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Forums held by Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment:

Forum 1: Feb 22, 2007
Environmental Protection for the catchment
Aboriginal heritage - Susan Moylan-Coombs
Ecological significance of bushland in the catchment - Chris McIntosh, National Parks and Wildlife Service
Environmental protection / Crown Lands - John Filocamo, Dept of Lands
Narrabeen Restoration project - Angus Gordon, chairperson
Roadkill mitigation - Dr Conny Harris
Pleniary Session - Dr Judy Lambert

Announcement of success in gaining $1.9m Urban Sustainability Grant

Workshop - May 29, 2007
Issues in the catchment
Participants identified the following issues in the catchment and brainstormed about possible solutions:
Urban expansion, Weeds in bushland, Flooding, Loss/extinction of native species, Feral Animals, Stormwater Scouring, Reduction in amount of bushland, Weeds in Waterways, Erosion after bushfires and from other causes, Siltation, Litter, Track Maintenance, Wildflires in Bushland, Native animals killed on roads, Pollution and contaminants, Unstable Creek Banks

Forum 2:Second Anniversary - Sept 18, 2007
History of struggle to protect Narrabeen Lagoon
Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater, spoke about ways to protect the area. We watched a slide show of photos from the 30 year history of struggles to protect Narrabeen Lagoon by the Narrabeen Lagoon Committee.

Forum 3: Oct 16, 2007
Urban Sustainability Grant program
Angus Gordon spoke about progress on the Narrabeen Lagoon Restoration Project. Urban Sustainability project staff (Blayne and James) presented the Business Plan for the Sustainability Grant. They were the newly appointed project officers for the $1.9 million grant for the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Sustainability Project.

Forum 4: Feb 28, 2008
Your Lagoon - Your Catchment - Can They Be Conserved?
Bronwyn Bishop, Federal MP for Pittwater, spoke about the importance of the area.
Georgina Woods, Crown Lease Project Officer for National Parks Association, reviewed successful Crown Land conservation in NSW.
Angus Gordon, Chairman of the Lagoon Restoration Project, discussed plans for dredging the lagoon.
Blayne Petrowicz, Urban Sustainability Project Officer detailed new program of catchment events for 2008

Forum 5: May 29, 2008
Creating a sustainable catchment
Brad Hazzard, MP for Warringah, spoke about the environmental value of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
James Brisebois outlined the project works of the $1.9m grant
Pathway around Narrabeen Lagoon announced - agreed by Minister West.

Forum 6:Aug 25, 2008
Newsfront and Narrabeen Lagoon - 30 years on
Bob Ellis, writer of the movie, spoke about incidents during the filming. Cake was presented to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film. The climax of the film, recreating the horrific Maitland floods of the 50s, was shot on Narrabeen Lagoon.
Candidates for the election of Warringah Councillors each spoke to the meeting. The new council will replace Administrator Dick Persson.
Blayne Petrowicz, Urban Sustainability Project Officer, outlined progress with Sustainability education program.

Forum 7: Nov 6, 2008
Why Garigal National Park should include NLC bushland
Jonathon O'Dea, MP for Davidson, spoke about "What next?" in protecting the catchment.
NPA speaker Andrew Cox spoke about how to lobby for extensions to National Parks
James Brisebois outlined progress on Major Project onground works.

Forum 8: Feb 23, 2009
Say NO to Oxford Falls $100m Retirement Resort
Wendy Harmer had the audience in fits of laughter as she described the proposed development but there was a serious side to the discussion as well. This proposal is alien to the desired future character of the Oxford Falls locality.
Jacqui Marlow, Conny Harris and Fiona van Dort discussed the plants, animals and threatened species in the catchmen.
Blayne Petrowicz spoke about the Catchment Sustainability Education Project.

Forum 9: May 25, 2009
Balancing Development and Environment - Community Consultation in the Planning Process
Announcement of $4m from Federal Government for completion of walkway around Narrabeen Lagoon.
Brad Hazzard MP Shadow Minister for Planning
Sylvia Hale MLC Greens Planning spokesperson
Rob Stokes MP for Pittwater
David James Mayor of Pittwater
Michael Regan Mayor of Warringah
James Brisebois gave an update on the major works being undertaken in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment.

