Coogee Archives - Page 13 of 16

Demolition Planned for Iconic Selina’s Entertainment Centre in Coogee

Did you know that Selina’s, the iconic home for many indie, rock and folk music artists in Sydney will soon disappear as the popular live music venue will be demolished to make way for Coogee Bay Hotel’s nearly $112-million redevelopment?

Proposal for the hotel’s revamp (DA/437/2021) is still under assessment with Randwick City Council but should the development gain approval, Selina’s will be the first to go. In its place will be a supermarket, a new hotel accomodation, and a five-storey residential building with a laneway of restaurants and cafes.

Coogee Bay Hotel owner Christopher Cheung said that there is no plan to reopen Selina’s in the new development, not even for a smaller venue. Mr Cheung said that despite the venue’s history, which hosted concerts from INXS, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and David Bowie in the 70s through the 90s, they are moving with the times and focusing on safety first, referring to legislations that minimises alcohol consumptions.

Once upon a time, headlining a show at Selina’s gave performers the seal of approval amids the other beer barns spread out across Sydney. The space could hold about 2,500 guests, which was a big deal for musical acts on their way to stardom.

Up-and-coming musicians will no longer have such as a special space if Council signs off on the demolition. However, some residents have thumbed down the proposal due to overdevelopment, that will also block the views and sunlight for a large section of Coogee Bay Road.

Name and Shame Policy at Priceline Pharmacy Coogee Sparks Debate

Priceline Pharmacy in Coogee has set up a new shoplifting deterrent following the rise in retail theft in their premises. The store has put up a “name and shame” sign at the front window, with photos of the shoplifters caught in the act from the CCTV.

According to Yvonne Yung, who is in charge of the Coogee outlet, the initiative has prompted some of the shoplifters to return what they stole, which mostly comes from the beauty aisle since the products are on display are out in the open. The shoplifters also ask Yung to take down their photos, persuading Priceline to conclude that its name and shame policy works.

However, the move has sparked a debate among Coogee locals and some officials.

“I think you void your privacy when you steal from other people. They don’t deserve any,” said one resident via Coogee Local Loop.

“Innocent until proven guilty? If they are guilty, then it’s the legal system to punish, not anyone else,” another chimed.

“Call the police and let the individual deal with having a criminal record.”

Priceline said that businesses in the precinct have been dealing with this worsening issue for months with no action from the police. However, reports cited that the Eastern Beaches Area Command has not been aware of shoplifting activities on Coogee Bay Road.

Coogee Precinct Committee has written Randwick City Council about the validity of the name and shame sign after residents complained that it is a violation of privacy. Councillor Kathy Neilson said that she doesn’t like seeing the sign at the store’s front window and believes there is a better way to address or help shoplifters set their ways.

However, Bernadette Summers of the Coogee Chamber of Commerce doesn’t see anything wrong with Priceline’s move and said that this speaks volumes of the many challenges businesses have to deal with, on top of the pandemic. For Summers, the rationale for the name and shame sign is simple — if customers don’t want their photos exposed, then they shouldn’t steal.

Where to Find Reliable Food Security Options in Coogee, Eastern Sydney

Food insecurity exists all over the world even in an abundant country like Australia, where more than 20 percent of the population lacks secure access to safe and nutritious food. The lockdowns in Sydney, including Coogee, have impacted the food supply of three in five individuals as distribution logistics and workforce issues arise.

The restrictions have been a great reminder of the fragility of the food system in the country even as the majority of fresh food sold in Australian supermarkets is produced locally. Panic-buying has also been a factor in the shortage of food supplies.

Fortunately, local non-profits and some businesses have been working harder to provide food for families for as long as their resources and access to supply chains are open. By offering free meals or discounted food packages, residents in Coogee and Eastern Sydney suburbs won’t have to wonder where their next meals will come

If you know of families or vulnerable communities who may need help with food, let them know of this comprehensive list of reliable food security providers in Coogee and nearby suburbs. This is a mix of charity providers targeting specific groups and commercially available options.

