4 weeks free
Your premier HYROX training destination in the Eastern Suburbs. Top-tier facilities. Train to be your best. *conditions apply Redeem today no joining fee
22
Simon
$30m
$25m
16
Three More Years
Words James Hutton - Publisher
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of The Beast, the monthly magazine for Sydney’s beautiful beaches of the east. Congratulations to Independent Member for Wentworth Allegra Spender and Labor Member for Kingsford Smith Matt Thistlethwaite on their recent federal election victories. Allegra and Matt have both been solid local members and were always going to be hard to beat. Now they’ve earned the great privilege of serving us for three more years.
Putting your hand up to give it a crack in politics is a massive commitment and something to really be revered, so it was promising to see such a variety of candidates contesting the election this time around. Allegra, Ro, Michael, Savanna, Nick, Matt, Brad, Elsa and Keiron - thank you for throwing your hats in the ring to try and make our lives better.
Thanks also to Coogee artist Matthew Sargisson for this month’s epic cover painting of one of the lifeguards down at Bronte. You can see more of Matt’s work at www.matthewsargisson.com or on Instagram, @sargisson_artist. St Jude’s Church at Randwick - the beautiful sandstone building on Avoca Street - is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. St Jude’s has been at the centre of the Randwick community since 1865, and many of you would have attended a service there at some point - one year there were 366 weddings held at St Jude’s!
Everyone is invited to join in the celebrations, beginning with the fireworks on June 7, the bell peal on June 14 and the church open day (with historical tour and concert) on June 21. There will also be a celebration service on June 29, or you can attend a regular church service any Sunday at 8am, 9.30am or 4pm.
Mal Ward’s Forever Johnno fundraiser, in loving memory of his son John, will be held at the
Coogee Diggers Club this year. Everyone is invited to come along from 7pm on Friday, June 27 and get involved in the raffles and auctions. Nick Andrews & Friends will be providing the tunes, and the banter between Wardy and MC Steve Holt is always hilarious. All proceeds go to the Clancy Ward at Westmead. Please call Mal on 0414 293 396 to donate, or get in touch with him via email at mal@greataussiebbq.com. Cheers, James
The Beast
The Beast Pty Ltd ABN 32 143 796 801 www.thebeast.com.au Editor james@thebeast.com.au Advertising Enquiries advertising@thebeast.com.au Rates and Specs thebeast.com.au/advertise Circulation
60,000 copies delivered every month; 2,000 in shops and 58,000 in mailboxes.
Pearl's Wisdom on Ocean Pool Etiquette
Swimming Lane Rules
Hi James - I’ve been living in the Eastern Beaches for twenty years now. I love swimming down at Bronte Pool, and I get down there to enjoy it quite regularly. As your readers would probably be aware, the pool has become much busier recently, and I don’t seem to be across the ‘lane etiquette’ any more. I would love to hear Pearl’s wisdom on this complex area.
I generally swim to the left of the black line and choose a lane that suits my speed. Today I got dunked by a lady because I was in her lane. I was very surprised, but having played waterpolo all my life I wasn’t too bothered. She gave me quite an earful - unfortunately I wasn’t wearing a swimming cap and earplugs.
I would like to know, am I in the wrong? If her theory is correct, that would mean only five people can swim in Bronte Pool at once - surely not? Any tips from Pearl or local swimmers would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Ange Bronte
Share the Pool, Share the Love
Dear Ange - As a seasoned lap swimmer, Pearl’s aging body has graced the lanes of many public pools. I have always followed the rules in these facilities, particularly the most important one, ‘Please keep to the left of the lane at all times’. I also select a lane that is appropriate to my swimming speed, giving the ‘fast lane’ a wide berth. Adhering to the rules means that we can all share in the love of swimming.
Although Bronte Baths lacks lane etiquette signage, it has become customary to follow the lane rules of a public pool due to the black lines on the bottom. Unfortunately, by politely following this custom you have become the unwitting victim of this lady’s ‘truth’. Her truththat we swim on the lane rather than around it - allows her to justify having a lane to herself.
I am sure this lady is aware of the etiquette but would rather shift blame by means of manipulative and violent (dunking!) behaviour to defend her belligerence. It reminds me of when I made the horrendous
mistake of swimming freestyle in Clovelly’s ocean pool, where I was brusquely informed by a group of ladies seeking to maintain the integrity of their make-up and quaffed hair that only breaststroke was permitted and hence I must leave immediately. After deliberately rolling the arm over to cause a bad case of mascara run, Pearl headed to the McIver’s Ladies Baths, questioning her own sanity.
My advice is to ignore her deflective Eastern Suburbs arrogance - you are in the right. Don the cap and earplugs next time you hit the water, and keep your eyes fixed on the bottom. To demonstrate your seriousness, print out and laminate a training schedule and stick it at the end of the lane, along with various swim aides (hand paddles are an effective weapon). If all else fails, I suggest you channel the spirit of those from the Western Suburbs by illegally jumping off the rocks above the pool, effectively clearing the lane, and the entire pool. If we all share the pool, we share the love.
Pearl Clovelly
Words Pearl Bullivant Photo Edward Coli
Quick dip at Bronte before work.
The Beast's Monthly Mailbag
Words The Lovely People of the Eastern Beaches
Call This Life Saving?
A planned Council building on Bronte Beach will house both fulltime employed professional lifeguards throughout the year and the surf club, which will provide patrols on weekends and holidays in the warmer months.
Ridiculously, the lookout location for the full-time lifeguards will be relegated to the ground floor, at the furthest distance from the south end and the closest to water level achievable on the site. The club’s commercial function centre is gifted the first-floor panoramic view.
It is inexplicable that the lifeguard lookout will not be as elevated as possible and as close to the south end as the plan permits. The lifeguards should be located with the best possible view, particularly that of the dangerous rip at the south end (the Bronte Express) which has claimed several lives.
The head of a drowning swimmer is not necessarily apparent, all the more so if swept out beyond the reef in heavy surf on a dull day. The observational advantage from the upper level of the club is obvious.
The cost of this project has grown enormously, getting closer to $40 million when including the sea protection structure that is likely to seriously degrade the beach. If it really is about life saving, the optimal vantage point should be provided for the lifeguards.
As a retired judge, I hold the view that, in an appropriate case, a court would have little difficulty in holding the council negligent
in not affording lifeguards the optimal surveillance location the new building allows.
It would be a sad day if this design became debated in a coronial inquest.
