The Beast - November 2024

THURS 31 OCT FROM 5PM

Spooky BiteS AND Family Delights

• Face Painting

• Best Dressed Prizes

• Kid’s Activities

• $10 Kid’s Meals

• $17 Schnitzels

• Beetlejuice Cocktails

Democracy Manifest

Words James Hutton - Publisher

Welcome to the November 2024 edition of The Beast, the monthly magazine for Sydney’s manifestly democratic beaches of the east.

The results of the New South Wales local government elections are finally in, with losses to the Greens across the Eastern Suburbs reflecting swings to the Liberals in Waverley and Woollahra, and to the ALP in Randwick (see the table on the right for the full list of councillors). The local swings against the Greens came despite a significant increase in the number of Greens councillors state-wide.

Waverley will now have three Labor councillors (down one from the previous term), six Liberals (up one), two Greens (down one) and one Independent (up one). It’s worth mentioning that the successful Independent councillor, Steven Lewis, was formerly a Labor councillor, but contested this election for Hunter Ward as a progressive Independent.

It was a different story in Randwick, where the ALP flexed its muscles, notching up substantial gains in all five wards. Randwick will now have six Labor councillors (up one), five Liberals, three Greens (down one) and one Independent.

In Woollahra, the council will consist of nine Liberals (up one), five Residents First Woollahra and a lone Green (down one).

Woollahra also held a referendum on reducing the number of councillors from 15 to nine - the number of wards would also be cut, from five to three - but the ‘No’ voters narrowly managed to preserve the status quo with 51 per cent of the vote.

The new mayors and deputy mayors have also been decided. Liberal councillor Will Nemesh was elected mayor of Waverley, with Labor’s Keri Spooner to serve as deputy mayor, after a tie in the votes cast for both positions

resulted in names being drawn from a hat. Will Nemesh was first elected to Waverley Council in 2017 and has lived in Waverley for most of his life. Outgoing Labor mayor Paula Masselos increased her majority in Lawson Ward and has left the council in fine fettle. Labor councillor and former Randwick mayor Dylan Parker was elected mayor of Randwick. Mayor Parker will serve alongside his Labor colleague, Councillor Marea Wilson, who was elected deputy mayor.

In Woollahra, Liberal councillor Sarah Swan was elected mayor and fellow Liberal Sean Carmichael was elected deputy mayor. Mayor Swan said her aim was “to run a council where all could contribute, regardless of their politics; to be the best mayor she can be; and to be approachable and open minded.”

*******

I’m stoked to feature our very first international artist on our cover this month. A big thanks to Sophie Geider from France for this edition’s beautiful cover painting, L’île, which reminds me of the Bondi Mermaids. Sophie is a keen surfer from Marseille, and we met in the surf in Indonesia earlier this year. You can see more of Sophie’s beautiful art on her website, sophiegeider.com, and on Instagram, @sophie_geider. I’m planning on featuring one international artist each year, so please let me know your thoughts. Cheers, James

The Beast

The Beast Pty Ltd

ABN 32 143 796 801

www.thebeast.com.au

Editor

james@thebeast.com.au

Advertising Enquiries advertising@thebeast.com.au Rates and Specs thebeast.com.au/advertise Circulation

60,000 copies delivered every month; 2,000 in shops and 58,000 in mailboxes.

Waverley Council

Bondi Ward

Michelle Stephenson (LIB)

Dominic WY Kanak (GRN)

Margaret Merten (ALP)

Hunter Ward

Will Nemesh (LIB)

Dov Frazer (LIB)

Steven Lewis (IND)

Lawson Ward

Paula Masselos (ALP)

Katherine Westwood (LIB)

Lauren Townsend (LIB)

Waverley Ward

Joshua Spicer (LIB)

Ludovico Fabiano (GRN)

Keri Spooner (ALP)

Randwick City Council

Central Ward

Daniel Rosenfeld (LIB)

Dylan Parker (ALP)

Dexter Gordon (ALP)

East Ward

Marea Wilson (ALP)

Carolyn Martin (LIB)

Masoomeh Asgari (GRN)

North Ward

Aaron Magner (ALP)

Christie Hamilton (LIB)

Clare Willington (GRN)

South Ward

Bill Burst (LIB)

Noel D’Souza (IND)

Danny Said (ALP)

West Ward

Alexandra Luxford (ALP)

Andrew Hay (LIB)

Philipa Veitch (GRN)

Woollahra Council

Bellevue Hill Ward

Lucinda Regan (RFW)

Sean Carmichael (LIB)

Hugh Woodgate (LIB)

Cooper Ward

Sarah Swan (LIB)

Jeanette Mitchell (LIB)

Torsten Blackwood (RFW)

Double Bay Ward

Mark Silcocks (RFW)

Toni Zeltzer (LIB)

James Ardouin (LIB)

Paddington Ward

Matthew Robertson (GRN)

Alexander Andruska (LIB)

Harriet Price (RFW)

Vaucluse Ward

Mary-Lou Jarvis (LIB)

Merrill Halkerston Witt (RFW)

Julian Parmegiani (LIB)

NATIONAL RECYCLING WEEK

FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE INFO FOR MORE INFO FOR MORE INFO

CHEMICAL CLEANOUT

Randwick Recycling Centre 72 Perry Street, Matraville

Sun 17 Nov Tours between 8.45am – 2pm

Randwick Recycling Centre 72 Perry Street, Matraville Sat 9 – Sun 10 Nov Sat 16 – Sun 17 Nov

Various locations nationwide Sun 10 Nov 9am – 3.30pm

Safely dispose of any unwanted household chemicals found in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garage or garden shed.

RANDWICK RECYCLING CENTRE TOURS

Find out what happens to your recyclables after collection and learn why it’s important to recycle right. Free BBQ and coffee cart (kindly bring your coffee keep cup).

GARAGE SALE TRAIL

Australia’s biggest pre-loved treasure hunt with three million items up for grabs at 10,000 garage sales nationally.

Urgent Action Required on Deadly Shark Nets

Words Pearl Bullivant

Another Pointless Fatality

Dear Pearl - I’ve just seen that another cute and totally harmless Port Jackson shark has been killed in the Bondi shark nets. These nets are only 150 metres wide and they do not stop sharks coming into the bay. In fact, they don’t reduce encounters with sharks at all.

The probability of being killed by a shark is about the same as the probability of being killed by a kangaroo (1 in 8 million, according to the Land Conservancy Study).

Shark nets are designed to kill wildlife. They kill turtles, dolphins, seals and all manner of endangered animals. They provide a false sense of security and take a terrible toll on our marine life.

I hope we can accept that there are way better technologies available to protect swimmers - such as drones and personal deterrents - and

do something to rectify this ridiculous situation. Let’s keep the nets for beach volleyball. Thanks!

Merran Hughes Ocean Swimmer North Bondi

Marine Life Should Not Pay the Price

Dear Merran - Pearl considers herself an expert on all issues pertaining to the Eastern Suburbs, but when it comes to the highly emotive issue of shark nets, it is helpful to defer to a reader such as yourself who fearlessly swims point to point across Bondi and is familiar with what is lurking beneath the surface.

Pearl is not a confident ocean swimmer; not only do I have an irrational fear of sharks, but I also harbour a fear of waves, having spent most of my adult swimming life staring at the blue line on the bottom of a

chlorinated swimming pool. I am aware that the likelihood of a shark encounter is highly improbable, but I restrict my sea swimming to Clovelly Beach and the local ocean baths. I have made a personal choiceeither I accept the risk or I don’t go in.

The removal of shark nets should not be controversial, nor should it be open to hand wringing debate over the supposed economic costs. It is 2024, and it is a travesty that we are still employing 1937 technology and a pre-WWII mindset in a bid to ‘protect’ beachgoers.

The NSW State Government has known for numerous years that not only do the nets kill marine life, but they unwittingly provide a ‘placebo effect’ to beachgoers who assume they are safe. The government is also aware that shark attacks are rare and that modern risk mitigation methods currently exist in the form of lifeguard monitoring, drones, tagging and tracking, and community education programs. But rather than heeding the advice of marine scientists, the government has allowed the nets to become a polarising issue used by conservative media and the tourism industry to hype up Jaws-style hysteria targeting The Greens and environmental groups.

When it comes to the ocean, Pearl knows her limits. Unfortunately, not everyone is like Pearl, and instead they insist on swimming in conditions they are not comfortable in. Marine life should not pay the price for people’s desire to swim riskfree in the ocean. In the Eastern Suburbs you are more likely to be killed by a rogue SUV driver sending text messages than a frigging shark!

Pearl Clovelly

Photo Drone Shark App

A harmless Port Jackson shark found dead in the nets last month.

The Beast's Monthly Mailbag

Words The Lovely People of the Eastern Beaches

The Elephant in the Room

Dear Beast - Thank you to Nicolette (Sleepwalking Into a Nightmare, Letters, The Beast, October 2024) and Andrew (Who Will Represent Us?, Letters, The Beast, October 2024) who wrote in the latest edition of The Beast about the Minns Labor Government’s low and mid-rise housing reforms. These will permit buildings up to eight storeys (28 metres) within 400 metres of train stations and town centres or four storeys between 400 and 800 metres. A report by Waverley Council said the policy could lead to eight-storey buildings next to a single storey house as well as “substantial suboptimal outcomes for the amenity of neighbours,” including increased overshadowing, loss of privacy and fewer trees. The housing reforms would also rob local councils of the power to refuse developments.

