Eastern Suburbs Life - February 2023 - Edition 50

"One man's trash is another man's treasure"

Article P9

Unclear about Nuclear?

Last month's excitement about a major breakthrough in Nuclear Fission seems to have triggered people’s interest in the nuclear topic in general.

Since then we’ve had Bill Gates visit Australia to chat with PM Anthony Albanese and Dr Michael Fullilove of the Lowy Institute about Nuclear Energy, Sustainability and his funding of Nuclear Fission company TerraPower. Bill Gates is a long time investor in Nuclear Power and believes that it is an essential part of decarbonising the grid.

At the other end of th e scale, 16-year-old Will Shackel, from Brisbane, says that the majority of people his age now support nuclear as an economically viable source of energy and a way to help solve climate problems. He’s so enthusiastic about the issue that he’s opened an Instagram account titled Nuclear4Australia and has started a petition to reverse Australia’s ban on nuclear.

Asked why, he says “I’ve always been interested in nuclear energy and I find it to be one of the only issues that all young people have a consensus on - It is the future of energy.”

Is Will justified in be lieving this and pushing to reverse Australia’s ban on Nuclear? For many Nuclear instantly brings to mind Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Chernobyl, Fukushima and Three Mile Island. A decision to steer well clear of anything that dangerous seems pretty straightforward.

But it’s somewhat like the way we’ve steered clear of hydrogen filled airships ever since the Hindenburg disaster on May 6, 1937. 35 out of 97 people on board were killed and no hydrogen filled airship has ever flown commercially again.

Yet today one of the most touted solutions to the problem of climate change is Green Hydrogen. When burned, as in the case of the Hindenburg, the by-product is clean non polluting water, with not a trace of CO2 – But it’s still the same hydrogen and no less dangerous today than it was 86 Years ago. It seems that the more time since a disaster the less frightening it is.

So when we hear that today’s teenagers think that “nuclear is the future of energy”

and that one of the world’s largest philanthropists thinks that the use of nuclear is vital to achieving net zero, is it time to start reviewing Australia’s ban on nuclear?

32 countries alrea dy h ave nuclear power plants and in France about 70% of all power is generated by nuclear reactors, and even exported. In 2022 there were 439 nuclear reactors throughout the world, and China alone is currently building 15. In addition they are planning another 150 over the next 15 years.

In light of this it’s interesting to review how safe they are. It is currently understood that 3 Mile Island caused no deaths, 433 people died in Chernobyl and 2,314 in Fukushima.

Contrast this with 171,000 deaths as the result of the Banqiao Dam Failure in China in 1975. The example is extreme, but shows that all power sources come with risk. Death rates per terawatt-hour are estimated at 32.72 for brown coal, 1.3 for hydro, 0.04% for wind, 0.03% for nuclear and 0.02% for solar. In view of this it seems reaso na ble to start investigating the removal of Australia’s ban on nuclear.

For our part we we lcome you to investigate the February edition of Eastern Suburbs Life, starting with good news for back pain sufferers (P3), good news that South Head is now State Heritage listed (P4), good news that 2nd LIFE can reduce landfill by rehoming good condition items that people throw out (P9), good news about Blue Barlow’s musical achievements (P10) and good news about Bondi Pavilion’s new artistic director (P16).

All this is broug ht to you by an enthusiastic team of local writers who go way beyond the call of duty to bring you content that is informative, interesting and uplifting. They deserve a big thank you, as do our printers, distributors, customer support and design team.

We also extend a big thank you to our advertisers and readers, without whom there would be no paper. Welcome to the February edition of Eastern Suburbs Life.

Greg Prior & ESL Team

Eastern Suburbs Life Newspaper

Supporting Local Businesses and Communities

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EDITORIAL

Paula Towers

Hannah McKinney

Greg Prior Ruth Kliman

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Quality

DO YOU SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN AND JOINT PAIN?

MEDICALLY

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MedX Exercise Programs are supported by over 75 peer-reviewed medical journal articles, as evidence of their effectiveness. They provide measurably decreased chronic spine-related pain, restore spinal function, and reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing care. They deliver improved quality of life and avoid the need for Spinal Surgery.

MedX systems were pi oneered in America in the mid 1980s and brought to Australia by Wayne Brewer with the sole purpose of providing Australians with scientifically proven medical exercise programs.

MedX systems has now opened in Edgecliff, just minutes from Edgecliff Station. They can provide convenient, time effective, 15-minute session to restore mobility and reduce or eliminate pain.

MedX is not just a gym, it is a proven, medical program of twice weekly supervised programs (15 min sessions) that will develop strong lean muscle, improve mobility, increase stability, boost metabolic rate and prevent injury.

These programs provi de the most safe, effective, non-invasive and time efficient strengthening programs available. MedX Equ ip ment has been developed in the US and perfected over a period of 30 years. The MedX technology is the Gold Standard in Scientifically Proven Medical/ Exercise Rehabilitation Equipment, and Spine Function Testing.

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targeted muscle groups, making it the most technologically advanced medical/ rehabilitation equipment available.

If you’re past 55 and ex periencing back pain you’re not alone, over 35% are in the same boat as you. Whether you’re desperate to avoid spinal surgery, seeking relief from nagging pain, or looking to guard against future injury MedX can help you.

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If you’re trying to avoid spinal surgery and a lengthy, and time-consuming recovery, or if you merely want to guard against the possibility in future, a visit to MedX Systems at Shop 3, Ground Floor, 85 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff is a wise investment.

To make an appointment call Tracey on 0482 965 948

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South Head listed on State Register but may need more

South Head has been added to the State Heritage Register. A popular recreational area for locals as well as visitors, the site is recognised as one of Sydney's most historic and spectacular places.

"As the heritage gateway to Sydney Harbour, South Head marked the entrance to Port Jackson for ships and served as a landmark for early European settlers' arrival into the Harbour. Prior to that, it was an important place for Aboriginal people,” Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said.

"The exceptionally high nu mber of public submissions received in support of the heritage listing shows the importance of South Head and its value to the people of New South Wales.”

Watsons Bay Associatio n President Roger Bayliss told Eastern Suburbs Life: “NSW Heritage listing for South Head provides a protective shield to safeguard the unique features of this precious Sydney landmark.”

As Allegra Spender MP, Member for Wentworth, noted to Eastern Suburbs Life: “I was very pleased to join community calls for

action on South Head. And even happier to see the NSW government’s response by listing South Head, Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove and the rock shelf, but the community’s concerns to protect South Head from over-development and maintain public access aren’t solved by this decision.”

