Scientists tell us that humans are part of the African Ape family that existed 15-20 million years ago, that we came “down from the trees” about 4 million years ago and that we became anatomically human about 300,000 years ago. Throughout that time the sun went down at night and reappeared each morning.
Opinions differ, but so mew here around 200,00 years later humans began to migrate out of Africa to all corners of the globe where they adapted to living in mountains, valleys, tundra, frozen wastes and deserts. Like standing and walking, adaptability is a human hallmark.
During this exodus of 100,00 0 years temperatures have warmed and cooled by between to 3-8 Degrees Celsius culminating in the last Ice Age that ended about 20,000 years ago. Each day the sun went down and came back up and human inventiveness produced the wheel, trade throughout the world, the telescope, fabrics, the steam engine, fertilisers, telephones, automobiles, planes, vaccines, televisions, computers, anaesthetics and nuclear power.
The last was made possible by John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton splitting the atom in 1932. At around the same time an Australian, Sir Marcus Oliphant, was exploring nuclear fusion. This slams together two atoms to make one. It’s the same process that powers the sun, produces no carbon dioxide, no radioactive waste and creates vastly more energy than splitting the atom.
Marcus (Mar k) played a key role in fusion experiments that proved that “Solar Power” was indeed possible without the need for acres of solar panels, massive mining, manufacturing and shipping costs. Sadly, at the time, initiating the process took more energy than could be harnessed.
Now though, comes th e amazing news that, at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory facility in Northern California on Dec 5, 2022 fusion has finally released more energy than was required to make it available. Dr Warren McKenzie, founder of Australian laser nuclear fusion company HB11 Energy compares it to the first moon landing saying “This ‘holy grail’ scientific milestone has far greater implications for the world at large, given it finally unlocks the prospect, of unlimited clean energy.”
Just as the i nvention of the spark plug lead to the motor vehicle industry, and the phonograph to live streamed music, there is the possibility the sun no longer need to “go down” each night, but will burn quietly on earth beside us providing unlimited energy for all our needs, helping us through whatever, warm and cold, wet and dry seasons the earth’s climate chooses to deliver to us.
Warren McKenzie has recently a nnounced plans for HB11 to build a high-intensity, petawatt-class laser facility on Australian soil. As he puts it “This (US) result will put a rocket under a new industry of highpowered lasers and inspire billions to be invested in laser fusion energy”
His plans bring “Co mfort a nd Joy” and we thank both he and Oliphant for helping harness the power that Einstein’s Theory of Relativity showed was possible. Given the current looming energy crisis we thank them for this more optimistic vision of “What Lies Ahead”.
What lies ahead for Ea stern Suburbs Life readers is exciting news about this year’s Flickerfest taking place at the new Bondi Pavilion (P16), four fun-filled What’s On pages (P5, P12-13 and P17), great savings on Hoyts Holiday Hangout tickets (P13) and stories about the refurbishment of Smithfield Grange (P11), local caregiver Elizabeth (Liz) Vincent (P15), the contribution made by, Sir Daniel Cooper, to the foundation of NSW Government (P7) The Mad Cow Project, where you can both holiday and help others at the same time (P7)and Peter King's Taree to Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach, First Steps Count, Feb 9-16 fundraiser (P8).
We also have news from Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick Councils and well Marjorie O’Neill (NSW Member for Coogee) and Karen Freyer (NSW Independent Candidate for Vaucluse). For those needing to work off a big Christmas lunch we also have our regular Walkabout with Ruth.
As always we thank all the peo ple who make this paper possible, including our writers, advertisers, printers, distributors and intrepid customer support and design team. Wishing you all the best and a warm welcome to 2023.
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Early December saw over 100 interested and vocal locals flock to the Watsons Bay Hotel for a meeting – hosted by owner Fraser Short and facilitated by Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne – to review proposed government plans for upgrading the Watsons Bay Wharf.
This was one of a number of com munity meetings held. “This high level of interest underscores the significance of the wharf, not only as transport infrastructure, but also as a centrepiece of the Watsons Bay maritime community with such strong heritage significance,” Roger Bayliss, President of the Watsons Bay Association Inc, told Eastern Suburbs Life.
Indeed, many attendees felt the heritage appeal of this historic local icon needs to be considered; that more thought should be given to sympathetic restoration rather than a formulaic design theme, which had been duplicated at other wharves such as at Rose Bay and Manly.
Transport for NSW has proposed two designs however limitations in this choice have attracted a mixed reception. Though both options offer increased accessibility – for those with mobility needs or prams – as well as in capacity, offering larger waiting areas sheltered from the weather, Option 2 creates two wharves, with a new structure dominating the beach area, so it did not receive much support.
However, another sugg estio n was well received. “Many residents reacted positively to a community-based ‘Option 3’. This option was created by a local, renowned architectural illustrator Irene Still. "This alternative provided for a simple extension of the wharf, retaining existing leaseholders and with several much-needed recreational boating berthing points,” Bayliss noted. Such an extended wharf also would create less disturbance to marine life in the bay shallows.
Another concern raised was the future of a local institution. As Independent Candidate for Vaucluse Karen Freyer highlighted: “The lease for the Sydney Game Fishing Club –
which is housed on the wharf – expires next year. Shockingly, one of the options presented by Transport for NSW doesn’t include the Club. As you can imagine, Club members are beside themselves, as it’s been a firm fixture of Watsons Bay since 1952. The NSW Government has always wanted to commercialise this area... The lease of the Fishing Club is up for review and the Masterplan [for South Head] is in the same space as well," Freyer pointed out. "All these moving parts seem to be happening at the same time. I don’t really think it’s a coincidence.”
As Bayliss underli ned: “Transport for NSW needs to carefully digest the views expressed by so many well-informed members of our community. They all care about the future of Watsons Bay –Australia’s first village.”
Paula TowersBring the family to Cooper Park to experience the enchanting bushland reserve with a creek which follows a Jurassic volcanic dyke, with Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed during the day.
WHEN: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Jan 6 & 13 10AM
ROMEO & JULIET Jan 5 & 12 10AM
WHERE: COOPER PARK, BELLEVUE HILL
At these friendly community markets you will find everything to fulfill your weekly shopping needs and an exciting choice of fashion, home wares, plants and of course, eco-friendly, sustainable fare trade and healthy products.
WHEN: EVERY THUR, 9AM-2PM
WHERE: GUILFOYLE PARK, CORNER OF GUILFOYLE AVE AND BAY ST, DOUBLE BAY
Topics discussed range from local issues to world events, from the latest gadgets to trips down memory lane.
WHEN: 2.30-4PM (Every second Thurs of the month)
WHERE: WOOLLAHRA LIBRARY, 451 NSH RD, DOUBLE BAY
WHEN: EVERY FRI 8.15AM FOR 8.30AM START
WHERE: RUSHCUTTERS BAY KIOSK, RUSHCUTTERS BAY PARK, RUSHCUTTERS BAY
Woollahra Probus Club walking group meets every Thursday at 10am at the Homestead Cafe (near fountain) Centennial Park, come rain or shine.
