Community Profile: Wallarah Rural Fire Brigade

5Catho SurfLifesavingClub2

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I N S I D E THIS I S S U E

Munmorah State Conservation Area6 Surf Club

Renovations in June7

W H E R E YO U R E A L LY WA N T TO B E

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P A R A D I S EAN ANGLER’S2. Catho Surf Lifesaving Club

3. An Angler’s Paradise

4. Having a Whale of a Time

5. Wallarah Rural Fire Brigade

6. Meeting the Neighbours

7. Surf Club Renovations

8. A Taste of Catho

In this issue:The Founder’s Column

Renown for both its iconic surf break and its heritage village designation, Catho is also home to the historic Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club. Well recognised for the significant role it plays locally and beyond, the club’s members hail from Doyalson and Wyee to the southwest, Morisset and Mandalong to the west and from towns along southern Lake Macquarie.

Established originally as Wallarah Surf Club in 1923, the organisation was the outcome of a growing concern for safe enjoyment of the area’s beautiful waters. Stemming from newly relaxed surf bathing restrictions in the early 1900s–imagine not being allowed to swim in Catho’s turquoise waters during the day–the club now has to its name over 90 years of continuous service and some 318 members.

Catherine Hill Bay Life Saving Club is especially important to the region’s youth. Junior membership, including nippers (6 – 14 years) and cadets (14 – 18 years), is on the rise and was up over last year’s enrollment. In preparation for competition season, the club’s members have a reputation for punching above their weight and they train throughout the winter both on and off the beach. This dedication to the community has paid off; the Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) team placed second in the state and cadets Jye Lehman, Rhianna Kevill and Lily Costello are national junior champions.

“While competition success makes headlines, it’s the commitment to the drills and education that counts the most to the club,” according to president Paul Drake. No doubt it’s the weekly dedication by members to expert training in surf patrolling that positions the club as one of the best.

Drake continues, “Training people to provide professional surf lifesaving services to visitors and locals is what it’s all about. Make no mistake, the dedication and determination is contagious.”

Focus of the Community

C A T H O S U R F

LIFESAVINGC L U B

“While competition success makes headlines, it’s the commitment to the drills and education that counts the most to the club”

—PAUL DRAKE.

Catherine Hill Bay has long been known as an angler’s paradise! From the sandy shores of Middle Camp Beach, Little Beach and Mooney Beach to the coast’s ancient rock platforms and offshore reefs, fishing enthusiasts have the pick of the lot when it comes to locating that perfect spot.

An ocean to the east and Lake Macquarie to the west, fishing expert Jason Nunn of Fisherman’s Warehouse Tackle World on the Pacific Highway at Marks Point, highlights the abundance of sea life available to those who love to go for the big catch. The summer months in the pristine waters off Catherine Hill Bay offer a perfect environment for small Black Marlin and Dolphinfish. Along the magnificent coast that stretches from Catherine Hill Bay to Nora Head, February saw big numbers of these fish being reeled in; some boats were releasing two to three Marlin a day and some Dolphinfish weighed in upwards of 20 kg. Whether or not you prefer to troll small-skirted lures or use live bait, the most productive line for snagging a Marlin or

Dolphinfish has been the 60 to 100-metre line. These prized game fish run through the summer months to April.

Along the stretch of shore that runs from the reefs of Caves Beach to the beaches of Frazer Park there has been dramatic improvement in the number of Snapper, Flathead, Teraglin and Bonito in the waters.

Just off the Catherine Hill Bay jetty there is a large reef. In some places it is as close as 15m to shore and, in others, the reef is as far out as 35m. In March and April this reef proves inviting to large schools of Bream and

Mulloway. Good baits for catching these are Hawkesbury prawns, pilchards and squid.

This summer will go down as one of the best Whiting seasons in years. Fish up to 46cm long were caught on most beaches on the Wallarah Peninsula including Catherine Hill Bay over these last few months. From March to now, the targeted catch is Tailor as this species starts its annual migration down the east coast.

