Willoughby Archives - Willoughby News

New Personal Training Studio in Willoughby Caters to Over-40s with Guaranteed Results

Vision Personal Training Willoughby is a revolutionary one-on-one personal training studio that has opened its doors to cater specifically to the fitness needs of the over-40 community, promising guaranteed results through personalised programs and expert guidance.

The studio, which celebrated its grand opening on 9 July 2024, is located at Level 2, 555 Willoughby Road.

Tailored Approach for Mature Fitness Enthusiasts

Vision Personal Training Willoughby offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on personalised training programs and custom nutrition plans for individuals aged 40 and over.

Jeremy Lombardo, Owner of Vision Personal Training Willoughby, explained the studio’s unique approach.

“We understand that starting your own personal fitness journey can be daunting, especially as we age. At Vision Personal Training Willoughby, we absolutely prioritise creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to pursue their fitness goals.”

The studio aims to create a supportive environment where clients can achieve their health and fitness goals without feeling intimidated.

“Our studio is not just about exercise; it’s about building confidence, strength, and a sense of community,” Lombardo added. “Our clients become cheerleaders for each other, it’s incredibly supportive and a community like no other.”

“We invite all locals to visit the studio, meet the team, and discover how Vision Personal Training can help them achieve their health and fitness goals.”

About Vision Personal Training

Established in 1999, Vision Personal Training has grown to become the largest Australian-owned franchised network of Personal Training studios. With over 51 studios across Australia, the company focuses on providing a premium, personalised fitness experience outside of traditional gym environments.

For more information or to book a consultation, interested individuals can visit the Vision Personal Training Willoughby website or contact 0410 383 714.

Published 1-Aug-2024

From Giant-Slayer to Olympic Hopeful: Rinky Hijikata’s Wimbledon Moment and Paris Dreams

For Willoughby’s Rinky Hijikata, his Olympic journey begins just days after he closed Andy Murray’s Wimbledon chapter. The 23-year-old who once competed in Paris as a junior at the Future Tennis Aces tournament returns to the French capital as a Grand Slam champion and Wimbledon giant-slayer.

Read: Experience the ‘Galuwa Inyun Bulga’ Trail at Flat Rock Gully Reserve in Willoughby

Wimbledon triumph and Murray farewell

On July 5th, in a match that will be remembered as much for its emotional significance as its result, Hijikata and partner John Peers defeated the Murray brothers 7-6(6), 6-4 on Wimbledon’s hallowed Centre Court. The occasion marked one of Andy Murray’s final appearances at the tournament where he became a national hero.

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“It was a pretty surreal moment,” said world No.77 Hijikata. “He was someone that I loved watching growing up and is one of my tennis idols.”

The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on Hijikata. “I think that’s the most prestigious court in tennis and the one you dream of playing on when you’re a kid.”

Rinky Hijikata, from fan to competitor

Hijikata’s journey from Murray admirer to competitor is a testament to his rapid ascent in the tennis world. His partner, John Peers, summed up the bittersweet nature of their victory. “To be able to step out and share it with Andy was something really special. It was Andy’s night, but unfortunately, we upset it for him.”

Fellow Australian and women’s doubles world No.6 Storm Hunter highlighted the enormity of the occasion. “What an amazing opportunity for Peersy and Rinky to go out and play their first-round doubles on Centre Court at Wimbledon.”

Towards the Olympics

Following their emotional victory over the Murray brothers, Hijikata and Peers faced a formidable challenge in the round of 32 against three-time Grand Slam champion Neal Skupski of Britain and New Zealand’s Michael Venus, who has achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No.6.

Despite their strong start in the tournament, Hijikata and Peers were unable to advance further, falling to the more experienced pair.

Read: What to See at the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track in Willoughby

With his Wimbledon campaign now concluded, Hijikata will now turn his attention towards Paris. The experience gained on Centre Court against both sentimental favourites and top-ranked opponents will prove invaluable for the young star as he prepares for his Olympic debut.

Published 09-July-2024

Locals Encouraged to Review Changes to Community Participation Plan

A newly revised Community Participation Plan seeking to expand notification for tall buildings and improve resident input on Willoughby developments opens for public feedback until December 11.

Read: Mixed Reactions Over Proposed Changes For Gore Hill Oval, Other Sports Facilities In NSW

According to Willoughby City Council, one of the key changes is an extended notification area of 200m for high interest development applications, including State Significant Development and development over 35m in height.

The extended notification would cover major developments like 25-storey towers proposed in the Chatswood central business district, new childcare centres, and remediation projects on contaminated land.

Mayor Tanya Taylor encouraged locals to view the draft and provide feedback. The Community Participation Plan aligns with state legislation and council policy for transparent, responsive, and timely consultation. It covers exhibition timeframes whilst making engagement easier.

The plan forms part of a broader review of Council’s Community Engagement Framework beginning in 2022 to enhance planning procedures. It sets out participation requirements so residents can better understand councils’ processes.

“This document sets out how we will notify and engage with our community on these decisions, including development applications or planning proposals to amend land-use zoning or height or floor-space development controls,” said Mayor Taylor.

