Mosman Archives - Page 4 of 7

Cyclist Killed in Bus Collision Outside Taronga Zoo in Mosman

Photo Credit: GT World Challenge Australia

A cyclist has died following a collision with a bus outside Taronga Zoo in Mosman, with the man identified as a prominent motorsport businessman.

Incident and Emergency Response

A fatal collision occurred outside Taronga Zoo on Bradley’s Head Road in Mosman around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 6 June. Emergency services responded to the scene where a cyclist, later identified as Tim Miles, was declared dead. The bus driver involved was uninjured and underwent mandatory hospital testing. No passengers on board the bus were harmed.

Police erected a visual barrier at the site while conducting a forensic investigation, prompting access restrictions for zoo visitors and vehicle owners in the area.

Tim Miles accident — *Photo Credit: Tim Miles/Facebook*

Background in Motorsport and Business

Tim Miles, 58, was a businessman originally from Ashburton, New Zealand. He was well known in Australian and New Zealand motorsport, having co-founded Miles Advisory Partners in 2002. His career spanned over three decades and included leadership roles in corporate advisory and motor racing teams. He co-owned Triple Eight Race Engineering and played a role in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011 and again in 2021 to RACE.

Mr Miles previously led Tasman Motorsport, managing its entry into the Supercars Championship in the early 2000s. Under his leadership, the team achieved multiple podiums, including second-place finishes at the Bathurst 1000 in 2005 and 2008.

Recent Racing Activity

Earlier this year, Mr Miles competed in the Mustang Challenge Invitational during the Le Mans 24 Hours in France. He also partnered with fellow New Zealander Brendon Leitch in the GT World Challenge Australia, with the duo securing a race win at Phillip Island. In January, he also raced in the Taupo Historic GP.

Community and Industry Response

Family members described Mr Miles as a dedicated father and husband with a strong presence in motorsport and business. Tributes from the racing community noted his long-term involvement, from mentoring young drivers to competing and managing teams. Supercars and other organisations recognised his contributions as both a competitor and advisor, highlighting the influence he had on the sport’s development.

Taronga Zoo issued a statement confirming changes to site access following the incident. While the zoo remained open to visitors, buses from Mosman Junction and Taronga Wharf were not operating. Access was maintained through the zoo’s lower entrance, with ferries continuing to run as scheduled.

Investigation Ongoing

NSW Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. The collision is being examined by the crash investigation unit. Authorities have asked for any dashcam or mobile footage from the public. Traffic diversions remain in place, and motorists have been urged to avoid the area.

Published 8-July-2025

Creative Starz Launches Performing Arts Program in Mosman

Photo Credit: Creative Starz Academy /Facebook

A children’s performing arts school is expanding its holiday program to Mosman, offering musical theatre activities designed to build confidence and creativity.

Background and Program Overview

Creative Starz Academy, a performing arts organisation for children, is expanding its musical theatre holiday camps to Mosman this winter. The academy began in Willoughby, later extending to Manly Vale, and is now introducing its seasonal programs to both Mosman and Beacon Hill. Previous camps have featured musical productions such as “Annie,” “Mary Poppins,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

The academy also runs weekly performing arts classes for children aged 4 to 11.

Winter Camps and Locations

This year’s winter school holiday camps will run across four Sydney suburbs, with the Mosman camp taking place at St Luke’s Anglican Church on Heydon Street from Monday, 7 July to Friday, 11 July 2025.

The Beacon Hill camp will be held at Beacon Hill Public School from Monday, 14 July to Friday, 18 July 2025.

Each program spans five days and culminates in a mini-musical performance, with Mosman students working on “Matilda.” Holiday camp enrolments are open to children aged 6 to 13, with a program cost of $460.

Daily Activities and Schedule

The camps are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, with drop-off available from 8:00 a.m. and pick-up until 5:30 p.m. (except on the final day, which ends at 4:00 p.m.).

Children participate in singing, dancing, and acting in the mornings, while afternoon sessions focus on rehearsals, peer performances, and group activities aimed at building teamwork and problem-solving skills. A final showcase for friends and family is held at the end of the week.

Musical theatre camp in Mosman — *Photo Credit: Creative Starz Academy /Facebook*

Program Philosophy and Educational Goals

Creative Starz Academy does not position itself as a school of excellence but rather promotes inclusive participation for children of all skill levels.

The program is designed to support self-expression, independent thinking, and the development of communication skills. Its philosophy centres on nurturing creativity and fostering self-esteem in a structured but supportive environment.

