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The Secret Behind That Butter Chicken You Can’t Stop Ordering in Frenchs Forest — And What Phulkari Reveals About North Indian Cuisine

Butter chicken is one of those dishes people think they understand. Until they try a really good one.

For many in Frenchs Forest, that moment tends to happen at Phulkari Indian Cuisine.

It’s not just creamy. Not just mild. And definitely not just “a curry.”

What keeps people coming back is harder to pin down. A balance of richness, spice and depth that feels simple, but isn’t.

That balance sits at the heart of North Indian cuisine.

It’s Built in Layers, Not Heat

A proper butter chicken starts long before it reaches the table.

The sauce builds from a slow-cooked tomato base, combined with butter or ghee, cream, and spices added at different stages rather than all at once. Cumin and coriander bring warmth. Garam masala adds fragrance. Fenugreek gives that slightly smoky finish most people recognise but can’t quite name.

It’s not designed to be hot. It’s designed to be balanced.

“Our food is rich in flavour but balanced,” the team at Phulkari says. “Everything is made fresh daily — we do not use frozen ingredients.”

That focus on fresh preparation and timing is what gives the dish its depth.

Why North Indian Food Tastes Different

Butter chicken is just one example of a broader style.

North Indian cuisine leans into tomato-based gravies rather than coconut-heavy sauces.

Dairy plays a bigger role too, with butter, cream and yoghurt softening and rounding out flavours. The tandoor adds a subtle char and smokiness that’s hard to replicate at home.

Garlic naan, brushed with garlic and coriander. Photo credit: Phulkari

And unlike some other regional cuisines, bread matters. Naan and roti aren’t just sides.

“Just like Phulkari embroidery is made stitch by stitch, our dishes are prepared with patience, tradition and love,” says Raf, who runs the restaurant alongside his brother Raj, continuing the family business started by their father.

Once you understand that, the menu starts to make more sense.

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You Start to Order Differently

Butter chicken becomes the starting point, not the whole story.

Dal makhani brings a similar richness using slow-cooked lentils.
Lamb rogan josh leans into deeper, more aromatic spice.
Chicken madras and vindaloo shift things towards heat.
Garlic naan becomes part of the experience, used to scoop rather than sit on the side.

It becomes less about choosing one dish and more about building a table.

More Than Just a Dish

Phulkari’s Frenchs Forest location wasn’t chosen by chance.

“We already had many loyal customers travelling from these areas to dine with us,” Raj says. “Opening here allowed us to be closer to our customers and better serve the local community.”

The restaurant offers dine-in, takeaway and delivery, making it just as suited to a quick weeknight meal as it is to a sit-down dinner.

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For many, butter chicken is where it starts. At Phulkari, it’s just one part of a broader North Indian menu built around consistency and technique.

“Our chefs have been with us for over 10 years,” the team says. “We focus on delivering the same authentic taste every time.”

That consistency is what turns a one-off order into a regular habit — and why many Frenchs Forest locals no longer need to travel for it.

Published 22-March-2026.

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Frenchs Forest Hospital Among Northern Beaches Locations in Measles Alert

Northern Beaches residents are being urged to monitor for measles symptoms following confirmation that an infectious person visited multiple local venues, including Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest.

NSW Health has issued an alert after identifying several exposure sites across the Northern Beaches, with health officials expressing particular concern about the shift from overseas-acquired cases to local transmission.

The Northern Beaches Hospital’s Level 4 Education Centre, including Wards 4, 4C, 5B and 6D at 105 Frenchs Forest Road in Frenchs Forest, was attended by an infectious individual between 9.30am and 12.00pm on Monday, 9 March. Those who were present during this time should watch for symptoms until Friday, 27 March.

Several Manly venues have also been identified as exposure sites. Felons Brewing Co. at Manly Wharf was visited on the evening of Thursday, 5 March between 6.30pm and 8.00pm. The same individual travelled by bus from Manly Wharf to Northern Beaches Hospital later that night, between 9.40pm and 10.30pm.

Three additional Manly establishments were visited on Sunday, 8 March: Donny’s Bar on Market Lane from 3.00pm to 5.00pm, Henry G’s Wine Parlour on The Corso from 4.30pm to 7.00pm, and JB & Sons Restaurant on Sydney Road from 7.00pm to 8.40pm.