Greg Maidment Bronte
The Penkivil Lake
Finally the evidence regarding climate change that we have all been waiting for - the Penkivil Lake has now run dry, even in the heavy downpours of late March. Teal Party voters will be enthralled!
Adam Bronte
The Power of Politics
I write firstly to congratulate Australians for using our functional and peaceful voting system. Nationwide, one side of politics was given a mandate to move forward in a particular direction.
On a local level here in Waverley, the vote cast by locals was evenly divided. Our local council now has even numbers on both sides of politics, except with each motion, Mayor Will Nemesh is afforded a second vote as mayor. This positions him as inordinately powerful.
It is vital for councillors and residents to be aware that this is not a clear mandate on his part. For example, when deciding on the funding of business from our local arts grants, or the concreting of Bondi Park for a single interest sports group, or granting more space in Bondi Pavilion to commercial interests, or the decision to chop down a 100-year-old fig because of a residential drive-
way... these decisions must be recognised as having two points of view, both of which should be awarded equal importance.
Nicolette Boaz Bondi
Excessive and Unsafe
There is something amiss with Waverley College’s proposed redevelopment (Long-term Community Benefit, Monthly Mailbag, The Beast, May 2025).
The project received 51 objections and only one submission in support - from the Uniting Church, who are currently pursuing their own controversial overdevelopment proposal for the War Memorial Hospital.
Waverley Council itself has objected to the College’s proposed redevelopment, citing concerns over increased student and staff numbers contributing to parking issues, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety risks. The scale of building 1 at 16.5m (7m higher than allowable) is described as “excessive compared to existing developments and the desired future character of the area.”
There is also the ill-conceived proposal for the car park exit to be relocated from Birrell Street onto Henrietta Street - a narrow, oneway street shared with a bike lane that is frequently used by students moving between the junior and senior schools.
Additional concerns include:
• Heritage impacts
• Waste management
• Lack of public domain improvements
• Poor management of out-ofhours events
• Inadequate tree and biodiversity management
• Noise impact and its mitigation
Objections are not limited to residents of the new over-55s apartments on the Waverley Bowling Club site. Those of us living in surrounding streets are also voicing legitimate concerns about the impacts of the proposed development.
Steve Waverley
Waverley Public School
Graham Leddie, the Principal of Waverley College, may not have noticed, but Waverley has a public primary school, opened in 1879.
Stan McDonald Bronte
More Land Being Given to Easts?
Dear James - I want to raise serious concerns about the recent appearance of Easts Leagues Club at a Waverley Council meetingan appearance reportedly made at the request of the mayor. Their purpose? To speak in favour of a proposal to convert our council chambers into a sports and recreation complex.
This raises a number of uncomfortable questions. Are we seeing the early signs of a return to the Liberal council’s well-worn playbook of privatising public spaces under the guise of ‘community enhancement’?
Our public land is exactly that - public. It should not be at risk of being handed over, piece by piece, to private interests. Residents deserve full transparency and genuine consultation on any plans that affect our public assets, not backroom deals that serve vested interests.
We need to stay vigilant and ask the hard questions; who really benefits from this proposal? And, is this the thin end of the wedge for more public space being carved up at the behest of Easts Leagues?
Bronte Babe Bronte
Hydration Partner
Dear Beast Letters - A month ago I leaned over a bubbler on the Bondi Beach promenade and saw a bright blue blandishment‘hydration partner’. These labels are carefully tailored on every bubbler - on every surface - along the beachfront, even one panel of the mural wall.
It is of course Sydney Water who supply the water, and have done for over a hundred years, so it’s deceptive, false advertising by US global company Unilever, promoting ‘Liquid I.V.’
The response to my questioning long-term commercial advertising on the beachfront came from Tanya Goldberg on behalf of Waverley Council - “Without such support, Waverley Council could not sustain the current Arts, Culture and Events we provide for the community,” she explained. Really?! Waverley Council can’t manage its core community affairs without these deceptive blandishments?
I don’t like my beautiful beach being pimped like some cheap whore by Waverley Council.
Yours sincerely,
Murray Cox Bondi
Local Pocket Parks (continued)
Dear Beast - It seems pocket parks - both the completed one on the corner of Clovelly and Carrington Roads and the proposed one on the corner of Clovelly Road and Burnie Street - continue to spark outrage. The complaints? They’re “underutilised” (what, no impromptu Macbeth performances on the Carrington stage?) and, more critically, they snatch away precious parking spots and disrupt the all-important flow of car traffic.
A recent letter to The Beast from ‘Patrick of Coogee’ (Local Pocket Parks, Monthly Mailbag, The Beast, April 2025), who drives past the Clovelly/Carrington park at least once a day, raises an obvious question; why is he driving past so often? Maybe a shopping list would cut down on those extra trips?
Better yet - imagine this - what if you walked, cycled, caught the bus or even grabbed a taxi? You might discover that driving isn’t the only way to move through the world. And you might even find that strolling through a pocket park is a whole lot nicer than dodging turn lanes and driveways designed with no thought to pedestrians at all.
Let’s be real - street parking is a massive freebie handout to drivers. Traffic lights that give pedestrians a pitiful 6-10 second green
(and only after begging by pressing a button) show exactly who the system favours. Prioritising roads over parks? That’s the view from someone who can’t imagine life outside their windscreen.
The truth is, more green space/ less road isn’t a loss - it’s a gain. It means cleaner air, cooler streets, a place to breathe and a community that feels more like a neighbourhood than a carpark.
So, how do we shake the Eastern Suburbs out of this car-centric entitlement? Maybe it’s time to make walking way easier - and driving just a bit more inconvenient. Because a neighbourhood designed for people, not cars, sounds like a future worth stepping towards.
Janet Clovelly
In Response to Patrick Garvan
I’d like to respond to the ‘Local Pocket Parks’ letter regarding traffic issues in the Eastern Suburbs.
On traffic flow and roundabouts... the letter lamenting congestion at the Carrington Road roundabout misses the point. Patrick complains about drivers being “paralysed” but fails to recognise that designing streets primarily for cars is precisely what’s created this problem. When we prioritise traffic flow above human safety we incentivise more driving, leading to the very congestion being complained about.
Patrick asks, “Why aren’t we taught how to drive in this country?” I’d suggest a better question, “Why aren’t we designing cities where driving isn’t necessary for every journey?”
On pedestrian behaviour... I was troubled by the comments about pedestrians who “leap in front of cars” and “amble across as slowly as possible.” This adversarial framing ignores that our streets have been engineered to prioritise cars for decades, forcing pedestrians to navigate hostile environments simply to move around their own neighbourhoods.