It was nearly 15 years ago now (December 2009) that I wrote to The Beast about overcrowding in Sydney. It is therefore timely to remind readers that the root cause of many urban issues such as housing is the perennial elephant in the room - population. According to the ABS, Australia’s fertility rate for 2022 was 1.63 births per woman. This is well

below the replacement rate of 2.1 (the rate needed for a generation to replace itself). If we are not producing enough children to replace us, why is there a drastic need to cram more people into suburbs such as Bondi? It is because of high immigration. According to the ABS, Australia’s net overseas migration for the year ending June 30, 2024 was 518,000 people. For the year ending June 30, 2023, Sydney grew by 146,702 people.

Federal governments like high immigration to boost the headline economic growth rate (even though the per capita rate is falling) and to keep business groups happy. Proponents of a ‘Big Australia’ like to say that Australia is large enough to accommodate plenty of people, but as these housing reforms show, the government wants to pack more people into your suburbs and ruin what makes them good places to live. We can’t even use immigration to overcome the fertility rate issue because, firstly, the low fertility rate is a global issue affecting many countries, and secondly, once migrants have been here for a generation or two, they see themselves as locals and don’t want to have kids either. It is often said that we need immigration to fill skills

shortages - but bringing more people creates more demand for services, and hence more skills shortages. As David Littleproud recently pointed out, 47 per cent of Sydney University students are from overseas. To address skills shortages, we should probably give more uni places to locals. But I digress.

What can we do about these housing reforms? I would suggest making population an election issue. Write to Chris Minns via his website (www.nsw.gov.au/ nsw-government/premier-ofnsw/contact-premier), support Bondiconnected.com and sign their petition, support Waverley Council to push back on the housing reforms and also support the Sustainable Australia Party.

Terence Bondi

Queens Park Weeds and Rubbish

To the editor - The Beast has a strong emphasis celebrating our glorious beachside culture, but while we look out to sea, we in the Eastern Suburbs are fortunate to also have a giant backyard - the incredible communal playground that is the Centennial Parklands (Moore, Centennial and Queens Parks).

In the February and March 2024 editions of The Beast, several letters appeared with criticism by locals (Jill and Mike) and comments (Katrina and Mark) on “the poorly managed state of the sandstone cliff and eastern end of Queens Park.” Their correspondence came to the attention of the Parklands management, which already has an active volunteer programme offering a diverse range of opportunities for locals to actively contribute to bush regeneration and the management of natural spaces throughout the parklands.

As a result of the letters to The Beast, the Parklands has now created a new group, Monthly Queens Park Sunday, which meets on the second Sunday each month and specifically focuses on

cleaning weeds and rubbish and maintaining the eastern area of Queens Park.

Anyone with time and inclination to contribute to our big beautiful backyard, check out this and all the volunteer activities available on MyImpactPage - Centennial Parklands (at betterimpact.com). Sign up, meet friendly people, contribute locally!

Ross Clovelly

What Is the Value of an Empty Home?

Dear James and The Beast - I trust this finds you well. I’ve been sitting on this for a while and thought I’d pass the below on for consideration for inclusion in The Beast. It’s a great mag and I’ve been reading it for years.

This is a story about the lonely, isolated and neglected. One is a ‘unit’ in a block, where it’s connected by neighbouring walls, floors and ceilings but feels no connection. The other is a ‘house’, standing tall and solid but by itself in a long, well-kept street.

Throughout the years the unit and the house have stared out from its unshielded windows, seeing the seasons pass by with little to no company except for the dust that rolls in and sits like a squatter across its empty surfaces. Their doors occasionally rattle, an anticipation builds, ‘Could it be a young family, downsizer or someone looking to move in who will contribute to the area?’ No, it’s just the winds of no change.

Deemed by its anonymous owners as not worthy of their own occupation or to be rented out, it sits dormant. Imagine though if it was filled with joy by an owner-occupier or renter.

The neighbourhood doesn’t mind, as it means that with no occupant there’s no potential for noisy neighbours, and the occupants may own a car and compete for an on-street parking

spot. On the flip side, the neighbourhood misses out on someone who may look after their pet while they’re away, accept a parcel or dig out a stray letter from their letterbox and pass it onthe small things, as a minimum, that a neighbour may do to help create a neighbourhood.

The unit owner with a longterm vacant property does not sit on the strata committees, so the weight of managing the block falls on the residents. There’s no coordination of tradies or dealing with emergency repairs. Do they even bother to turn up when the property is eventually sold to speak with the real estate about the immaculate condition the whole property is in?

The statistics widely published in the 2021 census show 10 per cent - over one million homes - were vacant on census night in Australia. In Randwick LGA it was nearly 6,000. Yes, there could be reasons.

As a note, the unit and the house referred to have been unoccupied for at least 12 years, probably even more. I can only comment around the amount of time I’ve been in the immediate area.

For a nation built on resources, do we have the ability to be resourceful?

John Coogee

I Don’t Drink Coffee, But...

Is anyone else worried about the safety of employees and the public at the coffee bar opened on the footpath in front of the Coogee Bay Hotel?

It astounds me that there are flimsy railings very close to the road with tables and chairs just inside. It wouldn’t take much of a traffic incident for the area to become an ugly scene. Closer to the pedestrian crossing, there are substantial cylindrical barriers. Should Council address that and extend the much stronger barriers along the footpath? Furthermore, the portable plastic

‘hop-up’ that the waiter uses can’t be compliant.

There is a disaster waiting to happen for an employee who is stepping up and down with hot drinks then crossing over the pedestrian thoroughfare to the tables. Let’s hope a child in a pram doesn’t have a hot drink spilled over them while being manoeuvred via the thoroughfare.

Sallyann Maroubra

As a Minor, It's a Free-for-All in Coles

While shopping in Coles Bondi Junction last week, I followed two young teenage boys for a while. They were between 13 and 15 I’d guess. Was I profiling? You bet I was. They were displaying what I’d call inappropriate behaviour, deliberately knocking products off shelves onto the floor, carrying products under their hoodies, etc. While I was then using the selfZserve checkout, I watched them walking to the exit, with a couple of Coles employees calling after them to please stop. The two boys kept walking. I said to one of the employees, “You’ll want to stop them, I guarantee they’ve stolen something.” She replied, “We can’t, we are not allowed to stop them or ask them to pay for what they have, they’re minors.” And, she tells me, she is frightened of them. What about the security guards at the door, I wondered? Nope, they can’t do anything either. So, we all stood and watched while these two mini crims simply walked out, without a backward glance. The employee told me these two are well known to them, and that often, along with a bigger gang, they frequent that Coles store. And why wouldn’t they? Free stuff, every time. Untouchable!

If I was a minor, I’d do it. I’d go to Coles every day and steal stuff, just to prove the point, to illustrate the utter ineffectuality, powerlessness and futility of our figures of authority. I’d steal the

Monthly Mailbag

huge bags of dog food, ironing boards, brooms and mops, stuff so big it cannot be ignored, and, just maybe, they’d have to address it.

There’s nothing to gain from this rant. I guess I’d just like some answers from those who decided it’s a good idea to encourage our young thugs to grow up to be adult thugs due to a lack of consequences and accountability.

And, don’t get me started on the St Vincent’s aged care workers who take their smoke breaks on the Bronte Road footpath, leaving their butts strewn around in the grass and garden. I’ve raised it with the centreno response. The apathy and thoughtlessness is astounding.

Grace Bronte

Magpie Paralysis?

To The Beast - I saw a strange and disturbing site today. Our local magpie was hanging out in the backyard (Bondi Beach area) when suddenly it froze and stayed frozen for several minutes. It just didn’t move. At one point I thought it had died standing up; its eyes seemed dazed, unfocussed and unblinking, its beak was agape and seemed somehow crooked. After what felt like a long time, its eyes moved slightly and then it ‘came back to life’. Then it walked away, jumped up on the fence and flew off.

I called WIRES, who ventured a guess that it could be a condition known as Black and White Bird Neurological Syndrome. The species affected are magpies, pied currawongs and Australian ravens. An outbreak of this occurred back in 2003, and in 2005/2006 around the Sydney and Central Coast area. It can cause death within 24 hours of presenting symptoms.

I thought I’d write to The Beast so that anyone else who may come to witness such a distressing sight might choose to report it to wildlife authorities

who can at least document this. Should there be a mass mortality event in local birds, someone needs to know about it. It seems inconclusive what the cause might be; speculation covered an infectious or toxic agent of some kind (botulism, pesticide, lead, infected maggots, etc.).

Here is an email address to report to for anyone with knowledge of mortality of birds in their area. This contact was on the website of Wildlife Health Australia - please email admin@ wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au. Very upsetting.

Tina Harris Bondi

The Famous CSIRO Gencost Report

There are many critics of the CSIRO GenCost report and they aren’t all coming from the Dutton flag wavers.

John Kehoe’s piece in The Australian Financial Review (The flaws in CSIRO’s anti-nuclear, pro-renewables report, by John Kehoe, June 12, 2024) suggests the amount of government investment required for the LNP plan is something to be wary of, but there are flaws in the CSIRO report that are heavily relied upon by the likes of Spender and Albo. It’s not an apples vs apples comparison.

The CSIRO put nuclear at a 30 year life span - despite most plants lasting 50-plus or even 80 years. They did this because of financing reasons but ignored any residual economic benefit or resale value.

It’s also suggested that the capacity of nuclear is underestimated in the report, and there are problems with the simplistic apples and oranges approach to levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) calculations. Yes, they attempt to add in the cost of firming power, storage and transmission, but still its intermittency isn’t factored in.

Keho’s article states, “David Pearl, a former Treasury

assistant secretary and adviser to former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, says the LCOE is an accounting metric, not an economic one. To fix this, the LCOE should be calculated on a reliability-equal, whole-of-lifeasset basis.”

At the end of the day , given Spender’s history in the renewable space and her backer Simon Holmes à Court, renewable investments coupled with his vitriolic opposition to nuclear makes me doubt they would want a nationalised carbon-free power source competing with all this investment in renewable energy.