NSW Health reports that 60 measles cases have been confirmed so far this year, with approximately equal numbers stemming from local transmission and overseas travel, predominantly from south-east Asia.

Dr Stephen Conaty, Public Health Unit Director for South Western Sydney Local Health District, emphasised the importance of symptom monitoring for anyone who attended the listed locations during the specified times.

Residents should watch for initial symptoms including fever, sore eyes, runny nose and cough, typically followed three to four days later by a distinctive red, blotchy rash that begins on the head and face before spreading across the body.

Health authorities stress that symptoms can appear up to 18 days after exposure, making extended vigilance essential.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor or health service before attending in person. Dr Conaty advised people to telephone ahead to alert staff of potential measles exposure, preventing time spent in waiting rooms where other patients could be at risk.

The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine remains the most effective prevention method and is provided free in NSW for children at 12 and 18 months of age. Adults born after 1965 who have not received two doses are also eligible for free vaccination.

Those uncertain about their vaccination history can safely receive the vaccine regardless of previous doses, with vaccinations available through general practitioners for all ages and pharmacies for those over five.

Health officials note that post-exposure vaccination can prevent disease development if administered promptly.

For measles information or to discuss symptoms, residents can contact their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Updated exposure site listings and detailed measles information are available on the NSW Health website.

Published 16-March-2026

Northern Beaches Hospital to Keep Private Services as NSW Health Takes Over

Northern Beaches residents will continue to have access to private health services at their local hospital, with NSW Health confirming the arrangement will remain in place at Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest until at least 30 June 2027.

Read: Frenchs Forest Hospital Set for Public Handover in $190m Deal

The announcement was made by Health Minister Ryan Park on 2 March, just weeks before NSW Health is due to take operational control of the hospital from private operator Healthscope on 29 April.

Around 20,000 private patient operations are performed at the hospital each year. There had been concerns that up to 100 private health beds could be cut under the transition, potentially forcing residents to travel away from the Northern Beaches for care.

Northern Beaches Hospital — Photo credit: Google Maps/Saj

Under the interim arrangement, private services will continue to be offered when NSW Health takes back operational management of the hospital. The arrangement has been described as critical to minimise any large-scale and sudden changes to care delivery that might otherwise increase risk to patient care.

The $190 million handover deal will see the entire 494-bed hospital return to public ownership, along with its emergency department. Clinical and support staff currently working at the hospital have been offered jobs by NSW Health at the facility, and staff entitlements to annual, long service and sick leave will transfer across from Healthscope.

The handover follows growing community and political pressure over the hospital’s performance, including calls for the campus to be returned to public hands after a series of medical tragedies, including the death of 22-month-old Joe Massa, who attended the emergency department last year.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Pauline Sorbello

Local state MPs had been pushing hard for clarity on private services. Wakehurst Independent MP Michael Regan said the Northern Beaches community would now have “the best of both worlds at our local hospital — a public hospital with best-practice systems and more resources, as well as continued access and choice to excellent private services. This is a massive win for our community.”

Pittwater Independent MP Jacqui Scruby, who had also lobbied for a return to public ownership, said patients and doctors now had the certainty they need in the medium term. “It’s a win-win for the people of the Northern Beaches and one we’ve been fighting for — a publicly owned, public hospital and co-located private services,” she said. Ms Scruby added she would maintain pressure on NSW Health to engage a private operator for a co-located private hospital in the long term.

Davidson Liberal MP Matt Cross, who had circulated a petition calling for private services to be retained, welcomed the outcome but described it as an “11th hour” announcement. He said healthcare decisions “should not be reactive” and should instead “put patients first, be properly planned and be transparent from day one.”

The news also builds on a separate announcement that Northern Beaches Hospital will host the state’s first High Volume Surgery Hub. Up to an extra 5,000 surgeries will be performed at the hospital each year through the hub, helping to reduce surgical wait lists and ease demand on hospitals across the state.

Looking beyond 2027, NSW Health has appointed health sector leader David Swan to provide independent expert advice on future private health opportunities at the site, with his recommendations expected in April. A co-located model, a private hospital alongside the public facility, similar to arrangements at other Sydney hospitals, is among the options under consideration.

