Coogee Archives - Page 5 of 16

Room in South Coogee Sparks Concerns Over Rental Standards

A sublet listing in South Coogee has raised the alarm after a social media post revealed the cramped conditions of a $95-per-week room in a shared house with nine other tenants, prompting questions about its legality and safety.

Living Conditions Questioned

The room, advertised as a “spacious double” with storage space, appears to be a converted wardrobe or basement. A single image of the room was shared online, showing an unmade bed beneath a visible sewage pipe, raising eyebrows on Reddit, where users described the space as cramped and unsanitary.

Arden St South Coogee — *Photo Credit: Reddit*

One commenter sarcastically remarked, “Looks like the bed is in the built-in wardrobe,”while another noted that the space resembled a basement storage unit, suggesting that sleeping there would involve listening to the sounds of toilets flushing overhead.

Despite its questionable condition, some pointed out that at $95 per week including bills, the price is significantly cheaper than most available rooms in Coogee.

“For $95 in Coogee, whoever jumps on that won’t care in the slightest,” said one user, reflecting the tough rental market that forces people into less-than-ideal accommodations.

Safety and Legal Concerns

The Tenants’ Union of NSW expressed concerns about the living conditions and legality of the rental. They noted that the room may not meet minimum lighting, ventilation, and privacy rental standards.

According to NSW laws, rental spaces must provide adequate facilities, such as power outlets and access to a bathroom with sufficient privacy. With nine other tenants in the house, it is unclear if it can adequately support this many people.

Moreover, the union highlighted the importance of ensuring subletting is legal and approved by the head tenant. If the head tenant has yet to receive permission from the landlord to sublet the room, any lease agreements between the tenant and subtenants could be invalid.

Public Reaction and Further Advice

Public reaction to the listing has been a mix of humour and frustration. While some Reddit users joked about the poor quality of the room, others expressed concern over the desperation of renters in Sydney’s overheated market.

“If it wasn’t preying on people’s desperation, it would be funny,” one user commented.

The Tenants’ Union advises renters to thoroughly investigate rental listings before committing. Prospective tenants should ensure the property meets safety and legal requirements, check for adequate lighting, ventilation, and privacy, and confirm the legality of subletting arrangements to avoid potential issues down the line.

Published 11-Oct-2024

$10.4 Million Sale of Historic Coogee Mansion ‘Roslyn’ Draws Attention

A historic mansion in Coogee, known as “Roslyn,” has been sold for $10.4 million, marking a significant moment in the suburb’s property market.

Historic Significance and Location

Built in 1887 by British timber merchant Charles Saxton, Roslyn is a Victorian Italianate mansion perched on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of Coogee Beach and the surrounding coastline. The home, one of Coogee’s oldest and most historically essential properties, is a reminder of the post-gold rush construction boom. The house has remained a local landmark for over a century and is admired for its grand architecture and prominent position.

The property has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, with the latest owners investing significantly in its restoration. The renovation preserved many of the original architectural features, including pressed metal ceilings, stained glass windows, and a widow’s walk, while also updating the home for modern living. The three-storey residence now boasts more than 500 sqm of internal space, landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and a rooftop viewing platform.

Roslyn Coogee — *Photo Credit: realestate.com.au*

Purchase and Renovation Plans

The new owners, Therese Moussa and Ramzey Choker, are well-known in Sydney’s hospitality scene as the creative minds behind The Grounds of Alexandria. While Moussa, the creative director, fell in love with the house and its heritage, the couple does not plan to live there. Instead, they intend to reserve the mansion for family use while continuing to rent in Elizabeth Bay.

Moussa described the house as a “gem” and expressed excitement about using her design skills to restore and maintain the home’s historical beauty. She sees the renovation as an opportunity to merge the mansion’s Victorian elegance with contemporary design, ensuring its rich history is preserved for future generations.

A Piece of Coogee’s Heritage

For many in Coogee, the sale and restoration of Roslyn highlight the suburb’s evolving character while paying tribute to its past. Originally constructed as a showpiece for Saxton’s timber business, the mansion later passed through several owners, including Vincent McCauley, who divided the property into flats, and Basil Burak, who restored it as a single residence in 1955.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

After being sold for £5759 in the 1950s, the property changed hands multiple times, most recently in 2015 when cardiologist Aiden O’Loughlin and his partner undertook further restorations. With the latest sale, Roslyn has once again been given a fresh start, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury.

