The Beast -January 2025

BEAST

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THIS SUMMER THIS SUMMER

Swim between the Flags

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Spring Hues, by Katy Ferguson.

Simon

$30m

$25m

16

Twenty Years On

Words James Hutton - Publisher

Welcome to the January 2025 edition of The Beast, the monthly magazine for Sydney’s foggy beaches of the east. This is the 240th edition of our little community publication, which means it’s been twenty years since Dan and I first kicked things off from our run-down sharehouse on Bondi Road - bloody hell, how time flies!

Thanks to Bondi artist Cam Scott for this month’s cover art of an Indigenous Hawaiian surfer. The artwork, based on one of the first ever surf photos taken near Diamond Head in Oahu, Hawaii, appears in various locations around Bondi and is a combination of various artistic techniques. Cam used a cutout cardboard stencil for the background, which was spray-painted, before the top layer was added using vertical screen printing. It seems the only thing Cam can’t do is put fins

in his surfboard, but I hear he’s managed to do just fine without! You can see more of Cam’s work on Instagram at @notnotcamscott or at www.notnotcamscott.com.

A big congratulations to everyone involved in Waverley’s Brightest & Best Business Awards last month, of which The Beast was a proud sponsor. The awards night was epic and we were stoked to be a part of it again this year - thanks Gilly & Co. Congratulations also to Spot Therapy Hub for taking out Business of the Year and the Health category in Randwick’s business awards, which we hope to get more involved in next year. Spot Therapy Hub provides neurodiversity affirming allied health services and employs our good friend Lana Dwyer, who is a speech pathologist there.

If you’re yet to decide what to do for Christmas, The Randwick Club are putting on a Christmas lunch and there are still a few tickets available to North Bondi RSL’s Christmas event. These are both

very well-run clubs with top chefs, so visit northbondirsl.com.au or rlclub.com.au to book your spot.

On a final note, thanks to everyone involved in keeping this little magazine alive for twenty years - there are a lot of you! Have an awesome Christmas and New Year, stay safe, be nice to each other, clean up after your dog and don’t take up more than one parking spot!

Cheers, James

The Beast

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james@thebeast.com.au

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Egalitarianism is Dead

Go Back to the Bays

Dearest Pearly - What is it with rich people only wanting to live where other rich people live? Is it because they want to tell their friends they live in a fancy suburb, or is it that they just don’t like poor people?

This strange phenomenon doesn’t bother me so much in cities like Melbourne, because elitist suburbs like Toorak are no different to anywhere else really, other than maybe their proximity to the city, so the beaches down there are still accessible to the average Melburnian. But here in Sydney, former working-class suburbs like Bronte and Clovelly have become so expensive that they pretty much exist exclusively as enclaves for the wealthy, and now no one other than the default lawyer-banker combo can afford to live here.

Honestly, you barely see any of the new fancy pants people

set foot on the sand, let alone actually dip a priveleged toe in the water. All the people who grew up here and used to swim or surf have had to leave the area for more affordable pastures, leaving a cultural vacuum inhabited by thousands of the same boring person.

Why can’t the ultra-wealthy set stick to the harbour suburbs and places like Paddington and leave the beaches to the great unwashed (according to them) who actually enjoy the natural features this area has to offer?

Keep up the good work,

Virginia Tamarama

Build

the Wall

Dear Virginia - As much as Australians like to consider themselves egalitarian, during the US elections I detected a whiff of support for Donald Trump amongst the wealthy elite of Sydney. To quote a

Clovelly wheeler-and-dealer, who turns up to my weekly yoga class in either an A-class Merc or a bright red Lamborghini (the Lambo is referred to as his work of art), “Trump is good for business.”

Twenty-five years ago, a newly divorced Pearl arrived in Coogee from leftie Balmain ready to live the beach bum life in the East. Now she is doing child’s pose next to an affluent sexagenarian attired head to toe in Lululemon and Apple devices who has no qualms about a lunatic controlling the ‘free world’.

This support for the Orange Terror has led me to think that perhaps we need to build a wall, one that bounds Glenmore Road from Rushcutters Bay and Syd Enfield Drive all the way down to Blair Street, North Bondi, effectively confining the peninsular dwellers to their own elite backyard. To discourage the purchase of beachside property, maybe a trade tariff could be placed on real estate agents selling to those on the bay side of the wall and a ban on non-vaccinated kiddies would effectively stymie the beach bungalow ambitions of boho Rose Bay yummy mummies.

The ‘new fancy pants set’ might not be eating our cats and dogs - their unleashed dogs are a bloody nuisance thoughbut they are littering our streets with their multiple Maserati SUVs and their ugly dream home edifices and destroying our eco-systems with their fetish for perfection.

And, as for the ultra-wealthy of Toorak, there is no way they would be seen buying up in St Kilda - that would be akin to a Double Bay-ite moving to Brighton-Le-Sands!

Love always, Pearlie Clovelly

Words Pearl Bullivant Photo Victoria Derby

$80 million - and you can't even walk to the beach!

Start 2025 with a clean slate. Book a free council clean-up today!

Randwick City Council residents can book up to five free clean-ups every year. It is illegal to dump items on the street without a booking.

Randwick Council clean-ups are for residents of the Randwick LGA only.

SCAN TO BOOK 1300 722 542 randwick.nsw.gov.au/ bookmycleanup

The Beast's Monthly Mailbag

Words The Beautiful People of the Eastern Beaches

The Boundary Road Boat Vandal

Hi James - The Boundary Road Boat Vandal (Police Investigating Boat Vandalism, Crime News, The Beast, December 2024) is a real pest. It’s been going on for some years now. Twice they have slashed my tyres, forcing replacement in the thousands. My tradie mate around the corner has a similar story.

I reckon they live somewhere east of Park Street, on Boundary Street, which would mean both my tradie mate and I live less than 20 doors away from the culprit - not exactly ‘love thy neighbour’. I sincerely hope emergency services worker Steve finds this muppet-headed vandal. It really does need to stop.

John Clovelly

Coogee's Disgusting Greaseballs

I was looking forward to my December edition of The Beast, hoping that the official organ of the Eastern Beaches might shed some light on the question that mystified so many of us the month before - namely, where did those obnoxious ‘greaseballs’ that closed Coogee and other nearby beaches for almost a week come from? And why?

Disappointedly, an earlier Herald story, which promised, “The mystery solved…” did no such

thing. It did confirm that, according to the EPA, the problem was what many of us suspected. What were at first labelled “tar balls” from a possible oil spill were in fact made of “faecal and other organic material” like cooking oil and soap scum, and other stuff like plastics and “medicinal and recreational drugs.” Specifically, methamphetamines and THC. They’d tested for cocaine and heroin too, but those drugs are water soluble, so any traces had vanished.

Of course, it’s well known that evidence of our drug usage can be found in sewers. But both local water treatment plants reported no malfunctions that would have produced this disgusting problem. Most critically, why were only Coogee and nearby beaches affected? Do we in the East consume more recreational drugs than anywhere else in the country? This is a rhetorical question; we do know the answer to that!

A further issue arose several days later. Quoted in The Guardian, Greens MP Sue Higginson accused the EPA of choosing to “bury” its damming toxicology report on “a busy media day,” the very date of the US election, when (erroneously, in my humble opinion) we’d all be more focussed on the fate of the ‘free

world’ and the rise of the Orange Hitler rather than a few floating turds in our favourite swimming spots. “You’ve got human faeces, you’ve got methamphetamines, THC,” thundered Ms Higginson. “All of these substances are harmful. They are pollutants. They are toxins.”

About the poo, I understand her anger. But hang on, “Toxins”? Don’t the NSW Greens want to legalise recreational use of THC? Some of the more gullible among them are medical cannabis enthusiasts; they seem to think it’s good for us. Does Ms Higginson not know her own party’s policy?

On the very first day of their unwelcome arrival, I found several bong loads at Gordons Bay. Curiously, I did poke one poo ball with a stick. Thankfully, it never occurred to me to smoke it.

Russell Edwards Randwick

Commonwealth Bank or Conwealth Bank?

Well, there it is, the last bank branch and free cash withdrawal machine is closed on Bondi Beach. The Commonwealth Bank, Australia’s largest bank and company by market capitalisation, cannot, it appears, afford a presence in what is arguably Sydney’s most famous suburb and one of the world’s most famous beaches.

I appreciate it’s now all about shareholder value and return, together with providing the largest possible directors’ bonuses, but surely a measure for the company should be customer service and presence in high profile areas.

It seems that if I require cash, as Jim Chalmers recently rightly stated is still a most important commodity in the country, I’ll have to incur a bus fare up to Bondi Junction to get some or, alternatively, pay a private cash machine provider an extortionate fee. As for all the tourists visiting our beach, it seems corporate greed is more important than providing an essential service.

Enjoy your profits and hypocritical advertising, Commonwealth Bank. You won’t, however, be getting any of my custom in the future, although I suspect you don’t really care about that.

David Boyd Bondi Beach

Hunting at North Bondi Boat Ramp

There is a concerning trend of spearfishermen who are hunting around the North Bondi boat ramp. I went snorkelling last Sunday and was sharing this beautiful space with approximately 15 dogs, 200 people and 8 men with large spear guns. After entering the water from the boat ramp, I swam to the left only 50 metres. People were jumping off the rock ledge into the water having fun. Just below the water’s surface, there were spearfisherman chasing gropers and other fish, firing their spear guns. One narrowly missed a teenage girl as she plunged into the water, which was terrifying to witness.

