The Beast - November 2025

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BEAST

Subject Brothers Location Clovelly Photographer Tom Naghten

Balmy

Welcome to the November 2025 edition of The Beast, the monthly magazine for Sydney’s balmy beaches of the east.

I’m sitting down on one of the benches on the coastal walk writing this, and there’s a whale going nuts right in front of me, launching its entire blubbery rig out of the ocean and putting on a show for a couple of whale watching charters just behind the cemetery. Honestly, why would you want to live anywhere else?

Sculpture by the Sea will be held along the coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama again this year, despite the organisers nearly needing to can the event due to a lack of financial support. This year’s Sculpture will run from October 17-November 3. Although it is a pain in the backside for Tamarama locals, I think it would be a shame to see it go.

A big thankyou to local artist Mary Ann Hudson, who is the talent behind this month’s cover artwork, a linocut relief print of Bondi Beach. You can see more of Mary Ann’s art on her Instagram account, @mahudsonart, and at her upcoming exhibition at Gertrude & Alice Café Bookstore in Bondi on November 4. The exhibition will be open from 6.30-8.30pm and everyone is invited to some along and see prints of our local beaches and of Gertrude & Alice itself.

On Saturday, November 1 from 2-4pm, All Saints Church on Ocean Street, Woollahra will be hosting Woollahra Glorious! a concert with professional musicians playing classics by both well-loved composers (Bach, Elgar, Handel, Piazzolo...) and contemporary musicians (Keane, Coldplay, Bob Dylan, Lauren Daigle...). The concert aims to bring people of different generations together, so older people are encouraged to bring their

children and grandchildren, and vice versa. It is a ticketed event, but entry for children is free. Please visit events.humanitix. com/woollahra-glorious.

In other news, congratulations to Greens Councillor Clare Willington on her election as the new Deputy Mayor of Randwick. Cr Willington was elected to the position in late September, replacing outgoing Deputy Mayor Marea Wilson.

Cheers, James

The Beast

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60,000 copies delivered every month; 2,000 in shops and 58,000 in mailboxes.

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

"Sorry I'm late again brah, had ta grab me double shot decaf three-quarter ristretto brah. Yeah, nah, real sorry ay brah."

Coffee Snobbery in the Construction Industry

Bring Back the 'Bad Old Days'

Dear Pearl - Please help me, as I try to come to grips with the snobby coffee culture that has invaded the building industry!

I’m an electrician, and on pretty much every building site I’ve been at lately, a fellow tradie will arrive to work late, emerging from his anally clean RAM or Ford Ranger with a tray of coffees and bags of cinnamon scrolls. These blokes will pretty much always be juiced up, with sleeve tattoos and manicured eyebrows, wearing dicky jogger pants and some wanky designer runners, and I’m left waiting while they sip their latté and change into hi-vis.

I’ve got a few more years left in me before surrendering the tools, and I’m finding myself longing for the ‘bad old days’ of meat pies, vanilla slices and

Moove iced coffee to soothe the VB hangover, along with the occasional sight of a bum crack and beer gut. Honestly Pearl, what is the world coming to?

Something Called a 'Magic'

Dear Neale - If only the main issues with the construction industry were tradies with latté, scroll and tattoo addictions! But I do feel your pain, sweetie. My husband, Blair, has become a proud and insufferable coffee snob. And he makes no apologies for his snobbery, which coincided with donning the cycling lycra - prior to that, his caffeine intake was limited to boring old tea. His snobbery has leeched all the joy out of ordering a coffee, and I cringe with embarrassment as he explains the technicalities

of a “long mac topped up” or a “piccolo with a dash of milk” to some unsuspecting young barista.

Last month, he returned from a cycling trip raving about something called a ‘magic’. Meanwhile, Pearl is ordering a regular cappuccino and wondering if conflict over coffee is worthy grounds for a third divorce?

Your letter has Pearl longing for the bad old days of black, sugarless Nescafé instant. I would routinely down four to fuel my 5am run to South Coogee, before heading off to work sans breakfast for a 12-hour day at a posh Phillip Street establishment. Post work, I would down numerous G&Ts before fighting for a taxi outside Chifley Square. But would I trade my cappuccino at Bogey Hole for an $18 jar of Blend 43? No way, not in an instant (pun intended)!

Sweetie, as you wait in frustration on building sites, riled up by the vision of takeaway lattés, remember that trends and people (like my husband) change. I’m sure you will recall the bad old days of Underbelly-style property developers, Norm Gallagher and the Builders Labourers Federation, corrupt political-developer relationships, infinite red tape and on-the-take council inspectors. Today, those powerful property developers have lobbyists and political donations (rather than murder) at their disposal and cosy relationships with the CFMEU.

As for coffee, we have lived through International Roast vs Moccona snobbery, keep cups and alternative milk trends, all usurped by something called a ‘magic’. You can enjoy your retirement knowing those young guns will be working until they are 80 to fund their monster trucks, gym memberships, wanky shoes, sleeve tattoos and latté addictions (and their annual trip to Bali).

The Beast's Monthly Mailbag

Words The Engaged People of the Eastern Beaches

Disabled Dominos

On an almost daily basis, Dominos Coogee parks its delivery bikes in the disabled parking spot in front of Woolies on Coogee Bay Road. The only other disabled parking nearby is at the bottom of the hill opposite Coogee Bay Hotel.

I’ve spoken to Randwick Council rangers, but they cannot issue fines as the bikes are not registered vehicles. Today there were four bikes taking up the entire disabled parking spot.

Pearls of Wisdom, Indeed

Oh, Pearl of Clovelly, thankyou for your pearls of wisdom, with your wonderful correspondence in the latest Beast mag. Yes, I too long ago stopped going to the gym for the same reasons you point out. However, what almost made me want to take a small flask of brandy to steady my nerves was witnessing the same individuals staring into the blasted mirrors, which would drive me batty. I choose to power walk through beautiful Centennial Park listening to the master, Bob Dylan.

And, Pearl, I also concur wholeheartedly regarding these Eastern Suburbs two-tonne tanks on our already pothole-riddled roads, which would look more at home in a war zone. Given that Transport for NSW and our local councils have zero appetite for

fixing this new norm of our road system, the dreaded pothole, my problem is when these tanks hit these potholes and enlarge them to an extent that when a normal sized sedan lands in these craters we are left thinking, “Now, how am I going to get out of this hole?”

Should I call the NRMA, should I call Virgil from Thunderbird 2, or maybe even the heavens above to extract me from this hole I have fallen into while driving on these goat tracks we erroneously refer to as our road network.

Street 'Upgrades'

For those who have high hopes for the Randwick Spot traffic and pedestrian upgrade, I suggest they visit and speak to the shop owners and residents/customers of the Bronte Road, Charing Cross upgrade/debacle/shemozzle...

Honestly, there are not enough metaphors and adjectives in the Macquarie Australian English dictionary to describe the shambolic cluster F this has become. The one good thing is that Randwick ratepayers aren’t funding this one.

Make The Unreliable Guide Great Again

I couldn’t disagree more with your writer Nat Shepherd’s view of Donald Trump in articles from

your June and July 2025 editions.

A “dictator?” Come on, Nat. Are you serious, or is this another of The Beast’s satirical articles?

Unlike your ‘distant’ views, most likely biased by words you read and blindly believe of others, I’m sure there are a lot (and I mean a lot) of people who actually live in America who are very, very happy with President Trump. At least he is putting his own country first - and why not? It’s more than one could say for Albo (and most other political leaders)!

J Trundoglash

Bellevue Hill

Suss Surveillance

Dear Editor - Twelve months ago (October 2024) Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh moved a Mayoral Minute for increased CCTV and security measures in Waverley - a move many of us wholeheartedly support and welcomed. There was much fanfare for this tough decisive action, but as yet I can see no evidence of any follow through.

Many of us don’t feel safe at night. There has been extreme levels of antisemitism yet there has been no action from Council. Is this a problem with Council implementation, or empty promises from the mayor?

T Liu

Bondi Junction

P.S. Keep up the great work! I moved here a couple of years ago and love the fact that we have independent journalism - sadly lacking in most of Sydney!

Waverley Council is progressing with the implementation of additional CCTV. Necessary technical reviews and updates to policy have been completed and Council has endorsed installing additional CCTV cameras in the Oxford Street Mall, which will be actioned this financial year.

Queens Park Trees Removed

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Monthly Mailbag

the café in Queens Park. Today, we were shocked and dismayed to find that four of these mature trees had been sawn off at the base and removed. The photos below show how attractive the remaining trees are.

Why on earth would ratepayers’ funds be wasted removing majestic healthy trees instead of planting more of them, and when will they be replaced? They could have devoted their time and effort to fixing the erosion on that very bank where the trees grew, as it has washed down onto the playing field.

Rob Randwick

Blooming Brilliant

Dear Editor - Sam from Randwick has lovely things to say about our local A Man and His Monkey café (Local Legends, Monthly Mailbag, The Beast, October 2025). But right next door you’ll find Hair

Bloom, where hairdressers Huda and Susan work their magic. Huda has been a fixture on Clovelly Road for over thirty years, and my daughter and I have been loyal clients the whole time.

