Local rugby league fans in Coogee are set for a rare treat as the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup teams prepare to host a special home game double-header right in their backyard.
This exciting event will take place this Sunday, 29 June, at Coogee Oval. The day kicks off with the Jersey Flegg Cup under-21s men’s team playing against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at 1:00 p.m., followed by the NSW Cup men’s team facing the Newtown Jets at 3:00 pm.
Ticket Information
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Access to these pathway games offers excellent value for the community. All South Sydney Rabbitohs Members can enter Coogee Oval for free. For general supporters, tickets are available for purchase, with adult entry priced at $15 each. Children under 18 years of age and concession holders can secure their tickets for just $10 each.
The event provides a fantastic opportunity for residents to see the future stars of the Rabbitohs club in action, highlighting the importance of the club’s development pathways.
The NSW Cup team for Round 17 against Newtown includes players such as Ammaron Gudgeon, Declan Casey, Leonard Skelton, and Jayden Sullivan. Wayne Collins is the coach for the NSW Cup side.
The Jersey Flegg Cup team for their clash with the Sharks features promising young talent like Charlie Poynton, Lancelot Tovio, Daniel Wright, and Yehya Ayache. This team is coached by Scott Kenna. Both matches are crucial for these aspiring players as they continue their journey through the ranks.
A decades-long concern over pollution at Coogee Beach is being addressed through a proposed plan to divert stormwater away from the shoreline. Local officials are investing $7 million in a project that aims to improve water quality and protect public health at the popular beach.
Stormwater contamination at Coogee Beach has been an issue for years, particularly following heavy rainfall. The current outlet, located at the northern end of the beach, discharges stormwater containing a mix of pollutants, including petrochemicals and faecal matter.
Since at least 2016, Coogee Beach has consistently received “poor” water quality ratings in the NSW Government’s Beachwatch reports. This has placed it among the lowest-rated ocean beaches in Sydney, alongside others like Bronte and Malabar.
Local surf lifesaving groups and resident organisations have long raised concerns about the health risks and the need for an infrastructure upgrade.
Project Details and Implementation
The plan includes construction of a new underground pump station and pressure mains. Stormwater will be rerouted through an existing but rarely used Sydney Water tunnel and discharged further north, away from Coogee Bay.
The new discharge point will be off Dunningham Reserve. The aim is to stop stormwater from running across the beach after rainfall, thereby improving water quality and reducing health hazards for swimmers.
The initiative will be co-funded by the NSW Government, Randwick City Council and Sydney Water. Work is scheduled to begin later this year, subject to planning and approvals.
Limited Alternatives, Clear Preference
While previous efforts included gross pollutant traps, these have not proven sufficient. Local stakeholders emphasised the need for a more permanent solution, leading to the selection of the tunnel-based diversion system as the most viable option.
Community Support and Response
Local surf lifesaving officials noted the ongoing impact of beach closures after rain, including disrupted events and health concerns for swimmers and rescuers.
Resident advocacy groups, such as Coogee Residents Against Polluting Stormwater, have welcomed the plan, having campaigned for improved water management for years.
Local representatives have described the development as a community-driven result that balances environmental, health and tourism priorities.
Construction is expected to begin within the year. Once complete, the system will reroute polluted stormwater away from Coogee Beach to maintain cleaner water conditions year-round.
Celebrated British chef Rick Stein and his Australian wife Sarah are establishing their most significant Australian culinary venture yet, a new flagship restaurant right on the beachfront in Coogee.
The new establishment, named Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, is scheduled to open its doors in November, positioned on the ground floor of the incoming Intercontinental Sydney Coogee Beach at 224 Arden Street.
This oceanfront space is designed to accommodate 224 diners, offering a signature restaurant experience, a bar dining area, and a courtyard terrace.
Mr Stein said Coogee Beach was another stunning coastal location for their Australian restaurant portfolio, noting its laid-back charm. He added that the venture held special meaning for him because his wife, Sarah, grew up in Sydney. Sarah Stein will play a key role in the project, overseeing both its public relations and interior design.