Cheers, Anthony Bondi

In Response to Allegra

Allegra’s swift response to Greg (In Response to Greg, Letters, The Beast, September 2024) recycled the same tired claim that 100 per cent renewable energy is the only way forward. But the silent majority in Australia - and in her electorate - are crying out for a balanced energy policy that doesn’t risk everything on solar and wind “at any cost.”

Personally, I’ve decided to be a single-issue voter in the next election. If Allegra supports lifting the ban on nuclear power, I’ll vote for her. If not, I’ll vote for whoever does. To be clear, I don’t expect her to suddenly champion nuclear power as the leading clean energy source for Australia. But as an independent (she is independent, right?), she should at least recognise that banning a 100 per cent safe, carbon-free power source is absurd. Once the ban is lifted, scientists, economists, government and investors can determine if nuclear is viable in Australia.

Now, to quickly rebut Ms. Spender’s points in her response to Greg. 1) Solar is cheap/reliable: She says put solar on your roof and you’ll have cheap power all the time - sure, maybe during the day in summer. But in cold,

Beautiful Homes. Beautiful Concrete.

If you Love concrete, you’ll love the Ablestone Facebook group

Dedicated to the transformative power of concrete for modern, stylish, and sustainable living. It’s free to join and open to anyone who loves concrete and its endless possibilities. As a member, you’ll be inspired with videos, new products, and stunning designs and applications. Share, connect or simply enjoy the visual feast.

Beautiful Homes. Beautiful Concrete.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone 02 9318 1722 or visit metromix.com.au/able-concrete/

Architect: MCK Architects.

Photography: Rethmeier Still Images.

Builder: Toki Construction

cloudy winters, you’ll be paying for gas-powered backup from the grid and sign up to price volatility all year round. 2) Global price of fossil fuels: Allegra claims reliance on fossil fuels leaves us at the mercy of global markets. This is true in part, but our own government has made new gas extraction almost impossible with red tape and court battles over climate change and songlines. East coast gas shortages are looming, and there’s zero political accountability. Allegra should also endorse new gas exploration, as the CSIRO and AEMO’s plans call for gas as a backup, essentially forever, under a mostly renewables system (here I differ from Greg - gas is far better than coal for the environment. And, last but not least, 3) CSIRO must be followed blindly: Allegra suggests we blindly trust the scientists at CSIRO, whose simplistic model says renewables are cheaper than nuclear or gas. Are we supposed to believe that no

bias or government influence has swayed CSIRO’s analysis? Until May of this year, their nuclear power analysis only considered cost estimates from a failed SMR project - they only recently introduced large-scale reactor analysis following public pressure. The CSIRO has also made no mention of the exponential increase in 24/7 data centre power requirements that will break the grid if we don’t plan now.

I stand with the silent majority of Australians who want an energy policy balanced for both low carbon and low cost; an all-of-the-above strategy using gas, renewables and nuclear is the only sensible path forward. Relying solely on renewables will lead to price volatility and massive subsidies (hidden in your tax bills) to keep the grid stable. Lift the nuclear ban or let’s vote for someone who will! #Wentworth-

ForNuclear Sensible Kev Bellevue Hill

Spring

Spring is here as the weather is warming,

The bees are about as we know they’re swarming,

This time of year is the horse spring carnival,

Where people bet on each race on their arrival,

With the climate being more perfect, they are out and about, Whether admiring nature or smelling flowers, that we can’t do without,

That’s how we know that spring is here,

Summer is near, just enjoy our spring, and go to the beach and bring your gear.

Graeme Bogan

Bondi

Junction 

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 please.

Bronte House Open Weekend

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October

From: 10am to 2pm

Explore two acres of beautiful garden

Cover Artist... Sophie Geider from Marseille

Interview James Hutton

Fred Tchalekian

French artist Sophie Geider is the talent behind this month’s beautiful cover painting, L’île, which reminds me of the Bondi Mermaids. Sophie shares her French favourites with The Beast

You live in Marseille? I’ve lived here for 33 years. When I discovered this city, I fell in love with its energy, the beauty of the sea and the light it radiates. Having grown up in Tahiti, it was impossible for me not to live by the sea.

What's your favourite beach? Ten minutes from home is the Plage des Catalans, a very family-friendly beach that’s halfway into the city and has a beautiful view of the islands of Frioul and Château d’If, with lovely sunsets. It’s also where I find my swimming club, the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille.

What's your favourite eatery? I really appreciate Le Baron Perché, Cacio y Pepe and Chez Jeannot, which is in the marvellous Vallon des Auffes where you can take a dip in the sea before enjoying an apéro or a dinner.

Where do you like to have a drink?

We have many little tapas bars where I like to drink good wine and eat little dishes of grilled vegetables, fish, octopus or seafood

and very good cheeses. The atmosphere is very convivial, and you can meet up with friends to enjoy the sweet Marseille evenings.

How would you describe your art?

My painting and drawing is contemporary figurative. As a traveller, I’m nourished by encounters with other cultures, colours, landscapes and elements of nature, particularly in relation to plant materials. My work essentially revolves around the sensory retranscription of my explorations and experiences, notably by questioning the body and the gaze, the importance of what we give to see or not, awakening the imagination, confronting the vibrations of colors and textures, their movements, their sleep, their attachments or their solitude.

Where can people see your work?

On my website, sophiegeider.com, and on my Instagram, @sophie_ geider. I hold regular exhibitions so that people can see my paintings and meet me at openings. I’d like to find galleries that would enable me to export my work around the world and introduce it to a wider public. Maybe one day in Australia!

Who are your artistic inspirations?

Gauguin for his unique colours and the strength that emanates from his work, Bonnard for his poetic colours and framing, Maurice Denis and the Nabis, and Joaquim Sorolla for the light and delicacy that inhabit his canvases. I admire the paintings of Gustav Klimt and Odilon Redon, and Pierre Soulages’ more pared-down work on sculpted blacks and matter is very touching, as well as the breath of Fabienne Verdier’s canvases, Asian to the core. Bram Van Velde, a Dutch painter from another era for whom painting was an act of infinite purity, moves me deeply.

What are you working on at the moment? A number of canvases, including a new one of women by the sea in the same atmosphere as the painting L’île chosen for the cover. I’ve started a new project called Passages, which are a

polyptych series of at least three juxtaposed canvases.

When did you discover you had a gift? Painting has always been part of my life, and it has become a necessity, a way of expressing myself that suits me perfectly given my rather reserved nature. I’ve been doing this professionally for twenty years and I couldn’t do without it.

Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? Never give in to your desires, to what makes you tick, what gives you butterflies... Listen only to yourself and chart your course, which will be long and full of twists and turns. Be original, remarkable, and try to be visible, to share your work with the world, even if you have an introverted character like mine.

What do you get up to on the weekends? Living by the sea, my weekend activities are mostly aquatic. If the swell allows it, I’m in the water to surf, or I swim in the sea, or I sail. I like going to museums, spending quality time with family and friends, going away and exploring unknown places, relaxing, reading, cooking and enjoying the passing of time.

Do you have a favourite quote? “Everything I desire is on the other side of my fear.” This phrase gives me wings to always move forward, trust, take risks and try to make the most of everything this extraordinary life has to offer.

Any other words of wisdom for our readers? My two driving forces are infinite gratitude for all the extraordinary things that life has brought me, and a powerful, indestructible desire to always look on the bright side of things, to surpass myself, to live my art with humility and simplicity, contributing my little drop of water. Many thanks to The Beast for giving me the chance to bring my work to Australia.

Visit thebeast.com.au for the full transcript of this interview.

Photo

Sophie in her Marseilles studio.

Precincts are meetings of residents who get together regularly to discuss local matters or issues of concern in their neighbourhood. Waverley is split into 13 Precincts and meetings are open to any person living within the Precinct boundaries.

This November, the following meetings are on:

Bronte – Monday 4 November, 7 – 9pm

North Bondi – Wednesday 6 November, 7 - 9pm

Dover Heights – Monday 11 November, 7 - 9pm

Queens Park – Wednesday 13 November, 7 – 9pm

South Bondi / Tamarama – Wednesday 13 November, 79pm

Bondi Heights – Thursday 21 November, 7 – 9pm

Charing Cross – Wednesday 27 November, 7 – 9pm

Vaucluse / Diamond Bay – Thursday 28 November, 7 –9pm

Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/precinct to find out location of the above meetings closer to the date.

Not sure which Precinct you belong to? Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/findyourprecinct Waverley Council proudly supports resident run Precinct meetings.

Last year’s

Nominate Your Favourite Business for the People’s Choice Award

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Gene Ross

Do you have a local business that you’d like to see recognised for its community spirit, exceptional service, innovation or other strengths? Now is your chance to support them!

Waverley Council has opened voting for the People’s Choice Award as part of the 2024 Brightest and Best Business Awards. Winners and runners-up for all categories will be announced at the Awards Night on Monday, November 25 at Bondi Pavilion.

Having recently announced the finalists for the awards, Council is now putting the call out to members of the community to nominate their favourite business from the finalist list. The People’s Choice Award is a new category introduced to give members of the public more of a stake in the awards. Voting closes on November 1 and businesses can be nominated at www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/ community/awards_grants/ awards/business_awards.

While voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award, the call for entries in the other 13 award categories closed in

September after a successful submission period.

Craig Gill, Waverley Council’s Business Liaison Advisor, said, “This year, we had an incredible response from local businesses, and received a record number of entries - over 150 applications, with over 65 finalists selected in Round 1 judging. The awards are a great showcase for the versatility, dedication and professionalism of Waverley’s thriving business community.”

