Category: Crag Archives

The 2003 Castlecrag Community Fair on 1 June was an outstanding success. Fine weather brought large crowds and the event served its purpose of bringing our community together. Once again, our mayor, Pat Reilly, officially opened the Fair and met with many of those attending.

All our community groups in The Crag conducted stalls or activities at the Fair and Willoughby Council was well represented with a range of education displays. There was a range of items on sale and all the community groups reported good support for their activities.

The Association extends a big thank you to Kathy Rosenmeyer and her helpers at the Trash and Treasure stall. We are indebted to all those who helped make this such a success. Thanks are also extended to the businesses which participated in the Fair and helped to make it a wonderful day for our community: Castlecrag Newsagent, Shamrock Meats, Rodney Clark, Castlecrag Florist, Castlecrag Quality Meats, Castlecrag Fruiterers, Momo Interiors, Castlecrag Pharmacy, Galleria, Mia, Travelplan Australia, Lunch, Clipso, Christina’s Restaurant, The Professionals, LJ Hooker, PRD Nationwide, Richardson & Wrench, Treats & Temptations, Flavours of Peking, Source and Castlecrag Cellars. With this generous assistance, we covered the cost of staging the Fair and there was a small surplus.

Shop owners, local community groups, young talented children and residents both young and old all came together for the Castlecrag Community Fair on Sunday 3 June. They were pretty much unanimous in declaring the 2007 Fair a great success!

We were fortunate in having beautiful fine day, large crowds descended on our suburb and they had a great variety of entertainment, information and craft stalls, and children’s activities to experience. The restaurants and stores aligning the streets of Edinburgh Road opened their doors to their friendly community with rows of stalls erected.

Whether you were after food, information on local pests or weeds or wanted to pick up some second hand clothing – you would have found it all on this entertaining day.

Willoughby mayor Pat Reilly got proceedings going at 10am by officially opening the new Watergate Walking Trail and the Fair. “It was a great day for a Fair in the historic suburb of Castlecrag,” he said and “the Castlecrag Progress Association has done a great job in bringing together all the community groups and the local businesses of the area to stage this event.” Cr Reilly thanked all those who had helped organise the event and sponsored the Fair, which he said “demonstrated the high level of community interest and support for the event”.

Children of the neighbourhood were entertained on a ride, some were eating cake made by local residents and others were gathered to watch the local girls perform to the beat of Christina Aguilera’s “Candy man”. The bungi jumping was a key attraction for children from the outset, the Wildlife Show held the attention of youngsters from 11am. Sally’s Bookshop offered a book reading of Oscar and Quincy by the author Kerry Millard, much to the delight of smiling young faces.

There was a real buzz around the Fair site throughout the day. Many visitors took time to relax with friends at our coffee shops, taste the wines on offer or explore our shops. The crowd in The Crag was also entertained by the local talented group Saving Grace, one member of which is a son of Pam of Pams’ Café fame. Others came to learn more about Castlecrag’s history and special features by joining one of the guided walks of the suburb.

The day brought many people through the doors of the boutique. The proprietor Sally Crawford said: “we have had lots of locals coming into the store to have a look at our books.”

Jeff Pharar, who has taken over ownership of Romano’s Restaurant said: “it has just been a great opportunity today to get to meet more of the locals in Castlecrag. A lot of the faces are familiar, but we definitely don’t know everybody” he said.

The community stalls offered an amazing variety of information and fund-raising activities. James Smallhorn, Council’s Environmental Projects Officer who grew up in Castlecrag, was assisting other Council staff on the pen Space Branch stall, which provided information leaflets on the local walking tracks, volunteer wildlife and weeding regimes and the highly successful Sustainability Street program. Sustainability Street brings residents together to reduce the impact on their environment.

A number of our community groups have reported that, from their perspective, the Fair was most successful, both in terms of the interest shown by the public and the funds raised to support their ongoing activities.