Future Sessions and Ongoing Expansion

The academy has also confirmed additional holiday programs scheduled for September and October 2025. Details for these upcoming sessions are available on request. With the launch in Mosman and Beacon Hill, Creative Starz continues its growth across Sydney’s northern suburbs.

Published 24-May-2025

New Mosman Mega Lot Signals Shift in Cowles Rd Housing

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A combined residential site on Cowles Road in Mosman has been listed for approximately $40 million, becoming the latest large-scale amalgamation influenced by recent state planning reforms.

LMR Policy Sparks Redevelopment Surge

A large-scale property listing on Cowles Road, Mosman, marks the sixth major amalgamation in the suburb since February. Nine adjacent homeowners from 92 to 108 Cowles Road have unified their properties into a 2,151-square-metre block. The move aligns with the NSW Government’s updated Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, designed to facilitate more diverse residential development in key areas.

These changes, introduced on 28 February 2025, permit higher-density projects within 800 metres of designated town centres and public transport. Cowles Road falls within this zone, making it eligible for the new development controls.

Mosman property development — Caption: 92 Cowles Road, Mosman
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Development Potential and Valuation

Selling agents JLL described the site as suitable for a six-storey residential project, with an estimated gross floor area of up to 4,732 square metres and a maximum allowable building height of 22 metres. Market expectations suggest the parcel could achieve as much as $43 million, depending on buyer interest and development conditions.

The proposal includes potential for harbour and city views from upper levels, subject to council approval. The current listing follows three other ongoing amalgamations in the same street: 65–77 Cowles Road (1,858 sqm), 74–78 Cowles Road with 17a–19 Wudgong Street (2,355 sqm), and 138–144 Cowles Road (1,664 sqm).

Strategic Policy Context

The NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy aims to deliver 112,000 new dwellings over five years across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Lower Hunter, Newcastle, and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven. Stage 2 of the policy expanded housing types allowed in mid-rise zones, including terraces, townhouses, and apartments.

Mosman housing — *Caption: 100 Cowles Road, Mosman*
*Photo Credit: Google Maps*

This policy sits under the broader State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 framework and responds to the state’s ongoing housing supply targets.

Property Details and Ownership

The Cowles Road listing comprises eight semi-detached dwellings and one free-standing house, with individual lot sizes ranging between 205 and 491 square metres. Among the nine properties, 102 Cowles Road is owned by the Anglican Church, which bought it in 1986. The most recent transaction was for 92 Cowles Road, purchased in 2021 for $2.715 million.

Some homeowners who bought prior to 2010 may stand to gain significantly if the amalgamated site reaches the upper price estimate.

property listing — Caption: 104 Cowles Road, Mosman
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Local Response and Implications

Mosman official Marie Kimber stated that Council has limited authority to oppose developments that meet the new planning criteria. She noted that the LMR reforms are expected to alter the character of Mosman and similar suburbs across Sydney.

With increasing demand for well-located housing and relaxed density controls, further amalgamations may continue to reshape the area’s residential landscape.

Published 11-May-2025

Wildlife Teaching Hospital Underway in Mosman

Photo Credit: SSD-33211326

Construction has commenced in Mosman on Australia’s first wildlife specialist teaching hospital, located at Taronga Zoo.

Wildlife Care Expansion in Mosman

Taronga Zoo’s existing wildlife hospital, active since the 1970s, is being replaced by a new $80 million facility (SSD-33211326) aimed at advancing veterinary treatment, research and education. The hospital will expand on decades of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and will offer specialised surgical, recovery and care facilities for hundreds of native animals each year.

Response to Natural Disasters

The 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, which had a severe impact on billions of animals, prompted the development of the hospital. Taronga’s veterinary team played a key role in treating species such as koalas, wallabies, platypus, and amphibians during the crisis. The incident highlighted the need for modernised care infrastructure to meet the rising demand caused by more frequent natural disasters.

Features and Facilities

The new facility at Mosman will include:

Surgical theatres and recovery spaces for marine turtles, reptiles and amphibians
Expanded quarantine zones for wildlife rescued from illegal trade or transferred under conservation breeding programs
A pathology lab for onsite analysis
A Zoo Nutrition Centre to manage animal diets
Public viewing galleries for zoo visitors to observe veterinary procedures

The facility also aims to strengthen wildlife education through designated training spaces for students, vets, and volunteer carers.

wildlife teaching hospital — *Photo Credit: SSD-33211326*

Support and Funding

Funding includes $40.7 million from the NSW Government, with the remaining costs being raised through philanthropic donations. The project aims to improve state capacity for wildlife first aid by sharing critical care knowledge with trained carers and volunteers across New South Wales.

