch menu

dinner menu

The interior design is sleek and minimal, taking inspiration from authentic Tokyo ramen bars rather than the more familiar styles seen in Sydney.

Bringing Late-Night Dining to Mona Vale

Opening a restaurant is challenging, especially when everything is made from scratch. But for Fukuda, authenticity comes first. Through Cafe Monaka, he has built a strong relationship with the community, and regulars had been asking for a quality late-night dining option.

Now, it is one of the few spots in Mona Vale open late, giving locals a new place to unwind after hours.

One thing you won’t find here? Sushi. Menya Monaka wants to showcase the country’s diverse food culture beyond its most famous dish.

The Perfect End to the Night

If you have room for dessert, options like monaka ice-cream sandwiches, matcha tiramisu, and yuzu cheesecake provide a sweet finish.

Guests can order however they like, but Fukuda hopes they’ll embrace the full shime-no-ramen experience over time. In Japan, that means ending the night with a perfect, comforting bowl of ramen.

Book table

Published 7-Feb-2025

Mona Vale Teenager, Tilly Rose Cooper, Organises Swimwear Drive for Fijian Children

Photo Credit: My Fijian Clothes Drive/ Instagram

Inspired by what she saw during a family trip to Fiji, 13-year-old Tilly Rose Cooper, a member of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, launched a swimwear drive and worked with surf clubs from Palm Beach to Collaroy to gather donations of swimwear, rashies, and wetsuits for the children of Tagaqe Village in the neighbouring archipelago.

Fijian Holiday Inspires Action

Mona Vale Teenager, Tilly Rose Cooper, Organises Swimwear Drive for Fijian Children — *Photo Credit:* *My Fijian Clothes Drive/ Instagram*

Tilly recently travelled to Fiji with her family for her grandparents’ vow renewal in Tagaqe Village, a community that requires an invitation to visit. She spent time with local children and noticed they lacked proper swimwear, often swimming in their everyday clothes or school uniforms.

Recognising the potential danger and wanting to help, Tilly started a collection drive. She hopes to provide the children with suitable swim gear, improving their safety in the water and repurposing items that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Call for Donations and Community Support

Tilly calls for donations of new or gently used swimwear, rashies, board shorts, t-shirts, hats, thongs, and sunblock for children and teenagers. Donation boxes are located at participating surf clubs from Palm Beach to Collaroy. Tilly hopes to collect around 20 boxes of items to send to Fiji.

She has been a member of the Mona Vale SLSC since she was a Nipper, and her family has a long association with the club. She enjoys being part of the club, learning new skills, making friends, and participating in events.

Local Support and Recognition

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby acknowledged Tilly’s initiative, stating that it is inspiring to see a young person return from a holiday wanting to give back to the community. Scruby encouraged everyone to donate to the cause and plans to recognise Tilly’s efforts in parliament.

The collection period ended 9 February but Tilly also seeks a sponsor to assist with the shipping costs. Those interested in sponsoring or helping in other ways can contact Tilly’s mother, Allison, at allison@steamit.com.au.

Published Date 05-Feb-2025
Updated 10-February-2025

Mona Vale Lifeguards Praised for Quick Action in Teen Rescue

Photo Credit: Careflight

The quick actions of lifeguards at Mona Vale Beach have been commended after they successfully resuscitated a 15-year-old boy pulled unconscious from the water.

Mona Vale Lifeguards Praised for Quick Action in Teen Rescue — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

The teenager was swimming with friends on Wednesday morning when he was found unresponsive in the surf. His friends noticed he was in trouble and immediately sought help from nearby lifeguards.

A lifeguard entered the water and assisted in bringing the boy ashore. He was not breathing and had no pulse. Lifeguards quickly began CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Lifeguards from nearby Warriewood Beach also rushed to Mona Vale to help. After several minutes of intense effort, the boy regained consciousness and began breathing again. NSW Ambulance paramedics, including an Intensive Care team, arrived on the scene and provided further treatment.

The CareFlight Rescue Helicopter landed at Apex Park, and the boy was transported to Sydney Children’s Hospital in a stable condition.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce praised the lifeguards’ quick response, emphasising how vital their presence is on local beaches. He said this incident serves as a reminder about the importance of swimming at patrolled locations, especially with challenging surf conditions predicted.

Mr Pearce expressed his relief that the lifeguards were able to act quickly and effectively, ultimately saving the boy’s life. He wished the young man a speedy recovery.

Published Date 16-Jan-2025

E J Shaw & Son: Mona Vale Landmark Business Closes After 90 Years

E J Shaw & Son, a longstanding landmark in Mona Vale, closed permanently on Christmas Eve, ending 90 years of service to the local community and construction industry.

Decades of Local Service

Founded in 1933, E J Shaw & Son had been a cornerstone for builders and landscapers in Mona Vale and surrounding areas. Maurie Segedin, who owned the business since the late 1970s, said the decision to close was prompted by his age and the challenges of running a land-intensive operation in an area with skyrocketing property values.