WHEN: EVERY THURS 10AM
WHERE: HOMESTEAD CAFE (near fountain), CENTENNIAL PARK...any weather. Kathy Neustatl 9389 8509
Featuring up to 150 stalls in the historic church grounds and public school of Paddington. Products include art, clothing, jewellery and home wares. Food court, live music every Saturday, coffee, cakes, pre-loved clothing, hats and great gifts for all.
WHEN: EVERY SAT, 10AM-4PM WHERE: PADDINGTON UNITING CHURCH, 395 OXFORD ST, PADDINGTON
Debbie Mackenzie is an artist residing on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
After studying Graphic Design and then following a career in advertising, Debbie embarked upon a journey into the romantic. She quickly established herself as one of the most exciting emerging artists to watch and has gone on to be involved in countless sell-out solo shows and group exhibitions.
WHEN: JAN 24 -FEB 6 9AM-4PM
Take a reflective journey amongst the ethereal works of Jessica Loughlin with responding compositions by South Australian cellist Hilary Kleinig.
WHEN: JAN 15 12-1PM
WHERE: UNSW GALLERIES, CNR OF OXFORD ST AND GREENS RD, PADDINGTON
Learn about the practice of Jessica Loughlin in conversation with Caitlin Eyre, JamFactory Curator and Exhibitions Manager. Jessica Loughlin is one of Australia’s most internationally acclaimed glass artists and is renowned for her highly innovative technical approach to kilnformed glass.
WHEN: JAN 15 2-3PM
WHERE: UNSW GALLERIES, CNR OF OXFORD ST AND GREENS RD, PADDINGTON
WHEN: EVERY WED, 8.30AM FOR 8.45AM START WHERE: ROSE BAY FERRY WHARF, LYNE PARK, ROSE BAY
The walks will take place rain, hail or shine and will cater for all levels of fitness and ability, so bring a friend, and enjoy getting fit in a great social environment.
WHERE: ART2MUSE GALLERY, 234 JERSEY RD, WOOLLAHRA
Join us on the foreshores of Parsley Bay to learn about the marine life of Southern Sydney Harbour. Research scientist Dr Joseph Di Battista from the Australian Museum will guide a walk and talk, identifying important marine habitats and showing how he’s using DNA to learn more about what’s in the harbour.
WHEN: JAN 15 9.30-11AM
WHERE: PARSLEY BAY BEACH, HORLER AVE, VAUCLUSE
Learn about the amazing marine life in our harbour by exploring rock pools with marine biologist guides. You will get a chance to get close to the animals that live in the intertidal zones along the Nielsen Park foreshore and learn about their habitat. This family-friendly activity is not to be missed Park, come rain or shine.
WHEN: JAN 23 3.30-5.30PM
WHERE: NIELSEN PARK, VAUCLUSE
EAR WAX REMOVAL
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• Regular use of wear ear plugs
Good ear health starts with clear ear canals. For a check of your ear wax and professional ear care, simply contact Edgecliff Hearing p: 9327 8280 (or e:hearing@edgecliffhearing.com.au) for an appointment. No referral is necessary.
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This month we conclude our series on the Builders of Modern Australia, where we have looked at some of the amazing individuals connected with St Mark’s who have provided inspiration and leadership to shape our nation.
Daniel Cooper was intimately involved as responsible government came to New South Wales through the Constitution Act of 1855. The Act provided for two elected chambers, today’s Assembly and Council, representing distinct electorates. The Constitution Act was mainly crafted by WC Wentworth, a prominent native-born lawyer who had been a leading player in the preceding Legislative Council from 1843 when the colony was under military governorship.
A new way to explore the world and make a difference through volunteering.
With the world opening back up and queues at airports growing, many people are looking to experience more from their travel adventures than seeing just the typical tourist hotspots.
Combining volunteering with travel has grown in popularity. Often referred to as voluntourism, it has also received some criticism. Many volunteer organisations have pre-planned projects for their volunteers. This could be building an orphanage, digging a well, or painting a school. While these are worthy causes, it can result in the loss of employment opportunities for local residents as the labour is being completed by volunteers.
‘What makes The Mad Cow Project a different type of volunteer organisation is our volunteers don’t have any preconceived ideas, or do any work that could be done by locals,’ explained Nicholas Tan, Founder and Director of The Mad Cow Project.
‘When volunteers travel to new destinations to meet with NGOs, Social Enterprises, and community leaders, communication is key,’ says Nic. ‘They’re there to listen to the needs of the community, understand their challenges, openly discuss possible solutions and ways they could contribute.
‘We prepare and guide volunteers in how to work with the community, to develop their own project initiatives that support the needs of the local people. We emphasise respect for cultural differences and leadership dynamics of the villages and communities as well as the political, social, and economic situation,’ he said.
The Mad Cow Project runs its structured volunteering programs at least once a year. Volunteers apply to the program, are selected based on commitment, undergo training and preparation, before experiencing a guided immersive week-long overseas experience. On their return, volunteers are debriefed and supported to develop a project they can give to the community, working remotely and in their own time with their own project team.
‘With this mod el you have scoped projects with the community that will make a difference. It’s a partnership that meets the needs of the community and volunteers,’ Nic added.
When the COVID-19 pandemic prevented international travel, the organisation maintained established relationships virtually. They even created a video exchange project between primary school children from Sydney and Nepal initiated by a volunteer.
‘Volunteering is personal to everyone,’ Nic said. ‘We encourage volunteers to pursue their own areas of interest, supported by a mentor. With trips to rural and metropolitan areas, this could include business development, animal welfare, trade skills training, environmental outcomes, gender outcomes, social infrastructure or eco-tourism.
The Mad Cow Project will be visiting Cambodian social enterprises in February 2023. If you’d like to share your business, project management, communication, copywriting, engineering, sales, financial management, and/or human resources skills, email contact@themadcowproject.org or visit https://www.themadcowproject.org/
The former Legislative Council had consisted of 12 government appointees and 24 elected positions deciding the future of the nation. The eligibility to vote was restricted to owners of freehold land worth at least £200 and by householders paying a rent of not less than £10 per year. Astute observers will appreciate that universal suffrage was still many years off!
Back in 1826, the same WC Wentwo rth had purchased a parcel of 150 acres from Captain Piper’s estate and had created Vaucluse House to the east of the Cooper Estate. He was a very colourful individual who was born in 1793 on Norfolk Island. He went to school in England and returned to Sydney in 1810. He was a robust and energetic young man and with Gregory Blaxland and William Lawson he famously explored the Blue Mountains in 1813.
Wentworth returned to Eng land to study law from 1817 to 1820 publishing ‘A Statistical, Historical, and Political Description of the Colony of New South Wales at the age of 26. Back in Australia in 1824, he then started a newspaper, "The Australian", to advance his political objectives.
By 1834 Wentworth was a wealthy landowner and as a lawyer was working towards self-government for the colony. He helped design the initial constitution of 1842 and then the Constitution Act of 1855, for which he travelled to England to promote its passage through the House of Commons. This document granted home rule to New South Wales and earned Wentworth the title of Australia’s first patriot. He returned briefly to Australia in 1861 and again served in the legislature.