This represents a very serious and potentially fatal accident waiting to happen. I cannot think of another circumstance where it is permissible to discharge large and powerful hunting weapons that close to lots of vulnerable people and animals. Waverley Council, please act on this with urgency before someone gets hurt.

J R Queens Park

Ruthven Street Parking

Hi James - Waverley Council is contemplating angle parking in Ruthven Street where I occasionally park. The user inconvenience of that system is significant and hard to justify. Difficulty in accessing a car results, damage from car doors occurs, and upon pulling out into the traffic one’s field of view is often impeded by an adjacent vehicle. The urge to squeeze as many cars in as possible results in ridiculously inadequate spacing between

them. Who cares about the stout, the elderly or those mobility compromised?

When contemplating the Council survey as to proposed changes to the street I was disappointed, though not surprised, that they failed to ask respondents as to their view of angle parking. I hazard the guess that those proposing this would not want it in their own street.

Greg Maidment Bronte

Ruthven Street Downgrade

Hi James - As a long term resident of Ruthven Street I am concerned that Council is planning angle parking in Ruthven Street, which would impose permanent inconvenience on drivers and residents. It would effectively narrow the road, making parking more difficult and slower, and make access to and from cars awkward.

Inability to fully open car doors, squeezing between vehicles, difficulty seating children in safety capsules and in loading/ unloading goods in the car are unwanted features. Additionally, a major inconvenience is the effort in accessing and exiting vehicles, all the more so if you are an expectant mother, are of larger stature, elderly, disabled or not particularly mobile. Then think about trying to wash or clean your car. Never mind access for emergency vehicles and our garbos.

Without doubt our property values would be adversley affected, as would our quality of life. Do we wish to end up with a bigger mess than Denison Street?

The survey conducted on behalf of Council seems to be designed to gain approval for the proposal. Remarkably, it fails to ask whether we are in favour of angle parking, I guess it does not want its survey report to contain community response to that question. The ‘Design Layout’ available on Council’s website glaringly fails to disclose

the width of the proposed angle parking bays or whether sufficient room to ensure adequate and comfortable space for those forced to use them is proposed. The layout drawing manifestly suggests the contrary. Also, cars and their doors seem to be getting bigger.

This proposal should not be allowed! We would be inconvenienced during the lengthy construction phase and permanently impacted by the result. To add insult to injury, our rates would pay for it.

Peter Bright Bondi Junction

Regarding Pocket Parks

I read The Beast’s recent article about the shelving of a proposed pocket park in Burnie Street, Clovelly (Randwick Council Listens to Local Stakeholders, The Beast, December 2024), and while not wishing to comment on this park in particular, I do want to defend pocket parks, and urban green space in general.

Urban green spaces help to reduce the urban heat island effect, create shared community space not devoted to consumerism, benefit local wildlife and offer all of us benefits to our mental health. In a time of increasing average temperatures, widespread biodiversity loss, increasing social isolation and declining mental health, even pocket parks have the power to make a difference for us all.

In a recent article on The Conversation website, a research fellow from RMIT presented his analysis of Sydney’s urban green space, based on the 3+30+300 model developed in Europe. In this model, the ideal urban green space aims for every person to see three trees from their home, school or workplace, and live in a neighbourhood with 30 per cent tree canopy cover and within 300 metres of a park. Sadly, Sydney only achieved the first of these benchmarks. I suspect that research like this is behind

the NSW Government grants, as well as Randwick Council’s drive to find pockets they can carve out to increase our tree canopy coverage.

It is easy to decry such initiatives as a frivolous frittering away of ratepayers (and taxpayers) money. However, what is this money for, if not to improve the lives of everyone? Surely we all deserve a little bit more green space in our lives.

Sandra Clovelly

The Strange Case of the Disappearing Burnie Street Park

Dear Beast - It was with considerable sadness, but no real surprise, that I read Randwick Council “looks like shelving plans” for a pocket park on the corner of Clovelly Road and Burnie Street. Far from “listening to local stakeholders” as the headline trumpeted, I suggest the opposite has occurred.

Local shopkeepers reportedly objected to “the loss of parking under the plan”, when the reality is there are few if any available parking spots there now. Why? The same seven or eight vehicles are parked there every day and night. Whose? The same local, er, “stakeholders”. Some even have the business’ logo emblazoned across the vehicle.

And this is why cars routinely double-park outside the (excellent) Foodworks store there, hazard lights hopefully mitigating or excusing the danger to passers-by.

It is fatuous to suggest a pocket park would prevent customers parking nearby; they are already denied that opportunity by those whose businesses they might otherwise patronise. More to the point, that’s exactly what Council’s admirable consultation and field survey showed, which included several on-site pop-up info opportunities.

The slip road that will now be preserved is used only by those same local “stakeholders” to

park permanently. It is in fact a danger to pedestrians as the corner’s angle and incline is so steep as to obscure any driver’s field of vision.

There may well be reasons to have a park elsewhere, or differently configured, but this decision is not that. I trust the “local stakeholders”, so keen to improve customer visits, will now be insisting on 15 minute parking limits outside their shops. That’ll get my vote.

Gervase Greene Clovelly

Editorial Feedback and The Beast's Monthly Mailbag

Dear Pearl - It’s a shame The Beast used to be a politically independent magazine. On page 10 of December’s issue, you published a letter from Will of Coogee, who was not pleased over someone displaying a MakeCoogee-Great-Again red hat.

In the advertising industry, they say it’s all about positioning. Will’s letter wasn’t placed with the Monthly Mailbag but in your Pearls of Wisdom section. If you had any wisdom, you would not reveal to your readership, so blatantly, your political bias.

Rather than MAGA standing for “division, misogyny and hate” as Will wishes, it’s the Far Left bigots who are divisive and full of hate. They constantly hate on heterosexual people. Where is the inclusiveness? They are hypocrites (do you see how the Far Left comes across?).

Like the typical brain-washed Far Left, Will equates nationalism with fascism. He (or sh-it) is one who has no awareness of history, being a product of Western propaganda and the dumbest education system in the world. Even the simple concept of national sovereignty is too difficult for Will and Pearl to grasp.

Is Pearl aware that the infestation of Far Left dogma in the West has made us a laughing stock of the rest of the world? Do you, or have you, ever travelled

to other cultures at all? Or are you xenophobic? Do you think a Chinese or an African or a South American or an Arab person is confused about gender? No, only the cretins in the West would lie about basic reality. Gender and sex mean the same thing, regardless of what revisionists pretend it to mean otherwise. There are only two genders - if you are confused, just glance down between your thighs for evidence.

Pearl parrots Trump as a “dangerous anti-intellectual with fascist and misogynist leanings”. Are you aware that intellectual is not the same as intelligent? The fascist label is the Far Left’s fear of intelligence, common sense, quality education, strong leadership and national identity.

You insult ANZAC Day as being a national obsession. It’s tragic that so many young men died in WWI so you can enjoy your soy skim lattes and wet dreams about your gender fluidity.

What an insult to Australians. I am sure this dumb comment of yours has alienated a good part of your readership who had grandparents who died in the war.

People are sick and tired of the dumbed-down Far Left cancer with its low IQ and low EQ. You had hoped for a blue America, eh! What makes you think that the majority of your readers are Far Left? Oh, I forgot, you don’t think, you parrot.

I guess if you keep brown-nosing the Left, you will end up with only a dumb Far Left readership. But the Left is going nowhere as your numbers will shrivel because you are too confused about gender to produce offspring.

Matilda North Bondi



Please send your feedback to letters@thebeast.com.au and include your name and suburb. We try and publish as many of them as possible, but nothing too crazy (like the one from Matilda) please.

A man of many talents.

Local Artist... Cam Scott from Bondi

Interview James Hutton

Photo Mati Aravena @mati.aravena

Local artist Cam Scott is the talent behind this month’s cover artwork of a Hawaiian surfer, inspired by one of the first surf photos ever taken. Cam shares his local favourites with The Beast...

How long have you lived here?

Ever since I was a grom. Life’s just better by the beach - a few years in a dark Redfern sharehouse made that pretty clear.

What's your favourite beach?

Tama. A whole youth spent on its rocks makes me a bit biased but I regularly find myself thinking about how special it is.

What's your favourite eatery?

The Depot at Bondi - epic wholesome food (occasionally donated to the local starving artist).

Where do you like to have a drink?

North Bondi hill on sunset. The knoll can be a bit much sometimes but the hill next to the RSL is pretty great for a few with mates as the sun goes down. Otherwise next door at my mate’s surf shop, Sunburnt Mess. Always good for a bit of half-pissed surf-degenerate shit-talk on a Friday afternoon.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The Beaches. There aren’t many places on this earth that are so close to a major city and are so stunningly beautiful. I’m so

grateful to have been brought up in an area where I can do casual shift work in the city and still surf twice that day.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The increasing homogeneity and cultural sterilisation of the area. I don’t know if it’s just the relentless march of gentrification or what, but the East just feels like more and more of an activewear wasteland. I remember being in awe of how interesting and eccentric some of the people and places in the area were when I was growing up. Now it all just seems a bit same-same and sterile. The only things that can survive are gyms, pilates studios and their clientele. Rant over.

How would you describe your art? Mostly printmaking. It’s aesthetically and conceptually a bit all over the shop, but that’s the way I like it.

Where can people see your work? Walking around the East. Most of my practice involves placing work in public spaces. I’ll occasionally have a gallery show but I’ve always preferred the street context.

Who are your artistic inspirations? The Italian Futurists. I definitely don’t support much of what their movement preached but I just love the way they went about it - intensely detailed revolutionary manifestos, thought-provoking but technically brilliant work, both hypercritical and celebratory. They really went for it.

