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Coogee Carols: Free Music Festival Returns After Two Years

Photo Credit: TheCoogeeCarols/Facebook

After a two-year hiatus, the popular Coogee Carols returns to bring some jingle bell rockin’ and rollin’ to the crowd at Coogee Beach.

Find your spot at the Goldstein Reserve, behind Coogee Beach on Sunday, the 18th of December 2022, as the Coogee Carols returns for its 21st year. The FREE music festival will start at 6:30 p.m. with performances from celebrities and local talents backed by a seven-piece band.

As with previous carols, Santa Claus is expected to make his special appearance.

This joyous event attracts crowds from all over Sydney but large TV screens will be placed around the reserve so everyone can watch and enjoy. The fireworks display will cap the exciting night off at 9:30 p.m.

“The Coogee Carols is a signature Council event that has been sorely missed for the past two years,” said Dylan Parker, Mayor of Randwick.

“We’re looking forward to getting back out there to celebrate the season and enjoy the amazing community in which we live.”

Before the Coogee Carols, Randwick City Council will also run the following events in early December. Mark your calendars and round up your family and friends to celebrate Christmas in the Eastern Suburbs:

WHAT	WHEN	WHERE
South Maroubra Christmas Party	Saturday 3rd December 20222pm – 5pm	South Maroubra Village Greencnr Malabar Rd and Meagher Ave
Carols by the Sea	Saturday 3rd December 20226pm – 9pm	Grant Reserve, Coogee
Christmas Carols and Street Party	Sunday 4th December 20224.30pm – Street Party6pm – Carols	St Luke’s Anglican Churchcnr Arden and Varna St, Clovelly

Feedback Sought For Including Denison Hall In The Heritage List

Locals are being invited to have their say on plans to include Denison Hall on the heritage listing and to extend the boundary of the Moira Crescent Heritage Conservation Area to include the iconic hall.

Read: Community Group Opposes Development Plans For Ballamac House Site in Coogee

Located at 11A Marcel Avenue in Coogee, Denison Hall was built in 1929 by builder Alfred Henry Padey, who moved to Randwick from Orange, NSW during the 1920s and established a building company there.

The lot where the house was built was part of the fourth subdivision of the Bishopscourt Estate in 1926 and serves as an evidence of the suburbanisation of Randwick in the first half of the 20th century.

Although the designer of the building is unknown, it’s being attributed to Padey, who was also the contractor of some houses along Marcel Ave, including a property called ‘Normanhurst.’

When AH Padey died in January 1948, the property was passed to his son, Alfred Norman Padey, who later sold the flats to George Scarf Investments. The company sold it to its current owners, Theo Castrisos. In 1979, the property was transferred to the Castrisos.

Denison Hall — Photo credit: Google Street View

The freestanding brick building, which is a great example of an interwar period structure, still has many of its original features, including the plaster moulded ceilings, cornices, window and door joinery with original hardware, and leadlight glazed screen joinery in the living room.

A heritage assessment report prepared by City Plan Heritage stated that there are a number of flat buildings in the local area dating from the interwar period. Whilst some are already on the heritage list, some are not yet including the flats at 24 and 26 Marcel Ave, Coogee.

“The building demonstrates the characteristics of the Inter-war California Bungalow architectural style applied to a flat building. The scale, materiality and detailing of Denison Hall are consistent with those exhibited by buildings contributing the established character of the Moira Street Conservation Area,” the report reads.

Read: Some of the Most Interesting People in Coogee Have Lived on Glenwood Ave

Have Your Say

Residents can complete an online submission or send their comments by emailing council@randwick.nsw.gov.au.

Please note that the consultation period is from 12 October to 9 November 2022 only.

Rainbow Walkway on Coogee Beach To Add New Colours

The 47-metre-long rainbow walkway on Coogee Beach is set to get a redesign to make it more representative of the LGBTQIA+ community. The project is estimated to cost $20,000 and will see five new colours added to the original installation.

Installed in time for the opening of the Mardi Gras Season last year, the rainbow walkway project was a Randwick City Council initiative in support of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community. The curved rainbow pathway covers 200sqm of a section of the promenade and features a special flooring paint that can withstand the elements. And in late September 2021, Council voted for the installation to be a permanent fixture at the Coogee Beach.

Now, a year after they voted to maintain the landmark installation indefinitely, Council unanimously approved a motion to undertake a $20,000 makeover of the 47m rainbow walkway. The initiative is in response to gay rights and advocacy groups’ suggestion for a redesign of the installation that is more representative of the LGBTQIA+ community.

As part of the makeover, the Coogee Beach rainbow walkway will add new colours of black and brown to symbolise people of colour. Pink, baby blue and white, which represent the trans community, will also be added. Moreover, the project cost will include the repainting of the original installation.