A man of great contrast, Wentworth had become very conservative as his estates grew and was particularly unsympathetic to the indigenous population. In protection of his large land holdings, he had even proposed an hereditary upper house similar to the House of Lords but was voted down. This was satirised widely as the ‘bunyip aristocracy’. He returned
to England in 1862 and died in Dorset, on March 20, 1872, and in accordance with his wishes, his remains were interred in Sydney in his own mausoleum near Vaucluse House.
Sir Daniel Cooper Bt had worked closely with Wentworth, Parkes and others to establish the new legislature on the lines of the British parliament and was voted in as the First Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Being affluent neighbours in the eastern suburbs along with the Hill family, the Coopers and the Wentworth inter-married and perpetuated their estates when in 1862 both Sir Daniel Cooper and WC Wentworth permanently moved to England. Both men greatly furthered the interests of New South Wales and the emerging new nation for the remainder of their lives.
Sir Daniel, the 1st Baronet of Woollahra, died in 1902, having served the interests of the nation over a long and fruitful life. The Cooper Estate remained largely intact until the 1880s and was then sympathetically developed with many gracious properties being sold off to retain the ambience of one of the great residential suburbs of the world.
For more information plea se contact Ian Tresise, of the St Mark’s Historical Society, via history@stmarksdp.org or visit https://stmarksdp.org/history/
ST MARK'S ANGLICAN CHURCH 1 GREENOAKS AVE, DARLING POINT 9363 3657 office@stmarksdp.org www.stmarksdp.org
The First Steps Count Child & Community Centre is a Taree community project that has been years in the making that is now fast becoming a reality.
First Steps is registered charity (www.firststepscount.org) that has been embraced by the whole community and helps alleviate social challenges in one of the most disadvantaged rural regions in Australia by helping the children, families and communities in the Manning Valley with an emphasis on early engagement and intervention for children aged 0 to 12 years.
By engaging earl y with children and families FSC aims to encourage awareness and appreciation of the choices and will help to alleviate some of the social challenges faced by so many in the community e.g. not finishing school, unemployment, substance abuse and challenges at home.
Many people and organisation s have helped bring the dream to life, by making
donations or contributing the time, energy and skills that were needed to build the centre.
Parts of the centre are already opening but further funds are still needed to finalise building and provide resources to run it.
To help raise funds Peter King will walk 160 km from Taree to Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach Feb 9-16. Given that the average stride is 80 cms and 1,250 steps are required to walk one kilometre that means 200,000 steps.
Many will remem ber Peter King as the Federal Member for Wentworth, between 2001 and 2004, so the Sydney end of his walk will take him through much familiar territory. You may even wish to cheer him on as he gets closer to Bondi, he will have done more than 14 City to Surfs in eight days.
To help First Steps Count Peter is inviting you to make a modest donation of $50 (or more if you wish) by going to www.mycause.com. au/p/294582
If you’ve noticed that the streets are more potholed than usual, blame the rain. When rain keeps falling and doesn’t have time to drain away, as it has over the past year, water pools in the cracks in the road surface, weakening the asphalt until it eventually splits, forming potholes.
Woollahra Council is respo nsible for maintaining most of our roads. Only the major arteries – New South Head Rd, Oxford St, Syd Einfeld Drive and Old South Head Rd south of its intersection with New South Head Rd – are the responsibility of the State Government.
When it comes to Waverley Council, only Old South Head Rd, Bondi Rd, Council St and Carrington Rd are the responsibility of Transport for NSW.
But the exceptional ly heav y soaking we endured over 2022 has stretched Council’s resources to the limit. Councils – not just Woollahra and Waverley, but councils throughout NSW – simply aren’t equipped to repair the damage wrought by the extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly common.
In their most recent ann ual report s, Woollahra and Waverley Councils identi fi ed they need an additional $4.1million and $4.3million in additional funding respectively to maintain our roads to a safe standard –and that doesn’t include July when we experienced the worst of the rain.
As an Independent candidate for the NSW seat of Vaucluse, I want to make sure that our roads are fi xed promptly. To do that, I wanted to fi nd out if our Councils are getting the support they need. So I rang the NRMA to fi nd out.
“Councils can’t do this all on their own. 80% of our road network is managed by councils. They need Federal and State help to get through this,” Peter Khoury from the NRMA told me. “Things are already bad and will only get worse. As a community we need to work together to get councils the funding they need to get the job done.”
Potholes pose a safet y risk to all road-users, but especially to those on two wheels. A motorcyclist who hits a pothole can end up seriously hurt; it’s even riskier for those who ride scooters such as Vespas, which have smaller wheels, or cyclists, whose wheels are narrower.
As for drivers, potholes can damage tyres and wheel rims, throw their vehicles’ alignment out and cause problems with the suspension.
It’s a no-brainer that it’s every road-user’s interest that the potholes be fi xed quickly. For that to happen, the NRMA told me, three things need to happen: 1. We need to get our Councils the funding
they are more resilient to damage. 3. We need a technology-driven audit of our road network to ensure to support targeted future upgrades and evidence-based, predictive maintenance.We can’t stop pothol es from forming. But we can prevent
them from staying. All it takes is political will.
with Ruth Oxford St, Paddington (Part 1)
In this Ed 49, I walk down Oxford St, Paddington, beginning at The Intersection.
The Intersection Paddington is a “High Street retail precinct” wholly devoted to the retail display of important Australian Fashion.
In the early 1960’s, Oxford St Paddington began to emerge as the place to go to find fashion. The expansion of fashion along Oxford St accelerated during the seventies and eighties and by the 1990’s, Oxford St Paddington was considered the centre of fashion in Australia. Take a look at the footpath where many Australian fashion designers have a plaque dedicated to them.
Across the road outside Victoria Barracks is a pump, written on the front "This pump, erected in 1868 as an interesting relic of the districts early water supply..many of the residents with buckets, carts distributed water from it to outlying parts of the district."
Across the road in Shadforth St are sandstone cottages, built in 1840, these cottages housed the workmen who built Victoria Barracks.
Opposite side of Oxford St is Victoria Barracks which is one of the best-known examples of military architecture in Australia. The Regency-style Victoria Barracks were designed by LieutenantColonel George Barney, who also built Fort Denison and reconstructed Circular Quay. Most of barracks was constructed using locally quarried sandstone between 1841 and 1849. The barracks were occupied by British troops up until 1870 and then taken over by the NSW colonial forces. After the Federation in 1901, Victoria Barracks housed the various headquarters responsible for administering and co-ordinating the military. Between 1931 and 1936 the barracks was home to the Royal Military College of Australia and from July 1938 to July 1940 it also housed the Command and Staff School. Today, Victoria Barracks is home to the Headquarters of Forces Command.
The Barracks are widely considered to be one of the best examples of a military barracks in the world.
Heading up Oxford St, I pass the Paddington War Memorial. In 1922 the citizens of Paddington built a war memorial at the corner of Newcombe and Oxford St in honour of the Paddington men who fought and in loving memory of those who fell during the Great War 19141918. The land was handed over to Paddington Council by the Methodist Church, and the memorial was unveiled by the governor of NSW, Sir Walter Davidson on Nov 19, 1922.
With the widening of Oxford St in 1940 the memorial was moved to the Oxford St frontage of Victoria Barracks, near the Town Hall.
