A major police operation has shut down Dudley Street, blocking a key access road to Coogee Beach, after reports of an armed man inside a residential unit.
The police operation, which began shortly after 11am Tuesday, has drawn at least twelve riot squad officers to the scene at Dudley Street, including one carrying a chainsaw. Police have confirmed the incident is mental health-related.
NSW Police have closed Dudley Street between St Paul’s Street and Coogee Bay Road, with both vehicle and pedestrian access restricted. The unit block under focus is located near a Catholic high school.
“Police are speaking with a man inside a unit,” a NSW Police spokesperson said, confirming the operation was prompted by a “concern for welfare.” Specialist police remain on scene.
Local residents have been advised to stay indoors, while others are urged to avoid the area entirely. Multiple police vehicles, including unmarked cars, are currently stationed along Dudley Street.
The operation continues to affect access to Coogee Beach from the Randwick direction, with no immediate timeline provided for when the street will reopen.
Thousands of black, ball-shaped tar balls have washed up at Coogee Beach, prompting authorities to close the popular Sydney beach to the public while clean-up efforts continue.
The enigmatic debris was initially found on Tuesday, 16 October, and it was verified on Wednesday evening to be tar balls, which are pollutants based on hydrocarbons. Preliminary tests showed that the material was consistent with oil spills or seepage at sea, and a conclusion was reached after samples were sent for forensic testing.
The beach and nearby Gordons Bay Beach remain closed as a safety measure. Residents and beachgoers have been warned not to touch the debris, as it may be harmful. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is working with council authorities to investigate the source of the pollution, suspected to have originated from an oil slick spotted offshore.
Photo Credit: RandwickCC
Clean-Up Efforts
Randwick City Council has deployed expert teams, including an occupational hygienist and specialist waste removal contractors, to remove the tar balls safely. This clean-up operation is expected to continue into Thursday. Council jetskis also identified the suspected oil slick off the shore, but it has not yet been officially confirmed as the source of the tar balls.
The tar balls were also found on Wedding Cake Island, about a kilometre from Coogee Beach, raising concerns about the extent of the contamination. Despite this, nearby beaches like Waverley have not reported any sightings of the debris.
Community Impact and Reactions
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker commended the community for their patience during this time, emphasising the importance of public safety and environmental protection. He reassured residents that the council is prioritising the safe removal of the pollutants while maintaining strict protocols to ensure public health is not compromised.
“Our community is rightfully protective of our natural environment, and this has been a concerning incident,” Mr Parker said. He also cautioned against direct contact with the tar balls, warning that the material could be carcinogenic and unsafe to handle.
NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe stated that the EPA is thoroughly investigating the situation, working alongside other agencies and forensic scientists to determine the exact cause of the contamination and the potential risks. Sharpe described the incident as unusual but assured that efforts are underway to “get to the bottom of it as quickly as possible.”
The EPA is also exploring whether the tar balls could be linked to a potential oil spill from a ship, although no such spills have been reported by vessels in the area. Authorities are reminding all ships of their obligation to report any spills to relevant agencies, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Photo Credit: RandwickCC
Ongoing Safety Measures
As the investigation continues, authorities advise the public to stay away from Coogee Beach and Gordons Bay until further notice. Beachwatch New South Wales, which monitors water quality across the state, has also been notified about the incident.
For now, the community’s focus remains on swiftly and safely removing the tar balls while ensuring that Sydney’s beaches remain clean and safe for everyone.
Surf lifesaving volunteers have returned to Coogee Beach, with red and yellow flags now flying to mark the start of the 2024/25 Surf Life Saving Patrol Season, which will see over 21,000 volunteers patrolling beaches across New South Wales.
The patrol season commenced on 28 September and will run until 27 April 2025, ensuring that beachgoers can swim safely throughout the warmer months.
Launch at Coogee Beach, surf lifesaving volunteers raised the iconic flags to symbolise the start of patrols. Last season, lifesavers and lifeguards performed more than 4,400 rescues and completed around 1.1 million preventive actions along the NSW coastline.
During the patrol season, volunteers from Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) are stationed at 129 beaches on weekends and public holidays.
For local surf lifesaver Thomas Hetherington, who has been involved with SLSNSW since the age of seven, the return of the flags marks the beginning of another season of helping his community. He shared that lifesaving is a family tradition, and many in the surf lifesaving community look forward to this time of year as it brings people together.
