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Cromer Open Air Cinema Returns With Two Free Movie Nights

The Cromer Open Air Cinema will return to St Matthews Farm Reserve, bringing two free outdoor film screenings to the area.

The event is scheduled for Friday 27 March and Saturday 28 March 2026 at St Matthews Farm Reserve in Cromer. Gates will open at 5.30 p.m., with both films commencing at 6.30 p.m.

Attendance is free, however registration is required. Tickets must be secured online, with one ticket issued per person, including children.

Cromer Open Air Cinema — *Photo Credit: NBC/Facebook*

Two-Night Film Program In Cromer

The Friday 27 March screening will feature How to Train Your Dragon (2025). On Saturday 28 March, The Bad Guys 2 (2025) will be shown. Both films are rated PG.

The first 1,000 ticket holders through the gates on each evening will receive a free bag of popcorn.

Cromer events — *Photo Credit: NBC/Facebook*

Event Conditions At St Matthews Farm Reserve

Attendees may bring picnic rugs and their own snacks. Takeaway from local restaurants is permitted, and a range of food trucks will operate onsite across both nights.

Camping chairs are not permitted on the grassed areas. Low-lying chairs with bar legs are allowed.

The event is designated as glass free and smoke and vape free. Dogs are not permitted, except for assistance animals.

Northern Beaches event — *Photo Credit: NBC/Facebook*

Tickets And Enquiries

Tickets can be booked online. Those who are unable to attend after registering are asked to cancel via the link provided in the confirmation email.

Further details, including terms and conditions and frequently asked questions, are available through the event organisers. Enquiries can be directed to the Northern Beaches Council Events Team on 1300 434 434 or via email at events@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

The Cromer Open Air Cinema forms part of the local event calendar and is open to the community.

Published 1-Mar-2026

White Powder Dumping Prompts Hazmat Response At Creek In Cromer

Photo Credit: Pexels

Emergency services were called to Cromer after a large quantity of white powder was found dumped beside a creek, triggering a precautionary hazmat response due to concerns about potential environmental impact.

Discovery At Dee Why Creek In Cromer

Firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW Dee Why Station responded just before 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 31 January, to a report of a white powdery substance on the bank of Dee Why Creek near Fisher Road North, Cromer.

The creek connects to Dee Why Lagoon, and a local resident at the scene raised concerns the material could be washed into the waterway during rainfall.

Cromer hazmat response — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Initial Assessment And Hazmat Escalation

Firefighters assessed the scene and estimated the quantity of the substance could be up to 20 kilograms. As the material was unidentified and located beside a waterway, crews treated the situation as a potential hazard.

A restricted access zone was established, and specialist hazmat assistance was requested to safely identify and manage the substance.

Specialist Testing And Removal

A specialist heavy hazmat unit from Alexandria arrived at the site just before 1:45 p.m. Firefighters wearing protective suits and breathing apparatus collected samples of the substance and water from the creek nearby.

On-site scientific testing identified the material as starch-based, most likely flour or a similar substance. As a precaution, firefighters bagged and removed the material from the creek bank while remaining in protective equipment.

Earlier Report And Council Response

During the incident, a resident advised that the substance had been reported earlier in the week. An email response provided at the scene indicated sampling had suggested the material was likely flour and that clean-up was planned for the coming week.

NBC later confirmed it was aware of the dumped material and said reports of dumping are prioritised based on the likelihood of harm. Once assessment indicated no immediate risk, removal was scheduled.

No signage was present at the site to advise passers-by that the material had been assessed or that removal was planned.

hazmat response — Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: Pexels

How Such Incidents Are Managed

When unknown substances are found near waterways, emergency crews assess the immediate risk and may escalate the response if the material cannot be identified on arrival. Specialist hazmat units are deployed when there is uncertainty about toxicity or environmental impact, particularly where runoff could affect connected waterways.

Testing and removal decisions are based on the results of on-site analysis, with precautionary controls remaining in place until the material is identified and safely removed.

Published 2-Feb-2026

Factory Fire Contained At Cromer Industrial Site

Photo Credit: Pexels

A factory fire at Cromer was extinguished early in the morning after emergency crews responded to smoke coming from an industrial building on South Creek Road.

