Neighbourhood Media Randwick Magazine | November 2025
ISSUE #1
WALK OF
AUS FILM WALK OF FAME HOPETOUN HOUSE HORROR
RANDWICK RANDWICK
HISTORY
Early History of Randwick.
COVER STAR
Local Artist: Anthea Krook.
W Hello Randwick,
WE’RE your new neighbours!
Welcome to the very first 2031 Magazine – your quarterly guide to all things Randwick. For our debut edition, we deep dive into the area’s early history and establishment. Then, we meet local artist Anthea Krook, and look back at the year that was for our beloved Sydney Swans
For lovers of Arts & Entertainment, explore the Australian Film Walk of Fame, go behind the scenes of La Ronde, a spectacular new show now playing at The Grand Electric. Get ready to mark your calendars with our What’s On Guide, a round up of the best events and entertainment happening right on your doorstep.
We’ve rounded up the best happy hours in Randwick, and if your pooch is also partial to a pub sesh, check out our guide to the top pet-friendly pubs! Plus, we meet some of the furry locals that call Randwick home. There’s some puzzles, a local business directory and more. All in all, this is your perfect coffee break companion.
We’ll see you next year for Issue #2, The Neighbourhood Media Team
Randwick Boys’ High Famous Alumni.
The Sydney Swans in 2025.
Australian Film Walk of Fame.
LOCAL LEGENDS LOCAL LEGENDS IN THE HOOD TRUE CRIME
The Hopetoun House Horror.
ON GUIDE
Mark Your Calendars!
DRINK
Happy Hour in Randwick.
PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media
CONTRIBUTORS - Rob Everett, Lucy Pearson, Jen Keates, Alec Smart, Rita Bratovich, Adeline Teoh, Melissa Mantle
COVER ARTIST - Anthea Krook
ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081
If you have any thoughts, feedback or questions about the 2031 Magazine, please reach out to info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au
Meet The Pets of 2031.
A Day In The Life: Principal Colnan (IGSYD).
Do You Have All The Answers?
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Best Local Pet-Friendly Pubs. Shop, Support, Spend Local
By Alec Smart
TRandwick was proclaimed as a Municipality on 22 February 1859 – the second oldest Local Government Area in NSW after City of Sydney.
THE name ‘Randwick’ was derived from a property owned by Simeon Henry Pearce, an English surveyor who arrived in Australia in 1841, aged 21, with his cousin Samuel. In 1844 Pearce purchased a small 4-acre plot in the area then-known as Coogee Hills from landholder Captain Francis Marsh. The region was, at the time, dominated by market gardeners, who took advantage of the fertile soil after the forests were felled and the land subdivided. Pearce called his property ‘Randwick’ after the Gloucestershire village in south-western England where he grew up.
Pearce built a sandstone cottage, Blenheim House on his property, facing the old Sandy Track racecourse (founded 1833, which eventually became Randwick Racecourse,). The historic house still stands today at 17 Blenheim St, Randwick, and has recently been converted into a multi-purpose arts and culture centre.
Pearce and his brother James were responsible for the founding and early development of Randwick and neighbouring Coogee district. This included buying and selling property and overseeing the construction of a road
slow to progress. The village was isolated from Sydney by swamps and sandhills, and although a horse-bus was operated by a man named Grice from the late 1850s, the journey was more a test of nerves than a pleasure jaunt. Wind blew sand over the track, and the bus sometimes became bogged, so that passengers had to get out and push it free.”
The report continues, “From its early days Randwick had a divided society. The wealthy lived elegantly in large houses
on the periphery of Randwick in a place called Irishtown, in the area now known as The Spot, around the junction of St.Paul’s Street and Perouse Road. Here families lived in makeshift houses, taking on the most menial tasks in their struggle to survive.”
ORIGINAL ABORIGINALS
Randwick town centre is just 2km from the South Pacific Ocean in Coogee Bay. Coogee (gazetted as a village in 1838) is believed to derive from the Indigenous Dharug word ‘kooja’, which referred to the pungent smell of kelp washed up on the beach rotting in the sun.
The Indigenous peoples of the area were principally the Gadigal. They occupied most of the region south of Sydney Harbour, and west to Darling Harbour and the lower tidelands of the Parramatta River and southwest to Goolay’yari/Cooks River.
There were also smaller clans resident along Sydney’s south-eastern shores: the Birrabirragals on South Head, around what is now Camp Cove, Kutti/Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach; the Muru-ora-dial, who inhabited the coastal region from Maroubra south to Malabar and around the
PERSONALISED AGED CARE AT HOME
HISTORY
with several dialects. They are now known as people of the Eora Nation.
The Eora hunted in the bushland - primarily eucalyptus woodlands and sclerophyll forests (characterized by hardleaved evergreen trees and undergrowth) - fished in the seas from nowie (bark canoes), and gathered shellfish and speared marine creatures along the foreshores.
The Eora of the coastal region were described as katungal - ‘sea people’ – by the paienbera ‘tomahawk people’ inland (who hunted and trapped animals), because they were primarily reliant on marine food sourced from the harbour, beaches, tidal rivers and estuaries.
DISPLACEMENT AND DEATH
Sadly, the Indigenous peoples were displaced by the British after their arrival in 1788 to set up a penal colony, either driven inland or killed in confrontations with the gun-wielding invaders. Many Aboriginals succumbed to European diseases due to their reduced immunity, especially the devastating smallpox epidemic of 1789. The latter was likely deliberately started by Royal Marines gifting infected blankets to an Aboriginal campsite at Balmoral Cove.
However, there is still plenty of evidence of their existence across Sydney metropolitan area and especially along the coast, including fading rock engravings and hand stencils, axe-sharpening grooves in favoured rocks, shell middens (piles of scrap shells on foreshores) and scarred old trees from which bark was extracted for canoes.
The Dharug word ‘Bobroi’ may have been the name for the region encompassing what is now Randwick, Coogee and Clovelly to the north, but British settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries weren’t in the habit of asking the locals the place names of the areas they were colonising.
The British administrators were, however, in the habit of giving land grants to favoured people, including distinguished former convicts whose skills were useful to the expanding colony, and high-ranking military personnel. The Royal Marines, the first garrison of colonial-era
Australia (1788-90), succeeded by the New South Wales Corps (1790 – 1818), were recipients of huge tracts of land, many of which were traded, sold and sub-divided.
After first Governor Arthur Phillip returned to Britain in 1792 due to ill-health, Major Francis Grose effectively transformed the penal colony into a military dictatorship. He cut food rations to convicts and gave generous land grants to officers of the Corps – who by 1793 were known as the ‘Rum Corps’. This was because they gained a monopoly over imported rum, which they used as currency to make up for the shortage of minted coins, and further diverted vital grain supplies from food to the brewing of rum.
Although successive governors – John Hunter, Phillip King, William Bligh – tried to diminish the power of the NSW ‘Rum’ Corps, they were thwarted and English courts 17,000km away effectively powerless. An 1808 coup d’état, the ‘Rum
“British settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries weren’t in the habit of asking the locals the place names of the areas they were colonising”
Rebellion’, backed by wealthy agri-baron John Macarthur, ousted Governor Bligh and placed him under house arrest. Eventually, the mutinous New South Wales Corps, renamed the 102nd Regiment of Foot, were recalled to England and replaced with the 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment of Foot, whose commanding officer, Lachlan Macquarie, took over as NSW Governor.
