Community PORT COOGEE’S UNIQUE COASTAL CHARACTERS
Andria Aird PHARMACIST
Robert Cramp RETIRED
Amber Vost HAIRDRESSER
As proprietor and pharmacist of Blooms the Chemist Port Coogee, Andria is used to helping people with their health. As a keen open water swimmer and ocean-lover, she says it’s easy to enjoy an active, healthy life when you live somewhere as beautiful as Port Coogee.
History and legacy are just as important to Robert Cramp. A sprightly 83 years old and loving his Port Coogee retirement with wife Maureen, Robert’s connection to the place goes back a couple of generations.
Living and working in Port Coogee is a dream come true for Amber Vost and family. Running her thriving hairdressing business from home, Amber says they’ve found their little piece of paradise.
“The exact spot where I live today was where my grandfather’s business — Anchorage Butchers — was located,” explains Robert. “I worked there from the age of 14 as a stockman. My grandfather, George Atkinson, was well known in the racing industry and we used to swim the thoroughbreds here three times a week in those days. When Maureen and I saw the foundations going down for the units here, we asked about it and grabbed this apartment straight away, off-the-plan. That was seven years ago. Maureen and I love sitting out on the verandah and watching the sunset. It’s the atmosphere and quietness we love.”
“I have met so many friendly locals while living here with my husband and three beautiful boys — it’s just the best place for our children to grow up,” says Amber. “Every day has that quality of living like you’re on a holiday. The fresh air is amazing and makes you feel so relaxed.
“One thing that’s very striking here is that people seem to have a shared love of the ocean and the outdoors. Most days I have customers chatting about their morning catch, or whether they have been down for their morning dip, or a dive along the Coogee maritime trail. There seems to be a greater awareness and consideration for the ocean and the environment. “Blooms the Chemist Port Coogee is a proud sponsor of the Port Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim each year. Alongside family and friends, I’ve completed the swims, and I just think we’re so lucky to have this beautiful beach that’s perfect for open water swimming. We have a marquee on the day and my whole team gets involved. We have a lot of fun and see many of our regular customers at the event. Open water swimming is fun, healthy, and inclusive — much like the Port Coogee community.”
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Autumn/Winter 2021 | Live proud
The other thing is the community. Most people are quite friendly and stop for a chat. Everyone is always helping each other. We have a really friendly street too — we regularly catch up for dinner and drinks. Our kids have so many friends here. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in the world.”