Further up Oxford St is the Town Hall. Sir Henry Parkes laid its foundation stone in 1890 when Paddington was a separate municipality. It was designed by John Edward Kemp and built from 1890 to 1891, and remains a distinctive example of Victorian architecture in Sydney. The clock tower, completed in 1905, is 32 metres.
Across the road is the Post Office, which was established in July 1, 1851. The first recorded postmaster, Richard Westaway, was appointed on July 22, 1857. and in 1859 a letter carrier was appointed, with deliveries being made from the Sydney GPO on horseback each morning.
Crossing Oxford St, I complete my first part of Oxford St walk at Paddington Reservoir Gardens. The Paddington Reservoir was designed by Edward Bell and built from 1864 to 1866 and operated as a water reservoir which accepted water from the Botany Swamps pumping station for supply to parts of Sydney between 1866 and 1899. In the twentieth century the site variously functioned as a service station and storage and mechanical workshop site. In 2006 work commenced to convert the site into a sunken garden and park. It is also known as Walter Read Reserve; Paddington Reservoir Gardens; Reservoir Gardens.
Hello Everyone and welcome to my column. I have b een reading Tarot Cards for the past 25 years and have been able to unlock hidden problems for which you can help you make positive decisions. If you have problems and life is not going the way you want please dont hesitate to contact me.
TAROT CARD READER
0414 273 104
Google : Ruth Marks Tarot Card Reader For all my background and information
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
THE WORLD is the Tarot Card. This card shows a GODDESS encircled by a wreath of leaves and fruits.
She looks free and unencum bered by worries and concerns. This is the start of a new cycle. The GODDESS is disciplined and responsible. There is personal growth and transformation around her. She is ambitious and organized. She can also be stern and judgemental. She is ruled by the planet SATURN. Achievement is in your blood. Many Capricorns start with nothing and achieve great heights. You are guaranteed success if you continue to perservere. If you are feeling down in a rut, tired or emotionally drained plan a trip. Travel will inspire you. It is important you take time to play.
Lucky Gemstone: Diamond Lucky Number: 8
Lucky Colours: Brown, Grey Charcoal
AQUARIUS (J an 21 - Feb 19)
THE STAR is the Tarot Card.
This card shows a Goddess kneeling with one foot in a pool of swirling water where she is watering flowers which are beginning to bloom. This means growth for you on the horizon. She has a cosmic balance which indicates balance with ourselves. THE STAR is a lucky card but suggests you stick to one thing at a time and finish the job properly before starting a new one. It is important to pace yourself and this will give you better results. If you put your energy into one thing at a time you will be successful. You are always ahead of your time. You have inspiration in your bones so use it properly which will enable you to have a successful year.
Lucky Gemstone: Turquoise Lucky Number: 11 & 4
Lucky Colours: Blue & Silver
Love and light to all...
RUTH MARKS
TAROT CARD READER 0414 273 104
GOOGLE: Ruth Marks Tarot Card Reader
Tarot Card lessons available
In ESL Feb Ed 50 join me for a walk down Oxford St, Paddington (Part Two)
FOLLOW WALKABOUT
The installation of Jordan Adler's artwork featured at McKeon Street Plaza, Maroubra Beach commenced in Dec 2022.
“It’s fantastic to be able to showcase local talent in a space that is so important to our community. Jordan’s work brings great life and energy to the space.”
Jordan’s work is also featured on signage and garden boxes along McKeon St.
Jordan Ardler is a graduate of UNSW Art & Design, a graphic designer, and a longstanding youth worker at the La Perouse Youth Haven. In 2015, she won recognition at the Nura Gili Indigenous Awards Night for her ongoing volunteer work within the Indigenous student community.
In her work, Jordan aims to shine a light on the “unseen”, bringing memories, sounds, feelings and emotions to life, and making the invisible visible.
Jordan’s work, ‘Dhanma Bidhiinja’ is connected to a story about her grandfather, a story that helped her to make sense of the world.
“Dhanma Bidhiinja sounds boring to some, exotic or perhaps unheard of to most people. It was my grandfather’s favourite meal. Oysters on bread. No, he didn't have money, expensive taste nor was he a picky eater. It was free, fresh, easy to make and in his backyard.”
The thought of enjoying this simple meal in the hot sun, to the sound of the ocean hitting the rocks and palm trees swaying in the wind, is something that resonates with Jordan. In a time where realities are so carefully constructed and the search for an escape in a noisy world just gets harder, Jordan looks to her grandfather for inspiration.
“There was a big sand hill he would walk down to get to the beach. In his shorts, singlet and thongs he'd grab knife and a loaf of fresh bread and be on his way to get his 5-star meal. Across the sand he'd find the most comfortable rock to sit and crack open dozens of oysters... Breakfast, lunch or dinner would be ready in no time.”
Jordan listened to this story told by her grandmother, and it stuck with her. “It was the first time I knew what it meant to connect to country.”
“Close your eyes, listen to the sounds, smell the fresh air, take a deep breath, taste the
freedom and feel warmth from the wind passing by. You'll feel at home quicker than planning your escape.
“Right where you are is beautiful. Close your eyes and see for yourself. Make it beautiful, understand it's worth, not its value.”
Smithfield Grange sits majestically in Brook St, Coogee, reveling in its sweeping district and ocean views. This magnificent Italianate mansion was built in 1883, by John Starkey a famous soft drink manufacturer. Starkey was also an Alderman on Randwick Council.
Smithfield Grange is a grand 15 room private residence, the Victorian Italianatestyle mansion once boasted surrounding gardens, stables, paddocks and outhouses on an expanse of 8.5 acres.
Its life as such however lasted less than 40 years. By the mid-1920s it had been internally carved up into 13 flats, as it remains today. It's reasonable that increasing local population demands necessitated the conversion, as this was the era that Coogee was known as “Australia’s most beautiful Seaside Resort”. Quite at odds with the origin of the name Coogee; a derivative of the Aboriginal word koojah, meaning “stinking place”.
The converted residence and one surviving out-building now stand on a still substantial block of 1,100 m2, and now, after consultations with local council, builders, and architects, a local couple are launching a complete restoration which will see this grand old dame return to her former glory.
Internally, non-significant partitions are being removed, revealing hidden
treasures including large sandstone flagstones and salvageable wooden floorboards, along with a flyer for the St Aloysius annual sports day, held at the SCG in 1905. A good portion of Victorian features remains beautifully intact. Ceiling roses, tiled fireplaces, ornate architraves, stained glass, tessellated tiles and archways survive as testimony to the opulent decor favoured in the stately home's prime and will remain in accordance with Heritage stipulations.
Featuring both formal and informal lounge and dining, the latter will open onto poolside courtyards. The modern kitchen will include a butler's pantry complete with the original servery through which one may expect to receive a dry Martini. The interior design will be classic contemporary and luxe, with considerable use of marble, limestone and terrazzo consistent with the Italianate heritage style of the house. The tiled bathrooms and ensuites hark back to the turn of last century’s era in their color schemes. The landings in between the staircases, abutting the large sash windows facing the wrap-around verandah, provide cosy nooks, ideal for curling up in an armchair or perhaps indulging in a spot of Bridge.