ORGANISATION	CONTACT DETAILS	PROVISIONS
*Coogee*
Community PantrySt Pauls South Coogee	1 Gregory Street South, Coogee Tel: 0407 891 306	• Fill bag with groceries for $10 • Bring pension or health care card • Every second Thursday at St Pauls South Coogee (20th August then every second Thursday) • 3:30 pm-4:30 pm
*Maroubra*
Junction Neighbourhood Centre	Shop 2/669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Tel: (02) 9349 8200 to register Text: 0447 046 606 if you have a mobile & no credit as JNC will call you	• Personalised list shopping service & delivery available for those 65 years plus and 50 years plus for Indigenous communities with health & mobility issues • Registration required • Secure payment facilities available
The Salvation Army 100	Boyce Road Maroubra Tel: (02) 9314 2166	• Free Community Breakfast every Monday & Tuesday – 9 am-10:30 am • Free Community Lunch every Thursday – 12 pm-1 pm • Food Boxes available
Malabar Bakery Pty Ltd	737 Anzac Parade Maroubra Tel or Text to order:0401 963 227	• Manoosh Pizza, Falafel Wraps, Pockets, Home-cooked lunch specials • Order fresh and baked • Option to order fresh and freeze • Delivery service available • Payment by card and electronically • Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-4 pm – Sat-Sun: 7 am-3 pm
*Malabar*
Kooloora Community Centre	167 Bilga Cresent Malabar Tel: (02) 9661 9160 or0481756759	• Emergency food relief including hampers and cooked meals, electricity and gas vouchers • Vegged Out program What you’ll receive: o 1 bag of locally chosen fresh fruit, vegetables and baked bread/rolls per person/family o Cost $15 per bag, once per fortnight (please pay at Kooloora 1 week in advance and keep your receipt for collection) o Collection/Delivery Pick up at Kooloora, 10.30 am fortnightly on Fridays during school term
St Mark’s Anglican Church	Cnr Franklin Street & Victoria Lane, Malabar Tel: (02) 9311 0309	• Mobile community pantry, 10.00 am-11.00 am, every second Friday • Grocery & fresh food items available for $10 • Pension, &/or Health Care Card required
*Matraville*
Randwick Meals on Wheels	Shop 1, 523 Bunnerong Road, Matraville Tel: (02) 9661 3781 for an assessment	If under 65 years old please call (02) 8745 0086 to discuss needs • Food relief service
*Bondi*
Our Big Kitchen	36 Flood Street Bondi Tel: (02) 8084 2729	• Hot meals provided • Vegetarian Kosher
Wayside Bondi Norman Andrews House	77 Roscoe Street Bondi Beach Tel: (02) 9581 9193	• Community Services Centre new opening times from 9 am – 1 pm • Take away service available including free breakfast • Lunch: 12 pm-12:30 pm (Lunches from $1, $1.50, & $2)
*Kingsford*
Kingsford Church of Christ	399 Anzac Parade Kingsford Tel: (02) 9663 2272	• Free take-away frozen meals and bags of fruit and veg available 4.00 pm-4.45 pm Sunday fortnightly
St Vincent de Paul Community Support Centre	Level 2/1A Meeks Streets Kingsford Tel: (02) 9662 7380	• People experiencing hardship and/or social isolation can access financial and material assistance. • During the current health situation, vouchers will be posted to a secure letterbox or can be picked up in the office (case by case) • Monday – Friday 9 am-5 pm
*Kensington*
Oz Harvest Market	147 Anzac Parade Kensington Tel: 1800 108 006	• Food Supermarket now open Tuesday – Friday 10 am-2 pm. BYO Bag • Pre-packed hampers available to collect at the main entrance. Tuesday – Friday, 10 am-2 pm

These charities and businesses may also need volunteers and donors to sustain their operations. Those interested to help out may also contact the organisations to enquire about donations and other logistical requirements.

Restrictions Eyed at Neptune Park Outdoor Gym in Coogee

Fitness activities are abuzz at the outdoor gym in Neptune Park in Coogee but the noise has attracted complaints from residents nearby. Some restrictions affecting commercial training and loud music at this public venue could be in place after meetings with leaders and stakeholders.

Since the lockdowns in Sydney, commercial fitness owners have been using Neptune Park’s outdoor gym facilities whilst their studios remain closed. To keep their business operating, some trainers have conducted classes and personal training on the public site.

