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Discover Louie, The Beachside Gem In Coogee Serving Delicious Local Fare

Louie, one of the latest additions to Coogee’s dining scene, opened its doors in early 2023 in a location just off the beach. The neighbourhood restaurant and bar has quickly gained attention for its contemporary Italian cuisine infused with Australian flavours.

Read: Beach Rescues Increasing in Coogee, Other Eastern Suburbs Beaches

At Louie, the menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes, such as tender lamb skewers and grilled king prawns, slow-cooked Wagyu brisket, and porcini ragu pappardelle.

They also serve zesty blue swimmer crab and prawn campanelle with cherry tomatoes and a touch of chilli oil.

If you want to indulge in delicious desserts at the restaurant, go for the house-made gelato, a light and airy tiramisu, or a Weis bar-inspired treat.

The restaurant offers a strong wine list with Italian and local drops, signature cocktails like burnt pineapple Margarita and French Martini, and local beers.

Louie prides itself on creating its own light and fluffy sourdough bread and crafting its pasta from scratch in-house.

Photo credit: Lawrence Burke/Google Maps

Owner Chris Lu feels a sense of homecoming with this new venture. It took Mr. Lu years to find the perfect location for his restaurant, which was no easy task. However, his hard work paid off, and he was delighted to open a new establishment that reflects the character of his neighbourhood and community.

Louie’s interior is minimalist, with arched windows and a large wooden door adding to its elegant appeal. The restaurant’s windows are opened on warm evenings to welcome the refreshing sea breeze.

The diner is strongly committed to minimising waste, utilising nose-to-tail butchery and adapting its menu weekly based on locally sourced produce.

The restaurant owner has promised some surprises to come, as they plan to recreate classic dishes and bring a new level of flavour to familiar favourites. They are preparing a monthly Sunday roast and will soon feature a winery to complement the dish.

Read: Lost and Found: Elaborate Coogee Beach Proposal Goes Viral

Louie is located at 260 Arden Street, Coogee. Visit their website for more details.

Published 10-April-2023

Gordons Bay Scuba Diving Club Proposes a Multimillion Artificial Reef on Coogee

Photo Credit: First Online/Pixabay

The Gordons Bay Scuba Diving Club is hoping to receive approval for the creation of a $10 million artificial reef some four kilometres off Coogee Beach.

In his mayoral minute, Randwick City Mayor Dylan Parker expressed support for the plan to sink a navy ship that will serve as a new recreational spot for scuba diving activities as this may boost tourism and generate more income. The wreck turned artificial reef may also increase the biodiversity of marine life in Coogee, opening the doors for more marine research.

The sunken ship will be placed under a reasonable depth in the water and will not be visible on land. A fee will be collected from divers who may want to access the dive wreck whilst a fishing ban will be imposed on the site. The multimillion funding will be needed to buy, strip and clean the ship before it’s sunk into the water.

Mr Parker and the councillors discussed the proposal at a recent Council meeting, which has drawn some mixed reactions as the plans have to be backed by additional research on its environmental impact and water quality. Cr Rafaela Pandolfini filed a motion to suspend their decision until April 2023.

This is proposal is not a first from the Gordons Bay Scuba Diving Club, which has been campaigning for a dive wreck since 2005. The group has also sent letters and filed a petition to seek support from the NSW Government.

However, some locals are not in favour of the artificial reef and see no economic benefit as Coogee is already a thriving, vibrant community.

Published 3-April-2023

Beach Rescues Increasing in Coogee, Other Eastern Suburbs Beaches

Did you know that an average of over five beach rescues a day take place across Coogee and the rest of the Eastern Suburbs beaches? Lifeguards say that conditions in the water have become treacherous even for experienced swimmers.

A Coastal Advisory Report released for the summer months of December 2022 and January and February 2023 logged over 510 beach rescues. Lifeguard Brad Rope admitted that it has been a “summer of swell” which kept them on their toes, especially whilst looking out for inexperienced swimmers.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker, who is also a volunteer lifesaver, acknowledged that it has been a busy summer, compounded by no COVID restrictions. As rescues were up by 39 per cent, beach visitors also increased by 21 per cent.