At Hair Bloom, when you’re having hair treatments you’ll meet people with deep roots in the area, a real sense of community and plenty of local stories to share. Between Hair Bloom and A Man and His Monkey there’s a shared street library, where books come and go and the shelves are always full of surprises. The whole strip hums with activity. Just across from the beloved little pocket park at Clovelly and Carrington, this corner of the world now is really special.

Victory for Koalas

First floated ten years ago and taken to the 2023 state election as a promise, the Great Koala National Park in northern NSW is about to become a reality.

Thankyou Premier Minns, Minister Penny Sharpe and all the pollies, conservation groups, First Nations representatives and many thousands of volunteers who campaigned. We can celebrate a win for nature and breathe a sigh of relief for koalas, greater gliders and many other species on the threatened and endangered lists. Native forest logging in the area is over! This kind of victory for people power is what makes volunteering the antidote to despair.

Some Important Context

A few months ago I was invited by Randwick Council to participate in a parking survey. The council asked ratepayers to provide ideas on how to improve parking around the shopping precincts on Clovelly Road. Now, everyone knows that parking on and adjacent to Clovelly Road is difficult at any time during daylight hours. And, parking is always the number one issue when residents complain to

Randwick Council. So, it’s hard to understand how any new solutions could have come from the survey.

Speaking just about the area around the Clovelly West shopping strip, one can say that a more complete example of wall-to-wall motor vehicles probably can’t be found anywhere in the Western World. On the southern side of Clovelly Road at this point Marcel Avenue and Moira Crescent come to mind as particularly challenging spots, and ‘resident only parking’ signs were introduced in Moira Crescent some time back.

Fast forward to the more recent past, and now there is another survey, this time about the possible introduction of ‘resident only parking’ signs in Ritchard Avenue. For the uninitiated, Ritchard Avenue is one street below Moira Crescent to the south.

Here’s where a little history is necessary. Marcel Avenue (in part) and Moira Crescent form what is known as the Bishopscourt precinct. This was part of the original land grant to the Anglican Bishop of Sydney, and the bishop’s residence was in Moira Crescent. For the purposes of the present discussion a detailed history is unnecessary, but you can find the relevant information on the internet if you are interested.

In 1995, Randwick Council invited residents in each of 18 designated ‘precincts’ to voice their opinions about (among other things) the scope of future development in their precinct. Of the 18, only Bishopscourt wanted to prevent future development altogether. It is not clear why the residents were of this opinion, but it may have something to do with the then preponderance of company titles in the street’s real estate.

There’s a heritage profile of Moira Crescent from 2021 on the internet. In the context of this discussion, two factors stand out. Firstly, Moira Crescent largely consists of two- and three-storey walk-up flats from the interwar period (largely the 1940s). Secondly, the area has little off-street parking and very few garages. At

after.

least six of the garages in the street are used as storage areas!

This is consistent with the difference in living standards from then to now. A 1940s flat does not offer the same space as a modern two-bedroom apartment. At the same time, the residents of the flats would not all have owned a vehicle. Today, a similar family unit may own two vehicles. But there is little off-street parking.

The heritage profile recommends no development and no addition to parking!

That brings us back to the two council surveys. Residents in Moira Crescent who cannot find a parking spot look elsewhere, including in Ritchard Avenue. As a result, parking in Ritchard Avenue becomes more difficult.

However, it would seem that there is a much wider problem. We have seen recently that the state government has designated certain retail precincts in Randwick (Randwick shopping centre and Maroubra Junction) as areas where, for properties within 400 metres and 800 metres of the shops, much higher building limits have been approved. So, the real problem becomes how to balance the need for modern affordable living spaces with property of, at best, limited heritage value.

A more balanced approach to heritage values might help to solve not merely the minor parking problem in Ritchard Avenue, but also the more important issue of an increase in affordable housing close to existing facilities.

Fence Complainers

If you read ‘Concerned Resident’s’ letter (In the Shade, Monthly Mailbag, The Beast, October 2025) griping about their neighbour building a DA-breaching, overheight fence, and are worried that this may affect your fence-building plans, don’t you worry, as I have the solution for you: Bamboo.

A thick wall of bamboo will provide a ten-metre-tall barrier of glorious, light-blocking misery

for your neighbour, and it doesn't breach any council regulations. The best thing is that there’s absolutely nothing your neighbour can do about it, because unlike other councils that impose a one-metre setback and a three-metre height restriction on this exotic giant, Waverley Council is totally cool with it.

But what if, after being fobbed off by Waverley Council, your neighbour writes to their State MP? Well, you don’t have to worry about that either. Your MP does not have to live behind a wall of bamboo, so the odds of anybody actually doing something about it are stacked well and truly in your favour.

Prince of Wales at 2am

Please, let me tell you about an experience at Prince of Wales Hospital at 2am in the morning... I recently hurt my shoulder lifting a 15kg high pressure gurney over a bag of bulbs at the side of my house. I managed to tear most of the ligaments off my right rotator cuff. In the course of my 86 years I have had three broken arms and only two shoulder repair operations. I must have been

aiming for symmetry with an even three of each.

Disappointment! The surgeon said there are various things I could do to avoid surgery - thanks mate. He gives me these exercises that are exquisitely designed to strengthen the anterior deltoid muscle to help this poor little thread of gristle toughen up and do the work of its missing cousins - fine. On day three I dutifully lie in bed and try very gently to lift my arm to the vertical position. Three hours later at 2am in excruciating pain a taxi took me to Adult Emergency.

Did you know that every entrance to POW leads to Adult Emergency… eventually? The art of the thing is to find the right one. I came in at the Barker Street entrance, stumbling and very close to fainting - not a soul in site. Those corridors at night would make a good Hitchcock horror movie set - dimmed lights, not a sound and not a single bloody soul in sight, just endless signs in empty corridors saying, “This way to Adult Emergency” - spooky!

I eventually collapsed against the only inhabited entrance at Maguire Street. As they say, the rest is history. But what is my point? Please post a live agent at each of the entrances to POW to take the walking dead to wherever they need to be. This would save a lot of mess in the corridors.

First Nations PrecinctLa Perouse

Prominent among Randwick Mayor Parker’s planned projects, as outlined in the September edition of The Beast, is the transformation of the La Perouse Museum and Headland into a First Nations Cultural Precinct, a topic first mooted earlier this year and now designated as ‘New Directions’. While not denying the long-term Aboriginal tenure of this terrain, which extends geographically further than the land described, the historical import of it being the landing site for British exploration by James

Sparkles
Bronte
Impossible to get rid of.

Cook in 1770 and arrival point of Arthur Phillip with the First Fleet in 1788 cannot and should not be erased, regardless of one’s opinion of the consequences.

Further enhancing the international significance of this venue was the entrance into Botany Bay just days later of two French scientific expeditionary ships under the command of Jean-François de Galaup, Compte de La Pérouse, after whom the area was named. Although traditional enemies, there were weeks of social and professional intercourse between both esteemed officers, which may well count as the first semi-official entente cordiale conducted on the rocky shores that subsequently became known as Australia.

Such an event was far better recognised by the French Government when, in February 1988, the former cable station, refurbished and stocked with documents and memorabilia of La Perouse and subsequent French vessels, was handed over to then State Environment and Planning Minister Bob Carr as a generous Bicentennial gift. The public ceremony was attended by, among others, the French ambassador, Defence, political and municipal VIPs, with the French Navy ship Jeanne d’Arc moored in the waters of Botany Bay, its helicopters later ferrying guests over to it for a post-luncheon reception.

Mayor Parker has admitted that revised plans for the museum and environs are necessary due to deterioration of the building and its contents over past decades. Rooms have been minimised or closed off altogether, including one configured in a sub-oceanic fashion from donations by members of The Club of 200, of which I was an original member.

There is no doubt that the premises and surrounds, which include the 1778 tomb of French priest/naturalist Louis Receveur and the 1825 monument to La Perouse’s last known port of call, require ongoing TLC, but to concentrate solely on the First Nations aspect is an insult to the

French connection and its geopolitical role in the annals of Randwick. The sum of $100 million was originally estimated as the overall cost of remediating the building and grounds, but, irrespective of the finance required, if completed with regard to the totality of traditional and multinational features of this headland, it, together with Bare Island, could become a place of historic pilgrimage with the flags of Britain, France, Australia and First Nations flying proudly and fraternally.

Below is a French sketch of their encampment during the La Perouse anchorage.

Bondi Basketball

Dear Editor - At last, someone is paying attention to our teens! Waverley Council’s pop-up basketball court on Bondi Beach has been a slam dunk, giving young people a space to play, connect and stay active right where they want to be. Add that to the permanent half-court on the way and it’s clear this council is finally serious about investing in our youth.

Basketball is booming across Australia, and our kids need courts. It’s fantastic to see the Liberal Council stepping up, listening and actually delivering for the next generation. More of this, please!