The Brightest and Best Business Awards celebrate the achievements and outstanding efforts of the local business community across a diverse range of industries. More than half of the businesses nominated this year are relatively new kids on the business block, only having been operating in Waverley since 2020 onwards.

“This highlights the dynamic and growing nature of the local business landscape,” Mr Gill said.

Other finalists are well-established pillars of the community - Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital, established in 1934, is the longest-running business selected as a finalist.

Indigenous Writing Talent Set to Shine at Nib Awards

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Lewis Leedham

First Nations themes and writing talent loom large among the six finalists for the Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award, just announced by event presenter Waverley Council.

Indigenous academic and author Shauna Bostock pieced together her family’s past stories of dispossession in Reaching Through Time, which lays bare the apocalyptic impact that colonisation had on our original people.

And in Edenglassie, Indigenous writer Melissa Lucashenko weaves together stories of colonial era and contemporary Aboriginal characters to present a revisionist view of white Australia’s past.

Other finalists are Book of Life by Deborah Conway, Donald Horne by Ryan Cropp, Wifedom by Anna Funder and What the Trees See by Dave Witty.

The Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award is one of Australia’s most prestigious writing accolades, with $40,000 being announced for the winning author at the awards ceremony at Bondi Pavilion on November 27.

Reaching Through Time lays bare the impact of colonisation.

winner of the Professional Healthcare & Medical category, Bondi Family Dentist.

Retail & E-Commerce

Bondi Bike Shop

Bondi Records

Little SOHLS

WEST 14TH

Wiper Blades Direct

FINALISTS 2024

Bondi Bike Shop

Learning & Childcare

Earthletica

Kwik Kopy

Bondi Junction

Ocean Lovers Festival

Ottway The Label

Sage Beauty

The Travel Corporation

100

Heyday Agency

JRConstructions

Mint Plumbing & Relining

Proximity Plumbing

TightKnit Building Design

Vivid Built

Cobbold & Co Guest Realty

The Travel Corporation

Fitness & Nutrition Young Entrepreneur of the Year

AGOGA Expression Dance School

Inzer

Rare Studios

XtraClubs

Giuliano Pessoa, Bondi Bike Shop

Benjamin Sexton, Healing On Spring

Catharina Duval de Navarre, NALUKA

Eltan Or, Sandy Skies

Zachary Ehrenfeld, Summit

Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine

bellagio cafe

Divide 8 Pizza

Finely Tuned

Ta Ta Ta Pizza

Tinpin Bakery

Bondi Dental

Bondi Family Dentist

DermScreen

Summit

Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine

The Dental Spa Bondi

& Wellbeing

Blow Bar Co

Bodhi Holistic Hub

Body Catalyst Bondi

Body Sculpting Clinics

The Facial Room

The Fit Injector Clinic

Woman of the Year

Jane Turner, Gertrude & Alice

Sandra Hudson, Hudson’s Bakery

Bella Massey, Immersia Freediving

Victoria Ha, Match My Makeup

Catharina Duval de Navarre, NALUKA

Ashlee Ling, YML Group

Michael VesperAn Absolute One of a Kind

Words

On July 18, the Bronte Surf Club overflowed with laughter, tears and cherished memories as friends and family gathered to celebrate the extraordinary life of Mike Vesper. Described as a cheeky, adored and loveable larrikin who could “charm the legs off a chair,” Mike left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Mike’s journey began overlooking Bronte Beach, where he embraced the local culture with open arms. From his days as a Bronte Nipper to his membership of Bronte Boardriders, he forged lifelong friendships built on a shared love for the ocean and adventure. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and cheeky charm, Mike had an extraordinary ability to bring people together. His welcoming family home opposite the beach became a haven for friends, always open for surfboard storage and impromptu gatherings.

But Mike’s zest for life extended far beyond the shoreline. His sporting prowess and magnetic personality drew people to him throughout his years at Marcellin College, Randwick Rugby Club, university and beyond.

Whether cheering for his beloved Roosters, exploring the world or living it up in London, Mike was always at the centre of a vibrant social circle. With their amazing network of friends, the party was never too far away from Mike and his life partner, Marj.

In late 2019, shortly after conquering the New York Marathon, Mike faced his greatest challenge - a diagnosis of lung cancer. True to form, he approached this battle with unwavering positivity and his signature style. Even during treatment, Mike’s spirit remained unbroken, winning the hearts of his medical team at the Bright Centre, Prince of Wales Randwick, with his cheekiness and resilience.

Mike and Marj’s love story began on the ski slopes of Verbier, Switzerland. Together, they built a beautiful family with their children, Nina and Sam, embarking on countless adventures that showcased their shared passion for the outdoors. Sam fondly recalled a family trip to Hawaii, where Mike’s attempt to conquer the infamous Banzai Pipeline with just flippers and a hand

board ended in a comical wipeout - a perfect encapsulation of his fearless and fun-loving nature.

Professionally, Mike found success in the finance industry, running his own advisory business in recent years. But it was his role as a friend, brother, husband and father that truly defined him. His siblings - Matt, Kate and James - spoke of the deep bond they shared, with James noting how their relationship evolved from playful teasing to an unshakeable friendship.

Mike had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. He could turn strangers into friends in an instant, and his presence was sought after in every social gathering.

“When we were organising surf or ski trips, everyone wanted to know if Mike was coming,” his siblings recalled. “He had that effect on people.”

Even in his final days, Mike’s spirit never dimmed. He could be found cheering from the sidelines at Sam and Nina’s rugby and soccer games or enjoying a swim and coffee with loved ones at his beloved Bronte Beach. His passion for life, unwavering support for friends and infectious charisma left an impact that will be felt for years to come.

As friends and family gathered to honour his memory, one phrase was echoed time and again: “local legend.” Mike Vesper was indeed that and so much more - a loving father, a devoted husband, a loyal friend and an absolute one of a kind. His legacy of laughter, love and living life to the fullest will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Duncan Horscroft Photo James Vesper

Mike could charm the legs off a chair.

Mike and Marj.

Steve’s War on Driveway Urinators

Steve Bodnar had a wee problem. Well, actually it was quite a big problem - multiple people using his driveway as a public toilet.

You see, his electrical business is located directly opposite a pub, The Robin Hood Hotel in Charing Cross. At the end of the block is another pub, The Charing Cross Hotel. To make matters worse, there’s the Eastern Suburbs Legion Club just around the corner.

And it seems the Carrington Road driveway that Mr Bodnar shares with his downstairs tenant, a wardrobe business, had a magnet-like attraction for people feeling the urge to relieve themselves late at night after leaving these watering holes.

Security cameras and warning signs didn’t do any good. Sick of hosing down the drive every morning, Steve tapped into his tradie skills to rig up a sprinkler system activated by a

motion sensor. There are four sprinkler outlets set along the wall, ready to give a sprinkle to anyone taking a tinkle.

Steve says that while the vast majority of culprits have been men, there has also been a steady stream of women, caught on camera with their underpants bunched around their ankles.

“I installed the sprinklers as a last resort after failing to get anywhere in discussions with licencees, licencing police and Council,” he says. “I was angry and frustrated that I wasn’t able to resolve it.”

The good news is that his tinkler sprinkler system has been successful. The moment someone ventures into the driveway, water rains down and the would-be urinator makes a rapid exit. Steve is no longer having to hose down the drive each morning and he is feeling a quiet sense of triumph at having turned back the tide.

Hannah Turns Old Leather Gloves

into $25,000 Cash

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Wendell Teodoro

A pair of artfully scrunched-up leather gloves has won Woollahra Council’s Small Sculpture Prize. Melbourne artist Hannah Gartside walked away with a $25,000 cash award for her winning entry, ‘Bunnies in Love Lost and Longing #19.’

“The second hand gloves bring to life tender interactions, and moments with oneself, through the form of anthropomorphised rabbits,” a Woollahra Council press release explained.

Hannah Gartside, 37, is a sculptor and installation artist who specialises in turning found fabrics, clothing and ephemera into works of art.

“These materials act as portals for storytelling, and receptive vessels for emotional expression,” she said.

‘Bunnies in Love Lost and Longing #19’ was on show at the Woollahra Gallery alongside the works of other Small Sculpture finalists between September 13 and October 20.

“The use of repurposed gloves imbues the sculpture with a sense of nostalgia and everyday intimacy, evoking tenderness and care,” Judge Liz Newell said.

Words and Photo Anthony Maguire

Steve thought up a rather innovative way to deal with people using his driveway as a pisser.

Hannah with her winning work.

Cotton Tang's (aged 12) Indian yellow-nosed albatross.

Local

Nature

Lovers Invited to Attend Wild at Art Exhibition

Words Dr Stephen Lightfoot

Painting Cotton Tang

If you wander along any of the wonderful coastal tracks here in Beast territory and look out across the big blue expanse of ocean to your east, you will no doubt cast your eye upon one of the many seabirds that inhabit our neck of the woods. There are common old silver gulls, smart looking crested terns, gangly Australasian gannets, black and white cormorants of many varieties and, if you are lucky, an amazing albatross or two... All beautiful creatures who use the coast as their home and the ocean as their food hall.

Seeing the beauty of an albatross in flight is guaranteed to lift your spirits, but when you look at the plight of these magnificent birds, your spirits will drop. 15 of the 22 recognised albatross species are threatened with extinction. Other seabirds fare no better. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed just under half of the

world’s seabird species on its Red List of threatened species. They are threatened by longline and overfishing, invasive species, climate change and, of all things, bird flu.

Sadly, life on land is not fairing much better. With over 2,200 Australian plants, birds and animals on our threatened species list, it is clear that we need to act now before so many more creatures simply cease to exist.