A yearning for life in the bygone days of the belle époque is often quelled by the discernment of its connection with a certain level of primitive inconvenience. The preservation, indeed, reinvention of Smithfield
Join us outside the Lionel Bowen Library at 12pm for the Lion Dance and collect your goodies bag to welcome in the year of the Rabbit.
This family friendly event is sure to excite people of all ages with special Lunar New Year performances by local Chinese Senior Group (Rainbow Singing Group).
Participants are then invited to watch master artists from the Australian Chinese Artists’ Society skilfully create artworks of Chinese calligraphy and water colour painting.
WHEN: JAN 19 12-2.30PM
WHERE: LIONEL BOWEN LIBRARY, 669-673 ANZAC PDE, MAROUBRA
A photographic journey documenting the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people with disability.
Through portrait and voice twenty-six people share their hopes, dreams, struggles, and triumphs. They tell their stories of coming out, exploring identity, discovering love, and finding pride
WHEN: UNTIL JAN 29 12-2.30PM
WHERE: LIONEL BOWEN LIBRARY, 669-673 ANZAC PDE, MAROUBRA
Go4Fun is a free program for NSW children aged 7 to 13 who are above a healthy weight, and their families. Run by trained health and community professionals, it’s a fun way to build self-esteem and learn about eating well, staying active and living a healthy life.
WHEN: JAN 20 4-6PM
WHERE: RANDWICK COMMUNITY CENTRE, 27 MUNDA ST, RANDWICK
The
WHEN: UNTIL FEB 5
WHERE: LA PEROUSE MUSEUM, 1542 ANZAC PDE, LA PEROUSE
Fete
Play a game of croquet. Enjoy fine vegetarian food and non-alcoholic drinks
Hear some poetry and sweet summer tunesLearn to meditate and meet like-.minded friends.
WHEN: JAN 21 4.30-8PM
WHERE: COOGEE CROQUET CLUB BREAM ST, COOGEE
CAPE BANKS FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Trace your ancestors. Find your family history.
WHEN: TUES & SAT 10AM-3.30PM
WHERE: FRANGIPANI ROOM COAST CENTRE
FOR SENIORS, LITTLE BAY
ENQUIRIES: Lee 0417 694 038
Come gardening with us Friday mornings and help us plant, weed, and compost. We break for morning tea together and socialise over lunch, you'll also share in the bounty of any harvest!
WHEN: FRI MORNINGS 9AM-12.30PM
WHERE: RANDWICK SUSTAINABILITY HUB 27 MUNDA ST, RANDWICK
Join the Maroubra Probus Club’s retirees, Be Active Group. Have a “Whale of a time”, enjoy “chit chat” and coffee in the sun and make new friends, on one of the group’s many outings and activities.
WHEN: 10.30AM (4TH THURS OF THE MONTH) WHERE: JUNIORS MAROUBRA ENQUIRIES: 9661 9150
The La Perouse Museum is delighted to showcase the paintings and artworks of self-taught Aboriginal artist Craig Shepherd.
WHEN: UNTIL MAR 5
WHERE: COMMUNITY GALLERIES, LA PEROUSE MUSEUM, 1542 ANZAC PDE, LA PEROUSE
WHEN: JAN 10 9.15AM-12PM WHERE: 27 MUNDA ST, RANDWICK
During the recent lockdown, I took the time to explore what some may deem the canonical films of Hollywood. One such classic was the imperishable piece that left the 1973 academy awards with wins in 11 categories: Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. A story of power, revenge, recovery, and family- a timeless picture chronicling the fictitious New York Corleone Crime Family.
In this film, the veil of the mafia is lifted, revealing the added elements of decorum, love, loss, and loyalty at play within a vast criminal empire. Coppola invites the audience to judge the mob on its own terms, not on its external societal implications.
As we are i mmersed into the characterisation of the honourable mafioso Don Vito Corleone, a greater sympathy for the ‘mafia man’ archetype is conjured. In the film, the characters’ criminality is not merely a business of money, murder, and malice. La Cosa Nostra is expressed as an elevated underground society built upon respect, which just so happens to be unfortunately set on the wrong side of the law.
Coppola’s judici ous ca sting conveys the characterisation of both the film’s central actors (Brando, Pacino, Duvall, Caan) and their lesser-known counterparts (Castellano, Vigoda). Whilst there is a clear focus on our protagonists, the true character of the organisation is found within the shadows.
Coppola directs his viewers to the billboard (Don Vito, Sonny, Michael, Tom Hagen), but the lurking manpower infrastructure of this criminal enterprise is more of the alleyway: the sunken, the sullen, the surly (Sal Tessio and Peter Clemenza).
A consistent thematic darkness, spawn of Coppola and cinematographer Gordon Willis’ collaboration, is tactical and effective. A sensation of impending doom and devastation is present, as Coppola communicates his pessimism in his cinematography’s artful realism. A maintenance of gloominess and caliginous colour grading also allows for viewers to be made conscious of the scenes’ solemn sentiment without a requisite for dialogue. This powerful imagery conveys the darkness of both the characters and the circumstances they are facing.
Recurring wi de angles encapsulating all members of a given scene are used by the director as means to remain steady and graceful in his cinematography. These establishing shots do not move rapidly from one to another; this is intentional.
Consequently, th e audience can explore such dynamic angles for longer; feeling as though they too are a fixture situated in the unfolding narrative. Examples of this technique’s incorporation are within tense meetings, where the complexity of the conversation is juxtaposed by the consistency of the camera. This level of
immersion fuses dimensions of groundbreaking diegesis with aesthetic elegance, allowing the audience to evolve from the role of a spectator to a stakeholder in the literary space.
Through the admirable portrayal of our central filmic figures, Coppola implicitly reforms the identity of the marginalised American gangster. As viewers, we are compelled to recontextualise our preconceived notions of what ‘evil’ truly iswhilst our protagonists are traditionally ‘evil’, they don’t come across this way. We love
Michael, the Don, Sonny, Tom… how could they possibly be villains? As the soldiers of the Corleone Family charm us with their familial orientation, practicality and prevailing sense of duty, we develop a new perspective on individuals as moral agents.
The classic 1972 picture The Godfather is available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube and Vudu.
Tennyson Crowe
This was a bumper year of musical performances for Randwick-based Sydney Jewish Choral Society (SJCS) as pandemic-related restrictions fell away. And next year promises to be even busier.
Two 2022 high lights saw the choir move far beyond its local rehearsal area – first physically and then culturally.
In August, SJCS performed for the third time at the popular Blackheath Choral Festival, a three-day event that brings together around 50 choirs from across NSW. As usual, the performance drew from the choir’s wide-ranging repertoire of classical, opera, Jewish liturgical and secular music, jazz and musicals, and popular and folk music in many languages, including Spanish, Italian, Yiddish and Hebrew.
Echo ing th e variety of the repertoire, SJCS members come from a wide range of professions, countries and musical backgrounds. But there is a common note for this 36-year-old musical group: the love of singing and performing for the Jewish and wider community, and fostering harmony and tolerance through music.
The next major performance, in October, was a golden opportunity to do so. Together with the Australian Hellenic Choir, SJCS rehearsed and then performed, in Greek, The Ballad of Mauthausen.