Due to be fi na lised shortly, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) South Head Master Plan has implications for the site. As a spokesperson for the NSW NPWS explained to ESL: “The central tenets of the master plan, including greater accessibility and more interpretation of South Head’s important history, complement the State Heritage Register listing… Any works arising from the master plan will be subject to the required environmental and heritage approvals.”

The spokesperson continued: “This heritage listing does not prevent appropriate future development of the South Head Cultural Landscape, including new buildings or changes in use, provided that these do not impact the State heritage values.”

Any future changes to the head land m ust be sympathetic to its heritage values and

subject to an exemption, approval or permit under the Heritage Act 1977. Locals are concern ed that submissions under the Master Plan could have the potential to adversely impact the site. Community members, including local group South Head Whale Trail, believe that enacting dedicated legislation –including restricting vehicle use – would support the conservation objectives of the Listing and further assist in protecting South Head against potential tourism objectives

that may be unsympathetic to the environment.

Spender added: “We’l l all be keeping a close eye on proposed developments in this much-loved area.”

As Independent Candidate for Vaucluse Karen Freyer advised: “I’ll also be maintaining a watching brief on this culturally and historically significant area and any suggested developments that are put forward.”

Paula Towers

The iconic red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse was built in 1858 following the Dunbar shipwreck at the foot of South Head Photo: Wildwalks

What'sONBayside

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DIAMOND BAY

PADDINGTON MARKETS

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

SENIORS FESTIVAL: GRANDPARENTS

STORY TIME AND CRAFT

DOUBLE BAY

DOUBLE BAY MARKETS

Fulfill your weekly shopping needs with 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, CRNR OF GUILFOYLE AVE AND BAY ST, DOUBLE BAY

MEN'S CHAT GROUP

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

SENIORS FESTIVAL: CHAIR DANCE & YOGA

To celebrate Seniors Week, Woollahra Council will be holding two chair dance and yoga classes in front of the beautiful Blackburn Gardens.

WHEN: FEB 6 & FEB 20 10AM-12PM

WHERE: BLACKBURN GARDENS, NEW SOUTH HEAD RD, DOUBLE BAY

PADDINGTON

Bring along your grandparents to Story Time and Craft. This session we read about grandparents and all the wonderful things they do or share with us, followed by a hands on craft activity for young and old. All materials provided. Please arrive early to secure your place. Spaces are limited.

WHEN: FEB 5 10.30-11.30AM

WHERE: PADDINGTON LIBRARY, 247 OXFORD ST, PADDINGTON

QUEERTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

WATSONS BAY

WHEN: FEB 17 - MAR 5 8AM-8PM

WHERE: PADDINGTON RESERVOIR GARDENS, 251-255 OXFORD ST, PADDINGTON

ROSE BAY

ROSE BAY WALKING GROUP

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. New members welcome.

WHEN: EVERY WED, 8.30AM FOR 8.45AM START

WHERE: ROSE BAY FERRY WHARF, LYNE PARK, ROSE BAY

RUSHCUTTERS BAY

RUSHCUTTERS BAY WALKING GROUP

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.

WHEN: EVERY FRI 8.15AM FOR 8.30AM START

WHERE: RUSHCUTTERS BAY KIOSK, RUSHCUTTERS BAY PARK, RUSHCUTTERS BAY

CHAMBER PHILHARMONIA COLOGNE

The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne return to Australian shores in summer 2023 with a very special concert at South Head Anglican Watsons Bay!

Come and enjoy a powerful and brilliant new music program including Mozart, Vivaldi, Paganini and more

WHEN: FEB 4 6.30-9.30PM

WHERE: SOUTH HEAD ANGLICAN COMMUNITY HALL, 331 OSH RD, WATSONS BAY

COA SENIORS FESTIVAL OPEN DAY

Come and join us for a fun day learning about services available to you in the community. There will be cakes and knitted goods to purchase, raffles and guessing competitions, demonstrations of healthy activities, food, dance and much more!

WHEN: FEB 12 11AM-2PM

WHERE: COA CENTRE, 25 ROWE ST, WOOLLAHRA

WOOLLAHRA PROBUS CLUB & WALKING GROUP

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

EXHIBITION: DEBBIE MACKENZIE

Debbie Mackenzie is an artist residing on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

WHEN: UNTIL FEB 6 9AM-4PM

WHERE: ART2MUSE GALLERY, 234 JERSEY RD, WOOLLAHRA

Queertography, presented by the Head On Foundation, is an installation of photographic art that explores LGBTQIA+ experiences.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

your Sydney hearing experts

When you need to improve your hearing, Edgecliff Hearing can provide you with the best advice. Our mission is to identify and provide the best solution for every unique hearing problem. We are independent from the hearing device manufacturers and ear, nose & throat specialists with whom we work closely.

Our clinics are located in Edgecliff, Bella Vista, and a visiting clinic in Penrith. We have a sister clinic in Campbelltown.

Edgecliff Hearing combines leading-edge hearing technology and hearing rehabilitation practice. Our audiologists are discreet, caring experts with the highest ethical standards, and are backed by friendly and efficient support staff.

EDGECLIFF HEARING SUITE 301, LEVEL 3, EDGECLIFF CENTRE, 203-233 NEW SOUTH HEAD ROAD, EDGECLIFF 9327 8280 hearing@edgecliffhearing.com.au www.edgecliffhearing.com.au

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is the slow loss of hearing that occurs as people get older. There is no known single cause of age-related hearing loss. Most commonly, it is caused by changes in the inner ear that occur as you grow older. Your genes and exposure to loud noise (industrial or recreational) can make the age-related hearing loss worse.

• Family history (age-related hearing loss tends to run in families)

• Repeated exposure to loud noises

• Smoking (smokers are more likely to have such hearing loss than non-smokers)

• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

• Certain medicines, such as chemotherapy drugs for cancer

Edgecliff Hearing audio logists are experts in hearing loss measurement and rehabilitation. If you need your hearing checked or earwax check-up, then contact our clinic Ph 02 9327 8280 www.edgecliffhearing.com.au

P L A

Y G R O U P

Uniting Heart and Soul’s Playgroup is focused for little ones 0-5 years with parents and caregivers encouraging their kids with socialisation through play.

During School Terms

Double Bay Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am

Chapel Court ‘The Oasis’ 15 Cross St Double Bay Woollahra Fridays 9.30-11.30

Uniting Heart and Soul invites you to our Ash Wednesday Service

to commence your journey of Lent

Wednesday 22nd February 6.00pm (30 minute service)

53a Ocean Street

Woollahra

Rev Ness will explain the historical significance of Ashes and why some churches signify the commencement of Lent this way.