What Sydney needs... instead of bemoaning changes that slightly
Friday 30 May
10am-2pm
Coogee Beach
Celebrate the oldest, continuous living culture on earth. Witness First Nations culture and history unfold in traditional and contemporary dance performances. Join us in making change and moving forward as a nation.
Scan for program
Artwork by Matraville Soldiers’ Settlement Public School students
of government, reduce reckless spending, try to negotiate peace deals, and remove people who hate America and sympathize with terrorists. The American people overwhelmingly voted in favor of this, and President 47 has an obligation to deliver on the promises he was democratically elected for. This does not mean that you or anyone has to agree with it or how his administration goes about it.
On the matter of funding universities such as Harvard, the American taxpayer has no obligation to fund private universities. I would argue that they should not fund universities that already have multi-billion-dollar endowment funds. The federal government has the right and obligation to set conditions associated with taxpayer money.
Yes, free speech is a fundamental principle of the Constitution, and the government has an obligation to uphold this. However, this does not extend to allowing open support and promotion of US-designated terrorist organisations, destruction of sacred learning institutions, or limiting the ability of minority groups to feel safe, access public spaces, or access private spaces they have paid for - especially not by masked cowards who cover their faces because they inherently know they are breaking the law. Let me also note that people involved in these practices while on student visas should absolutely be removed from the country. If they had been truthful about their intentions to partake in these practices on US campuses, their visas would have been denied.
These actions are not autocratic - they are common-sense measures that most Americans agree with. On the matter of the US removing itself from the UN Human Rights Council, are you aware that on May 10, 2023, Iran was appointed chair of the UN Human Rights Council? Do I really need to say more? Having lived in Australia and America, you may not realise that the UN includes many powerful countries that do
not share these same values of freedom and try to undermine the beacons of freedom in these international forums. But, I’m sure you know all of this, as you are nearing completion of your political science degree.
I believe you’re coming from a good place, but please be more careful with your narrative. The 1930s in Germany were a good example of what happens when false narratives are confused with truth.
Stephen Randwick
In The Zone
Long time Beast reader, first time Beast ranter... but alas, I succumb to the First World problem whinge. I’m all for people exercising outdoors - you’re doing something healthy, you’re getting fresh air, you’re sweating and you’re in ‘the zone’ - but how about you give me some bloody space!
Bream Street, at times - especially Saturday mornings - has become some sort of crossfit race track. That’s cool you’re in the zone, but don’t normal pedestrians have right of way on the footpath?
I have to make way for a squad of sweaty, heavy panting expats as they run within centimetres of you, basically knocking you off the footpath with a back spray of sweat from God knows where, all while their scent becomes embedded in your nostrils. But again, they’re in the zone.
Is it a lack of awareness? Or is it self-entitlement? The other day I saw some zone-hunting Mr Crossbro refuse to budge his running line even though there was an elderly couple and mother with a pram in front. God forbid you use common sense and move a few metres to the nature strip for a bit? Oh, it’s asking too much is it champ?
Bardon Park is literally just across the road from the crossfit gym on Bream Street - why can’t you hold your sessions there on the open field? Wouldn’t that be safer for everyone involved, especially at times when they run
carrying weight plates! Maybe next time I won’t move and cop a hit and get a claim in? Is anyone else annoyed by these Bream Street running squads?
Jimmy Coogee
Share Bikes and Unattended Property
Hi James - I wish Waverley Council all the best in dealing with the share bikes littering our suburbs (Waverley Share Bike Blitz, The Beast, May 2025). I was interested in Mayor Nemesh’s comment about Council’s ability to apply the Unattended Property Act. The act allows council to contact a vehicle owner and get them to move a vehicle within “15 days if registered and left unattended in one place for more than 28 days.”
What does this mean? Council could act against vehicles that are currently being parked/stored long-term in our streets (especially local streets without resident parking schemes). This would be very relevant to vehicles from out of area that are clogging our streets and denying long-suffering residents somewhere to park, especially dumped vehicles that sit there gathering cobwebs until their rego finally runs out and Council can begin the (overly long) process of getting them towed away.
I have brought this up with Council in the past, but they have shown no interest in applying the act to help residents - do Mayor Nemesh’s comments reveal a change of heart?
Andrew Bondi
Electric Bikes and Helmets
Transport NSW mandates the following with regard to anyone riding any form of bicycle:
“Bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened. This includes children on bikes with training wheels and any child being carried as a passenger or in a bicycle trailer.”
For a few decades I routinely rode bicycles to work, and for recreation/exercise, and was al-
It's not about the money.
Local Artist...
Matthew Sargisson from Coogee
Interview James Hutton Photo Melanie Alexander
How long have you lived here?
I came to the Eastern Beaches from Melbourne 13 years ago to move in with my girlfriend (who is now my wife).
What's your favourite beach? Coogee Beach, it really is hard to beat.
What's your favourite eatery?
The Bondi Icebergs RSL at Bondi Beach, where the views are as good as it gets.
Where do you like to have a drink? Bronte Bowling Club is a great local spot that flies under the radar a bit.
Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Honestly, the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk is unlike anything in the world.
Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? A serious lack of Chinese restaurants!
How would you describe your art? It’s a mix of realism and impressionism.
Where can people see your work? At the moment, online at www.matthewsargisson.com and @sargisson_artist on Instagram.
Who are your artistic inspirations? Anders Zorn, who is known for the ‘Zorn Palette’. I mostly use the same palette except I use Payne’s Grey instead of Ivory Black.
What are you working on at the moment? I just built a house in Thailand, so I’m spending a lot of time painting ‘tropical themed’ paintings to fill the walls.
When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? When I was five the teacher asked the class to “draw a picture of yourself to pin to the class wall”. After looking at my classmates’ drawings, I
had the realisation that I had drawn myself naked (a stick figure with a stick appendage). So, I asked the teacher if I could try again... I tried really hard on a clothed version, and I got a lot of compliments for it. I’ve been trying really hard ever since.
Any other local artists to look out for? I can’t think of any Eastern Beaches artists, but I do love Sydney artist Mark Hanham.
Did you study art? Yes, I’ve got a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Painting and Printmaking.
Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? If you can paint without worrying about being paid for it, you’ll excel much faster and enjoy the process a lot more.
What music are you into at the moment? I’m into Aussie indie group Glass Beams. It’s purely instrumental psychedelic, hypnotic funk. I also love listening to other chill instrumental music.
What do you get up to on the weekends? If I’m not making art, I love bowling and drinking at the Bronte Bowling club.
