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Sophie Ellis-Bextor to Headline Mardi Gras’ Bondi Beach Party

British pop sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor, famous for her hit song “Murder on the Dancefloor,” is set to electrify the crowd as the headliner of the Bondi Beach Party during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival.

The event celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community is kicking off on Friday, 16 Feb 2024, and is expected to draw thousands of attendees from around the world.

The two-week extravaganza promises a vibrant celebration of unity and togetherness, featuring a lineup of international and local artists. Alongside Ellis-Bextor, performers such as Slayyyter from the USA, Jay Jay Revlon from the UK, and local acts Tyoow, Mama de Leche, and Beth Yen from ACT will grace the stage at the Bondi Beach Party on February 24.

Festival Spirit Lives On Despite a Cancellation

Gil Beckwith, CEO of Mardi Gras, emphasises the festival’s significance as a beacon of light and inclusivity in today’s world. With events ranging from the iconic parade to the beloved Laneway and the legendary Mardi Gras Party, attendees are in for a memorable experience celebrating diversity and solidarity.

However, the much-loved Fair Day, a beloved event drawing over 70,000 attendees annually, has been canceled this year due to safety concerns after asbestos was discovered in Victoria Park near the CBD.

Despite this setback, the festival continues as planned, offering numerous opportunities over its 17-day duration for communities to come together and celebrate.

Event Details

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 runs from Friday, 16 February, to Sunday, 3 March, 2024. For more information and tickets, visit the event’s website. The Bondi Beach Party, headlined by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, will take place from 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 24. Visit the event’s website for further details.

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Published 16-Feb-2024

Pearl Jam Announces Australian Tour After Bondi Beach Stunt

When a massive installation dubbed “Pearl Jam Lane” featuring a walkway adorned with custom posters celebrating the grunge band appeared at Bondi Beach on February 10 and 11, fans of the American rock giants knew something was up. Their instincts were spot on, as Pearl Jam has just announced their return to Australia for the first time in over a decade.

As fans strolled past these iconic visuals, they were greeted by an “Alive Stickman” logo, followed by a custom traffic light pole urging them to “push for Pearl Jam”. The experience culminated with a snippet of Pearl Jam’s unreleased single, “Dark Matter”, leaving attendees buzzing with excitement.

Additionally, a large LED screen provided fans with the opportunity to scan a QR code, teasing more music and potentially unveiling hints about an upcoming Australian tour.

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Pearl Jam’s last visit to Australia dates back to 2014 when they headlined the final Big Day Out. The eclectic lineup that year included Arcade Fire, Snoop Dogg, Flume, The Lumineers, Tame Impala, and more.

As anticipation mounts for their return, Pearl Jam recently teased their new single, “Dark Matter”, on social media. This track marks their first release since their 2023 live album, Give Way, and serves as the lead single for their upcoming studio album.

On 14 February 2024, Pearl Jam revealed plans for a four-stop stadium tour across Australia and New Zealand. The Dark Matter World Tour is slated for November, coinciding with the release of their highly anticipated new album on April 19.

The confirmed tour schedules are:

Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland – 8 November
Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast – 13 November
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne – 16 November
Giants Stadium, Sydney – 21 November

Securing tickets for Pearl Jam’s first Aussie show in a decade won’t be a walk in the park. Members of Pearl Jam’s official fan club, Ten Club, will enjoy priority access to tickets through Ticketmaster Request. For non-members, registration for the Dark Matter World Tour 2024 sale is available until February 18. However, registration does not guarantee access to the sale.

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Pearl Jam, formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990, has remained a powerhouse in the rock scene. Frontman Eddie Vedder expressed his enthusiasm for the band’s upcoming album, proclaiming it to be their best work yet. With excitement building, it’s undoubtedly a thrilling time for Australian fans of Pearl Jam as they eagerly anticipate the band’s long-awaited return.

Published 14-Feb-2024

Bondi Beach Scooter Incident Goes Viral, Sparks Debate on Social Media

Two young men have caused an uproar on social media after posting a video of themselves moving another person’s scooter in the parking lot at Bondi Beach.

Read: Shorter Parking Limits Proposed to Alleviate Bondi Beach Woes

The TikTok video, which has gone viral, shows the laughing men kicking away the scooter owner’s helmet and then shoving the vehicle into an already occupied parking space.

They captioned the video “POV: It’s Saturday and you need to find a parking spot in Bondi,” as if their actions were justified by the difficulty of parking at the popular beach.

Viewers were quick to criticise the pair for messing with someone else’s property without permission. One commenter said the scooter owner would be furious if they saw the video. Others noted that the scooter might belong to someone struggling financially who is making payments on it.