Daniel Quasar-designed Progress Pride flag | Photo credit: Paul2520, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Developed in 2018 by non-binary American artist and designer Daniel Quasar, the Progress Pride flag is a reinterpretation of the pride flag which has gone through several iterations. The redesign incorporated the original 1978 multi-coloured design by artist Gilbert Baker and the Transgender Pride Flag by transgender activist Monica Helms designed in 1999.

Water Quality At Coogee Beach Deemed ‘Poor,’ Here’s When not to Swim

Did you know that the water quality at Coogee Beach has been downgraded to “Poor” based on the 2021-2022 findings of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment? Find out when to avoid swimming at the beach.

Read: Safety Concerns Force Removal of Coogee Pier Pylons After 94 Years

The Department’s annual state of the beaches report for the Sydney region revealed that microbial water quality in Coogee Beach has declined over the last two years, crossing the threshold from Good to Poor this reporting period.

The poor grade indicates that microbial water quality is susceptible to faecal pollution, particularly after rainfall and occasionally during dry weather conditions, with several potential sources of faecal contamination including stormwater.

Based on their analysis, elevated enterococci levels were occasionally recorded during dry weather conditions. Such levels also increased following rainfall.

Because of this, the public is being warned to avoid swimming in the ocean beaches during and for up to one day following rainfall, or if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, flowing drains or floating debris.

Actions to Improve Water Quality at Coogee Beach

In 2019, the NSW Government committed $2.5 million for the diversion of stormwater from Coogee Beach to improve water quality and the marine environment.

This comes after the Coogee Beach Stormwater Quality Working Group advised Randwick City Council to investigate the feasibility of diverting more stormwater from the beach, and the development of a community education and marketing campaign to better inform the local community about stormwater and its impact on local beaches.

In May 2022, with funding from the DPE, a consultant was appointed and will meet with the Coogee Beach Stormwater Quality Working Group to investigate and design a solution for stormwater diversion at Coogee Beach.

Read: From the 1840s to 1890s: The Years That Shaped Coogee

Meanwhile, Council officers undertake their routine inspections and regulatory duties to ensure stormwater pollution is investigated and mitigated to reduce impacts to the water quality of local recreational waterways.

Trading Application Rejected: Jesse’s Shop Forced To Shut Down

Photo Credit: Kathy Cook / Facebook

A formal trading application to allow Jesse’s Shop to continue at Dunningham Reserve near Coogee Beach has been rejected. The 12-year-old’s thriving business has sparked debates on whether he should be allowed to trade on public land.

What started out as a lemonade stand with an honesty box soon expanded to selling cold drinks, dog treats and sunscreen to visitors on the Bondi to Coogee walking trail. Aside from being a training ground for his entrepreneurial skills, Jesse Lane’s small business also served a meaningful purpose by donating part of his profit to charity.

Jesse’s Shop, however, caught the attention of some members of the community who expressed disapproval of his mini store. Whilst many have supported his business, others have called for it to be shut down citing concerns about the use of public land for business, introduction of the commercial trading at the park and the personal safety and welfare of the boy.

Determined to keep his small business going, Jesse secured an insurance plan and lodged an application to formalise his business. However, after months of waiting and despite an overwhelming number of locals who supported his petition, Council voted to reject the application forcing Jesse Lane to close his thriving business.

A Council spokesperson said that whilst Jesse’s entrepreneurial spirit is admirable, restrictions on commercial operations at the public park must be followed.

Once again, the community is split on the Council’s decision. Turning to social media, they expressed their opinion on the issue.

“How great… Entrepreneurs aren’t allowed to make profits in public land buy yet councils can turn public land into profits… Never for the community as historically shown.” – C. Vela.

“I know it’s rough but laws r laws and all the other businesses around there have to abide so should he even buskers have to get a permit now.” – D. Murphy

“Leave the poor kid alone, he’s not hurting anybody and more importantly he’s not out causing property damage or stealing stuff, his behaviour should be applauded not harassed.” – A. Berry

“So because he’s 12 he gets free rent , free insurance no council permit. If council Allows it then it’s only fair for every other 12 year old to do the same but they don’t cause they know there’s rules and procedures and yes I do have a 12 year old. always teach your kids to do things properly cause business is not as easy as setting up a tent wherever you desire.” – M. Sayada

“Leave him alone! Great to see a kid doing something to help others instead of being on a screen all day.” – T. Orchard

“12yo got parents money, parents to drive him to shops, set up tent, fully printed signage, sold w/o license. OK, at what age would you stop supporting him? 14? 16? 18? 22? You ok with him suing the council & your rates go up when an accident occurs?

A lemonade stand in your front yard is an entrepreneur. Reselling stuff is just a shop.” – C. Smitt

“Commend him for trying and getting out there to do something for himself and the community. 🥇” – A. Ellen

Coogee Man Plans to Deliver Essential Supplies to the Ukraine Border

A Coogee resident is taking action to help out displaced families on the Ukraine border, in the midst of protracted hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.

