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from The Beast - August 2022

Local Artist 32 Unreliable Guide 34 Money Matters

Earl and his Indigenous Tasmanian ancestor, Manna Largenna.

Bondi Man Traces His Roots to Ancient Tasmanian Leader

Words Anthony Maguire Images Anthony Maguire, Thomas Bock

Eastern Beaches musician Earl Weir has just found out he has an amazing genealogical connection. An Indigenous man brought up in Victoria, Earl is a direct descendent of a famous Tasmanian Aboriginal figure from two centuries ago, Manna Largenna.

He discovered the ancestral tie in late June while watching the SBS series First Australians, which recounted the interactions of Manna Largenna and other Indigenous people with British colonists.

You see, several years ago, Earl’s mother Patricia put together the family tree, drawing from resources on ancestry.com and information from relatives. Right at the top of the tree was the name Manna Largenna. But they knew very little about him until the SBS screening.

“In the Indigenous culture, we didn’t have actual kings, but if we did, Manna Largenna would have been one,” said 32-year-old Earl, a Bondi resident for the last seven years.

“In northeastern Tasmania, he was the foremost caretaker for the land and the people. What I found most interesting was that Manna Largenna was friends with the earliest European settlers in the late 1700s. His daughter, Woreter Moet Yener, fell in love with a white man called George Briggs who worked on one of the sealing boats operating out of Tasmania. She spent a long time at sea with him and the boat sailed all the way to Mauritius.”

But when the vessel returned to Tasmania in 1827, there had been a tragic change - it had become a British colony.

“Indigenous people weren’t allowed on the streets and their land was stolen,” Earl said. “Ultimately they were rounded up and taken to an internment camp on Flinders Island.”

This turned out to be a death sentence for many of them.

“They were confined to tiny cells that were two metres square and not given adequate food. There were mass deaths from disease, suicide and many other causes. People say the spirit died on Flinders Island.”

That seems to have been the case with the noble leader Manna Largenna. Seven weeks after arriving on Flinders Island, he passed away at the age of 64. However, his daughter managed to get released from the prison camp, rejoining the sealing community - and carrying on the Indigenous family lineage as she had a number of children.

The descendants of Woreter Moet Yener mainly settled in Victoria, which was where, generations later, Earl was brought up. He spent his early childhood in Wurundjeri land - Melbourne - before his family moved to Wada Wurrung land - the township of Barwon Heads. There he became a surfer and today he runs the annual Tamarama foamie surfing event, The Mullet Pro.

Earl is proud of his Indigenous heritage and likes the fact that before the British invasion, Tasmania’s indigenous people and Europeans lived together harmoniously. But he is distressed by the way history played out in colonial times.

“It infuriates me that people have been taken off the land and nothing’s been done about it, there’s no treaty. There’s obviously still a massive disconnect today.”

Earl’s Indigenous heritage is displayed in the music he writes and performs with Eastern Beaches band Krystal Rivvers - Earl is the singer-songwriter with the seven-piece act. He says The Beatles and Spaghetti Western music are two major influences. Plus some people might hear other subtle overtones going back to the days of Manna Largenna.

Labor's Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car with Dr Marjorie O'Neill.

State Government Dithering Leaves Schools Behind

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Edward Yucation

Randwick Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools are being starved of funds for upgrades amid bureaucratic dithering by the state government, according to P&C (Parents & Citizens) representative Leanne Bergan and Coogee MP Dr Marjorie O’Neill.

“The schools were targeted for a joint $60 million upgrade in 2018, but we are not seeing that reflected in NSW budget allocations,” said Ms Bergan, secretary of Randwick Girls’ High School P&C and past Vice President and Treasurer of Randwick Boys’ High School P&C. She has children at both schools and is concerned that their education is being hampered by sub-standard facilities.

“The learning spaces are in urgent need of upgrade including ventilation systems that no longer operate, unflued gas heaters and poor lighting.”

In addition, Ms Bergan says both schools, designed and built over 50 years ago, are suffering from concrete cancer.

“Our community deserves concrete upgrade commitments, not concrete cancer!”

The problem goes back to an upgrade pledge from the Berejiklian Government in 2018. The two Randwick schools were among 170 throughout the state that would benefit from a $6 billion upgrade program, delivered over four years. Upgrades to both schools were estimated at around $60 million.

