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Youth Mental Health Advocate Ruby Riethmuller Named 2026 NSW Women Of The Year Finalist

Ruby Riethmuller, listed among finalists connected to the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula, has been named a finalist in the NSW Community Hero category at the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Founder Of Womn-Kind

Ruby Riethmuller is the founder and CEO of Womn-Kind, a national social enterprise established in 2020 to expand access to preventative and low-intensity mental health support for young people. The organisation delivers wellbeing workshops in schools and provides digital support through the Womn-Kind App.

Raised on a farm in regional New South Wales, Riethmuller has focused on improving access to timely and inclusive mental health services, particularly for girls and gender-diverse youth. Her work centres on prevention and early intervention, with an emphasis on ensuring young people in regional, rural and remote communities can access comparable support to their metropolitan peers.

Womn-Kind describes its approach as strengths-based and largely preventative. The organisation delivers services both in-person and online, aiming to provide support in an accessible and relatable format.

Ruby Riethmuller — *Photo Credit: Womn-Kind/Instagram*

Reach And Impact Of Womn-Kind

Womn-Kind reports it has supported more than 30,000 young people, with over 7,000 engaging with its services daily across Australia and in 37 countries.

The organisation combines allied health professionals with trained mentors who bring lived experience to its programs. It also operates a National Youth Leadership Panel designed to strengthen youth participation in mental health conversations and initiatives.

Womn-Kind states that a significant proportion of young females aged 12 to 24 experience mental health challenges, and that most mental illnesses develop before the age of 25. Its programs are positioned within this early intervention framework.

Additional Leadership Roles

In addition to leading Womn-Kind, Riethmuller serves as Deputy Commissioner (Lived Experience) at the Mental Health Commission of NSW. She is also a member of the NSW Rural Women’s Network Advisory Group.

She has been listed as a 2026 NSW Young Australian of the Year nominee and has previously been recognised as a finalist in the Commonwealth Youth Award and the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

2026 NSW Women Of The Year Awards

Riethmuller is one of 31 women and girls announced as finalists in the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards, with the announcement made on 4 February 2026.

The NSW Community Hero category recognises an extraordinary woman who contributes to the prosperity of her local community.

Now in its 14th year, the awards program highlights women and girls across New South Wales who are making contributions through leadership, advocacy and service. Recipients across five categories will be revealed on Thursday 5 March at the International Convention Centre Sydney.

The ceremony forms part of NSW Women’s Week, running from Monday 2 March to Sunday 8 March, and will be livestreamed.

Published 12-Feb-2026

Business as Usual at Manly Beach as Swimmers Share Harbour Pool with Shark

Dozens of resilient locals continued their morning exercise routines at the Manly Beach harbour enclosure despite the sudden appearance of a shark trapped within the swimming area.

The incident began on Wednesday morning, 11 February, at approximately 10:00 am when swimmers at the Manly Cove facility, located just west of the wharf, noticed a 1.2-metre dusky whaler shark circling the water. While the Northern Beaches Council acted quickly to install warning signs across the popular beach area, many regulars decided to stay in the water. These swimmers shared the pool with the shark for several hours before contractors arrived to assist with the animal’s release at 1:30 pm.

Local Composure and Animal Welfare

The atmosphere at the water’s edge remained remarkably calm as residents viewed the shark as a minor distraction rather than a threat. One frequent local swimmer, Frank Topham, suggested that the animal was easy to spot due to its grey colour and noted that the shark would likely not cause trouble if people kept their distance.

Another witness, a visitor named Tom, observed the shark from a closer perspective while swimming directly above it. He felt the animal appeared to be in distress or perhaps unwell, noting that it spent its time pacing the perimeter of the netting in a clear attempt to find an exit.

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Safety Checks and Regional Sightings

Following the safe release of the shark, council staff conducted a thorough review of the underwater infrastructure to determine how the visitor entered the enclosure. No holes or breeches were discovered in the netting during the inspection, leaving the shark’s entry a mystery.

The appearance of the dusky whaler occurred during a period of high shark activity in the region. On the same day, officials were forced to close the nearby ocean beach at Queenscliff after several sharks were spotted near the headland.