We look forward to welcoming you.

53a Ocean St Woollahra

Contribution $5 per session

Email: Stef

playgroup@unitingheartandsoul.org

Call Ness: 0402 855 698

KAREN FREYER Independent for Vaucluse

WORRIED ABOUT OVERDEVELOPMENT IN THE WOOLLAHRA & WAVERLEY COUNCIL AREAS?

JOIN KAREN

AS A VOLUNTEER AND HELP FIGHT OVERDEVELOPMENT

Overdevelopment does not just mean more tall buildings, it also means more people, more cars and loss of amenity for existing residents.

Local development is now in the hands of NSW Government and is no longer controlled by your Local Council. This has allowed lower building standards and faulty approval procedures in your local area. Green Square and Olympic Park are examples of what can happen.

COME AND HELP MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE

We need volunteers to help the electorate of Vaucluse be heard.

Karen Freyer is run ning as an independent candidate for Vaucluse in the March state election. The party candidates for Vaucluse have to tow the party line, as an independent Karen's sole concern is the people of Vaucluse, not party politics.

Karen's campaign is community based so we want people like you, from the

Independent candidate for Vaucluse, Karen Freyer has slammed claims from the outgoing Liberal MP for the electorate, Gabrielle Upton, that there is no urgent demand for a new public high school.

In comments to the Wentworth Courier, Ms Upton defended the Liberal Government’s track record on the issue, maintaining that a new public high school was not yet needed. Her office issued a statement saying that based on current population projections, existing eastern suburbs schools were able to accommodate current and future student demand.

Ms Upton backed Education Department research which suggests that Rose Bay Secondary College was not full “in the sense that there are still places there.”

“I wanted to make sure that we’re planning for future changes,” Ms Upton told the Wentworth Courier. “We don’t need a new school immediately.”

Karen Freyer dis missed Ms Upton’s comments and slammed the Liberal Government’s continuing failure to address the issue, which has been repeatedly raised as a key concern by community groups.

“This is one of th e biggest local issues raised with me when I speak to residents in Vaucluse,” she said. “And as a parent of two young boys, I know first-hand how much we need a second public high school. I’m

standing for the seat of Vaucluse because we need an MP who truly represents the best interests of the community and that means another public high school for the eastern suburbs.”

“There is no G overnment high school in the Woollahra local government area and only one in the Waverley local government area: Rose Bay Secondary College which, contrary to Ms Upton’s comments, is over-capacity."

“Severa l pub lic high schools in the east have closed in the past two decades, including Vaucluse, Maroubra Bay and North Randwick.”

Ms Freyer a lso rejected a proposal raised by the Government to extend the intake areas of existing public high schools to provide families with more education options. “This is not a viable option given existing schools ar capacity. Just look at the new Inner Sydney High school: it is already at capacity and has never been able to take any kids out of catchment despite only opening three years ago.”

If elected in March, Ms Freyer says she is committed to finding a site and building a school in the eastern suburbs, “We desperately need a plan. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to secure land as more sites are sold to developers. There is a large and growing number of parents unable to afford high-fee private schools and surging demand for co-ed alternatives. We

community to get involved. It's only eight weeks until the election and we really need help to get the word out about Karen.

Come and meet switched-on, like-minded people who want the best for our area. Our approach to volunteering is that it has to be fun. We want the experience to be a positive one that not only helps Vaucluse but is also an experience you will enjoy.

No matter how much or how little you can contribute every little bit helps. If you want to be heard, help the environment and have a candidate with integrity who cares about local issues such as overdevelopment and a second public high school for Vaucluse.

TO VOLUNTEER visit: www.karenfreyer.com.au and click on volunteer

"ONE MAN'S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE"

Have you ever passed by a pile of goods at the curb and wondered why people throw items away in good condition? This is how the idea of 2ND LIFE, a small rubbish removal service with a big dream of changing the way we handle waste, promoting a more sustainable community began.

2ND LIFE is based in Bellevue Hill specialising in making the process of rubbish and goods disposal more efficient, conscious and sustainable. The company operates with two business structures that together serve the entire Sydney area with rubbish removal and goods distribution and re-homing good condition items.

In only two years of operation, 2ND LIFE has already saved over 700 items, avoiding dozens of tons of waste that would end up in landfill. In a period of climate emergency, they create a positive impact in the community by offering people affordable and free options of second hand goods, appliances and furniture.

By reducing unnecessary landfill, they extend goods' lifetime and help reduce our carbon footprint, being the only really sustainable option for junk removal in the area.

2ND LIFE founders, Denis and João, said that they realised that useful and valuable items were being thrown into the landfill by traditional rubbish removal companies, and these goods could easily be re-used.

João says: "We started by saving some furniture and storing them in our garages. We would clean and sell them to help pay for our studies. With time, we bought vans to help with the move and rented store spaces to save the items. We were in love with what we were doing, and could see a business opportunity that had not yet been explored.”

For the future, 2ND LIFE aims to launch its own second-hand marketplace that will offer a better experience for customers that are looking for sustainable, affordable and free options to furnish their places or to buy goods. “The old dining table sitting in a house in Vaucluse, might look beautiful in someone else’s apartment in Paddington, and 2ND LIFE is here to make it happen. We believe with community support we can help Eastern Suburbs become more sustainable.” says Denis, the co-founder.

By the end of the year, 2ND LIFE wants to become a carbon negative company and establish partnerships with re-forestation projects.

When it comes to the service of rubbish removal, 2ND LIFE offers a big range of waste collection services. They serve customers with residential and commercial needs, removing household items to general, garden and construction waste. Either in re-usable condition items or only junk, you can count on them to clean your space up.

A passion for music: Blue Barlow’s organ and choir experiences

Blue Barlow loves being involved with all things musical at St Mark’s Anglican Church Darling Point. Not only has he been a member of the Choir since he was a boy, but in 2022 he was awarded a one-year Organ Scholarship. Blue was awarded his AMusA on Piano with Distinction in 2020. He also has a Certificate of Performance with Honours on Violin from 2019. Here’s his story…

CHOIR EXPERIENCES

Blue was encouraged to audition for the St Mark’s Choir by his father, who also used to sing at St Mark’s as a boy. He joined the Choir as a boy treble around nine years ago and has been singing tenor for the last couple of years. Blue loves being a Choir member. He shared: “It has always been really enjoyable; the music is beautiful and great fun to sing, and the community at St Mark’s is extraordinarily kind and encouraging.” He feels the Choir plays an important role at St Mark’s and explained: “It definitely seems to me that many people in the St Mark’s community are very appreciative of the

and things definitely wouldn’t be the same without it.”