Basketball Dad Bondi

Bondi Belongs to Everyone

Bondi Beach is known for its welcoming attitude to all people. Bondi Beach residents accept that it is a national and international destination and have always accommodated this situation. Beach

people, being immersed daily in nature and its vagaries, and with the open sea as their unlimited horizon, tend to carry this perspective into their daily lives.

A ‘paddle out’, which is standard fare at Bondi Beach, was organised for Sunday, September 7. The paddle out was in support of the Palestinians. The unseemly demonstration against the paddle out, with participants from one group claiming Bondi Beach as “their beach” and telling the paddle out participants to leave, was against the whole ethos of the beach.

Bondi Cigars

Growing up in Bondi in the 1980s, it was not uncommon to find the occasional turd bobbing in the water or washed up on the shore. I was reminded of this when the Palestine Action Group rolled into Bondi recently. They set up their encampment, waved their flags and chanted their chants. No Gazans were saved, no hostages were released, and the war grinds on.

I am grateful to the many locals who gathered to make the protesters feel as welcome as the proverbial Bondi cigar. The protesters were sent packing, hopefully with the realisation that there is little appetite for woke political grandstanding on our beautiful beaches.

Good Policing

I’d like to extend my thanks and admiration for the work of the Police down at the beach event for their exemplary crowd control in an incendiary situation.

A more diverse set of values and a more diverse group of people would be hard to imagine. The Police’s evenhandedness made me glad to have them as our enforcement agency, unlike many places in the world where the fires of belief could have become a superfire.

The encampment at La Perouse.

France, right on your doorstep with a Sydney twist

FRENCH CHRISTMAS MARKET

by LCS Maroubra, Moverly Road 10 AM to 3 PM SAT 13 DEC 2025

ENTRY: FREE

Everyone welcome

Le French Christmas Market 2025 by LCS can hold it all

your longing for Douce France, artworks from the bush, paintings of kookaburras, and urban street photography.

Your sweetest indulgences from Lyon - or even a playful reinterpretation of a Wagon Wheel.

Your Beaujolais wine tastings, your handful of macarons and pralines.

Your strolls among bijouterie and ceramics, French linens and Aussie coastal style, and your finds in conscious AussieFrench skincare. Your family moments at the Santa photo booth, your poetry under the tree, your chance at raffles and community spirit.

and above all … your stories to share, and your gifts to place under the tree.

Come discover Sydney’s most French Christmas marketa community celebration with a local soul.

New stalls 2025: Acorn Vase | Agapée | Australia Gas Bijoux | Aurélie Bidermann | Avocado Vase Craie Studio | Guanabana Handmade | La Coque Française | Little One Miniatures | Monochromic Ceramic | Natas & Co. | Pépite Rose | Petersons Wines | Sessùn | Vanessa Baroni

The Bondi Paddle Out

The paddle out at Bondi on Father’s Day, organised by a Jewish group appalled by events in Gaza, was designed as a peaceful show of solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying life-saving supplies to that stricken land. That it was hijacked by a slavering mob was shocking but unsurprising, and the physical violence was matched by language that has no place in our society.

Their actions and rhetoric were on a par with those of the extremists who attacked people at the sacred Indigenous site a week before (perhaps they’re taking their cues from the same playbook). Telling peaceful protestors to get back to (I’m leaving the place name blank, as I don’t want to add to the hurt already caused) is unacceptable, and to claim the beach as their own would be laughable if it weren’t so offensive.

For the record, my Australian connection goes back to 1812 on one side and 1837 on the other,

when my ancestors arrived here, not necessarily of their own volition. I grew up on Bondi Beach, as did my children and now grandchildren. I feel immensely privileged to have it as my backyard and am more than happy to share with people of goodwill, which automatically excludes anyone who was on the wrong side of the fence on September 7.

NYE Family Fun!

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in our local government area of Waverley are shaping up to be the best yet, and it’s the Locals Lawn that’s the real standout. Thanks to the hard work of the Liberal-led Waverley Council, spearheaded by Councillor Stephenson, our community will enjoy not just one, but two spectacular fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.

This is a no-brainer and a win for everyone - families with young

kids who can celebrate early, and those who love to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year. Even better, the money raised from these celebrations will be reinvested right back into our community. That’s smart, responsible governance in action.

It’s refreshing to see a council listening to what people actually want - safe, family-friendly spaces, world-class fireworks and events that bring the whole community together. The Locals Lawn is exactly that; a place where we can celebrate side-by-side without the hassle, while knowing the benefits flow straight back into our area.

This is what our area needed, and this is what community-focused leadership looks like.

Yours sincerely, Excited Local Parent Waverley

Please send your letters to letters@thebeast.com.au (with your name and suburb).

Local Artist...

Mary Ann Hudson from Maroubra

Local artist Mary Ann Hudson is the talent behind this month’s cover artwork, a linocut relief print of Bondi Beach. Mary Ann shares her local favourites with The Beast...

How long have you lived here? We moved to Maroubra 19 years ago, when Pacific Square had just opened and only had a Coles and Bakers Delight inside. Back then our driveway and the footpaths in our street were basically just sand. They’ve since been paved and there’s now an abundance of great shops and French bakeries at Maroubra Junction.

Why do you live here? We lived in a flat in North Bondi with our first two kids and absolutely loved it, but when I was pregnant with our third we just needed more space.

What's your favourite beach? I love the wildness of Maroubra, with all that bushland at the south end; I love the calmer waters of Coogee, with the island protecting it; I love the vacation vibe of Clovelly; I love the way the ocean’s might is tamed by the rocks at Bronte’s Bogey Hole; I love the sunsets over the water at La Perouse; and I adore the old-school boardwalks at Redleaf Pool. But I’d have to say that Bondi is just too stunningly perfect, and probably my favourite.

What's your favourite eatery? My favourite cafe is Gertrude & Alice in Bondi. They have the best chai tea, and to sit there surrounded by books is so inspirational and comforting. My favourite restaurant is Kokoroya in Maroubra, with it’s friendly Japanese staff, great food and cool bamboo decor.

How would you describe your art? Graphic expressions of beach and café life. I like capturing everyday or quirky moments, or things I find visually interesting.

Where can people see your work? On my Instagram account, @mahudsonart, and at my upcoming exhibition at Gertrude & Alice.

Who are your artistic inspirations? Van Gogh, the German Expressionists, Picasso, and lots of printmakers on Instagram and at the Warringah Print Studio where I’m a member.

What are you working on at the moment? A series of woodblock and linocut prints of beach and café life, trying to capture those fleeting moments of relaxation that make Sydney such a great place to live.

How do you make your prints? I use either plywood or lino for my relief prints. It’s a technique where you use a roller to apply ink to the raised surface of a carved block. Basically, you carve out the areas of the image that you want to remain white, leaving the image part elevated. Then the ink is rolled onto the remaining raised surface, and you press paper onto it to transfer the image, creating a print. To make coloured prints, you can either use multiple boards or do a reduction print, which is when you print a colour, cut more away from the board, and then print another colour.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up? I’m having an exhibition at Gertrude & Alice Café Bookstore on November 4 from 6.30-8.30pm. Come along (one night only!) and

see prints of local beaches and of Gertrude & Alice itself.

When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? Beyond lovely compliments from friends and family, it was when Jane from Gertrude & Alice asked to get cards printed of my images to sell in the shop. It’s immensely gratifying to hear that total strangers are buying them.

Any other local artists to look out for? Sam Tidbeck (@studiotidbeck) is local to the Eastern Suburbs, and Caroline Quaine is a Bondi artist (@caroline_quaine). Local to Mullumbimby, Claire Yerbury is a brilliant nature-inspired painter (@claire_yerbury).

Did you study art? I majored in printmaking at Sydney College of the Arts. What a great time that was - three years just dedicated to learning different techniques and creating art. I almost can’t believe it happened.

Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? Keep practising your craft and you’ll slowly develop your own style and content, which is what people really appreciate.

What do you do for work? I’ve mostly worked as a graphic designer, and I volunteer at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, helping families in moments of distress, and the Neonatal unit at the Royal Women’s Hospital.

What's your favourite thing about work? The sense of purpose and social interaction, as well as mental stimulation. I’ve also met so many great friends through my different jobs, and I even met my husband at work!

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Carve out some time to get off your devices and read every day. It’s amazing how it helps with focus and makes you use your imagination in a way that is deeply satisfying.

Interview James Hutton
Photo Tim Bercut
On the tools.

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39 Gould Street, Bondi Beach Phone: 0404 552 322 brendan@bondimigration.com.au www.bondimigration.com.au

Taken Before His TimeBondi Farewells a Brilliant Man

It was an ordinary Sunday winter morning at Bondi Icebergs. The weekly relay teams were lining up when a new swimmer appeared poolside. It was Hollywood star Owen Wilson, hoping for a quiet lap or two.

But ‘Moose’ Moore was short a swimmer, so he did what any true Icebergs member would do - he roped Wilson in. The movie star did as he was told, swam his leg and helped Moose’s team to victory. Later, when asked on national television how he was enjoying Bondi, Wilson replied, “Yeah, I swam with some guy called Moose!”

Variety even reported the encounter on its website.