The Council-led walk along the Watergate Walking Trail got under way immediately after the opening, while Adrienne and John Kabos and Bob McKillop led four walks of the Griffin Conservation Area during the day. It was evident that the participants had come to the Fair to learn more about our suburb, many of them coming from Middle Cove, Castle Cove and North Willoughby, but there were others from further afield, including the Canada Bay Council area. Bob McKillop found two of his old university friends who had come from Perth on the first walk, so this group received ‘special attention’ in an extended walk that lasted 2½ hours!

Jacqueline Levett and Bob McKillop

Our AGM on Sunday 4th May was well-attended and Guest Speaker Linda Cardew gave a most interesting and informative talk on the Civic Place proposal.

Kate Westoby in her President’s Report gave the following summary of the Association’s activities over the past year:

Guest speakers at our meetings have included Greg Woodhams, Council’s Director of Environmental Services, who spoke on the thorny issue of Development Applications. For those with interest in the history of Willoughby, local resident Ian Rannard gave a fascinating talk on the market gardens which once flourished in the area bounded by Eastern Valley Way and Alpha Road. At an earlier meeting, Council’s Traffic Engineer Tony Lehmann outlined proposals for traffic calming installations in Castlecrag, with members of the audience giving suggestions for revisions in keeping with the special heritage nature of Castlecrag.

After its long gestation period, we are happy to report that the Association’s website is now available. We thank Karen Benhar for her professional input.

Recently, the longstanding matter of the Foreshore Building Line has finally been resolved, and the Progress Association congratulates Council for bringing to conclusion a difficult process that needed to address a wide range of interests. While all groups will no doubt have some disappointment at the final result – ours being that the FBL on the Northern Escarpment is not as strong as the line we had hoped for – nevertheless, the outcome will provide significant protection for our foreshores over the coming years.

The Committee prepared a submission regarding Council’s corporate signage in parks, reserves and walkways. This was successful in getting Council’s support for installing the Bim Hilder-designed bronze plaques which have been used in various locations in Castlecrag over past years.

The Progress Association sends delegates to the Federation of Willoughby Progress Associations which meets every two months, for information-sharing meetings on matters of concern to the wider Willoughby community. The Federation has recently made a detailed submission to Council on the revision of DCP 27 which covers notification of Development Applications to interested parties.

Thank you to the hard-working committee which meets every alternate month to our general meetings, and tackles a wide range of issues of importance to maintaining the unique character of Castlecrag.

Kate Westoby, President

On Census night, 8 August 2006, householders in every house in Australia filled out their Census forms. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has now released the ‘QuickStats’ – see: www.censusdata.abs.gov.au

So what secrets do our 1022 private dwellings contain? Some Castlecrag numbers and percentage proportions are summarised below, with occasional comparisons where there are interesting differences with the Sydney Statistical District (the most relevant comparison) and Australia as a whole.

Population: 2807 (Syd 4.12M; Aus 19.9M); Females: 50.2% (Syd/Aus 50.7%).

Ages: 0-14 years, 650 (23.2%; Syd/Aus 20.7%); 15-24 years, 302 (10.8%; Syd/Aus 13.8%); 25-54 years, 1079 (38.4%; Syd 44%,Aus 42%); 55-64 years, 372 (13.3%; Syd 10.2%,Aus 11%); 65 years and over, 405 (14.4%; Syd 12.3%,Aus 13.3%). The median age is 41 years (Syd 35, Aus 37).

Citizenship: 88.9% (Syd 83%, Aus 86%).

Born overseas: 878 (31.3%; Syd 31.7%,Aus 22%).

Country of birth: Australia 1844 (65.7%; Syd 60.4%, Aus 71%); England 174 (6.2%; Syd 3.5%); New Zealand 59 (2.1%; Syd 2.6%); Hong Kong 58 (2.1%); South Africa 45 (1.6%); China 44.

Languages spoken at home: English only 82% (Syd 64%; Aus 79%); Cantonese & Mandarin 138; German 39; Japanese 37; Hungarian.