Blue has a lso found the choir experience to be helpful in practical ways. He reflected:

“Singing at St Mark’s has been extremely beneficial to my musical ability in general, especially the sight-reading practice. It has also given me a chance to listen to lots of great organists who all have different ways of doing things that are interesting and enjoyable to listen to and learn from.” Blue has been especially inspired by St Mark’s Director of Music, Dr William Clark OAM. Blue said: “The person I have most looked up to and respected has been Bill Clark - his endless knowledge and experience with music are inspirational, and I love his sense of humour and dedication.” The admiration is mutual, with William commenting: “Blue is an exceptionally gifted performer and loves singing tenor in the Choir.”

g Handel’s Messiah several times throughout the years, as well as St Mark’s annual service of lessons and carols towards Christmas as being some of his favourite Choir memories. He shared: “There’s no feeling quite like singing Hark! at full volume with tremendous organ and brass

joining a church choir anywhere, I would definitely recommend it. It’s one of those rare activities in life that gives a lot of joy and doesn’t take much in return.” For more information about St Mark’s Choir visit https://stmarksdp.org/ministries/ the-st-marks-choir/

ORGAN EXPERIENCES

Blue started learning the organ around 2017. He shared: “Playing the organ seemed like such a gratifying experience, particularly how I had seen Bill Clark play at St Mark’s for years.” Blue is passionate about the organ: “My favourite part of my practising is choosing registrations. The organ has a huge number of different pipes that produce all kinds of sounds, and I get very enthusiastic trying out all kinds of different combinations of pipes to find the sounds that I like.”

Currently Blue is undertaking a Bachelor of Computer Engineering at UNSW as he is very interested in cyber security and likes spending time doing computer programming.

ST MARK'S ANGLICAN CHURCH

St Mark’s Anglican Church Darling Point Organ Scholarship recipient, Blue Barlow, in action

Walkabout with Ruth Oxford St, Paddington (Part 2)

In this Ed 50, My walk down Oxford St, Paddington (Part 2) begins at Imperial Hotel and ends at St Matthias Anglican Church.

GUIDING & TEACHING TAROT

Hello everyone and welcome to my column, You can google me at Ruth Marks Tarot Card Reader for all my background and media information.

I begin my walk for the second part of Oxford St, Paddington series at the Imperial Hotel on the corner of Oxford and Underwood Streets. The original hotel on the site in the 1870s was called The Cross Guns Hotel, becoming the Imperial Hotel in about 1890. The hotel was purchased by the Resch family in 1910 when plans were drawn up for the building to be re-erected.

at the rear and in 1904 an additional manse was added.

Heading further up Oxford St is the Telstra Paddington International Telecommunications Centre, which has a unique history.. because if you look at the wall there is a plaque..quoting "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind"...it was at the NASA Sydney Video Control Centre in this building that the world first saw and heard Neil Armstrong's, Apollo 11 Astronaut, 1969, Moonwalk.

Walking further up the street is the Paddington Uniting Church. The first record of Methodism in Paddington is recorded in minutes of 10/2/1847. It was resolved that services should be held in Paddington each Sunday. These began in a cottage owned by Mr Thomas Cowlishaw Snr. The first weather board chapel was opened about 1855. It was replaced by the present church building which was opened in 1877.

Further up the street is Perry Lane...wink and you may miss it... except for the fact that it has become the Perry Lane Project. The project began with a local resident, Ashley Woodcroft interested in introducing Public Art to Paddington and Perry Lane in particular. He approached Woollahra Council and the building owners in 2016. Gregory Ford and Rebecca Hearty, as shop owners and architects recognised the merit of the project and the potential for the artwork to make Perry Lane a vibrant and eclectic space and an extension of the visitor experience. With the support of Peter Kauter from Woollahra Council and the Activate Oxford St Initiative they were able to secure a grant to help realise the project. Since then the project has been evolving.

Across the street is Mrs Banks Hotel. The site, which originally extended to Renny Lane, was part of the land granted to the Trustees of St John’s Church. It was acquired by the Government Savings Bank of NSW in August 1912. The buildings constructed on the site consisted of a building on Oxford St containing a bank and residence and a separate shop and residence, and a second laundry building at the rear, fronting Renny Lane. The Oxford St building is believed to have been designed by architects H E Ross & Rowe, and was opened in 1914. Between 2015 and 2017 the building was conserved and adapted as Mrs Banks Hotel, to designs by architects Orwell & Peter Phillip.

Further down is St John’s manse, which was first built in 1845, making it one of Paddington’s first schools and oldest buildings. A decade later, the Gothic-style St John’s church was built next door. In 1885 it was demolished to make way for a larger Presbyterian church with hall

Next to the church is Paddington Public School, which opened in 1856, it was a simple iron building with 227 students and just four teachers. It is one of the oldest schools in Sydney. Paddington Public School celebrated its 160th birthday in May of 2016 and is home to the famous Paddington Markets held every Saturday, in partnership with the Paddington Uniting Church.

A block up Oxford St is St Francis of Assisi, which was officially recorded as opening in 1883 by the Sisters of Charity despite there being a 'tradition' that from about 1866 a parish school in a timber churchschool was operating on the site. In 1930 the present school building replaced the original church-school.

I have had 25 years of knowledge and experience with the Tarot Cards. They can help open up hidden information and unlock any problems which can guide you to plan for a positive future.

If you have any problems please don't hesitate to phone me on 0414 273 103.

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 Numbers: 11 & 4

Lucky Colours: Blue & Silver

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

THE HANGED MAN is the Tarot Card. This card shows a man hanging upside down from a tree. It indicates enlightening and suggests you don't rush into any decision making. You should wait until things fall into place before making any decisions. You respond well to nature so make sure you spend time in our beautiful parks and beaches particularly if you live close to the city, as you don't like loud noises.

You are a rtistic and need to take time for yourself and maybe start painting, sketching, creative writing. Give it a try and don't give up on your first attempt. It is important to give yourself time to nurture yourself and then all will go in the right direction.

Lucky Gemstone: Amethyst

Lucky Numbers: 12 & 7

Lucky Colours: Lilac & Green

Love and light to all...