The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is working hard to raise awareness of this dire situation and advocating for the strong nature protection laws that we need, now. As part of this work, the ACF Eastern Sydney group will be hosting an exhibition of kids’ wildlife art on November 2 in the Yalagang Room of the Bondi Pavilion. The art comes from ACF’s recent national Wild at Art wildlife art competition. The incredible artwork by kids from Eastern Sydney and all around Australia focuses on our threatened species and highlights the tragedy of our endangered plants, birds and animals.

The exhibition will be opened by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and our local politicians including Allegra Spender and Matt Thistlethwaite. Bondi sibling musos The Leedhams will perform live and all nature-loving locals are invited to attend. The talent of our young artists will amaze you, and by attending this event you will be showing your support for urgent action to save our big backyard and all its wonderful creatures, great and small.

Dr Stephen Lightfoot is the ACF Eastern Sydney Convenor and an ACF Board Director. He can be contacted by emailing stephen.lightfoot@acf.org.au.

Tamarama Nippers Program Is

Small-scale With Big Benefits

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Tamarama SLSC

When it comes to learning surf skills, bigger isn’t necessarily better. That’s why Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club is promoting the experience offered under its Nippers program.

“We have just 120-odd members, which is a lot less than other Eastern Beaches clubs,” says Tamarama SLSC’s Junior Activities Director, Jon Hancock. “That makes for a more personalised experience.”

As well as the personalised experience offered under the Tamarama Nippers program, participants will benefit from the newly-renovated clubhouse, officially reopened in July by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley. The building has been designed with educational activities in mind, so Nippers will have some key activities such as first aid training indoors.

Nippers is open to children aged five to 13, and this season’s program started on Sunday, October 13 and runs until Sunday, March 23, with a break for the Christmas holidays.

You can still register at www.tamaramaslsc.org/nippers or by emailing nippers@ tamaramaslsc.org.

The Nippers program at Tamarama has just kicked off.

A Magnificent Man and His Fantastic Flying Machines

Bill Moyes was a pioneer, an adventurer who knew no boundaries and a devoted family man who never turned anyone away from his family home at Bronte Beach where he and his beautiful wife Molly were renowned for their hospitality.

‘The Birdman’, as he was affectionately known, was farewelled at a packed Bronte Surf Club in a celebration of his life following his death in late September, aged 94.

Bill’s passion for flying began at a young age when he would sit for hours at the Bronte Bogey Hole watching the birds

and their ability to ride the wind. His interest in flying was further enhanced when Australian engineer John Dickenson built the first ‘flying wing’ based on a NASA design for rocket re-entries.

Bill became the first test pilot in 1967 when he was towed behind a speedboat. Less then two months later he set the first world altitude record for a hang glider at more then 300 metres over Tuggerah Lake on the Central Coast.

This was the first of many records set in the early days and Bill was sure he could build a better set of wings and climb higher. When he did come up with a better design he flew off Mt Crackenback to set the first world record for unassisted flight.

His flights weren’t all bells and whistles and he came unstuck on quite a few occasions, resulting in a plethora of injuries over the years. One famous

stack was at the old Sydney Showground at Moore Park in the late ’60s in front of a packed arena who had come to see The Birdman. He was being towed behind a car when something went wrong and he plummeted to the ground and ended up in hospital.

Despite a few accidents, people started seeing hang gliding as a formidable sport and started asking him to build gliders for them. After building around twenty, Moyes Delta Gliders was born and is now based at Kurnell with the family-run business having a host of world champions on its books

Bill was rewarded for his many feats including NASA Space Technology Hall Of Fame, Smithsonial Institute Invention Award, Associate Member of the Hall Of Fame, Medal of the Order of Australia and Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to sport.

His children and grandchildren remembered the great times at the family holiday home in Shoal Bay where most were taught to fly behind his speedboat. And to Bill this was his biggest reward, being with his family and watching the kids grow up with Molly by his side.

His second love was Bronte Beach, and the Bogey Hole is a lot emptier now he’s gone.

Words Duncan Horscroft Photo Lauren Gray

Bill with great grandson Matteo at Nelson Bay.

Molly and Bill in the early days.

Bill surfing Bronte circa 1950.

Brendan’s New Project Puts Spotlight on Sport Head Trauma

An ageing former footy player discovers the liberation of poetry as he gets to grips with the realisation he is suffering brain damage from repeated head knocks on the field.

That’s the synopsis of Plum, an ABC series premiering on October 20. It’s based on the novel of the same name by Randwick writer-actor Brendan Cowell, who also stars in the six-part drama. In addition, he was executive producer and wrote four episodes.

Mr Cowell says he based the character of the protagonist, Peter Lum (nicknamed The Plum), on men and father figures from his past.

“He’s a tough guy who faces something tougher than him,” he explained. “After a suicide attempt, he meets a trans woman at the beach. She takes him to a poetry club and he starts to feel comfortable as he discovers the link between poetry and the ‘poetry in motion’ of the footy field.”

Plum shines the spotlight on Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated

head trauma. Symptoms can include memory loss, headaches, rage and delusions.

“It can be really tough on families,” Mr Cowell said. “Peter Lum behaves reprehensively towards his family, but you can see it’s because he’s scared.”

One thread running through the story is the realisation by Plum’s teenage son that his father’s problems were caused on the rugby field, and that his own future as a rugby player is now in doubt if he wants to avoid the same health pitfalls.

In his research, Mr Cowell talked to ex-footy players like his mate Andrew Johns, who drew his attention to the incidence of suicides among ex-NFL players. Bronte resident Mr Johns is one of a number of former rugby league greats who make special guest appearances in Plum

What’s next for Mr Cowell? He is writing another novel, and in November he’ll be appearing on HBO in Dune sequel The Pinnacle, building on an impressive acting CV that includes playing Harrag in Game of Thrones.

Winter Swimmers Turn Up Heat at National Championships

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Luke Borthwick

The intrepid members of the Clovelly Eskimos Winter Swimming Club love plunging into the ocean when the water temperature is at its coldest. They wear light, Speedo-type swimming costumes and are not allowed any thermal protection other than a cap. Even a rash vest is taboo as they hold weekly races between May and September.

This year, the Eskimos have been running red-hot. In August, they came second to the Icebergs at the Sydney International in Bondi. And at the national winter swimming titles in Orange on September 15, the over-30s women’s relay team notched up an Australian record, as did over-65s swimmer Philamena Pettit.

The Eskimos is an offshoot of Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club and open to people aged 7-85.

If you relish the idea of plunging into the ocean for a refreshing winter swim when it’s a bracing 17 or 18 degrees (possibly followed by a nice hot meal and a drink or two at the club), please email eskimos@ clovellysurfclub.com.au.

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Peter Lum

Brendo from Bronte stars in Plum.

Eskimos diving into Clovelly Bay.

Down, boy! Ramsay about to be arrested on Campbell Parade.

Crime News

Dover Heights Knifeman was Drug-Crazed, Court Told

A former Eastern Suburbs estate agent has been jailed over a stabbing attack on the wife of his so-called ‘best friend.’

Matthew Ramsay plunged a 25cm kitchen knife into the woman’s chest when he came calling at the Dover Heights home she occupies with her husband and children - Ramsay’s godchildren.

NSW District Court was told he was best friends with the woman’s husband and they were funding his treatment for alcohol and prescription drug addictions at a nearby rehab clinic.

It appears the rehab wasn’t working so well one day in 2022 when he launched his attack on his victim after she’d opened the front door to him. The court heard he was in a drug-induced psychosis from psychoactive medications and sedatives.

Workers at a nearby building site came to the rescue after hearing the woman’s screams. They kept the knife-wielding psycho at bay while getting his victim clear. Ramsay then ran to his car, but was stopped by police on Campbell Parade, Bondi. The woman was rushed to hospital, but she’d been lucky - the knife wound hadn’t done much damage. She was stitched up and released the following day.

Ramsay was jailed for six years and eight months, with a non-parole period of three years and eight months.

Scamming Scumbag Cheated Girlfriend, Mother

An investment scammer who milked a fortune from Eastern Suburbs residents has been jailed for 11 years.

From an office in Bondi Junction’s Westfield building, 58-year-old Tony Iervasi ran a foreign exchange fund called Courtenay House. The Supreme Court of NSW was told $209 million went into the fund but only a small percentage was ever invested in foreign exchange markets.

Meanwhile, investors’ money was used to fund trips by Iervasi to The Bahamas and Las Vegas. Accompanying him on the trips was his Latvian-born girlfriend Nina Girsa - until things went sour when she ended up one of his creditors, owed $50,000. His mother was also cheated out of $50,000.

The court heard Iervasi ripped off 585 investors, two of whom took the law into their own hands and kidnapped him in Centennial Park. They then took him to a building where they roughed him up in an effort to get back more than $50 million in stolen funds.

‘King of

the Cross’ was Target of Bungled Assassination - Police

Kings Cross night club impresario-turned-author John Ibrahim was the person targeted in a failed assassination attempt in a Dover Heights street.

A suppression order protecting his identity has just been lifted and police have given court evidence stating that Mr Ibrahim was the person being sought by a pair of would-be assassins in late July.

At 8.20am on a weekday, a man wearing a mask and brandishing a handgun approached a resident’s car that had just backed out onto the street. He

locked eyes with a mother who had her child in the car with her. But then the gunman retreated, realising he’d targeted the wrong car.

The gunman got into a stolen rental car being driven by an accomplice and they sped away. But after a low-speed chase in peak hour traffic, the two were caught by police in Bellevue Hill and are now going through the courts.

Darren Wanted More

Darren Mohr seemed to have it all - two Bondi cafes, a bikini model girlfriend, Cobra sports car, lots of muscles and an impressive collection of tattoos. But he wanted more. So he tried to import half a tonne of cocaine.

