A mother and her baby are recovering after a frightening ordeal in South Coogee this morning, when a fire broke out in their Malabar Road apartment complex and left them stranded three storeys up with no way out.
The blaze began in a ground floor unit at around 7.20am on Friday and spread rapidly up the building’s exterior. With smoke quickly filling the stairwells, the mother found herself unable to escape and was seen calling for help from a third floor window while holding her infant.
Neighbours sprang into action before emergency services arrived, attempting to reach the pair using ladders. The effort, while determined, fell short — the height of the third floor proved too much, and the density of the smoke inside the building made an internal rescue too dangerous to attempt.
Footage of the incident, which has since circulated widely, captured the urgency of the situation. Witnesses described the mother as visibly distressed but composed under extraordinary pressure, keeping her child close throughout the ordeal.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews arrived and extinguished the fire within 12 minutes, before bringing both mother and child to safety. The two were assessed and treated on scene for smoke inhalation.
Police officers who attended also assisted in evacuating other residents from the building. A 45-year-old man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station for questioning but was later released without charge. A crime scene has been established at the property as investigations continue.
The eastern suburbs community has been left shaken by the incident, though many have noted that the swift response of neighbours and emergency services almost certainly prevented a far worse outcome.
Seafood industry veteran John Susman of Coogee has been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for his significant service to the hospitality industry and seafood sector.
The Coogee resident owns specialist consultancy Fishtales Seafood Strategy and has spent decades transforming how Australia approaches seafood, working across every part of the industry from catching and growing to distribution and retail. His work with leading chefs including Maggie Beer, Neil Perry and Stefano Manfredi helped establish Australian seafood as a premium product on the world stage.
John Susman received the Medal of the Order of Australia, joining other residents from Sydney’s eastern suburbs and southeast recognised in this year’s honours list.
From Commodity to Premium Export
John Susman has watched the Australian seafood industry evolve dramatically over his career. As wild catch fishing scaled back and production costs climbed, the challenge became positioning Australian seafood as premium rather than commodity.
His approach focused on helping producers build recognisable brands that reflect the quality of Australian seafood. Rather than competing on volume, the industry shifted toward showcasing what makes local seafood exceptional.
The transformation took years of persistent work across multiple sectors. John Susman describes himself as someone who has been “chiselling away at seafood for such a long time,” helping the Australian food industry establish itself as a world leader.
Beyond John Susman, the 2026 Australia Day Honours recognised eastern suburbs residents across diverse contributions. Paddington-based Dr Michael Buckley received Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to genomic medicine, including prenatal genome sequencing that enables lifesaving diagnoses in unborn children.
As Clinical Director at Randwick Genomics Laboratory, Dr Buckley ensures newborns can immediately access specialised care. One Victorian mother credited Dr Buckley’s prenatal genomics test with saving her son Mitchell’s life.
Professor Nicholas Manolios from Kensington received Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine in immunology and rheumatic diseases. Randwick residents Distinguished Professor James Macnamara earned recognition for contributions to tertiary education and communications research, while Daniel Murphy was honoured for service to the building industry and community.
Other eastern suburbs recipients include Peter Grey from Elizabeth Bay for service to public administration and international trade, Sandra Chipchase from Paddington for contributions to the major event and tourism industry, and Basil Sellers from Double Bay who received Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service through philanthropy and sports administration.
The full list spans Darlinghurst to Maroubra, with recipients recognised for work ranging from golf and sailing to performing arts administration and literature sponsorship.
What These Honours Mean for Coogee
For Coogee residents, seeing John Susman recognised nationally highlights how local expertise contributes to industries well beyond the immediate neighbourhood. His work reshaping Australian seafood’s global reputation shows how sustained commitment to a single sector can create lasting change.
The broader pattern across eastern suburbs honours reflects communities where residents build careers that extend beyond professional achievement into shaping entire industries or advancing medical breakthroughs that save lives.
John Susman’s recognition specifically acknowledges decades of work elevating Australian seafood from a local product to a premium global export. The honour validates not just his individual effort but the collective achievement of an industry that took its place on the world stage.
A 10-year wastewater upgrade program has been announced after debris balls washed ashore at Coogee, with works focused on the Malabar treatment system linked to the incidents.
Debris balls were reported on Sydney beaches from October 2024 to January 2025, including at Coogee Beach. The material raised water safety concerns and led to beach closures during clean-up and testing. In January 2025, nine beaches were closed after greasy debris was found on shore.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
What Testing Found
Testing by the NSW Environment Protection Authority indicated the debris most likely originated from the Malabar wastewater treatment system.