“On a private visit to the famous Bondi Icebergs swim club, Wilson accepted an impromptu invitation to join a team at the weekly winter meet, where he swam a leg of the relay in the chilly ocean pool without losing ground to competing teams,” wrote Michaela Boland.

That was typical Moose - a joiner-inner, raconteur, bon

vivant, keen ocean swimmer and friend to many. A very gifted wordsmith and storyteller, he eventually lost his words to dementia and, after a long battle, died peacefully on September 18 with his loving partner Louise by his side.

One of his advertising mates described him as “very clever, quietly crazy, irrational, unpredictable, argumentative, inspirational, sometimes annoying, charming, extremely intelligent - and everyone loved him.”

Moose’s story resonated far beyond Bondi. He was the subject of two major features in The Australian, a segment on A Current Affair and a personal essay by Louise in Vogue Australia during Dementia Action Week. His journey also inspired Think Again, a national dementia-awareness campaign launched by News Corp, urging Australians to think about their brain health and take action.

Moose is survived by Louise Bryant and his daughter, Phoebe.

Return and Earn Container Deposit Scheme to be Expanded

Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill has welcomed the upcoming expansion of the Return and Earn container refund scheme to cover wine and spirits bottles.

Due to be phased in within two years, the expanded scheme will also cover cordials, juice concentrates and larger beverage containers.

New South Wales is bringing in the changes alongside South Australia, and together the two states are expected to see nearly half a billion extra containers returned each year.

“This initiative closes the gap, making it easier for all of us to keep more containers out of landfill and in the recycling stream where they belong,” Dr O’Neill said.

The scheme offers a 10 per cent refund. Some, like environmental lobby group Boomerang Alliance, say that as well as expanding the types of containers covered by the program, government should be regulating an increase in the refund amount.

“The value of the 10c refund has eroded with inflation,” the group says on its website. “When the scheme began, 10c meant something. Today, it’s worth closer to 6.5c.”

No need to whine about wine bottles any more.

Moose was one of a kind.

Residents Win Back Views After Successful Tree Petition

Most petitions to councils involving street trees tend to focus on protecting them, rather than giving them the chop.

But a group of Dover Heights residents recently called on Waverley Council to get rid of the Tuckeroo trees that were planted by the council on the footpath verge back in 2007 and have since grown to a height that obscures stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the bridge and the city skyline, with the green expanse of Dudley Page Reserve in the foreground adding an Elysian touch to the vista.

One householder who’s definitely not a big fan of the Tuckeroo trees is Mrs Evelyn Webster, who has been living in her Myuna Road house for 50 years and loved her Harbour Bridge view.

“I hate those trees!” Mrs Webster told The Beast. “I’d be happy to have no trees at all.”

A petition with 21 signatures from Mrs Webster and other residents in Myuna Road was

lodged with the council and tabled at its September full meeting, where their case received strong support.

“This has been a longstanding issue for residents of Myuna Road,” Councillor Dov Frazer told the meeting.

The meeting also heard that past attempts to trim the 16 offending trees had not been successful because contractors had cut the sides and not the crowns. Now they were reaching heights of eight metres in places.

A number of councillors argued for the preservation of the Tuckeroos. Deputy Mayor Dr Keri Spooner questioned whether the residents had “a legal right to an iconic view” and Greens Councillor Ludovico Fabiano argued that trimming the tops of the trees should remain an option.

But a near unanimous number of councillors ended up supporting a motion that the Tuckeroos should be removed and replaced with trees that won’t grow taller than 2.5 metres.

24-hour Swim at Des Renford Pool to Raise Funds for a Worthy Cause

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo D G Imagery

Would you like to dive into a healthy event that raises money for the autism community? The Revo Fitness 24hr Swim for Ocean Heroes is coming to Des Renford Pool on the weekend of November 15-16.

It’s a relay event where teams have a swimmer in the water for 24 hours. Participants pay a $60 registration fee, which goes towards the Ocean Heroes program that provides people on the spectrum with complimentary surfing lessons.

The 24hr Swim started in Western Australia and this is the first time it has been held on this side of the country. Bronte local and Waverley lifeguard Lachlan McArthur is East Coast Operations Manager for Ocean Heroes and is organising the Des Renford event. He says it will involve 16 teams of up to 12 members each. If teams can’t make up the dozen, they can have fewer members - as low as eight.

“All levels of ability and all ages are welcome,” Mr McArthur told The Beast.

To find out more and to register, please visit oceanheroes. com.au/pages/24hr-swim.

24hr Swim participants in the pool in Western Australia.

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Cheyne Saw
These street trees will be replaced to restore stunning views.

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.

A Lifetime Spent Helping Those Less FortunateBronte Farewells One of Its Classic Originals

For years and years and years, Dad rose at the crack of Bronte dawn to shuffle his way to Bondi and back before a swim, a coffee and the quiz with the blokes, always giving a friendly wave and a smile to everyone he passed. In his late 70s the shuffle grew slower, and many a helping hand picked him up after a grazed knee or hand.

Dad was classic ‘OG’ Bronte. Born to his Irish mother Julia and father Thomas Brookes in Macquarie Street, Bondi Junction, he was schooled at St Charles, Waverley, and often regaled us with stories of him and his brother Bill Brookes walking barefoot to school, swimming in the ponds of Centennial Park and carving out slingshots in Bronte Gully.

Kevin was a long time member of the Bronte Surf Club. He proudly patched and mended our family homes on Gibson Street and Gordon Place. He drank his beers at the Bronte

RSL and held conversations from one end of Macpherson Street to the other.

For many years Dad ran his own small electrical business and, after climbing out of a roof, shared many cups of tea and slices of cake while doing small jobs for the community. He and his best mate Leo Lucas (of Lucas Meats fame) traded electrical work for sausages. We’d pop into the butcher with a handwritten note from Mum and walk out with the best meat in the country.

Alongside being a great connector, Dad spent his life making time for those less fortunate. Every Friday night for over 30 years he volunteered at Matthew Talbot Hostel. He served as president of the St Vincent de Paul Society for many years, again caring for the vulnerable in our community. In his later years, Mum, Dad and some good friends cooked a weekly meal at Cana Communities in Darling-

hurst, a place where many blokes released from Long Bay Jail ended up trying to find their feet again. Dad and Kevin Mclauchlan fixed the lights and patched the walls while Trisha and Vicki made the lasagna.

Kevin’s last five years saw him slowly decline with dementia. He was lovingly cared for in his final years at St Vincent’s Care on Bronte Road, the 7-star hotel. While he could no longer swim in the Bogey, for as long as he was able he still joined the boys at Jenny’s Café for a coffee and jam on Turkish toast. No longer able to answer a single Good Weekend quiz question, he was still lovingly welcomed all the same.

Dad’s life is a reminder to stay connected to your community, look out for the vulnerable and be a great mate. We’ll be shuffling along the Bronte to Bondi walk for Dad forever more.

Rest in heavenly peace Kevin Brookes 18/2/1939-27/9/2025

Words Fiona, Libby and Caitlin Brookes Photo Caitlin Brookes
Kevin enjoying his beloved Bronte.

Waverley Council Update

Mayor's Message

A year of big achievements

It’s been just over a year since I was re-elected for a third time, and it’s been an honour to lead such a dedicated and forward-thinking Council as Mayor Over the past 12 months, we’ve boosted capital works spending by 33 per cent, with a back-to-basics approach focused on renewing and maintaining key infrastructure. We are also one of just three Sydney councils to not increase our domestic waste charge M ajor projects underway include the landmark Strategic Vision and Masterplan for Bondi Junction – a blueprint to turn this vital but underutilized precinct into a civic and cultural hub. Construction is starting on Bronte Surf Club, delivering a modern multi-purpose building with enhanced lifeguard facilities and public amenities Council has also enthusiastically pursued more place activations to enliven Waver ley, from community celebrations to bringing New Year’s Eve back to Bondi Beach. Responding to the community’s share bike concerns, we became the first Council to enter an agreement with operators to better manage their usage.

We made the largest acquisition of affordable housing in close to two decades and adopted new policy measures to expand access for essential workers and individuals fleeing family and domestic violence. And Council has supercharged its support of local businesses by cutting red tape, adopting outdoor dining reforms and maintaining a ‘Waverley first’ approach

This year has also been shaped by a growing urgency to tackle antisemitism. It has been a source of pride to see Council adopt an Australian-first Strategy to Combat Antisemitism More than just words on a page, the framework is to build cohesive and resilient communities There is more work to do but together we can make Waverley the best place to live, work and visit.

Returning Council assets to the public

Two historic Waverley assets are set for a new era, with Council reimagining ways the public can enjoy Bronte House and the former Chambers building. The heritage listed Bronte House is set to be open all year round. Community feedback overwhelmingly supported making the space publicly accessible, with suggested uses including a tearoom or gallery, as well as public tours.

Ph: 9083 8000 | waverley.nsw.gov.au

Stay in touch: waverley.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

Council’s vision for transforming t he disused Council Chambers on Bondi Road into a recreational, civic and community hub is one step closer, with four concept options set to be exhibited shortly. The short-listed options were shaped by public feedback, and include multi-purpose sporting courts, community venues for hire, flexible co-working spaces and a café. The concepts will be put out for public consultation soon, so stay tuned.