Early Call-Out In Cromer

Fire and Rescue NSW crews attended the Cromer site shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, 15 January 2026, following reports of a factory fire opposite St Matthews Farm playing fields. Smoke was visible coming from the industrial premises on arrival.

Additional fire crews were requested from nearby stations to assist with the response. Staff had already evacuated the building before firefighters entered the site wearing breathing apparatus.

Cromer industrial fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Fire Located In Industrial Equipment

Inside the premises, firefighters identified an active fire within a large industrial vat believed to contain a chemical substance. After consulting with staff regarding the nature of the material involved, crews used internal hose reels and a hose connected to an external hydrant to suppress the fire.

The fire was extinguished by about 7:00 a.m.

Post-Fire Safety Measures

Following extinguishment, firefighters assessed the structure of the building and established an exclusion zone around the affected equipment. Smoke was cleared from the premises, and the area was monitored using a gas detector, with no readings recorded.

Staff were advised to consult an electrical contractor before restoring power to the affected section of the building.

Cromer factory fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Cause And Regulatory Notification

The cause of the fire was determined to be an exposed heating element in industrial equipment coming into contact with flammable materials. Control of the site was handed back to the company shortly before 7:45 a.m.

Fire and Rescue NSW notified the NSW Environment Protection Authority following the incident. The EPA is commonly notified after industrial incidents involving chemicals or potential pollution risks so it can determine whether further assessment or investigation is required.

Such notification does not indicate that environmental harm has occurred. Firefighters monitored the area using a gas detector after the fire was extinguished, with no readings recorded.

Published 17-Jan-2026

Live Balkan And Brazilian Sounds Come Together In Cromer

Photo Credit: Lolo Lovina/Instagram

A live music event combining Balkan and Brazilian influences is set to take place in Cromer, with two Sydney-based bands performing at a local community venue.

A Shared Night Of Music In Cromer

The event, titled Balkan and Brazilian Bands on the Beaches, brings together two distinct musical traditions in a single live program. Designed as a cultural music gathering, the night focuses on live performance as a way to connect audiences through shared rhythm, sound and atmosphere.

Brazilian music — *Photo Credit: Beliza/Instagram*

The program centres on music that reflects heritage and contemporary interpretation, delivered through full-band performances. Promotion for the event highlights the role of live music in creating a welcoming space for diverse audiences.

Cromer music event — *Photo Credit: Lolo Lovina/Instagram*

Venue And Schedule Details

The performance will be held at Nest Inc, located at 150 Fisher Road North. The venue will host the event on Saturday, 31 January 2026, starting from 7:00 p.m.

Ticketed entry applies, with standard tickets priced at $35. A group option of 10 tickets for $300 plus booking fees is also available.

Balkan music — *Photo Credit: Lolo Lovina/Instagram*

BUY TICKETS NOW

Balkan Influences On Stage

Lolo Lovina is a Sydney-based ensemble whose music draws on Romani cultural traditions connected to vocalist Sarah Bedák and drummer and musical director Nenad Radic. The group blends these foundations with a wide range of musical influences and performs with an extended lineup featuring guitar, saxophone, keys, accordion, kaval, trumpet and bass.

The band has toured internationally and has received recognition through global music charts and Australian radio programming.

Brazilian Rhythms And Contemporary Style

Beliza is a Sydney ensemble specialising in Música Popular Brasileira, including samba, samba/rock and samba/funk. The band’s performances focus on rhythm-driven arrangements that reflect Brazilian musical traditions, delivered through energetic live sets.

Who The Event Is For

The event is promoted to members of Serbian, Bosnian and Macedonian communities, the Brazilian community, and residents from the Northern Beaches area. It is positioned as an inclusive live music night for people interested in cultural performance and shared musical experiences.

Looking Ahead

With two established Sydney-based bands on the program, the Cromer event offers a structured evening of live music focused on cultural expression and audience connection. Ticket sales remain open ahead of the January performance.

Published 12-Jan-2026

Cromer Public Safety Round-Up: Late December Incidents

Emergency services and police attended several incidents across Cromer between Saturday, 27 December and Tuesday, 30 December, based on reports received by authorities.

