The Beast - October 2023

BEAST

October 2023

Sat 14 Oct 7.45pm Allianz Stadium

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Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October

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Words James Hutton, Publisher

Welcome to the October 2023 edition of The Beast, the monthly magazine for Sydney’s optimistic beaches of the east.

This month’s colourful cover illustration is the handiwork of local artist Yiscah Marcatili, a freelance illustrator who also has an awesome range of illustrated greeting cards available to purchase. You can see more of Yiscah’s work on her Instagram, @yiscahspencilbox, or her website, www.yiscahspencilbox.com.

Bondi’s freshest film festival, BONDIWOOD, will be held in the newly renovated Bondi Pavilion from Thursday, October 5, to Sunday, October 8. Sixteen films will be screening, all of which were either made by local directors or star Bondi-based actors. The festival has been put together by Bondi filmmaker Haydn Keenan in conjunction with Waverley Council.

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum date is looming, and I’m feeling both confident and hopeful that we’ll achieve a resounding ‘Yes’ to this important step towards reconciliation and finally recognise the original people of this great country in our Constitution.

This idea has not been thought up by politicians; it’s been coming for over a hundred years and is a genuine call from Indigenous people for a voice that can’t be taken away on a political whim by the government of the day. The Voice won’t make laws, control funding or sit in the Parliament; it is just an advisory body that can give the government advice on issues that affect Indigenous communities - plain and simple.

It’s really not that outlandish, and it’s certainly nothing to be scared of. Your house won’t get taken away, you won’t have to pay to go to the beach, you won’t have to pay more tax... This is just a sample of some of the nonsense I’ve heard over the

last couple of months. The ‘No’ campaign nutters only have lies and misinformation to fall back on now, because a convincing argument against this much-needed constitutional amendment simply does not exist.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that we really can’t afford to miss. Please, do your research, get on the right side of history and vote ‘Yes’.

Cheers, James

The Beast

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james@thebeast.com.au

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A Momentous Opportunity

Earlier this year over 200 people gathered in my electorate to launch Wentworth for the Voice. We met at Bronte Beach, along the coast that Cook’s Endeavour sailed 250 years ago, and were generously welcomed to country by Noeleen Timbery, Chair of the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council.

La Perouse, just a little south of Wentworth, is one of Australia’s most important Aboriginal communities. The families at La Perouse are the descendants of those who once lived around Sydney and Botany Bay.

This referendum is not about race, as some have claimed, it is about history. It is about coming to terms with our nation’s history and moving forward together.

The families of La Perouse were living around Kurnell, or Gundal as they called it, on April 29, 1770, when the Endeavour anchored in Botany Bay. Those on board the Endeavour could see the families on the beach, so James Cook, Joseph Banks and a small party rowed to shore.

The families retreated, but two warriors stood their ground. The people of La Perouse, the descendants of those warriors, have passed the story from generation to generation.

The families on the beach thought perhaps Cook and his crew were ghosts. The warriors shouted across the water telling the ghosts they should go away.

Cook and Banks were also confused. Neither they nor their Polynesian translator could understand the warnings from the shore.

When the warriors refused to back down, Cook loaded his musket and fired a warning shot. That didn’t work, so he reloaded his musket with small shot and fired again, wounding one man in the leg.

After the warriors were driven away, Cook and his party came ashore. They inspected the camp, and when they returned to the Endeavour later that day, they had stolen the spears the community used for fishing and hunting, taking them to England as museum curiosities.

This first encounter had so many of the characteristics that would typify the future. Invasion. Confusion. Violence. Theft. History is not locked away and forgotten. History has consequences.

We have much to be proud of as Australians, but we cannot move forward without acknowledging the truth of this country’s history of failing our First Nations Peoples. Though the Commonwealth has had the constitutional power to make laws for Indigenous Australians since 1967, each year the Closing the Gap report shows us we are falling short.

During conversations with my community, I am reminded of the momentous opportunity that this referendum brings. We know that policies and laws are much more effective when we consult to the Indigenous Australians whose lives are affected.

The Voice is a simple request that will recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first Australians by establishing a permanent body that will represent their views to government on the laws and policies that impact Indigenous people. As a parliamentarian, I want to hear the advice of The Voice when we make laws and policies. It is only advice - we may not always accept it - but I do want to listen.

It is a constitutionally safe change that will make a difference to Indigenous lives and set us on the road to reconciliation. A ‘Yes’ vote will unite our country by bringing together the world’s oldest continuous culture with our democratic British institutions and the dynamism of multicultural Australia.

The Uluru Statement invites us to walk with First Australians toward a better future. It’s up to all of us to listen to that call, and to join this country together by voting ‘Yes’.

Words Allegra Spender, Member for Wentworth Photo National Library

History has consequences.

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a No-Brainer

After three years of mask-wearing, obsessive hand-washing and social distancing, five Pfizer jabs plus a self-imposed lifetime ban from Westfield Bondi Junction, Pearl finally succumbed to the vileness of COVID, catching it from my teenage great-nephew following a night of clubbing (the teenager, not me; the last time I discoed up a storm was in the ‘90s at Caesars Bar in Petersham). Not being a fan of bed rest, but aware of my obligation not to infect others, a week of voluntary quarantine provided Pearl with quality time with my cat, Pushkin, and an opportunity to reflect on the upcoming referendum.

As soon as the proposed referendum was announced, I immediately advocated for the ‘Yes’ vote, which I will continue to advocate all the way to the ballot box on October 14. For Pearl, constitutional recognition of First Nations people is a no-brainer and has been a long time coming. Also a long time coming is the opportunity to provide advice on issues that impact communities, rather

than having decisions and policies forced upon them by agenda-driven bureaucrats.

However, I do have two concerns, which have nothing to do with the Voice itself (a terrible name, obviously chosen to appeal to the masses when they vote at the Seven West-sponsored ballot box), but whether it will be permitted to achieve its advisory purpose and whether the advice will be heeded.

Firstly, do I think the Voice is partly lip service by the government? Unfortunately that’s a cynical ‘Yes’. Until proven otherwise, I have no faith in this government (and even less in the LNP) to put First Nations people before mining companies concerning matters of Indigenous heritage. Tanya Plibersek’s approval of a urea plant on Burrup and the sight of Anthony Albanese prancing around in Rio Tinto hi-vis (despite it blasting a 46,000-yearold sacred site into iron ore smithereens) are a slap in the face. The Indigenous Voice will never compete with the voice of corporate donors and lobbyists.

Secondly, is corporate Australia’s support of the ‘Yes’ vote just tokenistic ‘woke washing’? Hell yes! It’s totally hypocritical - the white saviour complex springs to mind. Misappropriating ‘social activism’ as corporate marketing allows these rent-seeking behemoths the opportunity to get on the front foot to control the referendum agenda. When Jennifer Westacott proclaims that corporations are working hard to lift economic participation and advancement of Indigenous Australia, you know that she is doing her screaming best to protect and advance the big end of town at all costs.

Despite these misgivings, Pearl is an idealist, so my vote will still be ‘Yes’. The Voice may not be perfect, but it is a much-needed start, and if the consensus is a ‘No’ vote we will have missed the opportunity for true reconciliation and recognition. And, to corporate Australia: cut the phony advocacy! I’m sorry, but it is not your voice that needs to be heard; it’s the voice of our First Nations.

Words Pearl Bullivant Photo Elle Ementary

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The Beast's Monthly Mailbag

Words The Good People of the Eastern Beaches

The End of an Era

I’m super bummed to be writing this, but all good things must come to an end. Sadly, my 17-year run in Bondi finally has too.

It’s certainly been tough lately. As many operators in the hospitality sector would understand, the COVID measures, higher interest rates and operating costs, loss of backpackers and poor weather conditions have severely affected our industry, and the Beach Burrito venues have been no exception. Coogee, Jindabyne, Adelaide and Dee Why will remain open, but Bondi has had to close.

Bondi has allowed me to have kids, grow a business, employ so many rad people and meet so many amazing crew along the way. A massive thank you to all the long-time legends that helped me over the years, for all the love and support, and of course the old-school party times - f*ck me, they were super fun, the good ol’ Bondi days!

Stay rad, Blake Read Bondi

Float to SurviveDon't Mess With It!

Hi James - I just read about the success of the ‘Float to survive’ campaign, which I was really pleased about and frankly not surprised. I have had a career of over thirty years in advertising and marketing, and as soon as I saw this campaign I knew they were onto a winner. The reason being, it is one simple and clear message. Presuming a person can float, it is also easy to action if fear doesn’t take over.