Precaution Amidst Ongoing Monitoring

This encounter follows a recent serious event at Manly Beach where a surfer was injured in a shark attack just weeks prior. Despite this history, the Department of Primary Industries reviewed the situation in the harbour pool and maintained that it was safe for the public to swim.

To resolve the situation without harming the animal, specialised harbour contractors were brought in to manually lift a portion of the net. This allowed the shark to swim back into the open harbour waters safely, ending the three-and-a-half-hour ordeal for both the shark and the local community.

Published Date 11-February-2026

A Mexico City Late-Night Taco Tradition Lands on Manly Wharf

Sydney doesn’t need another reason to go to the water’s edge—but it does love a limited-time food moment, especially when it feels specific to a place rather than a marketing slogan. That’s the bet behind La Mexicana’s upcoming run at Manly Wharf, where Mexico City taqueria El Vilsito is scheduled to stage an on-site taco takeover during Margarita Week.

For Sydney locals, the timing is notable. Manly Wharf has been in active transition, shifting tenants, refining its hospitality mix, and reintroducing itself as more than just a commuter pinch-point. Against that backdrop, a visiting-chef activation is more than a novelty. It’s a signal about what the precinct wants to be: a place you plan around, not just pass through.

La Mexicana will run across two weekends, 19–22 March and 26–29 March, alongside Margarita Week (19–29 March). Two chefs from El Vilsito will cook tacos as they’re served in Mexico City, working with local teams. Joining them will Sandra Blanco, whose family has run El Vilsito for decades.

That family story is part of what makes the visit feel less like a “pop-up” and more like a cultural handover. El Vilsito is known for tacos al pastor—the vertical-spit method that turns marinated pork into thin, smoky slices, built into tacos quickly and consistently.

In Mexico City it’s famous for the way it operates at night, with a rhythm that suits late dinners and post-show hunger. In Manly, the audience will be different: day-trippers, families, locals meeting friends on the harbour. The challenge will be keeping the essence of a night-market staple in a setting with its own pace and expectations.

Margarita Week provides the frame. Big precinct-wide programmes can feel generic, but they work when they give people an excuse to try a venue they normally ignore. A harbourfront run of cocktail specials, plus a food centrepiece that isn’t usually on offer in Sydney, creates a clear “now or later” decision for locals: go during the festival window, or miss the specific version of the thing everyone will be talking about.

There’s also a broader shift in how Sydney eats out. After years of “destination dining”, there’s a renewed interest in food that’s quick, affordable in spirit (even if not always in price), and anchored to a story you can understand in a sentence. A proper al pastor setup, run by cooks who do it nightly back home, fits that appetite. It’s street food as craft, and craft as community ritual.

If you’re planning a visit, consider what you want from it. If it’s the food, aim for a quieter window and treat it as a tasting, watch the technique, notice the balance of smoke, acidity and spice, and see how the tortilla holds up under heat. If it’s the atmosphere, go when Manly Wharf is loud and crowded and the harbour is doing what it does best: turning dinner into an outing.

Either way, the best approach is to treat La Mexicana as a short-season offering rather than an ongoing menu change. This is a two-weekend run, attached to a wider precinct programme, and designed to be tem. That’s the point—and for Sydney diners, it’s also the appeal.

Published 9-Feb-2026

Manly Corso Returns to Alfresco Roots After Decade Long Absence

Manly local businesses are officially reclaiming the iconic Corso pedestrian mall for outdoor dining to transform the famous thoroughfare from a simple walkway into a social hub for the community.

The shift comes fourteen months after the Northern Beaches Council green-lit the Manly Place Plan, which was created following extensive talks with local resident groups, the Manly Business Chamber, and young people. This plan focuses on making the heart of the town more inviting for those who live nearby and more attractive for people visiting from across Sydney.

Until 2016, the area was a popular spot for outdoor meals, but a long-standing disagreement over rental fees and space rights between the previous council and two former restaurants caused all the tables and chairs to be removed.