Read: Frenchs Forest Hospital to Introduce Cameras for Paediatric Emergencies

Mr Park said NSW Health remained committed to a long-term solution. “We know that is what the community, the patients and the clinicians want, and we are working towards this goal,” he said.

For Northern Beaches residents, the interim arrangement means private services at their local hospital remain available beyond the April handover date.

Published 14-March-2026

Frenchs Forest Property At Rodborough Road Sells For $38 Million

Photo Credit: Pexels

A Virgin Active-anchored commercial property at 16 Rodborough Road in Frenchs Forest has sold for $38 million following an off-market transaction involving major real estate investment groups.

Sale Finalised In Frenchs Forest

A commercial property anchored by a Virgin Active gym in Frenchs Forest has changed ownership in a $38 million deal.

The asset at 16 Rodborough Road was sold by ESR Australia and acquired by Charter Hall.

The transaction was completed through an off-market agreement reached in December. Settlement was finalised in late February.

ESR Australia sale — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Property Details

The Frenchs Forest property occupies a site measuring 1.91 hectares and is zoned B7 Business Park.

It consists of a fully leased four-level building containing offices and a Virgin Active tenancy. The building has approximately 8,410 square metres of space.

Twenty car spaces at the site are leased to Virgin Active, which anchors the complex.

Frenchs Forest is located about 13 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD.

Ownership History

The property has recorded several transactions over the past two decades.

PropertyLink purchased the site for $23.49 million in 2015. Earlier records indicate the property traded for $18.2 million in 2006.

ESR Australia came to control the asset through its acquisition of PropertyLink Group in 2019.

Frenchs Forest property sale — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Corporate Background

ESR operates as a real asset owner and manager across the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation focuses on logistics real estate, data centres and energy infrastructure connected to supply chains and digital economy operations.

The company manages and develops real estate investments across Australia and New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Greater China, Southeast Asia and India, with additional presence in Europe.

Outlook

The Frenchs Forest transaction records the latest ownership change for the Rodborough Road site, which remains fully leased with Virgin Active as the anchor tenant.

Published 12-Mar-2026

Frenchs Forest High School Mates INXS Eye Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Spot

Photo Credit: INXS/ Facebook

The legendary rock group INXS has moved one step closer to music immortality following their first nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a journey that started in high school at Frenchs Forest.

A Local Legacy on the Global Stage

The band’s roots are firmly planted in the northern beaches, where the Farriss brothers and their classmates first blended their unique sound in family garages. Long before they sold 50 million albums, the members of INXS were just local students at The Forest and Davidson high schools.

This connection to the community remains a point of pride for residents who watched the group evolve from a schoolboy project into one of Australia’s most successful exports. Their story is a reminder of how talent nurtured in a local suburb can eventually influence the entire world of rock and roll.

The Race for the Class of 2026

The official nomination for the 2026 intake was confirmed on 25 February 2026, marking a historic moment for the group. To earn a spot among the five final inductees, the band must outperform a crowded field of 17 nominees. The list includes heavyweights such as Phil Collins, Oasis, and Mariah Carey.

While a panel of over 1,200 industry experts will have the final say, the public also has a voice. Fans can participate in a daily online ballot to help their favourite artists climb the leaderboard. The final results are expected to be announced in April 2026.

Community Action and Support

Local supporters are leading a digital movement to ensure the band gets the recognition they deserve. Bee France, a dedicated fan and podcast host, has been active on social media to rally the northern beaches community. She noted that the group is currently sitting in sixth place with over 172,000 votes. She encouraged everyone to vote daily, highlighting that the band’s music has remained relevant across generations.

The band members themselves expressed their gratitude on their website, stating that the nomination belongs to their fans as much as it does to them. They believe they would not have reached this point without the long-term support of their loyal followers.

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Criteria for Music Legends

Getting into the Cleveland-based hall is not just about popularity or record sales. The selection committee looks for artists who have significantly changed music culture or influenced other musicians. The longevity of a career and the overall quality of the work are also vital factors.

If INXS is successful, they will join other Australian icons like AC/DC and the Bee Gees in the prestigious institution. For now, the focus remains on the daily vote count as the community hopes to see the boys from Frenchs Forest take their place among the greatest names in music history.