Nicholas Booth, who lives in Coogee but has friends in Ukraine, has made plans to fly to London at the end of October 2022, so he can personally deliver essential supplies to many families displaced by the war.

Mr Booth said that once he gets to London, he will fill up a truck with winter clothing and boots, nappies for kids, and toiletries. He will then drive from London to Germany, and then to Poland until he reaches the Ukraine border.

The Coogee man has calculated that the drive will take about 22 hours and he has been taking advice from people on the ground when it comes to his safety and security.

Mr Booth says he feels that this is something has to accomplish, despite the dangers, because so many families left their homes in Ukraine with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

With winter approaching and as the uncertainty prevails, these families and their kids will need the supplies the Coogee man will deliver.

“The hardships and deprivations of the Ukrainian people will only increase with the imminent onset of winter,” Mr Booth wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for this endeavour.

So far, the fundraiser for the purchase of much-needed supplies has breached over $17,855 among 65 donors. He also said that he has gotten some expert advice on how he and his companion, Joseph Lawrence, would be able to fulfill this humanitarian mission successfully.

Mr Booth is footing his own bill for the travel to London. In an interview with other media, he said that the money raised will all be used for the supplies to be distributed to the Ukrainians.

Coogee Bay Hotel Vies for Metro Hotel of the Year at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence

Photo Credit: Coogee Bay Hotel / Instagram

Coogee Bay Hotel and 17 other hospitality venues are vying for the honour of being named ‘Metro Hotel of the Year’ at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence 2022.

For the first time since 2019, the AHA NSW Awards will be back this year to honour NSW hotels and operators for their excellence across several categories including accommodation, dining, entertainment, marketing, social media, community service and talented employees.

The last time the Awards were held, The Fiddler on Rouse Hill emerged as the Metropolitan Hotel of the Year whilst Bradford Hotel in Rutherford was named Regional Hotel of the Year.

For this year’s Metropolitan Hotel of the Year, the venue on Coogee Bay Road will be competing against outstanding hotels including Harbour View Hotel, Bella Vista Hotel, Opera Bar, Royal Hotel Randwick and Woollahra Hotel.

Coogee Bay Hotel is also in the running for five other awards: Best Live Music Venue, Heart of the Community, Best Outdoor Experience (including Rooftop Bars), Best Late Night Venue, Best Sporting Entertainment Venue.

For the Regional Hotel of the Year, seventeen venues are nominated including Mudgee’s Oriental Hotel, Paragon Hotel and Woolpack Hotel; Beachcomber Hotel & Resort in Toukley; The Illawarra in Wollongong; and Settlers Inn Hotel in Port Macquire.

Awards for Excellence presentation will be held on 24 October 2022, at the Cutaway on Hickson Road, Barangaroo.

The Awards will also include the inaugural People’s Choice Awards to allow the community to support their favourite local pub. Vote for your favourite pub in New South Wales here and get a chance to win one of the four $250 Pubs & Grub from Special Gift Cards.

Cricket Ireland Returns To Coogee Oval For Warm-up Games

Cricket Ireland will return to the Coogee Oval in October 2022, after almost eight years, for a three-match, warm-up series to prepare for the Men’s T20 World Cup.

Read: Say Bonjour To Coogee’s Cafe De France!

The Lefand Cricket Week warm-up fixtures are:

4 October: Ireland XI v Randwick Petersham XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1:00 p.m.)
5 October: Ireland XI v SCG XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1:00 p.m.)
7 October: Ireland XI v NSW XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1:00 p.m.)

In February 2015, Randwick Petersham hosted Cricket Ireland in a 50 over match rounding out a highly successful New Balance Community Cricket Week.

Mike Whitney AM, President of Randwick Petersham Cricket Club said it is even more special this time as former Overseas Scholarship Programme recipients Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector and Barry McCarthy are most likely to be part of this team and they are proud to see their development and strong performances on the international stage following their time with the club.

Mr Whitney hopes Ireland will enjoy their stay in Coogee and gain valuable match preparation, against quality opposition, setting them up for a successful T20 World Cup campaign.

coogee oval — Photo credit: www.cricketireland.ie/

“Everyone at the Randy Petes are backing the Irish and we ask that Ireland becomes your second team,” said Mr Whitney.

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said they are delighted to return to Sydney for the warm-up, organised through their friends at Randwick Petersham Cricket Club.

Read: Some of the Most Interesting People in Coogee Have Lived on Glenwood Ave

“We enjoyed the hospitality of Randy Petes as part of our preparation programme in 2015 when we were heading into the 2015 Men’s World Cup and have subsequently formed a formal partnership with the club,” Mr Holdsworth added.