This magnificent so ng-cycle about love between two cultures against the background of a Nazi concentration camp
has been described as “an enduring testament to the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit in the darkest of times.” It conveys the love of a Greek prisoner of war for a doomed Jewish prisoner in Mauthausen, a Nazi slave-labour camp in Austria. The two choirs performed together at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium in Randwick to an audience of close to 800.
Anne Spira, SJCS President, says, “This was a wonderful opportunity to develop close ties with another community group as we learnt about each other’s languages and history.”
Now SJCS is looking forward to a new year of singing together. Its schedule includes a performance at the conference of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia in June, to celebrate the Centenary of this social justice organisation. SJCS will highlight the music of female Jewish composers and other musical styles, from classical to contemporary.
“We reh earse on Wednesday nights in Randwick,” says Spira, “and we welcome new members. Come and experience the joy of singing together in a community choir.”
www.sjchoral.org
Email: info@sjchoral.org
Facebook: Sydney Jewish Choral Society Inc
Photo credits: Nick Bourdaniotis
Two Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) have been installed at Little Bay and Malabar beaches as part of Randwick City Council’s ongoing commitment to improving beach safety.
“The installation of the new beacons can give our community peace of mind, knowing that emergency services can be notified of an incident and help can be on the way quickly,” said Dylan Parker, Mayor of Randwick.
Designed for remote locations and built to withstand the elements, ERBs are used at numerous unpatrolled areas along the NSW coastline. The beacons are currently undergoing a brief testing phase and will be working and active in the coming days.
Probus is all fun, friendship and fellowship in retirement. Probus provides you with the opportunity to meet with fellow retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities, all in the company of new friends.
• Friendship with other retirees in your community
• Local monthly meetings
• Interesting guest speakers
The ERBs stand approximately 10ft tall, with cameras and a solar panel mounted at the top, which powers the unit. The unit’s intercom system links directly to the NSW Surf Lifesaving State Operations Centre 24 hours a day, every day of the year, which significantly reduces emergency response times as an incident occurs. The units should only be activated in the event of an emergency situation.
Despite being unpatrolled, Malabar Beach and Little Bay remain popular destinations among beachgoers, rock fishers and boat users. Across the last three beach seasons (2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22), Little Bay and Malabar Beach, had 10 and 17 emergency callouts, respectively.
Mayor Dylan Parker said that the installation of the Emergency Response Beacons will make a meaningful improvement to beach safety in the area.
Home Instead is a specialist national provider of high-quality, in-home care for older Australians. Home Instead helps with a range of personal and lifestyle needs while providing welcome companionship, and has serviced the Eastern Suburbs for 15 years.
Services includ e assis tance with personal care, light household duties, meal preparation, medication reminders, transport to appointments, shopping and social outings. Home Instead is committed to addressing the individual and national challenges of Australia’s ageing population.
When the last of her seven children started kindergarten, dedicated Eastern Suburbs mum Elizabeth Vincent was looking for a way to give back.
She had been caring for her father after he’d had a fall so becoming a professional CAREGiver was the perfect fit for her return to work. That was in 2018 and since then, Elizabeth continues to go above and beyond in providing exceptional relationship-based, in-home care for Home Instead Eastern Suburbs and Sutherland Shire.
Deservedly, she beca me one of the national finalists in Home Instead’s CAREGiver of the Year Awards.
Having not worked for 22 years, she was a bit nervous in applying but knew in her
heart it was the right role for her and the right time to return to the workforce and hasn’t looked back.
Hear from Liz herself as she talks about some of her clients…
“My clients know I have their best interests at heart, I give my all when I’m there”.
“I can wal k nto any house, assess the situation, and be who they need me to be”.
“I have one client w ho couldn’t speak English, so we picked flowers in the backyard. She loved Andre Rieu so we would watch the video and sing and dance which made her happy”.
“I organised art l essons for a client who used to paint. It was the highlight of her week”.
Liz was chosen as one of four finalists out of 4,000 CAREGivers within the Australian community.
Home Instead recruits and trains all new CAREGivers to provide them with the tools and confidence to perform this important role in our local community.
If you or someone you know would like to apply as a CAREGiver please call us on 1300 79 11 72 to discuss.
With 80% of work complete, the Heffron Centre is shaping up to be open in early 2023. This $58 million dollar project will establish Maroubra’s Heffron Park as one of Sydney’s great sporting hubs, right here in Randwick City.
Building our big gest p roject to date has been exciting and challenging – not to be unexpected when working on a construction project as big as this one.
The Heffron Cent re w ill be a multipurpose facility with two indoor sports halls that will accommodate sports such as netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball and futsal. Additionally, it will house a dedicated gymnastics facility as well as play home to the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ high-performance centre with facilities to support Souths Cares’ educational and community programs.
The site employees up to 85 people each day, who have clocked up more than 115,000 working hours. Not to mention, it’s all been done during a time that has faced unprecedented challenges including record breaking rainfall and a pandemic.
“This world-class facility is going to deliver so much benefit to our community. We’re at the pointy end of the project now and it’s exciting to visualise the end result,”
said Dylan Parker, Mayor of Randwick, who toured the construction site with Blake Solly, CEO of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“It’s looking fantas tic. As a local resident, I drive past every day, so I’m used to seeing the changes to the outward appearance. But walking through today and seeing the detail on the inside, I’m assured this is going to be a facility that the Council, community and Club are going to be really proud of,” said Solly.
ADCO, o ur co nstruction partner, have battled through some tough conditions to get to where they are in the project so far. It’s been a difficult year for the construction
industry, facing challenges on many fronts including price escalations, supply chain issues, worker shortages and wet weather. ADCO, like all construction projects, has battled through 60 days of wet weather to get to where they are today. One benefit of the rain? The sports field, which has been laid with couch turf called Santa Anna is establishing better and faster than expected.
The next few m onth s will be spent ensuring the vision for the project is realised. As more and more details and finishings are added to the project, it moves from being a construction site to a real facility that will be
used by the club and community for years to come.
“I look forward to opening this facility to the community next year alongside the South Sydney Rabbitohs – it’s going to be a great asset to our City for many years to come,” said Mayor Parker.
260 tonnes of structural steel used 2,200m³ of concrete has been poured 10,000m² of turf has been laid 65-85 workers on site each day 115,000 hours of work
Now in its 32nd year, Flickerfest Australia’s largest short film competition will be rolling out the Red Carpet at Bondi Beach this January screening over 200 short films handpicked from over 3200 entries. The festival is dedicated to showcasing the very best short films from Australia and around the world, from live action to documentaries and animation. Screening over 29 dedicated short film sessions Flickerfest has something for everyone to enjoy including hilarious comedies, Flickerkids films for families, an Academy Qualifying short film competition amongst the best in the world, a showcase of incredible First Nations talent, LGBTQI Rainbow shorts and more.
Launching on Jan 20, 2023 with a highlights screening followed by an exclusive after party, Flickerfest’s not to be missed ten-day event will present some of the world's best short films from Australia and the world on the big screen, showcasing some of the most innovative, provocative and widely entertaining short films the world has to offer, in its old home, the relaxed and iconic
environment of Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach this summer, in partnership with Waverley Council. Running through to the Jan 29, 2023 Flickerfest will culminate in a prestigious awards presentation and closing night celebration where you can meet and applaud the winning filmmakers, view the winning films and party until late.