RUTH MARKS

TAROT CARD READER

0414 273 104

GOOGLE: Ruth Marks Tarot Card Reader

Tarot Card lessons available

At the beginning of Oxford St is St Matthias Anglican Church. Anglican services in the district were held in the school, the nearby Victoria Barracks, later in the school/church. The first part of the present church building was opened by Bishop Barker on 26/5/1861. Over the ensuing years the church was completed, altered, extended, the church hall and rectory erected.

In ESL March Ed 51 join me for a walk down Victoria St, Darlinghurst to Potts Point

Photos: Ruth Kliman Source: Woollahra Council

Bayside Council plan to improve local transport

Bayside Council has released a new Action Plan to create a more reliable transport system in Sydney’s Southeast.

Residents have been asked to give feedback to help create a sustainable and dependable system that supports active, healthy lifestyles. Council’s vision is to upgrade the current network to provide residents access to the city in 30 minutes, and 10-minute walkable neighbourhoods.

The p lan ha s been met with widespread support from the community, particularly in the suburb of Botany. One local resident commented that “transport to the city is dire from Botany”, another calling it “abysmal”.

A sing le bus formerly serviced commuters, which would directly take passengers from Botany to the city, terminating at Circular Quay. All services from the suburb now terminate at Redfern or Railway Square. As a result, residents are now forced to take a minimum of two separate buses to the city centre. It has been labelled a “disgrace” as surrounding western suburbs have faster commutes to the city, despite being Botany being less than 10km away.

Labo ur Councillor Jo Jansyn says that many of these changes were as a result of the

current Liberal State Government changing and privatising local bus routes, despite strong opposition from local Members of Parliament, Michael Daley and Ron Hoenig.

Bayside Councils’ Draft Transport Strategy and Bike Plan is hoped to provide an ‘Action Plan’ to guide the “infrastructure planning, policy development and advocacy for transport related issues in Bayside.” Currently open for consultation, Bayside hopes after a review period where contributions are evaluated and reviewed, a Final Action Plan will be adopted by Council that addresses residents’ main concerns.

Many concer ns are centred around access to local services. One resident detailed how there was “no viable option” for the elderly other than to risk driving to shopping, medical appointments, and recreational activities due to frequent bus service changes and long travel times.

Another resident commenting that it is “very draining.”

In Brighton, resi dents are calling for a 24/7 clearway along the Grand Parade in the hope of reducing traffic congestion in peak periods.

The Action Pla n will a lso address the key focus areas of road safety, considerations of

future transporting services including car-share and electric vehicles, encouraging active transport such as walking and cycling, improving public transport access and car parking, and ensuring that freight and major road networks are efficient.

For more information or if you would like to provide feedback, residents are urged to visit Bayside Council’s website https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/

Hannah McKinney

What's ON South East

Randwick Pride and Coogee Beach

Celebrate the inclusion of the Progress Pride Flag colours to the iconic Coogee Rainbow with an afternoon of Drag Performances, music and Free ice cream!

WHEN: FEB 18 2-6PM

WHERE: COOGEE BEACH RAINBOW WALKWAY

Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building Community Open Day

Reasons to Smile (Efforts for Earth)

The Bayview Gallery at La Perouse Museum is proud to host artist Angela Nashaat and her incredible nature-inspired artworks for her very first solo show.

WHEN: UNTIL FEB 5

WHERE: LA PEROUSE MUSEUM, 1542 ANZAC PDE, LA PEROUSE

Trace your family history

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 along on Thursday Feb 9 for a behind-the-scenes preview of the brand new Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building

WHEN: FEB 9 9AM-6PM

WHERE: PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, EASY ST (VIA 320-346 BARKER ST, RANDWICK

Exhibition:

Sonus Maris

For fitness, friendship & fun

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

Randwick Art Society

Randwick Art Society (RAS) meets weekly on Mondays at Randwick Literary Institute in Randwick, and on Fridays at The Coast Centre in Little Bay. Members and visitors are warmly welcomed to take part in it’s weekly art activities.

ILLUSTRATE THE RABBIT IN THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

WHEN: FEB 6 9AM-12PM

PET PORTRAITS

WHEN: FEB 13 9AM-12PM

STUDIO PAINTING

WHEN: FEB 20 9AM-12PM

WHERE: RANDWICK LITERARY INSTITUTE (RLI), 40 CLOVELLY RD, RANDWICK

PAINT AN IMAGINARY GARDEN

WHEN: FEB 10 10AM-12PM

PENCIL PORTRAITS

WHEN: FEB 17 10AM-12PM

STUDIO PAINTING

WHEN: FEB 24 10AM-12PM

WHERE: THE ART ROOM, THE COAST CENTRE, LITTLE BAY

PermaBeeCommunity Gardening Program

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!

UNSW

WHEN: FEB 8 6-8PM

WHERE: UNSW MAIN LIBRARY, LEVEL 5 EXHIBITION SPACE, LIBRARY RD, KENSINGTON

Blak Markets at Bare Island

Join us for a day of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, the oldest continuing Culture in the World. The Blak Markets take place at Bare Island within the Kamay-Botany Bay National Park with the support of the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service, Suncorp and Randwick City Council.

WHEN: FEB 5 10AM-3PM

WHERE: BARE ISLAND FORT, BARE ISLAND RD, LA PEROUSE

ENQUIRIES: 9661 9150

WHEN: FRI MORNINGS 9AM-12.30PM

WHERE: RANDWICK SUSTAINABILITY HUB 27 MUNDA ST, RANDWICK

Kensington Combined Probus Club

Living Stories: Exhibition by La Perouse

Aboriginal artist Craig Shepherd

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

Meet new friends, enjoy guest speakers, walks and outings.

WHEN: (FIRST TUES OF THE MONTH) 9.45AM

WHERE: THE JUNIORS, 558A ANZAC PDE, KINGSFORD (Opp Light rail)

ENQUIRIES: Jenny Wilson 0402 426 191

Rose-beauty at anytime by Robyn Langford Brown

Image credit: Nigel Helyer "Sonus Maris: An art and science collaboration at the interface between land and sea" (2022), Video still. Courtesy of the artist.

Library invites you to an exhibition navigating the intersections between land, art, and science.

Asbestos at Little Bay Beach outcome

A Detailed Site Investigation

(DSI)

into asbestos containing material regularly being found at Little Bay Beach since 2020, has concluded the material is likely moving onto the beach area from three nearby gullies which contain old building materials likely dumped or buried many decades ago.

The outcomes are documented in a report published on Randwick City Council's website and in a letter sent to nearby Little Bay and Malabar property owners in January 2023.

The DSI recomm ends a range of ongoing short, medium and long-term actions to address the issue which was first brought to Council's attention in 2020 by a local resident.