After the warm-up, Cricket Ireland will head to Hobart for the first round of the tournament proper.

Community Group Opposes Development Plans For Ballamac House Site in Coogee

Ballamac House, one of the first houses ever built in Coogee, has been the subject of much controversy after a developer lodged plans to build a luxury residential development on the site.

Read: Plans to Convert Iconic Ballamac House Into Luxury Residences Lodged

Community organisation Randwick Heritage Action Group is worried about “loss of heritage” once the $10 million development gets the green light.

Located at 39 Arcadia Street, Coogee, Ballamac House will serve as the focal point of the proposed development.

Artist’s impression of proposed development (Photo credit: Central Element)

Developer Central Element plans to revive the building to its original glory and keep its original features, such as the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantle pieces, and decorative ceilings. However, the wraparound verandahs will be reconstructed to allow for indoor and outdoor living.

They also sought the removal of the later additions and construction of two-storey additions to the north and a separate new four-storey apartment building.

Aerial photo of site (Photo credit: planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au)

The group worries that the later additions will be destroyed and the house’s heritage will be diminished, because of the proposed driveway to a basement car park.

The later additions, as stated in the Statement of Heritage Impact report, were part of the 1904-1911 renovations done by millionaire and entrepreneur Sir James Joynton Smith, one of the notable personalities who previously owned the property.

“The proposed alterations and additions to Ballamac generally comply with the heritage controls outlined in Randwick LEP 2012 and Randwick DCP 2013. The proposal aims to have minimal impact on the significance of the heritage listed Victorian villa or identified Heritage Items in the immediate vicinity of the site,” the report reads.

Aside from protecting Ballamac House, the group also voiced other concerns such as losing views of the house from Dunningham Reserve because of the four-storey building and the removal of up to 15 trees.

About Ballamac House

Established in1860, Ballamac House is a Victorian mansion built for Sir Charles Moore, who became the mayor of Randwick and Sydney.

When Moore resigned from the Sydney City Council and left for Europe in 1869, he offered Ballamac for lease as a family residence for two to three years.

Sir Charles Moore (Photo credit: planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au)

It was later converted into a hotel, the Baden Baden Hotel, and was also referred to as a boarding house.

When Sir Joynton Smith bought the property in 1912, he renamed it ‘Hastings House.’ He lived there until he passed away at 89 years old in 1943.

Read: Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment Heads to Court; Developers Asked to Submit Another Amended Plan

A major sale of attached land to the South and West of the building took place in the late ‘70s. The property was strata-titled and divided into five apartments.

Sydney Children’s Hospital Supports Better Education on Dog Ownership Following Coogee Oval Attack

Did you know that one child a week ends up at a Sydney hospital needing treatment for injuries caused by dog bites? In June 2022, a 4-year-old boy ended up with a fat lip, following an unfortunate attack by a dog in Coogee Oval.

Whilst the boy has since recovered, a new study has highlighted the need for better education about dog ownership, especially for families with children.

Data from the Sydney Children‘s Hospital (SCH) showed that the average age of a victim of dog attack is 5 years old. In 2022, about 1,027 dog bites were reported in NSW in the first three months.

The most number of cases reported were for dog attacks involving a Pitbull (10.3%) followed closely by Labradors (8.5%). The council with the highest number of dog attacks was Lake Lake Macquarie with 61 cases from 1 Jan to 31 March 2022.

Within a 10-year period, 628 patients were admitted to the hospital following a dog attack. The average clinical cost for dog injury treatment was $2,968.

BREED	INCIDENTS
Pitbull	10.3%
Labrador	8.5%
Rottweiler	6.8%
Bulldog	6%
Border Collie	6%
Jack Russell	5.1%
Terrier (other)	5.1%
Kelpie	5.1%
German shepherd	4.3%
Others	42.7%

COUNCIL	INCIDENTS
Lake Macquarie	61
Blacktown	59
Northern Beaches	44
Sutherland Shire	36
Wollongong	34
Newcastle	26
Maitland	26
Mid Coast	26
Byron Shire	22

The dog attack at the Coogee Oval was believed to be either a pitbull or a Staffordshire terrier that was playing catch with his owner a few metres away from a father and his toddler.

The 4-year-old was attempting to pick up his footy from the ground when the dog went after him and bit his face, presumably thinking it was his ball the child was picking up.

The family mercifully did not want the dog to be put down. However, they made sure to report the incident to the police so the dog’s owner could be found and measures are taken to ensure that the attack does not happen to another family.

Dr Ahmad Sulaiman, who led the study, said that families should understand the risk of interacting with man’s best friend.

Dogs must be trained to respect space, especially with children. Parents, on the other hand, must be able to determine cues and stress signals from the dog’s body language as incidents don’t just spring up and dogs will always give off a warning.