Fire Alarm at Commercial Premises

Just after 10.30am on Saturday, 27 December, Fire and Rescue NSW Narrabeen Station responded to a fire alarm at commercial premises on Villiers Place, Cromer. Firefighters found the alarm had been activated by the sprinkler system after a forklift damaged a pipe, causing water to spray inside the building. Crews shut off the water supply and deactivated the alarm. The building manager was contacted to arrange repairs.

Footpath Injury Assistance

Just after 12.30pm on Saturday, 27 December, a NSW Ambulance travelling along Little Willandra Road stopped to assist an elderly man who had fallen on the footpath near Willandra Road, Cromer. Paramedics assessed the man at the scene. He did not require hospital treatment and was given a lift home to a nearby retirement village.

Intruder Reports

Just before 1.30am on Sunday, 28 December, NSW Police responded to a report of an intruder at a property on South Creek Road, Cromer.

A second intruder report was received just after 9.30pm on Tuesday, 30 December, also at South Creek Road, Cromer. Police attended and made inquiries.

Assault Investigation

Just after 7.45pm on Sunday, 28 December, NSW Police were called to a report involving a man approaching a boy in a toilet at Middle Creek Reserve, Wakehurst Parkway, Cromer. Police established a crime scene at the location and investigations are continuing.

Police encourage anyone with information relating to reported incidents to contact authorities.

Published 31-Dec-2025

Cromer Homes Lead Key Food Waste Trial on Northern Beaches

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council

Cromer residents are now at the centre of a major waste change, with hundreds of households asked to trial a new food-scraps system that could lead to a five-bin setup across the Northern Beaches.

Pilot Timeline and Scope

The pilot began in late October 2025 and will run for six months in selected sections of Cromer. Another trial will follow from April to September next year, involving a different group of households in locations still being finalised. In total, about 3,000 homes across the Northern Beaches are part of the program.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council*

The council introduced these trials to meet a statewide requirement for all NSW councils to offer food-waste collection by 2030, a plan aimed at reducing landfill use and producing compost for farming.

How Cromer Households Are Involved

Cromer plays a central role in the first phase of the program. Each participating home received a bench-top kitchen caddy and compostable liners to separate food scraps. These scraps now go into the existing green garden-waste bin, which is collected weekly instead of fortnightly.

Council staff will review participation and collection outcomes throughout the trial. The results will guide decisions on whether combining food and garden waste is a practical long-term option for the wider area.

What Happens in Phase Two

The second phase, involving a separate group of 1,500 households, introduces a dedicated burgundy bin used only for food scraps. This approach separates food waste entirely from garden waste.

*Photo Credit: South Lanarkshire Council/Facebook*

At the end of both phases, the council will compare outcomes and resident feedback to decide which model suits the community best. The final system will need to be established before the 2030 deadline.

Community Impact and Future Plans

Council representatives noted that households on the Northern Beaches already divert significant amounts of waste through existing recycling streams, though food waste still makes up nearly half of the material placed in red general-waste bins. Converting food scraps into compost reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports local farming.

They also reminded residents that only those participating in the pilot should place food waste in green bins at this stage. Households outside the trial area are encouraged to reduce food scraps through meal planning, composting, or worm farming.

Published 01-December-2025

Pickleball Facility Proposed at Former Roche Site in Cromer

Photo Credit: Pexels

Plans have been lodged to convert a warehouse at the former Roche Pharmaceuticals site in Cromer into a $920,700 indoor pickleball and wellness facility.

Proposal Seeks to Transform Cromer Warehouse

A development application (DA2025/0961) has been submitted to repurpose part of the historic Roche site in Cromer into a new indoor pickleball facility. The project is proposed by Discover Sports Group and aims to deliver 12 pickleball courts, a wellness centre, and supporting amenities within a vacant warehouse on Inman Road.

pickleball arena — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Historic Industrial Complex to House Recreation Facility

The proposed site is part of the Northern Beaches Business Park, which occupies the former Roche Pharmaceuticals complex. The facility manufactured medications from the early 1960s until operations ceased in 2007. The area currently accommodates various recreational businesses including a trampoline centre, indoor golf, and a swim school.