It wasn’t until Governor Lachlan Macquarie assumed power (1810-21) that some sort of order was maintained and the rum economy regulated.
One of the first land grants in the Randwick region was made – unsurprisingly – to a military commander, Captain Francis Marsh, an officer of Her Majesty’s 80th Regiment of Foot.
In 1824 he received 4.9 hectares (12 acres) of land in what is now within the boundaries of Botany and High Streets and Alison and Belmore Roads.
Marsh later subdivided his estate and one parcel of land he sold to the aforementioned Simeon Henry Pearce.
Blenheim House, Simeon Pearce’s former home
NEW CHINESE CLASSES ADDED EARLY LEARNING TO YEAR 3
ENROLLING NOW 2026
At IGS, Unity Through Diversity is our vision for an equitable, inclusive and regenerative world.
Through bilingual learning and a global outlook, we seek to provide a blueprint for a better future.
Early Learning to Year 12
Immersive Language Programs
Ultimo Campus, near Sydney CBD
Unique Music Programs
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Kangaroo Valley Rural Campus
Careers and University Guidance
Out of School Hours Care
COVER STAR
By Rita Bratovich
This Randwick local shares her love for the natural beauty of the ocean.
TTHOUGH she has only lived in the area for just over three years, Ben-Naim has totally embraced the community. If you live in Randwick you’ve probably already met her, if not directly, then through her exquisite artworks which were reproduced on street banners for Randwick City Council’s Love the Locals campaign last year.
The vibrant banners featured images of a grey nurse shark, blue groper, sea urchin, common Sydney octopus, and humpback whales and were intended to celebrate and raise awareness of the delicate marine ecosystem.
“I’m endlessly inspired by what I see and experience here: the fragile beauty of our coastline, the fleeting shimmer of life that deserves to be noticed and protected,” Ben-Naim tells Neighbourhood Media.
The artist and her family relocated to Randwick from the North Shore because of her children’s schooling. Beginning her career as a graphic artist, Ben-Naim felt emboldened to pursue her passion for art after becoming a mother.
“I’m lucky to live and paint in Randwick — a surprisingly vast coastal municipality where marine and botanical life are part of daily existence. The rhythms and visuals of its landscape continually feed my work,” says Ben-Naim. “Randwick has been the backdrop to that creative unfolding — a place that holds both my home and my artistic practice.”
Recently, Ben-Naim the honour of serving as judge at a Randwick Art Society competition where she met the talented local artist community and enjoyed the breadth of work.
Earlier this year, Ben-Naim had exhibited her own works at Sydney Street Gallery in Marrickville, featuring as one of
only four artists in the Saving Scapes exhibition.
“Twenty percent of all art sales were donated to local causes — supporting marine life, the Cooks River cleanup, and the protection of our shared environment,” says Ben-Naim. Her gorgeous watercolours and acrylics are inspired by Ben-Naim’s love of nature and marine life; it’s a synergetic combination that allows her to create from the heart while directly helping the environment. Notable awards and recognition include:
• Honourable Mention – Ten Moir Botanicals Competition, 2025
• Finalist – Ten Moir Gallery’s Nature Exhibition, 2024
• Best in Show – Ten Moir Gallery’s Faces Exhibition, 2023
• IronCraft Challenge, 2016
• Featured in Sydney Morning Herald’s The Enriched List, 2010
Ben-Naim’s beautiful range of artworks are available on her website.
“I sell my original paintings through my online gallery and have recently launched a dedicated print store, created to make my work more accessible. For many, prints offer a gentle way to bring local art into the home — and I’m deeply grateful for everyone who chooses to live with a piece of my world.”
Anthean antheabn.com
Randwick Precinct
Meetings For Residents, By Residents
Join your neighbours each month to discuss local issues, share ideas, and help shape the future of our community.
Everyone living within the Randwick Precinct boundary is welcome. Your
LOCAL LEGENDS
By Rita Bratovich
FAMOUS ALUMNI OF RANDWICK BOYS HIGH
The history of Randwick Boys High School goes back to 1883, and during that almost 130 years it has produced some notable graduates.
ILOCATED on the corner of Avoca and Rainbow Streets, the newly amalgamated co-ed Randwick High School was, until this year, a boys-only Year 7 —12 institution. As Randwick Boys High, it was well respected and consistently produced impressive academic results. On top of that, it can lay claim to educating some big sporting legends, entertainers, academics, and politicians. Here are just a few of the alumni who went on to make their mark beyond Randwick.
DARYL BRAITHWAITE
Braithwaite was the lead singer of one of Australia’s biggest bands, Sherbet, from 1970 to the early 1980s. After a brief lull in his career, he made a solo comeback in 1988 with the hugely successful album, Edge, and a string of hits including “As The Days Go By”, “One Summer”, and “The Horses”.
GRAEME ISAAKO
This multi-talented singer/dancer/actor/entertainer has appeared in several major musicals including Aladdin, The Lion King, and Moulin Rouge. He gained popularity as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Australia.
HENRI SZEPS
Best known for playing Robbie in the original series of Mother and Son, Szeps had a long and respected career on stage and screen. He received the Helpmann Award for Best Actor in 2003.
SIMON TOWNSEND
Simon Townsend’s Wonder World was a very popular kid’s TV show, screening on Channel 10 from 1979 to 1987. Townsend hosted with his beloved hound, Woodrow. The show launched the career of a number of Aussie identities who began as presenters.
JONATHAN COLEMAN
Coleman was one such presenter mentioned above who started his career on Wonder World and went on to become a successful comedian, host and half of the number 1 radio show, Jono and Dano, on Triple M. He was a popular entertainer in Australia and England from the 1970s through to the early 2000s.
DAVID DALE | Journalist
Australian Walkley Award-winning author, journalist and travel writer, television commentator, lecturer, international correspondent, political reporter and radio broadcaster. Dale wrote about travel, food and pop culture for major Australian newspapers and provided media commentary for the ABC.
JIM SHARMAN | Director, Writer, Producer
Jim Sharman is a recognised name in the world of stage and film, with more than 70 productions to his credit. Arguably his best known works are 1973 stage production of The Rocky Horror Show, and its film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) as well as the lesser known sequel, Shock Treatment (1981).
DAVID WARNER | Cricketer
Former international cricketer, captain of Big Bash League team Sydney Thunder, and captain of Pakistan Super League team Karachi Kings, Warner is a lefthanded opening batter and legend. He was the first Australian cricketer in 132 years to be selected for
the national team in any format without experience in first-class cricket. He is one of only a few players to be awarded the Allan Border Medal more than once.
Other alumni worth mentioning:
TERRY REID | Wallaby
BOB OUTTERSIDE | Wallaby
REECE ROBINSON | Rugby League
MAT METZKER | Olympic Swimmer
ALAN ABADEE | Supreme Court Justice
BRUCE NOTLEY-SMITH | Mayor Of Randwick
MIKE GALLACHER | Politician
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LOCAL LEGENDS
resilience and renewal for Sydney’s beloved AFL team -
AAS the 2025 AFL season draws to a close, the Sydney Swans find themselves at a pivotal juncture. Emerging from the shadow of a disappointing Grand Final loss in 2024, the 2025 season was a journey of introspection and rejuvenation. Under the guidance of new head coach Dean Cox, the Swans aimed to recalibrate and rebuild.
A SEASON OF CHALLENGES & TRIUMPHS
The season began with cautious optimism, tempered by an awareness that consistency is key. Early rounds revealed both promise and areas needing improvement, with defensive lapses leaving the Swans vulnerable. A heavy loss to the Adelaide Crows in Round 12 served as a stark reminder that refinement was needed.