Council took immed iate steps at the time to address the issue by engaging expert consultants and advisors who attended the site and removed the identified materials.

Since this tim e Cou ncil has been regularly inspecting the beach and removing all asbestos containing material that continues to surface. In total, more than 2,000 pieces of asbestos containing material have been identified and removed - mostly the material is old fibro sheeting contained bonded non-friable asbestos that was commonly used as a building product.

In April 2021, Randwick City Council engaged expert consultants, RMA Group and Trinitas Group, to undertake a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) of Little Bay Beach to better understand the source of asbestos containing material.

The DSI invo lved closing the beach for a week while a more intensive analysis took place by drilling 45 test pits to excavate soil samples for testing.

The DSI found 15 out of the 45 test pits contained asbestos –confirmed to be bonded, non-friable asbestos. No friable or trace asbestos was identified at any of the test pits.

OUTCOMES OF DETAILED SITE INVESTIGATION

The asbestos was mostly found near the gullies where stormwater flows to the beach.

The investigation noted that: “Due to the nature of site contamination by bonded asbestos fragments in soil and on sand surfaces, it is the opinion of Trinitas that asbestos contamination at the Site poses a potentially low health risk to site users.” Council unde rstand the community concern regarding asbestos and as such has taken an extremely diligent and conservative approach to the management of the beach.

An Interim H uman H ealth Risk Assessment of the beach has also been completed by an

accredited Human Health Risk Assessor who has identified that the beach, in its current state, does not pose an unacceptable health risk to ongoing and future users of the beach, or potentially sensitive populations in proximity to the beach.

The low risk means Council has been able to keep the beach open to general use while managing the ongoing removal of materials containing asbestos. Randwick Council has been keeping residents informed about the issue regularly through letters to local residents, updates on its website and media reports.

For more infor mation about this important project including frequently asked questions, refer to Council's Little Bay Beach Asbestos Management webpage. https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/planningand-building/council-works-and-upgrades/ major-projects/little-bay-beach-asbestosmanagement

EASTERN SUBURBS

Bondi BUZZ

BONDI PAVILION WELCOMES NEW ARTISTIC

Chris Bendall has been announced as the new Artistic Director for Bondi Pavilion. Chris is a nationally respected and awardwinning arts leader. He has been Director and CEO of Critical Stages Touring since 2014, curating annual programs of outstanding professional theatre and live performance for regional and metropolitan audiences across Australia and New Zealand.

Chris Bendall said he is pass ionate about ensuring that programmes at Bondi Pavilion represent the full diversity of the Waverley community.

The newly restored Bondi Pavilion, with its theatre, gallery, music studios and other spaces will be brought to life by the experience and vision of the new Artistic Director.

Mayor of Waver ley, Paula Masselos said “I am thrilled that Waverley has been able to attract an Artistic Director of such outstanding calibre. I am looking forward to seeing what Chris will bring to our important community venue".

DIRECTOR

“The vision for B ondi Pavilion has always been a community cultural centre that acts as a drawcard for people near and far, and which is a catalyst for arts and culture," Mayor Masselos said.

"Chris’ appointment is a great step in realising that vision. He has successfully nurtured talent and worked with communities in Australia and around the world and is deeply respected in the arts and culture sector. We are fortunate to have his talent at work in Waverley.”

Chris Bendall said “I am passionate about developing local stories, ensuring that the work in our arts centres represents the full diversity of our communities, creating accessible live performance experiences, and ensuring that Bondi Pavilion’s creative program contributes to and supports the environmental and cultural sustainability of our community".

"I'm ver y excited and honoured to be taking on this significant new role at the Bondi Pavilion at this time. I have attended many events at the Bondi Pavilion over the years, from the Tamarama Rock Surfers early events through to Bondi Feast's diverse annual program, and can't wait to take

on the opportunity of steering the development of a vibrant new artistic program at this much loved heritage venue," Chris said.

"I'm also particularly excited about working right on the doorstep of what is easily one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, a beach that my family and I swim and surf at regularly - and as often as possible!".

Chris also has a special interest in inter-generational experiences, and in seeking out and developing creative opportunities to support families to engage in the arts together.

Chris' arts credentials include Guest Curator at the 2013 National Play Festival for Playwriting Australia, Artistic Director & CEO of Deckchair Theatre in Fremantle WA, Artistic Director of Theatre @ Risk in Melbourne and Resident Director at Melbourne Theatre Company.

His awards include the Performing Arts Connections Australia Touring Legend Award for 2019, the WA Equity Award for Best Director in both 2009 and 2011, the Queen's Trust Australia and Foundation for Young Australians Centenary Grant (2001) and the George Fairfax Memorial Award for Theatre (2003).

BONDI

BONDI BEACH • BONDI JUNCTION • BRONTE • CHARING CROSS • DOVER HEIGHTS • TAMARAMA • NORTH BONDI • WAVERLEY •

Chris Bendall, Artistic Director for Bondi Pavilion

What'sONBONDI

IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU WANT TO PUBLICISE IN WHAT'S ON BONDI: CALL RUTH 0423 861 413 or EMAIL

ruth@easternsuburbslife.com admin@easternsuburbslife.com

The Air is Electric: David McDiarmid in America

This exhibition presents never-before seen photographs from one of Australia's most significant artists, from his 1977 travells through San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City.

WHEN: FEB 9 6PM

WHERE: BONDI PAVILION GALLERY, BONDI BEACH

CELEBRATE SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE AT THE PAV

Waverley Council is delighted to present a diverse program of cabaret, comedy, film, art and craft from local and national LGBTQIA+ artists. Come laugh, cry, sing and delight at this glittering offering for locals, visitors, the queer community and allies alike!

WHEN: FEB 10 - MAR 3

WHERE: BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH

Bondi Stories - Local History Tours

Join Lawrie Williams, locally known as the Bondi Historian on a unique walking tour of the Bondi Basin. Hear how Bondi evolved from a simple land grant used for grazing cattle to the iconic Beach we know today. Learn about colourful characters, the evolution of beach leisure and surf life saving as well as the Shelling of Bondi in WWII.

WHEN: FEB 11 10AM

WHERE: BONDI STORY ROOM, BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH

FAMBO

Fambo produces creative programs for children and their families which centre and celebrate LGBTIQA+ identities and queer arts and culture. Fambo brings together artists and community to create experiences for all kinds of families where gender is not binary or imposed, different bodies are not othered, and creative self-expression is encouraged.