What do you do for work? Art! Painting for now, but soon I’ll be getting back into printmaking.
What's your favourite thing about work? Signing a painting after spending a long time on it.
Do you have a favourite quote? “All things you ask for in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22
Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Use cash more often! When society goes cashless we will lose a lot of freedoms, potentially giving the government ultimate control over our lives, opening the door to social credit systems, etc. Also, a cashless society is cruel to the homeless.
WIRES NATIVE ANIMAL RECOVERY CENTRE OPENING
Saturday 14 June 10am – 2pm
Official proceedings at 10.15am Randwick Sustainability Hub Munda Street, Randwick
Celebrate the official opening of the new WIRES Native Animal Recovery Centre, at our free Biodiversity Open Day, programmed by Saturday Circle:
• Silent tours of the WIRES facility
• Live music
• Food and drink
• Wildlife talks
• Biodiversity workshops, and more! randwick.nsw.gov.au
Massive Infrastructure Spend in Waverley’s Draft Budget
Words Anthony Maguire Photo Dave
Waverley Council is going on an infrastructure spending spreesome of which will be funded by debt finance.
Under the Draft Budget and Long Term Financial Plan just approved by councillors and posted online, $57 million will be spent on capital works projects this financial year - a one third increase on the 2024-25 spend.
Mayor Will Nemesh told the April 29 full council meeting that this expenditure was essential to ensure Waverley’s assets are “not only adequately maintained, but renewed.”
The largest project is the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club and Community Facilities upgrade, to be funded through an $18 million loan. General Manager Emily Scott will be tasked with sourcing the most competitive interest rates from reputable financial institutions.
Under the Long Term Financial Plan, there will be further capital works expenditure totalling $481 million. Projects to be carried out include the completion of the Charing Cross development, North Bondi Terminus upgrade and Bondi Beach Skate Park upgrade.
Despite the big capital works spend, the Draft Budget for the 2025-26 financial year is a balanced one, with an operating surplus of $23.8 million, which
Mayor Nemesh says was brought about by “a new focus on fiscal discipline.” This disciplined approach means the domestic waste charge can be frozen at last year’s rate.
It is also proposed that only $1.8 million of cash reserves will be spent, compared to over $9 million from the previous financial year.
Mayor Nemesh said the Draft Budget and Long Term Financial Plan “set the benchmark that the community expects from us.”
However, former Labor Mayor Paula Masselos claims the budget and financial plan are not meeting community expectations.
Speaking to The Beast after the meeting, Councillor Masselos said that although the domestic waste charge is being pegged, there will be rises in the provision of a number of other key services including residential and beach parking, library services, child care and hire of community spaces.
Councillor Masselos is also concerned that as well as the $18 million loan for the Bronte surf club and facilities, another loan of $18.6 million is being proposed for an upgrade of the old council chambers.
“The interest rates on these loans will be huge” she said. “I’m concerned that this budget and financial plan will be digging us into a hole.”
More Trees and Sports Facilities Planned in Randwick Budget
Words Anthony Maguire
Photo Frank Jack Fletcher
Randwick City Council has put together a draft budget with a focus on sustainability and community wellbeing.
Under documents just released for community feedback, 1,000 new street trees will be planted and there will be substantial investment in new sports and recreational facilities.
“Council will commence construction of new amenities for Burrows Park, install an outdoor gym at Coral Sea Park in Maroubra, build two new outdoor basketball courts in Baker and Woomera Reserves and upgrade six playgrounds,” a council spokesperson told The Beast. These projects are to be covered under a capital expenditure budget of $46.8 million, a modest increase of $2.5 million over the previous financial year.
A net operating result of $1.1 million is anticipated before capital grants and contributions.
“Thanks to ongoing responsible management of Council’s finances, our budget remains in good shape, positioning us well to absorb reasonable external shocks and to fulfil our commitments to the community,” Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said.
Brown
The Bronte Surf Club upgrade will be funded by an $18 million loan.
An aerial view of Coral Sea Park.
Coogee based strata company
State-of-the-art digital meeting room
Responsive staff
Providing residential strata owners with agreeable solutions to building maintenance issues!
admin@cgsm.com.au www cgsm com au
Come along to your local resident Precinct Meeting
Precincts are meetings of residents who get together regularly to discuss local matters or issues of concern in their neighbourhood. Waverley is split into 13 Precincts and meetings are open to any person living within the Precinct boundaries.
Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/precinct or scan the QR Code to find out which Precinct you belong to and when they are meeting next.
Waverley Council proudly supports resident run Precinct meetings.
Sir William Dobell Art Foundation,
by Museums & Galleries of
This has got to stop.
Incidences of Tree Poisoning Absolutely Rife Throughout the Eastern Suburbs
Words Anthony Maguire
Photo Dee Siduous
Yet another tree poisoning ‘whodunit’ is being played out in the Eastern Suburbs.
Cromwell Place is a short, one-way street in Malabar. There are five houses on one side of the road and on the other there’s a park.
All the street trees have been poisoned and a couple of home owners say other residents are to blame.
Senior public servant Paul McGuiggan believes the environmental vandalism is the handiwork of a near-neighbour.
“One day he walked past as I was out the front and he said something about poisoning trees with pool salt,” he told The Beast
Meanwhile, a woman who answered the intercom at a house up the street suggested the culprit could be a different resident from the one ‘fingered’ by Mr McGuiggan.
“It all started around the time they put their house up for sale,” she said, before saying she was busy and could not talk further.
There are two once-mighty trees - a Queensland brushbox and a tallowwood - on the grass verge beside the houses. Now they’re ampu-trees. Randwick Council has pruned their branches to ensure public safety.
On the opposite verge are a pair of dead Banksias that look like they’ve been through a nuclear blast. And two scribbly gum saplings just inside the park have also been poisoned - they were recently replaced with new ones, but the replacements are just shoulder-high. The council has placed ‘Tree Vandalism’ signs in front of the poisoned trees.
In Tamarama, the backyard of a multi-million dollar home has become another tree poisoning site. Half a dozen mature Bangalow palms suddenly died. Waverley Council is keen to track down the culprit(s). But if or when the responsible party is caught, they’ll only face a $3,000 fine - the maximum amount individuals can be fined by councils under state law.
“$3,000 is not an adequate deterrent for tree killers,” Waverley Deputy Mayor Dr Keri Spooner told The Beast.
As it turns out, increased tree vandalism fines are on the NSW Government’s radar and legislative amendments are in the pipeline.