Yet the Swans’ resilience shone through. In Round 13, Sydney delivered a commanding 44-point victory over Richmond at the MCG, keeping the Tigers goalless for over a half and demonstrating their ability to respond under pressure. This win not only built confidence, but reinforced the team’s ability to compete at the highest levels. Across the season, individual brilliance seemed to supersede collective effort. Midfield stalwarts Luke Parker and Callum Mills consistently drove the Swans’ engine, while young talents Errol Gulden and Chad Warner began cementing themselves as emerging stars with the skills and composure to shape the team’s future. The experience and stability of seasoned ruckman Brodie Grundy proved invaluable, anchoring contests and providing a steadying presence in key moments.
A NEW CHAPTER: CHARLIE CURNOW’S ARRIVAL
One of the season’s most talked-about developments was the acquisition of two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow (who left Carlton). Curnow’s move to Sydney brought a potent scoring weapon to the Swans’ forward line, adding both depth and a new dimension to their attacking structures. His decision to join the club, seeking a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute to a side on the rise, reflects a broader culture shift within the team.
Curnow’s integration was smooth, with his impact felt immediately. Paired with established forwards and supported by the creative midfield, Sydney’s forward structures became more dynamic and unpredictable, keeping opposition defenses on constant alert.
LOOKING AHEAD
As 2025 winds down, reflection is inevitable. While the Swans fell short of their ultimate goal - a premiership - the season provided encouraging signs that the club is on the right path. The blend of experience and youth, the guidance of head coach Dean Cox, and the lessons learned from both setbacks and triumphs have all contributed to a more cohesive, resilient unit.
The foundation laid this year bodes well for the future. Fans can be confident that the Swans are not only learning from 2025’s challenges but also building toward a stronger 2026 campaign. With emerging stars ready to step up, proven leaders providing direction, and exciting new additions like Curnow strengthening the squad, Sydney is poised to remain a force in the AFL for years to come.
For more insights and updates on the Sydney Swans, visit the official Swans website: sydneyswans.com.au
WAVES FOR WELLNESS
MMENTAL health challenges are more common than ever, affecting people from all walks of life. Anxiety, depression and stress are realities for many Australians, yet access to effective, affordable, and engaging support remains limited.
To tackle this growing problem, Waves of Wellness (WOW) was born - a not-for-profit mental health surf therapy organisation.
WOW delivers free, evidence-based 8-week surf therapy programs designed to support people at all stages of their mental health journey. By combining physical activity, mindfulness, and social connection with the unique healing environment of the ocean, programs offer participants practical tools for managing stress, building resilience, and improving overall wellbeing.
Each session is led by trained surf coaches and qualified mental health professionals, ensuring participants feel supported and valued. The group setting fosters peer connection and belonging, breaking down stigma around mental health and sparking meaningful interactions.
Since its founding, WOW has delivered hundreds of programs across Australia, reaching thousands of participants including young people, veterans, first responders, and everyday Australians. In a landscape where mental health resources are often overstretched, WOW provides a rare and valuable service - making
mental health support not only accessible, but engaging, inclusive and enjoyable.
This summer, WOW is hosting an upcoming 8-week surf therapy program in Bondi, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to experience the benefits firsthand. With mental health challenges on the rise, programs like this are critical, providing much-needed support for individuals while fostering stronger, more connected communities.
WOW’s broader mission extends beyond individual programs. Through research, partnerships, and advocacy, their vision is to establish nature-based therapy as recognised, complementary treatment options. Their vision is a world where taking care of mental wellbeing is as natural as catching a wave - where connection, community, and the ocean play a central role in healing. In an era where mental health struggles are increasingly common and resources are scarce, Waves of Wellness offers a vital lifeline. The upcoming Bondi program is more than a chance to learn to surf; it is an opportunity to support mental wellbeing, build resilience, and become part of a compassionate, connected community.
Tues-Thurs 5-6.30pm Fri-Sun 4-5.30pm
The 8-week women’s program starts at Bondi Beach, January 28th, 2026 - register here: wow.tfaforms.net/61
IN THE HOOD
By Alec Smart
Puttin’ ‘em on The Ritz - The Australian Film Walk of Fame at The Ritz Cinema.
THE Australian Film Walk of Fame is a collection of circular brass plaques on the footpath outside the Randwick Ritz Cinema that celebrate actors and influential figures for their contributions to Australian cinema.
TEstablished in 2008 by Barry Watterson, organiser of the Australian Film Festival, and Randwick City Council, it was officially opened the following year by Midnight Oil singer Peter Garret, who was, at the time, Federal Minister for the Arts.
The first recipient that was inducted into the walkway in 2008 was Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell, a well-known face of Australian film and TV. He was also a local lad – born and raised in Coogee – and for a while he volunteered as a surf lifesaver at Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.
Tingwell’s career began in radio – he worked as a cadet at 2CH Sydney radio station while still at school and became Australia’s youngest radio announcer. Sadly, he died in 2009, aged 86, the year after he was honoured at the Walk of Fame.
The following year, Michael Caton and New Zealand actor Roy Billing were similarly honoured with a plaque in the walkway.
The moustachioed Caton is probably best-known for two defining roles: Uncle Harry in the long-running Australian family series The Sullivans and for the droll, wise-cracking father Darryl in celebrated film The Castle Billing is familiar to Australians from the Melbourne chapter of the Underbelly TV drama series about the notorious Moran family and their associates – he played organisedcrime boss “Aussie Bob” Trimbole.
In 2010, Claudia Karvan and Steve Bisley were inducted into the Film Walk of Fame.
Claudia Karvan is a well-known talent in screen and television and began her distinguished acting career aged 11 in Molly, a drama about a singing dog. In 2011, Gary Sweet and veteran star Jack Thompson
were honoured, followed by Barry Otto and Deborah Mailman in 2012.
Then the footpath awards were halted. It was feared they wouldn’t be resurrected and might follow the decline of a similar path of honour – known as ‘the Footpath of Fame’ – that still exists on the western side of Pier One in Dawes Point, alongside Sydney Harbour.
WALK OF FAME RELAUNCH
In 2022, after a hiatus of 10 years, the Australian Film Walk of Fame at The Ritz in Randwick was revived and that year honoured Aboriginal Australian actress Leah Purcell.
The multi-talented Purcell is best known for The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson, a film she directed, coproduced, wrote the script and played the lead role. It was adapted from the novel (published 2019) and stage play she wrote, which was inspired by a Henry Lawson short story.
In 2023, actress Sigrid Thornton was honoured at the Walk of Fame, followed by actor/producer/director David Wenham in February 2025.
Incidentally David Wenham’s portrait won the 2019 ‘Packing Room Prize’ (staff favourite) at the distinguished annual Archibald Prize, which was displayed among the finalists at the Art Gallery of NSW. Neighbourhood Media interviewed the artist, Tessa MacKay, in 2024.
In June 2025, two non-actors were honoured in the The Ritz’s Walk of Fame – celebrated film critics Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton (the latter a director of the Sydney Film Festival for nearly two decades).
Sadly, the launch event was Stratton’s last public appearance – he passed away on 14 August 2025.
Known for their long-running TV show At The Movies (200414), which was preceded by The Movie Show (1986-2004), the duo discussed and often debated newly-released films and gave them a rating out of five stars.