However, the article goes on to say that the UNSW Beach Safety Group has suggested a number of refinements by incorporating additional text and information to include what a person should do after floating. In my view, adding more messages will just dilute the main message about floating and make the campaign less effective. If I had research telling me that my campaign was liked and understood by 9 out of 10 people - like this campaign did - I’d sit back and change nothing, every single time!

Anne Gately Coogee

Pocket Parks

Regarding the proposed ‘pocket park’ at the junction of Carrington and Clovelly Roads; as locals, we have had the ‘discussion’ documents sent to us and have responded to both proposals in the negative. In discussion with other locals we are yet to find any overwhelming support for this idea, but it appears it will still proceed (surprise, surprise).

It is a poorly considered idea for a number of reasons. Not only the loss of parking spaces, which are like gold in this area, but also the impact this will have on traffic going from Clovelly towards the city. This will not only remove the small slip road that allows traffic to pass from Clovelly Road to Carrington Road without queueing at the lights, but also narrow the main road and force all traffic to wait if a bus is at the stop. This will inevitably cause traffic to queue back to the shopping area and beyond.

So, what are we getting for all this? A very small garden space

(approx. 550m2) bordered by two busy roads. Having sat at the bus stop on many occasions, I have never been enticed to take out the picnic basket and enjoy a good book! As for “greening” the area, most of the existing space is already covered with bushes and plants.

What about the “pedestrian friendly experience” quoted on Council’s website? We are talking about a very small area, which already has perfectly adequate footpaths. We hold the same view regarding the Burnie Street park.

Why does Randwick Council have so much spare finance that it needs this frivolity?

We are in total support of “considered” small parks such as at Glebe Street and Clovelly Road, and Bieler Park on Frenchmans Road, which prove sufficient space for dogs, children and adults to enjoy outdoor pursuits, but building glorified window boxes is not professional planning.

Steve Clovelly North

Pit Bull Attack at Queens Park

Dear Beast - Five weeks ago, while walking my shiatsu across Queens Park, I was attacked by an American pink-skinned, whitehaired pit bull.

I was alerted by a woman walking towards me screaming. I spun round as the dog hit my chest and snapped at my neck. I fought the animal off while screaming at its owner to put it on a leash. Five minutes later, the young man leashed the dog and they both ran off. The woman asked if I wanted to ring the police, but as owner and dog were gone, I said no.

The next day my left hand was black and the size of a balloon. Prince of Wales Hospital rushed me to the Sydney Hospital Hand Unit. Two weeks later, after three operations and a skin graft on a ‘weeping, diseased hand’, along with threats of, “You might lose your fingers,” drips in the other arm and heaps of pain-killers, I came home with three fingers unable to bend and a weeping sore that won’t mend. I’m unable to type, tie shoelaces, wash dishes, sweep, drive or sleep from the pain.

UNDER THE SHADES AT OXFORD STREET MALL, BONDI JUNCTION

RAIN OR SHINE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

I have haunted the park and told every dog owner who I am looking for, and I have discovered that the same dog has attacked two other women.

The owner boasts that his dogs (the other is a tan colour) don’t attack other dogs, only people. Yes, I have contacted Woollahra Council, who put me onto Waverley’s dog catcher people, but without a name and address for the dog owner they can’t do anything. Same with the police.

No, fierce dogs do not have to be muzzled or on leads, even though there are two children’s parks and small under 5s learning football in the park. Queens Park is a ‘free’ park. So, dog walkers, please beware of the attacking pit bull. Meanwhile, the doctors say my hand is permanently crippled.

Patricia Bondi Junction

P.S. Love your magazine. I post it all over the world. It is very popular in Poland.

Backpackers Eyesore

It is disappointing that the first sight of Bondi Beach for tourists coming down Bondi Road is the derelict Noah’s Backpackers building.

It is a complete wreck and is surely at risk of being further abused by illegal squatters.

To make matters even worse, the purchasers or developers appear to have forced the four small business tenants out of the block as well.

My understanding is that the building is to be developed into a boutique hotel and has been delayed due to a family dispute.

Can Waverley Council not put some pressure on the new owners to end their disagreement, commence the project and get rid of this eyesore?

David Boyd Bondi Beach

Protect Blue Gropers

A big problem with the groper being caught outside their protection zone is that they starve if they stay within the zone (Urgent Action Required to Protect Eastern Blue Gropers, The Beast, September 2023). Snorkelers

want to hand-feed the big groper, so they scrape and collect all the natural groper food in the tidal zone in Clovelly and Gordons Bay. With no crabs, cunjevoi, limpets and other shellfish available in the zone, the fish move outside and are legally caught by the line fishers.

Christopher B Coogee

Randwick Development Application Faux Pas

Hello The Beast - I often wonder what happens when a Development Application (DA) is based on a premise that isn’t later adhered to?

As a resident of Carrington Road, I was surprised to see a DA approved for 97 Carrington Road on the basis that off-street parking was accessed by a car lift. These lifts have a notorious reputation of not working and being constantly out of service.

The one at 97 Carrington Road worked, at best, for six months after the building was occupied. We often saw the lift-repair vehicles at the property in those months.

Eventually the owners corporation gave up on the lift and the constant cost of repairs. They all parked on the street. The development went from a single dwelling to 11 apartments with 18 car spaces in the basement accessed by lift. The disused lift added a minimum of 18 cars to the street parking.

The neighbouring apartment blocks are all circa 1930s, with no ability to add parking, so their residents can only park on the street.

Why is Randwick Council allowing the developers to use this type of parking entry? This block could easily have accommodated off-street parking accessed by a ramp one or two levels below road level, but then they couldn’t have squeezed as many apartments in!

Why is Council not following up on such developments to see if they are indeed fulfilling DA regulations and requirements?

Please do not approve any more developments with car lift access only!

Margie Coogee

One Small Step

Dear James - Waverley Council has done little to facilitate safe active transport around Bondi Junction, notwithstanding the bike path in Spring Street. The dangerous median wall along the length of the bus stop in Bronte Road has the potential to cause a fatality, certainly for cyclists but also pedestrians. Anyone crossing to catch a bus could easily trip and fall in front of a bus as it pulls away.

For the cyclists, it means either waiting patiently and breathing in fumes while numerous buses take on passengers, or doing the logical thing and riding around the buses then ducking back through the narrow gap in front of the leading bus or staying out past the barrier, dicing with the possibility of an oncoming vehicle.

Why is this wall here? Presumably to stop car drivers from turning right out of Gray Street onto Bronte Road. Why should other users of the road system have to suffer so that motorists are forced to obey the rules?

Simon Bartlett Coogee

We Must Save Waverley’s Oldest Trees

Waverley’s oldest trees are on the grounds of the 3.5-hectare War Memorial Hospital site. They are robust, healthy trees and are the Crown Jewels of trees in the Waverley municipality. They are 24 years older than the trees in Centennial Park, making many of them 150 to 160 years old.

Remarkably, these incredible trees are under threat from a massive overdevelopment of the site. At a time when the State Government has a tree canopy target of 40 per cent by 2036, the developer, Uniting, plans to reduce the tree canopy on the site from 28 to 19 per cent.

We need the community and Council to object to Uniting’s likely State Significant Development Application. It will then go before an Independent Planning Commission, which could preserve the site’s important natural assets, rather than their obliteration.

You might think that Uniting is entitled to cut down the trees,

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as housing is needed, but Uniting already has approval to replace charming single-storey houses along Birrell Street with six-storey apartment blocks. The affordable seniors living and aged care accommodation on Bronte Road - currently two storeys - will be torn down, displacing dozens of frail residents, and replaced with six-storey blocks of apartments.

The approval for the heights came from the previous State Government, not Waverley Council or the locals. Uniting has by-passed what the community wants. It plans to construct a massive building in the centre of the historic site that will be four times the size of the War Memorial Hospital that it will face. This is where the trees are.

There is a conservation management plan for the site that acknowledges the state heritage significance values of the site and the importance of maintaining an upper garden, a middle garden and grand entrance from the historic corner gates on Birrell Street and Bronte Road. Aside from the heritage of the site, it is an ecological corridor that extends from Waverley Oval through to Centennial Park, through which up to 170 species of birds transit and live.

Environment and heritage are both being ignored by Uniting. Instead, it is saddling Waverley with a monstrous overdevelopment on a site that was originally a bequest to them for the benefit of the wider community.

Please sign and share the petition at tinyurl.com/3pa9tyxv and forward your details to Friends of War Memorial Hospital at friendsofwarmemorialhospital@ gmail.com.