What are you working on at the moment? I bounce between different projects, so today started by tending to the North Bondi Share Boards, then some prep for commercial printing of a gallery’s walltext through my SILK. Screen Services business. Hopefully I’ll have time to make some art and go for a surf after this.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up? Not at the moment. Unfortunately Twenty Twenty Six (the gallery I was represented by) closed. Without people pushing me towards the gallery context I tend just to make street work and commissions. I am open to galleries throwing themselves at me though.

When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? I honestly don’t think I have some special gift, I just always enjoyed making things and art was one of them. Screenprinting has become the craft that I am most expert in, but that’s just because I’ve worked on it for over a decade, not because I’m some virtuoso with a squeegee.

Any other local artists to look out for? Gaspe is a guy I know from the surf who makes these incredibly quirky sculptural works that he installs in the streets - weird animals made of recycled wood drilled into fences, trippy manikins left on ebikes... It’s so good to see artwork freely volunteered for others to enjoy. I’ve been admiring them around Bondi for ages and only just realised it was him!

Did you study art? After school, I went to UNSW & COFA (now UNSW Art and Design), where I majored in printmaking on the art side of a double degree. Luckily, I fell in love with silkscreen and have been trying to expand the ways it can be used ever since.

Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? Be prepared to constantly be battling, with your finances, with yourself, with society... but just keep making. The world needs art.

What do you do for work? I work casually at the Museum of Contemporary Art and run a few small businesses. Commercial screenprinting, artmaking, eyewear and other occasional side hustles all come together to get me by.

What's your favourite thing about work? Self-employment - the satisfaction of knowing you made something good. Shift work - the things enabled by the money they pay you.

Do you have a favourite quote? “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”

- Jack London

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Everyone should have something in their lives that they do for others and with others.

Building Confidence in Calm Water - the Foundation of Surf Safety

Words Duncan Horscroft Photos Steph Rieck

Learning about water safety in still water is a major stepping stone toward surf awareness, according to Waverley Lifeguard Troy Quinlan.

With more than 20 years’ experience on the beach, Troy and his lifeguard mate Tom Woodriff have started up a program called Ultimate Lifeguard Xperiences aimed at giving people confidence in calm water before venturing into the surf.

Troy had firsthand experience as a Bronte Nipper about the fears people can face if they’re not prepared for what the ocean can dish up when they least expect it.

“As a Bronte Nipper I lost confidence after being dumped by a wave,’’ he said. “I moved to Clovelly Nippers and regained my confidence in calmer conditions before going back to Bronte.”

Based in Rose Bay, where Tom runs a paddle board and kayak hire business, the pair will use Sydney Harbour as a training ground for those keen

to learn paddling skills. Also included in the programs will be first aid and resuscitation sessions.

“We will emphasise the importance of learning to paddle in flat water first,” Troy explained.

“Paddling might seem simple, but it’s the foundation of everything when you’re in the ocean. It’s about technique, positioning, and confidence.”

“When you’re comfortable in calmer water, you’re much better equipped to handle the waves. This isn’t just for beginners. Whether you’re a kid, a backpacker or an adult, paddling and positioning should be the first steps before you even think about hitting the surf.”

Tom, 53, is a seasoned veteran and has won a string of surf ski and paddle titles in his career. He regularly witnesses the difficulty beginners can have.

“Teaching people to paddle in the surf is hard because the beaches are so busy,” he told The Beast.

“Calmer water is ideal because it is a genuine confidence-builder.”

“We try to inject a fun element into the programs. We held a school holiday program recently and had great feedback. Kids tend to take in more information when it’s fun and they can adjust to the boards a lot quicker.”

The boys offer a range of packages, including school holiday classes teaching essential water skills to kids aged 8-12 and 12-17. There’s also private coaching available, corporate team-building events, backpacker paddle sessions and lifeguard-themed birthday parties.

“Many people underestimate the importance of paddling and positioning before hitting the waves and our sessions are designed to build that essential foundation in calm water, giving participants the skills they need to surf safely,” Troy said.

Troy and Tom are both seasoned competitors in ski and board paddling and hope to bring a fun approach to lifeguarding while teaching vital water safety lessons.

For further information and a full list of programs, please visit www.ultimatelifeguardx.com.

Tommy and Troy will give you the confidence you need.

The groms love it.

All 482 visas may now apply for PR, including cooks, café managers, hairdressers, marketing staff, etc. The qualifying period has also been reduced to two years Please call Brendan to discuss further

Reimagining the Junction

The transformation of Bondi Junction into a reinvigorated precinct is underway following the passing of a motion from Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh and fellow-Liberal councillor Katherine Westwood.

Councillors agreed to the adoption of a Master Plan designed to breathe new life into Bondi Junction by reimagining it as a “vibrant commercial and mixed-use precinct.”

An important part of the plan is the creation of more housing opportunities, which will enable Waverley to meet the NSW government’s housing targets.

“Bondi Junction has a high-density urban landscape and excellent transportation options, connectivity and infrastructure to accommodate more dwellings,” Mayor Nemesh explained.

Meanwhile, the commercial focus will shift away from The Mall, which was seen as the main commercial and communal hub when the Council put together its planning strategy for the Junction back in 2004. The Mall

then went into decline, and when COVID came along there was an exodus of tenants from office buildings.

“Now is the time to reimagine the future role of Bondi Junction,” Mayor Nemesh and Councillor Westwood said.

Reimagining the Junction will involve a review of planning controls, a market assessment analysis “with benchmarks to other comparable commercial centres within metropolitan Sydney” and a strategic review of Council assets. This will ensure “a coordinated and sustainable approach to development.”

To kick-start the creation of the Bondi Junction Master Plan, there will be “Mayoral roundtable discussion with key stakeholders and industry before the end of 2024.”

Then once the Master Plan is agreed on, there should be a planning proposal setting out “a clear vision for land use, public spaces, transport, infrastructure and community needs, ensuring a coordinated and sustainable approach to development.”

Fighting for More Sustainable Housing Targets in Bondi

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Merrick Brent

A new grassroots community group is fighting state government plans that could see the traditional village atmosphere of Bondi obliterated by a rash of housing developments.

The group is called Save Bondi Village and it has been rallying plenty of community support at public meetings.

Save Bondi Village is fronted by distinguished academic and long-time Bondi resident Shirley Alexander AM.

“We fear that under the NSW government’s low and mid-rise housing reforms, developers will be able to bypass councils and fast track projects using pattern-book designs,” Ms Alexander told The Beast

“Bondi is already at capacity, and the impact of multiple unit blocks up to eight storeys high would have severe consequences that would reverberate across the world - we mustn’t lose touch with the important role Bondi plays in tourism.”

Save Bondi Village is running a petition calling on the state government to set more sustainable housing targets. To check it out, visit savebondivillage.com.

Shirley is looking to the future as she fights rampant housing development in Bondi.

Words and Photo Anthony Maguire

Bondi Junction is in desperate need of some love.

Jogger Zed Zlotnick is looking forward to cutting out the detour.

You’ll Soon Be Seeing More of the Coast on Coastal Walkway

Words and Photos Anthony Maguire

Randwick Council is fixing a ‘missing link’ in the Coastal Walkway so people won’t have to divert into the streets of South Coogee.

At the moment, when people go southwards from Coogee along the popular track, they have to temporarily bid farewell to the ocean at the bottom of Cuzco Street. They then take a signposted detour along Malabar Road, Mermaid Avenue and Marine Parade before rejoining the Coastal Walkway at the edge of Lurline Bay. When the tide is low, it’s possible to take a quicker route connecting with the Lurline Bay rock platform.

The reason for the detour?

An oceanfront house at the end of Cuzco Street which used to be occupied by Ellen Waugh, OAM, a noted figure in the art teaching world.

Ms Waugh passed away last January and now Randwick Council has organised with her family to buy the property for $4.9 million. It will be knocked down and a new section of the Walkway constructed going to Lurline Bay without any diversions.

The news was welcomed by Zed Zlotnick, a Coogee resident who regularly runs along the Coastal Walkway. Speaking from the top of a stairway which leads into Cuzco Street, he said, “It will be great to cut out the detour and keep to the coast.”

Mr Zlotnick says the current situation causes a lot of confusion among non-locals.

“I often see tourists stopped here with puzzled expressions on their faces. They think this is the end of the Coastal Walkway.”

Urgent Action Needed

to Avoid Fatalities at Coogee Roundabout

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Siobhan Moylan

State Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill has called for urgent action over a roundabout where there’s been a spate of recent accidents.

In the latest bingle at the Mount Street/Coogee Bay Road roundabout, a car spun out of control and flipped onto its side before slamming into two parked vehicles.

That has prompted Dr O’Neill to write to Randwick Council asking for a review of safety issues and suggesting a lowering of the speed limit (the roundabout is currently in a 50km/h zone).

The MP’s call is being welcomed by locals.

“This is the second car flip in the past month, and I’ve helped about four motorbike riders after accidents in the past six months,” says Siobhan Moylan, a resident who lives at the intersection.

“I’d love to see the whole area fitted with speed cameras and converted into a permanent 40km/h zone.”

Fortunately no one was injured in the latest prang.

The latest from Randwick City Council about living in this great city

Randwick News

I hope you and your loved ones are having a wonderful festive season and that you had the opportunity to check out Randwick City Council’s biggest Christmas program ever.

I was heartened to see thousands of people celebrating at our signature Christmas event, Coogee Carols, and supporting local business while enjoying our interactive displays in town centres across the city.

But the fun’s not over yet! Summer is still in full swing.