According to Ms Bergan, it has been assumed that these upgrades are “in the works.” But the cogs of government have been turning slowly; in fact they don’t seem to have been turning at all, because no plans have been forthcoming, nor has there been any significant funding for the schools.

“The latest budget allocation is $3.7 million, down from $5 million the previous year,” Dr O’Neill told The Beast. “The $3.7 million is not new money, just a rollover from unspent funds in last year’s budget.”

“These schools are crying out for upgrades and the government committed to carrying out major works. The needs of our young people should be a higher priority for the government.”

George Puts Down His Scissors After Four Decades of Cutting in Coogee

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Buzz Cutter

George Mallat has been cutting the hair of Coogee locals for over 40 years. He opened George’s Coiffure, at the corner of Arden and Carr Streets, in 1980. But he recently gave his last hair cut there after making the decision to retire at the age of 85.

During his four decades in Coogee, George has seen the rise and fall of different hairstyles.

“It always goes from long hair, to short back and sides, then back to long hair again,” he told The Beast.

Born in Lebanon, George learned hairdressing in Paris and migrated to Australia in 1977. Before establishing George’s Coiffure, he was partner in a Dolphin Street hairdressing shop for a couple of years.

While we were visiting George, one of his long-term customers dropped by to pay his respects, presenting him with a bottle of Moet champagne.

“He’s a top gentleman and an institution,” said Matthew, a local policeman.

A local institution.

A drastic improvement on the original design.

New Surf Club Plan Gets the Nod

Words Duncan Horscroft Illustration Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club

After a few years on the back-burner it looks like it’s finally full steam ahead for the redevelopment of the Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club.

The initial design back in 2018 raised much community concern over the encroachment of the building onto public space, resulting in fierce backlash from local stakeholders and the redevelopment proposal ultimately being shelved.

There was also concern over the removal of the heritage-listed pumphouse that sits behind the amenities block - which is no longer an issue and will remain untouched - and the desecration of Dave Brown Place, also known as The Cubes. The new design retains The Cubes and includes rooms for the Bronte Boardriders and Bronte Splashers to store their gear for event days.

But the latest plan seems to have ticked all the boxes, with both the local community and Waverley Council agreeing the new concept design is a winner.

Bronte Surf Club board member Dave Finnimore has played an integral role in getting the plan off the ground this time around, liaising extensively with various community groups, precinct committees, boardriders and other key stakeholdes who use the beach and park.

Included in the new proposal is the plan to excavate into the hill on the northern side of the club to increase space for storage rather than encroaching on the park to the south, as per the original plan.

“I raised the underground concept before Christmas, which got me into engaged mode, especially when I heard stories that the new concept would not be accepted by the community once again,” Mr Finnimore told The Beast.

“I dusted off the plans and started testing them with the relevant community groups. All appreciated being shown the new concept and the design we came up with. Basically, going to the community first for feedback worked and the consultation went really well with strong support.”

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos is also a fan of the new design and acknowledged the efforts the club has put into developing the plan, which was endorsed by Council in May.

“Council and the surf club expect to lodge the development application in September, and once the DA is submitted Council will promote it broadly so the community knows what is happening and can provide feedback,” Cr Masselos said.

“As we know, the current Council-owned building is no longer fit for purpose and must be rebuilt to include a balance of female and male facilities, family change rooms and accessible amenities, improved lifeguard and lifesaving facilities and other factors.”

“We are excited for what the future holds for the club and look forward to a new sustainable building that meets the needs of Council, contemporary surf lifesaving and the wider community.” Local architects Arcanary and Phil Leamon have been appointed and consultants are being briefed on site to advise. The cost is expected to be around $13 million but this figure has not been confirmed by either the council or Bronte Surf Club.

Matt Thistlethwaite being sworn in by Governor-General David Hurley.

Don't Worry Gov, Your Job's Safe With Us (For Now)

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Skye Thompson

When Kingsford Smith MP Matt Thistlethwaite was being sworn into his new portfolio by Governor General David Hurley, he joked, “Don’t worry Gov, your job’s safe with us.”

As the Assistant Minister for the Republic, Matt has the task of steering our nation into a new independent system where we shrug off our administrative ties with Britain and have an Australian head of state.

That will involve doing away with governors. But Matt sees it being a long-term process that will not come to fruition during Hurley’s time at the helm.

