Think: Give your child the brightest start to their education at these Brookvale schools.

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Brookvale Public School – Built to Last

One of the oldest schools on the Beaches, Brookvale Public School has been part of this community since 1887. Principal Luke Richmond reflects on its proud history, a remarkable transformation under his leadership, and what makes it one of the most beloved public schools on the Beaches right now.

Brookvale Public School has been watching this suburb grow since 1887, long enough to have shaped a few generations of locals, including Beaches COVERED. co-founders John and Megan Vickery. "It's a school where tradition and innovation sit side by side," says Luke, and four years into his principalship, the evidence is hard to argue with.

The change on his watch has been significant. But what strikes you talking to him is how much he values what was already here.

"I am the very proud principal of an amazingly vibrant school with a proud history and a bright future," he says, and you believe him.

The families who choose Brookvale Public are a good reflection of the suburb itself, tradespeople, doctors, lawyers, educators and small business owners, all sharing the same high expectations for their kids. The school meets them with contemporary, evidence-informed teaching, renewed learning spaces, targeted support and an Opportunity Class for gifted students.

Daily life here is full. Beyond strong teaching in English, mathematics and science, students can find themselves in a band rehearsal, a public speaking competition, a dance performance or a Student Representative Council meeting. Through Champion Groups, kids connect across every year level, from Kindergarten to Year 6, supported by older peer leaders and a teacher who stays with them throughout their time at the school. The values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best run through all of it.

"Brookvale Public School has the most amazing community you will ever find in a school. Every child is supported and every staff member goes above and beyond for the students. My child has attended since Kindergarten and has received a simply outstanding education. The leadership of Luke Richmond has transformed Brookvale over the last four years. It is one of the Northern Beaches' most exciting schools and one people will be hearing much more about." Hina Osmany, P&C President

The community piece is something else entirely. Last year, around 4,000 people turned up to the school's Halloween Festival, which says everything you need to know about how embedded this place is in the neighbourhood. The P&C raised more than $100,000 in a single year, channelled straight back into the students. Open Days, transition programs, cultural celebrations, the Neurodiversity Parent Group and Cultural Reference Group all add to a school that genuinely reflects the people around it.

That creative energy spills into the classrooms too. Visual arts, music, band, choir, dance and drama are central to school life, and Artist in Residence Leia Sidery, a long-time local, has been working with students to design and paint murals across the campus, giving kids a real hand in shaping the place they learn in. And later this year, a landmark piece of public art will go up on Old Pittwater Road.

What's coming next is just as compelling. Three major projects will change the school's streetscape over the next twelve months, two large shaded outdoor areas and a redesigned frontage developed with landscape architects. And in 2027, the ACE (Academic Challenge and Enrichment) Academy launches, offering extension classes in Years 3 and 5, open to gifted students from right across the Beaches.

At the centre of it all is something Luke comes back to again and again. "Every child deserves to be known, supported and challenged," he says. At Brookvale Public, that's not an aspiration. It's just how things are done.

The Mural

Later this year, a large-scale mural by First Nations artist Sharon Robbie will appear on the Old Pittwater Road facade of Brookvale Public School. The school takes centre stage, surrounded by the story of the local community from the Dreaming until today, Greendale Creek winding toward the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding landscape and the Aboriginal sites woven through it. It's a piece of public art as much as it is a school mural, and one that will stop people in their tracks.

Come and see the school for yourself. Visit brookvale-p.schools.nsw.gov.au or call to arrange a tour.•

2–8 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale | brookvale-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | (02) 9905 4168

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Saint Augustine's College – Growing with Purpose

Brookvale has found its rhythm, and St Augustine’s College has been growing along with it. As the suburb diversifies, modernises and opens up, the College has done the same: honouring its Augustinian heart while expanding what education looks like for today’s young men.

From Humble Beginnings

The College was founded in 1956 with just 65 students. Centred around the local parish church, families came together with shared values to engage in the education of their sons. 70 years on and now with over 1,500 students, that foundation remains but the scope and ambition of the College has grown.

Today, it is a leading independent school on the Northern Beaches, drawing from its local community while engaging with global best practice through its involvement with the International Boys’ Schools Coalition. It remains a school of choice for families seeking a boys’ education that aligns with their values, one that prioritises both academic achievement and the formation of character.