Religious affiliation: Catholic 748 (26.6%; Syd 29.7%); Anglican 737 (26.3%; Syd 18%); No Religion 547 (19.5%; Syd 14%, Aus 19%); Uniting Church 106 (3.8%); Judaism 98 (3.5%). (Note that Sydney includes 4.3% Eastern Orthodox; 3.9% Islam).

Marital status of Over 15s: Married 67% (Syd 50%); Never married 22% (Syd 34%); Separated or divorced 6.1% (Syd 10%); Widowed 4.5% (Syd 5.6%).

Income of Over 15s: Median weekly individual income $932 (Syd $578, Aus $440). Median weekly household income $2672 (Syd $1154, Aus $1027).

Family characteristics: 804 families, including 472 couple families with children (59%; Syd 49%, Aus 45%); 262 couple families without children (33%; Syd/Aus 37%); 63 one-parent families (8%; Syd/Aus 16%).

Dwellings: 1022, with 947 occupied on 8/8/06; 931 separate houses (98%; Syd 62%, Aus 75%).

Median weekly rent: $600 (Syd $250, Aus $190).

Median housing loan repayment: $3000/month (Syd $1800,Aus $1300).

Average household size: 3.0 (Syd/Aus 2.7); av. 1.1 persons per bedroom.

Fully-owned houses: 468 (49.4%; Syd/Aus 30%); Being purchased 331 (35%; Syd 31%); Rented 117 (12.4%; Syd 30%). Of the 947 occupied private dwellings, 797 (84%) were family households (Syd 68%); 125 (13%) were lone person households (Syd 22%). Of the 117 privately rented dwellings, 90 were via real estate agents (77%; Syd 62%).

Bruce Wilson

In April 1998 Willoughby City Council established the Griffin Reserves Advisory Committee and its members consist of residents of Castlecrag, the Councillors of our Ward and Council staff. Its functions are to review the current Plan of Management for the Griffin Reserves in Castlecrag as it relates to the ongoing implementation, development, work and management of these areas and to advise on aspects of the use, control management of Griffin Reserves for consideration by Council. Its duties include monitoring and advising Council on the health and condition of bushland in the reserves and encouraging the visitation, promotion and enhancement of the natural and built features of the Griffin Reserves.

Much work has in the Reserves and Islands has been overseen by this committee since 1998. The work has been done using bush regeneration contractors and in some reserves working with residents. It is funded by Council. The nature of the work is necessarily slow and it will be some years before Griffin’s entire system of inter-related Walkways and Reserves is again able to be used safely. Regeneration and planting in The Buttress Reserve, below The Tower Reserve, has been underway for some time, but last week the contractor arrived to start work and was horrified to discover that vandals had ripped out plants and slashed or destroyed trees. All her efforts to restore the natural vegetation of this reserve had been made null and void.

Griffin’s vision for Castlecrag was one in which the natural landscape, not the built form was the dominant feature. The Plan of Management seeks to re-establish this vision and it is a matter of deep disappointment that some would seek to destroy this. Let us hope that The Buttress, after further regeneration work, and as the other Reserves are demonstrating, will become the place of natural loveliness it was planned to be.

Elizabeth Lander

Castlecrag mourns Battlement resident of 56 years, Neville Milston. Some 120 friends celebrated his life on 25 July, addressed by colleagues from the North Shore Temple Emmanuel, The Jewish Ex-Servicemen’s Association and the Masonic Lodge of Tranquility.

Born 1920 in Leichhardt, then growing up in Coogee, Neville had to leave school at 14 during the Depression to help in his parents’ gifts business. In 1938 he enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces at 18 as Hitler entered Czechoslovakia and he joined the AIF in 1941, became a radio operator and was shipped out to Malaya. His 8th Division Signals were ordered to join a British military post, but all had to surrender, and were imprisoned in infamous Changi.