“Initially it’s about educating the Australian people about the current system and how we have a foreign monarch as head of state,” he explained. “Other nations have moved to become republics in recent years, the most recent being Barbados last year. I think the Queen has been a wonderful leader of the Commonwealth, but she is coming to the twilight of her reign and it’s time for Australians to think about what comes next.”

The plan is to hold a referendum on the republicanism issue - there was previously one held in 1999 under the Turnbull government and it rejected a change in the status quo, but Matt says Australian society has changed a lot since then.

Before that, there will be a referendum on enshrining Indigenous recognition in the Constitution. Matt sees that referendum as being a springboard for Australians taking the next step and voting to become a republic.

University Hazing Rituals No Laughing Matter, Except for Will Gibb

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Hugh Morris

Some people have ended up in therapy, or worse, after going through hazing rituals at university, but for local resident Will Gibb, his experiences as a freshman have been a source of inspiration.

The 23-year-old comic, who has notched up more than one million followers on TikTok and sold out his shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, now has audiences in stitches as the host of the Clovelly Hotel’s new Stand Up Comedy Tuesdays.

Will says going to The Scots College in Bellevue Hill, followed by three years at what was then an all-male college (St Paul’s at Sydney University, which opened its hallowed halls to women last year), have helped him put together “some great material about male stereotypes and private schools.”

Clovelly Hotel General Manager Megan Runow said the response has been awseome.

“We previously had Tuesday trivia, but everybody does that, and with Will on board the stand-up is helping us attract a younger crowd,” she explained.

The comedy kicks off from 7.30pm every Tuesday and tickets are only $15.

You can catch Will at the Cloey.

Mayor's Message

Bondi Pavilion

Spring is just around the corner, and that means the much-anticipated reopening of Bondi Pavilion! Council is planning a massive community event to celebrate the reopening and showcase the Pavilion’s revamped and expanded cultural and recreational spaces in all their glory. The building will be activated to give the community a taste of what to expect from the beloved, re-invigorated beachside venue, including live entertainment and music for all ages. There is such growing excitement in the community about the reopening as more and more of the building and our world-class restoration works are revealed. Our restoration of the Pavilion is the biggest and most complex infrastructure project ever undertaken by Waverley Council and the result is nothing short of spectacular! The building began life in 1911 as the Bondi Surf Sheds and we can’t wait o unveil our transformation of the heritage venue into a top-rated building with Greenstar sustainability accreditation. We are very proud of the work that our head contractor BuildCorp has managed to achieve under challenging circumstances to deliver a heritage restoration that will see the building in use for another 100 years. For updates about our reopening, please visit bondipavilion.com.au or sign up to our Waverley Weekly e-newsletter via Council’s website.

Festival of the Winds

Bondi Beach transforms into one big playground on Sunday 11 September for Festival of the Winds, Australia's largest kite flying festival. Bring the entire family and enjoy our world-famous professional kite flying displays, entertainment on the main stage and international cuisine. Festival of the Winds is in its 44th year and is proudly presented by Waverley Council and the Australian Kite Flyers Society. For more information see our website.

Destination Hall Street

Waverley Council received a $500,000 state government grant this year through the Streets as Shared Spaces program to revitalise Hall Street, Bondi Beach between Campbell Parade and Glenayr Avenue through the creation of a "high street” with more greenery, decorative improved lighting, new shared spaces and changes to outdoor dining. To deliver the pilot project, changes to traffic flows will be required for the duration of the trial, which is expected to last six months. Council has been consulting with neighbouring businesses and residents about the pilot project. At time of print, Council was preparing to vote on the trial activation to make Hall Street a community precinct with proposed installation in late September. See our website for updates.

Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley

Coogee lady Lynette White.

Alleged Crimes of the East

Words Gary Larson

Card Campaign Could Deal Losing Hand to Coogee Killer

A new police initiative could flush out the murderer of Coogee woman Lynette White, murdered in a knife attack 49 years ago.

Packs of playing cards with details of cold case murders - and the rewards for fingering the perpetrators - will be distributed to prisoners in jails. Parklea Correctional Centre will be the first prison to get them.

One of the killings featured in the campaign is the horrific murder of Coogee housewife Lynette White, who died from multiple stab wounds inside the Beach Street flat she shared with her husband Barry and infant son. On June 8, 1973, Mr White arrived home from work to find his 26-year-old wife’s body. Their 11-week old son lay unharmed in his cot.