“Community participation is an integral part of the planning system and this is your chance to tell us what you think about our existing and proposed future processes.”

Read: Club Willoughby Redevelopment with Senior Living Complex Approved

The revised plan aligns with NSW state laws and the Council’s community engagement policies for accessible and meaningful consultation. It clearly defines participation guidelines and minimum exhibition periods so locals can easily understand how to provide input. The goal is to enable transparent, timely and responsive public feedback within legislative requirements.

Interested community members can learn more about the revised Community Participation Plan and have their say online via www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au before the December 11 deadline.

Published 23-November-2023

‘Little Creatures, Big Stories’: Willoughby Celebrates the 2023 Wildlife Storybook Launch

The Willoughby City Council’s commitment to environmental education has once again come to fruition with the launch of the 12th edition of the Wildlife Storybook. Titled “Little Creatures, Big Stories,” this annual initiative is designed to encourage “kids teaching kids” about local wildlife.

This year’s storybook focuses on “Little Species”, with contributions from Year 5 students from Artarmon Public, Castle Cove Public School, Chatswood Public, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner, Mowbray Public, Northbridge Public, Our Lady of Dolours, St. Philip Neri, St Pius X, and St Thomas.

These talented young authors and illustrators have provided insightful stories, poems, and illustrations, bringing the unique qualities of Willoughby’s wildlife to the forefront.

But the unveiling of “Little Creatures, Big Stories” was more than just a book launch; it was a celebration of the children’s creativity and their first experience of being published authors and artists.

The event was made even more special with plays and readings from the kids, bringing their stories about local wildlife to life. The joy and pride on the children’s faces as they received certificates and saw their works in print were evident.

“Five Year 5 students were acknowledged for their contribution to the book ‘My Home My Habitat’ at the Willoughby Wildlife Storybook Launch,” St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willoughby proudly shared on Facebook.

“The book is part of an educational project designed to facilitate children learning about a local species chosen for their school.

St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willoughby Wildlife Storybook

Photo Credit: St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willoughby

“Students were encouraged to think about the challenges of their chosen animal in an urbanised environment. Our students focussed on the increasingly rare red-belly black snake and shared an insight their world through a story, poem and illustrations.”

The Wildlife Storybook project, led by Council’s Bushland Team in collaboration with local primary schools, goes beyond showcasing artistic talents. It’s a vital part of the Council’s legacy in instilling the importance of protecting and appreciating Willoughby’s bountiful bushland.

Mayor Tanya Taylor, alongside Councillor Robert Samuel, was delighted to launch the book at Chatswood Library. She highlighted the significance of this initiative, which not only educates the youth about their environment but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards preserving it.

In line with the project’s goal to spread environmental awareness, the Wildlife Storybooks are available at local schools and libraries.

For broader access, digital copies are also available for download, ensuring that the message of environmental stewardship reaches as many people as possible in the community.

Published 23-Nov-2023

Mixed Reactions Over Proposed Changes For Gore Hill Oval, Other Sports Facilities In NSW

A plan to allocate at least one Sunday per month exclusively for women’s sports at Gore Hill Oval has received mixed reactions from some sporting clubs across Willoughby, with some supporting it and some questioning the decision in terms of gender equality in sports.

Read: Experience the ‘Galuwa Inyun Bulga’ Trail at Flat Rock Gully Reserve in Willoughby

Under Willoughby City Council’s proposed changes, the oval will be used at least one Sunday each month for women and girls’ sport.

Council’s proposed changes would also impact Northbridge Oval, Thomson Oval and Chatswood High School Oval, which will no longer have a monthly Sunday rest day, and instead recommended using this former rest day for women and girls sport played at a local and district level.

Gore Hill Oval — Photo credit: Russell Clarke/Google Maps

Sydney Swans AFLW co-captain Maddy Collier believes this would encourage more women to play sport at a grassroots level.

However, some sporting clubs including Northbridge Football Club thought the proposal should be reconsidered. AFL club North Shore Bombers also revealed their female players did not agree with female-only days at Gore Hill Oval.

Willoughby City Council came up with the proposed changes after reviewing the Synthetic Sportsgrounds Management Plan, which was adopted in March 2018 and the Community Use of Sports Facilities Policy which was adopted in 2021.

Northbridge Oval (Photo credit: A Os/Google Maps)

Willoughby mayor Tanya Taylor earlier explained that the policy was aimed at ensuring equity in the allocation of sporting facilities.

“It is natural that there is always debate and discussion as to whether the Council has the right policy settings in place to manage current and future usage of these important sporting facilities,” Mayor Taylor said.

“As such, we are keen to get widespread feedback on these proposed changes, which seek to ensure Council is focussing its attention on supporting community sport and that we are setting aside enough space for the rising number of female athletes.

“Sporting clubs and associations, in interviews with a consultant commissioned by the Council, stated they expected a 30 per cent growth in female participation over the next five years.”

Read: Club Willoughby Redevelopment Commences

Meanwhile, Council will review the feedback from the local community, which was sought until 20 February 2023.