Friends of War Memorial Hospital Waverley

Can’t See the Wood for the Trees

Sadly, we in the otherwise privileged Eastern Suburbs will never see koalas in our neighbourhood. But you may remember that at the last election we did vote in a government that vowed to create a Great Koala National Park in northern NSW, which was, well, great.

So, why is the NSW Forestry Corporation poised to cut forest containing crucial koala habitat near Coffs Harbour? Newry State Forest also contains sites that local Indigenous people insist are sacred. These too are threatened, along with the koalas, as loggers and police tag-team to keep protesters at bay.

Why can’t NSW join Western Australia and Victoria in announcing an end to native forest logging? This is a dumb, destructive and uneconomic practice that is long overdue for history’s wheelie bin.

Michael Tamarama

Another Casualty

The cat killings continue (pictured below). This beautiful little ringtail possum was still alive when I found it cowering. The cat had it cornered. Our neighbour (the cat’s owner) no longer talks to my wife or I. He must have read my letter in The Beast last month.

Warm regards, Charlie Hunter Bronte

remiss and shown improper representation of all peoples within their communities.

We have introduced one expensive program after another, of which most have failed to succinctly address the problems of the Indigenous constituents within these communities. These representatives are supposed to already be their Voice to Parliament! There are many diverse groups within our communities who require special consideration, and these are already addressed and have representation by their Members of Parliament. For example, the NDIS and Aged Care.

Another letter in the September edition, in their argument for a ‘Yes’ vote, introduced the words ‘hate’ and ‘divisiveness’, which is anathema to any forward thinking person. Inclusivity and acceptance of all Australians should be our aim, a ‘Yes’ vote shows just the opposite! No one should want to be named and pointed out as an anomaly in our Constitution as being anything other than Australian!

Pancho Coogee

A Different View

Hi James - While I respect your editorial regarding the Voice (You’re the Voice, The Beast, August 2023), I have a different view. I strongly feel that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders should be recognised in the Constitution and consider it disrespectful and distrustful of the Prime Minister to not allow the people a separate vote on that issue. The polls indicate that it is obvious that many of us wish to vote for recognition but not for the Voice.

'No'

to the Voice

Dear James - I refer to Chris of Clovelly’s letter in the September edition of The Beast for his solid argument for the ‘N0’ vote in the upcoming Voice referendum - one of the best and most informative responses I have read. Surely to goodness the MPs of the rural and remote communities over decades are the ones that have been sorely

I consider it to be underhand and undemocratic political trickery to cement that issue to that of the Voice, thus jeopardising Constitutional recognition. This strategy deprives those who wish for recognition but are wary of the Voice of what should be their unfettered right to vote for recognition.

The refusal of both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs to answer pertinent questions as to how it

The killings continue.

will work of itself raises many concerns. The absence of any definition of “laws in respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people” allows a very broad view of what may be involved.

Another is the absence of definition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As pretty much nothing involving government expenditure escapes scams, I wonder as to how many more would put forward dubious identity claims.

As eleven of our parliamentary representatives are Indigenous and include the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, I wonder whether they are deaf to those raising matters on behalf of Indigenous Australians. If they are not doing their job they should be called out.

My knowledge of the foibles of many judges and of the decisions of activist judges leads me to the view that the breadth of intrusion resulting from a ‘Yes’ vote is likely to be far greater than we are being told.

Greg Maidment Bronte

The Voice

James, after reading the letters in the September edition, it’s clear the ‘Yes’ campaign needs some extra momentum. If we exclude the racists, conspiracy theorists and Murdoch acolytes, there are clearly some people who are wary of supporting any change to the Constitution, even something as obviously beneficial as the Voice.

Perhaps the government could quickly organise a practice questionnaire before October, asking, “Have the Matildas been good for women’s sport?” or, “Would you agree to a free upgrade from economy to business on an international flight?” People would get used to answering in the affirmative to obvious questions and may not be afraid of saying ‘Yes’ in the Voice to Parliament referendum.

John Randwick

Risking 'More of the Same' for First Nation Australians

Fear is a powerful motivator, and it’s so easily created too. It’s been 122 years since the Constitution

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first took effect. Indigenous Australians were explicitly excluded back then. In 1967 they were given the “right” to vote. 90 per cent of the population said ‘Yes’. This year, formal recognition and the Voice takes us a step further to acknowledge the 65,000 years of history that 3 per cent of our population carries. It pushes us beyond reconciliation action plans to start closing the gap.

To think, as a multicultural nation, that we are still talking about proper recognition for the first people of our country is not in the spirit of a fair go!

For me, changing our Constitution doesn’t reduce my value as an Australian - it strengthens it. Vote ‘Yes’.

Eliana Leopold Rose Bay ¢

Please send your feedback to letters@thebeast.com.au and include your name and suburb. We try and publish as many as possible, but nothing too crazy please.

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Local Artist...

Yiscah Marcatili from Bellevue Hill

Local artist Yiscah Marcatili is the talent behind this month’s cool cover illustration of the beach. She shares her local favourites with The Beast...

How long have you lived here? I have lived here my whole life. The ocean is my happy place.

What's your favourite beach? Nielsen Park, it’s a bit quieter than the coastal beaches and I like to just float in the water (I can’t do that at the surf beaches).

What's your favourite eatery? The Shop and Wine Bar. The halloumi egg roll or the BLT is the best (but I have mine with halloumi instead of bacon because I’m a vegetarian).

Where do you like to have a drink? I’m not much of a drinker, unless it’s coffee, and I love coffee. My favourite coffee spots are Depot, La Piadina and The Shop and Wine Bar.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Being able to go to the beach for a quick dip in the mornings before I start my day, and then back again in the

afternoon when I have finished - nothing beats starting and ending your day with the ocean.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Parking! It’s even hard to find a park outside my place.

How would you describe your art? Bright, colourful, friendly and fun.

Where can people see your work? My Instagram account, @yiscahspencilbox, and my website, www.yiscahspencilbox.com.

Who are your artistic inspirations? William Turner, Charles Schultz, Benji Davies and Oliver Jeffers.

What are you working on at the moment? I have a few client jobs I’m working on, I am expanding my greeting card range and I’m working on writing and illustrating a picture book - that I can hopefully publish one day.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up? No, but I do markets about once a year and I’ll have a stall at The Sydney Made Art and Design Markets on November 25 at Sydney Town Hall.

When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? I wouldn’t call it a gift, but I have always loved to draw, sew, build and create stuff with my hands. I just never really stopped, and the more you practise the better you get.

Any other local artists to look out for? My husband Luke Marcatili is a pretty amazing artist, and Dana Trijbetz is also an awesome painter.

Did you study art? I studied Illustration and Graphic Design at Design Centre Enmore.

Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? Work hard and keep trying, don’t be afraid of criticism or failing. Just make sure you pick yourself back up and try again.

Who is your favourite person? My husband, he is my biggest support and encouragement.

What do you get up to on the weekends? I catch up with friends and family, go for walks around the coast and get coffee with my mum.

What do you do for work? I’m a freelance illustrator, so I sometimes do private commissions, work with clients or work I get from my agent. I sell my illustrations on greeting cards and stock them in gift and bookshops.

What's your favourite thing about work? I love being able to visualise clients’ ideas and seeing them light up when their idea has been visualised.

Do you have a favourite quote? “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you’ll look back and realise they were the big things.” -

Robert Brault

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Don’t worry about what others think of you. Be yourself and find what makes you happy.

Interview James Hutton Photo Luke Marcatili

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Running for Research into Childhood

Brain Cancer

Words and Photo Anthony Maguire

BONDIWOOD Program Announced

A girl raised by dingoes searches for her parents, people in a tsunami-flooded supermarket are hunted by a great white shark, escaped female convicts fight for survival in the bush... That’s just a taste of some of the celluloid delights on the menu at the four-day BONDIWOOD film festival, which will be held in the newly renovated Bondi Pavilion from Thursday, October 5, to Sunday, October 8.

16 films will be screening, all of which were either made by local directors or star Bondi-based actors. Q&As will follow each screening, and there will also be live panel discussions from leading filmmakers and actors advising on the dos and don’ts of getting into the film business.

Award-winning actor Michael Caton, who led an activist campaign against privatisation of the Pavilion seven years ago, will be presenting The Castle, the acclaimed comedy where he stars as a suburban dad fighting to save his family home from compulsory acquisition by developers.

There’s also the world premier screening of the recently restored Sydney street classic

and Sundance hit Going Down. The film is an unforgettable night on the town - one we’ve all had - as the girls give Karli a send off she’ll never forget.