THE SPOTS $6.3M MAKEOVER
TTHE Spot, beloved for its eclectic charm, rich heritage and bustling dining scene, is set to undergo a major transformation. Randwick Council has endorsed a $6.3 million plan to revitalise the precinct, known to locals for its cultural vibrancy and village feel.
Located in central Randwick at the junction of St Paul’s Street and Perouse Road, The Spot is an area shaped by history. Once known as “Irishtown,” it was home to a working-class Irish Catholic community. Today, its twostorey shopfronts showcase a diverse blend of Victorian Italianate, Federation Free Classical and Inter-War Art Deco architecture. The iconic Ritz Cinema stands proudly as the area’s best-known landmark and a reminder of its strong community ties.
The planned upgrades aim to highlight the area’s unique identity while making it safer, greener and more pedestrianfriendly. Powerlines will be relocated underground and replaced with new Smartpoles, improving sightlines and enhancing visual appeal. A widened footpath on the southern side of St Paul’s Street will create more room for alfresco dining, strengthening the precinct’s reputation as one of Sydney’s most beloved neighbourhood dining destinations.
New trees, shrubs and upgraded paving will improve amenity and accessibility while expanding the tree canopy. Raised pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting will further support walkability and road safety. These improvements aim to benefit the evening economy by encouraging diners and moviegoers to spend more time enjoying the local atmosphere.
The revitalisation marking a fresh chapter for Randwick’s historic neighbourhood hub - The Spot. 11TH SEASON JAN 23Ð25, 2026
Parking has been a prominent community talking point. Fifteen to twenty spaces will be removed from St Paul’s Street, with Council proposing the creation of 19 new angled spaces on Coogee Bay Road and a further 23 spaces on Lee and Stewart Streets. Parking restriction reviews are also underway to encourage more short-stay visits that support local business activity and prevent allday parking that limits turnover.
Community consultation has played a central role in shaping the proposal. More than 86% of survey respondents expressed support, either fully or with suggested adjustments. People praised the improved pedestrian experience and the more attractive dining environment. However, there are concerns around parking and cyclist safety, which will continue to be considered as the design progresses. Council is also engaging nearby businesses and residents to help manage the impacts of construction, which is expected to begin in stages during 2025 and 2026.
TRUE CRIME
By Elliot Lindsay
a menacing
Four trials, one death sentence and
Tmystery that haunts Hopetoun House.
5 FRANCES STREET, RANDWICK, 27 DECEMBER 1952.
The grand sandstone façade of Hopetoun House, once the eastern suburbs retreat of Lord Hopetoun, Australia’s first Governor-General, stood silent under a summer moon. Inside the 30-room guest house at number 5, the corridors smelled of linoleum polish and boiled cabbage.
At 6.45 p.m., Mrs Stella Rose Hearn borrowed the evening newspaper from her neighbour in Room 12, 86-year-old widow Mika Marie Minnitt. “Goodnight, dear,” Mrs Hearn called. Mrs Minnitt, frail but sharp, settled back to her nightly game of patience beneath a single bulb, her crochet hook resting beside the cards.
“Then came the scream – high, piercing, cut short.”
The room was a slaughterhouse: blood soaked the mattress, spattered the wallpaper, pooled beneath the patience cards still laid out in a half-finished game.
Detectives from Randwick Police Station - led by Inspector J. Rogers - arrived before the breakfast plates were cleared. They found a broken string of beads, a shirt button torn from its thread, and, most damning, the cord from a dressing gown knotted near the body.
In the adjoining Room 11 slept nightwatchman Robert Henry Bungate, 42, a heavy drinker with a bandaged wrist and a history of “blackouts.” By nightfall, Bungate was in the cells, charged with wilful murder.
By 8 p.m., the house stirred with small sounds: a radio from the common room, the clatter of teacups, the creak of floorboards as guests returned from the Ritz Cinema. Then came the scream – high, piercing, cut short.
Mrs Patricia Maria Avenell, walking to the front gate for a breath of air, glanced up. Framed in Mrs Minnitt’s window was the silhouette of a man, fists rising and falling in fury. Below the sill, something thumped and gurgled. “Like two cats fighting,” another guest later said.
Mrs Avenell, assuming a domestic row, retreated to her room. No one knocked on Room 12’s door.
Ten hours later, cook Vasilios Hagiyiacomi arrived in the kitchen beneath Mrs Minnitt’s room. At 7.30 a.m., he observed blood dripping from the ceiling onto the lino floor. Hagiyiacomi climbed the back stairs, peered through the locked window, and saw the old woman crumpled on her bed, skull fractured, face purpled by strangulation. Manager Robert Adams forced the door with a master key.
TRIAL ONE: MARCH 1953 – THE PREJUDICIAL QUESTION
Central Criminal Court, Darlinghurst. Mr Justice McClemens presiding.
Crown Prosecutor C. V. Rooney, Q.C., painted Bungate as a sexual deviant who had battered Mrs Minnitt with his fists, then a bottle, before returning in the small hours to silence her with the dressing-gown cord.
Public Defender F. W. Vizzard fought to exclude mention of Bungate’s prior suicide attempt. When Rooney asked a witness whether Bungate had “tried to kill himself five weeks earlier,” Vizzard objected. McClemens agreed: the question was “grossly prejudicial.”
Jury discharged.
Francis Street buzzed - would the watchman walk free?
TRIAL TWO: APRIL 1953 – THE VANISHING WITNESS
The second trial took place in the same courtroom under Mr Justice Brereton.
The Crown wheeled in a parade of witnesses: Mrs Avenell describing the silhouetted attacker, Hagiyiacomi recounting the blood dripping ceiling.
Then disaster - a key Crown witness, a boarder who claimed to have seen Bungate lurking near Room 12 at 1
a.m., collapsed with chest pains. Brereton had no choice. Jury discharged again. At the Clovelly Hotel, punters laid odds: “Third time lucky for the Crown - or for Bungate?”
TRIAL THREE: JUNE 1953 – THE HUNG JURY
This time before Mr Justice Dovey. Five days of evidence including the cord, the button, the bead found in Bungate’s laundry bundle. Bungate took the stand: “I never set foot in that room. I was blind drunk, woke at 10 p.m., had a plunge bath, [and] went to a dance at the Trocadero.”
The jury retired at 4.10 p.m. on Thursday. By Friday morning, after 18 hours locked in the jury room above King Street, they returned deadlocked. Dovey discharged them. Randwick gossiped over back fences: “Four trials? They’ll never hang him.”
TRIAL FOUR: JUNE–JULY 1953 – VERDICT AT DAWN
Before Mr Justice Dovey again with the same prosecutor and same defence. But the jury was different - twelve strangers who knew nothing of the prior fiascos.
Rooney opened with chilling precision: “This dear old lady of 86 was the victim of a sex maniac.” He walked them through the timeline: the 8 p.m. screams, the silhouette, the blood dripping into the kitchen like a macabre clock.
Medical evidence confirmed two assaults - first the battering, hours later the strangulation to silence a witness who might
identify her attacker. Vizzard countered: circumstantial only. The cord could have been planted; the button was common; the bead might have fallen among Bungate’s clothes when police bundled the bloodied bedlinen. Bungate again denied everything. “I hardly knew the woman,” he said, voice flat. “If I was in there, I would have had a blackout.”
“In the case of one so inhuman and callous it would be a waste of words to do more than voice the sentence which the law requires”
The jury retired at 5 p.m. on Thursday, 2 July. They deliberated through the night, pacing the jury room while trams clanged below on the busy Street. At 9.45 a.m. Friday, they filed back in. The verdict… Guilty.
