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Coogee Shines as a Beach Destination for Sydney Pride 2024

As Sydney gears up for Pride 2024, Coogee Beach is emerging as a must-visit destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers and locals alike.

The recently repainted Coogee Rainbow, now reflecting the Progress Pride Flag, greets visitors as they descend the beach steps. This vibrant symbol underscores Coogee’s status as one of Sydney’s most LGBTQI-friendly suburbs.

For those seeking respite from the summer heat, Coogee Beach provides an ideal setting. Its sheltered cove creates gentle waves, making it an excellent spot for swimming. Visitors can also explore the area’s rock pools, including the Giles Baths to the north and the Ross Jones Memorial Pool to the south, offering alternatives to the open surf.

After a day at the beach, the Coogee Pavilion on Dolphin Street serves up cocktails and fresh grilled fare, with its rooftop providing a perfect vantage point to watch the sunset and enjoy the night sky.

Coogee’s culinary scene extends beyond the beachfront. Bohäus Café on Coogee Bay Road is noted for its exceptional coffee and lunch offerings, providing a perfect midday break for visitors.

For those travelling from central Sydney, the L2 light rail offers convenient access, departing from Central Station and terminating on Belmore Road in the heart of the area.

As Pride 2024 approaches, Coogee’s combination of LGBTQI-friendly atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and diverse dining options makes it a standout destination for celebration and relaxation.

Published 14-February-2024

Kourtney Kardashian Spotted in Coogee

Photo Credit: Facebook / The Wash

Kourtney Kardashian, the renowned reality TV star, has been spotted at a restaurant in Coogee treating her kids ahead of her husband’s blink-182 tour. Known for her glamorous style back home in Los Angeles, she’s adopted a more relaxed look during her Australian visit.

Kardashian is in Australia to support her husband, Travis Barker, who is on tour with his band, blink-182. Despite her busy schedule, she found time to treat her children, Penelope and Reign, to a lavish lunch at Mimi’s, a popular celebrity haunt in Coogee.

For the outing, Kardashian chose comfort over glamour. She was seen in an oversized white baseball T-shirt, wide-leg grey trousers, and black loafers. Her accessories included a small black handbag, narrow rectangular sunglasses, and necklaces bearing the names ‘Rocky’ and ‘Mrs Barker’. These are tributes to her newborn son and her marriage to Barker.

Her children were also casually dressed. Reign sported green camouflage trousers and a black graphic T-shirt, while Penelope wore a white T-shirt and denim shorts. Notably absent from the outing were baby Rocky and her older son Mason.

Meanwhile, Barker was in Perth for the kick-off of blink-182’s much-anticipated tour.

Her laid-back look is a stark contrast to the glamour we’re used to seeing from her in Los Angeles. But it’s clear that she’s enjoying her time Down Under, spending quality time with her children and supporting her husband’s professional commitments.

Published 8-February-2024

Commonwealth Bank Announces Closure of Branches in Coogee, 2 Other Sites

Commonwealth Bank has recently announced the permanent closure of three of its branches across Australia, in the highly populated areas of Coogee in New South Wales, Coolangatta in Queensland, and Adelaide’s iconic Rundle Mall in South Australia.

These branches are scheduled to be shuttered by 1 March 2024. This decision comes as the bank cites a continuous decline in customer demand as the primary reason for these closures.

Declining Transactions: A Compelling Factor

The decision to close these branches is not taken lightly by Commonwealth Bank.

In Coogee, transactions at the branch along Coogee Rd have plummeted by 52 per cent over five years, highlighting a significant shift in customer preferences towards digital banking services.

In Adelaide’s Rundle Mall, transactions have also dwindled by a substantial 47 per cent over the past five years, whilst Coolangatta witnessed a 29 per cent decrease in transactions.

Commonwealth Bank acknowledges the impact of these closures on both customers and employees. The bank has assured that its staff members will provide one-on-one assistance to customers until their last opening day to help them explore alternative banking options.

The bank offers a range of channels for customers to access banking services, including branches, ATMs, mobile and premier bankers, phone banking, messaging, online banking, and the CommBank app, as well as Bank@Post services.

Employee Relocation and Support

Out of the 22 employees currently working across the three branches slated for closure, all but one will be relocated to roles that align with their needs. Commonwealth Bank is committed to supporting the remaining staff members in finding potential opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition during this period of change.

Despite these closures, Commonwealth Bank has affirmed that it has no plans to close any more regional branches until at least the end of 2026. This commitment reflects the bank’s aim to maintain a presence in regional areas, even as it adapts to changing customer preferences.