Other program highlights will include Limbo, the new movie starring Simon Baker, where he plays a detective investigating a 20-year-old cold case murder. Also watch out for Pandemonium, the ‘dingo girl’ cult classic that was filmed inside the Pavilion. And to put you in the mood for a dip in the ocean, there’s the shark comedy-horror flick, Bait.

Given BONDIWOOD’s location, beach culture and the ocean feature prominently in the program. On the opening day there will be a screening of Swinging Safari, a celebration of 1970s beach culture from Priscilla director Stephen Elliott. A 1970s-themed party has been organised for that evening, so dust off your safari suits and kaftans!

The festival has been put together by Bondi filmmaker Haydn Keenan in conjunction with Waverley Council. For more information and tickets, please visit bondiwood.au.

One year ago, nine-year-old Frankie Fitzgerald lost her battle with brain cancer. Now a charity run is being held to raise funds for research into Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, the disease that claimed the life of the much-loved little girl.

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma is the most aggressive of all childhood brain tumours, ravaging the brainstem. It is inoperable and cannot be treated with chemotherapy. But medical researchers are working on new ways to treat the disease, providing hope for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma patients and their families.

The 100km charity run is called ‘The Ox’ and will take place at Lennox Head on October 14 and 15. Heading north for the event is Waverley lifeguard and lifelong Bronte boy Ryan ‘Whippet’ Clark, who has put together a team of six Bronte boys to take part.

“It’s devastating for young lives to be cut short like this, and I’ve been personally moved by Frankie’s story,” Ryan told The Beast

To support the cause, visit rundipg-org.grassrootz.com/ the-ox-2023-lennox-head/ bronte-pigs-1.

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Carolyn Johns

A scene from Pandemonium, screening on day two of the festival.

The boys getting in shape.

Randwick Art Society Still Fostering Local Artistic Talent

In August 2009, a dozen local art enthusiasts held an inaugural meeting in the Garden Room of The Sands Hotel in South Maroubra. A month later, they registered a name with NSW Fair Trading - Randwick Art Society Inc, the first incorporated Art Society in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney

Since then, the group has become a creative powerhouse, holding numerous exhibitions and creating other opportunities for artists to show and sell their works. Randwick Art Society also helps members raise their skills, with regular workshops by visiting experts.

The group has a permanent gallery at the Randwick Literary Institute building at 60 Clovelly Road (the main entrance is on Market Street) and if you drop round on a Monday morning you can meet some of the artists, whose work is displayed on the walls there. Price tags for paintings are very reasonable, ranging from $40 for a small work up to $300 for larger paintings.

For more information, please visit the society’s website at randwickartsocietyinc.com.

Waverley Council

Renews War on Alcohol-Swilling, Littering Hoons

Fast chargers in Bondi Junction. Waverley Council is re-declaring its Alcohol-Free Zones and taking a hardline stance against people drinking in public.

Currently there are Alcohol-Free Zones in Bondi, Bondi Junction, Tamarama and Bronte. They are all due to expire in November this year, so they are being re-declared, with new signage applying until November 2027.

Waverley Council is determined to avoid repetitions of events like the Christmas 2022 backpacker party at Bronte, which left the beach and adjacent park strewn with tonnes of rubbish. A report tabled at a meeting of Council’s Finance, Operations and Community Services Committee foreshadows a more hardline attitude by rangers who catch people drinking in public, saying they have the power to seize alcohol and empty out bottles on the spot.

The Alcohol-Free Zones were established in January 2002 and initially only covered Bondi Beach, before being later extended to include Tamarama, Bronte and parts of Bondi Junction.

Preparing for the Imminent Era of Electric Vehicles in the East

Words Anthony Maguire

A report on electric vehicle charging needs in the Eastern Suburbs says that within two years we’ll need ten times more charging ports than we have now.

There are currently charging facilities at 25 locations in the Waverley, Randwick and Woollahra Local Government Areas, states the electric vehicle strategy document tabled at a Waverley Council committee meeting. These offer 45 individual charging ports. However, by 2025, the report says, 450 charging ports will be required.

The strategy document also recommends that their locations should be more evenly spaced than they are now. It says distribution of charging facilities at the moment is “patchy,” with “significant gaps between major centres, particularly in the suburbs of Woollahra, Paddington, Waverley, Bronte and Maroubra.”

How many electric vehicles are there in our local area right now? The report says there are 702 in Randwick, 671 in Waverley and 724 in Woollahra. By 2030, the total number is expected to be more than 35,000.

Words and Photo

Anthony Maguire

Artist Daniela hard at work.

Photo Elon Musk

Words Anthony Maguire Photo Gary Litter

Last year’s loose Christmas party in Bronte Park.

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.

This October, the following meetings are on:

Bondi Beach – Monday 9 October, 7 – 8.30pm

Bondi Heights – Monday 9 October, 7 – 9pm

Charing Cross – Wednesday 11 October, 7 – 9pm

Bronte Beach – Wednesday 18 October, 7.30 –9.30pm

North Bondi – Wednesday 25 October, 7 – 9pm Rose Bay – Monday 30 October, 7 – 9pm

Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/precinct to find out location of the above meetings closer to the date.

Not sure which Precinct you belong to? Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/findyourprecinct

Waverley Council proudly supports resident run Precinct meetings.

The Dawning of a New Dynasty

Words Anthony

Back to basics - that was the approach taken by Randwick Rugby’s first grade coach Steve Hoiles in the lead-up to his team’s 17-15 Shute Shield victory over Northern Suburbs at Leichardt Oval on Saturday, August 26. The win put an end to a 19-year premiership drought for what is arguably the world’s most famous rugby club.

The training regime saw Steve leading players on countless runs up the hills and steps of Coogee - in particular, the 210-step Cairo Street ‘Stairs of Death’ in South Coogee.

“The emphasis was on basics, and doing them well,” said Steve, who began his playing career with the Coogee Wombats, Coogee Seahorses and Randwick Rugby, before making his mark with the Brumbies, Waratahs and Wallabies.

With assistant coaches Rob Horne and Ben Hand, he also got players to watch videos of past games that highlighted the rugby reality that “when someone scores a try or does something really flashy, it’s probably off the back of someone else doing something selfless.”

Randwick last won the Shute Shield in 2004, and Steve was a member of that team. Rewind to when his father, Alan Hoiles, played for Randwick, and things were very different. Alan helped propel the team to victory in 1971, 1973 and 1974 - a winning streak that continued for the next quarter century, with a dozen further Shute Shield triumphs and sizzling on-field performances by club legends including Simon Poidevin (whose son Christian shone in this season’s grand

final), David Campese and the Ella brothers.

There was a tide of emotion as the Wicks emerged from two decades in the doldrums. Big men in green jerseys openly wept, as did Steve, who became head coach in late 2022. He sought out his parents and they embraced in the stands, faces shining with tears as a lifelong dream became a reality.

The win has unleashed a wave of euphoria through the community, and people are predicting a return to the glory days for the Galloping Greens, whose young team will remain largely unchanged for the coming season. In a posting on Facebook, former Randwick mayor Danny Said predicted “the start of a new dynasty.”

Local legend Morgan Turinui was also instrumental in the club’s dream season, with both third and fourth grades also winning their grand finals.

To cement the success, a new bricks and mortar HQ would greatly benefit the local club, whose former premises in Brook Street, Coogee, was sold in 2012 when it was experiencing financial challenges. Since then, Randwick has led a nomadic existence, operating out of other local licensed clubs, most recently Coogee Legion Club.

The Beast would like to congratulate Steve and all involved in this incredible achievement. It’s good to see club rugby alive and well.

Maguire Photo Darren Coleman

Emotional times for the Hoiles family.

Morgs and Steve with the shield.

Too many Indigenous people are being left behind and don’t have the same chances as the rest of us – with lower life expectancy, higher rates of disease and infant mortality, and fewer opportunities for education and training.

That’s why Indigenous Australians are asking for a Voice that will give advice on key issues that affect their community.

It’s time to listen by saying ‘Yes’ to give our Indigenous people a Voice, and make sure they are heard.

MEMBER

When governments listen to people about issues that affect them, they make better decisions, get better results and delivery value for money.

It’s time to listen by saying ‘Yes’ to a Voice to Parliament. The referendum on 14 October is about something very simple – listening.