Thus, Council launched a Float to Survive campaign as an important measure for preventing drownings in the Eastern Suburbs.

Despite this, the water remained dangerous for a number of fatalities including a 17-year-old man and a 54-year-old man who had accidents in Coogee Beach. A total of 34 deaths was recorded for this summer.

Councillor Noel D’Souza said that Randwick Council should push for more education on water safety and public beaches. Since the Eastern Suburbs have some of the best beaches in the country and will continue to attract visitors, it’s an opportunity to take advantage of letting people know that water safety exists and that the community is serious about preventing water tragedies.

Published 22 March 2023

Toll Relief Rebate Scheme Rolls Out In Coogee, Maroubra

Did you know that thousands of motorists from Coogee and Maroubra have already registered for the Toll Relief Rebate Scheme? Here’s what you might want to know about this program.

Read: Coogee Neighbours At Odds Over Puppy’s Barking, Draws Pet Ownership Debate

What is the Toll Relief Rebate Scheme?

The NSW Government’s Toll Relief Rebate Scheme was launched to reduce the cost of living pressures among motorists throughout the State. Through the scheme, motorists get to avail a 40 per cent rebate of up to $750.

As of early 2023, almost 3,000 motorists from Coogee and Maroubra have registered for the new scheme.

Liberal candidate for Coogee, Dr Kylie von Muenster said the program is great news for family budget relief, because it would mean more money for petrol, bills, groceries, new school uniforms and other costs.

“There are 2,949 motorists in the Coogee and Maroubra area who have registered to get money back in their bank accounts as a result of this scheme, and that’s great news for their hip pocket,” Dr von Muenster said.

Liberal candidate for Maroubra Bill Burst also supports the new program, emphasising how it takes the pressure off family budgets which is a key priority of the Liberal Government.

“These are real savings motorists can make on the Service NSW website that leaves more money for the family budget,” Mr Burst said.

How to Claim Your Rebate

The scheme applies to NSW residents who spend more than $375 a year on tolls. It will be available for toll expenditure between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2024.

Applicants should also drive a NSW registered vehicle, a NSW personal toll account (E-Toll or Transurban Linkt), or have their licence plate(s) linked to their personal toll account.

Read: History of Coogee From The 1900s To 2000s

If you’re eligible and ready to claim your rebates, your toll account should be linked to your MyServiceNSW Account. It will provide you with access to Toll Tracker where you can check your toll spend and see when you’re able to claim toll relief.

To find out more about your eligibility and how to apply, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au.

Published 16-March-2023

Coogee Neighbours At Odds Over Puppy’s Barking, Dispute Draws Pet Ownership Debate

Photo Credit: Katerina Vulcova/Pixabay

Peace was briefly disrupted among the residents of a Coogee apartment complex after one furious neighbour posted a note to call out another neighbour for its barking puppy. The note, shared on a private Facebook group, sparked a debate about pet ownership.

The complainant left a stickered note in a common area of the Coogee apartment complex to reprimand the pet owner, who took a photo and shared it with the group.

“Your dog is a pest while you are home,” the message read. “Your dog is a severe pest when you are out. Silence the dog you inconsiderate beasts.”

The puppy’s owner, Rachel Lee, also posted a note in response to the neighbour, stating in a sarcastic tone that she bought a zap collar for the puppy “in hopes that he STOPS the horrible behaviour.”

On Facebook, however, Ms Lee said that she was not going to use a cruel device on her 12-week-old pup.

“I’m a stay-at-home mum, so I’m home most days and if not he [the puppy] comes with me – definitely no separation anxiety either. He just barks because he’s a puppy and we’re trying to teach him. The person that wrote that sticker is obviously a psychopath.”

Some neighbours defended Ms Lee’s situation as untrained pups naturally bark. They chided the complaining neighbour for leaving a rude note anonymous instead of making the effort to talk to Ms Lee in person.

“They went out of their way to print a sticker and yet couldn’t go next door to chat in person,” one local said.