If lake fishing is your specialty then the waters around Pulbah Island and Coal Point have seen strong numbers of School Mulloway with most measuring 60-75cm. Most prefer fresh lake squid bait for catching Mulloway. Around the lake’s shore Bream numbers have increased since February. Swansea Channel has been yielding Flathead on the drift while the area around Swansea Bridge has Kingfish up to 6kg. Both live squid and surface poppers are good bait for these fish. Larger fish move into the channel during March, chasing the growing schools of mullet.

Welcome to our inaugural edition of Beaches Life, the chronicle of our shared journey at Beaches Catherine Hill Bay.

We believe the best place maker is Mother Nature and Catherine Hill Bay has provided the ideal seaside canvas as the backdrop for our newest creation. Beaches Catherine Hill Bay is in the early stages of growing a new coastal neighbourhood. Our purpose is to evolve along with your family, maintaining the timeless traditions of sustainability and the highest standards of design.

As the people responsible for designing, planning and creating the new coastal community of Beaches, we are not owners in the commonly used sense, we are instead temporary custodians, creating a place that will be cherished, embellished by the community and passed on to the following generations.

The unique location bounded by ocean, three beaches and national park provides us with a beautiful, natural palette from which to draw inspiration for our tree lined streets, seven new parks and reserves, village shops and for the houses which will become home to a thriving, vibrant community.

As you may have noticed during your recent visits to Catherine Hill Bay we have started moulding the

landscape to form the allotments, avenues, streets, drives, boulevards, lane ways and open spaces that will provide the canvas on which the new residents will, in turn, become creators or founders of their own coastal dream home. We are also creating Montefiore Parkway–a broad, welcoming thoroughfare to provide safe access to Beaches from the Old Pacific Highway. To this end, work will soon commence on a new intersection, creating a best practice entry to Beaches Catherine Hill Bay.

In future editions of Beaches Life we will keep you updated on the transformation of Beaches Catherine Hill Bay. We will share with you the special milestones and events that will be like lines in the sand, leading us towards the creation of this rare and unique coastal village. Naturally, you are always welcome to drop by and soak in the view from our beach view verandah.

Bryan RoseEditor Beaches Life

Jason Nunn of Fisherman’s Warehouse Tackle World

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Each year thousands of locals and visitors pack the headlands, beaches, lookouts and tour boats on the quest for a close encounter with a whale during the annual migration. It’s a must-do activity on the New South Wales coast.

Whale migration runs from May to November each year and in July and September the migration is at its peak. Observed whale numbers are increasing steadily each year and locals often report sighting whales and their young in Catherine Hill Bay as these beautiful creatures return to the feeding grounds of Antarctica. With as many as 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises found in Aussie waters, the odds are high that sightseers will catch a glimpse of one of these magnificent mammals in Catherine Hill Bay. It’s not unusual to see breaching whales from the headland walking trails and sometimes from one of the beaches.

Wild About Whales is an app for smartphones that enables whale buffs to plan their coastal adventures. Users of this mobile app can get the latest whale sightings, record sightings and help other whale watchers spot a whale via Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, users can learn about the different whale species and get tips on how to spot a whale. For more information, go to www.wildaboutwhales.com.au.

Look for the Wild About Whales at the App Store!

HAVING A WHALE OF A TIME

The Catherine Hill Bay and Nords Wharf brigades date to the 1960s when each operated in their own townships. In 2007, however, a new fire station was constructed and equipped at Murrays Beach and the three brigades merged to form Wallarah Brigade with responsibility for the greater Wallarah Peninsula.

From Caves Beach and Swansea in the northern end of the peninsula to Nords Wharf in the west and Catherine Hill Bay in the east, the land area is extensive with varied topography and vegetation types, which require a dedicated and highly trained team of community-based volunteers who know the area intimately.

Operating from three stations – Catherine Hill Bay, Murrays Beach and Nords Wharf – the 45-member volunteer brigade continually improves its own training and prepares new team members with skills that are essential to combatting all types of emergency situations. After all, the Wallarah brigade not only fights bushfires but it also shows up to extinguish property and structural fires as well as motor vehicle fires. In addition, these volunteers are often at the site of traffic accidents and there to help other emergency

first responder service organizations that attend to medical retrievals, rescues, searches for missing persons, storm and wind damage containment and traffic control situations.

The brigade monitors the bush fire risk in the local area and works with landowners and agencies to plan and carry out or assist with hazard reduction and fuel management.