NYE Locals Lawn ballot

The countdown is on for New Years Eve’s at Bondi Beach, when we will host elrow Bondi Beach XXL, a 15,000-person music festival with global acts

But we are also hosting Locals Lawn, a free family zone with entertainment, food trucks and a prime view for the special 9pm fireworks display.

Tickets are free but will be randomly allocated in a ballot, which is now open To ensure our community doesn't miss out, first dibs will be given to Bondi locals and then other Waverley residents.

Availability is limited so tickets must be redeemed by November 13 before reallocation More details are at fuzzy com au

William Nemesh Mayor of Waverley

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Richard’s Big Moment

Words and Photo Anthony Maguire

Maroubra man Richard Habelrih strides down the catwalk, his face lit up with happiness.

“Richard is wearing a pair of Chinos from Myer, suede sneakers and a cool Spring shirt,” announces fashion stylist Adriana Fernandez, who is co-compèring this special event with professional MC John Eussen.

Striking up a heroic pose after completing his lap of the fashion runway, 29-year-old Richard receives a round of applause from the crowd of 100-plus. He steps back down to the floor of Eastgardens, but his spirits remain uplifted.

As someone with Level 2 autism and an intellectual disability, Richard has had to overcome challenges throughout his life.

“All his life he has been marginalised,” his mother Randa told The Beast.

Richard’s plight prompted Ms Habelrih to form her niche modelling agency, which started out under the umbrella of charity Autism Mates and now operates as Model Mates. She seeks out paying gigs for young people

with autism, Down Syndrome and other disabilities.

Recently, her son and two other autistic young people, Chloey and Cameron, were generously paid for a two-day video shoot with Afford, also known as the Australian Foundation for Disability.

“It’s all about empowerment,” enthuses Ms Habelrih, “and how do you empower someone? You pay them!”

Model Mates makes its bread and butter income from running courses and workshops that help young people with disabilities develop self-esteem and confidence. Sponsored by Randwick City Council, the September 6 fashion parade at Eastgardens was opened by the member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite, who told the audience that the event was all about “ensuring that the wonderful talents and strengths of the disability community shine through.”

He added, “I can tell you, some of these people have done work experience with me and they won’t let you down.”

All Go for FOGO Following Positive Results from Waverley Trial

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Binyamin Greenlid

Waverley Council has posted a report on its trial of FOGO disposal at almost 2,000 households - and the results are mainly positive.

While there were a few issues raised, like people putting soil in bins and the odd apartment caretaker not realising it’s a weekly service, the council is confident those challenges can be overcome through information resources such as online interviews with council-appointed ‘binfluencers’ James and Deborah. One tip from James - try using the freezer instead of collecting your food scraps in a kitchen caddy.

Waverley has been trialling FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) disposal in 14 streets in Bondi, Bronte and Rose Bay.

The New South Wales Government has set a 2030 deadline for all councils to be FOGO compliant. Waverley, having dipped its toe in the water, will be broadening the scheme.

“The next phase of the trial includes an expansion of the FOGO collections to 20 streets in the existing trial zones, reaching a further 1,365 households,” says the council.

‘Binfluencer’ James, whose household is trialling FOGO.

Richard struts his stuff on the Westfield fashion runway.

Randwick News

At Randwick City Council, we’re committed to improving and delivering the services that matter most to you.

Whether it’s collecting your rubbish on time, keeping our beaches, parks and streets clean, or responding quickly to your questions and service requests, our priority is to make sure every interaction you have with Council is a positive one.

We’ve listened to your feedback closely and made some important improvements over the past few years. One example is how we’ve made it easier to order Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) caddy liners. You can now order FOGO liners online, track their delivery, and have them arrive at your door within five working days. No more lost or delayed deliveries!

We’ve also reduced the time it takes to process development applications by almost half – from an average of 168 days in 2023-24 to just 88 days in 2024-25. That means quicker decisions for those looking to renovate or build.

For local cafes, restaurants and takeaway shops, we’ve made it simpler and cheaper to set up a dining space on the footpath. We’ve slashed the costs involved, saving businesses up to $5,800, and we’ve reduced the time it takes to assess applications by 90 per cent – from an average of 101 days to just 11 days.

These are just a few ways we’re working to serve our community better. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made but there’s still more to do. That’s why we will keep listening and working with you to focus our resources where they are needed most.

What’s On

MAROUBRA BEACH MARKETS

SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER

8 am – 2 pm

Broadarrow Reserve, Maroubra

HEFFRON PARK MARKETS

SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER

8 am – 2 pm

Heffron Park netball courts, Maroubra

STEP OUT SPEAK OUT FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER

7 am

High Cross Park, Randwick

MAROUBRA PRECINCT RESIDENTS MEETING

MONDAY 10 NOVEMBER

7 pm

The Juniors Maroubra Cnr Anzac Pde and Haig St

BAYS AND BEACHES PRECINCT RESIDENTS MEETING WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER

7 pm

Prince Henry Centre, Little Bay

SCAN FOR MORE RESIDENTS MEETINGS

"New Era of Success" After Big Win for Bondi Golf & Diggers Club

There were huge celebrations at Bondi Golf & Diggers Club last month after its star golfers won the club its first major champi-

onship in 47 years - a milestone achievement as Bondi Golf & Diggers notches up its 90th anniversary.

The win at Cabramatta Golf Club on Sunday, September 28 was the climax of a three-month season between all the metropolitan golf clubs in Sydney.

Bondi and Moore Park were tied 1-1 and the final match between two pairs of players was also shaping up as a neckand-neck contest as it went to the 18th green - until Bondi local Casey Hurrell executed a remarkable ‘flop shot’ (for the non-golfers, that’s a difficult shot used to get the ball high into the air and make it stop quickly, ideal for clearing obstacles like bunkers near the green when there’s little landing room). The ball landed just a foot from the hole!

“That clinched the championship,” Club Captain Rob Aoukar told The Beast. Mr Aoukar added, “We see the win as the beginning of a new era of success for our small but big-hearted club.”

Words Anthony Maguire
Photo Norman Greg
The club’s premier players celebrate their victory.

NATIONAL RECYCLING WEEK

FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE INFO FOR MORE INFO FOR MORE INFO

CHEMICAL CLEANOUT

Randwick Recycling Centre 72 Perry Street, Matraville

Sun 16 Nov Tours between 8.45 am – 2 pm

Randwick Recycling Centre 72 Perry Street, Matraville Sat 8 – Sun 9 Nov Sat 15 – Sun 16 Nov

Various locations nationwide Sun 9 Nov 9 am – 3.30 pm

Safely dispose of any unwanted household chemicals found in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garage or garden shed.

RANDWICK RECYCLING CENTRE TOURS

Find out what happens to your recyclables after collection and learn why it’s important to recycle right. Free BBQ and coffee cart (kindly bring your coffee keep cup).

GARAGE SALE TRAIL

Australia’s biggest pre-loved treasure hunt with three million items up for grabs at 10,000 garage sales nationally.

Crime News

Junction Beauty Salon Linked With Large-Scale Crime

A beauty salon in Bondi Junction is at the centre of ugly allegations about fraud and money laundering.

Police have charged Thi Vu, part owner of Beauty Pavilion, with a string of fraud and proceeds of crime charges, and one of her business partners, Ibnu Pratama, is on the run in Southeast Asia, with a NSW Police warrant out for his arrest - a far cry from the day in April last year when the pair launched their business venture in a lavish event lubricated by Moët & Chandon champagne, with a $750,000 Ferrari F171 parked outside in Newland Street making a bold statement of ostentation.

As it turns out, police believe that fraudulent loans for the purchase of Ferraris and other luxury cars were being used to prop up the business. Pratama was allegedly so adept at obtaining the loans that he was known as the ‘Ferrari guy.’

Police say Vu and Pratama were members of a syndicate involved in large-scale fraud and money laundering, and that ‘dirty’ money was used for the $2.6 million purchase and $700,000 fitout of Beauty Pavilion early last year.

Man Had Twenty E-bikes Plus Other Suspect Goods - Police

Police looking for a Fatboy e-bike stolen in Coogee raided the home of a 60-year-old Maroubra man. They found a lot more than just that one bike.

Officers seized twenty e-bikes and eight e-scooters. Police say they also found jewellery, power tools and suspect identity documents, along with a crossbow and a smorgasbord of illegal drugs including heroin, MDMA, meth and GHB.

Needless to say, police threw the proverbial book at the man. He’s been charged with multiple offences and refused bail.

Dial-a-Vape Racket

Police busted a home delivery vape service when undercover cops saw student Zheng Fang getting out of his car in Bellevue Hill holding a paper bag. He’d drawn their attention earlier for erratic driving.

When the 25-year-old was questioned and searched, a number of vapes were found in the bag. And there were a lot more vapes in Zheng’s car - there were 183 of them in Woolworths bags.