Each evening enjoy a night of alfresco cinema under the stars in the Pavilion’s palm fringed North Courtyard and during the day soak up some incredible shorts in the comfy pavilion theater. Socialize, enjoy the views and rub shoulders with the filmmakers with a pre or post screening drink at the festival's panoramic bar beachside.
This year’s theme and official festival trailer celebrates yet another ode to an iconic film, a tribute to Rob Sitch’s iconic classic ‘The Castle,’ celebrating 25 years this year as one of the most beloved Australian feature films of all time. Written and directed by Flickerfest alumni, Megan Smart (Wakefield, Peter Rabbit, Breathe) and co-written by George Pullar (Barons,
A Place To Call Home), both of whom showcased their exceptional talents behind the camera in their delightful black comedy Stonefish, a world premiere at Flickerfest 2022.
This talented pair bring their own unique take to ‘The Castle’, a classic story of family, home and the pressures of development in today’s times with a nod to the successful community battle to save our Flickerfest home, the Bondi Pavilion, from privatization. Fitting, with Flickerfest’s return for 2023 following the most recent renovations.
Following the Bondi season, Flickerfest hits the road for a massive, eight-month, national tour of the very best films from the
festival. The tour will reach 50+ metro and regional venues across all states, bringing the joy of Flickerfest to the rest of the country!
Flickerfest has been a major launching pad for some of Australia’s and the world’s most celebrated filmmakers. For further information and to secure tickets to the 2023 festival on sale now visit http://www.flickerfest.com.au
WHEN: JAN 20-29
WHERE: BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH
• BONDI
It's FLiCKERFEST,
it's great short
–it's the vibe!The Fritz featuring Executive Producer/Lead - Trevor Jamieson
This Summer make the Bondi Pavilion your choice for must see movies, with screenings of classic cinema from around the world in our theatre with Kanopy, across various Wednesday evenings.
After his mother’s sudden death, Zucchini is befriended by a police officer, Raymond, who accompanies him to his new foster home, filled with other orphans his age.
WHEN: JAN 4 3PM
WHERE: BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH
Waverley Council's popular school holiday program is back at the Pav for summer! All programs are facilitated by a combination of Waverley Council specialist staff, artists, industry professionals and partner organisations.
Don't miss Australian Theatre for Young People's specialised acting courses, Bondi Pavilion Clay Studio's wheel and sculptural hand building clay workshops, and a host of great art workshops including a class on light box sculptures!
WHEN: JAN 6-25
WHERE: BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH
We are a group of amateur artists who meet to paint and explore Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs each Tuesday afternoon. This exhibition was painted on site and records historical structures as well as natural features of our coastline, parks and gardens.
WHEN: UNTIL JAN 18
WHERE: WAVERLEY LIBRARY GALLERY, BONDI JUNC
Liquid Mountains is a summer exhibition featuring artists who make visible the unique connection with the ocean felt by those who surf. Considering the spiritual, the social and the sublime, the exhibition seeks a greater understanding only possible from those poised on a board. Albe Falzon, Director of the influential surf film Morning of the Earth, describes a 'perfect zen' in surfing. Liquid Mountains presents contemporary artists across video, sound, performance, installation and painting who meditate on that very sensation.
Featuring work by Andrew Kidman + Jon Frank (featuring Mark Sutherland), THE GHOSTS OF NOTHING, Leyla Stevens, Lucas Davidson, Luke Kennedy, Michele Barker + Anna Munster and Peter Sharp.
WHEN: UNTIL JAN 29 10AM-5PM
WHERE: BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH
BONDI ICEBERGS POOL
Now in its 32nd year, Flickerfest Australia’s largest short film competition will be rolling out the Red Carpet at Bondi Beach this January screening over 200 short films handpicked from over 3200 entries.
WHEN: JAN 20-29
WHERE: BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH
An exhibition showcasing the works of local amateur photographers inspired by locals' connection to Waverley's environment and coastlines.
WHEN: JAN 20-FEB 21 M-F 9.30AM-9PM
SAT 9.30AM-3PM SUN 1-5PM
WHERE: WAVERLEY LIBRARY GALLERY, BONDI JUNCTION
WHEN: MEETS EVERY WEEK (NOT SCHOOL HOLS) MON 10AM-12PM
WHERE: HIGH TIDE ROOM, BONDI PAVILION
Support Local! Browse over 30 local market stalls at the next Bronte Bazaar markets. Browse plants, vintage, arts, crafts and food.
WHEN: SAT (MONTHLY) 8AM-1PM
WHERE: BRONTE SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB, BRONTE BEACH
The 50m saltwater pool is a popular spot for sunbathers and for walkers on the Bondi to Coogee walk. The Bondi Icebergs have been a landmark of Bondi for 100 years, and if you want to become a member of the oldest winter swimming club in Australia, you must swim three Sundays a month for a period of five years.
WHERE: 1 NOTTS AVE, BONDI BEACH www.icebergs.com.au
Head to the markets and you'll find original designer clothing, exotic imports, hand made jewellery, arts, crafts, homewares, retro furniture, vintage clothes, and so much more. Bondi Markets are the place to find the next big thing.
WHEN: SUNDAYS 10AM-4PM
WHERE: BONDI BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOL, BONDI BEACH
Bondi Beach is a local and national icon. and Australian artists have contributed to the promenade with their public art works.
WHERE: CAMPBELL PDE, BONDI BEACH
The Sunshine Singers class is Waverley Council’s weekly seniors singing group provided free of charge for the local over 55's community. The group meets every week on on Mondays (except during school holidays), 10am to 12pm in the High Tide Room and performs regularly for Council events.
Waverley Council’s award-winning Building Futures program has helped another nine strata apartments in the local area collectively slash their common area energy usage by 20% and greenhouse gas emissions by 277 tonnes in just 12 months.
Building Futures is a free building efficiency and retrofit program launched by the Council in 2018 to help strata apartments with more than 35 apartments easily identify and implement cost-saving solutions to reduce operating costs, common area energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and improve waste management.
The program has won a slew of awards to date, most recently including the Local Government Federation Award for Environmental and Sustainability Leadership in Nov 2020 and the NSW Local Government Award in the Towards Net Zero Emissions category in 2019.
Round Three pa rtici pant buildings helped achieve the energy and cost-savings by:
• Replacing common area fluorescent lights with LED lights and step dimmer controls, for example in carparks and fire stairs.
• Optimising the performance of the centralised air-conditioning system.
• Ensuring major HVAC equipment did not run outside office hours.
Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said having these measures in place means participant buildings will be able to enjoy their new-found energy and cost savings year after year.
"Building Futu res is j ust one of the ways the Council is helping the community achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2035, a target declared by the Council in March this year,” Mayor Masselos said.
“It's a great exam ple of how easy it is to make sustainability second nature on a large scale in an area as populous as Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach.
“Residents w ho live in our participant buildings should be very proud of the being a ‘Building Futures’ building and what that means for the planet.”