Neville then spent 42 months building the 450km Burma Railway, working from 5am to 6pm on starvation rations and dropping from 60kg to a life-threatening 40kg. More than one-third of his comrades died. Liberated in August 1945 he needed extensive rehabilitation before returning to civilian life, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal. [For recollections see www.ajn.com.au April 2007]

In 1949 he met Madge Grouse, a Jewish ex-servicewoman who had seen duty in New Guinea. They married and moved to Castlecrag in 1951 ready to start living life to the full for their next 50 years together. Their three children – Michael, Richard and Leah (and two foster children) – and “their” suburb absorbed them.
Helping build the Infants School, raising of funds for the Walter Burley Griffin Fountain, the Castlecrag Conservation Society and the annual Red Cross Appeal, working for Meals-On-Wheels and other charitable and community endeavours were all part of community involvement. And in 1981 Neville completed a Bachelor of Arts degree: “to get the education I missed out when I was young”, he said.

His three loves outside the family were the Australian Labor Party (he was awarded the McKell Award in 2003 for long and distinguished service), the Masonic Lodge, and Liberal Judaism. It appears that his continued active involvement in such community groups was an important ingredient in his physical and mental longevity…… perhaps a lesson for us all.

He was active to his last day, often seen at the local shops, never mentioning his own ill-health, and always a kind word and empathy for others’ concerns. He passed away in his sleep. We shall miss his great contribution to our community. Shalom Neville.

Bruce Wilson

The inaugural Sustainability Street meeting for residents of the Bulwark and adjoining streets, was held on Sunday, 12 March at the Haven Ampitheatre.

The Bulwark is the first street in Castlecrag to participate in the Sustainability Street program which is supported by Willoughby Council. The objective is to get people together to learn about ecological sustainability and to implement initiatives in their communities to achieve a more “earth friendly” environment now, and for future generations.

Broadly speaking, the three key areas of focus are Water, Waste and Energy. These three areas encompass a vast range of topics which will be covered in “bite-sized” pieces as the program unfolds. For example, most participants at our meeting indicated rainwater tanks were one of their key areas of interest. In May, our guest speaker will present on the subject of rainwater tanks looking at concepts such as what is available on the market, rebates from Sydney Water and the procedures and processes for getting the tanks installed.

So whether its rainwater tanks, Biodiversity and its relationship to our Castlecrag environment, or simply which household cleaners are more environmentally friendly, Sustainability Street has something for everyone.

Meetings for The Bulwark and adjoining streets will be held at the Haven Ampitheatre on the last Sunday of each month at 3pm. The topic for our 30 April meeting will be an Introduction to Sustainability Street, with guest speaker Erika Van Shelleback from Willoughby Council, who is also our mentor for the program.

All interested residents of Castlecrag are also invited to come along to the meeting to find out what Sustainability Street is all about and to discover its benefits to our Castlecrag community.

Contacts for Sustainability Street in The Bulwark are: Judy 9958 7981, Lorraine 9958 1213, Janet 9958 7723, Jill 9967 4933 and Robyn 9967 0634.

Still Available! Sydney Water Rebate for Rainwater Tanks

The drought has been a time when we all have learned to use water conservatively; Australia’s variable climate means that we can expect more droughts.

Sydney Water is encouraging everyone in Sydney to install a rainwater tank. Used correctly, rainwater tanks are an effective way to take the pressure off our limited water resources, and at the same time, help manage stormwater run-off. By storing rainwater run-off from your roof, rainwater tanks can provide a valuable water source for flushing toilets, in washing machines, watering gardens and washing cars.

The following information is from Sydney Water, and there is more advice at their website http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/RainwaterTanks/

Using rainwater appropriately (and in conjunction with water efficient devices like dual flush toilets, showerheads with at least a AAA-rating, taps, tap aerators, trigger nozzles and tap timers) can save you money on water bills and help the environment by:

• conserving our valuable drinking water and reducing the demand on our water supply (conserving water also reduces the chemical and energy requirements for treating and transporting water to your home via the mains supply)

• reducing the amount of stormwater leaving your property by minimising flooding (using your rainwater for day-to-day purposes like toilet flushing helps create space in your tank for more water the next time it rains).