Authorised by Matt Thistlethwaite MP, ALP, Shop 6, 205 Maroubra Rd, Maroubra NSW 2035.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP

FOR KINGSFORD SMITH

Bits and Pieces From the Beaches

Words Duncan Horscroft and Stiffy McPherson

Clofest 2023

Everyone is invited to a new festival to be held at Clovelly Public School on Saturday, October 21 from 12-5pm. Clofest 2023 will be packed with live music and performances, rides and amusements, a food fair, games, creative stalls and more. Funds raised will go towards building a new play area for the school. The Clofest 2023 logo, which is featured on all the merch, was designed by 10-year-old Billy Macan, a Clovelly Public School student. For more information, please visit clovellypublicpandc.com/clofest.

Coffee and Whales on the Move

If you’re keen for a coffee while you’re on the move, the new Clovelly Bowling Club kiosk is a great place to take a break along the coastal walk between Bronte and Clovelly. It’s also a top spot to catch a glimpse of the aquatic aerobics of the migrating whales as they make the journey south with their new calves. The kiosk offers a great range of coffee, cakes, wraps, sandwiches and drinks, and there are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy the show. It’s open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 3pm and everyone is welcome to use the facilities before completing their walk.

Healthy Aging Starts at Home

With an increasing desire among older Aussies to stay in their own homes as they age, the need for quality home support has become more critical than ever. Research conducted by the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University underscores the critical role of home-based support in promoting healthy

aging. The study reveals that each additional hour of service received per week is linked to a six per cent decrease in the risk of transitioning into permanent care. JewishCare provides an array of services to meet the needs of their aged care clients, from personal care, domestic assistance and help with transportation, to in-home OT and physiotherapy to help them stay at home for as long as possible. Call 1300 133 660 or email hello@jewishcare.com.au.

Celebrating Waverley Online

Take an exclusive peek into local history at Waverley Library with the Celebrating Waverley platform, a vibrant portal to the past that is now accessible online. Dive into thousands of photos, oral histories, council records and a kid-friendly interactive history hub, or enter the We Meme It! competition and craft hilarious memes from the collection for a chance to win.

To celebrate Waverley’s past like never before, please visit celebrating.waverley.nsw.gov.au!

Get Rucked

The Beast music writer and grammar consultant, Alasdair ‘Aldo’ McClintock, has written a book, Rucked. It’s not about music, but if you’ve ever chuckled at one of his reviews, you might enjoy it. While ostensibly about an ex-rugby player dealing with retirement, it is more about the universal truths of getting old and conquering the associated sadness and ego hits that come with it. Aldo has self-published under the pseudonym ‘Derwent Grey’ and you can pick up a copy at Gertrude & Alice on Hall Street or order online via Amazon.

Keeping Abreast With the Need for Regular Self-Checks

Words Anthony Maguire

Photo Alison Millward

Locals are invited to help raise awareness of breast cancer this October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) by getting involved in a community art project organised by ORSI (Oncology Recovery Services Inc.), a multi-disciplinary cancer rehabilitation clinic in Bondi Junction.

“We are aiming to make over 100 boobs from old socks, fabric off-cuts, buttons and found objects,” said principal Orsi Kokai. “These will be collated into a public art installation.”

The workshops and art installation are being promoted as ‘Project Boobyful’, with the aim of encouraging more women to carry out regular self-checks.

“We also want to reduce the stigma associated with breast cancer,” Ms Kokai said.

Early detection is a crucial strategy in reducing the death rate from breast cancer, which is diagnosed in one out of every seven Australian women during their lifetimes. Please call the clinic on 8018 8240 or visit oncologyrecovery.com.au.

Orsi with some of the art boobs.

Crime News

Bin Chicken Man Becomes Jailbird

‘Bin Chicken Man’ Tom Quach has been jailed for six months after a court heard how he had a slaughtered ibis hanging in his shower when police came calling.

Quach came under the eagle eye of the law after he caught an ibis and tried to bundle it into a shopping trolley when he was out and about in north western Sydney. He was stopped by passers-by, who reported him to the authorities.

When police visited his Maroubra home, they found a headless ibis in the shower recess ready to be cooked up for dinner. The ibis is a protected species but Quach apparently regarded the birds as a no-cost alternative to a Steggles chook from his local supermarket.

In Waverley Court, the 60-year-old was found guilty of three animal cruelty charges plus meth possession and shoplifting. He’ll be eligible for release next February.

Randwick Robberies

A man has been charged after two Randwick businesses were robbed at knifepoint. Billy Martens, 25, is alleged to have carried out the robberies at the Ezymart convenience store in Belmore Road and the BP service station in Perouse Road.

Despite objections from a police prosecutor, he was allowed bail under strict conditions when he appeared in Waverley Court.

Alleged Senior Crime Figure Arrested in South Coogee

A fugitive gangster is said to have leapt out the back window of a South Coogee unit when police came calling. Ahmad Alameddine, 33, wanted for serious firearms offences, was later arrested after a foot chase. He is alleged to have been on the run for a month after eluding police who raided a Western Sydney home.

Wee Problem at the Library

A man who allegedly urinated into a cup in front of other people at Waverley Library found himself in court on offensive behaviour charges.

Waverley Court was told that heritage consultant Andrew Woodhouse left a schoolgirl sitting nearby in a state of shock after he stood up and relieved himself in a takeaway cup. He then made his exit from the library, leaving the cup and its unsavoury contents on the desk he’d been using. But staff were able to identify him because he had used his library card to log on to a computer.

The court heard that Woodhouse’s library leak was not a one-off episode. He is said to have carried out similar acts at Woollahra and City of Sydney Libraries. There had been an exchange of emails between the three libraries about it.

Woodhouse represented himself in court and told Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge that he had a “medical condition.” He did not say what the condition was. The case was adjourned pending reports.

Rider Got a Kick Out of Encounter With Teacher

Randwick school teacher Jacob Georges felt he had to teach a lesson to a scooter rider who took objection to his driving.

After the two stopped their vehicles on Avoca Street, Randwick, and argued about whether Georges had cut off scooter rider Scott Wilson, the 53-yearold teacher lashed out with his foot. He kicked the other man so violently he was knocked off his scooter and dislocated his shoulder.

Georges pleaded guilty to an assault charge when he faced Waverley Court. He was sentenced to an 18-month correction order, 120 hours of community service and fined $550.

Child Grooming Charge

A 34-year-old Randwick man has been charged with grooming an under 16-year-old for sex at Bronte.

Downing Centre Local Court was told Charlie McInnes used messaging app Snapchat to communicate with his victim. McInnes did not apply for bail and no plea was entered.

Caddick Victims Get Payout

A court-appointed receiver has helped victims of conwoman Melissa Caddick claw back $3 million of the funds she cheated them out of.

The money came from the sale of her Dover Heights mansion, cars, shares and an Aladdin’s cave of jewelry, watches and designer fashion accessories.

Caddick ripped off investors in a Ponzi scheme to the tune of $25 million-plus. Her fraud unraveled when ASIC investigators raided her home in November 2020. The day after the raid, she disappeared. Three months later, a severed foot found on a South Coast beach was DNA-matched to the 49-year-old.

An inquest earlier this year concluded she was deceased but could not say how she died. The popular theory is that she hurled herself into the ocean from a cliff near the Wallangra Road home she shared with hairdresser husband Anthony Koletti and her teenage son from a previous marriage.

Words Gary Larson

Photos Colonel Sanders

Bin Chicken Man has been jailed.

You’re in good hands

Subject Sunday at the Bergs Location Bondi

Photographer Nicki Vinnicombe

Subject Beautiful Brendy Location Bronte

Photographer Matilda Pearl

Subject Interrupting Breakfast Location Coogee

Photographer Steve Peach

Subject Murray Rose Pool Location Double Bay

Photographer Justine Henderson

Subject Ivo Rowe Perfection Location Coogee

Photographer Michael Swaab

The Beast Magazine wants your local photos!

Subject Little Lady Location Coogee

Photographer Anna Murphy

Subject Good Morning! Location Randwick

Photographer Mary Lin

Subject Clean Pigeons Location Bondi

Photographer Mahsa Hashemi

Subject To Die For Location Bronte

Photographer Rob Voysey

Subject Besties Location Coogee

Photographer Brody Vancers

How Did You Serve the Empire?

How will you respond to this question, with your grandchild at your knee?

What role will you play in the greatest sporting event on earth, which will grace our golden shores in 2026 after Dictator Dan withdrew the treasonous Victorians from the Commonwealth Games?

Now is the time for loyal subjects of the East to volunteer for this sporting homage to Empire and fill the following roles...

● Stand in the baking sun for hours on end so you can tell your grandchildren you ‘did but see them passing by and will love them till you die’.