An EPA update described the material as containing mainly fatty acids, along with a smaller portion of petroleum hydrocarbons and other materials such as human hair and fibres.
What The Upgrade Program Covers
A $3 billion investment program is planned over 10 years to reduce the volume of wastewater needing treatment and discharge through the Malabar deep ocean outfall.
The Malabar system is one of the largest wastewater networks in Australia and services close to two million people, including areas such as Fairfield, Campbelltown and Liverpool.
First Facilities In Line
Early works are set to upgrade the Glenfield and Liverpool facilities, including refurbishments and expanded processing capacity. A secondary treatment process is planned for Liverpool as one of the first major developments.
Other Steps Alongside Construction
Additional measures flagged as part of the response include increased cleaning and inspection of ocean outfall screens, tighter trade-waste controls for higher-risk customers, and an expanded education campaign targeting fats, oils and grease entering the network.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
What Happens Next
Sydney Water, the NSW EPA and an independent wastewater expert panel are expected to continue working together over the coming decade to reduce the likelihood of debris balls reappearing on beaches, including Coogee.
The Coogee community gathered in grief and quiet pride as one of its own, former police detective and long-time Randwick Rugby volunteer Peter Meagher, was farewelled at a packed funeral service in Sydney after being killed in the Bondi terror attack.
The service was held weeks after the shooting that claimed Mr Meagher’s life while he was working as a freelance photographer at a Hanukkah event near Bondi Beach. His death sent shockwaves through Coogee, where he was widely known through rugby, volunteering and decades of public service.
Mr Meagher’s strongest community ties were through Randwick Rugby, based at Coogee Oval, where he volunteered for years and was regarded as a steady and trusted presence. Club representatives described him as someone who showed up quietly, helped wherever needed and cared deeply about the people around him.
Family statements shared during the funeral described Mr Meagher as kind, generous and deeply protective of those he loved. His brother said he carried those traits into a policing career that spanned more than three decades, shaping him into someone guided by fairness and calm rather than force.
A Career of Service
Mr Meagher served with the NSW Police Force for more than 30 years, earning commendations and working on major investigations, including the 2014 Lindt Café siege in Sydney. Police colleagues said his reputation inside the force mirrored how he was known in Coogee: decent, thoughtful and principled.
Senior officers attending the service described his career as one defined by integrity and compassion, noting that while he carried a firearm throughout his working life, he never once used it. Family members echoed those remarks, noting his commitment to community safety and responsibility.
A Personal and Community Farewell
The funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral brought together family, friends, police colleagues, rugby representatives and community members. Tributes reflected both Mr Meagher’s public service and his private warmth. Items placed near his casket included his police badge, a Randwick Rugby jersey and his camera, symbolising the different parts of his life. Attendees reportedly shared gentle laughter when a jar of lollies was included, a nod to his well-known sweet tooth.
His wife spoke about their relationship beginning through online dating and growing slowly, anchored by shared interests and everyday kindness. She recalled their final goodbye before he left for work that day, a moment she said would stay with her forever.
Mr Meagher’s brother used the moment to reflect on community safety and the consequences of violence, framing the issue as one of collective responsibility rather than politics. Those remarks were received quietly, with the focus remaining on remembrance rather than debate.
The community reception centre established in Coogee to assist families and witnesses following the Bondi Beach mass shooting has officially closed as authorities transition support services to a new hub closer to the heart of the impacted area.
The New South Wales Police Force confirmed the Community Reception Centre (CRC) at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach ceased operations as of Wednesday, 31 December, after more than two weeks of supporting affected families and witnesses.
Police thanked the many volunteers and staff who have worked at the centre since it opened on 15 December, and reiterated that families and witnesses wishing to speak to investigators or access support services are encouraged to attend the centre before its closure.
Support services are now transitioning to the Community Support Hub located at the Bondi Pavilion on Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. The hub, operated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and partner agencies, offers a range of ongoing assistance including mental health and wellbeing services, information on practical support, and help navigating recovery programs.
The Bondi Pavilion hub was closed for the public holiday on Thursday, 1 January 2026, but is scheduled to reopen on Friday, 2 January, with operating hours available from 10 am to 4 pm.
Police noted that while the CRC is closing, families and those impacted can continue to contact investigators via email at CRCENQUIRIES@police.nsw.gov.au, and said the force remains committed to community safety and support following the tragic incident.
