Manly Observer

02/01/2026

WHAT WENT WRONG AT THE DEE WHY FIREWORKS?

While many appreciated the general community vibe and best efforts of organisers, many of our readers have also been asking us what actually went wrong with the New Year’s fireworks display at Dee Why, which stopped after only a minute wowing of the crowd.

It was in fact not the dangerous surf conditions but a firework malfunction that threw the display off course.

Event hosts Northern Beaches Council confirmed with us today:

“The fireworks show at Dee Why was stopped due to a malfunction with one of the fireworks on board the barge. Despite efforts to restart, the show could not proceed.
 
The safety of the staff and crew is of the upmost importance, and all personnel were unharmed. 
 
We apologise to everyone who came to celebrate with the fireworks and wish all a safe and happy new year. “

Elsewhere across the Beaches, the fireworks went off without a hitch, with Manly’s display giving the Sydney Harbour’s a run for its money. 🧨

Happy New Year 2026 all 🥰

31/12/2025

Can you help us find Jirawat?

Jirawat “Dyl”, aged 15, was last seen in Frenchs Forest on Saturday 27, December 2025.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, beige shorts and black and green “Asics” runners.

Jirawat is known to frequent Warriewood Square, Forestway Shopping Centre and Chatswood Interchange.

Anyone who sees him is urged to contact Northern Beaches Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

MORE INFORMATION ➡️ https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/article?id=122730

31/12/2025

Sadly all did not go to plan with the Dee Why fireworks this evening (zoom in for the 💥 )

There is still one more display at Bayview at midnight (plus the usual spectacle in Sydney Harbour.)

🎥

Oh, and Happy New Year ! 🎊

31/12/2025

A man is dead and a teenager still missing after a boat crash at Palm Beach just before midday today, 31 December 2025.

A man is dead and a teenager missing after an horrific boat crash this morning at Palm Beach. Emergency services responded to the fatal boat incident at Palm Beach near […]

31/12/2025

MAN DIES, TEEN MISSING AFTER PALM BEACH BOAT CRASH

A man is dead and a teenager missing after an horrific boat crash thsi morning at Palm Beach.

Emergency services responded to the fatal boat incident at Palm Beach near Barrenjoey Headland at approximately 11:35am today December 31, 2025, following reports that a boat had capsized and crashed into rocks.

Police say Surf Life Saving members pulled one man from the water. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him at the scene, but he died. He has not yet been formally identified.

A second man climbed onto rocks and was rescued by the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter. He is currently receiving treatment from paramedics.

A search operation is underway for a 14-year-old boy believed to have been a passenger on the boat. Marine Area Command, PolAir, and Marine Rescue NSW are assisting with the search.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Northern Beaches police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

31/12/2025

🚁 12:20pm We understand a boat has crashed into rocks at Palm Beach and a person is receiving CPR.

31/12/2025

It’s been a wild year. Thanks for joining us on the ride 🫡

Signing off til 2026 🧨

30/12/2025

A recap on what happened from Manly to Palm Beach in 2025

30/12/2025

⛈️ OUR HOME IS FULL OF WONDER 🌈

As we wrap up 2025, we want to thank all of you for sharing your stories, pics, videos, tips, financial support, and time as readers, viewers, press patrons and advertisers.

We are here for you and because of you.

Here’s to a 2026 filled with more happy news stories and fewer flipped cars…
🚗

🫡

MO

30/12/2025