The sale of Roslyn has generated buzz in the Coogee community, not just for its high price but for the rare opportunity it presents. As one of the suburb’s most recognisable and cherished homes, the mansion’s ongoing restoration contributes to maintaining Coogee’s unique blend of history and beachfront living.

Published 05-Oct-2024

Coogee Bay Hotel Gears Up for NRL Grand Final Extravaganza

Photo Credit: Coogee Bay Hotel

As the Labour Day long weekend approaches, the iconic Coogee Bay Hotel is treating Sydney football enthusiasts to an NRL Grand Final celebration this Sunday, 6th October.

Selina’s, the hotel’s renowned entertainment venue, will open its doors at 4 pm, offering patrons an unparalleled viewing experience of the season’s biggest match. The main event kicks off at 7:30 pm, with Selina’s exclusive live broadcast promising to capture every thrilling moment on its expansive big screen.

For those preferring a different atmosphere, the hotel’s popular Sports Bar will also be screening the game live, ensuring that no fan misses out on the action.

more details on the NRL grand final festivities

The hotel is anticipating a vibrant crowd, with management preparing for an influx of passionate supporters and casual viewers alike. Cold beverages and a variety of food options will be available at Coogee Bay Hotel, adding to the festive atmosphere expected on NRL Grand Final Day.

Local residents and visitors to Coogee are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spots for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the NRL season.

Published 25-September-2024

Green Light: $111-Million Revamp of Coogee Bay Hotel Approved After Years of Community Battle

The controversial $111-million overhaul of the iconic Coogee Bay Hotel has finally been approved, paving the way for a substantial facelift that will partially demolish the heritage-listed seaside venue to make way for apartments, retail spaces and upgraded hotel facilities.

In early May 2024, the Sydney East Planning Panel granted deferred commencement consent for the redevelopment of Coogee Bay Hotel following a tense two-hour public meeting. The 4-1 vote in favour came after developers agreed to major revisions to address concerns raised by vocal community groups over issues like excessive bulk, overshadowing of views and potential disruptions.

The Redevelopment Vision

The approved plans will transform the landmark 8,500 sqm-site overlooking Coogee Beach through:

Demolition of several existing buildings
Construction of a five/six-storey residential block with 58 apartments
A new three-storey hotel wing adding 13 keys to the accommodation for a total of 31 boutique rooms
An internal “Selina’s Lane” featuring 11 retail tenancies like cafes and restaurants
Provision of 158 basement parking spaces
Refurbishments and heritage upgrades to the remaining historic hotel structures

This scaled-back proposal replaces the developer’s initial 2021 plans for up to 60 apartments and a supermarket.

A Saga of Staunch Opposition

For years, the redevelopment has faced staunch community resistance. A petition with nearly 10,000 signatures called for the scrapping of a development project, citing fears it would damage Coogee’s low-rise seaside village character.

At last week’s fiery public hearing, a litany of objections were raised by residents:

Excessive height and bulk creating a “canyon” effect along Coogee Bay Road
Loss of iconic views of the ocean and Wedding Cake Island
Demolition of the famed Selina’s music venue, which hosted legends like Elton John
Noise impacts from construction works and the completed development
Disruption that could turn the bustling beachside hub into a “ghost town”

At last week’s fiery public hearing, a litany of objections were raised by residents. David Burden, a local resident, cautioned the panel that the biggest issue was the sheer scale of the redevelopment, which he felt was simply too large for the intimate confines of Coogee Village. In his view, a development of this magnitude would permanently alter the character of the area.

Compromise and Conditions

To secure approval, the developer C!NC Hotels made significant concessions like reducing the maximum height to 21.35m, cutting basement excavation, retaining more heritage facades, and scrapping the planned supermarket.

However, some objectors felt these amendments still fell short. Lone dissenting panellist and former Randwick mayor Danny Said argued that “community expectations” weren’t fully addressed.