Published 7-Feb-2024

Mystery Surrounds Window Shattering at Popular Coogee Cafe

The bustling atmosphere at popular beachside cafe Bathers Coogee was abruptly disturbed by the unexpected shattering of a large window, causing concern and confusion among guests. Was it the heat? Vandalism?

The incident, which occurred on a scorching day with temperatures soaring to 30°C, left the pavement outside the cafe covered in glass and raised immediate concerns about public safety.

Early reports from the scene suggested a chaotic scenario, as patrons and passersby were greeted by the sight of shattered glass. Initial speculation pointed towards potential vandalism, but further investigations by the local police have since provided a different perspective.

Bathers Coogee glass shattered — Photo Credit: @Seansperception/Instagram via Maroubra Community/Facebook

Authorities are now exploring the possibility that the glass explosion was due to natural causes, such as the intense heat experienced in Sydney on the day of the incident. The police have ruled out the involvement of any projectiles or malicious activities, focusing instead on the theory that the extreme temperatures may have caused the glass to expand and ultimately shatter. This explanation, however, has not been confirmed, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the window’s destruction.

Bathers Coogee, a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy the picturesque views of Coogee Beach, was forced to close temporarily following the incident. A statement released by the establishment assured the public that no injuries were reported and that steps were being taken to address the damage and ensure the safety of its patrons. The cafe also announced plans to reopen promptly, signalling a swift return to normalcy.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the impact of extreme weather conditions on infrastructure and the need for businesses to evaluate the resilience of their facilities against such events. As climate patterns continue to evolve, incidents like the one at Bathers Coogee highlight the unexpected challenges that can arise, prompting a reevaluation of safety standards and preventive measures in public spaces.

Meanwhile, the quick response by local authorities and the cafe’s management has been commended, with many emphasising the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of unforeseen events.

Published 1-Feb-2024

Coogee Locals Voice Concerns Over Road Obstacle

Photo Credit: Courtyard/Facebook

Residents in Coogee have voiced their grievances regarding an unusual road feature that has been causing damage to vehicles and exacerbating traffic congestion in the area.

The concrete blocks strategically placed on the corner of Arden St and Coogee Bay Rd have elicited frustration from residents who believe they are detrimental to both vehicles and traffic flow in the bustling beachside community.

The discontent among Coogee residents has found an outlet on social media platforms, where the locals have fervently expressed their concerns.

Images shared online depict two concrete blocks protruding from the roadside gutter, flanking a metal grate that covers a void where a tree once stood, fuelling a passionate response from the community.

One local took aim at Randwick Council, imploring the authorities to address the issue promptly. In a Facebook post, he questioned the council’s inaction, asserting that the situation had led to vehicular damage and third-world traffic congestion.

“This is some of Coogee’s finest architecture,” he lamented. “When is Randwick Council going to pull their finger out of their bum and do something about this? Daily we watch cars destroy themselves on this, and the traffic congestion from not having a left-turning lane is third world! Wake up Randwick Council!”

Coogee Bay Rd roadblock — Photo Credit: Courtyard/Facebook

The resident’s impassioned plea resonated with many Coogee residents, who called for the complete removal of the tree surrounds and concrete blocks.

Randwick Council, however, has maintained its stance on the matter. A council spokesperson stated that the concrete blocks and tree surrounds serve a specific purpose and would not be removed.

They emphasised that these tree surrounds are designed to protect street trees from potential harm caused by parked vehicles, such was the case of recent damage to a tree near the Arden St intersection. The council promptly replaced the tree on 24 Jan 2024.

The council further clarified that there are no plans to eliminate the tree surrounds or trees from Coogee Bay Road, thereby leaving residents with mixed feelings on this issue.

Published 26-Jan-2024

Trash Woes Continue at Coogee Beach, Prompting Calls for Better Waste Management

Coogee Beach was left littered with rubbish once again over the weekend, sparking calls from locals for more bins and better waste management.

Read: Coogee Beach Becomes Haven Amidst Heatwave

This comes after the popular eastern suburbs beach was strewn with items like bottles, bags, and other trash after beachgoers departed.

The ongoing issue has frustrated residents, with some labelling the constant mess as “disgusting” and urging Randwick City Council to take action. They argue Coogee and other nearby beaches lack adequate bins on the sand itself.

One Facebook user suggested that adding more trash bins would lead to people actually utilising them, implying that the lack of adequate bins is part of the problem that allows litter to accumulate.

Council officials have responded to the complaints by pledging more bins and staff. However, they maintain that beachgoers must take personal responsibility, especially when bins are full or unavailable.

The scenes over the weekend echoed similar incidents at Coogee and other eastern suburbs beaches this past holiday season. Locals are fed up with the rubbish left behind by crowds every summer. They want visitors to be more respectful and clean up after themselves, regardless of how many bins are present.