Participant buildings in this latest round of the program were:
• Berkley Court, Beach Rd, Bondi Beach
136 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach
• Princess Gardens, Princess St, Rose Bay
• 17-23 Victoria St, Queens Park
Bondi Beach Astra Retirement Village, Bondi Beach
• Boheme, Hall St, Bondi Beach
• Park Place, Waverley St, Bondi Junction
• Encore, Oxford St, Bondi Junction
• The Beach House, Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach
The ene rgy savings recorded equate to an electricity saving of 325,861 kWhs per annum and cost savings of more than $67,000 (excluding GST) each year.
Participant build ing s also saved on average $1,400 per site by moving onto the correct electricity and gas tariffs.
Generally, the cost to implement the various energy saving measures is recouped within two-a-half years, with some projects paying off in as little as a few months.
Yolanda runs her own boutique one-on-one hair salon in Elbon Arcade, Double Bay.
Her clientele have followed her for many years. Yolanda's main purpose is client satisfaction.
At Hair by Yolanda, you’ll receive personalised care and attention
SHOP 4/402 NSH RD (ELBON ARCADE), DOUBLE BAY 9327 7653 @hairbyyolandasalon
If you’re visiting Murray Rose Pool during summer, be sure to check out new sculpture One Bright Pearl, located in Blackburn Gardens outside the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf.
The countdown is on to Sydney WorldPride 2023 (Feb 17 to Mar 5), a once-in-a-lifetime global festival encompassing the muchloved annual events of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, plus many never seen before events.
Created by inte rnatio nally renowned artist Lindy Lee, the work is a 260kg mirrorpolished stainless steel sculpture, measuring 2m in diameter. During the day, the sculpture absorbs and reflects its surrounds, while it is just as striking at night thanks to internal lighting.
One Bright Pearl reflects on new beginnings and modern migration, and is symbolic of the diversity of Woollahra’s community, The work was selected by Woollahra Council’s Public Art Panel and is the most significant commission by Woollahra Council, with principal support from The Carla Zampatti Foundation and other commission donors.
Learn more about the scul pture and other pieces of public art in the Woollahra LGA at woollahra.nsw.gov.au/community/arts_ and_culture.
Woollahra Council Chambers in Double Bay reopens on Tues Jan 3, 2023.
Please call us on 9391 7000 or log a service request anywhere, anytime via the Woollahra Council App.
Real/organic Christmas t rees ca n be left out for collection next to your green waste bin on your regular service day until Jan 31. Visit woollahra.nsw.gov.au/services for further details.
We are running a number of fun events for kids these school holidays, including creative craft workshops, games, movies and more. Head to woollahra.nsw.gov.au/ schoolholidays for details on all activities and events and to book.
Woollahra Libraries' Build a Better World Summer Reading Challenge is open to kids 0-12 years old. To get involved, visit Double Bay, Paddington or Watsons Bay libraries to register and collect your Summer Reading Club booklet. Some great prizes are up for grabs.
Sydney Worl dPride will be the first to be held in the southern hemisphere and will celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community and showcase the beautiful diversity of Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. On Mar 4, Bondi will be hosting one of the key Sydney WorldPride events, the Bondi Beach Party, from 3-10pm, with performances by Nicole Scherzinger and an all-Australian DJ line-up. Sydney WorldPride is working closely with NSW Government, Waverley Council, NSW Police, Transport for NSW and other government stakeholders to deliver this event to minimise impacts on residents, businesses and road users.
Another exciting local event is The Air is Electricphotography exhibition – presented as part of Sydney WorldPride’s curated artistic program – in partnership with the Australian Queer Archives and Waverley Council at Bondi Pavilion Gallery from Feb 10 to Mar 26. Waverley Council is presenting more performing arts and community events at the Pav and Waverley Library as part of Pride Amplified. Details: sydneyworldpride.com
The final section of cycleway along Oxford St, west of St James Rd, became operational in Dec and up to 6000 trips are being made along the route each week. The Bondi Junction Cycleway and Streetscape Upgrade is a priority project of the Council’s Complete Streets plan to enhance the vibrancy of the Bondi Junction CBD, making it a more beautiful place to live, visit and do business.
We’re continuing to promote the Float to Survive message with Randwick City Council to help reduce drownings in Australia. Our Float to Survive pilot water safety campaign promotes floating as the best chance of survival for swimmers who get into trouble in the water and is being delivered in partnership with the University of NSW Beach Safety Research Group this summer. See the beaches section of our website for an instructional video on how to Float to Survive.
The Pav continues to delight this summer with exciting live events and activities and the much-anticipated arrival of our café and dining tenants Glory Days, Bondi Promenade and Surfish. Find new events each week at the What’s On page at bondipavilion.com.au
Following the success of the Australia V Argentina football live site at Maroubra Beach, Council will now investigate the potential to hold more live screened sporting and other events. This could include the 2024 Olympics and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which is being held from July 20 to Aug 20 in Australia and New Zealand. Council staff will investigate options and costs and bring a report back to Council.
A four-year plan to improve access for people with disabilities is now in effect after Council adopted a Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The plan outlines a range of actions Council will take to make out streets, parks and beaches equally accessible to everyone regardless of ability.
Renters will now be notified via mail about development applications near them as part of changes contained in Council’s new Community Engagement Strategy. As part of the new strategy, minimum public exhibition periods have been set for all Council projects and regular Let’s Chat drop-in events will be held across the City.
A 20-year masterplan to guide future public domain improvements at Maroubra Junction will soon be put to the community for feedback. The Maroubra Junction Public Domain Masterplan proposes a range of short, medium and long-term actions. Short term actions include new cycleways, tree plantings and kerb widening. While longer term plans involve visionary ideas to transform Anzac Pde into dedicated pedestrian areas and green spaces with travel lanes consolidated or undergrounded. Sign up to www.yoursay. randwick.nsw.gov.au to be notified when this consultation commences.
Councillors resolved to heritage list three properties in Coogee (11A Marcel Ave and 1 and 3 Berwick St). The proposals were recently publicly exhibited and received general support from the community. The buildings were identified as good examples of interwar art deco bungalows and residential buildings.
As another year draws to a close, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, or just enjoying the chance to relax, reset, and reconnect with loved ones over the New Year break I wish everyone all the best through the upcoming holiday period. I’d like to specially acknowledge the heroes in our public healthcare system who continue to work just as hard during this time in understaffed wards while many of us are enjoying our breaks.
As we make arrangements to catch up with our friends, family, and loved ones over the coming period, I’d like to highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and considerate of the risk COVID-19 still poses, especially to the elderly and immunocompromised in our community. Both locally and statewide cases have more than doubled throughout November and hospitalisations have risen by nearly half. Take full advantage of the warmer weather and host gatherings outdoors where you can, and don’t risk infecting others by going out if you are experiencing symptoms.
I’d also like to acknowledge that for many in our community the holidays can be quite a difficult time, please know that help is available with the NSW Government offering free 24/7 hotlines for mental health (1800 011 511) and domestic violence (1800 65 64 63) assistance.
To keep up to date with local events, COVID numbers, and charity initiatives, use the QR code below to sign up to my weekly email newsletter.
Stay safe and look after each other.
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