Published Date 11-March-2026

Forest High School Prepares To Open At Allambie Heights Campus

Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education School Infrastructure

The Forest High School relocation in Frenchs Forest will see students start the 2026 school year at a new campus in Allambie Heights, with some external works continuing after Day 1.

Day 1 Readiness And Remaining Works

The new campus at 189 Allambie Road is scheduled to open for Day 1 of Term 1 on Monday 2 February 2026.

Key internal areas, including classrooms and the library, are set to be ready for students at opening. Fit-out works, landscaping and boundary works were listed as being in final stages in late 2025.

Outdoor works, including sports field and court construction, as well as tree planting and landscaping, are planned to continue after the school opens.

Frenchs Forest school — *Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education School Infrastructure*

Facilities And Capacity

The campus has been designed for up to 1,500 students and includes 73 classrooms and three special support units. Facilities listed for the site include a library, canteen and administration spaces, and a multi-purpose sports and performance hall.

Bike and scooter parking is available near the secondary entrance on Allambie Road.

Access Changes Around The Campus

Approved staging of public domain works allows the school to open with interim arrangements for safe travel and pedestrian access. Works include changes to bus stops on Aquatic Drive, a kiss-and-drop zone and a new pedestrian crossing.

A separate modification proposes retaining and upgrading the existing roundabout at Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road, rather than replacing it with a signalised intersection.

Northern Beaches schools — *Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education School Infrastructure*

Farewell To The 1961 Campus

Students and staff farewelled the former campus in December 2025. The original school opened in 1961 and is set to be demolished as planning progresses for a Frenchs Forest town centre.

Next Steps

Equipment and resources are scheduled to be relocated during the school holiday period, with work planned to be managed to minimise impacts on school operations. External works, landscaping and pedestrian upgrades are scheduled to continue after opening.

Published 27-Jan-2026

Northern Beaches History Preserved: James French Gravestone Saved by Heritage Experts

The ornate marble gravestone of James French, the 19th-century pioneer after whom Frenchs Forest is named, has been rescued from potential destruction thanks to a school librarian’s determination and swift action by heritage experts.

Read: The Forest High School Frenchs Forest Campus Closes After 64 Years

For more than six decades, the headstone has hung on the auditorium wall at The Forest High School, largely unnoticed and gathering dust behind glass. But with the school slated for demolition next year to make way for the new Frenchs Forest Town Centre, the future of this significant piece of local history was uncertain.

James French — Photo credit: Nicole Murray, The Forest High School (findagrave.com)

Nicole Murray, the school’s librarian, raised the alarm after discovering the historic relic wouldn’t be transferred to the school’s new site at Allambie Heights. Her research and persistence sparked a rescue mission that culminated on 16 December, when Metropolitan Memorial Parks stonemasons carefully removed the 130-kilogram monument.

The gravestone, crafted from Italian Carrara marble, originally marked French’s burial site at what was then Chatswood South Methodist Cemetery—now Pioneers’ Memorial Reserve in Lane Cove North. It was moved to the school in the late 1960s or early 1970s and placed in a specially constructed wooden and glass cabinet after vandals damaged it at the cemetery.

Who Was James French?

James French was far more than just a name on street signs and suburb maps across the Northern Beaches. Born in 1817, he was a pioneering figure who played a crucial role in the area’s early development during the mid-1800s.

French established a thriving timber cutting business and orchard in what would become Frenchs Forest. His timber operation was substantial enough that he built a residence near present-day Hilmer Street to oversee the tree felling operations. The harvested timber was then milled and transported by boat from Bantry Bay back into Sydney Harbour.

Beyond his commercial ventures, French served the community in official capacities as both a Special Constable and Ranger of Crown Lands. While his main home was in Willoughby, his presence and enterprise in the forest area was significant enough that the suburb would eventually bear his name.

French died in 1893, leaving behind a legacy that would endure for more than 130 years in the place names of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

A Librarian’s Campaign

Murray’s concern grew when she learned the headstone’s fate was uncertain. She began an email and telephone campaign, reaching out to organisations including the National Trust and Lane Cove Council to ensure the monument wouldn’t be lost or discarded.

Her efforts resonated beyond the school community. Even descendants of James French contacted the school, asking what would happen to their ancestor’s memorial. Murray’s queries eventually reached Metropolitan Memorial Parks, the NSW agency that manages cemeteries on behalf of Crown Lands, which took on the preservation task.