Plans Detail Courts, Treatment Centre, and Amenities

Planning documents outline that the arena would include 12 pickleball courts, a mezzanine café, a pro shop, and an ancillary wellness and recreation centre. The wellness facilities are expected to include features such as cold plunge pools, saunas, and a hyperbaric chamber.

The application estimates the total cost of works at $920,700. Proposed operating hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the pickleball facility and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the wellness centre.

Cromer pickleball arena — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Pickleball Growth on the Northern Beaches

Demand for pickleball has increased significantly in the Northern Beaches region, with approximately 100 new players registering each month. The Northern Beaches Pickleball Association is currently the largest in Australia, reporting around 1,600 members.

Other recent developments include new courts at Winnererremy Bay Park and a rooftop facility under construction at Pittwater RSL in Mona Vale. The sport, often described as a combination of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, is played at several sites across the area and continues to gain traction nationwide.

Community Response Mixed

The proposed development has attracted public attention online. Some comments expressed enthusiasm for the increased access to courts, while others raised concerns about competing use of space, priorities for community facilities, and the sport’s longevity.

Application Now on Public Exhibition

The application, lodged on 21 July 2025 under DA2025/0961, is scheduled for public exhibition from 4 August to 18 August 2025. Council officer Charlotte Asbridge is overseeing the assessment process.

Published 28-July-2025

Wakehurst Parkway Drivers Report Chilling Ghost Sightings In Oxford Falls Stretch

Photo Credit: Narrabeen Reunions and the Northern Beaches/Facebook

A stretch of Wakehurst Parkway has locals rattled after years of eerie reports involving a mysterious woman said to appear inside cars, causing drivers to panic. Known for its winding road through bushland in Oxford Falls on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the parkway has become one of the most talked-about roads in New South Wales for paranormal encounters.

Chilling Encounters Behind The Wheel

For decades, drivers on Wakehurst Parkway have shared eerie encounters near Oxford Falls, where a ghostly figure that has come to be known as “Kelly” is said to appear without warning. She’s often spotted on the roadside or suddenly in the back seat, vanishing moments later.

*Photo Credit: Haunted Wakehurst Parkway/Matt DBF Youtube*

Some motorists report headlights flickering, mirrors catching fleeting movement, or an icy chill filling the car. One woman said she was warned never to drive the road alone and once heard someone breathing behind her, despite being completely alone. Similar stories have been told by taxi and rideshare drivers, keeping the legend alive.

Real Crimes Deepen The Road’s Dark History

Adding weight to the superstitions are several tragic events along the Wakehurst Parkway. In 1995, the body of 21-year-old Frances Tizzone was found near the road. She had been strangled, and her ex-boyfriend was later convicted. In another case, Stephen Dempsey was killed in nearby Deep Creek Reserve in 1994, his remains hidden in a freezer before being dumped.

These events, while confirmed by police investigations, have added to the belief that the area holds a dark energy. Some locals feel the haunting is tied to these tragedies, while others believe it’s rooted in even older history connected to the nearby former quarantine stations.

Paranormal Groups And Filmmakers Investigate

Wakehurst Parkway’s haunted reputation has drawn interest from both filmmakers and paranormal researchers. Local filmmaker Bianca Biasi has explored the legend through several projects, highlighting repeated sightings of a woman in a nurse’s uniform or wedding dress.

Some believe she may be linked to former nurses from the Manly Quarantine Station. Ghost-hunting teams have investigated the Oxford Falls area using EMF meters and audio gear, reporting eerie voices and thrown objects. Still, no official evidence has confirmed anything supernatural.

A Community Caught Between Fear And Folklore

While many locals chalk the sightings up to coincidence or imagination, there’s no denying the unease that Wakehurst Parkway stirs. Drivers regularly share warnings online and within the community, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. Many say they choose alternate routes at night, especially alone.

The stories have also sparked discussions on road safety. The Parkway’s narrow lanes, poor lighting, and blind curves have been blamed for many accidents. Whether the cause is something paranormal or simply poor road design, it’s clear the stretch through Oxford Falls remains a source of concern and curiosity for the community.