Outlook for Wildlife Health in Mosman

When finished, the Mosman facility will take over the current veterinary, quarantine and nutrition roles at the zoo. It will also boost capabilities for treating both resident and wild animals, while supporting future generations of wildlife veterinarians and conservationists.

Published 3-May-2025

Medical Contribution from Mosman Native Dr Charles Rowe Honoured

Photo Credit: Pexels

A Mosman-born doctor who dedicated decades to regional healthcare has been honoured, as the Young Historical Society reflects on the contributions of Dr Charles Rowe.

Early Life and Education in Mosman

Dr Charles Rowe was born in Mosman on 31 May 1918. He has a twin brother named Richard. Dr Rowe completed his early schooling at Marist Brothers in Mosman before attending St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, for his secondary education. Following his schooling, Dr Rowe studied medicine at Sydney University, graduating in 1942.

After completing his medical degree, Dr Rowe began working at Lewisham Hospital, where he progressed to the role of medical superintendent. In 1943, he tied the knot with June Bremmer at St Joseph’s in Neutral Bay.

Military Service and Move to Regional Practice

After marriage, Dr Rowe served for three years as a medical officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, including one year overseas. After leaving the service, he commenced work at Dr Bertram Cook’s practice in Bulli. In August 1948, Dr Rowe purchased Dr Cook’s practice.

Dr Rowe recalled his first maternity case in Young, assisting Mrs Florence Hardy of Wambanumba during heavy snowfall. The baby delivered that day grew up to be Mrs Robyn McDonald, who later worked as a nursing aid at Mercy Hospital.

Dr Charles Rowe — *Photo Caption: Dr Rowe’s medical bag.*
*Photo Credit: Young Historical Museum/Facebook*

Community Contributions Beyond Medicine

Dr Rowe was an Alderman on the Young Shire Council from 1950 to 1956. He was also appointed Deputy Mayor in his final year. That same year, he played a role in establishing and advising Alcoholics Anonymous chapters in Young and neighbouring towns.

Dr Rowe’s community involvement extended across various local organisations, including the Young Pony Club, Picnic Race Club, Parish Ball Committee, Road Safety Council, Riverine University College movement, and Riverina Region Advisory Council. He also served as a Government Medical Officer.

Beyond his medical work, Dr Rowe became the first president of the Young branches of both the National Catholic Rural Movement and the Young Rural Credit Union, while also being active in the National Civic Council. During the 1961 elections, he contested the Federal seat of Hume for the Democratic Labor Party. Unfortunately, he was not elected.

*Photo Caption: Dr Rowe’s medical instrument.*
*Photo Credit: Young Historical Museum/Facebook*

Return to Sydney and Legacy

Prior to retiring in 1970, Dr Rowe’s practice was joined by Dr Mullany. After returning to Sydney, Dr Rowe maintained strong ties with Young, making several visits before his death in 1975. A memorial service for Dr Rowe was conducted at St Mary’s Church in Young.

His widow, June Rowe, extended a formal thank you to the community through a published notice and a personal letter to Monsignor Weissel. His son, James Rowe, donated his father’s medical bag and instruments to the Young Historical Society, commemorating his service.

Published 26-Apr-2025

Mosman Electricity Substation Block Listed for $475,000

Photo Credit: BresicWhitney

A 101-square-meter block of land in Mosman containing a functioning electricity substation has been listed for auction with a guide price of $475,000.

Located at 37 Vista Street, the Mosman property is among eight similar sites across Sydney’s prestigious north shore suburbs being sold off by what’s understood to be an Ausgrid subsidiary. These properties are being marketed as opportunities in highly sought-after locations despite their small size and unusual features.

The block, zoned R2 – Low Density Residential, is scheduled to go to auction on April 30. It features a live electricity kiosk that will remain operational, with easements allowing maintenance workers access for repairs.

BresicWhitney’s Director Scott Thornton and Sales Agent Eliza Fitzpatrick are handling the sale. The official listing describes it as “a rare and intriguing offering” presenting “one of the most unique opportunities to hit the Lower North Shore in recent memory—its previous purpose now giving way to future possibilities, whether as an acquisition for immediate neighbours or something more ambitious.”

These substation blocks have generated significant online controversy, with social media users expressing reactions ranging from bemusement to anger. Critics have called the sales “disgusting” and examples of “greed,” while others questioned the practicality and safety of building homes around active electrical infrastructure.

The property sales have also sparked debate about missed opportunities for public space, with some residents arguing these small parcels would better serve communities as green spaces.