The community’s contribution to beach safety is vital, with surf lifesaving volunteers stepping up each year to provide an important service. Beyond rescues, preventive actions are key in avoiding dangerous situations before they escalate, ensuring beachgoers can enjoy the ocean safely.
Photo Credit: SLSNSW/Facebook
New Equipment Boosting Lifesaving Efforts
To enhance lifesaving efforts, $72 million over the next four years has been committed to SLSNSW, delivering new equipment and resources for lifesavers across the state. This season, volunteers will have access to 14 new jet skis to assist rescues and 11 upgraded rescue vehicles equipped to handle incidents in remote locations.
Additional safety measures include installing emergency response devices at high-risk locations. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to improve water safety and reduce the number of coastal drownings, which claimed 61 lives last year, all at unpatrolled beaches or outside of patrol hours. The government has also developed a new water safety campaign to reach at-risk communities with essential safety messages.
Photo Credit: SLSNSW/Facebook
Looking Ahead to a Safer Summer
New resources and technology are expected to improve response times and provide better support for volunteers as they manage beach safety during the busy summer season. The Coastal Safety Data Hub has been developed to allow lifesavers and government agencies to coordinate efforts better and manage risks along the coastline.
As the patrol season kicks off, SLSNSW President Peter Agnew expressed confidence that the new equipment and resources will help keep people safe along the state’s beaches. He highlighted the ongoing dedication of the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure beachgoers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
While ensuring safety at the beach, the patrol season also fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork, with volunteers from all walks of life coming together to serve and protect their local beaches.
Eva Buzo, a Sydney-based humanitarian lawyer, has completed a gruelling 92-kilometre swim from Italy to Albania, showcasing the skills she honed at Coogee Beach during the pandemic.
The 35-hour marathon swim began on 17 August 2024 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Eva, an international criminal law specialist, faced challenging conditions in the Adriatic Sea, including strong currents and complicated water movements.
Training and Preparation
Eva’s journey to this remarkable achievement began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she joined the Coogee Beach swimming club Vladswim. Under the guidance of marathon swimming coach Vlad Mravec, she trained rigorously, swimming 8km daily on weekdays and 10-15km on weekends. This intense regimen prepared her for the demanding nature of long-distance open-water swimming.
Photo Credit: Eva Buzo/Instagram
The lawyer’s dedication to her training at Coogee Beach was crucial to her success. The famous Sydney beach provided the perfect backdrop for Eva to build her endurance and acclimatise to open water conditions. Her commitment to the sport quickly grew, transforming her from a novice ocean swimmer to an accomplished marathon swimmer in just a few years.
Challenges Faced
During the swim, Eva encountered several significant obstacles that tested her physical and mental fortitude. Strong currents posed a major challenge, having previously thwarted her first attempt at the crossing.
Last year, she swam for 28 hours but could not complete the journey due to these powerful water movements.
As the swim progressed, fatigue-induced hallucinations became a troubling issue. Eva reported seeing “monsters out of movies” during the dark hours of her swim, adding a psychological challenge to the already demanding physical task.
The lawyer described feeling fearful during these moments, emphasising the impact of extreme fatigue on her mental state.
The physical toll of the swim was considerable. Prolonged exposure to saltwater caused numbness and swelling in Eva’s mouth, affecting her ability to control it. This condition, which she likened to the aftermath of wisdom teeth removal, necessitated a brief hospital stay after the swim for monitoring and recovery.
Despite these challenges, Eva persevered. She recounted the final moments of the swim, stating that she believed she would finish at the last 25 metres. The changing conditions and slow progress made the final stretch feel interminable, but her determination ultimately saw her through.
For Eva, an Australian with Albanian heritage, the swim held special meaning beyond the physical achievement.
Her grandfather, Zihni Buzo, came to Australia as a refugee in 1946 after fleeing Albania during World War II. This family history added an emotional dimension to her journey, connecting her to her ancestral roots uniquely and powerfully.
Zihni’s story is remarkable in its own right. He studied engineering at Harvard on a scholarship and spent several years building water projects in Albania before the circumstances of war forced him to seek refuge in Australia.
Photo Credit: Eva Buzo/Instagram
Fundraising Efforts
Eva used the swim to raise awareness for Victim Advocates International, a charity she founded in 2020. The organisation supports victims of serious international crimes, including war crimes and genocide.