On the uni student’s phone, police found Chinese text that, once translated, turned out to be instructions from his boss about vape orders and amounts to be paid.

Facing Waverley Court, Zheng pleaded guilty to a string of charges including supplying

vaping goods and dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was fined $1,400.

Man Clocked at 100km/h in Centennial Park

At 12.30am one morning, police received a report about someone driving a car behind the locked gates of Centennial Park. Security staff opened a gate to police - and a wild pursuit began.

The speed limit in Centennial Park is a sedate 30km/h. Police say the unauthorised car took off like a rocket and reached speeds of up to 100km/h on the road that runs around the park.

Road spikes were deployed, then the chase was terminated due to safety concerns.

“A short time later the vehicle came to a stop in bushland within Centennial Parklands,” police said in a Facebook posting.

“The driver, a 31-yearold man, was arrested and conveyed to Prince of Wales Hospital for blood and urine samples, and a mental health assessment.”

Bondi Assault Suspect

Have you seen this man? Police would like to talk to him about an assault at Bondi Beach on Thursday, September 4.

Anyone with information is urged to contact either Waverley Police Station on 9369 9899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Words Jimmy Fellon
Photo Jay L'Bird
Thi Vu and Ibnu Pratama at the opening of Beauty Pavilion.
The cache of hot-e-bikes recovered by police.

Subject

The

Superman Location Clovelly
Photographer Dori Miller
Subject Two Hues of Blue Location Vaucluse Photographer Béatrice Bathany
Subject Standing Stones Location Coogee Photographer Deborah Little
Subject Colourful Kites Location Bondi Photographer Rufus Govier
Subject Magic Mornings Location Bronte Photographer Blake Bentley
Subject Whitewash Location Tamarama Photographer Mélibée Houde
Subject Immaculate Location Waverley Photographer Terry Meller
Subject Angelic Location Bronte Photographer Tom Halkitis @tomhalky
Subject Pulling the Strings Location Bondi Photographer Karabo Mooki mookimooks.com
Subject South End Peelers Location Bondi
Photographer Theo S
Subject Magic Point Pot of Gold Location Maroubra Photographer Matt Madin

An

Olympian’s

Peaceful Pastime

Words and Photos Lewis Kennedy-Hunt

Olympic medals and peaceful fishing trips might seem worlds apart, although Bondi’s Noah Havard appears to have struck a balance between the two. But before we dive into the wild and wonderful world of Noah, let’s first go back to Paris 2024, where Noah makes his Olympic debut in the men’s K4 500m kayak category.

The team of four are primed, having paddled flawlessly with a string of good results in the events leading up to the games. Their confidence is high, fresh from dominating their way through a series of gruelling qualifying rounds before finding themselves in the final and in contention for Olympic glory. Despite being the only team that have had to race earlier the same day, they step up to the occasion with true Aussie grit and paddle a heroic race and, with the whole country behind them, give everything over the 500 metre stretch to win silver for Australia, only narrowly missing out on gold with 0.04 seconds between them and the Germans.

Etched into the history books as part of Australia’s strongest collective Olympic performance on record, they ride the

post-event high and enjoy the celebrations before bringing the silverware home.

It wasn’t by chance that Noah had found himself in this position; it took meticulous dedication and three years of intense training with the national squad up on the Gold Coast. And the early morning training was balanced perfectly with select afternoons surfing and chasing mackerel off the jet ski.

Fast forward back to this post-Olympic year, in the wake of the games, and Noah sees a momentary shift away from Olympic preparation enabling him to relax and reset back in Bondi. With the recent purchase of a tinnie using some of his silver medal bonus cash, you can only guess how Noah has been spending his time off. Early mornings on the kayak are now replaced with earlier mornings at the boat ramp, and gruelling training sessions are replaced by hot fishing sessions.

Last summer, Noah struck upon a good bite of kingfish off a local inshore wreck, managing to land a very respectable fish around the metre mark (pictured below), among a few bust-offs. Noah loves the ability to switch

off when fishing by himself and enjoys nothing more than bringing a feed of fish back to his family.

But Noah wasn’t always a medal winning, fish catching, paddling machine. In fact, he started out just like any other kid growing up in Bondi in the early 2000s. Picture a place not yet scourged by influencer culture and soy lattés, where the houses were cheaper and the surf was less crowded. Screentime was replaced by skateboarding around the streets and social media was replaced by knocking on doors and asking to play, which is exactly how my brother and I came to meet Noah and his brother Zach back in the day.

Noah’s knack for sport began down at the North Bondi Surf Club, which soon evolved into surf lifesaving and iron man competitions. Unsurprisingly, he was strongest in the ski leg, which naturally lent itself to a transition into sprint kayaking, although he still keeps up training and competitions on the surf ski - and even uses it to troll up a few bonito under the cliffs from time to time! In my opinion, Noah’s zest for life and his love for the ocean and the outdoors is as inspiring as his Olympic prowess, and there is no doubt that he has been one of Bondi’s greatest exports in recent years.

Bondi's Noah Havard (second from right) tasting Olympic glory...
...and he's not a bad fisho either!

The Unreliable Guide to... ChatMyGP™

The Unreliable Guide took a tumble this month and got a fractured ankle bone. Apart from hurting like buggery, the biggest pain was trying to quickly get a GP or podiatrist appointment. Not willing to spend six hours waiting in Emergency (not least because that’s for proper emergencies, not idiots who fall over while walking their cat) I turned to ChatGPT.

He (yes, I do use that pronoun) was marvellous. Sure, I could’ve just Googled it, but talking to Chat was… soothing. Unlike a search engine, Chat was friendly, targeted my exact situation and didn’t try to sell me seventeen orthopaedic shoes. He was so good it felt like the future of medicine.

But if you, like me, are equal parts intrigued and terrified by AI’s rapid inclusion into our world, never fear! The Unreliable Guide is here with some tips and tricks to make the most of this Brave New World.

Instant Advice, But Not Your Only Advice

We’ve all heard the horror stories. AI can be wonderfully confident while being catastrophically wrong. Back in June 2023, two New York lawyers were fined after submitting a legal brief peppered with entirely fabricated cases, courtesy of ChatGPT’s wildly overactive imagination. The presiding judge described it as “legal gibberish.” Chat can be brilliant, but he’s also the mate down the pub who tells stories with great conviction

after three pints. Entertaining, yes, reliable, not always. The trick is knowing when to trust it, when to double-check and when to hobble off to the human doctor.

Better Than Life

But here’s the twist. Encouraged by both Chat and my podiatrist, I went for an X-ray. The radiologist’s report correctly noted the fracture on my right ankle, but their summary also referenced a fracture on my left ankle. Panicking, I gave the report to Chat, who pointed out that it was almost certainly a typo. A call to the radiologist confirmed that, yes, it was a mistake. A tiny slip of the keyboard that could, in another context, lead to catastrophic errors. And these things do happen. In the UK, a recent article in The Independent stated, “there were more than 400 serious surgical mistakes carried out on patients over the past year, including: the incorrect organ being removed, the wrong body part being operated on, or… in some cases, entire operations were carried out on the wrong patient.” Imagine waking up to that. A tiny, misplaced word (like left instead of right) changing the entire course of your life.

Knock, Knock, It’s Dr Bot

Reckon you’d never trust AI to diagnose you? Think again. In July this year Microsoft declared that its new MAI-DxO can “diagnose patients four times more accurately than human doctors for a fraction of the cost”. Many doctors regularly use Heidi, an AI medical scribe that writes their notes and reports for them. Meanwhile, public healthcare systems around the world already rely on DxGPT, a diagnostic clinical support tool which offers doctors a structured analysis of five diagnostic hypotheses, reasoned and ranked. Dr Bot is here, and when he’s not busy diagnosing he’s analysing our genes and designing potentially lifesaving new drugs.

Finally, like it or not, AI is now sitting in modern medicine’s waiting room, leafing through last year’s Women’s Weekly. AI probably won’t fully replace human doctors - while Dr Bot already reads scans more accurately than many radiologists, we still want a human to give us our results (even though we’ll have to ask ChatGPT later to translate the baffling medical jargon). And really, why worry about a robot takeover when we already have human fear, frailty and fallibility? As Isaac Asimov warned, “The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” Ultimately, even the smartest AI can’t stop you tripping over your own cat.

Words Nat Shepherd Photo Sarah Connor
Dr Bot.

What Happens When There’s an Absence of Community?

As my previous articles on the subject have made abundantly clear, community is critical, and the implications of a healthy community should never be dismissed.

As we’ve explored community in its various forms, we’ve not only gained insight into what community looks like, but can also identify the importance of community and how its different elements impact us, both as individuals and the greater collective.

But what does it look like when there is an absence of community? Furthermore, what are some of the potential impacts of a lack of community? Does it affect the people around us? What are the effects on us as individuals?

The importance of community as a healthy balance for people cannot be stressed enough. The connection and socialisation it provides is critical for us as people as it provides the need for connectivity that we naturally crave.

Additionally, a community also acts as a support network of people that exist in a third

space, i.e. spaces outside of our homes and workplaces. The balance inherent in this relationship is also incredibly important for the mental health and emotional stability of the individuals that comprise collective communities.