Bungate stood motionless as Dovey donned the black cap. “In the case of one so inhuman and callous,” the judge intoned, “it would be a waste of words to do more than voice the sentence which the law requires.” Death.
LONG BAY AND BEYOND
Bungate’s appeal - claiming Dovey had unfairly admitted crime-scene photographs - was dismissed in October 1953. He was transferred to Long Bay Gaol’s condemned section, Cell 7, Wing 3.
There he waited on death row, playing cards with trustees, writing letters home to a sister in Paddington. However, in April 1955, the Homicide Act abolished capital punishment in New South Wales. Bungate’s sentence was commuted to life. He became a quiet fixture in the prison laundry, mending inmates’ greens, speaking little of Frances Street.
On 31 May 1971, eighteen years after the verdict, Robert Henry Bungate died of a heart attack, aged 60. Hopetoun House at 5 Frances Street Randwick stood until at least 1982. However, the forces of progress had handed down its own death sentence and by 1986 the old mansion was demolished and replaced with a block of flats.
As memory of the old mansion faded away, so did memory of the murder of poor Mika Minnitt and the four trials of Robert Henry Bungate.
WHAT’S ON
SUMMER Event Guide
JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL
| NOV 10 - 22
Various Venues
Get ready to laugh out loud - Just For Laughs Festival is back and bringing world-class comedy to venues across the city. This year’s lineup features international stars like Eddie Izzard, Reggie Watts, John Bishop and Ashley Gavin, alongside some local favourites. From stand-up and improv to live podcasts and gala shows, there’s something to keep everyone in stitches. Full program and tickets: justforlaughs.sydney/
SPOT ON STREET FESTIVAL | THURS NOV 13 -27
5:30PM - 9:00PM
St Pauls St, Randwick
Randwick’s most popular street festival returns! Enjoy alfresco dining, free live music, street theatre, and interactive art installations. Each week features a fresh lineup of entertainment, transforming St Pauls Street into a pedestrian-friendly space filled with culture and community spirit.
A free program of talks and a site-responsive installation at Randwick Town Hall. Bringing together artists, ecologists, and researchers exploring creative practice, environmental care taking, and the growing intersection of art and ecology.
Your guide to the best events, culture and community happening in the Sydney CBD and its surrounds.
ITALIAN WINE MASTERCLASS: PIEMONTE
NOV 27 - 7:00PM
Sella Vinoteca
Who would’ve thought that there are so many indigenous grape varieties in Italy? How about Arneis, Barbera & Nebbiolo? This is an opportunity to try some fantastic wines, learn more about why Nebbiolo is called Nebbiolo & what makes it into a Barolo. $135 PP which includes wine & antipasto, followed by shared pasta. Limited to 16 seats. Bookings: https://t.ly/-FHKG
UNDER THE FIG TREE | NOV 29 - 3:30PM - 8:30PM
Newmarket, Randwick
Proudly presented by CBUS Property, enjoy performances from Circle Music School bands, Reign Of Choir, and a sunset DJ set, along with roving entertainment, a pop-up bar, free face painting, and plenty more. Treat yourself to favourites including Gelato Messina, RaRa Ramen, Sella Vinoteca, and other local gems as the precinct comes alive with community spirit. Dogs are welcome, and entry is free!
DOMINIC FIKE | DEC 2
& 3
Hordern Pavilion
Presented by triple j, Dominic Fike returns to Australia for his biggest tour yet, kicking off with this solo headline date in Sydney. This follows the announcement of his new release Rocket Mixtape and new singles All Hands On Deck, Aftermath, and Smile.
Tickets: thehordern. com.au/event/domfike/
CHARLIE COLLINS | DEC 4, 10 & 19
Kalyx Lounge Bar & Club
Charlie Kalyx Lounge brings Sydney’s live music scene to Randwick this December, featuring Ek and the Ekstraordinaries, the Di Bird Trio, and the Cameron Jones Trio. Enjoy vibrant performances, great drinks, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for a night out.
Details: kalyxculture.com.au/
CAROLS AT THE HOUSE
SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIR
DEC 12 - 8 PM | DEC 13, 8PM | DEC 14, 2PM
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs brings festive cheer with its family-friendly Carols at the House at the Sydney Opera House on 12 December. Conducted by Brett Weymark, the event features singers, musical theatre stars, and an orchestra performing favourites like Joy to the World, Silent Night, and Jingle Bells, plus choral highlights from Bach, Whitacre, Franck, and contemporary Australian composers. Join in the singing or sit back and enjoy this much-loved seasonal tradition that makes Christmas truly magical.
Actor Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the Randwick Christmas Festival, set in the iconic Winx Stand. Enjoy festive markets, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all set in a sparkling indoor–outdoor venue with stunning racecourse views. A perfect way to soak up Christmas cheer.
Experience the excitement and glamour of Race Day at Royal Randwick, one of Sydney’s premier racing destinations. From heart-pounding finishes to stylish hospitality, live entertainment, and gourmet dining, it’s the perfect day out.
The Grand Electric, Surry Hills Step into La Ronde - a daring new experience for the bold and the curious. From the creators of Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO, this lavish mix of circus, live music and twisted spectacle blurs boundaries between audience and performer in a glittering, intoxicating celebration of desire. Details and tickets: larondetheshow.com
SF3 FILM FESTIVAL | JAN 23 - JAN 25
Experience the world’s most innovative smartphone film festival — SF3 — where creativity meets the big screen! Join us for three unmissable days of groundbreaking cinema: the Gala Finals Screening & Awards (Jan 23, 8:30pm) and SF3 Kids Screening & Awards (Jan 24, 1:30pm) at the Sydney Opera House, then the SF3 Mini & Feature Film Screening (Jan 25, 1:30pm) at Palace Chauvel Cinema. Bold stories. Limitless imagination. Only at SF3.
SUPERYACHT SATURDAYS
The Jackson, Sydney Harbour
Saturday just became spectacular. Step aboard The Jackson for Superyacht Saturdays - Sydney’s best way to celebrate the weekend in style. This season, The Jackson plays host to two signature experiences: the indulgent Bottomless Chandon Harbour Long Lunch and the vibrant Veuve Clicquot in the Sun. Details and tickets: thejackson.com.au
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
By Rita Bratovich
THE SPECTACULAR LA RONDE!
Strut & Fret delivers yet another mind-blowing show featuring a stunning troupe of international stars.
IIF you have never seen a Strut & Fret show, then you have never seen just how magnificent humans can be. This company brings together acts from around the world, artists who are at the pinnacle of their craft, performers who can make you gasp, cheer, laugh and even cry.
When creators, Scott Maidment and Sarah Stewart, met some 25 years ago, it was like a collision of two meteors exploding into a supernova (okay, probably not scientifically correct but you get the picture). Combining their talent, energy and limitless imagination, Maidment and Stewart developed conceptual shows melding circus, cabaret, burlesque, comedy and fabulousness, resulting in a unique audience experience. Strut & Fret have produced shows all over the world, in spiegeltents, theatres, big tops, little tops, festivals — basically anywhere with enough room to swing a gigantic mirror ball.
reputation for delivering supreme entertainment.
Enter, La Ronde.
A varied troupe of extraordinary artists from Australia and across the globe gather onto “the round”, the circular stage in the centre of the room. Here they sing, they swing, they defy gravity and etiquette.