The first business to lead the change is Get Sashimi, a Japanese restaurant that recently received the go-ahead to set up seating on the northern side of the mall. Council officials have noted that two other shops have already handed in their paperwork to do the same, and there is space for at least twelve more businesses to follow suit.

To take part in the program, shop owners must pay a four hundred and fifty dollar application fee along with an annual rent of nine hundred dollars for every square metre of public space they use. This new system is designed to provide a clear and fair way for shops to operate outside without the confusion of the past.

The main goal of the project is to bring a sense of energy back to the area by encouraging people to gather and socialise in the open air. Mayor Sue Heins explained that while the topic of using public space for private tables has caused some debate in the past, it is a practical way to stop the mall from feeling like a wide, empty bowling alley.

By redesigning key parts of the town centre, the council hopes to create a more relaxed atmosphere where the community can sit and enjoy the coastal environment. Local feedback has shown that most people are ready to see the return of the cafe culture that once defined this part of the Northern Beaches.

Published Date 02-February-2026

Bodylove Pilates Brings High-Energy Mindful Movement to Manly

Manly’s fitness scene has been transformed by a new boutique studio that offers local residents over 120 weekly opportunities to practice low-impact movement in a luxury coastal setting offered by Bodylove Pilates.

Coastal Design and Community Focus

*Photo Credit:* *Bodylove Pilates/ Facebook*

The new space marks a significant growth for the boutique fitness brand as it settles into its third Sydney location. Designed to feel like a calm escape from the busy beachfront, the interior uses natural materials like travertine stone and warm oak timbers to mirror the surrounding landscape.

Large windows stretching from the floor to the ceiling allow natural light to fill the rooms while offering views of the local area. This setting is intended to help people feel more connected to their environment while they focus on their physical health. The layout includes two separate areas for reformer equipment and a third space specifically for mat and barre exercises.

The Science of the Mindful Burn

The teaching method used at the studio focuses on a specific style of exercise that combines high energy with very controlled movements. Rather than just offering a standard workout, the program emphasises the way a person moves their body and the precision of their technique. This approach aims to build strength through low-impact routines that are easier on the joints but still challenging for the muscles.

By focusing on the connection between the mind and the body, the instructors help members move with more purpose. The schedule is built to be inclusive, offering sessions for people at all fitness levels, including those looking for specialised support during pregnancy.

Accessible Local Wellness

Residents looking to join the local fitness community have several ways to get started at the new facility. Pricing is set up to be flexible, with options ranging from single-class visits to weekly memberships that allow for unlimited sessions. For those who are unsure where to begin, a specific introductory offer allows newcomers to try eight different styles of classes over the first month.

Beyond the workout spaces, the studio provides practical features like on-site facilities and is located near local parking to make it easier for busy people to fit a session into their daily routine.

Published Date 02-February-2026

Photo Credit: Bodylove Pilates/ Facebook

Manly Beachfront Penthouse Set to Exceed Suburb Price Record

Photo Credit: Belle Property

A luxurious beachfront penthouse in Manly is poised to make local property history when it launches next week with a $40 million price guide—potentially exceeding the suburb’s current record by approximately $6 million.

The five-bedroom Waillea penthouse, located at 14/133-137 North Steyne on the northern end of the beachfront, represents what Belle Property Manly agent Anthony Calacocci describes as a unique opportunity in the prestige apartment market.

The sprawling 717-square-metre residence occupies the entire top floor of the Waillea building and is owned by former investment banker Peter Hunt and his wife Tania de Jong, who purchased the property off the plan in 2008 for $12.2 million.

At the time, the purchase price raised eyebrows among locals, particularly the concept of combining two penthouses to create a single mega-residence. The couple’s vision resulted in a home with 30 metres of ocean frontage, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five lock-up garages, and an expansive balcony.

Mr Hunt said the property’s extensive beachfront exposure sets it apart from typical apartments in the area.

“Most beachfront apartments have only a small exposure to the ocean, while this penthouse has the longest side facing the sea and almost every room enjoys the view,” he explained. “The property is very quiet—you only hear the sound of the waves and hardly any traffic sounds.”