The absence of this opportunity to socialise can be incredibly detrimental. The socialisation that is enabled allows for discourse, discussions and interactions that expose an individual to a variety of perspectives that may not be immediately accessible in their immediate home and work spaces.

Furthermore, the absence of this support network can be equally detrimental. The removal of a support network has the obvious negative impact on the mental health of individual people, as well as potentially jeopardising their emotional stability.

This lack of community-provided social discourse and a stable support network can in many instances lead to people being more isolated due to the void of support, as well as being

more closed off and sometimes hostile towards people with differing views and perspectives due to the lack of exposure and interaction with those whose views and experiences differ from themselves.

Another unfortunate result of a lack of community is the overall decline in social skills and abilities for people to not only be comfortable in their interactions with one another but also to be able to simply interact with other people appropriately. This can also be exacerbated by the accessibility and integration of media and technology into our everyday lives, especially through the manifestation of social media as a regularity in our day-to-day activities.

While there is no denying that social media can certainly provide connectivity through an online platform with the subsequent ability to bolster existing communities, it is in no way a substitute for communities and interactions that exist in our physical, ‘real’ lives.

The problems caused by an over-reliance on social media exist - unsurprisingly - due to the result of a lack of community and are further worsened by an over-use of social media. Isolation, a decrease in the ability to healthily socialise, and hostility to those who offer differing perspectives are some examples.

As the weather continues to warm up and summer sets in, I once again implore you all to avoid complacency in the community we are so fortunate to have. Continue to put yourselves out there and engage with one another. In doing so we are allowing for personal and collective growth and maintenance of critical skills and habits. These skills and habits help us to be interactive, socially healthy people.

Put the phone down, grab your surfboard, get outside.

Smoky

Fresh Mediterranean flavours dominate this succulent, summery salad, perfect for the kind of weather we are just about to come into here in Sydney.

The paprika roasted chickpeas give a subtle smokiness amongst the fresh herbs, salty haloumi, bright pops of pomegranate and delicious, melt-in-your-mouth, fresh local calamari. And it’s all brought together with a vibrant lemon and lime dressing.

With plenty of texture and brightness, it’s the perfect salad for entertaining as the weather warms up.

Ingredients (serves 4)

450gm fresh calamari rings

1½ 425gm cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1½ tsp smoked paprika

Juice of 1 lemon

1 pomegranate, seeds extracted

1 pkt (225gm) haloumi, sliced and cut into thirds

1 bunch fresh coriander, leaves picked

1 bunch fresh mint, leaves picked

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1½ long green chillies, finely diced

Juice of 1 lime

Sea salt, cracked black pepper to season

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a roasting tray lined with baking paper, add the chickpeas, smoked paprika, 1 tsp of olive oil and juice of ¼ lemon. Toss to combine well and evenly. Roast for 15 minutes.

2. Marinate the calamari in a bowl with 2 tbs of olive oil, juice of ½ lemon, sea salt and cracked black pepper to lightly season.

3. Remove the chickpeas from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

4. In a frypan set to medium heat on the stovetop, gently fry the pieces of haloumi in a tablespoon of the olive oil for 1 minute each side or until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

5. Strain the calamari from the marinade and in a frypan set to high heat on the stovetop (you could also barbeque to add some char) add the calamari. Cook on high heat for 1.5 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

6. To assemble the salad on a large serving platter, place the chickpeas, mint and coriander and toss to combine. Spread the haloumi and pomegranate seeds evenly around the plate.

7. Season the calamari lightly with sea salt and cracked black pepper and add to the salad.

8. Add the green chilli and lime juice and toss the salad well to combine.

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.

Chickpea and Calamari Salad Words Dana Sims Instagram
It's hard to beat a mouthful of 'mari.

MAILBOX DELIVERERS NEEDED

The Beast magazine is looking for a couple of reliable local residents to help with our monthly mailbox drop. You'll need to be available for four or five days around the 18th to the 23rd of each month and have a reasonable level of fitness. You'll also need a half decent vehicle.

Locals over 50 years of age are preferred for this work, as the last 20 years has shown us that this is the demographic that really knows how to knuckle down and get a job done properly from start to finish. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, please email james@thebeast.com.au.

HYAMS BEACH HEAVEN

The Boathouses at Hyams Beach offer the perfect place to escape busy Sydney and recharge your batteries. Just an easy three-hour drive from the Eastern Suburbs, The Boathouses offer separate two-bedroom properties, available to be booked individually or together. For more information or to book, please call 4411 7000 or email bookings@holidayscollection.com.au

Possibly the greatest ad campaign of all time.

Making Memories Safely

Photo Alexander Stitt

If you ask older Australians what they recall about the summers of their childhood, almost invariably they will recant tales of sunburn, and sunburn on sunburn, resulting for many in a semi-permanent line of raw skin across the bridge of the nose. I am assured that parents did seek to protect their children against getting burnt, but that concern generally stopped at the neck, with hats and zinc across the nose being the major forms of defence. By the teenage years, any fear of the sun was finally conquered, and while a deep brown (rather than red) was the aim, it was generally understood that burning could be a prerequisite to tanning. It didn’t get much more ‘Aussie’ than lying on the white sand in the midday sun, clad only in a teeny weeny bikini or budgie smugglers, smothered in coconut oil (olive oil or Johnson’s baby oil would also suffice). The goal was to literally bake like a Sunday roast until the skin crisped up a shade or two darker.

The incidence of melanoma in Australia continued to rise through the 1980s, and the peak risk for melanoma diagnosis by age 60 occurred in the 1990s. The trend for melanoma incidence and mortality began to plateau and then decline in the early 2000s due at least in part to the highly successful ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaign launched in Australia in the early 1980s by the Cancer Council. The campaign’s simple, memorable slogan is credited with changing attitudes and behaviours towards sun protection, leading to a significant decline in melanoma rates among younger Australians.

The risk of being diagnosed with melanoma by age 30 has more than halved since its peak in 1997. Despite this success, Australia still holds the unenviable record of having the highest rates of melanoma in the world - not exactly the kind

of world-beating statistic we want to brag about. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it kills more than 1,300 Australians every year. About 19,000 Australians are diagnosed with invasive melanoma annually and two out of every three of us will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Sudden ly that ‘healthy glow’ doesn’t sound so healthy.

The improvements that have been made since the 1980s, with much further to go, are now being undermined by social media-generated pro-tanning messaging. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are resurrecting cultural beliefs such as ‘bronzed is beautiful’. Vid eos that glorify tanning beds or show influencers boasting about their ‘sun-kissed’ skin without a mention of sunscreen are racking up millions of views. Social media is normalising and encouraging tanning. Hashtags like #TanningRoutine or #GoldenGlow are abundant, and some influencers promote tanning oils and achieving a deep tan but are silent about the dangers of UV exposure. This messaging is influencing younger Australians to ignore warnings about sunscreen, protective clothing and limiting UV exposure. There appears to be a belief that skin cancer is something that only happens to older people rather than the younger generation. The reality is very different however, with studies showing that even one severe sunburn during adolescence significantly raises the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life.

It’s time for us all to support and promote the right messaging. Let’s be clear, tanning isn’t just about looking sunkissed; every tan - even the one that doesn’t peel - is a sign of skin damage. Your body is literally crying out, “Help me!” as it floods your skin cells with melanin to try and protect against UV rays. And while TikTok trends may come and go, melanoma doesn’t swipe away so easily. Misinformation experts would like us to think that we need significant amounts of direct sunlight in order to get the vitamin D required for us to be healthy. According to the Cancer Council, however, the reality is that most people receive an adequate level just through incidental exposure while spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week.

This summer, let’s leave the cooking oil in the kitchen where it belongs, swap the baby oil for broad-spectrum sunscreen, set a reminder to reapply, and embrace the shade. Let’s make wearing big hats a fashion trend and help spread the truth that sunbaking is dangerous.

The ‘good old days’ weren’t that good when it came to sun safety. The best souvenir from a day at the beach should be memories, not melanoma.

THE GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK IS COMING

The Great Koala National Park will reserve 176,000 hectares of state forest and connect with existing national parks to create a 476,000-hectare reserve – one of the largest in New South Wales.

We have announced an immediate moratorium on timber harvesting in the region that will help make up the almost 500,000 hectare National Park.

The park will protect more than 12,000 koalas in the region, the habitat for 100 other threatened species and precious old-growth forests.

To find out more, scan the QR code below.

Dr

P: 02 9398 1822

E: coogee@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Early starts at Bondi for a beach clean and swim with Pledge for the Planet.

What the Ocean Means to Me

“What does the ocean mean to you?” This was one of the questions from my survey shared with The Beast readers back in August, and the answers have been heartwarming to read.

One reader wrote that “swimming in it feels like flying through pure nature.” Another remembered, “When I was a young boy, my father would pack us all in the car and leave us at Bondi Beach for the day. We were free, swimming and catching waves, laughing and having fun.” Many of you reflected on how the ocean belongs to all of us - a place where everyone is welcome.