Prior to the swim, Eva had set a goal of raising $20,000 for the charity. She believed that her athletic endeavour would help bring wider public attention to her work in human rights, noting that while her professional achievements are well-known within the human rights community, swimming could reach a broader audience.
Future Aspirations
She is believed to be the first officially to swim between these two countries – Italy and Albania.
Earlier this year, she completed the earliest crossing of the English Channel by a female swimmer in the season, further cementing her status as a formidable athlete.
Having conquered this challenging swim and previously crossed the English Channel, Ea continues to push the boundaries of long-distance swimming. Her latest achievement adds to her growing list of accomplishments both in and out of the water.
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach! The city is about to witness a groundbreaking event as the hotel unveils its first-ever kids’ club, just in time for the upcoming Easter holidays!
Be immersed in a whirlwind of exhilarating excitement and entertainment, granting parents the long-awaited opportunity to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Launching with the Enchanted Easter Escape Package, this is not just a getaway; it’s an experience of a lifetime! Available for booking now and valid for stay dates between 22nd March to 8th April 2024, this package is packed with thrills:
Luxurious accommodation
Indulgent buffet breakfast for the whole family
Hassle-free on-site parking
A delightful Easter Egg gift bundle
Complimentary Easter activities for everyone to enjoy
But that’s not all! Brace yourselves for an Easter weekend extravaganza like no other.
For Kids
Transform into magical creatures with enchanting face painting and intricate hair braiding.
Photo Credit: Website/CrownPlaza
DATE/TIME Saturday, 30th March – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, 31st March -3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Get up close and personal with fascinating reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians.
Photo Credit: Website/CrownPlaza
DATE/TIME Saturday, 30th March – 12:00 p.m. Sunday, 31st March -3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Embark on an egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza on Easter Sunday on Sunday, 31st March, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the reception.
Photo Credit: Website/CrownPlaza
Lastly, ignite your kids’ creativity with Easter-themed arts and crafts and immerse them in the enchanting world of cinema with the Kids Cinema Experience.
For Adults
Photo Credit: Website/CrownPlaza
Join an immersive art experience under the direction of renowned artist Oli O. Discover the artistry of painting on canvas as you capture the breathtaking beauty of the Coogee coastline right before your eyes.
Date: Saturday, March 30th
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Pool Terrace, Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach
This textured art class promises to ignite your creativity and provide a unique perspective on coastal scenery. External guests are warmly welcome to participate and can reserve their spot now. Tickets are priced at $40, ensuring an unforgettable artistic journey for all.
Photo Credit: Website/CrownPlaza
Soak in the breathtaking views from the rooftop pool while sipping on your favourite cocktail!
Photo Credit: Website/CrownPlaza
Indulge in well-deserved relaxation with optional trips to the local wellness studio, Recoverie, with an exclusive 25% discount for Crowne Plaza guests. You can call Recoverie Coogee on 0419188806 to make a booking.
And the best part? The Kids Club is complimentary for parents dining at the hotel’s exquisite restaurants, Shutters, or Estate. Alternatively, indulge your little ones in an adventure for just $10 per hour per child. Plus, kids eat free when booking a family dinner at Shutters and paying for one adult meal.
IHG members, buckle up for some unbeatable perks! Enjoy up to a jaw-dropping 25% off bookings made between 12th March to 3rd April, with stays between 15th March and the end of July.
For those eager to embark on this extraordinary journey, head over to the hotel’s website now for more information and to seize these incredible offers. With face painting, Easter Bunny visits, egg hunts, hair braiding, a petting zoo, kids cinema, and Easter-themed arts and crafts, get ready to dive into an Easter celebration like never before!
The shark attack that left a woman with serious injuries in Sydney Harbour last month served as a sobering reminder that dangers lurk beneath the surface of the city’s iconic beaches, including Coogee Beach.
Coogee has a long history of shark encounters. Over a century ago, in February 1922, an 18-year-old named Milton Singleton Coughlan was fatally attacked by a shark whilst swimming just 30 metres offshore during the Coogee Surf Club’s annual carnival.
Coughlan was bitten on both arms and his shoulder, dying within 30 minutes despite being rescued.
Just a month later, Mervyn Gannon, 21, was viciously attacked whilst surfing at Coogee. A spectator who spotted the shark fin heading toward the surfers sounded the alarm, prompting others to flee the water immediately. But Gannon turned to face the shark instead. Lifeguard Jack Brown rushed to pull a barely alive Gannon from the bloody surf.