● Push grommets off ‘the Cube’ at Clovelly, and the point between Bronte and Tama, to make way for the divers.

● Touch up the Locals Only sign at Maroubra Beach to ensure that Aussies sweep the medals in the demonstration sport of surfing. If foreign bodies dare paddle out, be on hand to supervise the boxing bouts.

● Sit in your car and shout abuse at the lads and lasses in lycra as they race for gold in Centennial Park.

● Deny our problematic past and the horrors of colonisation to ensure both the Commonwealth Games and the House of Windsor are never referred to as anachronistic British institutions. Bury reminders that the winner of the Men’s 100m sprint at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010 was ranked only seventh in his own country.

● Join Taskforce Craig or Taskforce Malcolm and enjoy access to state-of-the-art surveillance equipment to monitor the movements of two of our most revolutionary residents.

● Smother social media with vitriolic protests every time an English place name is replaced with an Indigenous Australian name.

● Become a Pooper Scooper Trooper and clean up after the corgis.

● Operate the cannon and accompanying holographic image

which will be beamed into the sky every time an Aussie wins a medal and helps us laud our success over smaller Commonwealth nations who are too busy saving their islands from Australia’s carbon footprint to indulge in recreational activities.

● Smile obediently as you marshal the royal family and attendant grifters into the SFS for the opening and closing ceremonies, and imagine the joyous scenes which denied the great unwashed of a paid role in the games.

● Join the people’s choir to support Her Excellence Mrs Linda Hurley as she closes the best games ever with a stirring rendition of God Save the King.

By now you may be asking, what do I get out of this, apart from patriotic pride?

On top of the garish uniform, you’ll earn a popper and a muesli bar, plus a lifetime subscription to Sky News and an invitation to Prince Andrew’s next party.

Words Kieran Blake, kieranblakewriter.org

Photo David Hurley

Fancy a trip down under old chap?

Waverley Council Update

Mayor's Message

2023 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award

Waverley Council has announced the shortlist for the 22nd annual Nib Award, recognising excellence in research and quality literature Our 2 023 shortlist is: An Intimate History of Evolution: The Story of the Huxley Family by Alison Bashford (Allen Lane); Anam by André Dao (Hamish Hamilton); Emperors in Lilliput by Jim Davidson (The Miegunyah Press); The Age of Seeds by Fiona McMillianWebster (Thames & Hudson Australia); Life So Full of Promise: further biographies of Australia’s lost generation by Ross McMullin (Scribe Publications) and Shirley H azzard: A Writing Life by Brigitta Olubas (Virago). Each shortlisted author has been awarded with the Alex Buzo Shortlist Prize ($1,500) and are now finalists for the Nib People’s Choice Prize ($4,000) and the Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award ($40,000), to be announced 9 November.

To support your favourite finalist, vote now for the People’s Choice Prize at waverley.nsw.gov.au/nib.

Brightest & Best Business Awards

There’s still time to nominate your favourite business for the Waverley Brightest & Best Business Awards The awards recognise the dedication and valuable contributions of each business that helps shape Waverley into a dynamic and thriving place to live, work and shop Entries close 18 September and are open to all businesses operating in Waverley We’ll be announcing winners and runners-up on 13 November at our awards night at the Bondi Pavilion To enter, visit waverley.awardsplatform.com or visit th e community awards page on our website for more information.

Sculpture by the Sea

The world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition returns to Waverley on 26 October until 6 November with a curated selection of more than 100 thought-provoking art works along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk and in Marks Park. The evolution of this event over the past 25 years has been wonderful to

witness and we congratulate the organisers and all artists involved in this event Special event clearways and road closures will be in place, and parking will be limited, so please use public transport.

Spring School Holiday Program

Discover something new these spring school holidays with Waverley Council’s school holiday program. Enjoy a great line-up of free and paid activities and events run by a combination of Waverley Council specialist staff, artists, industry professionals and partner organisations at Bondi Pavilion, Waverley Library, Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre and Waverley/Woollahra Art School. Visit the What’s On section of our website to book.

Voice to Parliament Referendum

Our Council supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the ‘Yes’ case for the referendum through a community education strategy. How you vote is up to you on Saturday 14 October, so for more information, visit voice.gov.au.

Paula Masselos Mayor of Waverley

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

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The Unreliable Guide to... Getting a Novel Published

The Unreliable Guide has written a novel, BONE RITES, and it’s being published in October. That’s a very short sentence, but the journey to this point has been anything but short. In fact, the story of how I got to this point could be a book in itself. I wrote my first novel, a romping Edwardian murder mystery, back in 2014. It was an epic achievement, and no one was remotely interested.

Undaunted, I wrote three more Edwardian adventures, all of which were equally ignored by the publishing industry. Sensing that I might be trying to

flog a dead horse, my next novel featured a punk witch who saves Paris from crazy terrorists. This garnered some agent interest, before fading away like a spent firework. Undeterred, I wrote The Secret Life of Grandmothers, a dark comedy about four grannies who inadvertently end up running a brothel. Thisprobably due to the catchy idea - was enthusiastically received, and yet no one felt confident enough to take it on.

And then I had a dream about a skeleton made from the bones of different people. And BONE RITES was born.

From Idea to Novel

But a great idea is not enough. You need characters, setting, plot. Why does that skeleton have bones from different people? Who collected them? Why did they do such a weird thing? Where did the bones come from? And even more importantly, from whom? Adequately answering these questions kept me busy for the next four years. Along the way, I found out a galaxy of fabulously strange facts. I now know: how to surgically extract a floating rib, the likelihood of killing a man using just your teeth, the best undetectable poisons, the average weight of a human head compared to an arm or a leg, why magic spells are almost always written in Latin. All useful stuff, I think you’ll agree.

Teamwork

Like cats, writers are solitary beasts. We tuck ourselves away and happily scribble down our strange ideas for hours on end. But to get those scribblings published, you have to team up with the publishing industry. I tried for 10 years to get a literary agent, but it’s a jungle out there and I was an ant. Back in 2014, agents had the time to email rejections. Nowadays they are so swamped with submissions they don’t even do that. After three to six months, only their silence lets you know their disinterest. No wonder so many authors are self-publishing! But I was lucky, BONE RITES won a prestigious UK literary prize and was picked up by a publisher. And here we are…

Finally, The Unreliable Guide suggests you come and see me at Better Read than Dead Bookshop in Newtown on October 19, or Wylie’s Baths in Coogee on the 26th. I’ll be reading extracts from the novel and answering questions about everything from the number of bones in the human body (206) to how not to murder your editor (keep her 12,000 miles away). See you there!

The latest from Randwick City Council about living in this great city

Randwick News

For the past two years I’ve had the honour of being the Mayor of Randwick City. It’s been a privilege getting to know so many residents and working with the groups and organisations that make our community great.

My term as Mayor is coming to an end, but I will remain as a Councillor. Randwick Councillors will meet on 26 September to elect a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months. Looking back, it has been an incredibly busy and fulfilling two years. I was elected when we were just getting out of lockdown. In the year that followed, restrictions were lifted and our lives began to return to a new normal.

We supported businesses with a bounce-back scheme to help them rebound from two years of COVID-induced restrictions. Plus, we began pop-up music and food truck initiatives to get people back outside and mingling safely.

I was proud to be Mayor at the 20th anniversary of the Bali Bombings in 2022 – it was a beautiful event. This ceremony will take place again this year in Coogee on Thursday 12 October.

In huge wins for our community, working together we’ve stopped the Matraville Incinerator, saved Yarra Bay and prevented Meriton from overdeveloping Little Bay so far. We’ve opened the much loved Heffron Centre, built new playgrounds and outdoor gyms across the City. Plus, we created new outdoor space with Meeks Street Plaza in Kingsford and McKeon Street Plaza in Maroubra. More recently, we came together as a community to cheer on the Matildas in the World Cup at the Live Site at Heffron Park. Plus, in the past two years, I've welcomed 3,277 new Australian Citizens to Randwick City. This has been one of my favourite Mayoral duties and one that I’ll miss. Thank you and see you around!

What’s On

WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER

POP-UP COMMUNITY SUPPORT HUB

11am-1pm

Lionel Bowen Library

THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER

BALI MEMORIAL

10am

Dolphins Point

Dunningham Reserve, Coogee

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

GROWING BIG IN SMALL SPACES

1.30-4pm

Randwick Community Centre

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER

CHEMICAL CLEANOUT

9am-3.30pm

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER

MALABAR FAMILY DAY

11am-6pm

Cromwell Park

THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER

ART & DEMENTIA: EXPRESSING CREATIVITY WITH ART

10.30am-12pm

Malabar Community Library

UNTIL SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER

TALKING SPORT

La Perouse Museum

1300 722 542 randwick.nsw.gov.au

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker

Councillor Dylan Parker Mayor of Randwick

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, Where Did the Dwarves Go?