The Bondi Beach shooting on 14 December 2025 — which NSW Police have classified as a terrorist incident — claimed the lives of 15 people and injured dozens during a Jewish community Hanukkah event. A 24-year-old man has since been formally charged with multiple offences, including murder and committing a terrorist act, as part of the ongoing investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
Authorities also reminded the community that support services remain available, including the Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) and state victim assistance programs, as the city continues to respond to the event’s wide-ranging impact.
Five members from Coogee SLSC have been recognised with National Medals, placing the historic beachside club among a select group of volunteers nationally acknowledged for long and sustained service in surf lifesaving roles across Australia.
The honours were awarded through Surf Life Saving Australia as part of the Australian honours system, which recognises volunteers who have completed a minimum of 15 years of eligible patrol service.
The Coogee SLSC recipients are Heather Hawkins, Doug Hawkins, Peter Hooker, Aonghus Murray and Melinda Toomey. Each member met strict service requirements based on verified patrol seasons and operational duties. The service reflects long-term involvement in surf lifesaving at Coogee Beach.
What The National Medal Represents
The National Medal is awarded for long and diligent service in roles involving risk to life and public safety. Within surf lifesaving, eligibility is measured through approved patrol records rather than overall membership length.
Service does not need to run continuously, but only recognised patrol seasons count toward qualification. Applications are assessed at club, state, and national levels. Final approval follows through the federal honours process to ensure a consistent national standard.
Coogee SLSC’s Longstanding Community Role
Founded in 1907, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club is one of Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving clubs. It is a foundation club of the national movement and helped shape early beach patrols and lifesaving practices in New South Wales.
Today, Coogee SLSC remains a major volunteer organisation. Hundreds of members support patrols each season, youth programs, training pathways, and community events at Coogee Beach.
Local Service Reflected In National Honours
The recognition of five Coogee members highlights the depth of long term service within the club and the commitment required to maintain beach safety year after year. Their awards reflect years of early mornings, weekend patrols and public holiday shifts focused on protecting swimmers and beachgoers.
Alcohol restrictions at beaches and parks will be enforced on Australia Day 2026, amid increased focus on crowd behaviour after an unofficial Christmas Day gathering at Coogee Beach left large volumes of rubbish across the foreshore and required an overnight clean-up.
Alcohol will be prohibited at beaches, parklands and selected foreshore areas across parts of Sydney from 12:01 a.m. on January 26 until midday the following day. Signage will be installed at affected locations, and enforcement powers allow for alcohol confiscation and fines where breaches occur.
Crowds Redirected to Coogee Beach
The annual backpacker Christmas gathering, often referred to as Backpacker Christmas or Orphans Christmas, took place at Coogee Beach after warnings were issued against celebrations at nearby beaches. Restrictions and safety concerns elsewhere led many revellers to relocate, with attendance estimates reaching about 15,000 people.
The gathering was not an organised event, and authorities did not have confirmation of its final location until crowds arrived.
By the evening of Christmas Day, cleaning crews began clearing rubbish from the beach and surrounding parkland. More than 20 tonnes of waste were removed, including litter scattered across the sand, grassy areas, and pedestrian paths.
Crews worked through the night into Boxing Day to restore the area. By Friday morning, the beach and reserve had largely returned to normal use.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil/Facebook
Logistical Challenges on the Day
Additional bins, signage, and cleaning staff were deployed in anticipation of large crowds. However, the size and density of the gathering made it difficult for waste crews to access overflowing bins until later in the evening.
Alcohol-free conditions were in place across the beach and park areas. Lifeguards issued safety warnings during the day, particularly about swimming while drinking.
Community Reaction
Community response following the event was mixed. Some residents and attendees expressed frustration at the volume of rubbish and reports of public urination caused by long toilet queues. Others noted that many people cleaned up after themselves despite the scale of the crowd.
On Boxing Day, some locals returned to assist with additional litter collection, citing safety concerns for children, pets, and beach users.
The Christmas Day gathering highlighted ongoing challenges associated with managing large, informal crowds at coastal locations. With attendance patterns shifting between beaches, planning and resource allocation remain complex for future holiday periods.
A recent study on AI-driven workforce change has identified Coogee among Sydney areas where many residents work in occupations expected to be affected by artificial intelligence, while local household finances may soften immediate housing pressure.
The study describes a cluster of Sydney suburbs with high concentrations of white-collar employment in sectors considered more exposed to AI-related change. These include finance, insurance, telecommunications and professional services, where automation is expected to reshape how work is done over the next few years.
In that context, Coogee–Clovelly is referenced as a beachside area where many residents work in industries likely to be affected by AI.
