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Coogee Star Miranda Otto Leads Heist Drama Filmed in Eastern Suburbs

Did you know that an upcoming heist drama series starring Coogee resident and Hollywood star Miranda Otto was filmed in several familiar places in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs?

“The Unusual Suspects,” which will begin its run on SBS in June 2021, has gone on location at various landmarks in Sydney’s east for about six weeks during the spring and summer season in 2020.

The cast and crew of the female-led heist, which also stars Coogee actress Lena Cruz (who is of Filipino descent) had scenes taken from Vaucluse’s Nielsen Park and Shark Beach, Paddington’s The London Hotel, and several homes in Maroubra, Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, and Gordon’s Bay.

Joining Otto and Cruz in “The Unusual Suspects” are her real-life partner Peter O’Brien, Heather Mitchell, and a talented cast of Filipino actors like Aina Dumlao, Michelle Vergara Moore, James Lugton, and Renee Lim.

The film centres on a group of Filipino women who work as domestic servants of the rich and influential. Conflict begins when a $16 million necklace goes missing from the home of self-made Filipino Australian businesswoman Roxanne Waters (Vergara Moore) during an elaborate heist. As the police investigate, the sparkling lives of the rich begin to crack and those involved in the heist start turning against each other.

The cast said that filming in some of the “most extraordinary places” in the Eastern suburbs has been an incredible privilege as they got a peek of the lives of Sydney’s upscale crowd.

Otto said that she wanted to do the four-part series because it had a sense of fun and the Australian production was a peek into a lifestyle and culture that most people probably didn’t know existed in Sydney’s east.

For a time, the actress has been based overseas because of her work in Hollywood but she comes home to Coogee frequently because it’s her sanctuary. Despite where her work has taken her, the actress still regards Sydney as her home.

Watch the teaser to “The Unusual Suspects” below and spot the Eastern suburb locations:

Gelatissimo in Coogee Offers Unique and Trendy Ube Gelato

Have you heard about this unique and purple flavour called ube (pronounced “ooh-bae”)? If you have yet to try ube, Gelatissimo in Coogee is offering this interesting variant for a limited time for its new Flavours of the World.

Gelatissimo’s Filipino Ube Cheesecake is made of purple yam, a staple dessert ingredient commonly found in the Philippines. Ube is a root vegetable that brings a sweet and nutty flavour, which some foodies have described as similar in taste to pistachio or vanilla.

So vibrant in colour, heaps of Instagrammable ube flavoured desserts are becoming quite popular in Australia and other parts of the world that it makes sense for the popular gelato brand to create its own take on this equally popular tuber. The Filipino Ube Cheesecake is infused with bits of Jiggle Cheesecake – a winning combination!

However, there are also two other variants for Flavours of the World that are sure to delight gelato lovers and wanderlusts who have been craving to visit other countries. Because international travel is still not possible at this time, Gelatissimo is, instead, taking your taste buds on a trip to Belgium and Hawaii with flavours like Belgian Choc Marble Seashells and the Hawaiian Tropical Coconut.

Belgian Choc Marble Seashells is made for chocolate lovers. This gelato variety has chocolate hazelnut marble ripples on a creamy white chocolate base. Hawaiian Tropical Coconut has a tangy pineapple flavour that blends well with coconut ice cream. Bits of macadamia nuts deliver a perfect dessert to enjoy in a waffle cone or tub.

Gelatissimo launched the Flavours of the World in April, alongside a special raffle for a weekend getaway for two in Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Check the official site for the details about this contest and follow Gelatissimo on Facebook to get updates on new flavours.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach Unveils Meeting Package with Free Drinks

Have you missed talking business at a fancy and relaxing venue during the lockdowns? Now that Sydney-siders are returning to in-person meetings, Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach launched a special deal for professionals who would rather ditch Zoom and revive negotiating and communicating face-to-face.

In effect until 30 June 2021, Monday meetings, brainstorming and collaborations booked at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will include free drinks and a free room hire during the happy hour.

The hotel, which underwent a redesign in 2020, has heaps of flexible business rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including live streaming, to make talking business so much more productive.

The Studio on the ground floor is a collaborative space for holding workshops or a business lunch with 12 people. This venue has a boardroom table and a well-curated library with living room seating to also double as a shared workspace for groups.

On the same level as the Studio is the Oceanic Ballroom, spanning 360 square metres, which can be used for large events or divided into two smaller spaces for intimate gatherings.

On the lower ground floor is the purposely-built Events Centre where there are eight separate rooms with full amenities for conferences. During the redevelopment of the hotel, the Centennial Conference Room, a fixture of Sydney events, was also expanded and then divided to separate meeting rooms.

Meanwhile, the lower ground floor has a new space called the Experience Gallery, where art exhibits or business trade shows may be mounted. To take advantage of the happy hour offer for Monday meetings, mention the Day Delegate Package when booking or email reservations.crowneplazacoogee@ihg.com for enquiries.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will soon start with the second phase of its redesign to include changes in the guest rooms, the pool area and the hotel exterior.