Whether you’re planning on celebrating New Year’s Eve with the family at Coogee Sparkles, taking in a pop-up musical performance on your local high street as part of our Summer Sounds series, or marking 26 January at our Australia Day and Culture on Country events, I hope you have a wonderful month, enjoying the best of what Randwick City has to offer.

Our beaches receive an estimated seven million visits every year, and January is peak season. With extra summer lifeguard patrols at Malabar and Little Bay beaches, our highly trained and hard-working professional lifeguards are there to look out for you.

I wish you and your nearest and dearest a happy and safe January. Remember to only swim between the red and yellow flags, follow the instructions of the lifeguards and lifesavers and always remember to slip, slop, slap!

What’s On

COOGEE SPARKLES

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 9pm, Goldstein Reserve, Coogee

CULTURE ON COUNTRY

SUNDAY 26 JANUARY 4pm – 7pm La Perouse Headland

AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY EVENT

SUNDAY 26 JANUARY 11am – 2pm Kensington Park, Kensington

Councillor Dylan Parker

Mayor of Randwick

SUMMER SOUNDS EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL 15 FEBRUARY

Town centres across Randwick City

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker

Peter hopes his book will help others with bipolar to better manage the condition.

Peter’s Bipolar Journey

Words and Photo Anthony Maguire

I’m bipolar. I didn’t choose this. It chose me. How lucky am I! Yeah, right, my fellow bipolar beings are thinking. This is a curse. Yes, sometimes it is. Other times it is a blessing...

Those are the opening words of Bipolar Head by Dover Heights resident Peter Radnai. In the recently-completed memoir, 60-year-old Mr Radnai describes his happy upbringing in Bondi, and how, in adult life, things started to go pear-shaped.

One day, at the age of 31, in the early morning hours, a voice in his head ordered him to go to Bondi Beach. At this point he was living in Bellevue Hill. He drove to the beach. Walking to the shoreline, he was transfixed by the rising sun. He felt as though he was having a supernatural experience, and was convinced that the voice in his head had been God.

But once he’d returned home, the voice gave him a new, perilous instruction - to ride his bike to the cliffs at Dover Heights.

As he rode, he was gripped by the fear that the voice was going

to tell him to jump off the notorious Gap. As a good Jewish boy, he knew that you didn’t disobey God. He writes, “Was this now becoming a test of my faith? Was this my Abraham moment?”

Fortunately, the voice then said to detour off to his parents’ home a safe distance away from the cliffs. He arrived there “babbling in a delirious state of mind.” He ended up being committed to the psych ward at Prince of Wales Hospital for three days.

The good news is that, over time, and after further interesting episodes involving what he calls “auditory hallucinations,” he learned to manage his condition. Medication helps. When he feels an episode coming on, he takes a mood stabiliser and an anti-psychotic. When you meet him today, he seems perfectly ‘normal’ (for want of a better word).

At the end of his book, he writes, “I am still here in the game of life, and blessed to get up each day, no matter which way my brain is spinning.”

How Seniors Are Spreading Their Wings at Holdsworth

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Jerry Atric

At Holdsworth’s community facility in Woollahra, life coach Mano Suttner is leading a Tai Chi class.

“This is called ‘the blue crane spreads its wings’,” he says, demonstrating a movement where one hand is raised and the other holds an imaginary ball.

The Tai Chi participants are among the many seniors who benefit from Holdsworth’s activities and services. These include group chat sessions, movies screenings and IT support classes. There is also a weekly two-hour mindfulness session in Coogee.

To access these resources, people need to register through the federal government’s My Aged Care portal.

“Mel, our Intake & Engagement Coordinator, can assist with accessing My Aged Care, whether over the phone or in person,” says Holdsworth’s Head of Marketing and Engagement, Angie Vriens.

As well as supporting seniors, Holdsworth assists NDIS participants and very young community members, who are supported through Playgroup activities.

For more information, please visit holdsworth.org.au.

Who doesn't love a bit of Tai Chi?

Local Businesses Shine at Brightest & Best Awards Night

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Enzo Amato

A yoga studio that bends over backwards to offer classes tailored to the Bondi lifestyle was winner of the People’s Choice trophy at the 2024 Waverley Brightest & Best Business Awards.

Rare Studios, based at Bondi Beach, has built up a strong following through classes with names like Super Chill and Recovery. It was the final winner to be announced among 14 businesses and individuals honoured at the November 25 awards ceremony.

Cat Duvall, who has turned female wetsuits into a beach fashion statement with her brand Naluka, won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. And the Businesswoman of the Year award went to Bella Matthews, principal of Immersia Freediving.

The awards ceremony at Bondi Pavilion was attended by 220 people, with MC Cathy Levins-Byres and Mayor Will Nemesh officiating. Mayor

Nemesh said Waverley businesses employ 25,000 people and that $2.6 billion was spent in Waverley in the 2023-24 financial year.

Also taking to the stage was Emmanuel Constantinou, President of the Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce.

“You’re the backbone of this community,” Mr Constantinou told the audience.

The Brightest & Best Awards are run by Waverley Council. Contenders went through two rounds of judging, then received a visit, phone call or web enquiry from a council-appointed ‘mystery shopper.’ The field was narrowed down to 67 finalists who turned up on the night.

One of the most prestigious award categories was Retail & E-commerce, where the winner was Bondi Beach-based women’s leather fashion trailblazer West 14th.

Winner in the Professional Services category was Bondi

Bike Shop, while The Travel Corporation took out the Sustainability Excellence award.

The winner in the Tourism and Leisure category was Bondi’s The Blue Hotel, which in the words of MC Cathy “sits somewhere between Airbnb and a traditional hotel.”

And the Hospitality & Entertainment award went to Divide8 Pizza, whose slogan is “made by locals for the locals,” and whose barbecue chicken pizza is the talk of Bronte.

Winner in the Fitness & Nutrition category was the Bondi Road gym AGOGA, commended by the judges for its small group coaching.

In the Beauty & Wellbeing category, the winner was Blow Bar, which MC Cathy said “combines hairstyling with makeup, cheeseboards and cocktails.”

The Healthcare & Medical award went to Summit Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine in Bondi Junction. And the winner in the Construction & Trade category was Beast favourite Proximity Plumbing, commended for exceptional service.

Believe Advertising & PR won the Creative & Digital award, while in the Childcare Services & Education category, the judges picked The Rhythm Village, which runs music programs for people of all abilities and ages.

Winners received trophies made from crafted timber plus in-kind prizes and shopping vouchers from sponsors and Waverley Council.

Sponsors of this year’s awards were lyf by the Ascott Limited, Westfield Bondi, Richardson & Wrench Bondi Beach, Eastside Radio, Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce, The Roosters, Bondi Innovation, Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Golf & Diggers Club, Second Nature, Dive Centre Bondi, Service NSW and The Beast.

This year's award winners with Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh.

Flickerfest Comes Back to Bondi

Words Anthony Maguire

Flickerfest will celebrate its 34th year in 2025, rolling out the red carpet at Bondi Beach from January 17-26.

The Academy qualifying and BAFTA recognised short film festival is set to move, inspire and entertain this year’s audiences with the very best short films from Australia and around the world, with over 200 shorts screening across 18 competitive programmes and six showcase sessions, and a glittering line-up of cinema stars in an astounding program selected from over 3,500 entries.

The shorts in competition at Flickerfest are vying fiercely for a number of prestigious prizes including the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, the Panasonic Lumix Award for Best Australian Short Film and the Flickerfest Award for Best Documentary - all of which are Academy qualifying.

Audiences will be delighted with Rainbow Shorts, a celebration of amazing LBTQI films from across the globe; The Best Of Shorts from the European Union; FlickerKids, a showcase of kids and family friendly films; Love Bites, featuring films about relationships; and Short Laughs, featuring comedy films.

“I’m thrilled to be celebrating our 34th year in 2025 and to have the opportunity to again share some incredible short films on Bondi’s shores,” Flickerfest Festival Director Bronwyn Kidd told The Beast.

“Flickerfest’s success and longevity is a testament to the talent of our emerging Australian filmmakers and our passionate audiences who come along to applaud them at our Bondi Pavilion home each year.”

“With a record of over 3,500 entries received, Flickerfest 2025 will again deliver an outstanding festival with so many stunning films to choose from. I am so excited to present these exceptional shorts programmes that applaud bold, inspiring, creative and unforgettable cinema in our truly magical iconic location at Bondi Beach.”

“With films for families, comedy lovers, lovers of Australian home-grown films and films from further afar and much, much more, there are so many rich stories to experience and so much talent to discover at Flickerfest again this year.”

Flickerfest hits Bondi Beach from January 17-26 before touring nationally to over 45 venues. To see the full 2025 programme and purchase tickets, please visit flickerfest.com.au.

Boot Factory Treads New Ground as

Local Community Hub

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Matheus Aravena

A 132-year-old Bondi Junction building once used for the manufacture of boots and other footwear has reopened as a centre for community events and civic innovation.

The newly refurbished Boot Factory and neighbouring Mill Hill Community Centre had an exciting reopening weekend, with music, dancing, Indigenous cultural experiences and cerebral discussions on sustainability.

Owned by Waverley Council, the two buildings are located in Spring Street around the corner from Waverley Library. They have a spacious shared courtyard where a lot of the reopening weekend entertainment took place.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the flexible spaces on the ground floor and top floor of the Boot Factory and the Mill Hill Community Centre would encourage a sense of community and connection.

“We’re excited to welcome the public back and see the variety of ways that the community will use these shared spaces,” he said.

This trio entertained the crowd in the courtyard at the Boot Factory reopening weekend.