As a comprehensive school, the College is intentional in offering a wide range of opportunities across academics, sport, co-curricular and service.  Every boy is encouraged to discover his strengths and pursue them with purpose, while also developing integrity, contributing to community, and striving for personal growth.

Continuity of Purpose

“At its core, our purpose hasn’t changed,” says Principal Jonathan Byrne. “Education is about more than what boys achieve; it is about who they become.” The College’s values of Truth, Love and Community are inspired by the life of its patron Saint Augustine, whose own journey was marked by questioning, searching and ultimately transformation. The College recognises that the path to becoming a good man is still not straightforward; it requires guidance, resilience and a willingness to grow.

“While our classrooms now feature digital technologies, learning platforms and emerging tools like AI, great education has always been about human connection,” Byrne says.

“Knowing our students, setting high expectations, and supporting them to meet those expectations remain as guiding principles.”

Education for Today...

This balanced approach is especially important today, when young men are navigating increasingly complex influences. The College actively engages with the realities of modern culture, encouraging students to think critically and develop a strong sense of self. In a world shaped by online algorithms, this work matters.

"Education is about more than what boys achieve; it is about who they become." Principal Jonathan Byrne

“A lot of what boys see today can narrow their understanding of what it means to be a man,” Byrne explains. “We challenge that. Strength without compassion is cruelty. Confidence without humility is arrogance. We want our students to lead with both conviction and care.”

This vision resonates beyond College grounds. A recent video inspired by Daragh Fleming’s poem 'If I Ever Have Boys' was shared across the College’s social media platforms, prompting widespread reflection within and beyond the community. “The response showed us how much this conversation matters,” Byrne says. “There is a real desire for a broader, more hopeful vision of masculinity, one grounded in empathy, courage and integrity.”

... and the Future

Along with the suburb it sits in, the physical environment of the College continues to evolve. Investment in contemporary learning spaces has created a campus that supports a range of experiences, from focused academic study to creative collaboration and reflective learning. These developments ensure that students are equipped with knowledge, but also with the skills and adaptability required for the future.

Looking ahead, the College’s recent acquisition of land at Ingleside marks an exciting new chapter. This expansion will provide opportunities for outdoor and experiential learning, as well as enhanced sporting facilities, further strengthening the College’s connection to its community and its capacity to meet the needs of Beaches families.

In doing so, St Augustine’s College continues to educate with purpose, not just for achievement, but for life.

St Augustine's College – Sydney  |  18–22 Alfred Rd, Brookvale 2100  |  (02) 9938 8200  |  saintaug.nsw.edu.au

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Health: Meet the chiropractor slash child development specialist reshaping young minds.

Brainshape – Rewiring Young Minds

Your child may not be sick, but sometimes, a parent can sense when something just isn’t right. Behavioural difficulties, learning delays, coordination problems: there seems to be no easy solution. But Brainshape and Freshwater Chiropractic work as an integrated practice to address these concerns.

For parents who have noticed an abnormality in their child that they’re not sure how to manage, Brainshape is the answer.

“We work with families: mums and dads with children. The majority of our clients are kids experiencing challenges with either a learning delay, emotional regulation, focus or attention problems, movement coordination or muscle tone, or task avoidance; and then from the chiropractic side, mums that just aren't coping or are overwhelmed,” says Dr Zoe Braund, founder and co-owner of Brainshape.

Boasting over 25 years in the field, Dr Zoe is experienced at treating a variety of concerns across all ages, but she is in her element when working with children, particularly those with developmental concerns.

Such issues can affect a child’s confidence and competence in daily life, preventing them from becoming who they were meant to be. Often, medications are prescribed for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, tourettes, and dyslexia, but a long list of side effects ensures that medication is not a long-term solution.

Off to a Good Start

At Brainshape, development is approached differently, using advanced technology and holistic integration of body and mind. So, what does an appointment at Brainshape look like?

Dr Zoe starts by assessing foundational development and primitive reflexes.
“These are the automatic movement patterns babies are born with, such as sucking, grasping and reflexive movement. These reflexes should naturally integrate or disappear by 12 months of age as the brain develops. When they remain active, they can affect coordination, learning, posture and emotional regulation.”

Left Brain, Right Brain

For struggling kids, there is an imbalance between the left and right brain development.

“The left brain is ‘go’, the right brain is ‘stop’, but they work together. The left brain handles reading, words, maths, numbers; it's very literal. The right brain is the drive to connect and attach,” explains Dr Zoe.