La Ronde captures the essence of Blanc de Blanc and Limbo and distills it into a more refined, parred back, show concentrated onto a central platform.
“ It is sexy, raunchy, amazing, ostentatious, hilarious and spellbinding. ”
As in previous shows, La Ronde is about individual fetes of wonder, but also about the synergetic group dynamic that invites the entire audience into a circle of magic and fun.
It is sexy, raunchy, amazing, ostentatious, hilarious and spellbinding.
In 2023, Strut & Fret took up residence in the newly refurbished The Grand Electric theatre in Surry Hills.
Once the HQ for the Australian Railway Union, the building had been repurposed several times as a theatre before sitting abandoned and alone on Cleveland Street for several years.
But Scott Maidment saw its potential and rebuilt it in his image…that is, if his personality was a theatre it would be
The Grand Electric: bold, flashy, elegant yet wild. The interior summons the spirit and design of a classic spiegeltent. The courtyard entry features vintage-themed murals by preeminent artist, Max Elbourne.
The Grand Electric’s grand opening introduced Strut & Fret to a new, appreciative audience with the incredible Blanc de Blanc. The show was so successful it had repeated extended seasons. With follow-ups including Blanc de Blanc: Encore, Limbo, and the irreverent, Titanique, Strut & Fret has gathered a fanbase and
See our review for more details on the show. The Grand Electric | larondetheshow.com
JUST FOR LAUGHS
WSYDNEY 2025
The only thing unlucky about the 13th Just For
Laughs Sydney
comedy festival will be missing out on tickets!
WITH a massive line-up that includes A-list local and international headliners, incredible variety shows, live podcasts, and improv in venues across the city, this year’s Just For Laughs Sydney might be the best ever. In its thirteen years, Just For Laughs Sydney has garnered a reputation for presenting an exciting and diverse comedy festival with a program that caters to every sense of humour.
Performances will take place in a range of spaces, from the low-key vibes of The Factory Theatre (Marrickville) and Comedy Store (Moore Park), to the slightly more upmarket The Concourse (Chatswood) and Playhouse (Sydney Opera House), to the prestigious State Theatre (CBD) and The Concert Hall (Sydney Opera House).
Just For Laughs Sydney sees the return of irrepressible comic genius, Eddie Izzard, whose cutting wit and acute observations are delivered with sharp, eloquent, perfectly timed banter. Festival highlights also include popular stand-up and TV comedian, Jimmy O. Yang who brings his acclaimed show, The Big & Tall Tour to Darling Harbour; First Nations local favourites Kevin Kropinyeri, Sean Choolburra, Andy Saunders, Steph Tisdell, Elaine Crombie, Dane Simpson, Jay Wymarra and Janty Blair appear in Aboriginal Comedy Allstars at The Factory, Marrickville; Abbie Chatfield hosts a line-up of hilarious women — He Huang, Elouise Eftos, Concetta Caristo, Emma Holland, Danielle Walker and Frankie Rowsthorn — to disprove the show title, Women Aren’t Funny. Our cover star, Reggie Watts, performs his absolutely mustsee show and you will want to buy your tickets now. True to his name, Watts is bright and disruptive as a flickering lightbulb. His performances bring together beatboxing, singing, storytelling and wild riffing in a spontaneous blend
that makes each show unique.
Preacher Lawson has proved he’s got talent many times over. Getting a fan-favourite call back for both Britain’s and America’s Got Talent Championships, he has gone on to host AGT in Las Vegas, appeared in several TV shows and has amassed a big, enthusiastic following. See him at the Sydney Opera House.
At the top of your ticket-buying list should be these three one-night-only shows that are selling fast.
Rhys Nicholson presents a line-up of queer and quirky LGBTQI+ talent in Gay Panic Showcase. Nina Oyama, Tarsh Jago, Annie Boyle, Aves Robins and Chris Parker bend gender, genre and all the rules in this rainbow of comedy at the Sydney Opera House.
If you enjoy your humour a little bit weird, you’ll enjoy The Alternative Show hosted by Demi Lardner and featuring Dan Rath, Sez, Tom Walker, and Neel Kolhatkar. You won’t see the punchlines coming and sometimes you won’t know that they’ve been.
And finally, the grand finale. The Just For Laughs All Star Gala has been the hottest ticket in comedy for thirteen years, and the 2025 show will be scorching. Australia’s king of comedy, Shaun Micallef hosts a night of true comic royalty: Reggie Watts, Melanie Bracewell, Wil Anderson, Joel Creasey, Celia Pacquola and Preacher Lawson. It’s a spectacular event in the Opera House’s Concert Hall and one you definitely will have FOMO over if you don’t get tickets now.
There are loads more shows in the program. Check them out and buy tickets at justforlaughs.sydney | November 10 - 22, 2025
EAT & DRINK
TSip, savour and save during Happy Hour at Randwick’s favourite bars, pubs and restaurants.
THERE’S something about winding down in Randwick that feels just right - especially when the beverages are a bargain! As the sun sets over Randwick, local pubs and bars come alive with laughter, clinking glasses and
THE AVENUE
�� 2 St Marks Rd, Randwick
�� theavenuerandwick.com.au
⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm
$7 schooners and $9 pints of beer, $7 glasses of house wine.
CLOVELLY HOTEL
�� 381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly
�� batcountry.com.au
⏰ Locals Happy Hour - Mon - Fri, 5 - 7pm
House winners and beers available at all bars for $7 (regular glass or schooner).
COACH & HORSES HOTEL
�� 147 Avoca St, Randwick
�� coachandhorsehotel.com.au
⏰ Mon - Fri: 5 - 7pm
⏰ Saturday: 12 - 4pm
$6.90 schooners and house wines, pints at normal schooner prices.
DOLCE FIORI
�� 52 St Pails St, Randwick
�� dolcefiori.com.au
⏰ Everydaym 3-6pm
$10 drinks including: Aperol Spritz, Martini Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, Italian Wine, Italian Beer.
THE DOG
�� 2 St Marks Rd, Randwick
�� merivale.com/venues/the-dog
⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm
$7.50 schooners and $10 pints of select house beers, $7.50 house spirits, $7.50 house wine, $15 Aperol spritz and $18 cocktails.
live music. From midweek catch-ups to Friday night festivities, Happy Hour in Randwick is the perfect time to go out, enjoy great drinks and make the most of the wallet-friendly specials.
JIMMY’S BAR & RESTAURANT
�� 50 Frenchmans Rd, Randwick
�� facebook.com/JimmysInRandwick
⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm
Jimmy’s chicken stack (butterfly breast on a bed of champ topped with bacon, cheese, peppered sauce & tabasco onions) and a schooner
$30.
KALYX LOUNGE BAR & CLUB
�� 123 Avoca St, Randwick
�� kalyxculture.com.au
⏰ Wed, Fri & Sat, 7 - 8pm
$15 Espresso martinis & margaritas, $7.50 tap beers and $16 cocktail of the week
KALYX LOUNGE BAR & CLUB
�� 123 Avoca St, Randwick
�� kalyxculture.com.au
⏰ Wed, Fri & Sat, 7 - 8pm
$15 Espresso martinis & margaritas, $7.50 tap beers and $16 cocktail of the week + snacks.
MOORE PARK VIEW HOTEL
�� 853 South Dowling St, Waterloo �� mpvh.com.au
⏰ Mon - Fri, 3 - 5pm
$7 schooners, $11 Guinness pints, $11 Magners
RANDWICK CLUB
�� 135 Alison Rd, Randwick
�� rlclub.com.au
⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm
$6.50 schooners and $9 pints of select house beers, $6.50 glasses of select house wines.