Forum 10: Aug 24, 2009
Meeting the Challenge - How do schools, business and community live sustainably in a catchment?
Representatives from schools, the community and businesses in the community made presentations on initiatives they have undertaken to improve the sustainability of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment.
Jim Somerville announced that the Geographical Names Board has officially reinstated the name "Narrabeen Lagoon" for the waterway.

Forum 11: Nov 23, 2009
Bushfire threat-Protecting your patch
Lynne Czinner, a local resident, explained with photographs what it was like to have your home burned down.
George Shepard, Rural Fire Service, outlined what home owners can do to prepare for bushfire season.
Chris Grudnoff, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, gave an overview of the role of fire in Australian bushland
Clinton Drive demonstrated home fire-fighting equipment
Adam Burrowes of Warringah Council gave a presentations of the Council's fire plans

Forum 12: Feb 22, 2010
Bush & Bikes, Lagoon Dredging,
Catchment DVD World Premiere
Professional film projectionists presented the world premiere of "Caring for Catchment" - the DVD about Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Angus Gordon organised a discussion about dredging of Narrabeen Lagoon.
David Yonge gave the Mountain Bikers' point of view, Ken Higgs spoke about environmental concerns
Michael Baird, MP for Manly, spoke about permitting mountain biking in National Parks.

Forum 13: May 24, 2010
Threats from the Sea
Mia Dalby-Ball, formerly Natural Environment Manager at Pittwater Council, discussed what we can learn about climate change from history.
Angus Gordon reviewed the latest science and show how the catchment is likely to be impacted by climate change.
Michael Paine described how Tsunamis form, what the risk for this area is and how to prepare for that eventuality.

Forum 14: Aug 23, 2010
Transport - past, present and future
Tina Graham from Warringah Library opened the forum with a stunning presentation, using lots of historical photos, about the history of tram transport to Narrabeen - note the forums take place in the Tramshed.
Ben Taylor, from SHOROC, outlined the current Transport strategy for the Northern Beaches.
Sandy Thomas, who has had extensive involvement with public transport planning, explained some of the factors involved and discussed issues important to Northern Beaches.

Forum 15: Nov 22, 2010
Protecting our catchment
Dennis Foley gave an Aboriginal welcome and spoke about how important the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment, particularly Wheeler Creek Valley, is and was for Aboriginal heritage. Rob Stokes, MP, outlined why the area needs protection and why a State Park is an appropriate mechanism for achieving that protection at this stage. Bronwyn Connelly of Lands and Property Management Authority explained the importance of the Plan of Management in the process of establishing a State Park. Kevin Evans of National Parks Association discussed the challenges of managing for both recreation and conservation and cited the South Australian Belair National Park as an example of how this can be achieved.

Forum 16:- Feb 28, 2011
Meet the candidates
Candidates from all parties for the three electorates represented in the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment each spoke about the importance of protecting the biodiversity in this area and supported the establishment of Narrabeen State Park.
James Brisebois and Celia Cameron-Smith gave an overview of the work completed during the 3 years of the $1.9m grant.

Forum 17:- May 23, 2011
Aboriginal Heritage
Professor Dennis Foley, an Aboriginal elder from this area and author of “Repossession of our Spirit”, gave valuable insights into the Aboriginal heritage of Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment.
Julie Janson, who is a teacher of Indigenous history and culture, shared inspiring Aboriginal stories and culture.

Forum 18:- Aug 22, 2011
Future of Narrabeen Lagoon and catchment
Rob Stokes, MP, outlined what can be done to provide environmental protection Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment.
Mark Winser, Senior Project Officer at Kimbriki Waste Management facility explained what his organisation is doing to minimise adverse impacts in the catchment and discussed what people can do to minimise waste.
Cameron Little, of Sustainability Systems, discussed choices people can make to improve their impact on the environment - including using permaculture methods.

Forum 19:- Nov 28, 2011
Recreation on Narrabeen Lagoon and in the catchment
Various recreational groups gave short presentations on what they do on the lagoon or in the catchment, why it is beneficial to people and in what way they protect the environmental values of the area.