Recently I found myself trawling YouTube. The very first recommendation was a clip on Disney’s controversial remake of Snow White. I tried to resist, but I couldn't help myself. Before I knew it, I was taken deep into the YouTube rabbit hole and was subjected to a myriad of opinion, loose facts and a lot of ideological banter. It was all there in all its ugly glory, and I was fascinated.

For those who don’t know (spoiler alert), the new Snow White is not white, there’s only one dwarf - tokenistic, if you ask me - and it’s not even a love story. By today’s standards, the original 1937 prince is a stalker.

YouTube and other associated platforms really allow anyone to say anything. Of course, there is a lot of good in allowing people with an opinion to have a voice, and YouTube certainly lets you wave the flag of free speech, but the take away I was getting was that the lines were truly blurred between opinion, fact and indeed truth. I had to turn it off, but it was too late, Pandora’s box was open and my analytic, psychological game face was now firmly on.

Psychology lies at the intersection of biology and culture and looks at the relationship between

mental and physical events. It is a science that primarily studies human behaviour, endeavouring to understand why we do what we do and why things happen. Essentially, psychology investigates mental processes and behaviour and truly draws out the age-old debate between nature and nurture. Often, like all science, it starts with a theory, which then gets tested using an experiment, and from that we draw our conclusions.

Say I have a theory that red cars are faster than blue cars. We’d test it, perhaps by getting some red and blue cars and having them go at it. Lo and behold, the red car wins, confirming my theory. Now, if for some reason we can’t get our hands on some red and blue cars, we can still test the theory by using research. Things can get a bit slippery here though. If I was a Ferrari fan I would probably get all the data I could find to prove red cars are faster and just use that. It’s a simplistic example with a million variables but you get my point.

Through this process of scientific investigation we are able to move away from philosophical speculation and get some answers for the enduring questions

that philosophy has provided. Don’t get me wrong, philosophy is super important, and using the tried and true methods of logic and argument go a long way. However, as psychology emerged in the late 1800s it became apparent that looking at the mind and behaviour scientifically gave us a better understanding into the ‘why’. By asking why through a scientific lens we are able to distinguish the difference between fact and opinion. In other words, it shows us the difference between what’s subjective, i.e. what is influenced by personal feelings, tastes or opinions, and what is objective, i.e. where we look at facts and/or truth.

YouTube, TikTok, etc. - are primarily platforms dominated by subjective opinion that hooks into our feelings. As I mentioned last month, feelings are not facts; feelings are developed by a particular way of thinking, and it’s our feelings that determine how we behave. Looking at facts and truth without bias is the best way to deal with feelings and what to do with those feelings. This is especially helpful if we are dealing with negative emotions that lead us to do things that impact our wellbeing.

Speaking of wellbeing, despite TikTok rumours of Walt Disney being cryonically frozen, if he were to be resurrected I’m sure he’d have a bit to say about the new Snow White and the Seven Magical Creatures. Furthermore, I’m pretty sure Prince Charming is not a weirdo stalker. But hey, instead of believing everything I see on YouTube, perhaps I should watch the original and come to my own conclusion. After all, 85 years later and the original is still Disney’s most successful film to date - and that’s a fact!

Jeremy Ireland is a local psychotherapist. Have you got a question? You can get in touch with Jeremy by calling 0400 420 042.

Words Jeremy Ireland Photo Walt Disney

Political correctness gone mad.

The War on Drugs?

As a society, our relationship with drugs is very complex, and our attitude towards them is often ill-informed, hypocritical and nearly always confused. We know that tobacco is a major cause of fatalities, so we tax it, although it is still legal. Most of us consume alcohol, which is generally legal for over 18-year-olds, although we know that when consumed in excess it is a source of not only health problems but also many other social ills. There are a great number of drugs we use either regularly or in particular circumstances, ranging from paracetamol to cancer drugs, which are dangerous in some contexts but life-giving in others. Some that were once prohibited are now lawful (alcohol), while others that were once legal are now prohibited (opium), and others are legal in some countries but not in others (marijuana). Alcohol currently accounts for about 42 per cent of treatment episodes, amphetamines 24 per cent, cannabis 19 per cent and heroin 4.5 per cent.

Since Federation in 1901, Australia has passed laws to prohibit the use of particular drugs and, following US President Richard Nixon’s declaration of the War on Drugs in 1971, Australia declared its own in the 1980s. Australia’s War on Drugs was estimated to be costing the government over $3 billion in 2009. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s wastewater report in 2022/23 found Australians were spending over $10 billion a year on illicit drugs. Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs has the highest cocaine use in the nation. In the year to March 2023, the Sydney City local government area had

366 arrests for cocaine possession per 100,000 people, Waverley LGA had the next highest rate of cocaine arrests at 265, followed by Woollahra with 146 arrests and Randwick with 117.

Current policies aimed at eradicating illicit drug use are ineffective and expensive for the government to administer, they discriminate against those most disadvantaged and provide a fertile money-making industry for criminals who in turn exploit the most needy. While drug usage is a huge problem in terms of health, society and the economy, the enforcement of legislation in practice results in far more incarcerations of the poor and disadvantaged than of the legally well-represented middle class. It also gives criminals an opportunity to thrive! But, more importantly, the current laws throw a common blanket of criminality across a range of circumstances, thus denying basic human rights and health, as well other support systems.

The United Nations’ human rights experts have called for an end to the so-called War on Drugs and have urged governments to promote drug policies that are firmly anchored in human rights. They argue that current policies have failed to eradicate the demand for illegal drugs, undermine health and social wellbeing, waste public resources and have far-reaching negative implications for the widest range of human rights. Their report demonstrates the application of drug laws resulting in discrimination and the disproportionate incarceration of groups including women. Finally, they call on the international community to replace punishment with support and promote policies that respect, protect and fulfil the rights of all.

In NSW, we need to action our concerns around drug abuse out of the criminal justice system and evidence a healthcare approach. In 2020, a Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’, headed by Professor Dan Howard SC, led an extensive inquiry into the problems caused by methamphetamine and amphetamine-type stimulant use in NSW and made 109 recommendations to the government. Two of the key findings were that drug usage needed to be reframed as a health issue and for decriminalisation.

Current policies are not effective, but they are costly and deny important human rights. I am not an expert in these matters, but I can see that change is needed. As with all issues affecting my electorate, I need to hear from the experts, but also, just as importantly, from the community. The last major public discussion of these issues was at the New South Wales Drug Summit held in 1999 - nearly 25 years ago. So much has changed since then. Is it time for another drug summit?

Words Dr Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee Photo Adam Granduciel

On the packets.

Big Kings in the Big Smoke

After returning home from the faraway land of Indonesia, the bleak realities of Sydney winter slapped me square in the face. Swapping dreamy, isolated reef breaks for Bondi’s gutless straight-handers and icy cold water left me with an unwavering sense of ‘post-Indo depression’. Somewhat disgruntled, I decided that the only way to treat this tropical hangover was with a bit of fish therapy and proceeded to prepare the tinnie for a mission chasing kingfish in the harbour.

Winter through spring is renowned for producing big kings in Sydney waters and, after catching wind of a few decent kings being caught locally, I was primed to get out there. Relieved to hear the old two-stroke start up after two months of dormancy, I set off in search of squid, which I hoped to convert into kingfish. After grinding it out for only one squid, I grabbed a quick coffee and pie at my usual waterfront stop and was on the spot with an hour until high tide. Upon arrival, the sounder lit up instantly, boasting the typical marks of schooling kingfish. I knew I was on!

My first baits were promptly smashed by small ‘rat’ kingfish that I quickly returned to the

water. I landed a legal king soon after, but before I could even unhook it, my second rod started bending violently and I set the hooks into what felt like something in a different class altogether. The fish was so powerful that it dragged my boat off anchor toward another moored boat and started angling under its hull - a one-way ticket to a lost fish. Acting on instinct, I found myself leaping onto the moored boat, before running around its bow after the fish. In a matter of seconds, the fish ran toward a pylon and I watched my entire spool empty to the tune of a screaming reel before the dreaded pinging noise brought all of the commotion to an end. I stood there in shock with a heart full of adrenaline, thankful to see that no one had witnessed the sketchy spectacle.