Brainshape’s neurotherapy programs work to mature this connection between right and left.

“The brain is very plastic in a child: neuroplasticity. We're working on giving sensory input in the right way to develop that brain,” Dr Zoe affirms.

High-Tech Treatment

Brainshapes’ treatments focus on stimulating the brain in the right ways. They use infrared light and red light lasers, vibrations, electrical stimulation and a technology called Stimpod to drive the vagal nerve, helping kids move out of fight-or-flight mode.

“Most kids really love it. There are balance exercises, gaming, all sorts of things, but it's a multilevel stimulation. We always check they're coping and don't jump too far ahead too soon. Our goal is always regulation.”

Families may start with an intense program of therapy at two or three times a week initially, and the improvements are quickly noticed by mums and teachers. From there, less intense treatment may continue for up to twelve months.

Leading the Charge

Brainshape looks beyond symptoms to address developmental challenges at their foundation.

“The fate of the adult brain lies in the child's development. If we can check early and make sure the child is developing the way they're meant to, we can make a real difference,” says Dr Zoe.

The earlier troubling symptoms are addressed, the more effective and immediate treatment will be.

Ready to get started? Book in for a session at brainshape.com.au and give your family the strong start it needs.

5/529 Pittwater Road, Brookvale  |  (02) 9905 1856  | brainshape.com.au

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Move: Get moving at these fitness centres across Brookvale.

Luxe Collective – A Place to Belong

Brookvale has changed. What was once known primarily for warehouses and industry has evolved into one of the Beaches' most vibrant lifestyle destinations. Creative businesses, cafés, breweries and wellness brands have transformed the suburb into a place people actively choose to spend time, not simply pass through.

Yet amidst all this growth, one thing has remained surprisingly difficult to find: A place that brings together the many elements of wellbeing under one roof. Because somewhere between work, family, responsibilities and trying to keep up with life, looking after ourselves became surprisingly complicated. One place for exercise. Another for a massage. A café to meet a friend. A practitioner you've been meaning to call. That's the idea behind Luxe Collective.

A place where you can start your morning with pilates, grab a coffee, answer a few emails from the lounge, book in with a trusted practitioner, stay for lunch, join a workshop, meet new people or simply sit quietly for ten minutes before heading back into the world. Not a gym. Not a clinic. Not a café. Not a co-working space. And somehow all of those things at once.

At its core, Luxe Collective was designed to support the many different versions of modern life. Some days that means lifting weights, sweating through a spin class or dancing your heart out in a nightclub-style dance fitness class. Other days it means rolling out a yoga mat, joining a breathwork session or finding a quiet corner with a cup of tea and absolutely no agenda.

Alongside a diverse movement timetable, the Collective is building a growing ecosystem of practitioners, workshops, wellness experiences, a book club, supper club and community events designed to bring people together in meaningful ways. Because wellness isn't static. Our needs change throughout different stages of life, and the spaces we spend time in should be able to support that.

In a world that often feels disconnected, Luxe Collective isn't asking people to add another commitment to their schedule. It's creating a space where many of the things they're already searching for naturally come together. Movement. Connection. Healing. Community. The result is the kind of place people intend to visit for an hour and somehow end up staying much longer. Not another place to go. A place to belong.

1/162 Harbord Rd, Brookvale 2100 | hello@luxecollective.au  | luxecollective.au

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FORMA Battaglia – Showing Up is the Win

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Most of us know we should be doing more. Some of us actually start. Three months ago, Megan, our Creative Director, walked into FORMA Battaglia in Brookvale and began. Now the work is starting to show, and Kristy Curtis explains the method behind the progress, and why this stage of life is exactly the right time to start.

Starting from where you actually are

When Megan first walked through the FORMA door, Kristy wasn't looking at fitness levels. She was looking at movement. How Megan squatted, bent, pushed, pulled and twisted told her everything she needed to know about where to begin.

"Megan has what I call netballer's knees," Kristy says. "Years of playing sport young, combined with wear and tear over time, has created a lot of weakness and instability in her lower body." Add a desk job to the mix and you've got compromised posture, restricted breathing, and movement patterns that need rebuilding from the ground up. Kristy also took measurements and photos from the start, giving both of them a concrete reference point to look back on.