Raising the Standard of Pet Dental Care & Grooming
The service menu is just as thoughtful. The ULTI-MUTT Full Groom is the most popular choice: a soothing wash, pawdicure, ear clean, breed-specific cut, and a spritz of Rufus & Coco’s 4-in-1 Pamper Spray.
Other favourites include the Dapper Doggo tidy and dematting treatments, while puppies are welcomed with a free first groom - a gentle way to build trust from day one. And it’s not just for dogs. The Fur Salon also caters to cats, with a dedicated feline menu delivered in a quiet, catfriendly space. The Great Catbsy package offers a complete pamper: bath, blow-dry, de-shed, clip, nail trim, ultrasonic teeth cleaning and more!
Amazing service! The vet nurse was gentle and very kind; my usually nervous dog was not stressed, and she did an amazing cleaning that removed a lot of plaque. I would highly recommend them!
STHE FUR SALON
STEP inside The Fur Salon in Queens Park and you’ll notice something different, there’s no mad barking or chaos in the atmosphere. The air smells fresh, the space is calm, and the interior fit-out makes it feel more like a day spa than a grooming salon.
That’s because The Fur Salon was designed with one mission: to raise the standard of pet care. Founded by Anneke van den Broek, creator of Rufus & Coco and lifelong animal advocate, The Fur Salon values pets as family - offering comfort and expert care every visit. Unlike most salons, there are no cages here. Every pet enjoys a private suite with a comfy bed, toys and treats, so they can feel relaxed and at home.
Herb used to be so anxious after some bad experiences at other salons, but she loves her visits here. Thank you for always making her look and feel amazing - we really appreciate the cuddles and care.
A LUXURY EXPERIENCE
Before every appointment, expert Furologists spend time with each pet parent, to tailor the experience to suit the pet’s temperament, coat type, and lifestyle. Whether your pup has sensitive skin, a tangled coat, or first-groom nerves, the The Fur Salon team works at your pet’s pace to ensure a calm, positive experience.
THE FUR DENTAL
Integrated within each salon is The Fur Dental, a nonsedation teeth cleaning service for dogs and cats. Run by Anneke van den Broek and performed by qualified vet nurses, The Fur Dental uses gentle technology to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth without the use of anaesthetic.
The Fur Dental’s mission is to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, helping to prevent dental disease while giving them fresher breath and brighter smiles.
Services include puppy introduction cleans, full dog cleans, and cat dental services - all carried out in the same calm salon environment.
WHY CHOOSE THE FUR SALON & THE FUR DENTAL?
Since opening, The Fur Salon and The Fur Dental have built a loyal following, with more than 6,700 happy customers across three Sydney locations.
From soundproofed washrooms and electric grooming tables to salon-inspired Rufus & Coco products made from all-natural ingredients, free from nasties, every detail is designed for wellbeing. With no cages, tailored style cuts, 24/7 online bookings and the added convenience of insalon dental care, it’s no wonder locals are calling this their go-to destination for personal care for their pets.
Because here, it’s not just about a cut or clean - it’s about creating happier, healthier pets and lasting relationships with the people who love them.
SPECIAL NEW CLIENT OFFER:
25% off first groom with code QUEENSPARK25
$50 off first teeth cleaning with code QUEENSPARK50
FUR
thefursalon.com.au|thefurdental.com.au
PETS OF 2031
BONOBO
SAMMY
This handsome fellow, Bonobo, is a Domestic Short Hair who first arrived in Marrickville as a tiny foster kitten - just four weeks old and weighing only 500 grams. It didn’t take long for him to make it clear he was never leaving! Now a beloved permanent member of the family, Bonobo is affectionate, playful, and endlessly entertaining. He loves chasing anything that moves—especially aluminium foil balls and the occasional fly - and he’s always up for an adventure, often joining his paw-rents on camping trips and road journeys.
CUSCO & MISO
The cutest brother and sister duo new to Randwick. Cusco is a five years old English Setter, and he’s got an afro and freckles that match his charming, sooky personality. He is a goofy boy, while he loves jumping around like a puppy, he’s also the most laidback pup around. He has a talent for sniffing out treats, and also has a knack for birdwatching!
Miso, Cusco’s smaller sibling, was rescued off the streets a couple of years ago. She was very young, not even six months old, and pregnant. After a rough start, Miso has grown into the most loyal cat, she is very friendly and loving to everyone she meets. Like all cats, there is some sass, and she can be outspoken, but mostly just loves to be part of the conversation. These two love to cuddle up together, enjoy the sunshine and eat all the treats. They just adore one another.
Despite tipping the scales at 35kg, Sammy the Staffy from neighbouring Coogee is absolutely convinced he’s a lap dog. He’s a snack-loving, bellyrub enthusiast who likes to act tough but is really just a big softie. With a PhD in mischief, Sammy is a professional treat thief, part-time napper, and the reigning champion of every “who’s a good boy?” contest. When he’s not cruising around Coogee or visiting friends in Randwick, you’ll find him perfecting his puppy dog eyes at Two Grams Cafe in hopes of scoring a few extra snacks.
LEARN
With: Shauna Colnan, Principal of International Grammar School Sydney
NAME: Shauna Colnan
OCCUPATION: International Grammar School Principal
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY? Diverse. Rewarding. Inspiring.
HSOMETHING PEOPLE WOULDN’T EXPECT? No two days are ever the same.
HAVE you ever wondered what it’s like to be a school Principal? For Shauna Colnan, leading the International Grammar School is a day-to-day adventure filled with surprises, challenges and moments that make it all worthwhile. From greeting enthusiastic students at the gate to teaching Year 12 English and steering exciting school projects, Shauna’s days are diverse, rewarding and truly inspiring.
6.00am – Wake up, have breakfast and listen to ABC Radio National for a head start on what’s happening in the world; by 7am I’m on the road, heading to work.
8.00am – I love greeting students at the gate, in the corridors and around the campus. Since the school opened
in 1984, our students have rushed in, enthusiastic about their day. I love that this still happens, and always love to be a part of it!
09.00am – My Assistant Jenny and I review the day and the week ahead so that we’re ready for assemblies, concerts, presentations, visitors and other meetings. I then dedicate time to correspondence and emails, to ‘clear the decks’ so I can engage with all the decisions and opportunities that come with leading a busy school. Visits from students are among my favourite surprises.
10.00am – Morning tea time: this is spent with colleagues. Sometimes in staff meetings, where we drive excellence in teaching and learning, other times, just taking a seat for an impromptu chat. Our multilingual community is rich with ideas and opportunities.
12:00pm – Lunchtime: my favourite kind of lunch is catching up with students, finding out how they’re going, hearing about their ideas and plans for the future. IGS kids are a creative and curious bunch and I never cease to be amazed at their ideas. Our job is to nurture them as we pave their way to becoming courageous, altruistic and adaptable students, whether in Early Learning, Year 12, or anywhere in between.
2:00pm – Throughout the day, I work with colleagues, students, parents, the Board, architects, project managers, suppliers and so many more individuals across our diverse community. We always have projects on the go and it’s exciting to collaborate with so many people to deliver the best educational outcomes we can. Not only for the benefit of our students, but the wider community. Among other goals, we are optimising our technologies, increasing sustainable practices, improving our campus grounds and expanding opportunities for our students inside and beyond the campus.