Gannon died on 4 March 1922 and was buried at the Randwick General Cemetery in South Coogee.
Mervyn Gannon’s memorial (Photo credit: Bel P/findagrave.com)
Responding rapidly to the 1922 Coogee shark attacks that killed Coughlan and Gannon, the NSW government deployed trawlers that slaughtered 25 sharks. Authorities also offered bounties for more dead sharks, igniting a brutal hunting spree. This aggressive risk mitigation strategy is unimaginable today.
Likewise, Randwick Municipal Council’s move to quickly erect two Shark Towers as lookouts on Coogee Beach reflected the era’s fear-driven attitudes toward shark threats.
Coogee Beach, 1920s (Photo credit: Hall & Co/State Library of New South Wales)
These attacks were just two among many during Australia’s so-called “shark era” of the early 1900s. And although over a century has passed, sharks still lurk off Coogee’s shores.
After a deadly attack at nearby Little Bay in February 2022, Coogee Beach lifeguards ordered some 40 people out of the water. Just last month, a shark sighting forced another temporary closure.
To protect beachgoers in Coogee Beach, Sydney Harbour, and other bodies of water within the state, the NSW government has implemented a shark management strategy using technologies like tagged shark listening stations, SMART drumlines that minimise bycatch, and drone patrols.
Coogee Beach circa 1900-1939 (Photo credit: Hall & Co/State Library of New South Wales)
There’s also ongoing research into bite-proof wetsuits. Whilst shark nets installed in 1937 have helped limit fatalities at netted beaches, sharks remain an ever-present risk.
When sharks are spotted, response teams now use tags to track and relocate the animals farther offshore, reducing risk to swimmers. But these magnificent creatures have prowled Sydney’s waters for millennia, long before humans lined the shores.
So as we enjoy the ocean’s beauty this summer, we must do so with caution and respect for its potential perils. For where sharks cruise, risk inevitably follows.
Mardi Gras 2024 brings forth a glittering celebration of diversity and love at Coogee Beach with “Sparkle in the Park,” an enchanting storytime event tailored for children aged 0 to 5 years.
Presented by the Randwick City Library, the event set for 6th March 2024, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, will see an area in Arden St along Coogee Beach adorned with vibrant hues of the rainbow, fostering inclusivity and the sheer delight of reading together.
Online bookings are indispensable to ensure participation, subject to specified terms and conditions. Each child and accompanying parent/carer must secure a booking to join the festivities.
Whilst library membership is not a prerequisite for attendance, it’s worth noting that membership is complimentary and can be easily acquired online or at any branch.
Arrive punctually, at least 10 minutes before the scheduled commencement, to uphold the event’s timeline. Late arrivals may regrettably be turned away to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Don’t forget to bring along your picnic rug to relish the experience to the fullest.
For further enquiries, please contact 9093 6400. Let’s come together at Coogee Beach for a jubilant celebration of love, diversity, and the magic of storytelling!
This comes after the popular eastern suburbs beach was strewn with items like bottles, bags, and other trash after beachgoers departed.
The ongoing issue has frustrated residents, with some labelling the constant mess as “disgusting” and urging Randwick City Council to take action. They argue Coogee and other nearby beaches lack adequate bins on the sand itself.
Photo credit: Joydip Sinha/Google Maps
One Facebook user suggested that adding more trash bins would lead to people actually utilising them, implying that the lack of adequate bins is part of the problem that allows litter to accumulate.
Council officials have responded to the complaints by pledging more bins and staff. However, they maintain that beachgoers must take personal responsibility, especially when bins are full or unavailable.
The scenes over the weekend echoed similar incidents at Coogee and other eastern suburbs beaches this past holiday season. Locals are fed up with the rubbish left behind by crowds every summer. They want visitors to be more respectful and clean up after themselves, regardless of how many bins are present.
Photo credit: Rui Oliveira/Google Maps
Whilst the litter problem has angered many locals, some organisations, such as the Sea Shepherd Sydney are taking action regarding better waste management.
The Sea Shepherd Sydney crew held a community cleanup at Coogee Beach earlier in January, removing nearly 2,800 pieces of trash. They expressed disappointment at seeing so much garbage left behind after New Year’s celebrations. The top items collected were single-use food packaging, bottles, and cigarette butts.