“Under the proposed policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
'Heartbreaking'Bondi Fig Tree Condemned to Get the Chop
Words Anthony Maguire
Photo Matt Hoggett
Waverley Council has sounded the death knell for a magnificent old Moreton Bay fig tree in Edward Street, Bondi.
A report from the council’s tree officer said the fig has caused significant damage to the surrounding properties and infrastructure and must be removed.
Mayor Will Nemesh acknowledged that the century-old fig is “a stunning tree,” but he said “over time, the tree trunk and roots will cause further structural damage.” The officer’s recommendation was “a prudent one.”
Other councillors were divided on the issue. The six non-Liberals voted against the recommendation to remove the tree, while the mayor and his five fellow-Libs supported it. The controversial decision was carried using Mayor Nemesh’s casting vote as chair.
Greens councillor Ludovico Fabiani called the decision “heartbreaking.”
Resident Claire Morris, who has been leading a campaign to save the tree, went further.
“It’s criminal,” she said. “We can now expect to see more trees suffering the same fate.”
Community members rally in front of the condemned fig tree.
House
Hungarian Revolution Memorial Planned for Waverley Park
Words Anthony Maguire Photo Imre Nagy
In the 1950s, around 14,000 refugees from Hungary found a safe haven in Australia after the Soviet Union brutally repressed the revolution in that country.
Many settled in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, where they went on to make a rich contribution to the area’s cultural heritage.
However, the memories of the carnage and suffering they escaped remained firmly etched in the memories of the new settlers.
Now the memory of the Hungarian Revolution and the contributions made to Australian life by Hungarian refugees and their families are being recognised by Waverley Council.
Councillors approved a motion from mayor Will Nemeshwhose father Janos arrived here as a Hungarian refugee - that a memorial be erected in Waverley Park commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.
The memorial will go up next year in the lead-up to the anniversary of the uprising, which took place between October and
November 1956. It will be paid for by the Hungarian Government.
Mayor Nemesh told Council that the memorial will “recognise the suffering and sacrifices of the Hungarian people during the 1956 revolution and the ongoing contributions of Hungarian refugees and their descendants to Australian society.”
“Memorials to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 exist globally to commemorate the spirit of resistance and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and independence. The memorials serve as a poignant reminder of the Hungarian people’s courage in standing up against oppression and the Soviet Union’s brutal suppression of the revolution.”
He said the memorial will “also reinforce Council’s strong commitment to building an inclusive, cohesive and resilient community” and pointed out that a precedent had been set with such memorials in Waverley Park, with the Battle of Crete memorial already there.
Waverley Council Signs Historic MoU With Share Bike Operators
Words Anthony Maguire
Photo Luke Spokes
Finally, some good news for everyone who has been getting cheesed off about e-bikes littering footpaths after people finish their hires - Waverley Council and share bike operators Lime and Hello have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the bike companies agreeing to take clear action to better manage and regulate their share bikes, contribute to the provision of parking infrastructure and establish parameters on how and where bikes can be ridden and parked.
The community will no doubt be breathing a collective sigh of relief at the news. Abandoned bikes are not only an ugly sight - they’re also dangerous. A letter to The Beast’s Monthly Mailbag recently explained how a twoyear-old boy had his leg stuck between the spokes of a Lime bike for half an hour.
“We have taken urgent action because our community has had a gutful of e-bikes being carelessly dumped all over the place,” Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh told The Beast.
“We commend Mayor Nemesh and Waverley Council for their forward-thinking approach that balances innovation with the needs of the community,” said a Lime spokesman.
Protesters on a tank in front of the Hungarian parliament building.
The latest from Randwick City Council about living in this great city
Randwick News
It may be winter, but there’s still plenty happening in Randwick City.
We kick off the month with National Reconciliation Week. Randwick Council is proud to once again work with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council to present Koojay Corroboree, from 10am on Friday 30 May at the rainbow walkway at Coogee Beach. Come down to see Coogee Beach as never before at this annual celebration of Aboriginal ceremony, tradition and culture.
I’m excited to be opening the brand new, custom-built WIRES Native Wildlife Recovery Centre at the Randwick Sustainability Hub on Saturday 14 June. WIRES volunteers do amazing work keeping our native animals and birds safe, and to protect and sustain the rich biodiversity of Sydney’s east. This important work is about to get a whole lot easier, as they relocate rescued wildlife – from possums to currawongs – into their new facility.
The building is the result of a first-of-its kind partnership between WIRES and Randwick City Council, with the support of the NSW Government. After months of construction, we’re celebrating the opening of this flagship facility with a special Biodiversity Open Day!
Enjoy live music, grab something to eat or drink, hear from wildlife experts and learn something new at one of the workshops programmed especially by Saturday Circle. You can even learn how to build your very own possum palace at home! Come down early for a chance to receive a rare, silent tour of the new facility. Official proceedings start at 10:15am.
I hope to see you there.
What’s On
KOOJAY CORROBOREE
FRIDAY 30 MAY 10am – 2pm
Coogee Beach Rainbow Walkway
MAROUBRA BEACH MARKETS
SATURDAY 7 JUNE 8am – 2pm
Broadarrow Reserve, Maroubra
WIRES NATIVE WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE
OFFICIAL OPENING & BIODIVERSITY OPEN DAY
SATURDAY 14 JUNE 10am – 2pm
Randwick Sustainability Hub
SATURDAY CIRCLE
SATURDAY 14 JUNE 10am – 12pm
Randwick Sustainability Hub
Councillor Dylan Parker
Mayor of Randwick
Randwick Mayor
Dylan Parker
Crime News
Photos Facebook
Randwick Tragedy Linked to Domestic Violence - Police
Days before the court hearing of an Apprehended Violence Order against her partner, marketing executive Claire Austin ran through a glass door to escape an “argument” with him.
That’s what police told the media following the death of Claire Austin. The 38-year-old suffered fatal injuries as she crashed through an interior sliding glass door of the Randwick apartment she shared with her partner. She died after a three-day fight for her life in St Vincent’s Hospital.
Following the news of Ms Austin’s death, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell told the media, “People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence.” He said the death was being treated as “a criminal matter.”
But police did not subsequently charge the partner over the incident and the AVO against him was formally withdrawn in Waverley Court.
The partner, a 44-year-old recruitment company executive, has been receiving treatment at a mental health facility.
Police Car Rammed in Rose Bay, Shots Fired in Bondi
Shots were fired and a police car rammed in a dramatic episode over Easter.
The drama began with a 4am police pursuit of an Audi A1 being driven erratically along Old South Head Road, Rose Bay. During the short chase, a police car was rammed by the Audi. The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.