However, others agreed with the complainant because residents “need peace and quiet in their own homes.” The incident raised issues not only about pet ownership but also respect and kindness.

Coogee Puppy — Photo Credit: Cindy Parks/Pixabay

Randwick City Council encourages pet owners in the Eastern Suburbs to become familiar with the state’s Companion Animal Act. Under this act’s part 5 of the special provisions relating to the control of dogs, persistent dog barking may be considered a nuisance if it “interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises.”

“Owning a dog comes with certain responsibilities that ensure your pet’s safety as well as the safety of our community and environment,” the Council stated.

Published 16 March 2023

Public Warning Issued Following Algal Bloom Found In Coastline From Coogee To South Maroubra

An algal bloom affecting the city’s coastline from Coogee to South Maroubra in March 2023 has prompted officials to issue a warning against swimming from Sydney’s popular beaches until the water is clear.

Read: South Coogee to Maroubra Coastal Walkway Reopens

Aside from the beaches between Coogee and Maroubra, ocean baths such as Wylie’s Baths and Mahon Pool may also be affected by algal bloom.

Randwick City Council has not closed the beaches and baths but they warned the public to avoid swimming once they see a discolouration in the water.

Wylie’s Baths (Photo credit: Hamish Pringle/Google Maps)

Algal blooms are a natural phenomenon which discolour the water and although most algae are harmless, some types of cyanobacteria can cause serious health problems to people, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal illnesses.

It may also affect pets, hence pet owners are being advised to keep their animals out of the water.

What You Need to Know About Algal Blooms

“Blooms” are formed when blue-green algae or cyanobacteria quickly grows, which normally happens in warm and nutrient-rich water.

Contact with blue-green algae, even in the absence of toxins, may result in skin irritations and rashes. Cyanobacterial rash tends to be large and itchy and is being compared to intense eczema.

Maroubra Beach (Photo credit: www.randwick.nsw.gov.au)

In severe cases, the toxins from cyanobacterial blooms may cause damage to the liver and nervous system.

According to Water Quality Australia, cyanobacteria can reproduce quickly in favourable conditions, where there is abundant sunlight, still or slow-flowing water, and sufficient levels of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus.

Read: History of Coogee from the 1900s to 2000s

Nitrogen and phosphorus, in excessive levels, may cause an overgrowth of algae in a short period of time. Some of their external sources include agricultural fertilisers, household products, sewage effluent, and stormwater runoff.

Published 7-March-2023

South Coogee to Maroubra Coastal Walkway Reopens

Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil

The Coastal Walkway connecting South Coogee to Maroubra has been reopened nine months after a storm forced its temporary closure.

As of 1 March 2023, the access found on Lurline Bay is now operational and has been completely repaired after it collapsed and cause safety concerns. Experts assessed the damage and then came up with plans for remediation.

“I’m very pleased that this staircase has been repaired, made safe and is now open again for public use,” Mayor Dylan Parker said.

“Lurline Bay is a beautiful coastal environment and is well used by local residents. It forms part of our stunning Coastal Walkway which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sydney.”

Meanwhile, the Council is planning to establish a cantilevered boardwalk around Lurline Bay and provide a public access way as well between Cuzco Street and Seaside Parade as part of continuing the Coastal Walkway along the coast.

Published 3 March 2023

Lost and Found: Elaborate Coogee Beach Proposal Goes Viral

Photo Credit: StockSnap/Pixabay

What was supposed to be a romantic and elaborate proposal organised at Coogee Beach turned into an unfortunate incident that has gone viral on social media after the bride-to-be dropped and lost the ring on the sand.

Zay, the groom-to-be, hired an event planner for the perfect engagement that had an elaborate display of fairy lights to brighten up the beach. A portion of the lights even spelled “marry me” and brought quite a magical touch.

As Zay got down on his knees to ask Sai, his girlfriend, to marry him, a huge crowd of people — composed of friends, family and onlookers — cheered on. But a few moments later, most of the crowd could be seen scanning the beach for the missing ring.