McIver’s Ladies Baths in Coogee Changes Management, Closes for 3-Month Renovation

The McIver’s Ladies Baths is under new management after members of the Coogee Ladies Swimming Club unanimously elected a new interim president who will take charge of the ocean pool. Following the changes, the facilities will close for three months beginning April 2021 as it undergoes further renovations.

Just before the Easter break, more than 50 members of the Coogee Ladies Swimming Club held a special meeting with the Randwick City Council to discuss the management changes. In January 2021, the popular ladies bath came under fire for discrimination after announcing that transgender women who have not undergone genital surgery would not be allowed at the venue.

The decision received backlash not just from local LGBTQ communities in Sydney but also abroad. The previous management then backtracked on the announcement, which was posted on the official website’s FAQ pages.

President-elect Tracy Grujovic said that, following certain restrictions and “authoritarian running of the pool of late,” McIver’s Ladies Baths will be “given back to the community.”

The new management has also asked Council to make a comprehensive review of the facility’s operations.

Secretary-elect Colleen Kelly, who has been swimming at the venue for close to 60 years, said that the only exclusive pool in Australia is a safe space for women of all shapes, abilities, cultures and religions. She said that McIver’s Ladies Baths embraced trans women for years until the “aggressive” management took over.

She personally stopped visiting the baths because of this but that will change when the pool re-opens sometime in July.

Barzura: Reliable Restaurant Still Top Breakfast Spot in Coogee

Whilst a lot of cafes have popped up in eastern Sydney, there has always been this one reliable beach corner spot in Coogee that’s still the top breakfast place for locals. Barzura has been in business since the 1990s and it continues to be busy nearly 30 years on.

Located on Carr Street, Barzura is frequented by beachgoers and nippers at the nearby surf club after their early morning swim, especially during weekends. This eatery has been such a vital part of the local community that most locals have had the restaurant’s famous toasted sourdough with goat’s cheese and coffee. Both orders have also remained consistently good throughout the years.

In the kitchen, Barzura’s chef prepares an unusual selection of breakfast food. Ever had an omelette with shitake mushrooms or bean sprouts served with a hint of soya sauce? The sensation of flavours in your mouth will leave a lasting positive impression.

A casual, low-key, family-run business, Barzura’s biggest appeal, apart from its flavourful dishes, lies in its service. The staff members are well-trained to make every diner’s experience a pleasant one, whether they are first-timers or long-time returning customers. Though the restaurant gets very busy during peak hours, the staff remain attentive to the patron’s orders and requests.

This restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. Check out the website for the dine-in and takeaway options as the menu changes regularly. Follow their Facebook page for updates on trading hours and other deals.

“Beachside at Coogee this busy little cafe/restaurant was packed with people and their dishes were packed with flavour. We made a reservation that was postponed with no issue at all when I changed times on them and then the service inside the door was just as obliging. Every dish was amazing and great value also. Highly recommend this establishment whether it be for a meal or a beverage.”
Dan Duncan

“A great local place for breakfast. This is not another boring eggs and pancakes place. You come here for something different but still delicious. A couple of recommendations: the mie goreng or Crispy pancetta, avocado, cherry tomato & aioli on toasted sourdough.”
Alex Hu

“A nice place by the beach to catch up with friends. Always busy, always popular. Have to book or wait. Good service. My salmon curry was okay. I’d say it was an Italian version of it rather. The coffee’s good. Prob Italian as well.”
Anna Bashkirova

Taste of Coogee 2021 Moving to Moore Park, Stallholder Applications Open

After four successful years at the Coogee Oval, Taste of Coogee, the annual two-day weekend event celebrating and enjoying local food and wine will move to its new home at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park in 2021.

This showcase of local businesses is coming back with a bang in a bigger, wider and better venue after last year’s hiatus. Featuring the best of Sydney’s breweries, vineyards, eateries and a host of small producers of handcrafted items, Taste of Coogee attracts people from all walks of life.

But the change in venue was prompted following a motion from councillors at Randwick City Council to boot the event from Coogee Oval. The Council offered Trenerry Reserve as the new venue but the organisers declined.

“The event does not damage the oval we are very respectful to the other users of the ground,” the Taste of Coogee organisers said in a statement and explained that Trenerry Reserve, a cliff face parkland, would be unsafe for a major community event visited by hundreds of locals.

Meanwhile, applications for stallholders have been opened since the announcement of the event’s return. Interested businesses providing food, drinks, providores, arts & crafts, and clothing and homeware may signify their interest to become part of this major event by signing up online.

This year’s event will have a COVID-safe continency both for stallholders and guests.

Taste of Coogee 2021 will run during Father’s Day weekend in September. Tickets will be up for sale soon.

Make Your Voices Heard! 2021 Coogee School Safety Survey Launched

Parents and guardians of school children in Coogee, here’s another opportunity for you to voice your concerns. The 2021 school safety survey has been launched to help local government officials come up with improvements to benefit the community.