The menu at Rick Stein at Coogee Beach will uphold the brand’s long-standing philosophy: showcasing fresh Australian seafood cooked simply. Dishes are set to feature local catches such as mahi mahi from Nelson Bay, pipis from Port Stephens, and line-caught mackerel from Ulladulla.
The restaurant will also serve Stein’s signature Singapore Chilli Crab, prepared with blue swimmer crabs sourced from Nelson Bay, alongside his well-known fish and chips, complete with mushy peas.
The family business has celebrated fresh seafood and hospitality for 50 years. Rick and Jill Stein first opened The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow in 1975, quickly gaining international recognition for their imaginative cooking of fresh fish and shellfish.
Over the decades, their portfolio grew to include hotels, bistros, cafés, delis, patisseries, and other dining experiences across the UK, before expanding to Australia.
This new Coogee restaurant marks the third Australian venture for the Rick Stein brand. It follows the successful openings of his two other holiday diners at Bannisters hotels in Mollymook (opened in 2009) and Port Stephens (opened in 2018). The Australian operations, including the new Coogee location, fall under the Salter Brothers banner.
Salter Brothers acquired the Bannisters Group in 2024, expanding their significant property management in Australia, which includes more than 44 hotels. Paul Salter, managing director of Salter Brothers, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the distinctive, yet approachable, fresh seafood experience to Coogee Beach.
A tribunal has issued interim orders in favour of a café operator in Coogee following an earlier eviction and business disruption at the Coogee Diggers Club.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) granted interim orders on 6 June allowing the operator of Cece’s café-restaurant to resume trading at the Coogee Diggers Club. The orders follow the café owner’s eviction from the ground floor premises on 27 May 2025, which forced the venue to cease operations.
Cece’s, which opened in March, was impacted when the club’s management allegedly disabled beer taps on 15 May. A directions hearing in the matter is scheduled for later on 27 June.
Following the beer supply cut-off and subsequent eviction, the café was unable to continue trading. Fifteen staff were laid off during the closure. Upon attempting to return under tribunal orders, the operator reportedly found her furniture and equipment removed from the space, with some items missing.
Background to the Café and Renovation
Cece’s was launched after a successful lease pitch in 2024, operating on the ground floor of the club as part of a redevelopment project led by CEO Peter Gallagher. The club had undergone major renovations estimated between $6 million and $8 million, the first major refurbishment to the ground floor in 60 years.
Internal Leadership Disputes
The current dispute follows earlier management tensions at the club. In 2023, then-president Steve Despea was removed after questioning redevelopment costs. Another board member, Adrian Sutter, was also dismissed after backing Mr Despea. Both have publicly called for a forensic audit of club expenditure. Claims made against Mr Despea to Liquor & Gaming NSW were later dismissed in early 2024.
Local Support for the Café
Some club patrons said the café was well-supported by local residents, particularly in the mornings and over lunch. Community members questioned why a newly launched business showing strong trade was suddenly removed from the premises.
Photo Credit: Coogie Diggers Club
Veterans’ Initiatives in Question
Former board member and veteran Adrian Sutter claimed the mental health and rehabilitation programs he introduced were not continued after his dismissal. While the club maintains it supports veterans through events and discounted memberships, Mr Sutter’s view contrasts with the club’s public messaging.
Separately, Coogee Diggers is moving forward with a planned amalgamation with the Paddington-Woollahra RSL Memorial and Community Club. The proposal has received in-principle approval from both boards and will proceed to a member vote. Coogee Diggers is positioned to become the parent club if the plan is endorsed.
A new centre has opened its doors in Coogee to honour one of Australia’s most quietly remarkable women—Eileen O’Connor, the co-founder of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor.
Known affectionately as the “Little Mother,” O’Connor left behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and service that continues to inspire more than a century after her death.
The Eileen O’Connor Centre, built close to the house where she once lived, invites visitors into her world through a collection of personal relics and thoughtfully recreated living spaces. Her humble possessions—hair combs, crucifixes, even a manicure set—are presented alongside a bed similar to the one she was confined to for most of her life due to a debilitating spinal illness.