A short time later the Audi was spotted on Sir Thomas Mitchell Road, Bondi Beach. According to a police media release, “a number of shots were discharged by a police officer as it was driven from the scene.”
At around 6.30am, the Audi was found by police in Murriverie Road, North Bondi. Nearby was a 37-year-old man. He was arrested and has been charged with numerous offences. He is said to have stolen the Audi from a home in Double Bay.
Police said no injuries were sustained from either the gunfire or car ramming.
Food Delivery Driver Robbed by Knife-Wielding Teen - Police
A teenage boy threatened a food delivery driver and stole his Honda scooter, according to a Facebook posting by Eastern Beaches Police.
However, it seems the 15-yearold’s scooter-riding skills were not so well-honed as his threatening-people-with-knives skills. He crashed into a parked car near the crime scene in South Coogee. But he and the bike survived the impact and sped away.
After a big operation involving the PolAir chopper and Dog Squad, a 15-year-old youth was located in South Maroubra and arrested.
“During the arrest police located two knives on the teen before taking him to Maroubra Police Station,” police said.
Bondi Beach Holiday Snaps Land Tourists in Court
A court has been told how two Chinese tourists on a day trip to Bondi Beach took numerous invasive pictures of young women - including under-age teens.
Yong Yang, a radiologist, took a series of still pics of a group of 15-year-olds, first from the front, then from behind.
Meanwhile, his mate Qiang Chen, an engineer, took a one-minute video where he zoomed in for a close-up of a woman’s bottom.
Going about their photographic endeavours blatantly, the pair, both 56, also recorded numerous other pics of women before police arrived to spoil their fun.
They subsequently appeared in Waverley Court, where they pleaded guilty to behaving in an offensive manner near a public place.
Magistrate Stephen Barlow let them off lightly, fining each of them $100 and putting their actions down to a “cultural gap.”
Maroubra
Man Accused of Hacking Into Government Site
Cybercrime detectives investigating the unauthorised access of court documents raided a Maroubra address and arrested a 38-year-old man, seizing two laptops.
After a night in a cell, Christopher Duff appeared in Waverley Court charged with accessing or modifying restricted data held on a computer. Police say he accessed almost 9,000 restricted documents, including affidavits and domestic violence orders, through the NSW Department of Communities and Justice website.
Duff has also been charged over an alleged 2023 stalking offence. He was allowed bail with strict conditions, including daily reporting to police. He is only allowed to possess a single ‘dumb phone’ that cannot access the internet.
Words Jimmy Felon
Claire Austin died from fatal lacerations.
Alleged hacker Christopher Duff.
Subject
Subject Red Rocket Location Kurnell
Subject Mark Perica waiting for the school bus back in the '60s - happy birthday Mark! Location
Bronte
Sentinel Location Coogee Photographer Phoebe Dworjanyn
Subject Inundation Location Clovelly Photographer Leigh Graham
Photographer Hugo Lefebvre
Subject Whitewash Location Bondi
Photographer Cécile Rolin
Subject Full Moon Dips Location Coogee Photographer Sarah Gardan
Subject Earlies Location Bronte Photographer Em Tuck
Subject Beaut Beach Day Location Coogee Photographer Alan Wang
Subject Rainbow Bay Location Coogee Photographer Håkan Lindberg
Subject Lightning Strikes Location Bondi Photographer Aston Leslight @astonleslight11
Combination Long and Short Soup
I’m excited to share a food memory from my childhoodmy representation of a family sized bowl of Chinese combination long and short soup from our old local in Coogee, which was a thing of pure joy and comfort. Brimming with generously filled wontons, silky egg noodles, fresh prawns, sliced char siu (bbq pork) and vibrant green choy sum, sitting in a hot broth thoughtfully prepared to ensure a flavour worthy of authentic Cantonese cuisine, it’s a melting pot of textures and umami deliciousness that will warm your soul this winter and stir fond food memories.
Ingredients (serves 4)
Chinese stock
2.5L chicken stock
10cm piece fresh ginger, sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 star anise
1 tsp sesame oil
6 spring onions, trimmed and halved lengthways
2 tbs Shaoxing wine
2 tbs soy sauce
Large pinch ground white pepper
Wontons
12 wonton wrappers
250gm pork mince
2 tbs fresh ginger, grated
2 spring onion, finely sliced
3 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Rest of the soup
8 green prawns, shelled and de-veined, tails on
200gm char siu, sliced (from local Asian bbq food store)
1 bunch choy sum, ends removed, cut into thirds (use stems and leaves)
250gm dried egg noodles
80gm bean sprouts
To serve
1 spring onion, finely chopped
1 long red chilli, finely chopped, or red chilli flakes
Soy sauce
Method
1. For the Chinese stock, place the chicken stock and all ingredients into a large pot, set to medium heat on the stovetop. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 2 hours.
2. To make the wontons, place all ingredients in a bowl and combine well with a fork. Lay the 12 wonton wrappers flat on a board and place 2 teaspoons into the centre of each wrapper. Lightly brush each edge of the wrapper with water. Fold the wontons in half diagonally and seal the edges well (there are other more complex ways to fold wontons). The filling should be distributed fairly evenly in the wrapper. Repeat with remaining mixture. Cover and refrigerate while the stock is cooking.
3. After 2 hours, remove the stock from the stovetop and strain all aromats and the spring onions so a clear broth remains. Return to a medium heat.
4. Add the prawns, followed by the wontons. After 2 minutes, add the egg noodles, choy sum and char siu. Cook for a further 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the bean sprouts and gently stir through.
6. Remove from the heat and ladle generous bowls of the piping hot soup. Serve with chopped fresh chilli or red chilli flakes, soy sauce and spring onion.
Dana Sims is a Sydneybased food and prop stylist who has grown up in the Eastern Suburbs and loves to create delicious food. She is inspired by the fresh produce we have access to in Sydney. For ideas, recipes and styling inspiration, check out her Instagram, @stone_and_twine.
Endurance through adversity.
A Horse in the Rain
Words Jeremy Ireland Photo Duncan Horscroft
We’ve certainly had our fair share of rain recently. On one such rainy day I found myself driving through a semi-rural district not too far out of Sydney. The weather was well set in and had been for days. The sky was grey and heavy, the ground was saturated and, in all honesty, it was just miserable. Despite not being able to see too much through the windscreen, one thing did grab my attention - a lone horse standing in the open on his own, in the rain, completely soaked and totally still.