According to the original draft article, Belle Property agent Simon Harrison, who is coordinating most of these unusual sales, stated: “There’s nothing to compare them to. I’ve never sold anything like them.”

Three of the eight sites are scheduled for auction this weekend, with local sources suggesting at least one could sell for more than $700,000.

Published 22-April-2025

Mosman Local Secures “Knockdown” Property After Auction

Photo Credit: Atlas

A hotly contested auction for a Mosman deceased estate ended with a local resident outbidding six other hopeful buyers, paying $16.1 million for what agents describe as a likely “knockdown” property.

The three-bedroom house at 13 Stanley Avenue, situated on the prestigious Balmoral slopes, attracted significant interest primarily due to its elevated position offering uninterrupted ocean views. The property had remained in the same family for 65 years before coming to market.

Despite rainy conditions, four Mosman locals participated in the indoor auction where bidding opened at $10 million. The price quickly exceeded the $11.5 million reserve—a figure aligned with comparable sales in the area. As the auction progressed, bid increments ranged from $500,000 down to $100,000, with the final two buyers exchanging $100,000 bids until the hammer fell at $16.1 million.

“We didn’t have much guidance because the property was always going to be sold [at auction],” said selling agent Adrian Bridges of Atlas Lower North Shore.

The property’s value lies primarily in its location rather than the existing structure, with Bridges noting it was “probably a knockdown.” Buyers showed remarkable confidence investing in Stanley Avenue, which currently holds the Balmoral price record of $33 million.

“This will ultimately become a trophy home,” Bridges explained. “For this one to sell at this level speaks to the buyer’s confidence that a finished product is going to be up in the sort of $30 to $40 million range.”

The auction was part of a busy week in Sydney’s property market, with 1402 properties scheduled for auction. Domain Group reported a preliminary auction clearance rate of 66 percent from 848 reported results, with 187 auctions withdrawn.

Published 31-March-2025

A Piece of Mosman’s Literary History Faces the Axe

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Mosman locals are about to lose a piece of their suburb’s history. The Himalayan Cedar at 17 Warringah Road, a tree tied to beloved Australian author Ethel Turner, is scheduled for removal, raising questions about heritage preservation in the community.

A Piece of Mosman’s Literary History Faces the Axe

A century-old Himalayan Cedar in Mosman, once part of the home and garden of Ethel Turner, the celebrated Australian author of Seven Little Australians, is set to be removed.

*Photo Credit: Mosman Library Service/Facebook*

The tree, which is at 17 Warringah Road, is believed to have been planted during Turner’s stay on the property, which she lived for over five decades. It was a handsome and tall feature, but recently decayed at an extremely fast pace, necessitating its intended destruction.

A Declining Icon in a Historic Suburb

The Mosman Council confirmed that the tree has suffered significant decline, citing a recent arborist report that noted extensive damage to its roots and trunk. The assessment also raised concerns about possible poisoning, pointing to drill holes found near the base.

However, council officials have not formally determined foul play, attributing the removal decision to safety concerns. Turner’s home, Avenel, was a well-known fixture in Mosman’s history.

During 1901 until her death in 1958, Turner lived in the house, tending its gardens and finding inspiration for her paintings. The house itself was demolished in 1970 to be followed by apartments, but remnants of its past have remained, like the Himalayan Cedar.

Community Reaction and Preservation Concerns

News of the tree’s removal has sparked concern among Mosman residents and literary enthusiasts. Others see it as another loss of historical identity in a suburb already undergoing swift change. While there has been discussion of saving or memorializing the property, no plans have been formally set.

Local historians and residents have been shocked that more was not undertaken to save what they see as a living connection with one of Australia’s favourite authors. Turner’s Seven Little Australians remains part of the country’s literary heritage, and some locals think that the suburb should be doing more to commemorate that legacy.

As the demolition date draws closer, Mosman residents are left to wonder at the new form of their community and the challenge of striking a balance between heritage preservation and city growth.

Published 13-March-2025

Mosman Among Sydney’s Top Water Wasters as Usage Hits Five-Year High

Photo Credit: Pexels

According to newly released data from Sydney Water, Mosman residents are among the highest water consumers. They use nearly 65,000 litres more than the average Sydney home.

Sydney’s Water Usage Reaches Record High

Sydney Water has reported a significant rise in water consumption across the city. Mosman, Hunters Hill, and Ku-ring-gai are among the top five water-consuming suburbs and Woollahra recorded the highest usage. Woollahra averaged 304,000 litres per household annually.