The removal was supervised by MMP Heritage Stonemason Specialist Sach Killam, who noted that the headstone’s decades indoors had actually worked in its favour. Being sheltered from the weather and kept upright for 60 years has been beneficial for the marble’s preservation.

Killam said MMP is prepared to repair the monument, which would likely involve installing hidden pins to fix fractures and hand-carved sections to match missing stone.

A Broader Mission

The rescue of French’s headstone is part of MMP’s Monument Safety & Conservation Program, an initiative designed to preserve and improve the safety of monuments at memorial parks, cemeteries and throughout the community.

The headstone now sits temporarily in the local studies section of Lane Cove Library while repairs are considered. Lane Cove Council, which manages Pioneers’ Memorial Reserve where French is interred, will determine the best long-term solution for the monument, including the possibility of returning it to his gravesite.

Read: Major Residential Development Greenlit in Frenchs Forest Town Centre

For Frenchs Forest residents who pass street signs and hear their suburb’s name daily, the rescue ensures that James French’s story—and the tangible evidence of his legacy—won’t disappear when the wrecking ball arrives.

Published 21-January-2026

Frenchs Forest Hospital Set for Public Handover in $190m Deal

The operation of the major hospital in Frenchs Forest is set to be transferred to NSW Health in an agreement understood to be worth $190 million.

The Official Transfer

NSW Health confirmed that the Northern Beaches Hospital will return to public ownership on 29 April 2026. This confirmation comes after reports surfaced last week regarding the deal to take back the 494-bed facility from its current private operator, Healthscope. The decision follows a period of uncertainty for the hospital, which is currently under receivership.

Staffing and Employment

State health officials have moved quickly to reassure the hospital’s workforce about their future. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM stated that all existing clinical and support staff would be offered roles within the state system. She noted that while the transition period would have its challenges, the staff had consistently prioritised their patients and the community throughout the difficulties.

Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Officer Anthony Schembri AM added that staff leave entitlements would be maintained under the new arrangements. He said that employment offers for most staff were expected to be sent out before Christmas. Medical staff, including junior officers and specialists, would likely receive their offers in early 2026, to align with their clinical training terms.

Leadership Response

Healthscope CEO Tino La Spina said the finalised agreement provided much-needed certainty for both the staff and the wider community. He expressed confidence that patients would continue to receive high-quality care from the same skilled teams who have served them until now. Mr La Spina also noted that the operator would work closely with NSW Health to ensure a smooth transition.

Concerns Over Private Services

Despite the official announcements, significant questions remain regarding the future of private health services at the site. Senior doctors have warned that removing the private hospital component could force residents to travel outside the area for critical care. There are fears that vital services, such as robotic surgery, heart stenting, and complex cancer treatments, could be lost if the private model is not retained.

Dr David Jollow, chair of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, said senior clinicians were extremely concerned that a loss of private care would burden the public system and increase waiting times. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Matthew Sherlock echoed these sentiments, warning that private patients might join public waiting lists if they wished to stay on the Northern Beaches for surgery.

Community Advocacy

Local Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan welcomed the contract signing but urged the government to maintain the current range of services. He stated that he had secured a commitment for the hospital to remain a Level 5 facility with no reduction in bed numbers. However, he is seeking further assurances that life-saving interventional services, particularly for cardiac care, will be protected during the shift to public management.

Published Date 06-January-2026

Akora Reserve Concept Plans Progress Following Feedback Period in Frenchs Forest

Photo Credit: NSW Gov

Updated concept plans for Akora Reserve in Frenchs Forest are now under review, following the close of a community feedback period on proposed park upgrades.

Part of Broader Park Upgrades

The Akora Reserve project forms part of the Frenchs Forest town centre park upgrades, a program involving three local reserves: Brick Pit Reserve, Akora Reserve and Rabbett Reserve. The upgrades are linked to increased residential development planned for the Frenchs Forest Town Centre area.

Consultation on concept designs for all three reserves was first undertaken between March and May 2022. Brick Pit Reserve has since been completed, while Rabbett Reserve remains on hold pending funding.