Among the conditions imposed, the developer must complete a comprehensive noise management plan addressing resident concerns over future disruptions.

The Way Forward

With deferred commencement approval now granted, the onus is on C!NC to finalise designs and construction timelines for transforming the ageing hotel site over the coming years.

Managing director Chris Cheung, whose company has operated the venue for 30 years, said the “renewed Coogee Bay Hotel will reinvigorate the precinct” and better integrate the site with the surrounding area and village atmosphere.

Published 17-Sept-2024

Coogee Schools Maintain Demountable Trend as Numbers Soar Across NSW

Whilst demountable classrooms have become a common sight at schools across New South Wales, figures reveal Coogee schools have remained relatively stable in their demountable numbers over the past decade.

This statistic comes as a stark contrast to the wider trend across the state, where demountable buildings have exploded in number, raising concerns about a lack of permanent learning spaces and diminished play areas for students.

Demountable Dynamics Across NSW

In the broader landscape, the proliferation of demountables has been palpable, with a significant increase observed from 2014 to 2023. This surge has led to concerns among parents regarding the long-term implications of these supposedly temporary structures on students’ learning environments and recreational spaces.

Coogee Schools Defy Trend

*Clovelly Public School*
*Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map*

However, within Coogee and the Easter Suburbs, schools have shown remarkable stability in demountable numbers. Clovelly Public School, Coogee Public School, South Coogee Public School, Randwick Boys High School, and Waverley Public School have maintained the same number of demountables over the years, bucking the statewide trend.

Regional Variations in Demountable Density

*Carlingford West Public School*
*Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map*

Whilst Coogee schools boast consistent demountable numbers, other regions, particularly Greater Western Sydney, have experienced a proliferation of these temporary structures. Riverbank Public School, The Ponds High School, Girraween Public School, Carlingford West Public School, and Northbourne Public School stand out as examples of institutions grappling with high demountable densities, highlighting the varying challenges faced by different communities.

Community Concerns and Advocacy

Parents and community leaders have been vocal in expressing their concerns regarding the impact of demountables on students’ learning experiences and overall well-being. Calls for action range from advocating for permanent infrastructure solutions to highlighting the need for adequate recreational spaces to support children’s physical and cognitive development.

Government Response and Future Plans

In response to mounting pressure, Education Minister Prue Car has acknowledged the need for long-term planning to address infrastructure backlogs, particularly in areas experiencing rapid population growth. Whilst efforts are underway to provide permanent facilities in response to sustained enrolment demand, the issue remains complex and multifaceted.

Published Date 15-Sept-2024

Coogee Man Condemned for Abandoning Ex-Girlfriend’s Snakes

The magistrate strongly reprimanded a Coogee man for callously dumping his ex-girlfriend’s pet snakes in the street in a distressing case of animal mistreatment intertwined with domestic violence.

Justin Downs, 26, faced the consequences of his actions at the Waverley Local Court where he pleaded guilty to a charge related to the domestic violence-inflicted destruction of property. During the proceedings, Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge did not mince words, threatening severe repercussions if Downs made another court appearance, promising swift incarceration.

The incident unfolded in October 2023 shortly after Downs’ girlfriend ended their relationship via phone. In a vindictive response, Downs wrecked the enclosures of two pythons named Bagel and Mango at his Coogee residence and abandoned the helpless reptiles on the street. He was arrested nearly a week later at Randwick police station.

Photo Credit: Teja Mae/Instagram

Magistrate Milledge described the act as exceptionally cruel, pointing out the significant distress it likely caused the animals. She chastised Downs for his destructive response to personal conflict, labeling him a “bully” and highlighting his recurrent violent behavior towards property in domestic settings.

In his defense, Downs’ attorney portrayed him as remorseful, mentioning his ongoing psychological counseling and participation in an alcohol management program. Despite his criminal actions, his lawyer argued that Downs contributes to society, referencing his local business and tax contributions. She also detailed a recent personal setback where Downs suffered serious injuries from a car accident, which impacted his ability to work.

Ultimately, Downs was sentenced to a 30-month community correction order and ordered to pay restitution of $1,281.95 to his ex-girlfriend. Additionally, he received a two-year prohibition from contacting her under an apprehended domestic violence order.