4.00pm – I am so glad to still be teaching, as I see one of the roles of the Principal as being Head Teacher. It’s important to roll up your sleeves and engage in the fundamental joys and challenges of the classroom. As one of the IGS Year 12 English Extension 2 teachers, I treasure the opportunity to supervise and support senior students as they create their original major works. Class often goes till 5pm as we explore literature and words and how to craft a narrative most effectively.
6:00pm – The Principal’s job often spans meetings and events that go on into the evening. On quieter nights, I head home and share the day’s events with my husband, Michael. We enjoy long walks in the neighbourhood or along the beach to unwind and recharge. Friday night is always family dinner in the Inner West.
10:00pm – In bed by 10pm. That’s the goal! Whether it’s sharing a laugh with students, collaborating on innovative projects, or unwinding with her family on a long walk, Shauna’s role as Principal is as much about inspiration as it is about leadership, a window into a world where every day brings something new.
We never forget the pets who share our lives and give us their unconditional love. The bond we share with them, and the love we feel, is like no other. Including a gift in your Will to RSPCA NSW allows you to give back and say thank you to the special pets who enrich your life. Find out how your love for all animals can live on through a gift in your Will to RSPCA NSW. Visit rspcansw.org/wills or call 02 9782 4419.
PUZZLES
Randwick Crossword | Issue #1
Last name of the commanding officer who restored order and ended the ‘Rum Rebellion’.
Type of game played by the victim of the Hopetoun House murder.
Daryl Braithwaite was lead singer of which band?
Month of the Hopetoun House murder.
The horse-bus driver who ran trips to Randwick in the 1850s.
Curnow primarily play for the Sydney Swans?
Ancient English Festival featuring cheese rolling.
oss ast name of the manding officer who restored er and ended the ‘Rum ellion’.
17. Main ingredient in The Stack at Jimmy's Bar & Restaurant?
The word describing the Eora as ‘sea people’.
ype of game played by the m of the Hopetoun House der.
Lavish circus-meets-cabaret show playing at The Grand Electric, Surry Hills.
Which street is the Royal Hotel located on?
18. Against which team did the Swans secure a 44-point victory in Round 13? Down
Main ingredient in The Stack at Jimmy’s Bar & Restaurant?
aryl Braithwaite was lead er of which band?
Month of the Hopetoun se murder.
Last name of the Judge who presided over the Hopetoun House murder case.
2. The horse-bus driver who ran trips to Randwick in the 1850s.
Against which team did the Swans secure a 44-point victory in Round 13?
Ancient English Festival
uring cheese rolling.
The word describing the Eora
3. Lavish circus-meets-cabaret show playing at The Grand Electric, Surry Hills.
The name of Randwick’s “poorer” area in the 1800s. What position does Charlie
4. Which street is the Royal Hotel located on?
5. Last name of the Judge who presided over the Hopetoun House
6. The name of Randwick’s “poorer” area in the 1800s.
Indigenous word ‘kooja’ referred to the smell of this rotting seaside plant.
Local beach hosting WOW’s upcoming women’s surf therapy program.
8. What position does Charlie Curnow primarily play for the Sydney Swans?
10. Indigenous word ‘kooja’ referred to the smell of this rotting seaside plant.
Disease that devastated local Aboriginal communities in 1789. Cricketer, David ______ went to Randwick Boys.
12. Local beach hosting WOW’s upcoming women ' s surf therapy program.
13. Disease that devastated local Aboriginal communities in 1789.
14. Cricketer, David went to Randwick Boys.
EAT & DRINK
DOLCE FIORI
Located in The Spot, Randwick, Dolce Fiori is where Italian-inspired dining meets Sydney’s vibrant social scene. With live jazz, happy hours everyday of the week between 3-6pm, and bottomless brunch, Dolce Fiori is a place for locals to gather, unwind, connect, and indulge in style.
52 Paul St, Randwick | 02 9310 0763 | dolcefiori.com.au
SHEA’S
A delightful Irish pub where you can enjoy the spirit of Ireland right here in the heart of Sydney. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends, share a meal, watch the sport or enjoy some live music - in either the cosy restaurant, or charming outdoor terrace. Open Mon - Thurs, 10am - 10pm, Fri - Sun, 8pm till midnight. 211 - 213 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly | 0414 428 339 | sheas.com.au
SELLA VINOTECA
Located in the vibrant Newmarket precinct of Randwick, Sella Vinoteca is a Sardinian restaurant and bottle shop – just steps from the leafy playground at Inglis Park. Owner/sommelier Fabio Dore and chef Stefano Gaspa, both Sardinian born, bring their passion for Mediterranean flavours and minimal-intervention wines to life with shared plates, housemade pastas, delicious and rare Italian bottles and an approachable, welcoming vibe. Shop 6/162-164 Barker St, Randwick | 0421 343 311 sellavinoteca.com
EAT & DRINK
KALYX LOUNGE & BAR
Home to one of Sydney’s best in-house sound systems, Kalyx is all about quality music, culture and community. As one of the only late night opening venues in the area, there’s always an assortment of weekly events, performances and evenings curated to create a multi-dimensional destination of leisure. From live music, down tempo chill out, Djs, cabaret, art exhibitions, local and international artists, Kalyx has something for all.
Offering a full suite of advanced skin and laser treatments from laser hair removal to skin rejuvenation, acne scarring and cosmetic injectables. Delivered by highly trained therapists who focus on tailored care and results. Book your free consultation today.
An efficient, modern facility offering outpatient medical infusions for a range of chronic and acute conditions. Located in the heart of Randwick, the clinic provides treatments such as iron infusions, IV fluids, and other prescribed therapies, all delivered with precision, care, and a focus on patient comfort.
L1/66 High St, Randwick | 1300 122 300 infusionclinic.com.au
LIVE BREATHE FITNESS
A boutique club with a mission to know the wants and needs of every single member of their supportive and tightknit community, and to enhance their fitness and wellbeing. With small group workouts, 1-on-1 Personal Training and semi-private training, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. Whether you’re just getting started, or looking to take things up a gear, you’ll always be welcomed by a team that looks forward to helping you grow stronger, healthier and happier.
A light-filled sanctuary dedicated to movement, balance, and strength. Founded by Kirsten King, this studio is renowned for expert-led Pilates and wellness programs, specialising in injury rehabilitation, prenatal and postpartum care, and athletic performance. Classes - including Reformer Pilates, Small Equipment, Barre, Swiss Ball, and Private Studio sessions - are designed to help you move efficiently and feel stronger, all in a warm, intimate setting. Suite 102/59 Belmore Rd, Randwick | Fluidform.com
DAILY PRACTICE
A nurturing Randwick-based wellbeing space offering holistic therapies and energy healing for body, mind and soul. With services like EFT, EMDR, Reiki, and creative community events, it’s an award-winning hub for gentle, empowering care.
The Fur Salon offers premium, spastyle grooming for dogs and cats using all natural, hypoallergenic products and gentle techniques. Enjoy anxiety-free care, private suites (no cages), and expert Furologists who pamper every pet like family. Book today for the ultimate grooming experience!
193 Bronte Rd, Queens Park (02) 9389 4588 | thefursalon.com.au
THE FUR DENTAL
Fresh breath, cleaner teeth and no sedation! The Fur Dental’s qualified vet nurses provide gentle, sedationfree teeth cleaning for dogs and cats - including scaling, polishing, and laser therapy.
193 Bronte Rd, Queens Park | (02) 9389 4588 thefurdental.com.au