Experience the ‘Galuwa Inyun Bulga’ Trail at Flat Rock Gully Reserve in Willoughby

Have you ever taken the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track in Willoughby? A special part of this trail is called the Gulawa Injun Bulgan, which includes the retracing of the lives of an aboriginal group that lived in the lower North Shore area before the arrival of the Europeans.

The Camaraigal clan, also known as the Cammeraygal people, thrived in the Willoughby region because it had the best fishing grounds. Thousands of years ago, the elder men of this tribe would wake up every day to go down the Flat Rock Gully and hunt for food for their family using a stone hatchet.

“Galuwa Inyun Bulga” actually means “climb downhill” in the aboriginal language. The children of the tribe, however, also go down the hill to play and swim in the shallow waters of the Flat Rock Gully. Their mothers, on the other, also go down this path to collect cockle shells to be used to cook and store food.

Today, there’s plenty of evidence of this kind of life at the Flat Rock Gully, such as the presence of cockle shells and the groove on the stones that depicted how the aboriginal elders sharpened their tools for hunting.

There are also rock engravings and some ancient artwork within the caves of this reserve if you know where to look. Apparently, the aboriginal people created these works of art using ochre mixed with water and spit.

*Photo Credit:* *Wendy Greenan/Facebook*

According to Flat Rock Gully Reserve Action Plan this aboriginal evidence dates back to 5,850 years. The last known encampment was believed to have been in existence near the Long Gully Bridge in the 1880s.

Former Nine Network Willoughby Headquarters for Redevelopment as a 460-Apartment Site

Photo Credit: NSW Planning & Environment

The former Nine Network Willoughby headquarters on Artarmon Road will be redeveloped as a 460-apartment site following the approval of the project lodged by developer LEPC9 and architect CHROFI with the NSW Independent Planning & Environment Commission.

The residential and commercial property, which spans 2.9-hectare, will include nine nine-storey apartment buildings, sets of public lounging areas, footpaths, and plenty of accessible parks or green spaces.

The site will also include a childcare facility and other important amenities useful for the community.

The original plan submitted with the Commission included at least two 12-storey buildings to accommodate 495 homes. The residents, including members of the Willoughby Council, initially objected against the scale of the project.

After a series of consultations with concerned residents, the Commission requested the developer to submit a modification, as well as a detailed plan for parking and traffic management.

In March, the Commission confirmed that the project has been approved for the second stage.

Construction of the residential complex, however, will not begin until 2020, when Nine Network vacates the site to establish its new office at Denison Street in North Sydney. The Willoughby headquarters was the media giant’s home for the last 60 years.

The planned residential site on Artarmon Road will be named Parkside Willoughby.

What to See at the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track in Willoughby

Photo Credit: J Bar/Wikimedia Commons

Escape the concrete jungle of Sydney and go for a nature walk at Willoughby’s Flat Rock Gully. Less than 10 kilometres from the inner cities, this bush track is accessible by bus, car, bike or foot.

The Flat Rock Gully in Willoughby covers 10 hectares of land but the walking trail covers four kilometres of rugged bush track. The walk itself might be short for some outdoor enthusiasts but there are sections with steep and wet terrains that could be challenging for others.

Most people begin their Flat Rock Gully walking track at the Willoughby Leisure Centre at Flat Rock Drive. Walk a few meters down this road and you’ll get a glimpse of the Flat Rock Creek’s waterfall that flows under the Long Gully Bridge, also known as the Suspension Bridge.

*Photo Credit:* *Sydney Bushwalking Dogs/Facebook*

Built in 1892 to help with the residential developments of the suburbs Northbridge, Cammeray, and Willoughby, this bridge has distinctive and grand sandstone turreted towers. Succeeding constructions and reinforcements to the structure were completed in 1939.

As a historical landmark and a tourist attraction, the Long Gully Bridge became a heritage structure in 2003.

*Photo Credit:* *Australian National Maritime Museum*

Take note, however, that if the rain is particularly strong, you might not be able to pass the bush tracks by the creek since it could be flooded or slippery. Instead, stay on the footpath or bike path that will take you towards Tunks Park and playground, which marks the end of your walk.

But if you’re visiting the Flat Rock Gully walking track on a fine day, you may take a short side-track and find some notable historical points of interests as well, such as:

Fatty Dawson’s Ruins – This is the former residence of a pig farmer named Mr Fatty Dawson from the 1860s. Parts of his house and garden are still accessible through the bush track although most of it is now covered by the sandstone walls that around the area.

Privet Forest – This is the home to many species of birds that are protected by the government. Hence, if you’re going through this bush track with a dog, it’s important to have your pet leashed and well-behaved so as not to disturb the wildlife.

However, take care and mind the side tracks you follow to prevent soil erosion and avoid disturbing the wildflowers and plants in the area. Visitors of the Flat Rock Gully walking track are also encouraged to clean up after themselves and their pets to keep rubbish off the reserves.

For questions about this bush trail, you may also verify and call the Open Space Branch of the Willougby City Council at 9777 7755.