Barry White is still alive and has welcomed the playing cards campaign. With the murder carrying a $1 million reward for information leading to a conviction, there are chances of a break in the cold case, as has recently happened with two Sydney gay hate killings from the 1980s.

Another murder victim who will be featured on the playing cards is 30-year-old hairdresser Paula Brown, who was last seen alive in Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, on the night of May 4, 1996. Eight days later, her body was found in bushes beside the NSW Ports facility in Botany. She had been killed with two blows to the head and an inquest found she had most likely been sexually assaulted. There is a $100,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of Ms Brown’s killer.

Face of Top Fashion Brands Not Model of Good Behaviour

Fallen fashion model Anei Dut has pleaded guilty to a string of fraud charges involving the use of stolen identities.

Newtown Local Court was told that Dut, 27, of Randwick, used the credit card details of 19 victims to scam Chemist Warehouse outlets in 2021. He would make expensive purchases, then the card information would be entered manually at the checkout. Later, he would return the goods and request a refund, with the money being credited to his personal bank account.

He was identified through video surveillance footage. When police raided his home, his phone had a tab open for a scammer’s marketplace that sells credit card information.

South Sundanese-born Dut was signed to top model agency Chadwicks and modelled for David Jones and a number of designer labels such as Tommy Hilfiger. But the court was told he has had various brushes with the law, with convictions for assault, drink driving and driving while suspended. He is currently serving out a community corrections sentence for breaching a domestic violence order.

Sentencing of Dut on the latest charges has been deferred pending the submission of reports from his defence counsel.

Bondi Blockhead Drove at Blockade Australia Protestors

A man who deliberately drove his car into demonstrators in the city got off lightly, fined $469 for negligent driving.

Police said the 31-year-old Bondi resident also lost three points from his licence. Footage showed the unnamed man driving his SUV through the morning rush hour protest by Blockade Australia. When protestors positioned themselves in front of the vehicle, he slowed down but kept going, nearly running them over. Fortunately no-one was injured.

Bra Boy Jailed

A member of Maroubra’s ‘Bra Boys’ gang has been sentenced to three years jail for a vicious assault on a 74-year-old man.

Downing Centre Court was told Jed Campbell thought the pensioner was a paedophile when he launched his attack at the Shell Coles Express in Kingsford.

Campbell, 45, of Eastlakes, subjected his victim to multiple punches and kicks, causing severe injuries. The court heard the man is a dementia sufferer who was in a confused state at the time of the attack.

Mitigating evidence was given that Campbell had suffered abuse in his childhood from an alcoholic father and heroin-addicted mother. A report from a psychologist said he suffered from severe depression and anxiety.

Judge Gina O’Rourke set a non-parole period of 18 months. Campbell has been in custody since the attack in June last year, so will be eligible for parole in December.

Sextortion Scam

Eastern Suburbs Police have had a number of reports about people being subjected to “sextortion.”

In a Facebook posting, Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command said, “‘Sextortion’ is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate images of you online unless you give in to their demands. Scammers may record webcam interactions with unsuspecting victims before threatening to share the video with friends, family and work colleagues.” Victims are being told to make payment via Bitcoin.

Randwick News

Each year we put a call out to our community to nominate young athletes who are doing well in their sport, so we can further support and encourage their sporting dreams. This has been particularly important over the past two years when training and competitions have faced extreme difficulties or been cancelled.

Local sporting clubs and their members worked hard to overcome numerous challenges put in front of them by the pandemic and we can’t thank them enough for hanging in there and remaining the beating heart of our community.

This year we’ve introduced two new categories to our Sporting Excellence Awards. In addition to the male and female Junior Sports Award, the Bradley Matthews Memorial Award and the Hall of Sporting Champions we now have an award for Junior and Senior athletes with a disability and Randwick Coach of the Year.

The first new award aims to recognise the achievements of people with disabilities in Randwick City between the ages of 5 and 18 years. There will be a junior recipient for those aged between 5-12 years and a senior recipient for those aged between 13-18 years.

The coach award recognises the special individuals who go above and beyond for their teams; providing mentorship, support, specialist expertise, skill and knowledge beyond expectations.

Nominations are open until Friday 5 August 2022 and can be made by heading over to our website.