Photo Martin Scorsese

The film festival that will outlast them all.

Evans and partner Sonia.

Beating the Odds Together

Words Annie de Merindol

Enzo Amato

You couldn’t have missed the giant melanoma installation on Tamarama during Sculpture by the Sea this year. Or maybe you

Melanoma researchers Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer were even named 2024 Australians of the Year.

Yet despite the rising tide of skin cancer awareness, melanoma still kills more young Australians than any other single cancer. One of us is diagnosed every 30 minutes. Another dies from this highly preventable disease every six hours. Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world - not a world record to be proud of!

The stats are there. So why does the allure of the ‘bronzed Aussie’ and our ‘sunburnt country’ persist? Despite decades of campaigning to teach us otherwise (‘Slip-slop-slap; slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and...

hood can trigger a melanoma later in life. And new Australians aren’t immune. UK expat and Eastern Suburbs local Neil Evans was just 48 when he finally lost his heroic three-anda-half year battle with melanoma in 2021.

If there is good news, it’s that melanoma is easily detected. Up to 95 per cent of them are curable with surgery if detected early enough. For the remaining 5 per cent, sadly, treatments can be prohibitively expensive.

In Neil’s final days, he spoke of his desire to help people with less financial means than himself to access the latest treatment options, so that everyone could have an equal chance of beating this life-threatening cancer, regardless of their

Photo

Neil

Mindfulness Tips and Techniques for Summer

Words Robyn Carrington

Anne Ziety

The holiday season, often filled with joy and celebration, can also bring about stress and anxiety. Balancing family gatherings, gift shopping and personal expectations can overwhelm even the most organised individuals. Mindfulness - the practice of being present and fully engaged in the momentoffers valuable tools to navigate this bustling time. Here are just a few tips and techniques to cultivate mindfulness during the holidays...

Set Intentions

Before the holiday season kicks into full swing, take a moment to reflect on what you truly want from this time. Setting clear intentions - whether it is to connect more with family, practise gratitude or find moments of peace - can help guide your actions and keep you grounded amidst chaos.

Limit Multi-Tasking

During the holidays it’s tempting to juggle multiple tasks - wrapping gifts while cooking, or scrolling through social media while chatting with loved ones, for example - but try to focus on one activity at a time. This not only improves your effectiveness but also allows you to fully engage with each mo ment, whether it is a conversation or a task.

Practise Self-Compassion

Remember that the holidays do not have to be perfect, and if things don’t go as planned, practise self-compassion. Acknowledge your feelings with out judgment, and remind yourself that it is okay to feel overwhelmed. Be gentle with yourself and prioritise your mental well-being.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and looking for local support or access to psychiatrists, The Sydney Clinic is the Eastern Suburbs’ only private mental health facility and is here to support our commu nity throughout the holiday period. To speak to an experienced clinician about the services and treatments available, please call 9389 8888.

Photo

Plenty of Good Reasons to Visit the Bondi Pavilion

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Tashi Hall

Pull the strings on a 10-metre long whale puppet, walk through a digital projection of rising floodwaters, enjoy short films from around the world... These are just a few of the experiences in store for you at the Bondi Pavilion this summer.

The Whale is an installation from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Western Australia, presented by Waverley Council as part of Sydney Festival. The cetacean puppet will be hovering in the Pavilion courtyard from January 4-12.

“It allows audiences to imagine the whale’s world up close, inspiring a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world,” says Philip Mitchell, Artistic Director of Spare Parts.

Another highlight is Rise and Fall, a new installation by Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens. This evocative work responds to the climate catastrophe that struck Dickens’ home town of Lismore during the floods of February 2022. As you enter the exhibition you’ll be engulfed by a digitally-mapped floor projection of footage taken by Ms Dickens of the Richmond River in flood. Then the artist draws a connection to Bondi’s mermaid mythology, with images of an Indigenous mermaid in flooded Lismore. Giving the installation a post-apocalyptic twist are massive tree roots gouged from the earth by the floods. Rise and Fall runs from December 7-February 2.

Continuing the exploration of climate change and environment is the January 11 screening of Earth Ball - a film by cult surfing film maker Andrew Kidman that looks at the devastating effects of ocean pollution. And An Evening Without Kate Bush (a hilarious Valentine’s treat and perfect date night cabaret) will be showing from Febuary 14-15.

Add to these attractions the Love the Coast photo exhibition on February 14-15, plus Sunday Sounds sessions every Sunday in January from 5pm in the courtyard or atrium, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to head for the Pavilion this summer.

The Whale coming to the Pavilion courtyard.

Crime News

Rabbitoh Filmed Sex

‘For the Boys’ Up and coming Rabbitoh Toby Sullivan got lucky with a woman one night at the Coogee Pavilion Hotel.

They went back to her place in Bondi, where 21-year-old Sullivan decided to record part of their sexual encounter for the entertainment and edification of his mates.

As they went at it like the proverbial rabbits, the woman was facing away from him at one point, giving Sullivan the opportunity to grab his phone and start recording.

However, he was quickly caught out and Sullivan’s adventures in the garden of delights came to an abrupt end.

“It’s just for the boys,” Sullivan protested as the 34-yearold woman grabbed the phone and deleted the recordings.

Soon after that, he made his exit. And the next day the woman went to the police.

When officers came knocking on Sullivan’s door, he denied having been intimate with the

woman or even being at the Coogee pub that night. However, after seizing his phone, police were able to retrieve the deleted files, along with a selfie Sullivan had taken in the woman’s flat earlier.

In Waverley Court, Sullivan pleaded guilty to intentionally recording an intimate image without consent. Magistrate Michael Barko sentenced him to an 18-month conditional release order.

Whether it will affect his future with South Sydney is another matter. With 23 matches under his belt, he is regarded as one on the Rabbitohs’ most promising young players and in August 2024 was named ‘Best Forward’ at the club’s Senior Male Pathways Awards.

Grandmother’s ‘Suspicious’ Death

Maroubra man Shane Tucker has been declared a ‘person of interest’ as police investigate the death of grandmother Christine Dawson in a Housing Commission unit.

Tucker, 55, has been charged with breaching an AVO taken out to protect 69-year-old Ms Rawson from him. Police say her death in the Astoria Circuit unit is ‘suspicious’ and Homicide Squad detectives have been called in to assist officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command in the investigation.

Psst - Wanna Buy Some Ice (or Coke, Acid, Smack, Butanediol or Oxycodone …)?

A driver pulled up by police in Bellevue Hill is said to have been carrying a smorgasbord of different drugs.

In his car police say they found 35 grams of meth, 7 grams of cocaine and a massive 1.3 kilograms of Butanediol or ‘bute’- a drug that has similar euphoric effects to GHB. But wait, there’s more. Further

illicit substances were allegedly found in this drug dispensary on wheels - small amounts of oxycodone, heroin, LSD and cannabis! Plus two knives and $1,925 cash. Eastern Suburbs Police charged the man with numerous offences.

Screamer Arrested

Police attended an address in Hardy Street, North Bondi following reports about a man screaming loudly inside his unit.

The man refused to open the door and specialist officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad were brought in, along with a police negotiator who talked to the man at a window.

However, he still declined to admit the visitors and there was a three hour stand-off before officers broke down the door and took him into custody. The man (no longer screaming by this point) was then taken to hospital by ambulance.

Tobacco Shop Robbery

A knife-wielding bandit made off with cash from a tobacco shop on Anzac Parade Maroubra.

Two days later, police arrested a 31-year-old man in Darlinghurst and charged him with the November 19 tobacco shop hold-up plus another armed robbery in Randwick on July 19.

135km/h P-Plater

A young Randwick man won’t be driving for a while after police clocked him driving 55 km/h over the speed limit on Foreshore Road, Botany.

The Highway Patrol pulled him over after he drove 135km/h in an 80km/h zone. The 21-year-old P2 licence holder was given an on-the-spot six-month driving ban and faces a hefty fine when his case goes through the courts.

Words Jimmy Felon

Photo South Sydney Rabbitohs

Footy player recorded sexual encounter to impress his mates.

Alcohol will be prohibited at all Randwick City beachside parks and reserves over this year’s Christmas, New Year and Australia Day period.

Many beachside parks have yearround alcohol restrictions while other beachside areas are restricted for the summer holiday period to increase safety and reduce anti-social behaviour. Please look out for signage at beachside parks or check our website for more details.

Alcohol is permanently prohibited at all Randwick City beaches.

Prawn Cocktail Sliders with Shredded Fries

The prawn cocktail is synonymous with Aussie summers. Combining the freshest Australian cooked prawns, crunchy iceberg lettuce, perfectly ripe avocado and a punchy cocktail sauce, this recipe is a classic.

Whether you stick to a retro version, deconstruct it or create your own modern interpretation, it’s quintessentially summer and you can enjoy it any way you like.

I’ve taken the prawn cocktail from the fancy glass to the brioche slider bun, perfect for a snack after a Sunday swim or an impressive entertainer for friends dropping in.

This cocktail sauce is creamy, tangy and peppery - just the right vehicle for elevating the brioche bun to scrumptious status. A side of crispy, shredded fries adds crunch and fun to this golden oldie of summer recipes.

Ingredients

10 brioche slider buns

20 cooked Australian tiger prawns, shelled, deveined and cut into chunks

1½ cups iceberg lettuce, finely chopped

1 ripe avocado, sliced thinly

¼ cup chives, finely chopped

1 spring onion, finely chopped

Cocktail sauce

¼ cup crème fraiche

¼ cup tomato sauce

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

Squeeze of lemon juice

Cracked black pepper

Sea salt

Shredded fries

1 large Royal Crème potato, peeled

2 cups olive oil for frying

Method

1. To make the cocktail sauce, add all ingredients in a bowl and combine well. Keep refrigerated.

2. To make the shredded potato, using a mandolin set to julienne on the finest setting, slice the potato and place on some paper towel. Squeeze out any moisture gently.

3. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and when hot, place the potato in the oil in batches. Separate the pieces with tongs so they don’t stick and fry for approximately 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towel.

4. In a bowl, combine the prawns, chives, spring onion and cocktail sauce.

5. Halve the brioche buns horizontally and place the bases on a serving plate. Layer the iceberg lettuce on the bottom, followed by sliced avocado and the cocktail prawn mixture.

6. Top each brioche bun with the lids. Serve the prawn cocktail sliders with the shredded fries in a bowl on the side.

Dana Sims is a Sydneybased food and prop stylist who has grown up in the Eastern Suburbs and loves to create delicious food. She is inspired by the fresh produce we have access to in Sydney. For ideas, recipes and styling inspiration, check out her Instagram, @stone_and_twine.

Words Dana Sims Instagram @stone_and_twine

The taste of summer.

For over six decades, Lucas Meats has been a cherished cornerstone of the Eastern suburbs, serving as a one-stop shop for everything you need. Located at 48 Macpherson Street, Bronte, this family-owned and operated butcher shop has built a legacy supporting the local community. Over the years, the shop has forged strong bonds with schools, charities and community sporting events, consistently providing products for barbecues, fundraisers, and family gatherings across the Eastern Suburbs.

Lucas Meats doesn’t just serve the community; it’s an integral part of it, proudly giving back and reinforcing the values of family and togetherness. Their in-house smoked hams are a local legend, especially during Christmas when families from all over Sydney come to pick up their holiday centrepiece.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a large event, Lucas Meats offers quality products and exceptional

service with a personal touch. With their longstanding tradition and passion for serving the community, Lucas Meats is more than a butcher shopit’s a trusted part of the local fabric.

Bringing the highest-quality, 100% Australian-sourced meat to its customers, the shop offers a wide range of fresh beef, lamb, pork and poultry that customers can rely on for both freshness and provenance. This commitment to excellence has made Lucas Meats a popular choice not only among retail shoppers but also within the wholesale market, serving restaurants, caterers and local businesses.

Stepping into Lucas Meats is an experience that combines the warmth of tradition with the finest of products. The knowledgeable staff behind the counter are always ready to assist, providing customers with expert recommendations for any occasionwhether it’s a Sunday roast, weekday dinner or large community barbecue.

And for those planning a fully-fledged barbie, Lucas Meats is a one-stop shop - you’ll find everything from freshly made sausages and in-house smoked bacon, to free-range eggs, sliced onions and even fresh bread rolls!

For those in the Eastern Suburbs and beyond, Lucas Meats is more than just a butcher - it’s a trusted family-run institution built on decades of hard work, passion and a commitment to quality. So next time you’re in Bronte, stop by and discover the Lucas Meats difference, where tradition, community and exceptional 100% Australian-sourced products come together to create a truly unforgettable shopping experience.

Follow @Lucas_Meats on Instagram to stay up-to-date with seasonal offerings, specials and community events, and become part of a proud legacy that’s been serving Bronte with excellence since 1963.

From Barbecue Essentials to Holiday Hams LUCAS MEATS HAS IT ALL LUCAS QUALITY MEATS

Emotional Intelligence

In last month’s article I used the robot TARS from the movie Interstellar as a muse to talk about regret. Like any muse worth its salt, if it keeps the inspiration flowing then you may as well keep it on the payroll, right? Well, after hinting that perhaps TARS has no regrets due to being a machine, it did get me wondering where he stands on personality?

For those familiar with the film, TARS does have some changeable settings that allow the captain to mess around a bit with traits such as sarcasm and humour, but I do wonder how he would go if you wanted to talk to him about your loveless marriage or if your dog died, or if you’re just feeling a bit shitty and just need to talk. The question you might want to ask TARS before going too deep is whether he has any emotional intelligence?

Of course TARS is just a fictional character, but the reality is machines and AI programs like TARS are here now, on earth, in real time. And sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it is not going away. This begs the question, how much emotional intelligence does AI actually have?

To give this some scope it’s worth knowing what the core components are that give someone emotional intelligence. They are empathy, effective communication and/or social skills, self-awareness, self-regulation and motivation. It’s no secret that there are hundreds of chatbots, computer self-programs, apps and the like you can turn to for mental health reasons, and some of them do actually help, which is truly fantastic. But remember, they don’t necessarily give you the first two - empathy and effective communication. They may hear you, but are they truly listening and understanding how you feel?

Empathy is undoubtedly the number one thing you want from a therapist that you won’t get from AI. You might get satisfaction on some fronts, but in the end they are giving you a programmed response, which really means they just won’t understand. It’s only another person’s ability to understand and share our feelings that help, or to take it one step further, the ability to manage our own emotions and understand the emotions of those around you.

Emotional intelligence began to trend in the ’90s and became big in the world of human resources. Claims started surfacing that workplace prosperity comes from about 20 per cent general life success like cognitive skills, academic ability and personality, with the remaining 80 per cent being directly attributable to emotional intelligence. This 1:4 ratio posits the notion of using emotion to facilitate thinking, emotional knowledge to analyse stuff and emotional regulation to promote growth. Thirty-odd years on, today’s conceptualisation might also include adaptability, confidence, stress management, low impulsiveness, emotional management and the ability to communicate or regulate feelings. TARS would agree that all these things are handy.

Fundamentally, however, the core components of emotional intelligence are difficult to measure. This leads to another question; is emotional intelligence ‘real’ intelligence? That is hard to answer, because emotional intelligence is highly subjective, which brings us back to empathy. Only a real human can offer real empathy. Despite what your AI girlfriend or ‘Chadbot’ might tell you, they will never know how you truly feel.

A well-known relationships podcaster has just released an AI program that tells you what to say if you are having problems with your significant other and don’t know what to say. It’s frighteningly good, and it actually sounds like his real voice. Type in your problem and, bingo, he tells you what to say. I have no idea where the litigation lies if he tells you to say something and the other person belts you, but to me it sounds dangerous.

The point is, only a human can give you emotional intelligence, because only a human can have emotional intelligence - AI just can’t. If you’ve ever called CommBank and dealt with their AI bank teller you can understand the letdown. You can only say “speak to human” so many times before you hang up.

It’s the combination that works. There is nothing wrong with using AI for mental health, but the better combination is using it in conjunction with a therapist as this gives the best chance of helping, especially when it comes to real emotional intelligence and genuine empathy. As TARS himself says, “Absolute honesty isn’t always the most diplomatic form of communication with emotional beings.” No shit, Sherlock!

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

Words Jeremy Ireland

Photo Christopher Nolan

Interstellar's weird TARS robot.

A Sun-Safe Summer

As the summer holidays approach and we descend upon our beaches, parks and backyards to soak up the sun, it’s essential to remember that this season also brings with it a significant risk of developing skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, a sobering statistic that should prompt us all to take sun safety seriously. In Australia, one person is diagnosed with skin cancer every 30 minutes on average. We have the highest rate of skin cancer diagnosis in the world. That’s one world record I’m sure we all wish we didn’t have!

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, and two out of three Australians

will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. UV radiation levels are higher in Australia than in many other countries due to such factors as our proximity to the equator and the thinner ozone layer in the southern hemisphere, as well as our relatively low air pollution, which allows more UV radiation to reach the ground. During the summer months, Australia is of course closer to the sun and UV radiation intensifies. Our sandy beaches can reflect UV rays and increase our exposure.

UV radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer, and it doesn’t take long for damage to occur. In fact, UV exposure can start causing harm within ten minutes, depending on the strength of the sun. But here’s

the good news; skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and adopting sun-safe habits can significantly reduce your risk. Stay out of the sun and seek shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, hats and sunglasses, and ideally Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rated clothes. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

Regular skin checks are another critical component of sun safety. I had my yearly check just last week. Early detection of skin cancer can save lives, so it’s vital to monitor your skin for any changes. Look for new moles, spots or lesions, and consult a healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual. Scheduling annual skin checks with a dermatologist is particularly important for those with fair skin, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer.

While sun safety starts with the individual, communities can also play a role. Schools, workplaces and sporting clubs should encourage sun-safe practices by providing shaded areas and promoting education about UV risks. Children’s skin is more sensitive to UV damage, so ensure they use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and stay in the shade.

This summer, let’s enjoy our lovely beaches and great outdoors responsibly. By adopting sun-safe habits and spreading awareness, we can reduce the toll of skin cancer in our community. Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and SlideSlip on protective clothing, Slop on some sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. And have a fabulous and safe summer!

Words Dr Marjorie O’Neill - Member for Coogee

Photo Mel Anoma

Always remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

WISHING EVERYONE ACROSS THE EASTERN SUBURBS

Happy Holidays

Stay safe on our beautiful beaches this summer. Make sure you Slip Slop Slap, only swim at patrolled beaches and swim between the flags.

We are here to help. If we can be of any assistance, email us at coogee@parliament.nsw.gov.au, call us on 02 9398 1822, or visit us at a mobile office.

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YOU IN 2025!

r

Marjorie

O’Neill MP Member for Coogee P: 02 9398 1822 : coogee@parliament nsw gov au

The Unreliable Guide to... Being a Cunning Linguist

The Unreliable Guide is learning Italian - again. I’ve been trying to become fluent in la bella lingua for the last 30 years. But, because I don’t live in Italy or have Italian friends prepared to listen to me mangle their language, I don’t get enough practice. Those beautiful, sexy words keep falling out of my head as fast as I stuff them in there. Che pecato!