Photo credit: Eileen O’Connor/Facebook
Despite her physical suffering and limited access to formal education, O’Connor’s vision led to the creation of a religious and nursing order in 1913 alongside Fr Timothy McGrath. Their mission was simple but radical: to provide free medical care to the poor and housebound of Sydney, regardless of creed or background. The group became known as the Brown Nurses, after their distinctive cloaks and bonnets.
Photo credit: Eileen O’Connor/Facebook
The centre also reflects the growing recognition of O’Connor’s spiritual legacy. Declared a Servant of God by the Vatican in 2018, she is on the formal path to sainthood, with key documentation recently presented in Rome to support her cause.
More than just a museum, the centre was designed to be a space for stillness and reflection, drawing visitors into the depth of O’Connor’s inner life and her profound faith. Light-filled and open in feel, it contrasts with the traditional solemnity of religious museums. The aim is to make her story accessible and meaningful to all—whether devout, curious, or simply seeking a quiet retreat from the pace of daily life.
Photo credit: Eileen O’Connor/Facebook
For those who have followed her cause for many years, the opening of the centre marks an important milestone. It brings O’Connor’s story to the wider public, not only through displays but through an atmosphere that echoes her spirit of quiet resilience and service.
There are already dreams for the future of the site: plans to create a courtyard and possibly a retreat centre, further opening it up as a sanctuary for prayer, reflection, or simply a moment of pause. As Sydney evolves, this small space in Coogee stands as a reminder of the power of quiet faith and persistent love—a legacy that continues to touch lives, one visitor at a time.
The Koojay Corroboree returns to Coogee Beach as part of National Reconciliation Week, showcasing Aboriginal culture through ceremony, dance, music, and storytelling.
The 2025 Koojay Corroboree marks its 10th anniversary at Coogee Beach on Friday, 30 May 2025, bringing together community members for a day of cultural performances, workshops, and reflection on reconciliation.
Organised by Randwick City officials in partnership with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, the event forms part of this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next.
Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the program features traditional and contemporary Aboriginal dance and music. The morning ceremony opens with a smoking ceremony led by David Johnson from the Gujaga Foundation, followed by performances from the Gamay, Saltwater, Galu, Jannawi, and Doonooch dance groups.
Speeches will be delivered by local official Dylan Parker, representatives from the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, and local students. A Welcome to Country and the national anthem in language are also part of the ceremony, alongside a moment of silence for reflection.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
Afternoon Music and Workshops
From midday, the Corroboree continues with live music performances, including sets by Kobie Dee, Jarrod Hickling, Zipporah, and a joint act by Cianna Walker and Olivia Coe Fox.
Cultural workshops run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., offering participants the opportunity to engage in weaving, shell art, bushfood education, and Dharawal language learning sessions.
Community and Cultural Stallholders
Several stallholders participate, offering information and Aboriginal-made goods. These include:
Dollies Tribe of Jarjum – Diverse cultural dolls
Ngurrbul Collection – Clothing designed and made by Aboriginal artists
Tarni Jane Designs – Printed water bottles and apparel
Winston Walford – Beach towels and artwork
Na Joomelah (TIS Program) – Health education materials
Aboriginal Health Unit – South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
The Benevolent Society – Family activities
Caressa Designs – Children’s clothing and accessories
Stalls operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing cultural engagement and practical information.
Held during National Reconciliation Week, the Corroboree offers an opportunity for Australians to reflect on shared histories and consider how respectful relationships can support a more unified nation. The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, underscores the importance of linking the past, present, and future in continuing reconciliation efforts.
South Coogee homeowners have seen their property values increase by an impressive $560,559 over the past year, as the modest eastern beachside suburb leads the nation in price growth.
This significant rise, representing a 14.6 per cent gain, stands in stark contrast to some of Australia’s most prestigious suburbs, such as Melbourne’s Toorak and Sydney’s Vaucluse, which have experienced substantial declines in their median house prices. Toorak’s median price dropped by 26.7 per cent, while Vaucluse saw a 17.2 per cent decrease.