I was fascinated; why wouldn’t he move? Typically, animals including horses will seek comfort in bad weather, so why wouldn’t this horse find a more sheltered spot? There he stood, like a statue, getting flogged by the elements, seemingly unconcerned. The image stuck with me for the rest of the drive and is now well etched in my mind.
Unbeknown to me, the image of a ‘horse in the rain’ is a bit of a thing, hence the phrase. It’s a metaphor suggesting stoicism and acts as a banner representing acceptance of unavoidable suffering rather than making the situation any worse than it already is. The horse, by simply standing there, is resigned to its situation and endures in a seemingly impassive and unemotional way rather than fighting or lamenting it. The horse, in essence, is purely accepting the situation that’s beyond his control, not worsening the situation by wasting energy trying to escape it.
Now, a horse is a horse, of course, and if he could speak to us like Mister Ed he might just tell us what he’s really thinking. Let’s use the same metaphor but replace the horse for a person. What we see is the person’s behaviour, i.e. standing in the rain, but what’s not so obvious is what that person is thinking or feeling. The model for cognitive behavioural therapy (how we think
impacts how we feel, which dictates what we do) is a useful tool when explaining this metaphor of standing in the rain. So, what is our person standing imperturbably in the rain thinking and feeling?
Much psychological therapy aims to reduce unwanted or unnecessary suffering, but it’s worth considering that not all suffering is unnecessary. All of us will experience unavoidable suffering at some point in our lives; the question is, what is the appropriate response to such suffering? Acceptance of the unavoidable is one explanation. Our wet horse, seemingly unconcerned, symbolises acceptance of situations that are beyond one’s control and that some suffering is simply a part of life, so why waste energy trying to escape it? Dare I say it, but I’m pretty sure our horse is also showing us how to avoid catastrophising. He doesn’t dwell on the injustice of being wet and uncomfortable, and it doesn’t seem to be amplifying his situation through negative thoughts and self-pity.
Ultimately, it’s symbolising endurance through adversity, evoking encouragement and resilience at a time when there is no control over the situation. Perhaps most importantly it symbolises acceptance by encouraging a shift in perspective to help us move away from a place of resistance and suffering into one of acceptance and presence of mind.
Our metaphorical horse is the master of patience and letting go. He understands that not everything is within our control and he is releasing any attachment he may have placed on a potential unwanted outcome. He is surrendering, if you like, the need to have everything go a certain way. He is displaying a form of emotional regulation, allowing uncomfortable emotions to pass without holding onto them. This mindset is useful when we are self-criticising or feeling overwhelmed with emotions of anxiety and stress. It might even help shed a past identity or a self-belief that no longer serves you, paving a new way for change or even peace.
When unavoidable suffering arrives, perhaps the best thing to do is to just do nothing, as trying to escape the inescapable might present more problems, making it worse in our minds. At some point the rain will stop. If it is raining, sure, stay dry if it’s not costly to do so, but what’s the worst that could happen if you stand in the rain? You get wet, that’s it.
Jeremy Ireland is a local psychotherapist. Have you got a question? You can get in touch with Jeremy by calling 0400 420 042.
What Are They Doing to Clovelly?
Randwick City Council has announced plans to give Clovelly ocean pool a major facelift in time for summer in order to increase usage and improve cleanliness.
“Clovelly Beach is Sydney’s worst-kept secret and the suburb is undeniably chic; its ocean pool should reflect that aesthetic,” began a statement from Council.
“Furthermore, rigorous statistical analysis and anecdotal evidence from long-term beachgoers indicates that the pool is a severely under-utilised public amenity.”
It is hoped the renovation will attract more bathers and keep the pool cleaner for more than just one or two days a week.
Residents are invited to provide feedback on the numerous options for replacing the existing north-facing wall that adjoins the bay.
Under option one, graded sandstone steps, similar to those used at the new Marrinawi Cove, could replace the concrete.
“Sandstone is archetypal Sydney, and would look stunning as water cascades over it into the bay. The large steps would also be a beautiful space to congregate during low tide.”
Sandstone steps would also allow water to drain more naturally, improving the cleanliness of the pool.
The second option involves creating a wall with rocks from the rock pools at the northern end of the beach. This would also improve drainage, and promote the growth of coral and seaweed. Over time, sand would enter and settle on the bottom of the pool, creating an even more natural swimming experience.
Option three is to have no wall at all.
“All proposals are considered to be viable, and the final decision will be guided by the response from the public,” Council stated.
New pipes will further aid filtration and cleanliness. Pipes will be inserted into the south-eastern section of the existing sea wall, and this will
carry water into the pool. Special flaps will control the flow of sea water. Pipes on the western wall, closer to the beach, will allow water to exit at certain depths and ensure the regular circulation of water.
Council also stressed in the draft plan that regular cleaning of the pool will still be carried out, and that the new wall should keep the pool cleaner for longer.
“Council would love to see as many people as possible enjoying the swimming space which offers a safe and comfortable alternative to the bay. This includes the local swimming club and the nippers on rough days.”
Construction will cause inevitable disruption to beachgoers, so will be carried out during the cooler months and is expected to be completed by summer.
“We’re not using any of the firms employed to rebuild the Nielsen Park wall,” Council emphasised.
Meanwhile, residents can review and respond to the plan via the Randwick City Council website at randwick.nsw.gov.au.
Words Kieran Blake - kieranblakewriter.org
Photo Joe King
Clovelly Pool could get graded sandstone steps similar to those at Marrinawi Cove.
A Fishless Trip
On this adventure, I ditched the usual approach of packing the car with a tackle shop’s worth of gear and burning a week’s wages in fuel to get to a far-flung destination in an obsessive pursuit for a fish. Instead, I decided to strip it all back and go bush with simpler intentions, with not a single item of fishing gear nor the desire to catch a fish, just a backpack and my two legs.
The plan was to begin on the ridgetop at a quaint mountain town in the beating heart of the Blue Mountains, then make a steep descent down into the valley below before following the river towards our remote bush camp, enjoying the sights and smells on the way. Accompanying me on this trek was my best (and only) Colombian friend, Jorge (pronounced ‘Hor-hay’), whom I met painting boats down at the slipway in 2023. He came to Australia three years ago without knowing a single word of English and has come to be a great friend of mine despite the language barrier. It was his idea to experience some authentic Aussie camping that sparked the inception of the trip, and I felt it my civic duty as an Australian to take him on a trip he would never forget.
With two days’ worth of food, camping gear and water strapped to our backs, we left the trusty Paj and traversed our way along the ridge enjoying the postcard views and breathing in the clean air as we made the descent. The route would take us six hours according to a crude map I had downloaded on my phone, but time soon became irrelevant as we settled into the rhythm of our own two feet.