On the few occasions when all the right words come out in the correct order, I feel like a character in a Fellini film, waving my arms like my veins are flowing with pure espresso. It’s the same when je parle français - I might not know much, but I can pout, shrug Gallically and twirl an invisible Gauloise.

The Persian proverb believes, “A new language is a new life”, and I agree. It’s fun pretending to be a different, possibly better version of ourselves. So, if you, like me, want to avoid being the kind of person who talks to foreigners by speaking English VERY LOUDLY, The Unreliable Guide is here with some tips and tricks on how to become a truly cunning linguist.

Broken English

It’s a fact, universally acknowledged, that most English people are shit at languages. Partly it’s the way we’re taught at school. According to writer Munia Khan, “Grammar is the breathing power for the life of language”, yet in both Britain and Australia grammar wasn’t taught for decades. Most of us have no structure to hang our own language onto, let alone anyone else’s.

But I also think many native English speakers have a kind of post-colonial assumption that everyone will and should speak English. Stuff that! I’m all for the Aussie principle of have-ago. There’s a bunch of language learning apps out there, trying to make the learning process less painful. Duolingo is a popular one, although I swear by Earworms as it uses the power of music to plant languages in your brain like lyrics from a song.

Writer David Sedaris has written several stories about his battle to learn French with a terrifying teacher, but evening classes can be a great way to

progress beyond the limits of an app and make like-minded friends. Even if, as the Portuguese say, “Old donkeys do not learn languages,” this old donkey is stubbornly going to try.

But Why Bother?

‘What’s the point?’ I hear you ask, of us native English speakers jolly well bothering to learn the foreign when there are about 1.5 billion chaps worldwide speaking English for our benefit? Well, it turns out that learning a second language is really good for you. Studies show that it can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, speed our recovery from brain injuries, improve concentration, aid problem solving and increase information processing. If that doesn’t convince you, try this. Speaking just a few Portuguese phrases to our car hire agent in Lisbon got us an invitation to lunch. Trying out our Tagalog while visiting rice terraces in the Philippines inspired locals to invite us to a family wedding.

Those of you who regularly read this column will know the importance I place on not being a git, and this applies doubly so when we travel. We should be diplomats, discovering new ways to see the world, and language is the key to that. But if you’re still thinking, ‘What the f*ck are you on about?’ then why not learn how to say it in Italian? Che cazzo parli? All my favourite Italian insults feature the word cazzo, which means dick. I don’t know why the phrase, ‘What the dick are you looking at?’ should be so funny, but it is.

Finally, The Unreliable Guide suggests we remember the words of the master of La Dolce Vita himself, Federico Fellini, “A different language is a different vision of life.” Exactly! So why restrict ourselves to just one?

Words Nat Shepherd Photo Giordano Bullfrog

Federico Fellini with La Dolce Vita star Anita Ekberg.

Little Bay is Australia’s New Capital of Big Things

Words Kieran Blake - kieranblakewriter.org Photo Skye Scraper

Little Bay will become the capital of Australia’s big things after a benevolent developer chose the ailing suburb to spearhead the rejuvenation of the Eastern Suburbs.

Big things dominate Australia’s landscape and pay kitsch homage to the unique traits of a region. Nothing exemplifies the Eastern Suburbs like a giant piece of ostentatious real estate.

Little Bay’s big thing will comprise almost 2,000 new apartments once planning authorities finally succumb to the humanitarian developer’s mission to save a derelict suburb known for its housing commission, neglected beach, four golf courses and a prison.

Enormous fibreglass edifices will soon materialise throughout the East.

Maroubra wins the Big Bra, while litres and litres of silicon will form the Big Breasts over Tamarama beach, which is famous for normalising topless sunbaking. Malabar will receive a Big Compass in honour of

its namesake, while Coogee residents can meet up at the Big Bouquet, designed to complement Wedding Cake Island and to send local boyfriends running headlong into the shore break.

Clovelly locals get a Big Snorkel, which doubles as a waterslide from the roof of the surf club into the bay and will attract even more blow-ins to Sydney’s worst-kept secret.

Moore Park will carry the Big Balls. One will sit between the SFS and SCG and will be sure to please the stadia’s combatants, while the Big Ball outside the golf course will be cut in half. Residents and members can gaze forlornly upon the castration while remembering that the little suburb is big enough for four courses.

Neighbouring Centennial Parklands adjoins multiple suburbs, so a plebiscite will determine the construction of either the Big Manure or the Big MAMIL (Middle-Aged Man in Lycra).

Locals in Randwick and Kensington, meanwhile, must ready themselves for an influx of utes and iced coffee. Prince of Wales Hospital will sit beneath the Big Heart and UNSW will display the Big Brain, as it produces the country’s best doctors and writers. The Big Brain will be the second feature at the centre of learning which is visible from space. Down the hill at Randwick Racecourse, punters can snap selfies with the Big Jockey, standing at a preposterous 5ft 1 inch.

Tenants of Little Bay’s big thing will enjoy panoramic views of all of these gigantic tourist attractions. They can also kick back with a sundowner and watch the guests of Long Bay Correctional Centre. Most importantly, the chosen few can look down upon the humble houses of the suburb’s long-standing residents and bask in the knowledge that the largest and most prized monument unites them with the altruistic developer and the residents of Bondi - the Big Ego.

Harry's dream scenario.

The

Subject Alice by the Sea Location Bondi Photographer Manuel Basurto

Subject Beautiful Torture Location Coogee Photographer Alexandra Thorburn

Subject The Tamanaut Location Tamarama Photographer Natasha Kaur

Subject Gulliver Location Coogee Photographer Geoffrey Emerson

Subject Silver Sunrise Location Bondi Photographer Liz Kavanagh

Subject Blue on Blue Location Coogee

Photographer Claudia Lovett

Subject Fox Trot Location Bondi Photographer Neil Richards

Subject Feathery Flock Location Bondi Photographer Béatrice Bathany

Subject Prance of the Heron Location Maroubra Photographer May-Linn Hammer

Subject Morning Meeting Location Coogee Photographer Brody Vancers

Small Boat, Big Fun

Words and Photo Lewis Kennedy-Hunt

There comes a time in every fisho’s life when the allure of open ocean fishing takes hold. What was once an itch that could be scratched with a few small fish in the harbour becomes an obsession that requires far-flung, deep-water spots and elusive fish. I suppose this speaks as much to humankind’s endless pursuit of ‘bigger and better’ as it does to an all-consuming fishing fixation.

Usually this inevitable stage in a fishing career is accompanied by the decision to buy a suitable offshore boat and a symphony of gear to go with it, marking the beginning of a life of financial misadventure. As for me, the $100,000 boat is still a distant dream, so I find myself equipped with a humble four-metre tinnie, a thirst for adventure and the open ocean - what could possibly go wrong?

Perhaps one of the most sought after ocean-going fish is the mahi-mahi (or common dolphinfish). Boasting a top speed of over 90km/h - the fourth fastest fish in the world - they offer anglers a fight like no other. Their iridescent turquoise-yellow colouration is hypnotic to the eyes and their firm white flesh is delectable on the plate. From

October to March, the East Australian Current bends in closer to the coast, bringing with it warmer water from the equator and a host of exotic species including the mahi-mahi. Opportunistically, a network of fish aggregating devices (FADs) are deployed by fisheries directly in their course, causing huge congregations of fish to stack up. A FAD is simply a small buoy anchored to the bottom in 100-plus metres of water to provide a point of structure in what is otherwise a large featureless body of water. However, fishing the Sydney FAD is a gold rush, and once word gets out that the dollies are running, everyone flocks offshore with an insatiable case of gold fever. In fact, avoiding the crowds is the hardest part about catching mahi-mahi off Sydney, with too much boat activity often causing the bite to shut down. If you can pick a time with less boats, you will catch more fish.

Recently, while perusing the weather charts, I spotted a window that I just couldn't ignore. Unlike the bigger more seaworthy boats, a four-metre boat requires specific conditions to avoid a disaster going out that far, so I knew I needed to seize the opportunity. With work at

8am, I woke up at 3.30am and made my way to the bait grounds in the dark, stocking up on ten live yellowtail before punching out just before first light. After 45 minutes steaming toward the horizon making sure to stay on track to my GPS mark, a distant yellow shape unveiled itself on the horizon. I could see swirls of fish activity around the buoy as the current ripped by, and I knew I was in for a good session with not another boat in sight.

I made no hesitation in pinning a Mars Bar-size livey onto my 30lb set-up, ready to pitch it at the fish like a lamb to a lion’s den. Nearly instantly the yellowtail was eaten and I prepared for chaos to ensue - but I pulled the hook just as quickly. Eventually I got a solid hook-up and boated a good eating sized mahi-mahi after a short fight.

After a series of decent dollies and the occasional rat king, the bite was rudely interrupted by a head-mounted GoPro wielding punter with a loud two-stroke engine who took it upon himself to roar around the FAD between drifts before growing tired of catching nothing and leaving.

The fish were spooked after this, but I left a live bait out the back just in case. As I was about to pull the pin some 15 minutes later, my reel spontaneously lit up and I watched in awe as a hundred metres of line screamed off the spool in seconds. I could see the turquoise fin cutting through the surface in the distance and heading straight toward the FAD itself, so I quickly put the boat in gear and pulled the fish away from the structure.