One onlooker, Jessica Condonn, filmed the whole thing and posted the video on TikTok, receiving nearly three million views.

@jessicacondonn
Coogee takes its newest victim
♬ Oh No – Kreepa

“Pro tip from my fiancé: don’t propose with a loose ring on the sand,” Sai said in the comments of Jessica’s post. She also posted her sentiments about the Coogee Beach proposal on her Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SAI. (@wasaibi.xo)

Sai also confirmed that they found the engagement ring after a 20-minute search. The couple said that they didn’t expect the proposal to generate news and go viral. TikTok users suggested to anyone planning another Coogee Beach proposal to have someone with a metal detector on the site in case of a similar mishap.

Meanwhile, Zay and Sai are ruling out a wedding at the beach and will instead have their big celebration at a destination wedding spot, without the sand, in Bangkok.

Published 19 February 2023

Randwick Pride Heading To Coogee Beach Rainbow Walkway

There’s no better place in Coogee than the Rainbow Walkway at the Coogee Beach to celebrate Randwick Pride. This much-anticipated event is heading to Coogee Beach in time for Sydney WorldPride 2023.

Read: Rainbow Walkway on Coogee Beach To Add New Colours

On 18 February 2023, mark your calendars for a fantastic afternoon of live music and entertainment by the Kaleidoscope Dream band, to be followed by performances from some of the city’s most popular drag queens.

Hosted by Julie McCrossin, the event will include speeches from the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, Cr Dylan Parker the Mayor of Randwick, and Albert Kruger the CEO of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Photo credit: David Trent Brooks/Google Maps

Meanwhile, the walkway is being updated to include five additional Progress Pride Flag colours, with works commencing from 1 Feb 2023.

The Coogee Rainbow Walkway is a 50-metre rainbow walkway installed on Coogee Beach Promenade as part of a Randwick City Council proposal to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and equality.

The installation was meant to be temporary, when it was installed in time for the opening of the Mardi Gras season in 2020, but Council voted for it to become a permanent fixture at the Coogee Beach in late 2021.

Save the Date

What	Randwick Pride at Coogee Beach
Where	Coogee Beach Rainbow Walkway
When	Saturday 18 February 2023, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The event is presented by Randwick City Council as part of Sydney WorldPride Pride Amplified and Rainbow City 2023.

Read: A Look Back at the Alleged Marian Apparition at Coogee Beach

It’s a free event but please note that since it’s an outdoor event, it can be impacted by rain and other extreme weather. Hence, it’s recommended to check Pride Amplified’s social media, including their Facebook page for updates.

Ampol Coogee, North Bondi Transformed for Glampol Activities to Support the LGBTQIA+ Community

Photo Credit: Ampol Australia/Facebook

Ampol outlets in Coogee and North Bondi have been transformed with a rainbow glam up to launch its Glampol campaign to support the LGBTQIA+ Community.

From February to March 6, 2023, Ampol Coogee and North Bondi will conduct “Drag Baes Window Wash” services with drag queens assisting the employees to raise awareness and funding for Minus18, an organisation championing the LGBTQIA+.

Customers will also find in-store donations sections for Minus18 at Ampol Foodary or Ampol Woolworths MetroGo in Coogee, North Bondi, South Coogee, Randwick, Woollahra, Alexandria, Lane Cove West, Manly, Neutral Bay and Rosebery.

“I would like thank members of our Rainbow Alliance employee networking group for their ongoing support of our work in this space, including supporting our brand and retail teams to bring this campaign to life,” Matt Halliday, Managing Director and CEO of Ampol, said in a press statement.

“We encourage all of our loyal customers to get involved and experience the fun at our Glampol activations and to help us raise funds for Minus18, an organisation that provides vital support to improving the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ youth across Australia.”

The company is also one of the sponsors for the Australian Queer Aquatics (AQuA) Festival taking place in different Sydney pools for February and March.

It comes as the Coogee Rainbow is being spruced up for the upcoming WorldPride celebration in Sydney in February. According to the Council, access to the area will be temporarily limited for a few days as the pathway is getting some fresh paint and cleaning.

Published 6 February 2023