Published 11-June-2025

Two-Year Sentence for Cromer Club Car Park Arson

A Cromer truck fire tied to a suspected insurance scam has landed a 21-year-old man in jail, nearly two years after he set the vehicle alight in April 2023. Bailey James Chapman was sentenced in April 2025 to two years in prison for the crime committed outside a local club.

What Happened in the Cromer Car Park

The fire took place late in the evening on Sunday, 2 April 2023. Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to a truck ablaze in the outdoor car park of the club on Fisher Road North. Despite their efforts, the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter was completely destroyed.

*Photo Credit: Dee Why Bowling Club/Facebook*

The truck was registered to a local business offering rubbish removal services. Security footage from the area showed Chapman arriving at the club with a woman earlier in the day. Investigators later learned he had returned that night and poured fuel over the vehicle before setting it on fire.

The Investigation Uncovered a Fraud Scheme

Detectives from Northern Beaches Police tracked evidence linking Bailey Chapman and a 38-year-old woman, married to the truck’s co-owner, to the fire. Chapman had borrowed a friend’s bank card under the pretext of buying vapes.

He instead used it to purchase fuel, which he took to the club car park. Police allege the woman and her husband later filed a $50,000 insurance claim. Investigators believe Chapman torched the truck to assist the couple in securing the payout.

Chapman Sentenced After Admitting to the Crime

Chapman was arrested in October 2024 and later pleaded guilty to intentionally destroying property by fire. He was sentenced at Manly Local Court on 23 April 2025 to two years in prison, with a six-month non-parole period.

Based on time already served, he could be released as early as 4 August 2025. The 38-year-old woman accused of involvement is still before the courts.

Community Safety and Concerns

Although no one was hurt in the Cromer fire, the incident raised concerns about public safety and the misuse of shared community spaces. The club, popular with both Dee Why and Cromer locals, regularly hosts sporting and social events.

Residents and patrons were reportedly shaken by the late-night blaze. Authorities say quick action by fire crews prevented further damage and continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity around local businesses.

Published 5-June-2025

Police Warn After Cromer Man Loses $1,600 to Email Scam

A recent email scam targeting an elderly resident of Cromer has prompted police to call for greater community awareness to help protect vulnerable members of society, particularly seniors.

Read: Driver Collapses in Cromer, Smashes Through Homes and Power Pole

Last April, an elderly man from Cromer received an email that appeared to come from PayPal. The message claimed to be investigating a fraudulent transaction and directed him to follow steps to close his account. Believing the email was genuine, the man followed the instructions and unknowingly provided scammers with his personal and financial information.

Soon after, over $1,600 in unauthorised transactions were made in Indonesia using his details. Both the man’s bank and local authorities are investigating, but the international nature of the fraud is expected to make recovering the money difficult.

email scam — Photo credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

The incident has raised concerns across the Northern Beaches, especially in the Cromer community. Police are encouraging residents to talk with older family members, neighbours, and friends about the risks of online and phone scams.

Seniors are often targeted by scammers who use familiar branding and urgent language to create a sense of panic or trust. Without awareness of these tactics, victims may act quickly and lose money before realising the threat.

Another scam reported the same week involved a woman in nearby Beacon Hill, who was deceived by someone posing as a federal police officer. She was persuaded to withdraw and post $6,000 in cash to an address in South West Sydney. Like the Cromer case, the chances of recovering the funds are low.

Authorities continue to investigate both incidents and are pursuing strong leads. In the meantime, the community is being urged to remain cautious and report suspicious messages or calls.

Read: Cromer House Prices Surge to $1.9 Million

Tips to Stay Safe from Email Scams

Be cautious with emails or texts that request personal or financial information.
Do not click on suspicious links or follow instructions from unknown senders.
Contact companies directly using official websites or phone numbers to verify communications.
Encourage open conversations about scams, especially with older relatives and friends.
Report scams to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at www.cyber.gov.au or contact local police.

For Cromer residents, the case is a timely reminder of the need for community support and shared vigilance in protecting those most at risk.

Published 30-May-2025