The trail snaked through a steep gully, tracking a rippling stream down into a cathedral-like canyon where daylight all but disappeared and rocks became blanketed in thick green moss. After hopscotching along the creek for a while we decided to take a well-earned break and check our progress against the map. To my disbelief it became jarringly apparent that we had overshot the turnoff by about two hours, adding a considerable distance to our already mammoth journey. Jorge took the news surprisingly well, but I could sense that he was losing faith in my bush skills… and understandably so. But like any good outdoorsmen, we took the setback in our stride and made a swift U-turn without complaints, turning the
once blissful downhill stroll into a gruelling uphill slog for the next two hours.
“It’s all part of the adventure,” I said, as we finally found the subtle turn-off at the top of the ridge marked by a sign boasting a long list of ominous warnings. Here, the trail became steeper, more rugged and less defined, and all of a sudden it felt like we were the only ones in this dense scrub. With the added unintentional detour, we were now racing the fading afternoon light as we strided through the valley to get to camp.
Before Jorge could teach me another Spanish phrase I was sure I would forget, the glistening river revealed itself as it trickled down the base of the valley in the afternoon light. We didn’t waste a moment to jump in and wash the day’s hiking off, allowing the cool mountain water to tend to our aching muscles in the process. I looked up and admired the towering cliffs as they glowed in the ebbing light for a second before we donned the packs for the final leg towards camp.
After a huge day walking over 20 kilometres we finally made it to the river flat where we set up camp for the night. The full moon rose over the mountains and we sat around the fire cooking steak and trading stories before taking our exhausted bodies off to bed for an early night. On reflection, often fishing is the motive for going to far-reaching places on crazy adventures, and what an amazing excuse it is for getting out in the great outdoors. But sometimes the tireless pursuit of fish can become all-consuming, with little time to sit back and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. This trip was a welcomed change, but it’ll be back to regular programming next month.
Words Lewis Kennedy-Hunt Photo Kat Toomba
Lewis and Jorge appreciating the simple beauty of nature.
The Beast Supercross
ACROSS
1. Rupert’s first son (7)
4. Eve’s partner (4)
8. Mice, rats and guinea pigs are from this order (6)
9. Small tree (6)
10. Copies the behaviour of others (8)
11. Toilet (3)
13. Handsome Greek god (6)
15. Online video journal (4)
16. British peer ranking (4)
18. Shallow body of water (6)
20. Small sled (4)
21. Avoid (4)
22. Protruding tooth (4)
23. Organ of hearing (3)
24. Act of setting fire to property (5)
Trivial Trivia
Words Lisa Anderson
DOWN
1. Redfern musician, The Kid ... (5)
2. Golf club carrier (6)
3. Cord worn around the neck (7)
5. Maiden (6)
6. Rum-based Cuban punch (6)
7. Barrier at the entrance (4)
9. Third largest island (6)
12. Delicate or slender build (6)
13. Sheath over the end of a shoelace (5)
14. Device that detects and responds to some type of input (6)
17. Russian revolutionary (5)
19. Central meaning or theme of a speech (4)
1. Who is the coach of the NSW State of Origin men’s team?
2. In which year did Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin?
3. Visitors to a Korean housewarming might take what gift for good luck; a shoehorn, nuts, or toilet paper?
4. Who is Australia’s current Governor-General?
5. Which Latin word means ‘lockable room’?
6. Regarding the quarterly business payment to the ATO, what does BAS stand for?
7. What is a doe?
8. On Facebook Messenger, what colour dot on a person’s profile picture indicates that they are online?
9. What is the name of the toy cowboy in Toy Story?
10. What is the collective noun for a group of lions?
Gazer
Genre Thriller
Reviewer Linda Heller-Salvador
What is real and what is imagined lies at the core of director Ryan J. Sloan’s darkly stylish feature film debut, Gazer. Co-written with the film’s leading actor, Ariella Mastroianni, it draws inspiration from films such as Memento, The Conversation, and Lee Chang-dong’s Burning. This gripping neo-noir film revolves around memory loss and immerses the audience in the disjointed and isolating world of Frankie, who suffers from a debilitating time-perception disorder that fragments her life like an unsolvable puzzle.
Desperate to create a stable future for her daughter, Frankie becomes entangled in a situation that plunges her deeper into the chaos of her shifting reality. To help anchor herself in the present and minimise her sudden blackouts, she relies on self-recorded audio tapes that prompt her with the mantra, “Focus, what do you see? If you feel yourself zoning out, rewind tape.”
However, moral ambiguity arises as Frankie constantly questions her lost moments and wonders whether she has committed a serious crime - or is it merely her fluctuating sense of time and place that is distorting her perception?
Ball Park Music Like Love
Label Prawn Records
Reviewer @aldothewriter
Rating
It feels like Ball Park Music have been around forever, popping up with the occasional cracking song, but living as a fringe band that everyone, bar a few diehards, only vaguely like. Well, they have our attention now. The title is apt, as we move from liking to loving them. It could be the peak of the mountain they have been climbing all these years. Hopefully it is one of those vast, flat-topped mountains, and they can stay up there for a while. A few more albums like Like Love would certainly fatten up the musical pantry.
Bon Iver SABLE, fABLE
Label Island Australia
Reviewer @aldothewriter
Rating
Bon Iver has had an interesting musical journey. He’s gone from a shack in the woods, via a regrettable collab with Kanye, into a Melbourne alleyway when hipsterism officially jumped the shark, through a weird glitchy pit stop, and now he’s here, with SABLE, fABLE. It’s like he’s back in the shack, but with a whole lot of extra baggage. The baggage is welcome though, it fills out the place. And while he may never be able to recapture the magic of those first two albums, it’s a pleasure to sit by the fireplace and listen to him shuffle through his junk.
Gigi Perez
At The Beach, In Every Life
Label Jagjaguwar
Reviewer @aldothewriter
Rating
When Gigi Perez hits, she hits hard. ‘Sailor Song’ and ‘Chemistry’ are testament to this, reminding everyone that folk music isn’t all sepia filters, silly hats and linen pants. Gigi is evidently of the Johnny Cash ethos that you should play a guitar like you really mean it. Don’t gently stroke it like a housecat - grab it and roll it around like a rambunctious golden retriever (playfully, of course). I imagine if she were to play in a small venue, singing along with the crowd would be amazing to be a part of, but sadly that ship has probably sailed.
incredible showroom, made-to-order headboards & beds