Forum 20:- Feb 27, 2012 at Narrabeen Tramshed
Focus on Fish
The presentations covered:
(i) Overview of changes to Narrabeen Lagoon's water quality over time
(ii) Fish in the tributaries that flow into Lagoon.
(iii) Frogs that live in the catchment

Forum 21:- May 23, 2012
Aboriginal Heritage - Part II
Professor Dennis Foley, an Aboriginal elder from this area and author of "Repossession of our Spirit", gave valuable insights into the Aboriginal heritage of Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment.
Julie Janson, who is a teacher of Indigenous history and culture, explained how research into Aboriginal heritage is conducted.

Forum 22:- Aug 27, 2012
Meet the Candidates
People standing for election in Warringah or Pittwater Council areas answered questions posed by our members and supporters - in particular about the issues relevant to Narrabeen Lagoon catchment.

Forum 23: Nov 26, 2012
Narrabeen 2050
Brad Hazzard, MP, and Angus Gordon discussed what Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment might be like by the year 2050 and outlined what needs to be done now to bring this about. Warringah and Pittwater Council speakers explained how the community could be involved in local planning for the future.

Forum 24: Feb 25, 2013
Birds and their habitats
Marita Macrae and David Palmer described the behaviour and habitat of various birds of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and Tim Thurston demonstrated their calls.
Corinne Fisher explained how proposed changes to NSW Planning laws could impact on bird habitat.
Peter Sedgwick revealed how he took his spectacular photos.

Forum 25: May 27, 2013
Secrets of our Aboriginal past
Dennis Foley told us of the rich Aboriginal Heritage in this area. Neil Evers outlined the numerous events available during this year's Guringai Festival.

Forum 26: Aug 26, 2013
Pictures of the Past
Bert Rose, remembered for his generosity with sausages for charity events when running Narrabeen Butchery presenedt his collection of photos from Narrabeen's past. Kathy Ridge outlined the proposal from Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council for Gai-mariagal National Park to be established across their lands.

Forum 27: Nov 25, 2013
Gai-mariagal National Park - how will this work?
Lenore Fraser explained how typically an Aboriginal-owned National Park works, who goes on the Board, how is the park managed,etc.
John Seidel described the process of determining biobanking proposals.

Forum 28: Feb 3, 2014
Dredging Narrabeen Lagoon
The three availalbe options for dredging the lagoon to facilitate recreation were explained - comments and questions were invited.

Forum 29: May 26, 2014
Guringai Heritage and shared History
Julie Janson showed examples of interpretive signage that acknowledge Aboriginal archaeology, shared history and use of the natural environment and talked about the need for local signage.
Clair Jackson demonstrated recent local Aboriginal artwork.
Jenny Harris talked about the proposal for adaptive re-use of Waratah Park in relation to Gai-mariagal Aboriginal Owned National Park.

Forum 30: Aug 25, 2014
Bugs and Beetles in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Martyn Robinson described fascinating invertebrates that are so essential to a healthy environment.
Aboriginal Place Names
Neil Evers gave the meanings of some local Aboriginal place names and told of heritage that needs to be marked with dual signage.

Forum 31: Nov 24, 2014
Managing Narrabeen State Park and World Park Congress
Adrian Turnbull gave a presentation on the management issues for Narrabeen State Park.
Bob and Roberta Conroy reported on their experiences at the World Parks Congress.

Forum 32: Mar 16, 2015
Meet the Candidates
This forum was cancelled because of insufficient numbers of attendees and candidates. However, each candidate was asked to submit their answers to questions.

Forum 33: May 25, 2015
Aboriginal Activities
A wonderful evening was had by all - lots of participation in weaving, bush tucker, dancing and learning about artifacts.

Forum 34: Aug 24, 2015
Our catchment - Positives and Negatives
Participants marked up maps with valuable features in the catchment as well as hazards or management issues. Colin Davison spoke about land management challenges on Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council land. Dave Darcy, Northern Beaches Area Commander for Police, spoke about challenges of knowing whose land you were on in the catchment and the need to respect the owners of the bushland.

Click here to read a summary of the workshop findings.

Forum 35: Nov 23, 2015
Our Catchment - Looking back, Looking forward
Jim Boyce of Manly Warringah Pittwater Historical Society told stories that showed why development occurred where it did in the Narrabeen area over time.
Brent Jacobs talked about what needs to be done in the area to prepare for the Future with its impacts from Climate Change.