Rather than treating Megan's limitations as reasons to hold back, Kristy found ways to work around them. Step-ups on a low bench with something to hold for balance. Squats onto a box for more stability.

"With most movements you can find a regression or a progression to suit most clients' needs," she says. "Too many of us use pain or injuries as a reason why we don't move our bodies. It was really important to me to find ways to show Megan what she could do."

What's actually happening when you lift

For women in perimenopause, strength training isn't just about looking or feeling better. It's biological. Estrogen and progesterone shifts affect muscle mass directly, and muscle mass affects everything: metabolism, bone density, blood sugar regulation, and the ability to manage weight around the midsection.

"Megan is where most women in perimenopause can definitely relate," Kristy says. "She feels little niggles of pain, sluggishness, and has gained weight around her mid-section that's been extremely hard to shift. That's not a willpower issue. That's hormonal."

The prescription was two to three strength sessions a week, focused on building lean muscle. More muscle means a higher resting metabolism, better insulin sensitivity, and stronger bones. "By adding some lean muscle to Megan's frame, we can switch up her body composition to help reduce inflammation and body fat, and help support her bones and hormones," Kristy explains. But beyond the numbers, there's something harder to measure: feeling like your body belongs to you again. That was just as much a goal.

How you know it's working

Kristy was upfront with Megan from the start: the first four to six weeks would deliver the most noticeable progress. And the earliest signs are subtle, but they're telling.

"Those first few sessions are like you've been run over by a truck," she says. "Tiny tears in your muscle fibres make it almost impossible to move without difficulty. But as the sessions stacked up, Megan was commenting less about everything hurting, which made it easier for her to exercise."

The physical changes followed. Better control under load. Less wobble and shake when lifting. Heavier weights, more reps, cleaner form. "I also started expanding the range of exercises I was giving her," Kristy says.
"We even threw in some boxing to see how her body responded." Each session, quietly, a little more.

The case for short, sharp sessions

FORMA's classes run 30 to 45 minutes. That's deliberate, and Kristy is firm on the reasoning.

"We want stimulus, not overload," she says. "In a 30 to 45 minute session, cortisol rises just enough to drive adaptation, fat loss, strength, energy. In longer sessions, cortisol can stay elevated, which contributes to fatigue, belly fat storage and poor recovery." For women navigating perimenopause, that hormonal balance matters even more. "You leave energised, not drained. That's the difference."

Megan does two PT sessions a week and adds one to two group classes on top. Kristy teaches a mobility class several times a week, focused on joint range of motion and better movement overall. "I believe people motivate people, not exercise machines," she says. "That's why people stay longer with an exercise regime if they train with a buddy or have a community they belong to." Megan has found that community, and it shows.

"The biggest predictor of results isn't the perfect program," Kristy adds. "It's consistency over time."

The community factor

For women who feel intimidated walking into a gym class, Kristy has a simple message: FORMA isn't that gym.

"Yes, you see people in there working hard. But we have 80-year-olds training next to 20-year-olds. Our focus has never been on aesthetics. It's to walk out feeling better than when you walked in." The range of strength, core, HIIT, boxing, fighter, mobility, and kids classes means there's always something that fits. "Guaranteed, you'll find one or two that you like and will stick with."

And when it comes to results, community isn't a nice-to-have. "When people feel part of something, they're more likely to stick to a routine, less likely to skip when motivation dips, and more likely to come back after a bad week," she says. "With where Megan is in her stage of life, her confidence can take a hit. Feeling supported means you'll try harder things, heavier weights, new movements. More confidence equals better training intensity, and better outcomes."

Where Megan is headed

By the end of winter, Kristy wants Megan moving through all her key patterns: bend, pull, push, lunge and twist, with real stability and strength. Her lower body instability is the priority, not just for performance, but for long-term resilience. "Improving her range of motion in her hamstrings and lower back will make a significant difference," Kristy says. "And I'd love to see her continue adding different class styles into the mix."

The confidence piece is already ahead of schedule. "Megan is showing up to classes on her own and coming in to do her own workouts," Kristy says. "That is a huge step forward. Turning up to a new gym on your own is intimidating for most people. She's doing it."