The reactions were mixed, though. Some felt scooters unfairly take up an entire parking spot. But most agreed the men should not have tampered with a vehicle that didn’t belong to them, no matter how frustrating the parking situation.

The brazen video has certainly sparked heated debate over proper public behaviour and respect for others’ property.

Read: Unveiling the Mysteries of Sydney’s Eruv: A Symbolic Boundary with Historical Significance

Parking in NSW

NSW rangers make daily patrols of the local area to promote adherence to parking regulations and ensure equitable access to street parking for all drivers.

However, even rangers do not have the authority to remove vehicles from parking spots. If there’s a valid reason for a vehicle to be towed, it’s recommended to contact the NSW Police Force.

To address ongoing parking issues, authorities seek to manage issues with drivers who overstay in timed and metred parking zones by monitoring behaviour and encouraging compliance with parking restrictions.

Published 15-January-2024

Understanding the Significance of Sydney’s Eruv: A Symbolic Boundary with Historical Significance

Did you know that those kilometres-long wire fences along Bondi Beach and several sites in the Eastern Suburbs are among Sydney’s Eruv and they hold a cultural and religious significance for the Jewish community?

Many Sydneysiders are unaware of the significance the fences hold and their role in the lives of Jews, granting them the freedom to engage in certain activities during Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest.

In Jewish practice, “Eruv” refers to a symbolic “fence” that defines the boundaries of a “walled courtyard,” allowing for the carrying of objects outdoors on the Jewish Sabbath, which would otherwise be prohibited by Torah law. The concept of an Eruv traces its roots to Jewish law and tradition.

Without an Eruv, observant Jews face restrictions on everyday activities such as carrying keys or tissues in their pockets or pushing baby carriages during Shabbat.

Eruvs help preserve tradition and community unity. It plays a pivotal role in making Shabbat observance more accessible and enjoyable, especially for families with young children.

Its boundaries are meticulously marked by wires suspended from power poles, with the condition that the Eruv remains unbroken for its validity.

Photo Credit: https://members.tripod.com/robz_webdezign/Pics/SydneyEruvmap28.4.10.jpg

Aside from Bondi Beach, these wires are also found in Bellevue Hill, southern and eastern Bondi Junction, Queens Park, Waverley, Tamarama, North Bondi, eastern Rose Bay, eastern Woollahra, Dover Heights, and Vaucluse.

Weekly inspections by a Rabbi ensure the integrity of the wires, maintaining the Eruv’s status as a legitimate symbolic enclosure.

While the Sydney Eruv is well-established, there are others of its kind. Eruvin exist in various cities worldwide, including Melbourne, Perth, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Venice, and London. Notably, the most expensive Eruv is the one surrounding Manhattan Island in New York, with an estimated annual maintenance cost of $220,000.

Published 12-Jan-2023

Surfer’s Close Encounter with Grey Nurse Shark Caught on Drone Footage at Bondi Beach

A surfer at popular Bondi Beach had a close encounter with a grey nurse shark on Tuesday, captured on drone footage by local videographer Jason Iggledon.

The video shows the 1.7-metre shark, nicknamed ‘Nelly’ by locals, swimming right next to the surfer and almost making contact at one point. The surfer seems unaware of the large shark in the water next to him.

Shark and surfer unfazed by each other

In the drone footage, Nelly the shark can be seen swimming past the surfer’s leg as he sits on his board. “Watch your foot, mate,” Mr Iggledon can be heard saying in the video. But the surfer appears unfazed as the shark swims by.

“She’s got no interest in feet, even,” Mr. Iggledon comments in the video. Further footage shows the shark calmly swimming along, ignoring the surfers in the water.

“This is nuts, people. You can see Nelly has just got no interest in humans whatsoever,” Mr. Iggledon said. “Just cruising along the beach. You [can almost] touch Nelly.”

Mr Iggledon also captured drone footage of the surfer almost hitting the shark as he rode a wave back to shore, coming within inches of the animal. Once again, the shark appears unfazed by the near collision.

Grey nurse shark facts

The grey nurse shark, also known as the sand tiger or spotted ragged tooth shark, is a vulnerable species found along the east coast of Australia. They are slow-moving, mostly docile sharks that pose little threat to humans.

Grey nurse sharks are critically endangered due to years of overfishing and habitat destruction. As top predators, they play an important role in the marine ecosystem. Conservation groups are working to protect the species by creating safe zones and habitats. However, their limited reproductive rate makes recovery difficult.

The close encounter filmed in Bondi is a reminder that these sharks still inhabit the waters along Australia’s coastline. Locals are advised to give them space and avoid antagonising them. For both sharks and beachgoers, caution and respect will ensure a peaceful coexistence at Bondi.