Every parent has a school safety concern because they want their children to remain protected in their learning environment when the mums or dads are not around. In 2020, local officials learned that the biggest school safety concern for Coogee parents was how vehicle speed could impact the safety of road crossings.

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill has been working to reduce vehicle speed at school zones upon learning of the survey’s outcome.

“At 50km per hour, a vehicle takes approximately 37m to stop, at 40km per hour, it can stop in 27m,” Ms O’Neill shared on Facebook.

“If a pedestrian is hit by a car at 50km per hour, they may only have a 10% chance of survival where as at 40km per hour, their chance of survival goes up to 60%,

“Statistics like these, provided by Transport for NSW, make clear that lower speeds on local roads will make commuting safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike.”

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Free-Photos/Pixabay

It comes as Waverley Council announced that neighbourhood streets in their southern areas will now enforce a reduced speed of 40km/h, from 50km/h effective immediately. These streets are also accessible to Coogee locals.

Whilst Ms O’Niell agrees that all eastern suburbs roads should have a uniform speed as a matter of state policy, she continues to lobby for the parents’ concern.

The public is encouraged to answer the Coogee School Safety Survey 2021 her office has prepared online.

“I want to help identify and remedy the new obstacles that local families are facing, as well as continue our work toward solving the inherent problems along our local school commutes,” Ms O’ Neill said.

Is the New Rainbow Walkway in Coogee Permanent?

Coogee Beach is looking a lot more colourful after the installation of a radiant, giant rainbow walkway at the steps of the lower promenade, adding such a beautiful backdrop to an already-Instagrammable spot.

The nearly 50-metre rainbow walkway was painted in time for the opening of the Mardis Gras Season in Sydney. Randwick City Council said that it’s in support of the LGBTIQA+ community celebrating the annual event.

Announced in December, the standout rainbow walkway at the Coogee Beach promenade is only a temporary addition but it’s expected to remain for several months. Council has not indicated the duration and there have been no plans set for repainting the radiant colours once it fades.

“This proposal enhances that tradition and makes a strong public statement of support for our wonderfully diverse local community,” Mayor Danny Said during the deliberation.

This is the third rainbow installation in a large public space in Sydney. Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills also unveiled its rainbow path at the Equality Green for Mardis Gras. In Darlinghurst, a rainbow crossing was installed in 2019 and it’s still vibrant today.

New Outdoor Gym for All Ages Opens in Coogee

Coogee residents have another free venue to use to elevate their fitness regimen following the opening of a new outdoor gym in Neptune Park. It’s now the sixth public outdoor gym built by Randwick City Council, after Maroubra, Kensington, Frenchmans Bay, Clovelly and Chifley.

Located at the corner of Neptune Street and Wolseley Road, the outdoor gym overlooks the gorgeous Coogee Bay and it’s a few steps away from the Coastal Walkway.

The facilities complete the consultation conducted in 2019, where residents presented plans to build a gym with a variety of exercise equipment for people of all ages. Following its construction in early 2021, locals may now take advantage of the following gym features:

Aerobic Cycle
Leg press
Chest Press
Elliptical Trainer
Parallel Bars
Pull up Bar
Leg Raises
Body Dips
Roman Rings
Sit up bench
Step up station

Neptune Park is still undergoing redevelopment with the planting of 3,000 low-lying native shrubs and trees as a sanctuary for native birds.

Before this outdoor gym opened, residents told Council that they don’t visit the area since it had nothing interesting and lacked shade or trees. Now, there’s more than one reason to maximise the use of the park, especially after the garden sanctuary is finished.

Coogee Legion Club Begins Rooftop Bar Upgrades

Work has begun on the $1.6 million rooftop upgrade at the Coogee Legion Club, located on the Arden Street beachfront, following the approval of the development application lodged in October 2020.

The improvements will include a better terrace on the three-storey building, as well as the redevelopment of the rooftop bar and function space. When finished, the improved site will be able to accommodate at least 150 guests during events when restrictions are completely lifted.

The changes are expected to boost Coogee Legion Club‘s profile. The longstanding club is already in a premier location, with a gorgeous and uninterrupted view of the beach. The club has been pushing to increase its membership by opening the club’s facilities, such as the gaming room and the bar, to a wider market.

Members may still visit the site during construction to check on the progress.

Coogee Legion Club’s building is not a heritage-listed site though it was established in 1945 after World War II for the fellowship of ex-servicemen and women.

The project developer, however, recognises that the building stands near multiple heritage items around Coogee, such as the Coogee Beach sandstone retaining wells, the James Robertson fountain and the Coogee Bay Hotel.

“The proposed modifications to the approved plans under DA/104/2020/A are considered not to be detrimental to the local heritage significance as the works are largely internal and contained within the existing roofline,” the developers stated. “Due to the alignment of the building to Coogee Bay Road, and the proposed location of the development, there is minimal impact on the setting and heritage significance of the Coogee Bay Hotel.”

Meanwhile, the second and ground floors of the building are leased to various eateries and businesses.