Mr Calacocci will launch the property on Monday, 2 February, with an expressions of interest campaign. He believes recent sales activity demonstrates strong demand for premium beachfront properties in Manly.

According to market data he provided, leasehold apartments in Aurora were selling for more than $75,000 per square metre three years ago, while Oceania units are now achieving $85,000 per square metre. The Waillea residence is priced at $100,000 per square metre.

Recent comparable sales include the Oceania penthouse at $22 million, Aurora apartments reaching up to $16 million, and last year’s Ondas penthouse sale at $18.05 million.

The residence features 2.7-metre-high ceilings, lift access, and living areas that open onto a large deck complete with a jacuzzi, outdoor shower, and two Vergolas.

Mr Hunt enjoyed a distinguished career in finance, including roles as executive director at Macquarie and at Bankers Trust before co-founding boutique investment bank Caliburn, which was later acquired by a United States-based bank for approximately $180 million. He retired from banking in 2018.

The couple are well known in the Manly community for founding the Manly Women’s Shelter, which later became Women’s Community Shelters of NSW. The model is now expanding into Victoria.

“I didn’t think there could be a problem in Manly at the time, and I was appalled when I realised the extent,” Mr Hunt said of the homelessness issue that prompted their philanthropic work.

The couple are relocating to Byron Bay, though Mr Hunt acknowledged it took considerable time to decide to list their Manly home.

If successful at the $40 million price point, the sale would establish a new benchmark for prestige apartments north of Sydney Harbour. Currently, Manly’s property record sits at approximately $34 million for a contemporary mansion on Bower Street, while the north shore apartment record stands at $28.25 million for the Kurraba Residences penthouse at Kurraba Point, which sold late last year.

The sale would still fall short of the north shore house price record of $50 million, set by the Mosman home of philanthropist Diane Balnaves at 11 Kirkoswald Avenue.

Published 30-January-2026

Two Hospitalised After Alleged Violent Incident at Manly Pub

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Two men remain in hospital following an alleged violent incident at a popular Manly pub late on Sunday night.

Emergency services were called to the Ivanhoe Hotel on The Corso around 11pm on 25 January after reports of an assault, according to NSW Police.

Paramedics treated two local men, aged 44 and 49, at the scene before transporting them to hospital with head injuries. Both men are reportedly in stable condition.

Police say the incident began as a verbal disagreement between the two victims and a younger man who was unknown to them. The younger man was accompanied by two women at the time.

According to authorities, the altercation escalated when the man allegedly struck the 44-year-old victim with a beer glass to the face and hit the 49-year-old multiple times in the head with a bar stool before leaving the premises.

The trio was last spotted walking along North Steyne, between Queenscliff and Manly Beach.

Detectives from Northern Beaches Police Area Command have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries. He is described as appearing to be in his late 30s to early 40s, with a solid build, short dark hair, a moustache, and tribal tattoos on both arms. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white collared polo shirt with glasses secured in the neckline, shorts, and sneakers.

Anyone who can identify the man, witnessed the incident, or was in the area at the time with dashcam or mobile phone footage is urged to contact Manly Detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 26-January-2026

Shark Repellents Sell Out at Manly Beach Surf Shops

Hari Narayan/Google Maps

Retailers across Australia watch shark repellents fly off shelves this summer, even as questions linger over their real-world performance for swimmers at beaches like Manly.

Demand surges nationwide for wearable devices such as magnetic bands and electric field emitters, with surf shops near Manly Wharf struggling to restock amid holiday crowds flocking to the sand.

Local beachgoers snap up wrist and ankle models before dawn patrols or family dips off North Steyne, seeking that extra edge in northern Sydney’s popular surf zone. Stores like Aloha Surf at 44 Pittwater Road report sales doubling as word spreads through community chats about recent shark sightings nearby.

Manly Retailers Hit Hard

Shops along The Corso and around Manly Beach stock popular brands like Sharkbanz and Shark OFF Rio series, designed for surfers and swimmers tackling daily waves. Aloha Surf Manly leads the rush with its core surf focus, where regulars grab deterrents for paddle sessions past the heads.