However, residents a few metres from the park have complained of gym buffs who train with loudspeakers with booming electric music, disrupting the neighbourhood’s quiet hours. At night, some turn on their brightest car headlights so they could use the facilities, turning the site into a 24-hour gym. Worse, residents have attested that the people who frequent the site use the green space as their public toilet.

From the start, residents said that they didn’t want an outdoor gym in Neptune Park because it could become a nuisance. However, Randwick City Council opened the facilities in February 2021 to improve and innovate outdoor spaces across the LGA.

Discussions among councillors and stakeholders are underway as a proposal to set restrictions has been brought up at the council meeting. If agreed, electronic music and commercial gym training could be banned at this outdoor gym and operating times will be enforced to ensure that residents will not be disturbed. However, some residents prefer the dismantling and relocation of the outdoor gym near Wylie’s Bath.

Meanwhile, beginning 27 Aug 2021, Randwick City Council has issued a Public Health Order requiring QR check-in codes at all outdoor gyms and playgrounds in the LGA. Hand sanitisers will also be available at these facilities.

“Adding the QR codes to these outdoor facilities means NSW Health will quickly be able to notify people should a confirmed COVID-19 case attend the location while infectious. We encourage everyone to use the codes while at one of these locations. Thank you!”

Digital Display Installation for Fallen Lifesavers Memorial in Coogee In The Works

A digital display to honour and name the lifesavers killed during the war, located at the Fallen Lifesavers Memorial in Coogee, is in the works. Originally planned as a wall display, the digital design is expected to be a poignant memorial that family members of the heroes will appreciate.

This project is Stage 2 of the Fallen Lifesavers Memorial, which was installed in 2014 at the southern section of the Goldstein Reserve. Stage 1 comprised a bronze statue of a soldier and a lifesaver standing hand-in-hand to symbolise friendship and camaraderie. It was designed by sculpture artist Alan Somerville.

Aside from the digital display that will have the names of all the fallen heroes, the second stage of the construction will also include landscaping and ambient lighting.

“We had originally planned to install the names on a wall,” according to Randwick Mayor Danny Said, adding that the digital interface will not take up too much space and “provide an interactive experience for family members researching loved ones lost in war.” The interactive display is easier to update as well.

“This is a space for locals, family members, and others to reflect on and remember the sacrifice made by these brave souls,” the mayor added. “It is such a generous act of service to not only want to protect the lives of swimmers at the beach but to also enlist to serve our country.”

Construction and installation of the digital memorial will start in September and will likely be completed at the end of 2021. Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club, which approached Randwick Council about the statue and memorial several years ago, has been tasked to manage the digital interface, including updating its information.

There were over 3,500 lifesavers who served Australia during the war.

“It’s an honour to have this national memorial based in Coogee, which has such a proud and longstanding link with surf lifesaving, and to be able to thank these men and women for their sacrifice,” according to Mr Said.

Save Coogee Village Petition Launched Against Hotel’s $111.7-Million Revamp

Coogee Bay Hotel has submitted plans for a massive $111.7-million revamp that includes the construction of 60 apartments, a supermarket, and an eat-street section. The plan has drawn mixed reactions, with a group of residents launching a petition to Save Coogee Village from the planned development.

In the Save Coogee Village petition, Coogee MP Marjorie O’Neill said that plans to build 60 new luxury home units with a mega car park could lead to over-development and exceed the building’s height standard for the area. The proposal could also see the residential buildings overshadowing the surrounding areas, including the famous Coogee amphitheater.

“We regard these plans as an atrocious overdevelopment of our seaside suburb and our iconic Coogee Beach precinct,” Ms O’Neill wrote. “The proposed redevelopment of the site would be of a size and scale that would change for the worse the cherished local and casual character of the area.”

As of press time, the petition has logged 382 signatures.

Highlights

Coogee Bay Hotel submitted plans for a massive $111.7-million development to refurbish the hotel and add residential and retail sites.
Coogee MP Marjorie O’Neill launched a petition opposing the plans with nearly 400 signatures from members of the community.
Cinc Hotels, which owns the site, said that the redevelopment was due as Coogee has evolved, especially in this pandemic.