The Appeal of South Coogee
7/58 Denning Street, South Coogee Photo Credit: Domain
Real estate agents point to several factors contributing to South Coogee’s surging popularity. Many buyers, previously priced out of more expensive neighbouring areas like Bondi, Bronte, and Clovelly, are finding greater value in South Coogee. The suburb offers a slightly more affordable entry point into the desirable eastern beaches lifestyle.
Zach Carter of PPD Real Estate noted that the limited supply of houses in South Coogee, due to its smaller size, has created high demand and competition among buyers. This scarcity, combined with a growing preference for a relaxed, family-friendly beach lifestyle over the more “body-beautiful” brand of Bondi, has fuelled the price growth.
The median house price in South Coogee has now reached $4.4 million, according to a recent national property price report, surpassing Coogee’s $4.325 million, though still slightly below North Bondi’s median.
Community and Lifestyle Enhancements
153A Moverly Road, South Coogee Photo Credit: Domain
The growing appeal of Coogee and its surrounds is also linked to significant community developments. The presence of popular venues like Justin Hemmes’ Coogee Pavilion has elevated the beach’s profile, drawing in new restaurants and cafes. Furthermore, Randwick City Council approved a substantial $111 million redevelopment of the Coogee Bay Hotel last year, further enhancing the area’s amenities.
Warren Ginsberg of Ray White Double Bay highlighted that the area is considered beautiful for young families, offering a beach lifestyle, proximity to top schools, and convenient access to the city. He also noted a trend of extensive renovations and new property builds within the suburb, which also contribute to pushing up prices. For example, a new semi in Mount Street recently sold for $6.8 million, significantly above its initial guide.
7 Marian Street, South Coogee Photo Credit: Domain
In contrast, the luxury property markets in Toorak and Vaucluse have faced significant challenges. Agents in these areas attribute the downturn to widespread economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and a slowdown in business performance. There has also been a reduction in overseas immigration, which traditionally boosted the luxury housing market.
Steven Zoellner of Laing + Simmons Double Bay observed a “correction” in the luxury market, suggesting that less expensive suburbs like South Coogee have been less affected by these economic pressures.
Industry professionals anticipate a change in these market conditions once interest rates begin to decrease. While some high-value properties in Toorak are still achieving record prices, the overall sentiment remains unsettled due to the current economic climate, interest rates, land tax, and the upcoming election.
Spot On 2025 is returning to Randwick this spring, bringing live music, food and family fun back to The Spot. The community festival will also expand to Coogee in 2026, with a new trial series called Coogee Nights planned along Coogee Bay Road.
Spot On 2025 returns to Randwick this spring, bringing music, food and family fun back to The Spot after a successful 2024 series. St Pauls Street will again transform into a pedestrian-only zone, celebrating local culture and boosting night-time activity.
From September to October 2025, six Thursday night events will run fortnightly at The Spot, featuring live music, roving performers and open-air dining. Randwick Council says the program will keep its focus on supporting small businesses and offering safe, family-friendly entertainment.
Backed by Strong Community Support
Spot On’s return follows strong community support and positive feedback from local businesses in 2024. Council said road closures brought more people to shops and cafés, helping boost trade and activate public spaces.
Council described the response to Spot On 2024 as a clear sign that locals want more events that bring the community together and make use of outdoor spaces. Planning has since been underway to build on that momentum for 2025.
Expansion into Coogee and Future Plans
In early 2026, the festival will expand to Coogee with four trial “Coogee Nights” along Coogee Bay Road, expected to feature live entertainment and footpath dining.
Randwick Council has also flagged that planning is underway for a future event in Clovelly, though no dates have been confirmed. The broader vision is to create more local activations that are free, inclusive and built around the character of each suburb.
Spot On transforms familiar streets into places for neighbours to gather. In 2024, Thursday nights came alive with lights, music and street seating, as local cafés extended hours to join the festivities.
Spot On 2025 aims to keep locals out after work or dinner, supporting community life and local traders. With planning underway, a lively return is on the cards.
Significant clubhouse improvements are planned for Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, funded by a $900,000 grant from a recently announced $5.4 million state initiative to upgrade facilities at 38 surf clubs across NSW.