Sharkbanz shark deterrent tackle — *Photo Credit: Sharkbankz*

Families add them to kids’ gear for safe play in the shallows near Little Manly Cove, turning routine beach trips into proactive safety routines. This rush echoes patterns from past hot seasons but accelerates with online buzz and in-store displays emptying fast.

Device Technology Basics

Magnetic repellents overload shark electroreceptors with strong fields, while electric versions utilize battery-powered electrodes to emit a powerful field that overstimulates a shark’s sensory organs, causing them to turn away.

Manly users favor lightweight bands that strap on easily for body boarding or ocean swims toward Fairy Bower. They activate on contact with water, providing hours of coverage per charge for full beach outings at high-traffic spots.

Patented Deterrent Technology of Sharkbanz — *Photo Credit: Sharkbankz*

Proven Limits in Tests

Scientific trials confirm that high-end electric models, like the Ocean Guardian Freedom+ Surf, cut the chances of a shark taking bait from 96 percent to 40 percent. However, researchers warn that cheaper magnetic bands, while popular, showed little to no measurable effect in the same tests.

Effectiveness drops against great whites or in groups, highlighting why locals pair them with patrols. No device offers total protection, but the sales boom shows beach communities value the tested reductions anyway.

National Retail Trend

From Sydney’s northern beaches to Queensland spots, outlets like Rip Curl and online sellers see similar sell-outs of Ocean Guardian and Sharkbanz units. Rebate programs in some states boost access, letting more residents try before buying.

This widespread grab reflects summer caution as drone and net programs expand coverage across New South Wales.

Tips for Manly Beach Users

Visit Aloha Surf on Pittwater Road to compare options; while $50 magnetic bands are the top sellers for their convenience, experts recommend the more expensive electric rechargeables for those seeking scientifically-tested deterrence.

Check battery life and fit for ankles during SUP outings off North Steyne. Apps link to local shark spotters for combined use.

Published 24-January-2026.

What’s Proposed for Manly Wharf? $4.5M Arcade Upgrade Revealed

The central retail arcade at Manly Wharf is poised for a comprehensive transformation that could reshape how commuters and visitors experience one of Sydney’s most iconic ferry terminals.

Read: Saigon Supper Inn brings Saigon flavours to Manly Wharf

A $4.49 million development proposal currently on exhibition aims to convert the heritage-listed arcade into a unified food and beverage precinct, complete with a new skylight, weather protection, and restored heritage features. The plans represent the most significant upgrade to the retail thoroughfare in recent memory, promising to turn what’s often been a mere passageway into a genuine destination.

Photo credit: Northern Beaches – DA2025/1845

Brisbane-based Artemus Group, which acquired the wharf’s long-term leasehold for $80 million in 2023, has submitted the development application to local officials, with the public exhibition period running from 14 January through 11 February 2026.

What’s Changing?

The proposal involves consolidating the existing seven tenancies down to six, and three kiosks into two, reorganising the entire arcade into four distinct retail zones. According to the Statement of Environmental Effects, every tenancy will operate as a food and drink premises, with a deliberate focus on fresh food and artisanal produce.

Trading hours would extend from 6am to 1am, seven days a week, creating an all-day dining and gathering space at one of the harbour’s busiest transport hubs.

Manly Wharf — Photo credit: Northern Beaches – DA2025/1845

The physical transformation includes several notable features designed to improve both aesthetics and functionality. A new skylight will be installed above the arcade, allowing natural light to penetrate the space throughout the day. Glass sliding doors will be added at the entrance to provide weather protection during Sydney’s unpredictable conditions, whilst existing shopfronts, partitions and internal elements will be removed to create a more open, cohesive environment.

Lighting and signage will receive comprehensive upgrades, and the development includes plans for fixed seating and improved waiting areas for ferry passengers seeking shelter between services. The flexibility built into the tenancy arrangements means operators could combine two spaces if desired, allowing for larger venues or more diverse offerings.

Heritage Restoration at the Heart

Perhaps most significant for those concerned about preserving Manly’s character, the development specifically commits to restoring and reinstating heritage-significant features. The Statement of Environmental Effects emphasises that the proposed works will improve public amenity, provide additional shelter and areas of respite for ferry passengers, and restore heritage elements.