However, his plot came unstuck and Mohr was jailed for 32 years. Now Mohr, aged 50, has lodged an appeal against the severe sentence.

His barrister, Brett Walker SC, argued the sentence was excessive in comparison to the jail terms handed down to his co-offenders.

Three appeal court judges have reserved their judgement until a later date.

Teens Accused of Maroubra Break-In, Car Theft

Four teenagers aged 13-16 are said to have broken into a house in Wackett Street, Maroubra and stolen the keys to a Ford Ranger from the sleeping residents. They then took the car for a spin in the early morning hours. The joy ride came to an abrupt halt when they smashed into a power pole in Sans Souci.

The teens took off on foot but didn’t get far. The not-so artful dodgers were nabbed by police and taken to the local cop shop, where officers threw the proverbial book at them.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a string of offences including two other Maroubra break-ins. A girl aged 14 and two 13-year-old girls also face multiple charges.

Words Jimmy Felon

Photo Sam Urai

HIGH CROSS PARK RANDWICK

Walk to say no to domestic violence

We recommend arriving at 7.15am at High Cross Park for the walk, which starts at 7.30am and ends at Grant Reserve, Coogee Beach.

Scan to find out more:

We Are Disgusted!

The Royal We are disgusted at the gross disdain with which residents of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs treated their majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their recent tour of the colony.

Where was the outpouring of love and devotion so readily lavished upon Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (RIP) and His Majesty Prince Philip (RIP) during their visits to this empirical outpost?

Why were streets and houses throughout the nation not draped in the Union Jack, or even the Australian flag, and why were schools not closed to enable children to serenade

their beloved rulers? This travesty would certainly not have transpired were His Excellency David Hurley still Governor General, as it is believed his loyal wife, Linda, had penned a number of melodies for this occasion alone, including one entitled ‘Duty and Doilies’.

This simply will not do.

We also witnessed children named Di…a, M…an and H…y frolicking freely, indicating that their neglectful parents paid no heed to the royal decree for citizens so titled to change their names for the duration of the visit, so as not to offend their majesties or incite royal watchers.

Conversely, a detailed perusal of birth records at Prince of Wales Hospital in the month of October revealed no marked upturn in the number of subjects being bestowed the names Charles, Charlie, Carlos or Charlemagne, nor Camilla.

Punishments will ensue.

We are similarly outraged that local authorities, acting under the auspices of His Majesty and his appointed representative Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, made no discernible effort to remove from the Eastern Suburbs Misters C Foster and M Turnbull. It was, in fact, gleaned from further investigation that Mr Turnbull was once the elected representative of this very region and has since retired to palatial luxury just moments from Kings Cross.

Heads will roll.

Why were their majesties not invited to patronise a race that stops an empire at Royal Randwick Racecourse, or feted during a reception at Royal Randwick shopping centre? Her majesty was most looking forward to a mani-pedi and the chance to purchase a discounted duvet, a postage stamp bearing her image and gifts for the heirs, while His Majesty could not even eat cake or enjoy a senior’s refill of coffee or soft serve. Instead, their majesties were forced to endure daily functions with sycophantic right wing grifters and squirming lefty communists.

Finally, why were effigies of Daniel Andrews not burned nightly in remembrance of Dictator Dan’s decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

The resulting and palpable disgust permeating Buckingham Palace has led to the regrettable decision to deny subjects of the Eastern Suburbs the blessed presence of their majesties for the foreseeable future.

Words Kieran Blake - kieranblakewriter.org Photo Tammy Pax

Queen Camilla and King Charles III in fancy dress.

"Sorry Darl, I've Just Been Soooooo Busy

Lately..."

Words Jeremy Ireland

In September this year we had a supermoon, which is when a full moon is the closest it can get to earth as it orbits us, giving a larger than usual apparent size. Spectacular as it is, the effect it has on the tide is just as impressive, with resultant extreme highs and lows. It’s a classic example of Newton’s third law - ‘For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’. In the weird way my mind works, it got me thinking, does this action and opposite reaction model apply to human behaviour?

To give this question some context, a friend of mine recently asked, “Why do people have to be busy, even when they don’t need to be?” As much as I wanted to apply Newton’s law to see if there is an opposite to being busy, the answer is not so simple. The first thing is to work out what being ‘busy’ actually

means. This leads to the next question, “When people say they are ‘busy’, are they actually busy, or just saying they’re busy as an excuse to get out of something?”

For the sake of the argument, let’s compare two types of busy people... Person A has just started a new job, is moving house, their car is out of rego, plus they need to sort out the ten-yearolds birthday party that’s on in two days’ time. Person B has a high pressure job that involves travel, they want a partner but don’t have time to date, have just got a rescue dog, signed up for early morning bootcamp, agreed to help a friend with a new business and have just been assigned to the board of a voluntary organisation. Person A is busy, but it’s circumstantial, temporary and not a true reflection of how this person typically lives. Person B is the one of interest, showing all the signals of something deeper and potentially chronic. At the heart of Person B’s constant busyness are defences like denial, suppression and avoidance of other complicated things happening in their life.

By overcommitting, Person B actually protects themself from being aware of their emotions. This form of defence acts as a wall to uncomfortable feelings and helps limit distress, in turn protecting them from being overwhelmed with anxiety or other painful emotions. Denial is the big one here, and it often sees logic go out the window. The problem is, when one is choosing busyness it can actually exacerbate their suffering, as it prevents them from having time to face the real issue and deal with pain.

So, can one become addicted to being busy? Yes. When we complete something we get a hit of dopamine, making us feel good and leading us to rinse and repeat. But if being in the fast lane is making you stressed, rung out, always late or fighting

with your friends and loved ones, then perhaps ask yourself, ‘Is being busy a status symbol, is it the only way to success, am I avoiding FOMO, does doing nothing make me feel guilty, and does being busy distract me from dealing with negative emotions?’

From a mental health standpoint, chronic busyness does present risk, leaving us feeling stressed and anxious, keeping us in a perpetual cycle of negativity and preventing us from living in the moment. Like procrastination, which is at the opposite end of busyness spectrum, the net result from underlying issues is the same - things like low self-confidence, low self-esteem, fear of failure or disapproval, avoiding unpleasantness or discomfort.

Like a lot of things in life, balance is the key. As Newton’s first law of motion states, ‘A body at rest remains at rest, or, if in motion, remains in motion at a constant velocity unless acted on by a net external force.’ In other words, if the busyness train is out of control we need to actively apply an equal force in the other direction to slow it down and attain homeostasis.

If you are someone who is hard at it, always on the go, time poor and preoccupied, then ask yourself the question, ‘Am I choosing busyness, does it define my self-worth, is it affecting those close to me?” Understanding the ‘why’ can be tricky and, regardless of how we feel about making choices, we tend to avoid making change. Like the gravitational pull of the moon on our oceans, a force in motion is difficult to stop. Changing behaviour is hard, so getting professional help to identify and find effective strategies to manage busyness can be useful.

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

Photo Con Traception

The constant juggle.

The Unreliable Guide to... Gruesome Grudges

Been hating on anyone lately?

It’s easy to hold onto a grudge; a mate told me recently his cousin had been secretly holding a grudge against him for the last two years. When she finally told him why she’d been sulking, he realised she’d misconstrued the situation and was blaming the wrong person. All the resentment and anger she felt towards him was misplaced. He tried to explain the truth, but his cousin still didn’t want to know. She’d decided to hate him forever, and that was that.

This got me thinking about grudges. Why do we bear a grudge against someone? And what can we do if we’re the brunt of someone else’s grudge? If you are either sulking like a hungover bear, or suffering from cancellation despair, never fear! The Unreliable Guide is here to show you what to do when grudges become gruesome.

Sulking Like a Bear

After my friend had told me his story, I had to confess to having previously been a bit of

a grudge keeper myself. It feels so easy to write someone off if they hurt, annoy or betray you. ‘Damn you,’ we think, ‘you are dead to me now.’ When someone makes us feel powerless, holding onto a grudge makes us feel like we have power over them. ‘I hate you and you don’t know,’ or, ‘I hate you and you don’t know why - take that!’

Trouble is, holding onto hate has been scientifically proven to be bad for us. According to a 2019 study by Leipzig University, long-term anger contributes to stress, heart disease, diabetes and a lowered immune response, making us more vulnerable to other serious illnesses. So, holding a grudge doesn’t make us powerful after all. It also takes time and effort. While we are thinking about hating someone, we’re not thinking about the things and people we love. What a waste of time and energy! Much better to forgive and move on. You don’t need to forget about what someone did, but you might get more satisfaction if you talk to

them about it. Who knows, you might discover something that puts what they did into perspective - then you can forgive and move on.

Cancellation Despair

But what if someone is holding a grudge against you? My friend was hurt and confused by his cousin’s attitude and asked me why she still hated him. Turns out, it’s not always easy for some people to let a grudge go. The kind of people who hold onto grudges are those who also suffer from envy, jealousy, and toxic anger. Grudge holding also tends to be a family trait - if our parents hold grudges, we learn to do the same. People with a personal history of hurt or trauma are much more likely to hold a grudge, as are those who both think themselves morally superior while also needing validation. Grudge holders also often think of people as all good or all bad, ignoring the complexity of human nature. When I spoke to my mate about his cousin, he said she’d severed all ties with many people in the past, including close friends and family. Walking away was her way of dealing with a situation.

Dr Frederic Luskin, founder of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, believes, “Holding onto a grudge really is an ineffective strategy for dealing with a life situation that you haven’t been able to master.” But what can we do about someone else’s grudge? First of all, recognise that it is their grudge, not yours. Accept it, make amends if you can, forgive them and let it go.

