Randwick News

As winter draws to a close, so does the 2023 pop-up pedal park season! I hope you’ve had the chance to visit the pedal parks this year. If not, they’re open until Sunday 27 August and located at Chifley Reserve, Clovelly and South Maroubra Beach carparks. Get there before they close with your bike, scooter or skateboard.

July was a real buzz as the community came together to watch the Matildas live and free on the big screen at Heffron Park for the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup. It was awesome to bring the excitement and anticipation of international sport to Randwick City. On Sunday 20 August we’ll be streaming the World Cup grand final live to the big screen. Don't miss out – get your free tickets through our website.

Celebrations are in order as the Des Renford Leisure Centre turns 10 years old! Much-loved by the community for its facilities and programs, it’s also about to have a brand new splash park, which is set to be completed in time for summer.

I hope you’ll all save the date for our annual Eco Living event coming up on Sunday 10 September. This year we'll be focusing on what matters most, with handson workshops and a speaker series, featuring Craig Reucassel from ABC’s War on Waste. There will also be an electric vehicle display and an e-bike to be won! Everyone is encouraged to walk, ride or catch public transport to the event, not only for its environmental benefit, but also because parking will be more limited than previous years.

Hope to see you there!

What’s On

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST

POP-UP COMMUNITY SUPPORT HUB

11am-1pm

Lionel Bowen Library

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST

ANIME CLUB (12-18YRS)

4pm-6pm

Lionel Bowen Library

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST

FRED HOLLOWS RESERVE BUSHCARE

9am-12pm

At the end of Bligh place

TUESDAY 15 AUGUST

SLOW FASHION & TEXTILES GROUP

9.30am-11.30am

Randwick Sustainability Hub

SUNDAY 20 AUGUST

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2023 GRAND FINAL LIVE SCREENING

Heffron Park, Maroubra

UNTIL SUN 27 AUGUST

POP-UP PEDAL PARKS

Chifley reserve carpark, Clovelly Beach carpark, South Maroubra Beach carpark

Councillor Dylan Parker Mayor of Randwick

1300 722 542 randwick.nsw.gov.au

The Dark Triad

Mental health awareness has no doubt increased in recent times. With the fall out from natural disasters such as the floods, bushfires and COVID still fresh in our minds, never before have we been so actively encouraged to seek out help for our mental state if we aren’t coping. In a general sense, these campaigns are aimed at the individual - if someone is struggling to manage then we are informed that help is available. This may be true, but I’d like to stress from the outset that it is the individual that is coming to some sense that they need help, often brought to their consciousness from an outside force.

But what happens if there is a different kind of external force being applied that is affecting our mental state and we just can’t put our finger on it, a type of force that may not be as obvious as COVID or a natural disaster? Allow me to introduce what is known as the ‘dark triad’. It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, sinister perhaps, lurking unseen in the depths. The dark triad is made up of three personality traits; Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism. Big words indeed, with narcissism possibly being the most well known. Machiavellianism equates to power - think Donald Trump or the Lannisters in Game of Thrones. Psychopathy is applied to someone who is a sociopath or psychopath - I can’t help but think of Norman Bates and the shocking shower scene in Hitchcock’s Psycho. Narcissism, however, is probably more well known and deserves further attention.

Narcissism is a personality disorder and is diagnosed through clinical evaluation. The disorder was first identified by Havelock Ellis back in 1898 and is named based on the mythological figure Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflec- tion. This is way deeper than just some guy who liked what he saw in the mirror. The disorder is characterised by an inflated self-image, addiction to fantasy, unusually cool and composed, and only shaken when narcissistic confidence is threatened. A narcissist loves status and uses it for its own sake. They are low in conscientiousness and take others for granted. They ‘gaslight’ and are happy to exploit and look excessively at others for the regulation of self-esteem. There are many other characteristics, but the big ones are manipulation and a lack of empathy, which are usually shared by all three personality traits of the dark triad. wide vote, spoke volumes on how we had grown as a nation and a spirit of reconciliation was born.

Unfortunately the internet, especially social media, has enabled such traits. Trolling is widespread and even encouraged. We can say whatever we want on these platforms without repercussion. A cauldron it may be, but what do we actually do if we feel we are being manipulated by someone who is a member of the dark triad? Well, here’s the rub; due to its very nature, someone with narcissistic tendencies is unlikely to be aware, let alone acknowledge, that they have such tendencies. It’s a genuine catch-22; a double edged sword. Usually only those on the receiving end can see it. In other words, a narcissist would not necessarily realise they are a narcissist as they don’t have honesty and humility. That said, a narcissistic person might admit to being more self-centered, but it often stops there and, perhaps unsurprisingly, can undermine romantic, familial and professional relationships.

The take-home message is that if you feel external pressure from someone with narcissistic tendencies it is important to acknowledge your frustration and not lose your own sense of self. The longer the behaviour goes unchallenged, the stronger its grip, and over time it can be quite detrimental. If you’re brave enough, ask them, “Are you a narcissist?” You might be surprised with their answer, or not. As charming as a narcissist may seem in the early stages, it can be a trap often recognised too late and difficult to remove yourself from once ensnared.

But, ‘buyer beware’! Proceed with caution before you slap the ‘narcissist’ label on someone. It’s a complex issue, not to be taken lightly. Look inward before you look outward, and seek professional help if you’re struggling. For some lighthearted relief I suggest watching “Kristy Best - How to know if you’re dating a narcissist” on YouTube.

Jeremy Ireland is a local psychotherapist. Have you got a question? You can get in touch with Jeremy by calling 0400 420 042.

Since then we have had the Mabo and Wik decisions on Native Title, and major land rights advances for First Nations sisters and brothers. Our nation has come a long way, but there are many challenges on the path to reconciliation and we still have a long way to go.