In Her Own Words... Those first few sessions were a reality check. My body had been patient with me for a long time, and patience has limits. I was sore in places I'd forgotten existed, and my knees had opinions. My clothes are fitting differently, and I've lost centimetres I'd stopped expecting to shift. My energy is up. Stress feels more manageable. Even my confidence has quietly come back, not the loud kind, just the settled kind, where you feel at home in your body again. What I didn't anticipate was how much the community would matter. People at FORMA check in on you, cheer you on, help you modify a movement without making a thing of it. After years of not finding the right gym, and avoiding every mirror that came with it, I actually look forward to going back.The classes are short, sharp and sweaty. I come out having genuinely worked, and then I get on with my day. That ratio suits me perfectly. Am I stronger? Yes. Do I feel better? Completely. But the thing I didn't know I was missing was feeling like myself again. If you've been putting it off, this is the sign. – Megan

Kristy's Winter Tips

1. Warm up longer than you think. Muscles and joints tend to be stiffer in the colder air.

2. Strength train consistently. Keeping strength and lean muscle mass is a year-round commitment, not a summer project.

3. Consistency beats intensity. Every time.

4. Find your jam. Pilates, boxing, HIIT, cycling, dancing. You're more likely to stick with what you actually enjoy.

5. If you have a hard time motivating yourself, hire a PT, work out in a group, or find a workout buddy you're less likely to cancel on.

6. Eat more protein. Winter can be a time of comfort food, so fill up with nutrient-dense foods packed with protein to help keep you satisfied.

7. Stay hydrated. We tend to drink less water in winter, so keep the habit going.

8. Don't isolate yourself. Community matters more in winter, not less.

9. Morning light matters. Try to get some direct sunlight for 5 to 10 minutes to support vitamin D and mood.

10. Keep it simple. A walk, some mobility, steps on the stairs. It all matters. Any movement is medicine.

Ready to find your rhythm? FORMA Battaglia is offering a 14-day trial for new members. Whether you're starting from scratch or starting over, Kristy and the team will meet you exactly where you are. Find them in Brookvale and take the first step.

2 Wattle Rd, Brookvale | 0411 518 525 | formabattaglia.com.au

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World Gym Northern Beaches – The Gym With it All

The whole point of joining a gym is having access to more than you could ever have on your own: the equipment, the expertise, the energy. At World Gym Northern Beaches, that's exactly the promise. And they've built something that delivers on every count.

"What truly sets World Gym Northern Beaches apart is the sheer size of our training floor and the depth of our equipment selection," says Director Romy Lee. "We have one of the largest gym floors on the Beaches, packed with premium equipment from some of the most respected manufacturers in the industry, including Hammer Strength, Gym80, Atlantis, Life Fitness, Cybex, and Prime."

Truly, the focus is always on giving gym lovers access and choice. Waiting around for that one machine that completes your routine? Not at World Gym. Instead of offering only one station for each movement pattern, they provide duplicates of
the most popular equipment: four leg presses, four leg extensions. Less queuing, less awkwardly sipping water while pretending you're not waiting to pounce on the chest press, more progression through your routine.

To stop newcomers getting overwhelmed by choice, every machine is colour-coded by body part. Standout spaces include a competition spec combo rack, beloved by the Olympic lifting and powerlifting community for letting them practise in the exact conditions in which they compete. There's a multifunctional space for calisthenics, cross-training, and gymnastics, and a dedicated posing room where bodybuilding competitors track progress, practise routines, and work with coaches come season.

World Gym members come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, but most share a few clear goals: building strength, increasing muscle mass, improving body composition, and becoming the strongest, healthiest version of themselves.

One thing Romy is particularly proud of is the diversity of their membership.

"We have a relatively even split between men and women, creating an inclusive and motivating atmosphere where everyone is focused on personal progress. Regardless of age, experience, or training level, our members are united by a strong work ethic and a desire to continually improve."

And members keep coming back. Part of it's the old-school vibe, camaraderie, and welcoming atmosphere. Part of it is the perks: in-house personal trainers, class instructors, and an on-site physio who extend the offering well beyond the gym floor. The Pro Shop and Barbell Café take care of the rest.

Open 24 hours and sitting at a 4.8-star rating, World Gym is in a league of its own. Head to Unit 8, 9–13 Winbourne Road, Brookvale, and invest in your strength today.

Strength for Every Body

Strength training has become one of the most evidence-backed investments you can make in your long-term health. Improved bone density, better metabolic function, greater mobility, and sharper mental wellbeing are just some of the benefits that keep people coming back to the weights floor well into their later years. Women in particular have led a significant cultural shift toward resistance training, moving away from cardio-only approaches as awareness grows around what lifting actually does for the body: stronger bones, better posture, more confidence, and healthier ageing.