Whilst the litter problem has angered many locals, some organisations, such as the Sea Shepherd Sydney are taking action regarding better waste management.

The Sea Shepherd Sydney crew held a community cleanup at Coogee Beach earlier in January, removing nearly 2,800 pieces of trash. They expressed disappointment at seeing so much garbage left behind after New Year’s celebrations. The top items collected were single-use food packaging, bottles, and cigarette butts.

Photo credit: Sea Shepherd Australia – Marine Debris Campaign

Environmental advocates remind beachgoers to dispose of their rubbish properly when visiting.

“If you are heading for a picnic or beach time, remember to take your rubbish with you and dispose of it correctly. Let’s not leave it for marine life or others to pick up!” they urged in a social media post.

Read: Swimmers Rush Out of Water After Coogee Beach Shark Sighting

With more vigilance and personal accountability from visitors, hopefully the sights of trashed beaches in the Eastern Suburbs will become a thing of the past.

Published 24-January-2024

Dan Murphy’s Trials New Tech to Chill Drinks in Minutes at Coogee Store

Dan Murphy’s store in Coogee will soon allow customers to chill their drinks in just minutes using innovative new technology.

Read: Cafe Milestone: A Fresh Sensation in Coogee’s Culinary Scene

The store is trialling V-Tex, a device that can chill cans and bottles to 5 degrees celsius in only three minutes. V-Tex works by rotating beverages at speed in a bath of ice water, evenly distributing the temperature without disturbing the liquid.

According to Dan Murphy’s Head of Endeavour Build Paul Burrows, V-Tex will provide added convenience for customers and employees. He added that this will really deliver the convenience that customers are looking for, and it can all be done at the point of sale.

Although Dan Murphy’s stores have extensive refrigeration, V-Tex means customers’ choices aren’t limited by what’s already chilled. The technology also gives Dan Murphy’s a sustainability edge, as there are no chemicals used in the cooling process.

V-Tex Sales Director Colin Rodgers said the technology enables on-demand chilling in a way that hasn’t been achieved successfully before. He hopes that in time, this technology will be the global standard for beverage chilling. The group is excited to be working with Dan Murphy’s and Endeavour Drinks Group to release this technology in Australia.

How it Works

V-Tex’s groundbreaking technology eliminates the need for constant refrigeration by enabling beverages to be stored at room temperature. Then, when customers are ready to drink, the beverages can be rapidly chilled in just minutes at the point of sale or consumption using V-Tex devices.

This on-demand chilling capability not only provides convenience, but is also an environmentally friendly solution. Compared to traditional refrigeration methods, V-Tex saves 50-90% of energy. With its energy efficiency and lack of chemical coolants, V-Tex offers businesses and consumers an innovative green chilling option

Read: Coogee Beach Becomes Haven Amidst Heatwave

The trial of V-Tex comes just in time for summer, when demand for chilled drinks spikes. If successful, the technology could roll out to more Dan Murphy’s locations across the country.

Dan Murphy’s is located at 102/104 Brook St, Coogee.

Published 11-January-2024

Swimmers Rush Out of Water After Coogee Beach Shark Sighting

Beachgoers’ day at the shore was abruptly cut short Sunday morning, January 7, after lifeguards at Coogee beach scrambled to clear swimmers out of the water due to a shark sighting.

Read: Universities Urge International Students to Dive into Swim Programs

Around 8:30 a.m., the alarm sounded and lifeguards cleared all swimmers from the water. After conducting safety checks, the beach was reopened by 9:00 a.m.

One beachgoer said the sighting was “pretty frightening,” noting the beach was busy at the time due to the good weather. Locals took to social media to discuss the shark, with some describing it as “quite big.”

Coogee beach has both shark nets and a SMART drumline offshore as part of the NSW Shark Management Strategy.

SMART drumlines are a type of shark management system. ‘SMART’ stands for Shark-Management-Alert-In-RealTime. They are made up of an anchor, two buoys, and a GPS unit connected to a satellite. A baited hook is attached to the drumline.

When a shark takes the bait, it pulls on the line. This causes a magnet on the GPS unit to be released. The released magnet sends an alert to a response team.

Shark sighting — Photo credit: Google Street View

However, the nets and drumlines did not deter the shark from approaching the beach Sunday morning.

This latest sighting comes just weeks after recent deadly shark attacks in South Australia and a serious attack at Port Macquarie in NSW last August.

This summer marks the second season SMART drumlines, drones, and tagged shark listening stations have been deployed at Sydney beaches in addition to the long-standing shark nets. However, these measures did not prevent Sunday’s close encounter at Coogee.