Exposure Does Not Mean The Same Outcome Everywhere
The study separates workforce exposure from household vulnerability. It notes that the risk of housing stress rises when job disruption hits areas where many households hold newer, high-debt mortgages, because more residents may need to sell quickly if incomes drop.
By contrast, Coogee is presented as a suburb where many residents tend to have purchased homes decades ago and hold higher savings, which may reduce the likelihood of rapid, concentrated selling pressure.
The study suggests outcomes will depend on how fast workplace change occurs and whether displaced workers can transition into new roles. Wider research on AI and the workforce also notes that AI is commonly used for tasks such as scheduling, document drafting and data analysis, and that while higher-skilled occupations may be more exposed, the overall employment impact remains uncertain.
For Coogee, the study’s framing points to a slower-moving risk profile: high exposure to AI-affected industries, but with household balance sheets that may be more resilient than areas dominated by newer mortgages.
Rick Stein at Coogee Beach has quickly emerged as one of Sydney’s most talked-about dining arrivals, with strong demand from locals and visitors eager to experience the celebrated chef’s first Sydney restaurant overlooking Coogee’s shoreline.
The restaurant welcomed diners on 1 December 2025 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, marking Rick Stein’s Australian flagship venue and his first permanent base in the city. Located above one of Sydney’s most popular beaches, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach offers ocean views and sits within the newly redeveloped InterContinental hotel.
The venue seats about 220 people across the main dining room, bar, and semi-private spaces, adding a major hospitality draw to the eastern suburbs. It is designed for locals and visitors alike, suitable for long lunches, relaxed dinners, and special celebrations.
A Menu Shaped By Travel And Seafood
The menu at Rick Stein at Coogee Beach reflects decades of cooking and travel, blending British, French, and Asian influences with a strong seafood focus. Dishes include Cornish-style fish and chips, fish pie, lobster thermidor, Singapore blue swimmer crab, oysters, sashimi, and seafood platters.
Seafood is sourced through the Sydney Fish Markets, with suppliers selecting produce daily. The approach centres on clear flavours and familiar dishes, staying true to Stein’s long-held belief in simple preparation and quality ingredients.
The Team Behind The Kitchen And Dining Room
Rick Stein and his wife and business partner Sarah Stein oversee the overall direction. Head chef Colin Chun runs the Sydney kitchen day to day. He brings senior hotel experience from Australia and overseas and has worked closely with the Steins to shape the menu for Sydney diners.
The interior design reflects a relaxed coastal style, using natural textures, ocean-inspired colours and large artworks referencing the sea. Features include an ice bar displaying seafood, semi-private dining spaces and a kitchen table where guests can watch chefs at work.
Strong Demand From Day One
Interest has been strong, with bookings filling through December and into the new year. Rick Stein was overseas on a UK book tour during the opening period but stayed involved through regular contact with the local team.
Stein and his wife plan to spend extended time at the Coogee venue during their Australian visits, supporting its long-term presence. For Coogee, the restaurant adds an internationally recognised name to the beachfront while remaining focused on serving the local community.
A community reception centre has been established at a Coogee hotel to support families, loved ones and witnesses affected by the Bondi shooting, as police continue their early investigations and the wider community rallies to help.
The centre is located at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, 242 Arden Street. It will operate as a dedicated space where families and witnesses can speak directly with investigators and trained support officers.
Authorities say the reception centre is designed to provide immediate welfare assistance while also allowing police to gather information crucial to the investigation. Loved ones of those affected, as well as witnesses to the shooting, are being strongly encouraged to attend and make contact.
Support officers at the centre include specialists trained in trauma response, victim care and family liaison, offering practical assistance and guidance during what police have described as an extremely distressing period for the community.
Those seeking general information are urged to contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), while people requiring mental health or victim support services are encouraged to access the state’s support channels.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers, and police reiterate that information is handled confidentially and should not be shared on social media.
The reception centre forms part of a broader response following the shooting in Bondi the previous evening, which has sent shockwaves through Sydney and prompted an outpouring of community support.
That response has led to a significant surge in people offering to donate blood, with health authorities reporting strong demand and high booking volumes in the hours following public appeals. Many donors have expressed a desire to provide practical assistance in the wake of the tragedy, as donation centres across Sydney worked to manage the influx.
Health officials have reminded would-be donors to check eligibility requirements and book appointments where possible, noting that blood donations are carefully coordinated to meet clinical needs.
Police say investigations into the Bondi shooting are continuing, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available. In the meantime, authorities are urging affected families and witnesses to prioritise their well-being and use the support services now available.