The community and authorities remain vigilant in addressing such acts of cruelty and violence, ensuring support is available for victims through services like the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service.

Published: 14-Sept-2024

Get Sashimi Coogee: Fresh, Fast, and Healthy Seafood Arrives on the Coast

Photo Credit: Get Sashimi/Facebook

A new sashimi bar called Get Sashimi is set to open in Coogee, bringing over 70 types of sushi and 20 varieties of fresh sashimi to local seafood lovers in the eastern suburbs.

The highly anticipated Get Sashimi Coogee location will open on 15 September 2024, offering both dine-in and takeaway options. The two-level restaurant will feature a 10-metre wall-to-wall sashimi bar, with seating for up to 50 people upstairs. The venue has been described by the owner, Antonio Muollo, as a “seafood heaven” catering to Coogee’s family-friendly, health-conscious community.

Mr Muollo explained that the decision to expand into Coogee was an easy one. The area’s laid-back beachside vibe and focus on healthy living made it the perfect next step after the success of the first Get Sashimi location in Bondi. He said the new restaurant would offer locals a fresh, fast, and healthy dining option, adding excitement to the neighbourhood’s food scene.

Antonio Muollo’s Seafood Empire

At just 25, Mr Muollo is no stranger to the seafood business. He started his first company, Get Fish, at the age of 18, skipping university to pursue a career in an industry he had grown up in.

Mr Muollo’s father worked at the Sydney Fish Market, where Antonio began learning the trade at a young age. By the time he was a teenager, Muollo identified a gap in the market for home-delivered fresh seafood in Sydney. His seafood delivery service quickly took off, evolving into a business that now turns over $30 million a year and includes not only delivery but also wholesale operations and a dedicated fishing fleet.

The Get Sashimi Bondi location opened last year and became an instant hit. Mr Muollo said the restaurant’s focus on providing healthy, high-quality seafood in a quick and convenient format appealed to locals, leading to the decision to expand to a second location.

Bestsellers

The Coogee location is expected to offer a similar menu to its Bondi counterpart, where some of the most popular items have made it a seafood destination.

At Bondi, the toro (tuna belly) sashimi is a standout bestseller, prized for its rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Other top choices include the luxurious Ora King salmon and Hokkaido scallops, known for their fresh, delicate flavours.

For those seeking something more unique, the Paradise prawns and inventive sushi creations like the salmon gunkan topped with raspberry or strawberry offer exciting twists on traditional sushi. These selections, alongside poke bowls and hand rolls, are sure to make waves in Coogee, appealing to both casual diners and seafood aficionados.

Expansion Plans

With the new Coogee store about to open, Muollo has big plans for the future. He has already hinted at further expansion for Get Sashimi, with more locations planned for 2025, including the Northern Beaches.

Mr Muollo explained that his goal is to keep the restaurants both accessible and affordable while maintaining the quality that has become a hallmark of his brand. He acknowledged that while running a seafood empire is a challenge, he is confident Sydney’s love of fresh fish and sashimi will continue to drive the business forward.

Get Sashimi Coogee is located at 252 Coogee Bay Road. Follow them on Instagram.

Sydney Athletes Dive into Seaweed Restoration at Coogee Beach

Top Sydney athletes braved the winter chill to participate in the Ultimate Recovery Session at Coogee Beach, planting seaweed to support Operation Crayweed’s marine habitat restoration efforts.

The event took place on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, bringing together athletes from various sports codes to learn about and contribute to the restoration of Sydney’s underwater forests.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness and funds for Operation Crayweed, an environmental project focused on restoring vital seaweed habitats along Sydney’s coastline.

Athlete Involvement

Stars from AFL, AFLW, soccer, rugby league, netball, and surfing joined forces for this environmental initiative.

Participants included Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene, Tarni Evans, Izzy Huntington, and Nicola Barr from GWS GIANTS; Lisa Steane from Sydney Swans; Teigan Collister and Margaux Chauvet from Sydney FC; Jasmine Strange, Samantha Economos, and Brydie Parker from the Roosters NRLW team; Teigan O’Shannassy from Sydney Swifts; and WSL surfers Tully White and Ace Buchan.