However, Cinc Hotels manager Christopher Cheung said that the redevelopment is due after the hotel’s last major refurbishment 10 years ago. He said since Cinc Hotel bought the site in 1991, Coogee has evolved tremendously and the pandemic lockdowns have highlighted the need for a revamp of the 8,501-square metre site.

Under the plans (DA/437/2021) submitted to Randwick City Council, the mixed-use site will be divided into two sections, separating the hotel areas from the residential and retail areas.

Photo Credit: DA Tracking/Randwick City Council

The five-storey building housing the residential units will be a U-shape structure overlooking the swimming pool at the back of the hotel. A pedestrian link with an eat-street from Arden Street to Coogee Bay Road will be created, opening up to the retail and supermarket area.

In addition to the residential units, at least 10 new hotel rooms will be added to the building whilst 19 rooms will be refurbished, along with the bar and beer garden.

The proposal indicated that the “heritage components of the site and acknowledges the sense of identity Coogee Bay Hotel presents to the community, present and past.”

“The vision is to upgrade an existing heritage institution by providing opportunities and amenities for the community while enhancing the identity of the area.”

Coogee Bay Hotel was first built in 1855.

27 Homes in Coogee Affected by Stream of Sewage Waste

Residents along the long stretch of Carrington Road in Coogee may have noticed a foul-smelling odour when they pass down the hill. Whilst a temporary sandbag fix was done in recent weeks, the reeking problem is far from over.

A blockage from an old 200-meter long sewer pipe, which services 27 houses in the area, has caused a stream of sewage waste to flow onto the pavement, stormwater drains, and home gardens. However, Sydney Water has informed Randwick City Council that it can’t fix the blockage since this is part of a private system in one of the houses on Carrington Road.

The owner of the house might not even be aware that the blockage has caused a leak in the neighbouring properties. Some of the residents said that they have been frequently hosing their areas to remove the stench and they also have been telling passersby, especially children, to watch out for traces of human wastes in the puddles of water.

Apart from the putrid smell, the outflow of sewage water is a major health hazard.

However, Sydney Water said the extent of their service, in this case, is to provide the homeowners proper advice on how to fix the blockage and leaks, which they will have to shoulder out-of-pocket.

Randwick Deputy Mayor Philipa Veitch said that putting the responsibility of repairing an old 200-metre pipe on the homeowners could take years to transpire and might involve litigation. Instead, she asked Sydney Water to take charge.

“It’s classified as a private line but at 200-m long and under a major road, it’s too big a job for the residents to fix. Sydney Water runs our sewerage system and needs to fix this mess,” Ms Veitch said.

The Council has sought intervention from NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, whose office confirmed that they are investigating the matter and has sent people to check on the temporary fix. A spokesperson for Pavey also said that Sydney Water will continue to coordinate with the Council.

Childcare Gap Fees Waived in Coogee, Other LGAs During Sydney Lockdown

Coogee is among the top 10 suburbs in the country with the most expensive childcare fees but local parents can expect some relief during the Greater Sydney lockdown, following the announcement of a waiver from the federal government.

The Federal Government confirmed that beginning Monday, 19 July, families staying at home and not using childcare services should not be charged the gap fees but could still receive their childcare subsidies.

Despite the lockdown, childcare centres have been allowed to open, especially for essential workers. However, many parents have chosen to keep their children safely at home while the COVID-19 situation continues to impact Sydney.

Highlights

The Federal Government waived the gap in childcare fees for parents during the lockdown.
However, childcare centres in affluent suburbs said they rely on the gap fees to stay afloat during this crisis.
Coogee residents pay the 7th highest childcare fees in the country.

Gap fees are the amount families pay for childcare services that are not covered by the government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS). With the waiver in effect, families will still have their children enrolled at the centres even if they have not been using the service for weeks.

“When gap-fees are waived, families will not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for those days that their children are at home during the current stay at home period,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement.

The statistic shows that 216,000 families stand to benefit from this initiative. However, the Education Department has no data on how many of the 3,634 centres across Greater Sydney will be waiving fees.