Between December 2024 and January 2025, Sydney Water supplied over 99 million litres of water across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra. An increase of nearly 5% compared to the same period last year has been noticed.

Sydney Water’s Conservation Manager, Suhanti Thirunavukarasu, highlighted the importance of mindful water use during the hotter months when demand rises.

How Mosman Compares to Other Sydney Suburbs

New data reveals that Mosman households consume an average of 267,000 litres of water annually. In contrast, the water-conscious suburb of Kiama uses just 146,000 litres per household.

The top five water-consuming suburbs in Sydney include:

Woollahra: 304,000 litres per household
Hunters Hill: 277,000 litres per household
Mosman: 267,000 litres per household
Ku-ring-gai: 247,000 litres per household
Strathfield: 245,000 litres per household

On the other hand, some of the most water-efficient suburbs include:

Blacktown: 206,000 litres per household
Parramatta: 205,000 litres per household
Penrith: 205,000 litres per household
Campbelltown: 202,000 litres per household
Inner West: 172,000 litres per household
Blue Mountains: 160,000 litres per household
Kiama: 146,000 litres per household

The Push for Water Conservation

Sydney Water has urged residents to be more mindful of their usage. Small habits like leaving hoses running or taking long showers contribute to rising demand.

The agency has planned a $30 billion investment over the next decade to upgrade and expand water and wastewater networks, catering to Sydney’s growing population and increasing water needs.

Mosman water usage — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Future Implications and Next Steps

Sydney Water emphasises the importance of conservation efforts to prevent future shortages as water demand is climbing. Dam levels remain steady. Still, ongoing monitoring and sustainable practices are essential for long-term water security.

Residents are encouraged to adopt water-saving practices at home. Limiting shower times, fixing leaks, and using efficient irrigation systems are suggested to reduce unnecessary waste.

Published 7-Mar-2025

Bull Sharks Spotted in Mosman: Dog Owners Urged to Stay Cautious

Photo Credit: My Dog Site

Authorities are warning Mosman dog owners to keep their pets out of the water after three bull sharks appeared near Spit West Reserve.

The sharks circled close to D’Albora Marina, just metres from a popular dog swimming spot on 1 Feb.

Rising water temperatures have drawn sharks closer to shore, sparking concerns among residents.

Eyewitnesses Describe Close Encounter

A local boat owner, preparing for a fishing trip on Saturday, spotted the sharks around 1pm. He described the water as crystal clear, making the sharks easy to see.He also noticed that one of the sharks had a tag on its dorsal fin, likely from a research program.

Bull sharks — *Spit West Reserve*
Photo Credit: *CRS*

With the harbour’s water temperature at 26 degrees, he urged pet owners to think twice before letting their dogs swim.

He suggested that Sandy Bay in Clontarf is a safer option because of its shallow water. However, he added that he would not let his dog into the harbour this summer.

Bull Sharks Are More Active Now

Marine experts say bull sharks thrive in warm water, making Sydney Harbour a hotspot during summer when temperatures rise between 20 and 26 degrees. When the water cools below 19 degrees, these sharks migrate north to Queensland.

Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane Society International Australia, emphasised that understanding shark behaviour can help people avoid danger.

How to Stay Safe Around Bull Sharks

Chlebeck shared key tips for swimmers and dog owners:

Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night
Stick to designated swimming enclosures for extra safety.
Stay out of murky or polluted water
Watch for fish activity since diving seabirds often signal the presence of bait fish, which can attract sharks.

Chlebeck said that bull sharks likely were not hunting for food, but were exploring the surroundings.

Climate Change May Bring More Sharks to Sydney

Macquarie University shark expert Professor Culum Brown believes climate change will increase shark activity in Sydney Harbour.

As the climate warms, water temperatures will stay higher for longer, leading to increased appearance of bull sharks in Sydney Harbour and nearby estuaries, he added.

Recent Shark Attacks in Sydney

While fatal shark attacks remain rare, Sydney has seen several serious incidents in recent years.

In February 2022, a great white shark killed British diving instructor Simon Nellist off Little Bay. It was Sydney’s first fatal shark attack since 1963.

In January 2024, a bull shark attacked 29-year-old Lauren O’Neill at Elizabeth Bay, causing severe leg injuries and significant blood loss. The attack happened in water above 25 degrees before 8 p.m.

With ocean temperatures rising and shark sightings increasing, authorities urge swimmers and pet owners to stay alert.

For now, Mosman locals should keep their dogs on dry land—or at least stick to safer, shallow areas like Sandy Bay.

Published 4-Feb-2025