Finally, to quote author and poet Criss Jami, “Grudges are for those who insist they are owed something; forgiveness, however, is for those who are substantial enough to move on.”

Words Nat Shepherd Photo Reece Zentful

Accept, forgive and let go.

Powering Our Future

Electricity is generated through various methods, and the primary forms of electrical power generation are based on the source of energy harnessed including fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable resources. In 1882, Thomas Edison’s Holborn Viaduct coal plant started generating electricity for public use. It was the first power station of its kind, burning enough coal to provide energy to light 1,000 lamps in the City of London. We can imagine easily how this innovation changed and improved lives. But now we are paying the price. There is a global awareness of the damage being done and even a commitment to eliminating our use of fossil fuels for energy and moving towards a net zero emission target by 2050. In the ongoing debate about Australia’s energy future, nuclear power often emerges as a proposed solution to our growing energy demands and the need to reduce carbon emissions. However, nuclear energy is far from the optimal path forward. Instead, investing in renewable

energy sources like solar and wind is not only more suitable for Australia but also more economically viable and sustainable in the long-term.

Nuclear energy is prohibitively expensive, with the initial costs of constructing a nuclear power plant starting at about $8 billion. Take Hinkly in the UK for example, which was meant to be built by 2017, where the completion date has blown out to 2030. The cost has also increased from $35 billion to $90 billion. And Plant Vogtle, a nuclear power facility in Georgia, was completed last year, roughly seven years behind schedule and $25 billion over budget. Similar projects were abandoned during construction due to considerable delays and ongoing cost overruns. While proponents of nuclear energy often point to small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to the high costs and lengthy development timelines associated with traditional nuclear plants, there is not a single operational SMR in the world to date.

Renewable energy sources including solar, wind and hydropower have a proven track record and are ideal for our large windswept island. Solar and wind farms can be constructed relatively quickly and cheaply. Research by the CSIRO has found that a grid with 90 per cent wind and solar power by 2030 would generate electricity at $70 to $100 per megawatt hour, while coal generation would cost $85 to $135 per megawatt hour and small modular reactors would generate electricity at $210 to $350 per megawatt hour. The cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has been falling at about 12 per cent each year for decades now. Since 2010, there has been a 64 per cent, 69 per cent and 82 per cent reduction in the cost of residential, commercial-rooftop, and utility-scale PV systems, and these costs are predicted to continue to decline.

While energy prices have increased in recent years, this has been linked to the war in Ukraine, where in 2022 and 2023 we saw a big increase in the cost of coal. We know that those households with solar and batteries have been cushioned. From November 1, the NSW Government is funding new battery incentives, while homes and businesses with rooftop solar will soon be able to take advantage of Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) incentives to install residential battery storage and connect to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Locally, Randwick and Waverley Councils provide support for people to become more sustainable, including rebates, helping to navigate strata and to provide free independent advice and support to assist club and community organisations go solar, from start to finish. The extra special good news is that renewable energy sources do not generate radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years. Who doesn’t love the wind, the sun and the sea?!

Words Dr Marjorie O’Neill - Member for Coogee

Photo Jeremy Buckingham

Aerial view of the solar farm at Broken Hill, NSW.

Tax Settings Enabling the Great Australian (Pipe)Dream

Words Allegra Spender - Member for Wentworth Photo Ken Henry

I understand that discussing tax isn’t the quickest way to win friends at a dinner party, but it’s a conversation we need to have.

Our tax system is stuck in the past and it’s holding back business and innovation, our energy transition and making it harder for young people to get ahead. The last significant reform occurred in 2000 with the introduction of the GST, which means that almost one in three Australians have never seen a major change in the tax landscape.

Meanwhile, Australia is unrecognisable to 2000. We’ve seen technology proliferate, our population has aged, the mining boom has come and gone, and we’ve started to move our economy towards net-zero. We now get most of our media and entertainment from companies that didn’t exist in 2000, more Australians have higher education and work in professional industries, and we’ve had a relatively sustained period of economic prosperity.

But the tax system has not kept up and one area where the need for reform is glaringly obvious is housing.

The dream of home ownership - the great Australian dream - is

quickly becoming a pipe dream for younger generations. Young people I speak to in the community are increasingly despondent about their prospects of owning their own home. Since 1981, the number of Australians aged between 30 and 34 who own their home has dropped from 68 per cent to just 50 per cent. For those in the lowest 20 per cent of income earners, home ownership rates have plummeted by over 40 per cent. Without the backing of intergenerational wealth - or the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ as it’s often called - it now takes an average of ten years to save for a 20 per cent deposit.

These numbers are confronting but it’s the people behind them that tell it most powerfully. Like a young man I spoke to recently who said he thought he’d done everything right. He got good marks at school and university, secured a high-paying job, had avoided a lavish lifestyle, yet he still doesn’t know how he will ever have secure housing.

There are many reasons housing has become unaffordable, including supply constraints. However, our current tax system plays a significant role. Stamp duty is a tax on moving, a tax

on divorce, and disincentivises people downsizing or moving for new jobs. Capital gains tax is a discount on investment properties. Negative gearing has made property an attractive investment vehicle, with Australians holding the second-highest level of wealth tied to investment properties in the OECD.

To be clear, those who own investment properties are not to blame. On the contrary, they have made sensible financial decisions based on a tax system designed to increase home ownership at a time when supply was less constrained. However, these settings are now exacerbating wealth inequality and creating a social divide.

Over the past decade, the wealth of Australians over 65 - most of whom own their own homes - has increased by 50 per cent, while the wealth of those under 35 has flatlined. This disparity risks making opportunity in Australia increasingly dependent on inheritance. This must change.

The good news is that Australians are beginning to make the connection between the challenges they face and the tax system. Last month, I conducted a survey, asking the community for their views on tax reform. I was inundated with over 1,000 responses. Of those respondents, 78 per cent believed tax reform should be a high priority for government - a figure that rose to 81 per cent among those under 35. In the coming months, I will be releasing a green paper highlighting the need for reform and inviting the broader community to engage and apply pressure for change.

There are few systems in Australia with as wide-reaching an impact as tax, but for far too long tax reform has been put in the ‘too hard’ basket. Among other things, reforming the tax system is essential to ensure the great Australian dream doesn’t become just that - a dream.

Someone tell 'em they're dreaming.

since 1978

Fantastic Office for Rent

Office available for rent in shared creative hub in Waverley/Charing Cross.

∙ One of four, this cute space is available for sub-lease in a beautiful Art Deco building, fully furnished with a spacious 24m2

∙ Includes a shared kitchen, boardroom, balcony and two bathrooms.

(Option4)

∙ Only $1,400 plus GST per calendar month, includes all utilities and very fast internet.

∙ Six month lease with one month bond.

∙ Would best suit a fairly quiet worker, like a writer, designer, artist or photographer.

If this sounds like you, please email authorwaverley@gmail.com to register your interest.

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Have you been thinking about Volunteering? Do you have a free 3-hour block in your day, on a weeknight or over the weekend?

If you answered YES, join us to make a difference to families with sick and injured kids through our House and Family Room (in Hospital) volunteer programs.

(Option6)

(Option5)

Enquire now via our QR Code or email volunteering.sydney@rmhc.org.au. www.rmhcsydney.org.au

Sensory overload.

Summer Salmon Bowls

Words Dana Sims Instagram @stone_and_twine

Heathly, flavourful salmon bowls are as easy to prepare as they are delicious. This recipe boasts typical Mexican flavours, and the salmon can be cooked to your liking and served in the bowl as chunky flakes.

Sweet, charred pineapple, spicy jalapeno salsa and tangy pickled cucumber ribbons are arranged beautifully with the salmon. The sugarsnap peas are there for crunch and the silky avocado crema tops it offperfect for this time of year and simply delicious.

Ingredients

2 x 250gm pieces of Atlantic salmon

½ tbs olive oil for frying

1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Marinade for salmon

1 tsp smoked paprika

Juice of 1 lime

½ tbs olive oil

Sea salt & cracked black pepper

Bowl

½ small pineapple, top and skin removed, cut into 4 x 1cm slices, then halved and core removed

2 cups sugar snap peas, ends removed

Salsa

1 fresh jalapeno, finely chopped

½ red onion finely chopped

Small bunch fresh coriander, finely chopped

1 cob of corn, lightly charred on a griddle pan, kernels removed

Pickled cucumber

2 Lebanese cucumbers, ends removed, peel long ribbons with a peeler

⅓ cup white vinegar

1½ tbs caster sugar

2 tsp sea salt

Avocado crema

1 large avocado, skin and seed removed, mashed well

1 tbs sour cream

Juice of ½ lime

½ clove garlic, minced

Handful fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

Method

1. Combine the ingredients for the cucumber pickling liquid in a bowl and mix well. Add the cucumber ribbons and set aside for 20 minutes.

2. Combine ingredients for the salmon marinade in a bowl and mix well. Coat the salmon in the marinade and set aside for 15 minutes.

3. Heat the oven to 180℃.

4. Prepare ingredients for the salsa in a bowl and set aside.

5. Prepare ingredients for the avocado crema and set aside.

6. Place the marinated salmon on a lined baking tray and place in the oven. Cook for 10-12 minutes or to your liking and according to the size of your salmon pieces.

7. In a pan set to high heat, add the olive oil. Char the pineapple for 1 minute each side then remove from the pan.

8. Remove the salmon from the oven and set aside. Gently use a fork to flake the salmon.

9. Strain the pickling liquid from the cucumber.

10. Assemble the bowl by adding in the sugarsnap peas, the pickled cucumber, jalapeno salsa, charred pineapple, flaked salmon and top with avocado crema.

11. Add some fresh coriander leaves and serve with wedges of lime.

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.