While the NSW Department of Health doesn’t advise using rainwater for drinking when there’s an alternative mains water supply available, we could save millions of litres a year by using rainwater for toilets, in washing machines, and garden and outdoor use. For more information, Sydney Water has brochures “Buying Rainwater Tank” and “Installing a rainwater tank”, either via the web, or by telephoning them on 13 20 92.
There are key things to remember if you are using your tank for water conservation and stormwater management.

• Tank capacity – the larger the tank, the more rainwater can be captured for use during dry periods. A minimum tank size of 5,000 litres is desirable.

• Water use – its best to use the water in the tank on a regular (daily) basis so there is always storage capacity available in the tank when it rains. By using the tank this way you will maximise the amount of water and money you save and reduce the amount of run-off from your roof to the stormwater system.

Rainwater from your tank is fine for use with garden irrigation systems. However, if you plan to connect your rainwater tank to an irrigation system, you should ensure that you have a filter on your tank. Algae or debris can sometimes be present in rainwater tanks, and a filter will stop blockages occurring in your irrigation sprays.

Connecting your tank to your toilet cistern or your washing machine is a good way to maximise the use of your captured rainwater because unlike garden watering, you will even be using your tank water when it is raining. To supply these appliances from your tank you will need to maintain a minimum operating water level in the tank when there is insufficient rainfall. This will require a “top-up” connection from the Sydney Water supply (just like a toilet cistern) and therefore some plumbing alterations to your home. You will need to consult Sydney Water about this.

If you want to contact Sydney Water regarding any plumbing alterations, their Plumbing Policy, Standards and Regulation area can provide advice.

Sydney Water has a Rainwater Tank Rebate Program offering customers up to $650 to install a rainwater tank. A special Rainwater Tanks in Schools Rebate Program is also available for schools.

Sydney Water is offering a rebate to customers who install a rainwater tank. Rainwater tanks have many advantages – no matter where you live. Even in urban areas where a reticulated service is available, rainwater tanks help conserve valuable drinking water and reduce stormwater run-off.

What is the Rebate for? Sydney Water is offering a rebate to help customers who install a rainwater tank. To qualify for the rebate, the rainwater tank must be both:

• a new tank with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, and

• purchased on or after 20 October 2002.

How long does the offer last? This offer ends 31 July 2008.

How much is the rebate? The rebate is based on the size of the tank and whether the rainwater is ‘plumbed’ into your toilet or washing machine.

Tank Size	Rebate
2,000 – 3,999 litres	– $150 tank rebate – plus $150 if a toilet and/or washing machine is connected to the rainwater tank
4,000 – 6,999 litres	– $400 tank rebate – plus $150 if a toilet and/or washing machine is connected to the rainwater tank
7,000 + litres	– $500 tank rebate – plus $150 if a toilet and/or washing machine is connected to the rainwater tank

How do you apply? Once your rainwater tank has been installed and any plumbing work completed by your licensed plumber, you are ready to apply for the rebate. You must:
• fill in your part of the Rainwater Tank Rebate Program form;

• get your plumber (if you had plumbing work done) to fill in their section;

• attach your official receipts for the tank and installation;

• send it to:

Sydney Water

Rainwater Tank Rebate Program

PO Box 17, Wollongong NSW 2520

The Terms and Conditions of Sydney Water’s Rainwater Tank Rebate Program are detailed in the Rebate Program brochure. If you have any questions please contact Sydney Water on 13 20 92

When do I get my rebate?

Sydney Water will send out a cheque for your rebate within 60 days of receiving your completed application form and receipts for the tank and installation, subject to verification of your application details.

Lorraine Cairnes

On 10 November 1925, the residents of Castlecrag came together in the basement of the then recently-opened shops (now the Griffin Centre) for what was to be the inaugural meeting of the Castlecrag Progress Association. Edgar William Herbert was elected president and Walter Burley Griffin served on the executive committee.

In celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Castlecrag Progress Association (CPA) we remember its many achievements and those who have contributed to its proud record.

Edgar Herbert was a pioneer of physical education in Australia and, while working with the YMCA in Melbourne, he and his wife had become friends of the Griffins. When Herbert came to Sydney in 1923 to work with G Z Dupain (father of Max) at the Institute of Physical Education, he made his home in Castlecrag. The Herbert family initially lived in the King O’Malley house on the site of the present hospital, then moved to the end of Edinburgh Road. Herbert served as president of the CPA until 1929 and was also an instigator of the Community Circle.

Edgar Deans, who arrived in Castlecrag in 1928 as Secretary to the GSDA, was another key figure in the Progress Association. He served as its president for four years and as secretary for 13 years. He was also secretary and president of the Willoughby Federated Progress Associations and a Mayor of Willoughby.
The early concerns addressed by the Association included the establishment of a Government Infants’ School, better transport access to the city by construction of an arterial road from East Lindfield to North Sydney (now Eastern Valley Way), the upgrading of Edinburgh Road, undergrounding of electricity wires, sewage services for the peninsula and tree planting along Edinburgh Road.

Over the period 1944 to 1964, the Progress Association ‘retired’ in favour of the Castlecrag and East Willoughby Community Advancement Co-operative Society Ltd, which was formed to raise funds for and build a Community Centre. The centre was opened in 1947 and the Castlecrag Community Library opened its doors in 1951. Both facilities continue to serve the needs of our community.

The resurrected Progress Association arranged for the construction of the Griffin Memorial Fountain in 1965 and initiated tree planting at the shopping centre. By the 1970s, traffic issues were of increasing concern in the community and the Association led a successful campaign to stop the construction of the proposed Warringah Freeway along the Northern Escarpment of the peninsula. Traffic calming measures and the need for a right-hand turn signal at Eastern Valley Way were dominant issues in a survey of residents conducted in 1981.

The CPA commenced a community newsletter, Castlecrag News in 1974 and this became The Crag in March 1978. It has maintained a regular production schedule since then.

More recent community events sponsored by the Progress Association, notably the Castlecrag Community Fairs, and its achievements are being chronicled in the history series. The Association celebrated its 80th birthday at a special dinner held at Christine’s Restaurant on 18 November 2005. The Guest of honour, long-term Castlecrag resident Joyce Batterham, entertained the guests with a memorable presentation on the early days in the suburb.

Bob McKillop

NSW Fire Brigades and Willoughby City Council’s Bushfire Crew successfully completed a hazard reduction burn in bushland on the Castlecrag Northern Escarpment near Sunnyside Crescent on 28 and 29 July.

The aims of the burn were to provide protection to surrounding properties in the event of a future wildfire and to maintain diversity of native plant species. Considerable planning and preparation was required by Willoughby City Council’s Bushfire Crew to ensure effective bushfire management. The crew developed a detailed burn plan of the area that included conservation of cultural heritage sites, bushland vegetation and wildlife habitat and property protection.

The burn area was prepared by cutting down standing vegetation and leaving it to season for a year before burning. This helps ensure that a hot burn is achieved to assist the regeneration of plant species. The preparation also reduces available fire fuel over the area and the burn can be conducted safely. This burn preparation technique also minimises air pollution and reduces the amount of water needed to manage the burn.

The crew had to await ideal weather conditions on 28 and 29 July this year to carry out the burn, which was most successful. The burn area will continue to be maintained by Willoughby City Council staff to ensure weeds are controlled. The public can assist the native plant regeneration throughout the burn area by sticking to the paths to enable plants to regenerate and to reduce erosion. A successful pile burn was carried out in Casement Reserve on 13 September also.

Keep a close watch on this area, as the regeneration occurs over the next year. An abundance of beautiful native wildlife flowers is expected to flourish on the site. If you require further information on how to protect your house during the fire season, please contact Willoughby Council on 9777 1000.

Rebecca Hill, WCC