Read: Community Gathers in Coogee to Raise Awareness and Fight Melanoma

Authorities continue to monitor the area for further shark activity. They are working to ensure the safety of the public whilst also protecting marine wildlife, as sharks are a regular occurrence along Australia’s coastlines. Through improved monitoring and technology like the SMART drumlines, they hope to achieve a responsible balance for both beachgoers and local shark populations in the area.

Published 8-January-2024

Annual Coogee Sparkles Set To Welcome 2024

Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

The annual Coogee Sparkles event is set to illuminate the night sky to welcome 2024. On December 31, 2023, the event promises an enchanting 15-minute fireworks display starting at 9 PM, captivating audiences from Goldstein Reserve.

Preparations for the event are in full swing, with the Randwick City Council ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Road closures, scheduled from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, aim to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety during this vibrant celebration.

**2023 Site Map for Coogee Sparkles**
*Photo Credit:* Randwick City Council

Transportation alterations, including modifications to several bus routes, have been planned to accommodate the road closures. The council encourages attendees to consider alternative transport options due to limited parking availability.

The festivities will kick off with an array of captivating entertainment along the Coogee Beach promenade. From fairy and mermaid bubble shows to stilt walkers and local band performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

**Oompah Loompah Band**
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

**Yabadoo Entertainment**
*Photo Credit:* Randwick City Council

**The Glorious Sousaphonics**
*Photo Credit:* Randwick City Council

**The Sax Summit**
*Photo Credit:* Randwick City Council

**Art De Masque**
*Photo Credit:* Randwick City Council

Residents are urged to arrive early to secure prime viewing spots, as this popular event will draw a large crowd. Organisers emphasise the importance of adhering to event guidelines, including the prohibition of alcohol, smoking, and glass on Coogee Beach and its surrounding reserves.

Several vantage points have been identified for optimal fireworks viewing, including Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach, Grant Reserve & Trenerry Reserve, Clovelly Beach Car Park, Burrows Park Headland, and local restaurants and hotels.

**Vantage Point Map**
*Photo Credit:* Randwick City Council

While Goldstein Reserve won’t host food stalls, attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, low-rise chairs, and small sunshades. Nearby local businesses will be open, offering takeaway options to complement the evening’s festivities.

Lifeguards and first aid stations will be available in Goldstein Reserve in the spirit of community safety. Public toilets and water stations will also be accessible throughout the event.

For further information or inquiries about the event, residents can reach out to the Customer Service Centre during business hours at 1300 722 542 or via email at events@randwick.nsw.gov.au.

As the countdown to Coogee Sparkles begins, the council encourages residents to embrace the celebratory atmosphere while adhering to event guidelines, ensuring a memorable and safe New Year’s Eve for all.

Published 30-December-2023

Yana Coogee Brings Fiery Twist to Farm Fresh Fare

The latest addition to Coogee’s dining scene brings a fresh perspective to seasonal, local ingredients. Yana Coogee, which opened in December 2023, specialises in farm-to-table cuisine with a fiery twist.

Read: Cafe Milestone: A Fresh Sensation in Coogee’s Culinary Scene

Helmed by chef Sam Lane, the open-flame restaurant sources top regional producers like Dandaraga Springs, Tathra Place, and Musset Holdings Family Farm. Free-range chicken from Altitude Chickens in Orange and grass-fed beef from Binnie Beef in the Hunter Valley also make appearances.

Yana provides a one-of-a-kind vantage point to enjoy the beachscape along with Chef Lane’s culinary craft spotlighting New South Wales’ bounty.

The spacious, 120-seat dining room allows you to settle in for the full experience. Start with house-made focaccia and snacks like Appellation oysters with finger lime, Harvey Bay scallops with kombu butter, and baby octopus with tomato caponata and Nduja butter.

The entrée selections allow the fresh, regional ingredients to take centre stage. Look for mains like barramundi fish caught wild in Humpty Doo, highlighted with Australian bush herbs. Free-range chicken from Altitude Farms is served with an oregano verde sauce. Premium beef cuts like T-bone and scotch fillet are also featured.

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A post shared by Yana (@yanacoogee)

Don’t skip dessert – Chef Lane puts his signature spin on classic s’mores with dried raspberry, aromatic strawberry gum extracts, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Yana – which stands for “You Are Not Alone” in case you were wondering – also delivers some solid cocktails to complement the coastal views. Sip the Yana Spritz with passionfruit and Prosecco or the jalapeño-infused Tropical Tommy’s. But the real showstopper is the unique Oyster Martini.

Read: Go From Beach to Brunch at The Little Kitchen in Coogee

With its seasonal fare, first-rate cocktails, and Chef Lane’s fiery touches, Yana Coogee brings an irresistible new flavour to the neighbourhood.

Find Yana at 244 Coogee Bay Rd. Follow them on Instagram for updates.

Published 28-December-2023