Aleesha enjoying a holiday at Little Bay.
LOCAL CHICK... ALEESHA PUSTETTO FROM COOGEE Interview and Picture James Hutton
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ocal school teacher Aleesha Pustetto is currently kickstarting her career as a children's author. She shares her local favourites with The Beast... How long have you lived here? I grew up in Little Bay, and I moved to Coogee two years ago. What's your favourite beach? There's nothing like an after-work dip at Coogee and a bite to eat on the way back up the hill. What's your favourite eatery? Ollie's Kitchen on Coogee Bay Road is incredible. The owners are lovely, and the food is the definition of delicious! I cannot recommend this place enough. Where do you like to have a drink? I should say something about wine here, but I'm going to say Barzura for a takeaway coffee instead - the coffee's great and they look after you when you bring your own cup. Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The coastline. I consider
22 The Beast | November 2017
myself very lucky to walk out of the door every morning and feel like I'm on holidays.
work, but usually I'll just end up having a nap. Time with family and friends is the best way to finish up.
Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? There are no dog beaches!
What do you do for work? From Monday to Friday I'm a primary school teacher, but when the bell rings I'm an author, kick-starting a career writing children's books. My first project, Hashtag Harry, is about a sausage dog that becomes a social media sensation - a cautionary tale for our digital natives. I'll be working with Little Steps Publishing to bring it to life.
Do you have a favourite sporting team? I've been out to a handful of Sydney Kings games over the last couple of seasons. The atmosphere is great, and the food is a lot better than it is at the footy. My boyfriend would also like me to say that I'm partial to the Broncos. What music are you into at the moment? The Lumineers have been at the top of my playlist for a while now. They're such beautiful storytellers.
What's your favourite thing about work? I love working with children, and I love working with words, so I'm pretty well placed right now.
Who is your favourite person? That's easy: my man, Tom!
Do you have a favourite quote? “Comparison is the thief of joy.� - Theodore Roosevelt
What do you get up to on the weekends? My weekends start with a coffee and coastal walk with my dog Harry, followed by some beach and book time. Sometimes I'll make it to yoga, occasionally I'll do a bit of
Any other words of wisdom for our readers? Carry a KeepCup, and support the creation of Hashtag Harry by securing a copy in advance from www.kickstarter.com/projects/1996049094/hashtag-harry.