This isn’t Artemus Group’s first project at Manly Wharf. Since acquiring the property in 2023, the company has been transforming the precinct. The group purchased the former Manly Wharf Bar for $30 million and reopened it as Felons, part of its broader vision for the site.

Community Input Critical

The public exhibition period represents a crucial window for residents and stakeholders to weigh in on the proposal. Feedback can be submitted through the Northern Beaches planning portal, with the development application reference DA2025/1845.

For a precinct that serves as both a vital transport hub and a gateway to one of Sydney’s most beloved beaches, the arcade’s transformation could have far-reaching implications. The question facing the Manly community is whether converting the entire retail offering to food and beverage premises, with extended trading hours until 1am, aligns with local expectations for the space.

Artemus Group has positioned the development as part of its ongoing commitment to improving Manly Wharf for all users – commuters rushing to catch ferries, tourists exploring the area, and locals seeking harbourside dining options. The company envisions creating a destination that honours the wharf’s heritage whilst meeting contemporary demands.

Whether this vision resonates with the community will become clearer as feedback rolls in during the exhibition period. With the wharf serving as Manly’s gateway, getting this transformation right matters not just for daily commuters, but for the suburb’s identity and economic vitality.

Read: Late-Night Trading Plans Raise Concerns in Manly

The development application documents are available for viewing on the Northern Beaches e-planning portal until 11 February.

Published 21-January-2026

Manly Surfer Fighting For Life After Shark Attack at North Steyne Beach

Photo Credit: North Steyne Surf Lifesaving Club

A 27-year-old musician and surfer remains in critical condition at Royal North Shore Hospital following a devastating shark attack at North Steyne Beach in Manly on Monday evening.

Andre de Ruyter, who had travelled from Wollongong for a day of surfing, was attacked around 6:20pm and suffered severe lower leg injuries that resulted in cardiac arrest. He was pulled from the water by fellow surfers and received emergency treatment on the beach before being rushed to hospital, where surgeons were forced to amputate his lower right leg overnight.

**Andre De Ruyter**
Photo Credit: Instagram / @san_andreas_2o

The attack has been attributed to a bull shark, based on a 15-centimetre bite mark found on Mr de Ruyter’s surfboard, according to shark biologists from the primary industries department.

Mr de Ruyter’s survival has been credited to an extraordinary chain of fortunate circumstances and rapid emergency response. Surf lifesavers were conducting CPR and first aid training at the North Steyne Surf Club when the attack occurred, allowing them to respond immediately with a defibrillator and tourniquet.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @maryanne.stuart_heathcote

NSW Ambulance acting-Superintendent Christie Marks described the coordinated rescue effort, which included members of the public who helped keep Mr de Ruyter afloat and assisted with the tourniquet application. An off-duty NSW Ambulance doctor who happened to be swimming at the beach also provided crucial medical assistance.

In an unprecedented move, NSW Highway Patrol officers met the ambulance at Spit Bridge to deliver 13 additional units of blood in what Ms Marks characterised as an “F1 pit stop”, ensuring Mr de Ruyter received urgent transfusions during transport.

The Manly incident was the third shark attack in New South Wales within 24 hours. On Monday morning, an 11-year-old boy was attacked at Dee Why Point, whilst on Sunday afternoon a 12-year-old boy was bitten near Shark Beach at Vaucluse whilst swimming outside a netted area. A fourth attack occurred on Tuesday at Point Plomer on the Mid North Coast, where a 39-year-old man required hospitalisation.

All attacks have been attributed to bull sharks, a species known for inhabiting shallow coastal waters, estuaries and even freshwater rivers.

Northern Beaches Council lifeguards evacuated Manly Beach immediately following Monday’s attack and closed all northern beaches. Surf Life Saving NSW deployed drones, whilst the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and lifesavers on jet skis conducted water patrols. Beach closures remained in effect on Tuesday as authorities continued monitoring the area.

The cluster of attacks has prompted heightened safety protocols across NSW beaches and renewed focus on public awareness regarding shark activity in coastal waters.

Published 20-January-2026