Forum 36: Feb 29, 2016
Live animals and threatened species
Ryan Dare let everyone touch the native animals and hear about their lives. Nick Skelton gave a presentation about which animals are threatened in the catchment and why.

Forum 37: May 23, 2016
Aboriginal arts and crafts
Participants enjoyed painting and beadwork.
Also, Michael Birk and Dennis Foley walked with people to the shores of the Lagoon and explained how people lived there in the past.

Forum 38: August 22, 2016
Building Resilience - options for future proofing our power supplies
Michael Furey and Harley Mitchell outlined the probabilities that power supplies will be interrupted in the future and how to build in resilience by acting now. They discussed various issues to do with solar power and battery technoligy

Forum 39: November 28, 2016
Narrabeen Lagoon State Park and its future; Managing Crown Lands
Rob Stokes, MP, and Administrator Dick Persson discussed the future of Narrabeen Lagoon State Park.
A speaker from Crown Lands outlined the challenges facing management of crown lands across NSW.

Forum 40: February 27, 2017
Threatened animals in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Jacqui Marlow told us about methods to mitigate against road kill of animals,
Joan Reid brought live animals and told us about caring for injured animals.

Forum 41: May 29, 2017
Aboriginal Caring for Country
Three young Aboriginal people told us about the bush regeneration and cultural sites protection work they are currently performing in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and at Waratah Park. They also told us about the Aboriginal Heritage training they are receiving.

Forum 42: Aug 28, 2017
Meet the Candidates
Northern Beaches Council elections are scheduled for September 2017. Eleven of the candidates each had a few minutes to speak about their positions and then answered questions. During supper, there was time for people to speak informally with the candidates.

Forum 43: Nov 27, 2017
Amphibians and Reptiles of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Jayden Walsh showed some of his stunning photos and told us interesting facts about some frogs and snakes found in the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment. After the presentation, he will lead a Spotlight Walk to see some of the wildlife in their own habitat.
You might like to visit the page about Discoveries in Narrabeen Lagoon catchment where some photos Jayden has taken are displayed.

Forum 44: February 26, 2018
Protecting threatened Powerful Owls
Georgia Cameron and Michael Bianchino told the story of Mikey the powerful owl and the struggle to protect the habitat needed for his survival in Byles Creek Valley.

Forum 45: May 28, 2018
Local Aboriginal History
Neil Evers abd Laurie Bimson told stories about their Aboriginal ancestors who lived in the Sydney, Hawkesbury and Pittwater areas. The stories spanned many years of local history. They told about how they prepared food and cared for the land.

Forum 46: Aug 27, 2018
Creeks in the Catchment
Sue Jacobs, Ben Fallowfield, Jillian McIntyre and Ruby Ardren from Northern Beaches Council talked about works have been completed on creeks in the catchment since the Creek Management Study was adopted in 2004 and outlined the priorities for creek management from now on. Bush regeneration works along creeks were discussed. Charts were displayed that showed the scientific methods by which Council prioritises works along creeks.

Forum 47: Nov 26, 2018
Transport Issues in the Catchment
People have needed to travel through the catchment since Aboriginal people used their walking tracks, through various forms of transport to the present day. Richard Michell outlined those changes and the impacts they have had on the environment.
There are many changes to transport options likely to occur in the near future. Malcolm Raymond discussed some of these options and the impacts they are likely to have on our way of life.

Forum 48: Feb 25, 2019
Possums, Gliders and Wildlife Surveys
Jayden Walsh and Brad Law will give insights into the behaviour of possums and gliders - especially the endangered pygmy possum- and Brad will share information about wildlife surveys in the local area.

Forum 49: May 27, 2019
Sharing Aboriginal Heritage
Aunty Fran Bodkin, Gavin Andrews and Greg Taylor conducted this forum in the nature of a series of interviews exploring Aboriginal Culture, Knowledge and Lore.

Forum 50: Aug 26, 2019
Planning for the Future
Andrew Pigott from Northern Beaches Council explained how Council is working to set priorities for the next 20 years in a program called "Towards 2040" in a Local Strategic Planning Instrument that will guide the preparation of the Local Environment Plan. Community input will be very important.

Forum 51: Nov 25, 2019
Environmental Planning for the Northern Beaches road upgrades
Letisha Lim and team outlined the planning that was necessary to maximise protection for flora and fauna that would be impacted by the hospital road upgrades. They talked about the ongoing measures(such as nest box installations) and monitoring systems that are being conducted under the guidance of an ecologist.