Mr Segedin recalled buying the business from its original owners, Eddie and John Shaw, transforming it from a struggling operation into a thriving enterprise. He emphasised the importance of quality and customer service in building its reputation, saying that customers always received first-class materials and support from his team.

Community Farewell

On the morning of the final day of operations, Mr Segedin was greeted by a surprise gathering of family, staff, customers, and competitors. Builders and local business owners took time off to bid him farewell, underscoring the business’s deep ties within the community. Mr Segedin noted that seeing such support and recognition for the business’s contributions over the years was heartwarming.

He expressed gratitude for the loyalty of his customers and staff, adding that the business had always prioritised relationships with the local industry. Despite offers to take over operations, he explained that the value of the land made it impractical to continue running a sand and landscape supplies yard in its current location.

Mona Vale E J Shaw & Son — *Photo Credit: E J Shaw & Sons*

Challenges Over the Years

The business faced significant hurdles during its decades of operation. Mr Segedin recounted legal battles with Warringah and later Pittwater Council, which sought to restrict trading. These disputes required years of persistence and substantial legal expenses but did not deter him from maintaining compliance and keeping the business afloat.

Another long-standing issue was the vandalism of a historic sculpture, “Peter and the Bullock,” which had been a local feature in front of the property. The sculpture, depicting an Aboriginal man and a bullock-drawn cart, was eventually removed following repeated acts of vandalism and theft. Mr Segedin noted the cultural and historical significance of the piece, which was tied to a 1930s photograph and a community heritage study.

With the closure of E J Shaw & Son, the fate of the five residential-sized lots occupied by the business remains uncertain. The land, bounded by Pittwater Road, Jenkins Street, and Elimatta Road, is likely to attract interest for redevelopment, though no formal plans have been announced.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Mona Vale Beach Plan of Management Proposes Dog-Friendly Area

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons CC:BY3.0 / Maurice van Reij

A draft Plan of Management (PoM) proposing a dog off-leash area at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach has been released for public consultation, sparking community discussions about safety, environmental protection, and shared space usage.

Proposal Details and Community Consultation

The PoM will be on exhibition from Wednesday, 11 December 2024, and feedback will be open until Sunday, 9 February 2025.

The proposal would amend Pittwater Council’s 2005 Ocean Beaches Plan of Management to designate a portion of Mona Vale Beach for off-leash dog activities. The area, currently off-limits to dogs, would become a shared space if approved.

Council emphasised that this is more than a decision about dogs. Residents are encouraged to review the entire document, which outlines strategies to protect sensitive coastal vegetation, support recreational use, and manage environmental impacts. Feedback can be submitted via the website, email, or post. A pop-up event is scheduled for Sunday, 19 January 2025, at Village Park, Mona Vale, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

The southern Mona Vale Beach area is known for its restored coastal vegetation, which provides a habitat for birds and other wildlife. According to updated biodiversity mapping in the draft PoM, some of the area’s vegetation is home to threatened species.

Council acknowledged these ecological concerns and stated that the PoM aims to balance recreational access with environmental preservation.

Public safety has emerged as a significant concern in the off-leash debate. Recent statistics show that Northern Beaches is leading the state in dog attack incidents, a trend highlighted by residents during discussions about the proposal. Representatives reiterated that strict enforcement of rules and guidelines will accompany any changes to beach access for dogs.

Wider Implications and Comparisons

This draft PoM is part of a broader effort by the Northern Beaches Council to manage public spaces. A similar plan for Governor Phillip Park at Palm Beach, also proposing a dog off-leash trial, is under development and expected for public review in mid-2025. Both initiatives respond to ongoing calls for more dog-friendly areas but have drawn criticism for potential costs, safety risks, and environmental impact.

Some locals oppose the plan and have suggested alternatives, such as dedicated dog parks with water features, which have proven successful in Western Sydney. Advocates argue that designated off-leash areas on beaches provide much-needed space for exercise and recreation for both dogs and owners.

Feedback from the public exhibition period will be analysed, and a finalised PoM will be presented for approval. Until then, existing rules prohibiting dogs at Mona Vale Beach remain in place, with fines for non-compliance.

Published 24-Dec-2024

Mona Vale RSL’s Pickleball Pitch Sparks Debate

Photo Credit: Lightmart

A proposal to transform part of the Pittwater RSL rooftop carpark into six pickleball courts has ignited a local debate.

The Northern Beaches Council received over 100 submissions, with many locals expressing strong support for the initiative.

Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, has seen a surge in popularity on the Northern Beaches. The Northern Beaches Pickleball Association, one of Australia’s largest, has over 1000 members and is eager for additional court space.

The RSL’s development application, which involves removing 34 car parking spaces, has been referred to the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel due to the significant public interest.

While many residents are excited about the potential benefits of the new courts, some are concerned about the potential noise and light pollution from night matches. The proposed 2.5m acoustic barrier is intended to mitigate these concerns.

The planning panel will decide on the proposal on Wednesday. If approved, the new courts could provide a much-needed boost to the local pickleball community.

Published Date 25-November-2024