The funds come from the state government’s 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Programme, designed to support essential community hubs along the coast. Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib joined Surf Life Saving NSW officials and volunteers at Coogee Surf Life Saving Club to announce the successful grant recipients from this latest round.
This investment is part of a larger four-year, $16 million commitment from the NSW Government to support the state’s surf clubs.
The programme provides money to Surf Lifesaving Clubs to upgrade, restore, or construct their facilities. The main goals are to keep these buildings modern and accessible for everyone in the community.
Special consideration was given to projects encouraging more participation from women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Better facilities also help surf lifesavers perform their vital role in protecting people visiting the beaches.
Coogee Club Upgrades
Coogee Surf Life Saving Club’s $900,000 grant is earmarked for a major refurbishment of the clubhouse’s ground floor. This work will involve upgrading essential amenities, improving changerooms, and enhancing the club’s training room, ensuring better facilities for volunteers and the public.
While Coogee Surf Life Saving Club received a significant share, 38 clubs across NSW benefited from grants of up to $1 million each in this round. Other major projects funded include Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, which received $940,000 for redevelopment works, including a new lift, updated changerooms, more storage space, and fire safety improvements.
Further north, Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club was granted $312,370 for bathroom upgrades and an outdoor pergola, while Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club received $282,900 to improve its bathrooms and showers. The NSW Office of Sport website has a complete list of recipients.
Supporting Volunteers and Safety
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper stated that the past summer again showed the vital job surf lifesavers do in protecting swimmers and keeping people safe along the NSW coast. He added that the $5.4 million in funding will ensure surf clubs remain modern and accessible so volunteers can continue their invaluable work.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib noted that the familiar red and yellow flags are a welcome sight on beaches and that lifesavers performed over 2,400 rescues this past summer. He explained that investing in modern facilities supports the volunteers who make beaches safer and that improving access helps ensure more people from the diverse communities they serve can enjoy the coastline safely.
Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew appreciated the state government’s direct support for the crucial contribution made by volunteer lifesavers and their clubs. He remarked that the organisation’s growing membership, now over 80,000 lifesavers and Nippers, deserves safe, secure, and accessible facilities. Mr Agnew concluded that this programme allows members doing important volunteer work to better focus on saving lives.
Ballamac House, located at 39 Arcadia Street was originally constructed in 1860 and had been privately held for decades. Historically serving as a hotel, boarding house, and later a private hospital, the Victorian mansion underwent several alterations over the years. In 2022, Central Element acquired the heritage-listed site with plans to convert it into a luxury residential development.
The project was approved through the Land and Environment Court in late 2023 after addressing concerns regarding the site’s heritage significance and visual impact.
Development Details: Blending Heritage and Modern Living
The Ballamac House redevelopment comprises eight three-bedroom homes. Two residences are situated within the restored original structure, while six additional residences are provided through a newly constructed four-storey building positioned discreetly behind the heritage home.
Internal areas for the residences range from 165 square metres to 241 square metres. Each apartment is designed with coastal views, including vistas to Wedding Cake Island. The two buildings are linked via a shared basement and landscaped common areas, though they retain distinct entries and architectural identities.
The interiors were curated by Mim Design, with landscaping by Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture. Car parking includes 12 resident spaces, two visitor spaces, two motorcycle spaces, and five bicycle racks.
Photo Credit: Central Element
A communal outdoor entertainment area, plunge pool, and gardens are part of the shared facilities for residents.
Construction Progress and Features
Central Element’s in-house construction arm, CE Build, led by head of construction Hayden Callaghan, is delivering the project. Structural works were completed within six months of commencing, with fitout works now underway. Completion of Ballamac House is expected by December 2025.
The project set a suburb record when the 241-square-metre penthouse sold off-the-plan for $20 million in April 2024.
Photo Credit: Central Element
Future Outlook
Ballamac House is the first of three premium residential projects Central Element plans to deliver in Sydney’s east, alongside upcoming developments at Sandridge Street and Lamrock Avenue. It is also among five completions the developer targets for 2025 across Sydney, including sites in Paddington, Neutral Bay, Drummoyne, and Chatswood.