Photo credit: Sea Shepherd Australia – Marine Debris Campaign
Environmental advocates remind beachgoers to dispose of their rubbish properly when visiting.
“If you are heading for a picnic or beach time, remember to take your rubbish with you and dispose of it correctly. Let’s not leave it for marine life or others to pick up!” they urged in a social media post.
With more vigilance and personal accountability from visitors, hopefully the sights of trashed beaches in the Eastern Suburbs will become a thing of the past.
The annual Coogee Sparkles event is set to illuminate the night sky to welcome 2024. On December 31, 2023, the event promises an enchanting 15-minute fireworks display starting at 9 PM, captivating audiences from Goldstein Reserve.
Preparations for the event are in full swing, with the Randwick City Council ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Road closures, scheduled from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, aim to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety during this vibrant celebration.
Transportation alterations, including modifications to several bus routes, have been planned to accommodate the road closures. The council encourages attendees to consider alternative transport options due to limited parking availability.
The festivities will kick off with an array of captivating entertainment along the Coogee Beach promenade. From fairy and mermaid bubble shows to stilt walkers and local band performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Residents are urged to arrive early to secure prime viewing spots, as this popular event will draw a large crowd. Organisers emphasise the importance of adhering to event guidelines, including the prohibition of alcohol, smoking, and glass on Coogee Beach and its surrounding reserves.
Several vantage points have been identified for optimal fireworks viewing, including Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach, Grant Reserve & Trenerry Reserve, Clovelly Beach Car Park, Burrows Park Headland, and local restaurants and hotels.
While Goldstein Reserve won’t host food stalls, attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, low-rise chairs, and small sunshades. Nearby local businesses will be open, offering takeaway options to complement the evening’s festivities.
Lifeguards and first aid stations will be available in Goldstein Reserve in the spirit of community safety. Public toilets and water stations will also be accessible throughout the event.
For further information or inquiries about the event, residents can reach out to the Customer Service Centre during business hours at 1300 722 542 or via email at events@randwick.nsw.gov.au.
As the countdown to Coogee Sparkles begins, the council encourages residents to embrace the celebratory atmosphere while adhering to event guidelines, ensuring a memorable and safe New Year’s Eve for all.
Coogee Beach emerges as a refuge for residents seeking respite amidst the ongoing heatwave. The recent weather has prompted a surge in beach activity despite concerns about extreme heat and heightened sun exposure.
Clive Stiff, head lifeguard overseeing Coogee Beach, expressed vigilance and concern for the safety of beach goers amidst the oppressive heat.
“We’re mostly worried about sun safety and hydration, both for members of the public and members of the Patrol of course,” Stiff emphasised, acknowledging the need for heightened precautions during this period.
Despite the searing conditions, beach enthusiasts like Carley Carr remain undeterred, embracing the opportunity to savour the long-awaited summer weather.
“It’s about time that we had a good summer. So we’ll be down at the beach probably early and staying inside for middle of the day,” Carr remarked, showcasing a relaxed yet cautious approach toward enjoying the warmth while acknowledging the necessity of tempering exposure during peak heat hours.
Amidst the soaring temperatures, NSW Health issued vital tips to prevent heat-related illnesses during extreme weather conditions:
Utilise Cooling Resources: Use air-conditioning or electric fans if available. Fans may be less effective in temperatures exceeding 39 degrees Celsius.
Appropriate Attire: Wear light, loose-fitting clothes for better ventilation and comfort.
Time Outdoor Activities: Minimise outdoor exposure during peak heat. Seek shade or shelter if necessary.
Indoor Comfort: Close curtains, spend time in the coolest areas of your home, and limit heat-generating activities.
Manage Physical Exertion: Engage in physical tasks during cooler times, such as early mornings.
Reduce Heat Generation: Minimise stove and oven use to prevent further indoor heating.
Cooling Techniques: Use cool water to wet skin, apply cool packs on neck and shoulders, and take cool showers or baths.
Seek Cool Environments: Find air-conditioned public facilities or cooler areas nearby.
Ventilate Living Spaces: Open windows and doors during cooler outdoor temperatures to allow fresh air indoors.
As Coogee Beach draws crowds seeking relief from the heat, adherence to these guidelines remains crucial to mitigating heat-related risks amidst the ongoing heatwave.