At World Gym Northern Beaches, that shift is reflected in the membership. Whatever your starting point, the equipment, the coaches, and the community are here to meet you.

Training Built Around You

Every body is different. That's why World Gym's personal trainers start with a full health plan and fitness evaluation, taking into account body composition, mobility, strength, stamina, and nutrition before building your program. The result? A fully customised approach to get you where you want to go.

Classes Worth Showing Up For

Led by certified instructors who know how to push and inspire in equal measure, World Gym Northern Beaches fitness classes are built for results and for fun. Choose from BoxHIIT, HIIT, Strength, Bootcamp, Pilates,
and more.

Fuel Up Before, Refuel After

The World Gym Pro Shop is your one-stop supplement destination, stocked with all the brands you know across pre-workout, protein, post-workout, recovery aids, sleep and digestion support, and a dedicated pure-form vitamin section. Pair that with the Barbell Café for protein smoothies, coffee, and ready-to-eat meals.

First 30 Days, On Us

New to World Gym Northern Beaches? Join now and your first 30 days are free. Come in, try the equipment, find your people, and see why members keep coming back.

Unit 8, 9–13 Winbourne Rd, Brookvale  |  02 9971 1342 | worldgym.com.au/gyms/northern-beaches

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Northern Beaches Rockhouse – Brookvale's Climbing Community

In the heart of Brookvale's industrial area, Northern Beaches Rockhouse is an independent climbing gym that has served the local community for more than 20 years, with a dedicated team working to make climbing accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all ages and abilities.

Northern Beaches Rockhouse offers kids coaching programs, birthday parties, beginner courses, adult starter programs and lead climbing courses.

As the only climbing gym on the Northern Beaches to offer both indoor top-rope and lead climbing, alongside bouldering and a unique caving system, the Rockhouse provides something for climbers of all ages and experience levels.

Whether you're a seasoned climber looking for your next challenge, a complete beginner keen to try something new, a parent searching for the perfect party venue, or simply curious about the sport, you'll find a warm welcome at the Rockhouse!

Loved by our staff, lifelong members and first time visitors alike, the Rockhouse is more than just a climbing gym, it's a community that fosters the space for you to grow.

Come down for a climb (no booking needed!) and discover why so many locals call it their climbing home!

Host a Kids' Party They'll Remember

For kids aged 6 -12 years old, whether they're brand new to the walls or part gecko, the Rockhouse party experience delivers two hours of climbing fun, a private party room, a dedicated host and belay staff to manage the ropes throughout. Optional add-on: the 40m cave.

Book your party at rockhouse.com.au.

4e/9-13 Winbourne Rd, Brookvale 2100 | (02) 9905 6202  |  rockhouse.com.au

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Sports Products: Wheels moving or the surfboard slicing through the waves with all the top notch gear you need to stay active on the Beaches.

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Energy Electric Bikes – Online Pricing. Real Store Service.

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Energy Electric prices are the same as those online.‍

Bikes professionally built in-house, never handed to you in a box

Full road safety check before leaving the store.

30-minute handover briefing covering use, storage, maintenance, and road regulations.

Become an EEB Member and unlock priority mechanical support and servicing.

Drop in and visit in Brookvale, or browse online. Energy Electric is here to get you moving on the Beaches.

0418 977 227  |  Cnr Pittwater Rd & Chard Rd, Brookvale | energyelectricbikes.com

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Long Reef Surf Co. – Find Your Next Wetsuit

The Beaches' BIGGEST range, with over 1,000 wetsuits in stock.

Long Reef Surf Co. – The Wetsuit Experts.

503A Pittwater Rd, Brookvale | 02 9971 1212 | longreefsurf.com.au

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Seven Decades of Bennett Surf

Since 1956, Bennett Surf Co. has served the surf community across three generations. Brookvale-born, family-run, and built on enduring quality, this is a business with as much history as it has future.

Legendary Beginnings

Founder Barry Bennett started with balsa surfboards in the 1950s, hollow wooden boards that were the craft of the era. Watching what American board builders were doing, he introduced expanding polyurethane foam cores around 1958,
a move that proved a turning point for the Australian surfboard industry.