The Wallarah Rural Fire Brigade responds to emergencies whenever and wherever required and the dedicated volunteers who make up this important organisation also educate the community. These pros assist local residents prepare their individual bush fire survival plans and help with such vital yet often overlooked tasks as helping older residents replace smoke detector batteries.

Catherine Hill Bay is fortunate to have such a dedicated, responsible and professional volunteer squad on hand year round. Keep an eye out for the organisation’s fundraising activities and help when you can. For more information, contact the Wallarah Rural Fire Brigade at 0458 161111.

COMMUNITY PROFILEWA L L A R A H R U R A L F I R E B R I G A D E

For the Jones family, the Wallarah Brigade is a way of life. Mathew “Spud” Jones is currently Brigade Captain. His mum, Heather, is Deputy Captain and Matthew’s two brothers, Brendan and

Nick, are also active members.

Regular rainfall in the early part of bushfire season has so far relieved the pressure for the Wallarah Rural Fire Brigade volunteer firefighters. But, as most firefighters know, good

rain means more growth and more growth means more fuel for when the next outbreak occurs and certainly a greater reason to be prepared.

Members of the Wallarah Rural Fire Brigade at a recent training session.

Wild About Whales is an app for smartphones that enables whale buffs to

plan their coastal adventures.

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Meeting the NeighboursMUNMORAH STATE CONSERVATION AREA

Having a great neighbor can make all the difference when deciding where to live or vacation. Beaches at Catherine Hill Bay is next door to an extraordinary and fascinating natural wonderland: Munmorah State Conservation Area. This 1,500 hectare Conservation Area stretches from Catherine Hill Bay headland and Moonee Beach to the narrow end of the Budgewoi Peninsula and west to the Pacific Highway, and is managed by NSW National Parks. From its famous sandy beaches and tranquil bays to the conservation area’s dazzling ocean views from the magnificent coastal cliffs of Ghosties Beach and Frazer Park, Munmorah State Conservation Area is a feast for the senses and just waiting to be explored.

An easy walk from Beaches Catherine Hill Bay to either the spectacular Ghosties Beach at Moonee, Timber Beach or Snapper Point, commands close attention to the wild and beautiful flora and abundant fauna including magnificent bird life. Don’t forget to take binoculars for spotting such amazing bird species as the bar shouldered dove, the southern emu wren or the white egret as they soar above or wade through the Moonee Wetlands. At the coastline keep an eye out for migrating whales.

The rock platforms in Munmorah are an important roosting and feeding area for gulls, migratory waders and herons.

The sooty oystercatcher and the osprey can be seen mainly on the coastal rock platforms, and a population of Little Tern also call Munmorah home. It’s also possible to catch a

glimpse of the majestic white-bellied sea eagle as it glides on thermal up-drafts near the cliffs, looking for its next catch. The forest and tall heaths are important feeding areas for honeyeaters while rainforest remnants provide food for the uncommon migratory fruit-eating pigeons and cabbage palm fruit is particularly important for the topknot pigeon in late spring and summer.

Mammals in the state conservation area include the squirrel glider, which lives in both the rainforest and eucalypt woodlands in the northern part of the park. The ringtail possum and sugar glider are also common throughout Munmorah.

Small mammals include the New Holland mouse, brown antechinus and swamp wallaby. Two species of micro bats, the little forest bat and Gould’s long eared bat, have also been spotted recently.

The ringtail possum and sugar glider are also

common in Munmorah.

For more information about this amazing coastal environment on the doorstep of Beaches at Catherine Hill Bay visit the Munmorah State Conservation website here: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Munmorah-State-Conservation-Area

R E N O V A T I O N S SURF CLUB

As the cooler months approach, prepare to see the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club transform. Renovations of this beachfront building will begin in June and the planned modifications will please and benefit members, club visitors and the wider beach-going community alike.

A resource room dedicated to surf lifesaving training, expanded storage for powered rescue equipment and a modernised gym are a few of the core changes members can look forward to enjoying. Upstairs windows and doors will be replaced and bathrooms rebuilt completely, incorporating much needed shower facilities in each room. Round-the-clock access to the gym will also be provided to meet members’ training and fitness needs.