WHEN: FEB 18 10AM

WHERE: YALAGANG ROOM, BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH

Love The Coast Photo Exhibition

An exhibition showcasing the works of local amateur photographers inspired by locals' connection to Waverley's environment and coastlines.

WHEN: UNTIL FEB 21 M-F 9.30AM-9PM SAT 9.30AM-3PM SUN 1-5PM

WHERE: WAVERLEY LIBRARY GALLERY, BONDI JUNCTION

REUBEN KAYE - LIVE AND INTIMIDATING

Multi-award winning, Australian comedian and cabaret sensation Reuben Kaye is coming to the Pav!

WHEN: FEB 22 7.30PM

WHERE: BONDI PAVILION, BONDI BEACH

GENDER EUPHORIA LOOKS GOOD ON YOU: An Archival Exhibition of Samuel Luke

Gender Euphoria Looks Good on You: An Archival Exhibition of Samuel Luke features a collection of printed illustrations highlighting gender affirming moments in Samuel’s transition created over the past six years. This is an intimate, insightful and heartfelt body of work presented in celebration of Sydney World Pride.

WHEN: FEB 23 - MAR 20 M-F 9.30AM-9PM

SAT 9.30AM-3PM SUN 1-5PM

WHERE: WAVERLEY LIBRARY GALLERY, BONDI JUNCTION

The Sunshine Singers

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.

WHEN: MEETS EVERY WEEK MON 10AM-12PM

WHERE: HIGH TIDE ROOM, BONDI PAVILION

BRONTE BAZAAR SATURDAY MARKETS

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

Bondi Icebergs Pool

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

BONDI MARKETS

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

Public Art

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

FAMBO

LOVE THE COAST PHOTO EXHIBITION

REUBEN KAYE - LIVE AND INTIMIDATING

HOST A MURDER

More fun than you can imagine

SYDNEY EASTERN SUBURBS MIGHTY NETWORK

Our Mission is to put Local Community News Publishing back into the hands of the Local Community.

Running since 1988 we are the world’s longest running HOST A MURDER company and also have the record for the largest host a murder event.

Don’t miss our next TWO events now selling rapidly. BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment!

Castlereagh Boutique Hotel

Saturday Feb 25 Starts 6pm

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Friday Mar 24 Starts 6.30pm

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Before the rise of social media, Local Community Papers were the lifeblood of local community news. News was reported by local journalists, advertising sales were made by local sales people, you could visit head office and make a complaint in person, there was local accountability, revenue and profits stayed within the community and the idea of "Fake News" did not exist.

TO PUBLISH YOUR OWN COMMUNITY NEWS COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE VISIT www.easternsuburbsnews.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL ROSE 0418 400 697

Childhood in a Human Fishbowl

“Observation and documentation of children destroys play and a child’s ability to be authentic. It destroys a child’s ability to be in the moment...”

I had a great childhood. The re are no photos of my elaborate cubbies, my tree climbing, the ABBA concerts in my garage nor of the wild adventures I had in the canoe in my backyard pool, but that is what makes it great. There were no adults in my childhood charged with responsibility to observe and document me. I had no expectations or self-consciousness in my play, it was just me, my friends and being present in the moment.

I did not need an adult to unpack those experiences for me or to analyse them... in fact if you were there, waiting to observe me, you would NEVER have seen me do the things I did. Why? I would have modified my behaviour as I was ‘a good, cautious girl’ to adults. However, I was ‘ruthless crazy fun’ to my playmates... and to this day, I am frequently told by my mother “Oh, you never behaved like that”, when in fact, I did.

Documentation of ou r children’s free time is at dangerous levels. Our children are growing up in human fishbowls. Their every move documented, photographed, or analysed for social media by enthusiastic parents or for reporting back to families when children participate in activities outside the home.

Our behaviour cha nges or is modified when we are being observed. Photographing and commenting on children as they play and go about their daily activities destroys a child’s ability to be in the moment and to test or respond to their surroundings as they wish to. It destroys a child’s ability to be authentic.

Our documentation of child ren has the potential for long term detrimental impacts on the value and respect our society places on privacy. How can we justify concerns about the danger of social media for children, when adults have created an environmental bubble around their own children that conditions them to living life in a proverbial fishbowl, exposed to adult scrutiny, ridicule and comment on a regular basis?

How can we judge a dolescents oversharing on social media when we have created environments, where from a young age, our children are used to being “exposed” for public scrutiny? How do we criticise paparazzi and invasion of privacy when we are condoning this across Australia daily in our own social media postings and in the documentation often required in the Children’s Services sector from a very young age?

My plea to you – if you reall y believe in ensuring the best for our children if you really care about their healthy development - put away your phones and your iPad’s and look away. Limit the time you spend

documenting your child and increase the time you spend allowing them the freedom to play and explore.

The best indicator of a happy childhood is the happiness of the children. The ability to play, learn, make mistakes and grow without the passive judgement of others is critical to this happiness.

Let your focus be on the needs of your children and the development of healthy

relationships with them, rather than ensuring it is shared and documented with others. Because, in rea lity, our kids mean more to us than a social media post.

Robyn Monro Miller AM. ceo@playaustralia.org.au

Robyn is the CEO of Play Australia and President of the International Play Association

Ian Ginzberg is the face of Bob Price Trophies, providing Sydney quality trophies since 1962, while maintaining the highest levels of customer standards.

Bob Price Trophies offers a comprehensive range of presentation products including trophies, medals, engravings, sublimation printing, corporate awards and shields/perpetuals.

Tracey Chandler is your Personal Buyers Agent, specialising in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

I love to find property!

That’s right! I love to find awesome properties for my clients at a great price. I’m a property fanatic, easy to work with and I don’t stop until you own the perfect property.

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Join us for Seniors Festival

NSW Seniors Festival provides an opportunity for over 60s to try something new, meet new people and have a great time while taking part in a wide range of events and activities.

Woollahra Council’s Seniors Festival program runs until Feb 23 and includes an opening night Sunset Concert at Redleaf on Feb 1 performed by Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra members and SCEGGS Darlinghurst students with beautiful Sydney harbour as a backdrop.

Sydney WorldPride 2023

Waverley Council is excited to be an official Festival and Venue Partner of Sydney WorldPride, Feb 17 to Mar 5. We look forward to welcoming thousands of festival visitors from around the world who will also dine, shop and stay in the Bondi region. Council will be making staff available across the festival period including the Bondi Beach Party, presented by Optus, on Mar 4. Sydney WorldPride will include 19 official major events (such as the beach party), 320 Pride Amplified community events (including those at Bondi Pavilion), a Human Rights Conference and so much more! For more information about this state-significant event sponsored by the NSW Government, visit sydneyworldpride.com

Waverley Local Hero Awards

Events and activ ities also include a Chair Yoga Dance session at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf on Feb 6 and Tai Chi, Kokedama, Brain Fit and Wellbeing for Dementia workshops. Visit woollahra.nsw.gov.au/ seniorsfestival for details on all events and to book.