Eventually I made it back on to my boat to greet the first kingfish still flapping on the deck, which I quickly dispatched into the esky. Half defeated from the intense fight and the devastation of losing a big fish, I sat and re-rigged with a bitter, sinking feeling that I wouldn’t get another opportunity with a fish of that calibre again. After a short lull of inactivity, the peace was rudely disrupted when the

lighter of my two rods violently buckled. As I wrestled it from the holder, I knew it was another good one, perhaps even bigger than the monster I had just lost. Desperate not to endure the same fate, I decided to adjust my tactics to a more gentle approach - a technique I used when catching smaller kings on ultra light gear. I gently kept minimal tension on the fish as it swam with the school of kings below the boat, seemingly unphased, perhaps even unaware that it was hooked at all. After pulling my anchor, I started the engine and slowly idled away from the mess of boats and mooring lines. Through a combination of technique and luck I managed to coax the fish like a dog on a lead out from the structure towards the main channel where I could start to pump and wind it to the boat. Over the next 30 minutes, through a series of sickening runs and back-breaking rod work, I struggled for every single metre gained on the fish, even bending my reel handle! Eventually I raised the fish a few metres below the boat where I could begin to see light shimmering off its broad frame. This was the single biggest fish I’d ever seen in person and I began feeling nauseous with the thought that it was all up to me not to lose this potential catch of a lifetime. After a few attempts I finally lipgaffed the beast, heaving it into the boat where I stood in disbelief as this huge slab of a kingfish lay on the deck. It is difficult to describe the euphoria of catching a fish like that, but it is genuinely one of the most ecstatic and rewarding feelings you can experience. The fish measured in at 1.12 metres, which is well and truly in the upper region of sizes that you are likely to come across in Sydney Harbour. I doubt I will ever catch a king that size in the harbour again, and I’m so honored and thankful to have been in the right place at the right time for a fish like that.

Cheers for reading - Lewis.

Words and Photo Lewis Kennedy-Hunt

The fish of a lifetime.

October 2023 Tide Chart

Crispy Fried

Prawns in Lettuce

With Pickled Cucumber and Pineapple Salsa

Words Dana Sims Instagram @stone_and_twine

This recipe is absolutely packed with flavour and crunch, requiring very little cooking but a bit of work in prepping the ingredients. It’s a fun dish to share, and I love the addition of the pickle - it really elevates the delicious lettuce parcel. It’s a bit of an Aussie/Asian fusion and is just right for spring.

Ingredients

Serves 4 people

12 green king prawns - shelled,

tails left on, butterflied and deveined

1¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

2 eggs, beaten

¼ cup plain flour

1 large bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped

1 long green chilli, thinly sliced Juice of ½ lime

½ small fresh pineapple, skin and core removed, largely diced

2 cucumbers, largely diced

½ red onion, peeled and finely sliced

1 tbsp white sugar

1 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 ½ cups olive oil for frying

12 leaves of a large cos lettuce

To serve

Thai sweet chilli sauce

Fresh lime wedges

1 long green chilli, thinly sliced

Method

1. Prepare the cucumber and pineapple salsa pickle by adding the diced cucumber, pineapple, red onion and green chilli to a bowl. Add the salt, sugar and red wine vinegar, stirring to combine them well. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for one hour.

2. Place the flour, egg and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Coat the prawns well in that order and ensure you include the tail, then set aside.

3. To fry the prawns, heat the olive oil in a frypan set to medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the prawns in batches for 1½ to 2 minutes on each side (less time if you’re using smaller prawns). You want a golden crumb, not an overcooked prawn.

4. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towel.

5. To serve this dish, place the cos lettuce, prawns, pickled salsa, coriander, limes and sweet chilli in bowls for everyone to make their own prawn lettuce parcel.

Dana Sims is a Sydneybased food and prop stylist who has grown up in the Eastern Suburbs and loves to create delicious food for entertaining and family. 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.

The ultimate spring sharing dish.

The Beast Supercross

ACROSS

1. Newcastle Knights coach (4,6)

7. Glass coating melted at high temperatures onto metal or ceramics (6)

8. A petty officer on a merchant ship (5)

9. A common uni degree (1,1)

10. London railway station (6)

11. Crystal methamphetamine (3)

13. Dry conifer fruit (4)

14. Attorney-General (7)

17. Large stringed instrument (5)

19. Evergreen shrub from the rhododendron family (6)

21. Middle Eastern country (6)

22. Eject someone forcibly from a nightclub (6)

Trivial Trivia

1. What is the name of the annual festival held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada?

2. What is the name of the recently deceased singer of ‘Margaritaville’?

3. What type of legal defence is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘elsewhere’?

4. What is the name of the search engine owned by Microsoft Corporation?

5. What was the world’s tallest structure when it was completed in 1889?

6. Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan and Gary Player are known for which sport?

DOWN

1. Mononymous English singer-songwriter (5)

2. Star of Happy Gilmore (4,7)

3. Nocturnal wildcat (6)

4. Official nurse (1,1)

5. Asian pear (5)

6. Overindulge (5)

8. Worn to indicate membership (5)

12. High quality vineyard (3)

14. Abbreviated doctor (2)

15. Term for when a ball hits a player’s head (6)

16. A meeting to communicate with the dead (6)

17. Protruding part of the lower jaw (4)

18. Cream-filled biscuit (4)

20. Set the sights for firing (4)

7. What is the rarest M&M’s colour?

8. What television series showed the first interracial kiss on American television?

9. What country has the most natural lakes?

10. The name of which African animal means ‘river horse’?

Smoko.

Words Lisa Anderson

Photo Verity Brewer

Come & enjoy a spooky Halloween Party!

Thursday, October 26th, 2023 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Looking for a different VIEW on Life?

VIEW Clubs is a national women’s organisation supporting The Smith Family.

Women join VIEW to form lasting friendships and to support children experiencing disadvantage to make the most of their education and create better futures for themselves.

Sydney Eastern Suburbs VIEW Club is looking to welcome new members to their monthly meetings held every fourth Wednesday from 11am at Coogee Diggers, 2 Byron St, Coogee - with guest speaker followed by lunch.

Call Jan on 0422 922 095

Email nettiet@bigpond.com view.org.au

fused service or stopped by the police. But anyway, putting my own prejudice aside, I do like his songs, and even more so when they’re reimagined by other artists of whom I am not so intolerant. A good one for beers on the beach this summer, but just remember, if your feet are burning on the hot sand, you made that choice and you should live with the

If you’re planning on pouring a bottle of vodka into a watermelon at any stage in your life, I recommend popping on Cleave for the experience. It perfectly captures all the moods that one might encounter over an afternoon of consuming vodkasodden fruit flesh: joy, sadness, moments of wild passion and, yes, even anger. Apparently they were close to throttling each other during the creative process, but they pushed through and the world is better for it. You might feel like throttling yourself once the watermelon sugar hangover hits as well, but don’t - the world is better with you in it too.

live music, a licensed bar, food, tarot readings, fancy dress, prizes, & Spooky book launch!

Star Signs

Visions Beardy from Hell

Sagittarius Nov 23-Dec 21

You’ve reached a stage in your career where it actually makes financial sense to just quit your job and become a criminal.

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 20

If you can’t afford to follow your dreams in Sydney, move somewhere else where you can, before that gets too expensive as well.

Aquarius Jan 21-Feb 19

The number one sign of insecurity is scrolling back through your group chat to see if anyone laughed at your shit jokes.

Pisces Feb 20-Mar 20

The longer you put off having kids, the longer it will be before you can get rid of them, so bloody well get on with it.

Aries Mar 21-Apr 20

Stop taking the fun out of everything by being all competitive and trying to turn it into a

Taurus Apr 21-May 21

Don’t ask your friends to do something you wouldn’t do yourself, just in case they say yes and end up owning you.

Gemini May 22-Jun 21

Fighting old age is always going to be a losing battle. You’re better off just relaxing and letting yourself go to shit.

Cancer Jun 22-Jul 22

It’s hard maintaining friends of the opposite sex when you’re so hot. Don’t expect the average person to understand your plight.

Leo Jul 23-Aug 22

This month you’ll give birth to the biggest cable you’ve laid to date. Don’t be alarmed, it’s a sign of a healthy lifestyle.

Virgo Aug 23-Sep 23

It’s already too late to get in shape for summer. Squeeze yourself into some activewear and hope nobody takes it off.

Trivial Trivia Solutions

1. Burning Man 2. Jimmy Buffett 3. Alibi 4. Bing 5. Eiffel Tower 6. Golf

7. Brown 8. Star Trek

9. Canada 10. Hippopotamus