Subject

The

Past and Future Location Bronte Photographer Ben Selinger

Subject Handsome Brendy Location Bronte Photographer Matilda Pearl

Subject Rubik’s Rainbow Location Maroubra Photographer Tilmann Rust

Subject Synchronised Dolphins Location Bondi Photographer Mark Hunter @bondihunter

Subject Bird’s Eye View Location Dover Heights Photographer Dov Frazer @dovman

Subject Maids, Todd and Mick Location Bronte Photographer Greg Maidment

Subject Blue Hues Location Bondi Photographer Manuel Basurto

Subject Sailor's Delight Location Coogee Photographer Glenn Busuttil

Subject Take Off Location Bondi Photographer Glenn Busuttil

Subject Noisy Miner Location Bondi Junction Photographer Graeme Bogan

Staying Sane in the City

Living in Sydney, you’ll be the first to agree that the cause of a bad day is usually not your own fault, but rather the fault of one or more of the five million other people that live like sardines among us. Whether it’s a blowup finding a spot in the Woolies car park, a shameless drop-in in the surf or just a general display of dickheadery, the ultimate and ironic scourge of city life is the fact that we ultimately have to share everything that is good with other people until that good thing becomes not so good.

For me, the only way to maintain sanity in such a high octane, intense environment is to find a place where you can get away from the hordes, at least for a few hours each week. Therein lies the glitch that is Sydney Harbour - not for its affluent displays of Western engineering and architecture in the form of orange peel-inspired Opera Houses and coat hanger-shaped bridges, but for its less fussed over and lesser-known gems. The hidden places you can stumble upon, only a stone’s throw from the towering skyscrapers of one of the world’s major cities, never ceases to amaze me. In

fact, I would go so far as to say that if you aren’t getting out on the harbour at least once a week, you are blowing it. Sure, not everyone has a boat, or even a kayak, but two feet and a heartbeat can take you to a place of complete solitude, surrounded by unspoiled bush and the raw aquatic world, so just get out and have a look.

This leads me to my most recent conundrum, when my regular program of bi- or tri-weekly harbour trips on the boat came to a grinding halt when the faithful two-stroke engine finally carked it. I guess I learned why they called the old two-stroke Mercs the ‘Black Death’. In the meantime, I tried to relieve my fishing itch on the kayak, on foot and even on other people’s boats but, despite my best efforts,

things simply were not the same. Without money for a new engine, the boat quickly became a glorified storage bin as it lay dormant in the garage. Luckily for me, after a few yarns at work I was able to arrange the deal of a lifetime on a brand new Yamaha four-Stroke through Minter Marine, which also happens to be my place of employment down at the Rose Bay Slipway. Upgrading to 40 horsies meant more power (a lot more, actually), and the four-stroke design meant better fuel economy and overall reliability - the ultimate tool for any harbour, ocean or Australia-wide adventure. The boys at Minter are a bunch of legends and can sort anything marine and boating related.

So, with a newly acquired power plant for the old tub, it was back to the regular program of spending far too much time fishing. The dawn of spring is a great time to target flathead, and I began focusing my efforts on the deeper drop-offs using vibes, sadly to no avail other than a few small models. Accordingly, I decided to change my approach and focus on shallower water, particularly areas with broken weed beds and structures like old pylons. Armed with a fiveinch Zman Paddlerz plastic, I punched long casts right up into barely a foot of water. Without retrieving the lure for more than a second, the telltale whack from an aggressive flathead verified my fresh approach. Four fish in quick succession around the 50cm mark and it was safe to say I was back - and there was no place I’d rather be.

Lewis' Weaponry

TT Black Mamba 3-6kg rod

Okuma 2500 reel

15lb Platypus braid

20lb Platypus FC leader

3/8 ounce TT Headlockz jighead

ZMAN 5" Scented Paddlerz

Soft Bait Minnow (coconut ice glow)

Words and Photos Lewis Kennedy-Hunt

The flatties can be quite horny at this time of year.

The new rig.

The Beast Supercross

ACROSS

1. We observe a minute’s silence on this day (11)

7. Clasp, brace, band (5)

8. First name of first bloke to walk on the moon (4)

9. Cricket delivery (6)

11. Outcast affected by a skin disease (5)

14. Face veil up to the eyes (5)

15. South-western France wine hub (8)

18. Nose (4)

20. Eurasia’s longest river (7)

21. C. S. Lewis’ magic world (6)

22. Over 21,000 Aussie working visas issued to this country for the year ending July 2023 (7)

Trivial Trivia

Words Lisa Anderson Photo Victoria Illingworth-Bone

1. What would deer meat be referred to on a menu?

2. What country was Che Guevara born in?

3. How many colours are in a regular bag of M&M’s?

4. What is the name of the Korean fermented cabbage dish?

5. What is the only vowel on a standard keyboard that is not in the top line of letters?

6. What does BMW stand for?

7. What animal is Brisbane’s AFL team’s mascot?

8. Which bones are babies born without?

DOWN

1. Character in Talladega Nights (5,5)

2. Lacking in quantity or quality (6)

3. Official tree of Canada (5)

4. Position (4)

5. Lack of experience or judgement (5)

6. Capital of Croatia (6)

10. Live-in vehicle (1,1)

11. Bobcat (4)

12. Excite interest (5)

13. Deep collar made of lace (6)

16. Wash with clean water (5)

17. Turn upside down (5)

18. A reflex that expels gas (4)

19. Capital of Western Samoa (4)

9. Which British actress famous for her roles in Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter passed away in September 2024?

10. What day is celebrated on February 2 in Pennsylvania and is also the name of a film?

Centennial Park Sunset Sunshine.

A Different Man

Genre Drama, Comedy, Thriller

Reviewer Linda Heller-Salvador

Writer-director Aaron Schimberg’s wry, dark comedy-thriller broaches body and character confidence issues with a weird Beauty and The Beast twist. It also highlights that physical improvements may not necessarily bring about an improved level of self-satisfaction.

Edward (Sebastian Stan) is an aspiring actor who has a genetic condition that has disfigured his face. This leaves him isolated and struggling in dead-end jobs with low prospects of a decent career. His self-loathing attitude isn’t helping, so when a new medical procedure is offered to improve his appearance, he grasps the opportunity with both hands. Edward’s newly acquired life is soon jeopardised when he meets Oswald (Adam Pearson), a gregarious and confident charmer who unwittingly represents everything Edward isn’t. Old insecurities bubble to the surface and plunge Edward into a state of paranoia and jealousy that leads to an intriguingly unexpected outcome.

A Different Man sheds light on society’s unfair visual expectations and the complexities of living with physical differences. It also underscores the transformative power of attitude and confidence, showing how embracing one’s uniqueness can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Snow Patrol

The Forest Is The Path

Label Polydor Records

Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

These Snow Patrol fellows have always seemed a little too squeaky clean for my liking. I expect a sexual cannibalism story will break any day now. Until then, however, I will enjoy their emotional pop rock guilt-free. Yes, it does sound as if they’ve typed ‘Create a Snow Patrol album’ into ChatGPT, but there is comfort in that. If you like Snow Patrol this will be a welcome, if not mind-blowing, addition to their catalogue. If you don’t, I doubt there is much here to lure you into their forest. Which might be a good thing, given my unfounded suspicions.

Joan as Police Woman Lemons, Limes and Orchids

Label PIAS Recordings

Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

Joan as Police Woman sits in that weird little subset of musicians that we all admire and respect, even if we can’t readily name any of their songs. We just respond with a vague, “Oh, yeah,” when people ask us if we’re into them. Joan’s diehard fans come alive and their eyes light up when they speak of her though (a nice change from the deadeyed Swifties), and I can see why. Next time you’re bailed up by one, say you loved the way she blended smooth, jazz-like tendencies with an atmospheric contemporary indie sound on Lemons, Lime and Orchids. They’ll lose their fricken minds.

Surf Trash

The Only Place I Know

Label Impressed Recordings

Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

I think you already know how Surf Trash sound just from their name. In fairness, they are not trash, they are pretty good, but Surf Pretty Good doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? What is particularly endearing is that they don’t have the brash obnoxiousness of some of their current genre counterparts. Yes, this is surf-skate-rock, but they’re not banging on about the four B’s - bongs, beers and being brats. They have more depth and maturity, and I look forward to watching their career develop, while I smash bongs and beers with the brats.

Star Signs

Visions Beardy from Hell

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 20

Your failure to responsibly manage a basic household budget is a good indication that you should not start a business.

Aquarius Jan 21-Feb 19

There is no such thing as ageing gracefully; in fact you should fight it with everything you’ve got - to the death, literally.

Pisces Feb 20-Mar 20

You must learn how to delegate, before your inability to keep monkeys off your back eventually brings you to your knees.

Aries Mar 21-Apr 20

Your partner only badgers you so much because they have no interests other than you; maybe you need to find them a hobby?

Taurus Apr 21-May 21

The solution to all of your problems is money, so put all of your time and energy into scavenging as much of it as possible.

Gemini May 22-Jun 21

Your uncanny inability to directly answer fairly simple questions is raising much suspicion among your peers.

Cancer Jun 22-Jul 22

Please, have a look in the mirror before getting your gear off at the beach, and consider why society has visual expectations.

Leo Jul 23-Aug 22

The occasional loose night out on the razzle with your mates is a basic human right that should never be compromised.

Virgo Aug 23-Sep 23

Save your energy for arguments that could potentially lead to a positive outcome, rather than bickering with your partner.

Libra Sep 24-Oct 23

In the constant juggle between work, health and screen time, sadly it is your health that will be sacrificed.

Trivial Trivia Solutions

1. Venison 2. Argentina 3. Six 4.