Forum 52: Feb 24, 2020
Secrets of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment: Discoveries in the 21st Century
Jayden Walsh has been observing wildlife for some time in the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and taking stunning photographs. He had some fascinating stories to tell about discoveries that have been made in the 21st Century.

The May 25, 2020, Forum was cancelled due to Covid-19

Forum 53: Aug 31, 2020
The Aboriginal significance of Wheeler Creek Valley
Dennis Foley told us about the significant Aboriginal heritage of the Wheeler Creek Valley where there are caves and carvings visible. The NSW Government has recently declared this area as An Aboriginal Place.

Forum 54: Nov 30, 2020
Fantastic Flora of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Peter Ziegler showed slides and talked about some of the fascinating aspects of various plants that flourish in the catchment of Narrabeen Lagoon.

Forum 55: Feb 22, 2021
Wonderful Wildlife near Narrabeen Lagoon
Jayden Walsh introduced us to some of the fascinating creatures that inhabit the areas close to Narrabeen Lagoon and can perhaps be seen from the walkway around Narrabeen Lagoon if you are there at the correct time and season.

Forum 56: May 31, 2021
Aboriginal Heritage in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Eric Keidge and Bob Conroy discussed engravings present in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and the Aboriginal Heritage those carvings represent.

Forum 57: Aug 30, 2021
Environmental Studies in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Andrew Pigott and Yianni Mentis of Northern Beaches Council will explain the various environmental studies needed in the preparation of the new Local Environmental Plan for the area. They will tell us about the status of the studies and what has been found so far.

Forum 58: Nov 29, 2021
Fishing Bats and Water Rats (Rakali)
Dr Brad Law and Dr Geoff Williams told us about the behaviours and environmental requirements of fishing bats and water rats (Rakali) that forage in Narrabeen Lagoon. Yianni Mentis explained how Northern Beaches Council is working to protect the environment, especially the water quality, needed by these aquatic creatures.

Forum 59: Feb 28, 2022
The Pan Gnammas, Rock-gardens, Rainforests and Conifers of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Ecologist and local resident Jayden Walsh lead us on a journey through the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment, taking us to some of the most interesting and varied places in the area.

Forum 60: May 30, 2022
The Aboriginal Heritage of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Speaker: Professor Dennis Foley
Dennis was born and grew up in the Northern Beaches. His grandmother was a karadgi woman on Car-rang-gel, North Head. He told us about the significant Aboriginal Heritage in the catchment of Narrabeen Lagoon.

Our next forum will be ...

Forum 61: August 29, 2022
Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion Project
Speakers: People from the committee for the Ku-ring-gai Geopark Proposal
Speakers from a group led by Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment will speak about the project to establish a GeoRegion encompassing a wide area of interesting geology including areas of the Northern Beaches. The longterm aim is to establish a Geopark.

Make sure you come along - book by using the email address at the end of this page

politicians
Minister Debus with Administrator Persson and
Mayor McTaggart announcing the $1.9m grant
and reiterating that the catchment must be protected.

Sunrise over Narrabeen Lagoon

Newsfront - partly filmed in Narrabeen Lagoon

Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Narrabeen Lagoon from Corymbia Circuit

Bushfire threat

Bikers
Bike riders in the catchment

tram
1910 Tram that was later extended to Narrabeen

Inspection
Inspecting bush regeneration works
undertaken with the $1.9m grant

Carving
Aboriginal Rock Carving


Dennis Foley	Julie Janson

Pelican


Powerful Owl	Blue Wren

Skiff
The water in Narrabeen Lagoon was deep enough to sail a 12ft skiff
in the 1940s. It isn't deep enough now.

Spider

Ladybird

Dragonfly

Cicada
Rare cicada from Narrabeen Lagoon catchment

Images from May 25 - Aboriginal Activities night

Learning to weave	Learning about bush tucker
Learning dance steps	Learning about tools and artifacts

Workshop - August 2015
Putting items on maps at Aug 2015 workshop. Beading
Beading during the Aboriginal Arts and Crafts night
Osprey
Osprey

Thick tailed gecko
Thick-tailed Gecko

Driverless car