I loved going through the responses, and what came through strongly was a deep appreciation for living by the coastline. I feel this too. Just a few weeks ago I joined Bondi Salties for their 6am swim across the bay. It was a cold morning, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure I’d make it in! But the pull of hundreds of people diving in together was hard to resist. Moments like that remind me how lucky we are - and what’s at stake if we don’t step up on environmental protection.

In the survey, 91 per cent of you said plastic pollution was your biggest concern, and I couldn’t agree more. Before the Salties swim, we took part in a beach clean and it was incredible how much rubbish we found in 30 minutes. There were plenty of plastic bottles and bags, but it was the tiny fragments that were everywhere - soy sauce fish, snapped-off bits of packaging, bottle caps and more. If nothing changes, within 30 years there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish. That’s why I’ve been pushing hard for action.

Recently I met with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to ask when our stalled packaging laws will finally come into effect. I’ll be keeping the pressure up,

because if we’re serious about reducing plastic, we need to cut it at the source.

In addition to reducing plastic pollution, 76 per cent of you told me you were worried about climate change. You might’ve seen that the government recently announced our new 2035 climate target; a 62-70 per cent cut in emissions from 2005 levels. After consistently calling for a target closer to 75 per cent I was disappointed, and I have read countless emails from constituents who feel the same way. While I respect that the target was based on independent advice from the Climate Change Authority, the risk of such a broad range is that we default to the lower end of the range, which we know will not address the dangers of climate change.

To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, global emissions need a 68 per cent reduction by 2035, and as one of the world’s largest emitters, Australia needs to pull its weight. This is why I will be pushing the government to heed the CCA’s very explicit call to “aim for the top” of the 62-70 per cent range.

Right now, every fraction of a degree mattersnot just for our oceans, but for the whole of society. The National Climate Risk Assessment made this clear; right here in Sydney, coastal flooding could reach 300 days a year and heat-related deaths could surge by 400 per cent. These scenarios aren’t inevitable, but they demand stronger action by the government, including in areas where they have failed to act, such as ending the logging of native forest.

Holding the government to account on this will be critical to the future of our society, and with the Coalition somehow still discussing whether to abandon net zero by 2050, the role of independents is more important than ever.

We have been a lucky country for so long, and we have the chance to lead the way in cutting emissions, in the clean energy transition and protecting our oceans from plastics. But right now, Australia is at risk of becoming a laggard. Our failure to ratify the UN’s High Seas Treaty, despite having some of the largest ocean territory on earth and when 60 other countries have already done so, is a perfect example of that.

It can sometimes feel like these challenges are too big, but we have solutions. Protecting marine habitats, tackling plastic waste and setting stronger climate targets aren’t abstract debates - they’re about making sure our children and grandchildren have a safe future where they can experience the same stunning natural environment that our generation has been so fortunate to enjoy so far in our lives.

What I hear and see when I’m out and about in the community is what drives me in Canberra, so please always feel free to come by for a chat if you see me around.

I always love hearing from our community at my pop-up offices. Below are some upcoming dates, so please come and have a chat and share what’s on your mind.

Paddington

Five Ways, Paddington

Wednesday 22nd October 10:30 - 11:30AM

Woollahra

Queen Street, Woollahra

Friday 7 November th 10:30 - 11:30AM

Bronte

Huxtons, Bronte Friday 31 October st 8:30 - 9:30AM

The Beast Supercross

ACROSS

1. Brisbane Broncos fullback (5,5)

7. Longest river in China (7)

8. Capital city of Qatar (4)

9. The brother of your father or mother (5)

10. Inhabitant of Egypt (8)

13. Someone who denies the existence of God (7)

16. Young female horse (5)

17. Sweet, yellow fruit, botanically classified as a berry (6)

18. British bronze coin (8)

19. Price paid for a service (3)

DOWN

1. Litigious breakdancer (6)

Trivial Trivia

Words Lisa Anderson

2. Castrated human male (6)

3. A starter or appetizer (6)

4. Transparent purple variety of quartz (8)

5. Someone who obtains pleasure from inflicting pain on others (6)

6. Full bodied red wine grape variety (6)

11. King of the Huns (6)

12. Militant proponent of something who wants others to share those feelings (6)

14. A person or thing that brings bad luck (4)

15. Joint between tibia and fibula (4)

17. Small rounded bread (3)

1. What large dog breed was kept by monks in the Swiss Alps to find lost travellers?

2. Who won the NRL Dally M Award for season 2025?

3. What term can be used to describe a coffee making contraption, a tool to clear drains, and a reckless gambler?

4. Which late singer is the grandfather of actress Riley Keough?

5. Who wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

6. What is the golf term for a score of one under par?

7. Alutiiq is a language from which US state?

8. Which artist headlined the 2025 AFL grand final entertainment?

9. What US rock group consists of four famous men but none of them sing?

10. What word starts with ‘e’, ends with ‘e’, but only contains one letter?

Subject Sandman Location Bondi Photographer Sophie Greuil

Good Fortune

Genre Comedy

Reviewer Linda Heller-Salvador

What do you get when you mashup the films of It’s A Wonderful Life, Freaky Friday, and Trading Places? The answer is Aziz Ansari’s quirky body-swap saga and directorial debut titled Good Fortune, where he explores the American dream as well as the harsh realities between the haves and the have-nots.

Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) is a bored and low-ranking angel who is relegated to the banal job of preventing choking and text-driving fatalities. When he encounters Arj (Aziz Ansari), a down-and-out underachiever, he sees it as an opportunity to demonstrate that he is capable of higher angelic responsibilities. Unfortunately, this goes comically awry, leaving everyone in a very amusing yet awkward situation.

Amidst the farcical chaos of Good Fortune, deeper meanings emerge as Ansari balances empathy with the life lesson of ‘money can’t buy happiness’, and although the ending feels rushed and obvious, it is still enjoyable viewing, if only to see Reeves once again delving into his droll and deadpan Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure mode.

Seamus Caplice Thinking of You

Label Independent Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

Full disclosure, Seamus purchased an ad in The Beast, so editor James threatened my life if I didn’t write him a review. He never said it had to be a good review, but thankfully for everyone involved I really dig it. It’s fun, sexy, jazzy pop. No need to leave the keys in the bowl at this dinner party, everyone is having tapas tonight! Once the walls have been hosed down and you’ve settled in with a replenishing herbal beverage and handful of ice packs, you will be treated to some sparkling creativity, eclectic production, and solid Elvis Costello vibes. I do recommend.

Baker Boy

DJANDJAY

Label Island Records Australia

Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

While Freddy Crabs is inarguably Australia’s sexiest man in a tracksuit, Baker Boy has that bit more gravitas in a Tullamarine Two-Piece. You’d vote for him, if not boof him. Duolingo hasn’t launched its Yolngu Matha language option yet, so he might be saying a lot of grossly offensive things, but I doubt it. Positivity and defiance ooze out of his music. It’s bloody good hip-hop. ‘Freak Out’ invariably has my one-year-old charging into the room to bop and grind, not to mention ‘Lightning’ and ‘Thick Skin’. Turnstile has been knocked off for album of the year.

Ocean Alley Love Balloon

Label Community Music Reviewer @aldothewriter

Rating

Ocean Alley songs always feel like a long, peeling point break, without too much of a crowd but busy enough for a vibe. It’s sunny day music, best listened to outside with a bevvy and good company, because without those additions it does err on the dreary at times. But you don’t eat ice cream in a snowstorm, do you? Well, I’m sure some people do, but some people are idiots. I saw a punter compare Love Balloon to Pink Floyd on social media, that person is also an idiot. This is nothing more than what you’d expect from an Ocean Alley album, and that’s enough.

Star Signs

Visions Beardy from Hell

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 20

You’ll notice your face starting to sag ever so slightly. Sadly, surgery is the only option - and it’s only a short-term solution.

Aquarius Jan 21-Feb 19

Maintaining friendships requires more than just sending a “How you been mate?” text once a year, so start putting in the effort.

Pisces Feb 20-Mar 20

The start of a new season may provide some hope, but the underlying fundamentals of your dire situation have not changed.

Aries Mar 21-Apr 20

Despite what your coddling, overindulgent parents have told you your entire life, you’re not actually special.

Taurus Apr 21-May 21

Thanks to silence sometimes being perceived as intelligence, you actually do have a small chance of appearing smart.

Gemini May 22-Jun 21

As you grow older, you will become more interested in the weather and birds (the feathered variety, of course).

Cancer Jun 22-Jul 22

Why bother making a definitive statement when your opinions on just about everything change every time you listen to a podcast?

Leo Jul 23-Aug 22

Your forgetfulness is caused more by a failure to listen than by stress, lack of sleep, old age, dietary issues or other distractions.

Virgo Aug 23-Sep 23

You need to stop comparing your achievements to those of your friends, because they are laser focused, workaholic psychopaths.

Libra Sep 24-Oct 23

Now that the sun’s out, most of your problems will magically disappear... and then return later, but much worse.

Trivial Trivia Solutions

incredible showroom, made-to-order headboards & beds

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