EV charging expansion

Woollahra Council’s fifth public electric vehicle charging station has been installed on Birriga Road, Bellevue Hill. It follows the December installation of an EV charger in Vaucluse, at the corner of New South Head and Old South Head roads.

Council’s public EV charger s are all powered by 100% renewable energy and provide options for locals who want to drive an EV, but are unable install charging infrastructure at home.

Installation of multiple chargers in the Woollahra LGA will take place every year, in addition to a commitment to make Council’s fleet of vehicles 100% electric by 2025. Public EV charging locations can be found at: woollahra.nsw.gov.au/environment/sustainable_transport.

Have your say on the Strickland Estate Nielsen Park Master Plan

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking feedback on its draft Strickland Estate Nielsen Park Master Plan, which is intended to provide a 20-year vision for these local landmarks and also the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. The draft proposes a new approach for future visitor use involving a single integrated estate.

You can provi de feedback on the draft until Feb 15 at environment.nsw.gov.au

Know someone who works selflessly for the community? Someone who stands out because of their community work, generosity and commitment to others?

Nominations for Wave rley Council’s Local Hero Awards open Feb 13, 2023. The Waverley Local Hero Awards, held over two years, recognise people’s contributions to community services and wellbeing, arts and culture, sports and recreation, the environment and volunteering. This is your chance to nominate someone you know and have their contribution to our community acknowledged. We’d love to hear about our young volunteers, too.

This year Waverley’s Local Hero Awards will include our Best of the Best Award. This Award, bestowed every four years, recognises outstanding community leaders who have given exceptional lifelong service to the community. Nominations close Mar 13, 2023. Forms will be available from Council’s Customer Service Centre, on our website or by emailing connected@waverley.nsw.gov. au from Feb 13, 2023.

Love the Coast

Our Love the Coast exhibition showcasing the works of talented local photographers returns to Waverley Library Gallery until Feb 21. These works capture people’s connection to our local environment and the diversity, drama and the day-to-day life of our beautiful coast. We received 158 submissions from 72 photographers for this year’s competition be sure to check out these amazing photographs for a fresh perspective of our home by the sea!

NSW Seniors Festival

The NSW Seniors Festival is back bigger than ever until Feb 12 with events across Sydney including the 2023 Premier’s Gala Concert, streaming live at Waverley Library on Feb 2 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. To reserve your spot and view all our Active Seniors classes, held year-round, including table tennis, tai chi and pilates, visit the What’s On section of our website

Urban design excellence to be recognised

The Awards aim to inspire outstanding urban design by recognising design excellence, promoting community awareness, and acknowledging architects and designers who are involved in enhancing Randwick City’s built environment.

The eight categories avail able to enter are:

• Best House

• Best Apartment

• Best Alteration or Renovation

• Best Conservation Project

• Best Urban Project

• Best Sustainable

• People’s Choice Award

• UNSW Student Design Entry is open to Registered Architects, Landscape Architects or similarly qualified Built Environment Professionals, who have an approved project within the City of Randwick that has been completed in the past five years. Entries are open from Jan 30 to Feb 27.

2023 Women’s Art Prize opens for entries

The annual competition is a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on women’s creative talents and to bring like-minded members of the community together to celebrate the unique contribution that women make to our City.

Winning and shortlisted artworks will be showcased in an exhibition at the Randwick Community Centre in honour of International Women's Day, which takes place on Mar 8.

There are three categories open for entry: Youth, Local and Open.

• The Youth category is open to young women aged 12-18 years old, the winner and runner-up will take home $350 and $150 respectively.

• The Local catego ry is open to women over 18 years old who live, study or work in Randwick LGA.

• The Open categ ory is open to anyone with a connection to Randwick LGA. Both of these categories carry a top prize of $1500 and a runner-up prize of $500.

Additionally, there are two Choice Awards: the Councillor’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award. The Councillor’s Choice Award is chosen by the women Councillors of Randwick, who nominate both a winner and a runner-up for the prize. The winner receives $300 and the runner-up receives $150. The People’s Choice Award, which goes to the artist whose work receives the most votes, is a single prize of $200. Entries close on Monday Feb 20.

Marjorie O'Neill MP MEMBER FOR COOGEE

Hi Everyone,

I hope ever yone has had an enjoyable holiday break, and I’d like to acknowledge our heroic public healthcare workers who have continued to work hard while others have been relaxing. As another busy year begins, I’d like to highlight some important developments for Coogee and beyond.

At the SCG’s recent Pi nk Test, I was joined by NSW Labor leader Chris Minns to announce a commitment to make NSW the first state in Australia that provides specialist care for everyone diagnosed with breast cancer, through the incredible McGrath Foundation. A $19.5 million investment will ensure that regardless of where you live or what you earn, those diagnosed with breast cancer will have free access to a breast cancer nurse.

As a proud supporter of an Abor iginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, I am excited to see our community and our country come together to create a better future by voting ‘Yes’ for the Voice in this year’s referendum. The Voice is about improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including in practical ways such as health, education, and housing.

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.

OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS

If you have any issues relating to the NSW Government, or you are not sure where to go to for help, please contact my office on (02) 9398 1822; coogee@parliament.nsw.gov.au or visit us at 15/53-55B Frenchmans Rd, Randwick.

EASTERN SUBURBS MIGHTY NETWORK

2ND LIFE GOODS AND RUBBISH REMOVAL

CHRONIC BACK PAIN?

MedX Exercise Programs are supported by over 75 peerreviewed medical journal articles, as evidence of our effectiveness. They provide measurably decreased chronic spine-related pain, restore spinal function, and reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing care. We deliver improved quality of life and avoid the need for Spinal Surgery.

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Quality, flexible in-home care services focused on home help, companionship, respite, dementia and personal care. Services include assistance with personal care, light household duties, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transport to appointments, shopping and social outings. LABOURERS

GEOFF

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Combining therapy with life experience for healing and living comfortably with our lives.

ROOMS 400 OXFORD ST, BONDI JUNCTION 0435 998 089

E: geoff.miles@gmail.com

SHOP 3, 85 NSH RD, EDGECLIFF 0482 965 948 www.medxsystems.com.au

PROFESSIONAL

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