Akora Reserve Frenchs Forest — *Photo Caption: The updated concept plan drafted in 2025.*
*Photo Credit: NSW Gov*

What’s Included in the Latest Design

The updated draft concept plan for Akora Reserve focuses on balancing active recreation with quieter open space. Proposed features include a half-court basketball area with seating, nature-based play elements, a five-way swing, open lawn areas and picnic facilities.

The design also includes a concrete pathway linking Karingal Crescent and Akora Street to improve access through the reserve, along with bicycle parking, a drinking station and additional native planting. Mature trees are planned to be retained, with some juvenile trees relocated or replaced.

Community Feedback Considered

Community feedback on earlier designs, gathered in 2022, showed general support for the upgrade while raising concerns around open space, privacy, noise and specific design elements. Suggestions included larger play areas, changes to materials and the removal of the community garden previously proposed.

The revised concept plan was placed on public exhibition from 17 November to 14 December 2025, with around 40 submissions received. These comments are now being reviewed to inform the final design.

Frenchs Forest park upgrades — *Photo Caption: The preliminary concept plan drafted in 2022.*
*Photo Credit: NSW Gov*

What Happens Next

A community engagement report is expected to be released following the review of submissions. The final design for Akora Reserve is scheduled for mid-2026, with construction planned for late 2026.

Published 23-Dec-2025

The Forest High School Frenchs Forest Campus Closes After 64 Years

After 64 years of educating Northern Beaches students, The Forest High School has closed its doors at Frenchs Forest, with more than 830 students relocating to a brand-new campus in nearby Allambie Heights.

Read: The Forest High’s New Location Revealed

The closure paves the way for the old campus to be demolished and replaced with a new Frenchs Forest Town Centre, featuring high-density residential development with apartment blocks up to 12 storeys high.

Artist’s impression of the Frenchs Forest Town Centre (Photo credit: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au)

Principal Nathan Lawler, along with school captains Isobel Pacholski and Oliver Burn, and vice-captains Aishwarya Kalra and James Dry, described the relocation as bittersweet. The modern facility at the corner of Allambie Road and Aquatic Drive offers expanded capacity for over 1,000 students and features the latest in educational and sporting technology.

The relocation is part of NSW’s broader rezoning strategy for the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct, designed to provide medium and high-density housing in the area. With approximately 180 new Year 7 students expected to enrol next year, the expanded campus will help accommodate families moving into new housing developments around the town centre.

A School Born from Community Campaign

Photo credit: Facebook/The Forest High School

The Forest High School’s story began with a community campaign for secondary education on the Northern Beaches. In November 1958, The Forest High School Promotion Committee formed with a clear mission: to establish a co-educational high school serving the suburbs of Frenchs Forest, Forestville, Beacon Hill, Terrey Hills and Narraweena.

On 31 January 1961, Stage One of construction was completed and the school opened its doors with an initial enrolment of 318 students and 14 teachers, under the leadership of founding principal Edward George Bell. Originally called Frenchs Forest High School, the institution’s name was officially changed to The Forest High School on 2 August 1961 by then-Minister for Education Ernest Wetherell.

The pioneer students and staff chose the Latin motto “Spectemur Agendo”—let us be judged by our actions. By 1963, enrolment had grown to 963 students.

Growth continued throughout the 1960s and 70s, with the gymnasium and D block opening in 1969, and the library completing the building program in 1976. The school’s official opening ceremony took place on 24 October 1964, attended by Governor of New South Wales Lieutenant-General Sir Eric Woodward.

Notable Alumni

Three members of the rock band INXS—Kirk Pengilly, Garry Gary Beers and Tim Farriss—attended The Forest High School and rehearsed in the school hall. The other half of INXS, including frontman Michael Hutchence, attended Davidson High.

Other notable alumni include Bill Leak, editorial cartoonist for The Australian, and Peter Debnam, who served as NSW Liberal Opposition Leader from 2005 to 2007.

Read: Major Residential Development Greenlit in Frenchs Forest Town Centre

Looking Forward

The new campus in Allambie Heights provides expanded facilities for the Northern Beaches. Principal Lawler said the new school will have the latest in education and sporting technology, with interactive smartboards installed throughout the facility, to give students the best chance to succeed.

As The Forest High School community moves to its new campus, it carries forward more than six decades of history. The school’s founding motto “Spectemur Agendo” continues at the new location.

Published 23-December-2025