The bar will be extended and upgraded with a new food preparation room, and a new barbeque area on the balcony will be a welcome improvement and excellent for

fundraising activities. In addition, design work is well underway to upgrade the surf-side exterior of the building; a viewing platform and a paved dining area with tables and chairs will encourage kiosk customers to relax and enjoy the famous Catho beach views in a pleasant café environment. The additional cooking facilities and inviting dining area will provide a delightful beachside entertaining facility that club members and the Catherine Hill Bay community will enjoy for years to come.

Valued funding from the New South Wales Government’s Community Partner-ship Programme, and monies from Lake Macquarie City Council account for the $155,000 that is required for these exciting improvements. June is the start date and work is expected to continue through September to its completion, just in time for the 2015-2016 swim season.

M U N M O R A H S TAT E C O N S E R VAT I O N A R E A M A P

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To take advantage of the gastronomic bounty that Catho has to offer, this issue of Beaches Life draws on the experience and talent of Chef Beau Vincent. One of the Hunter region’s leading chefs and co-owner with his wife Suzie of Subo restaurant in Newcastle, Chef Vincent offers a taste of Catho’s prime catch, whiting, which he instructs on how to prepare with other local sea delicacies.

Vincent began his cooking career at age 16 in a small pub near his parent’s NSW country farm. A

move to Sydney, however, and the good fortune of having landed a position under the tutelage of Tetsuya Wakuda of Tetsuya’s was when his career as a chef really took off. Vincent also worked with Guillaume Brahimi of Guillaume at Bennelong and Warren Turnbull of Restaurant Assiette and, in 2006, was named the Lexus Young Chef of the Year.

In 2010, Chef Vincent and his wife Suzie moved to Newcastle and opened Subo. Consistently

securing acclaim on the Australian Gourmet Traveller’s Top 100 list, Subo recently garnered a prestigious two hats from the Sydney Morning Herald ’s Good Food Guide.

A keen diver, Vincent enjoys foraging the beaches in the region for such delicacies as samphire, pigface and sea lettuce–all found around Catherine Hill Bay and Moonee Beach–and featured in the following Beaches Life recipe for whiting.

Samphire is a native succulent also referred to as sea asparagus. Resembling baby asparagus, it is crisp and salty to the taste and it grows freely on many of southern Australia’s salty flats. It is at its best when in season from October to March when the fleshy leaves are bright green and aromatic. Pigface, another succulent that looks like a small horned plum with a deep red colour is also salty, something to be expected in coastal plant life. Sea lettuce, which is an edible algae, is valuable for its nutritional qualities; it’s high in protein, fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals.

A Taste of Catho

CATHO WHITING WITH BEACH GREENS(Serves 4)

DIRECTIONSINGREDIENTSWash the pigface, samphire and sea lettuce thoroughly in cold water. Be sure to rinse out hidden grit, particularly in the sea lettuce. Blanche the pigface and samphire to soften (2 – 3 minutes) and reduce saltiness. Refresh immediately in ice cold water to improve colour.

Slice the pigface finely and coarsely chop the sea lettuce and samphire. Lay everything on absorbent paper or on a towel to extract moisture. Chill in refrigerator while making the dressing and preparing the fish.

Whisk together vinegar, soy, chili, sesame seeds and sugar.

Lightly dust fish in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Add about 30ml. olive oil and half the butter to a hot skillet and heat until butter foams. Add half the fish to the pan, skin-side down, and cook until golden (about 2 minutes for small fillets). Turn and cook for another minute then transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining butter, oil and fish.

To serve, combine salad ingredients and toss with dressing and place on the side of cooked whiting fil-lets. Enjoy with your favourite white wine or beer!

1–2 handfuls samphire, pigface & sea lettuce

3 Tbsp. rice vinegar

3 Tbsp. light soy sauce

3 tsp. roasted sesame seeds

1-2 tsp. chili powder or chili flakes, to taste

1 tsp. sugar

8 Catho-caught sand whiting fillets

seasoned flour

olive oil

30g. butter 5

4

3

2

1

SUBO RECENTLY GARNERED A PRESTIGIOUS TWO HATS FROM THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD’S GOOD FOOD GUIDE.