Seaweed restoration in Coogee — *Photo Credit: Gemba Group/Instagram*

The athletes got hands-on experience in underwater gardening, learning to sex the seaweed and prepare ‘cray-babies’ (juvenile specimens) for planting. This practical involvement aimed to raise awareness about the importance of seaweed habitats in Sydney’s marine ecosystem.

Boyd Hicklin, Creative Director at Gemba, the company that organised the event, expressed enthusiasm about the athletes’ participation. He noted the importance of giving back to Sydney’s coastline and praised Operation Crayweed’s impact on the environment.

Operation Crayweed’s Mission

Professor Adriana Vergés from Operation Crayweed explained that the organisation’s work is crucial for Sydney’s coastline. The project uses world-first technology developed in Sydney to re-establish crayweed populations along 70 kilometres of coastline.

Vergés highlighted the significance of crayweed forests, stating that they provide essential food and habitat for diverse marine life, aid biodiversity, and even help in carbon sequestration. She compared the importance of seaweeds to Sydney reefs to that of corals in the Great Barrier Reef.

The professor expressed gratitude for the athletes’ involvement, saying it was wonderful to engage with these enthusiastic individuals and involve them in the marine restoration project. She emphasised that by reintroducing crayweed to Sydney’s reefs, they are bringing back one species and rebuilding an entire ecological community.

Community Impact

The Ultimate Recovery Session aimed to restore seaweed habitats and educate and involve the community in environmental conservation.

Nicola Barr from FrontRunners and GWS Giants emphasised the connection between climate change and sports. She noted that athletes are increasingly concerned about how a warming planet will affect the future of their sports and coming generations. Barr pointed out that with millions of passionate fans and followers, athletes and sports organisations have a unique opportunity to drive significant climate action.

The event demonstrated a growing trend of athletes using their platforms to drive significant climate action and engage their fan bases in environmental causes. It also highlighted the importance of community involvement in environmental restoration projects.

DONATE TO OPERATION CRAYWEED

Published 26-Aug-2024

Humanitarian Lawyer Conquers 92-km Swim from Italy to Albania After Coogee Training

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.

Eva Buzo Coogee — *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.

@evabuzoswims What does it take to be an ultra endurance swimmer? Lets find out…#womeninsport ♬ original sound – Eva Buzo

Personal Significance

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.

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.

Published 26-Aug-2024

Coogee Celebrates as Council Finally Removes Controversial Planter Box

After years of persistent complaints from frustrated residents, a controversial beachfront planter box in Coogee was finally removed. The concrete structure at the Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road intersection has caused numerous accidents and has been the subject of countless community grievances.

For at least two years, locals have criticised the planter box, which sometimes housed a tree and others did not—a situation the council attributed to “vandalism.” Drivers frequently reported mounting the blocks surrounding the tree space, leading to multiple instances of vehicle damage.

Many residents questioned the box’s positioning, deeming it “useless” and asking why the council thought the left-hand lane on a busy beachfront road was a suitable location for a tree.

Previously, a Randwick City spokesperson stated that removing the blocks was not an option because trees add much value to an urban environment. However, as time passed, the box became the site of many accidents, with one occurring as recently as last week. The council maintained that the blocks served as a wheel stop for the parking spots in front of them.

Locals, however, argued that it was unsafe. In July, one Coogee resident claimed to have personally heard of three cars that had smashed into it in a single week.

Photos emerged showing contractors paving over the area, giving many locals hope. A council spokesperson said that the box was no longer there. He explained that the tree on Coogee Bay Road had been subject to continual vandalism for several years, forcing the council to replace the tree on six occasions.

The coastal location and condition of the pit also made establishing the tree challenging. Given these ongoing issues, the council removed the tree and the surrounding area.

The news was met with jubilation from eastern suburb residents online. One man commented that putting it there first was a stupid idea and praised the efforts to drive some sense into the council. Another resident expressed relief that the “weird” placement was being rectified.

Others were more cautious, with one local joking that they should be more relaxed as the council might be replacing it with something bigger.

Published Date 26-August-2024