Whilst the waiver has been good news for parents, Chiang Lim of the Australian Childcare Alliance NSW said that some services in Sydney’s most affluent suburbs heavily rely on payment from the parents to remain open. Thus, their operational costs will be more dependent on the gap fees and, if waived, they will not be able to pay for staff wages, rent and other obligations. One operator said that they did not agree with the Federal Government’s decision.

It comes as a survey from KinderCare showed that Coogee families spend $159.36 a day for childcare services, the seventh most expensive childcare cost in Australia.

The waiver will be re-assessed after 30 July 2021 whilst the Australian Childcare Alliance NSW gathers more data from childcare services.

Demolition Refused for ‘Wonderland’ House in Coogee

The Wonderland house on Baden Street in Coogee will remain standing following the rejection of a development application to demolish the property for a new residential facility.

Randwick City Council refused DA/523/2020 after six months of assessment. According to the Council’s report, the application does not comply with the Randwick Local Environment Plan, the Randwick Development Control Plan 2013, and the Apartment Design Guide.

The rejection also stated that the building designed to replace the iconic Wonderland house is not compatible with the bulk and scale of the streetscape. However, the developer could still appeal the decision to the Land and Environment Court within six months of the refusal.

The Council issued its decision in April 2021.

It comes as the Randwick community opposed the development application, citing that the Coogee building is a historic and iconic site with a rich social and cultural impact.

“It is a fine example of post-war art deco architecture with a unique and fascinating provenance,” Randwick Heritage Action Group stated.

“Its nautical details and the brightly painted facade is instantly recognisable in Coogee and is a nod to earlier times.

“As well as its jaunty seaside art deco architecture, once so popular in Coogee, the building has a fascinating social history. It was built in 1922 by McLeod who owned the garage located in the dome building (now the Coogee Pavilion).”

In recent history, the house was the set of the television series, Wonderland, which aired from 2013 to 2015. However, the Wonderland house is not a heritage-listed site.

Coogee Ranks 7th for Most Expensive Childcare in Australia

Did you know that seven of the 10 suburbs with the most expensive childcare cost in Australia are located in Sydney? Coogee takes the seventh spot in this top 10 list.

Coogee parents pay $159.36 a day for childcare services, according to survey data collected by KindiCare, a childminding app for families and childcare providers. Coogee’s numbers closely follow the rates of these top three Sydney locations: Rose Bay ($168), Mosman ($161.90) and the City of Sydney ($161.90).

The rest of the Sydney suburbs on this list include Surry Hills, Bondi, Crows Nest and Vaucluse, whilst two Melbourne suburbs, Armadale and Prahan, round up the top 10 places with most expensive childcare costs in the country.

SUBURB	REGION	COST of CHILDCARE
Rose Bay	Sydney NSW	$168
Mosman	Sydney NSW	$161.90
City of Sydney	Sydney NSW	$161.63
Armadale	Melbourne VIC	$161
Prahan	Melbourne VIC	$160.88
Surry Hills	Sydney NSW	$159.63
Coogee	Sydney NSW	$159.36
Bondi	Sydney NSW	$158.78
Crows Nest	Sydney NSW	$158.67
Vaucluse	Sydney NSW	$158.18

According to KindiCare creator Benjamin Balk, the results of the survey covering 16,400 centres wer not surprising and he believes that an expensive childcare cost does not always equate to quality. However, some facilities in Sydney may be more expensive because there are exclusive or unique choices that are not commonly available at other facilities.

Mr Balk said that there are heaps of private childcare facilities in Sydney that provide options like music lessons for kids or an onsite chef who prepares their meals, on top of the quality learning experiences given to the children. Many parents are also willing to invest in these inclusions because the long-term outcomes become evident when their son or daughter start formal school.

KindiCare’s survey also showed that 85 percent of Australia’s childcare centres meet the minimum standard of quality as rated by the Australian Children’s Education Quality and Care Authority (ACECQA).

However, childcare costs are a strain on the budget of about 90,000 working parents who pay more for this expense than their rent or mortage, according to Georgie Dent of Parenthood. Whilst the Australian Government provide childcare subsidies, Ms Dent believes that fees will continue to increase unless the system is fixed.