Get the appNorth Manly, NSW 2100 · 0 stories this week
Nearby: Allambie · Allambie Heights · Beacon Hill · Brookvale · Oxford Falls · Warringah Mall
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Giovanni Pilu, a finalist for Chef of the Year in the 2027 Good Food Guide Awards, has spoken about his life and career. He grew up in Sotza, a small village in Sardinia, where his family's food and community shaped him. He worked in kitchens in Sardinia before moving to Sydney to marry Marilyn. He now runs his namesake restaurant at Freshwater, which is 22 years old. The awards decision is due later this week.
Bec Lynch, aged 35, died peacefully in Manly on Saturday, 10 October 2026, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. A PDHPE teacher at Narrabeen Sports High School, she inspired her students and colleagues. Known as a familiar face along the Manly beachfront, she ran by the ocean each morning. Her family, friends, former students and the Northern Beaches community will deeply miss her.
Sydney’s Southwest Metro will open on 30 October, extending the line from Sydenham to Bankstown. The 66-kilometre route will include stops such as Marrickville, Canterbury, and Lakemba, replacing the old T3 heavy-rail line. Transport for NSW says the new Metro will carry 50 per cent more passengers and provide faster trips, with trains running every four minutes during peak times. Premier Chris Minns and Transport Minister John Graham have thanked commuters for their patience during the delays. Further extensions to the line are in early planning stages.
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Get the appA man has died after being pulled unresponsive from the water off Number One Beach at Seal Rocks on the NSW Mid North Coast. Members of the public brought him from the water about 2.20pm on Monday. Paramedics could not revive him after responding to a concern for welfare call. The man, believed to be in his 60s, has yet to be formally identified, NSW Police said. The incident is under investigation, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
A woman from Point Frederick has been charged by Australian Federal Police for allegedly displaying prohibited hate symbols on social media. She is the second person charged by the National Security Investigations teams over similar conduct.
A luxury Byron Bay retreat linked to Hollywood actor Matt Damon has sold for $4.65 million. The Broken Head property, known as Blackwood House, was listed at a $12.5 million price guide in 2022. Damon rented the home in 2017 while filming a cameo for Thor: Ragnarok. He stayed for several months with friend Chris Hemsworth, which fuelled speculation he would move to Australia permanently. Damon did not buy the property, and he returned to the United States after his stay.
Parramatta Lanes recorded its biggest year yet, attracting more than 386,000 visitors over four nights from 21 to 24 October. The free festival used the city centre's streets, laneways and car parks for more than 400 performers, 70 food vendors and 10 stages. Lord Mayor Cameron MacLean said the event showcased the city's cultural diversity and its growing appeal in Western Sydney. The City of Parramatta said the festival was funded by the council and the NSW Government, with a $350,000 Open Streets grant to help deliver the event over three years.
A jury has heard a phone call in which Beau Lamarre-Condon claimed he suffered trauma from bullying by NSW Police Force members. The call was made on February 23, 2024, while he was on his way to hand himself in. He is accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at Baird's Paddington home on February 19, 2024. He has pleaded not guilty and is arguing self-defence. In his statement to police, Lamarre-Condon said a friend encouraged him to hide the bodies. She denies this and says she never saw the bodies.
Infrastructure Department officials have contradicted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's statement that a $6 million grant to the Marrickville Golf Club was meant to address sewage problems. At a Senate estimates hearing, officials confirmed the project does not include sewerage works. Albanese had told the House of Representatives the funding would fix a septic system that sends raw sewage into the Cooks River during floods. Opposition figures, including Dan Tehan and Senator Bridget McKenzie, have called on him to correct the record.
Credit Corp Group, which buys bad debts at a discount and collects them, is on track for another record result this year. The listed business posted a record $105.5 million net profit in 2025/26 and is targeting between $112 million and $120 million this financial year. Chief executive Thomas Beregi told shareholders the purchase of one of HSBC's run-off credit card books was a key driver. Its consumer lending arms grew almost a fifth in the September quarter, led by its Wallet Wizard loans, which carry an annual interest rate of 47.8 per cent.