It paid off. Barry went on to supply finished surfboards and all the raw materials needed to make them, reaching manufacturers across Australia and beyond. Boardmakers made the trip to Brookvale to see his work. Among them was Bob McTavish, now the namesake of another Brookvale surf shop. Barry became a mentor to these young craftsmen, sharing not just the art of shaping but the fundamentals of running a business.

Outside the factory, he was equally accomplished. Barry won the Australian title for surf skis and passed that passion to his son Greg, who became a winner in his own right. He was inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, awarded the Order of Australia Medal, and became the first Australian named in the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame.

None of it changed who he was at his core. A down-to-earth lover of surf, Barry remained dedicated to his craft regardless of the recognition, working full-time at the factory until he was 89. His legacy carries on through his son Greg and grandson Tom.

To mark the milestone, Bennett Surf has just released a 70th Anniversary short documentary, available on their YouTube channel @BennettSurfAustralia.

Thriving Today

Continuing Barry's collaborative approach, Bennett Surfboards works with a team of experienced shapers including third-generation Tom Bennett, Sam Tehan, Mark Rabbidge and Billy Tolhurst. The range runs from high-performance shortboards to high-end Malibus and everything in between. Custom boards are available to order at bennettsurf.com.

The business has always extended beyond surfboards. Bennett Surf is an industry leader in surf lifesaving, rescue and kayaking equipment, supplying nipper boards, race mals, rescue boards and custom kayak paddles.

"We're open Monday to Saturday, so stop by and check out our extensive range," says owner Tom Bennett.

Seventy years in, Bennett Surf Co. shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you're after a custom shortboard or a full set of nipper gear, the team at Bennett Surf Co. are ready to help. Visit them at 180 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, Monday to Saturday, or browse and order at bennettsurf.com.

180 Harbord Road, Brookvale | bennettsurf.com  |  (02) 9905 5157

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Shop: Satisfy your flair for fashion or your hunger for homewares in Brookvale.

Salty Crush – Celebrating 10 Years

What started in 2016 as a passion project between friends and fashion lovers Madely and Michelle has grown from a local Beaches business into one of Australia’s leading women’s online fashion retailers.

Now celebrating its 10th birthday, Salty Crush has built a loyal community of women across Australia and around the world, drawn to the brand’s effortless style, signature maxi dresses, flattering fits and feel-good approach to fashion.

Inspired by vibrant prints, relaxed femininity and trend-led dressing, Salty Crush creates pieces designed for real life, from everyday moments to special occasions. With inclusive sizing from 6 to 22, the brand is passionate about helping women of all ages, shapes and stages feel confident, comfortable and stylish.

While the business has grown significantly over the past decade, its heart remains firmly grounded in its Northern Beaches roots, a place that continues to inspire the brand’s laidback spirit, creativity and connection to community.

Ten years on, the mission remains simple: create beautiful, accessible fashion that women genuinely love to wear.

Here’s to 10 years of Salty Crush, and the next chapter still to come. •

Shop at saltycrush.com | @saltycrush

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Emporium Avenue – Live Beautifully. Live Beaches.

Living beautifully on the Beaches starts at Emporium Avenue in Brookvale.

Natural

Wander through and dress your home with texture, natural colour and one-of-a-kind homewares and teak furniture. Layer throws and cushion covers, discover handcrafted bowls, lamps and vases, and find the pieces that make a space feel like yours.

Custom

Not every home suits off-the-shelf furniture. Emporium Avenue creates bespoke teak pieces designed to fit your space perfectly. Bring your measurements and they'll craft furniture that works beautifully in your home.

Robyn and Ian will design bespoke furniture to fit your space exactly: daybeds, dining tables and chairs, buffets, benches and coffee tables, inside and out.

Take it further with planters and plants that transform a balcony, terrace or outdoor entertaining area into something worth coming home to.

Art

Dress the walls with unique, beautiful artwork, or commission something entirely your own.

Your Beaches space, beautifully made. Visit the Brookvale showroom & gallery.

33 Chard Rd, Brookvale 2100  |  Open Tues to Sat 10-4pm  |  emporiumavenue.com.au

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Taste

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Picanha Meat House & Deli – Coming This Winter

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Quality Meat at Wholesale Prices

Continental deli.

Dairy.

Gourmet grocer.

Coffee shop.

Premium cuts, real flavour.

8/12 Green St, Brookvale | picanha.com.au

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