After 15 minutes of blistering runs and spirited lunges I finally boated my PB mahi-mahi, marvelling at its broad fluorescent frame. This was the proper one I had ventured out here for and I could barely contain my excitement. By this time the wind had come up, so I took a few snaps before making my way back in through the chop, just in time to start a day’s work.

A 1.05m dollie caught on Lewis' Okuma Pressure Point PE 2-4 rod, Okuma Salina 5000 reel, with 30lb Platypus braid and fluoro leader.

January 2025 Tide Chart

The Beast Supercross

1. What product has the advertising slogan “Taste the Rainbow”?

2. Who recently beat Mike Tyson in a boxing match?

3. What is the capital of Belarus?

4. What type of fish is Marlin from Finding Nemo?

Trivial Trivia

5. How many summer Olympics have taken place in the Southern Hemisphere?

6. What do the following words have in common - isosceles, equilateral and scalene?

7. What is the name of the pet dinosaur in The Flintstones?

ACROSS

1. Recent ARIA Album of Year winner (5,5)

7. Initials of Australia’s favourite vet (1,1)

8. Plural noun for a counting device (5)

9. Hairdo (8)

10. Block of metal (5)

11. Shady garden alcove (US spelling) (5)

12. A casserole of meat and vegetables (6)

14. Yiddish word meaning to snack (4)

16. Can be sold for less (1,1,1)

18. Sister of one’s parent (4)

20. Steffi Graf’ s hubby, Andre ... (6)

22. Boxer, Muhammad …. (3)

23. Mental illness procedure (8)

DOWN

1. Left-handed Aussie batsman

(6,4)

2. Orange furred primate (9)

3. Removal of a tenant from a property (8)

4. Cricket-loving South Asian country (5)

5. Fee paid by passenger to fly (7)

6. Chemical symbol for lead (1,1)

7. A form of visual art, frequently animated (7)

13. Trinidad’s smaller sibling (6)

15. Lewd or brazen woman (5)

16. Physician who cares for women during pregnancy and childbirth (1,1)

17. Fertile or green area in an arid region (5)

19. Tortilla with filling (4)

21. Abbreviated bodily stench (1,1)

22. Stomach muscle abbrv (2)

8. What do you call a group of flamingos - a parliament, a flamboyance or a pinktet?

9. Nearly all fossils are preserved in what type of rock?

10. Cillian Murphy plays a 1900s mob boss in which streaming series?

Coogee Moonrise.

Words Lisa Anderson Photo Anne Skyvington

A Real Pain

Genre Comedy, Drama

Reviewer Linda Heller-Salvador

Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Zombieland) draws from his Polish heritage to write, direct and star in the semi-autobiographical comedy-drama A Real Pain. It follows polar-opposite cousins, David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) on a life-changing pilgrimage through Poland to honour their recently deceased grandmother, a Holocaust survivor.

Their contrasting personalities lead to clashes that reveal underlying tensions and test their relationship. Benji, with his laidback charm and socially unfiltered nature, is a lovable yet obnoxious extrovert and a predictably unpredictable walking contradiction. David aptly observes this when he remarks, “You light up a room, and then you, like, shit on everything inside it.” In contrast, David is socially awkward and self-conscious, with a somewhat anxious disposition.

Amidst the comical chaos of A Real Pain, deeper meanings emerge as Eisenberg skillfully balances poignant moments of grief with quirky humour. The result is an insightful character study that explores family dynamics, personal growth and how past and present events can leave an enduring mark on who we become.

Kendrick Lamar GNX

Label pgLang, Interscope Records

Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

King Kendrick is back with a surprise album, fresh off outing Drake as a paedophile (an as yet unsubstantiated allegation). Personally, I do not like surprise albums. There is romance in anticipation, and I will invest more time if I’ve been looking forward to something - like when the good crisps go on special at the supermarket - and while GNX is certainly entertaining, it doesn’t quite feel like a Kendrick Lamasterpiece. Perhaps he felt this too and hence decided to set it free. It is still very good though. His swagger and rage only seem to be growing with age and I find that simply wonderful.

Michael Kiwanuka Small Changes

Label Polydor Records

Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

I’m not sure if water beds with silken sheets are still a thing, but if they are, Small Changes would make a wonderful soundtrack to smoothly making love in that environment. In the absence of a water bed, perhaps it would be better served with a candlelit seafood dinner, an expensive bottle of wine and an amusing tête-à-tête about potentially frolicking through Europe together. Kiwanuka’s albums always ooze nostalgia and intelligence and his subtlety is key to his charm. Your pants will be off and face flushed with satisfaction before you even realise you’ve been seduced.

Kim Deal

Nobody Loves You More

Label 4AD

Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

Dropping your debut solo album in your sixties is a bold move, but when you play bass for the Pixies you can do whatever the hell you want. I must admit my initial response to the hype around Nobody Loves You More was suspecting it was a bunch of smoke being blown up a tired old rockstar’s arse, but I was wrong to be so cynical. It is a cracking album. What is notable is the variety between songs. Deal doesn’t restrain herself to just one sound; she hops all over the place, while somehow continuing to flow with the grace of a murmuration of starlings.

Star Signs

Visions Beardy from Hell

Pisces Feb 20-Mar 20

No decision you make is going to increase your chances of success in life, so leave everything to luck and you should be fine.

Aries Mar 21-Apr 20

Your crippling indecision is a futile strategy to delay imaginary negative consequences caused by high levels of neuroticism.

Taurus Apr 21-May 21

Although it may feel like you have no control over what happens to you, this is no reason to behave like a victim.

Gemini May 22-Jun 21

Your obsession with the loyalty and trustworthiness of your friends is weirding them out and risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Cancer Jun 22-Jul 22

Focus on tying up loose ends rather than trying to push complex new initiatives forward that you’re never going to achieve.

Leo Jul 23-Aug 22

Don’t become too reliant on AI or you will inherit its limitations and stop questioning your own conclusions.

Virgo Aug 23-Sep 23

The best way to achieve your New Year’s resolution to stress less is to not set unrealistic resolutions like that in the first place.

Libra Sep 24-Oct 23

Borrow from the narcissistic personality disorder handbook and use the silent treatment to effectively punish your victims.

Scorpio Oct 24-Nov 22

A good way to overcome financial pressure and stop worrying about money is to start spending other people’s instead.

Sagittarius Nov 23-Dec 21

Stop neglecting your own needs, desires and well-being in favour of pleasing others or conforming to societal expectations.

Trivial Trivia Solutions

1. Skittles 2. Jake Paul 3. Minsk 4. Clownfish

5. Three 6. They are all types of triangles 7. Dino 8. A flamboyance 9. Sedimentary 10. Peaky Blinders

SHOPPING AT HARRIS FARM MARKETS THIS CHRISTMAS:

A FOOD LOVER’S PARADISE

Harris Farm Markets is centred around the festive season this summer... by Christopher Kringle

Harris Farm has been a beloved name in Australia for over 52 years, and for good reason. Family-owned and passionately committed to providing the best for the community, it’s a place where local fruit & veg, ethical sourcing and Aussie seasons are celebrated. As you walk through the stores, you will see these values in every aisle. It’s not your standard supermarket experience - more like the warmth and charm of a bustling local market.

From Chore to Joy Weekly grocery shopping used to be a dreaded chore - until I discovered Harris Farm. Now, it’s something I get excited about! For Christmas shopping, Harris Farm is the place to be. The first thing that greets you is the abundance of fresh, colourful produce: plump stone fruits and berries, aromatic herbs and veggies so fresh and fragrant it feels like you just plucked them yourself.

This year, I’ll be merry with their cherries - yes, but the premium variety (34-36mm in size) is

worth it. These cherries are bigger, have smaller seeds and offer excellent value. I also couldn’t resist the lychees (look out for their dragon lychees, available the week of Christmas), and of course a tray of mangoes (Kensington Pride) had to come home with me. Where else can you find such an incredible selection in one shop?

Harris Farm also champions sustainability with their Imperfect Picks program, helping farmers sell delicious but not-quite-perfect fruit & veg. This initiative ensures farmers are supported and valued. Harris Farm’s Total Crop Solution program takes it further, purchasing entire harvests rather than just the top-grade items. It’s an approach that showcases Harris Farm’s commitment to the community and the environment.

A Feast Fit for Christmas

For my Christmas spread, I went straight to Harris Farm to gather everything I needed to wow the crowd. Their selection of more than 600 cheeses is a highlight. Whether

it’s a creamy burrata, a DOP aged parmesan or something in between, there’s no shortage of inspiration for a stunning cheese platter.

When it came to the centrepiece, I was spoiled for choice with the Christmas hams. After some deliberation, I chose the Blackforest Smoked Ham, traditionally smoked in Marrickville and voted one of the best hams in Australia - a guaranteed hit for my family roast.

Seafood Perfection

No Christmas feast is complete without seafood, and picking the perfect selection can make or break the occasion. Thankfully, one of Harris Farm’s seafood partners, Fish In The Family, makes it easy. Their team was incredibly helpful, guiding me through the wide selection of fresh, locally sourced seafood. Of course, I couldn’t go wrong with prawns - they’re always a Christmas essential.

Christmas Gifting Galore

Christmas gifting at Harris Farm is a breeze, with an impressive range of chocolates and panettone. From classic styles to luxurious, indulgent options, there’s something for everyone, such as Koko Black chocolates and D.Barbero Panettone. Whether you’re gifting a thoughtful treat or indulging yourself, Harris Farm has it all.

More Than Just a Store

This summer, Harris Farm Markets is the ultimate destination for everything you need to create a magical festive season. With dedication to quality, community and sustainability, shopping is not just a task - it’s an experience. Happy feasting, and Merry Christmas!