Published 21-November-2023

Belles Hot Chicken: A Sizzling Surprise at Bondi Beach

Belles Hot Chicken, a name synonymous with fiery chicken goodness, has just landed on the sandy shores of Bondi Beach. Known for turning up the heat in the culinary world, Belles has set up its newest nest, ready to ruffle some feathers with its delectable Nashville-style chicken.

A Twist of Retro Charm

Step into the past with a twist of today at Belles’ latest hotspot. Designed by the ingenious Vicki Punch, this new joint sports a 70s American diner vibe that’s as tantalising as their spicy chicken.

Imagine retro booths, pastel hues, and a dash of disco shimmer – it’s a groovy throwback with a modern twist. Vinyl booths and a disco ball add a sprinkle of nostalgia, making it not just a place to eat but an experience to relish.

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Spice, Spice Baby!

Belles Hot Chicken — *Photo Credit: BellesHotChicken/Instagram*

Apart from the fitout, it’s the taste that sizzles. The menu? A perfect blend of old favourites and new thrills. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Spicy Chicken Sandwich & Fries or the adventurous Nashy Loaded Fries, there’s something to set every tongue ablaze.

Loaded Fries — *Photo Credit: BellesHotChicken/Instagram*

And if you’re riding the waves, grab a Pina Colada milkshake, boozy or booze-free, to cool down your palate.

Belles isn’t just for the peckish; it’s a paradise for the thirsty, too. With a drinks menu as quirky as its decor, sip on 80s and 90s-inspired cocktails, including a Belles spin on the Long Island Iced Tea.

*Photo Credit: BellesHotChicken/Instagram*

And for those who dare, there are shots galore to kickstart the weekend fun. It’s a feast for the senses, where spicy meets boozy in an unforgettable mash-up.

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Endless Summer Vibes

Belles Hot Chicken at Bondi Beach is an embodiment of summer fun and culinary adventure. With its bold flavours, vibrant atmosphere, and a setting that screams ‘beachside bliss’, it’s the new go-to spot for those who love their chicken with a side of cheer. Your table at 85 Hall Street, Bondi Beach, awaits!

Follow them on Instagram for updates.

BOOK A TABLE

Published 13-Nov-2023

Easy Tiger Brings Southeast Asian Fare to Bondi Beach

Easy Tiger, Bondi Beach’s newest Southeast Asian restaurant, transports diners to the exotic shores of the region with its aromatic curries, fresh herbs, and tantalising wok-tossed dishes.

Read: Bondi’s Preach Cafe Voted Best Cafe In Sydney’s East

This new restaurant, which opened this September on the corner of Campbell Parade and Beach Road delivers a menu inspired by the diverse flavours of Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

The 70-seat restaurant comes from acclaimed Sydney restaurant group House Made Hospitality, who wanted to bring something fresh and beachy to match the Bondi vibe. It’s designed as a relaxed, casual space with neutral interiors where the bright, vibrant flavours take centre stage.

Head Chef Andrianto Wirya (Photo credit: Easy Tiger Bondi Beach/Facebook)

In the kitchen, Chef Andrianto Wirya draws on his Indonesian heritage and experience working in hotels across Asia to lead diners on a culinary tour from street food to fine dining.

Some standout dishes include the Duck Roll, a crispy Vietnamese duck spring roll served with nuoc cham dipping sauce. The Tamarind Chicken Wings are fried until crispy then glazed with a sweet and sticky tamarind chilli glaze. For vegetarians, the Wood Roasted Cauliflower is doused in a green curry coconut sauce and served with brinjal pickle and curry leaf.

In addition to sharing plates, Easy Tiger offers fresh wok-tossed greens, crispy twice-fried corn “larb”, and the quintessential Papaya Salad with green papaya, peanuts, chilli and aromatic Thai basil.

Crispy corn larb (Photo credit: Easy Tiger Bondi Beach/Facebook)

The restaurant also caters to kids with chicken bao buns, BBQ fish and crispy pork belly on the children’s menu. For something sweet, families can choose from refreshing watermelon, a vanilla and coconut sundae or a slice of banana toffee pie.

The restaurant offers an Asian-inspired banquet menu so diners can sample a variety of dishes. To complement the food, Easy Tiger serves beers from the on-site Bondi Brewing Co, Australian wines and creative cocktails.

Southeast Asian — Photo credit: Easy Tiger Bondi Beach/Facebook

Read: Bondi Beach Visitors Urged to Respect Local Council Rule Amid Lawn Restoration Efforts

Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday, Easy Tiger promises to bring diners the tastes, aromas and essence of Southeast Asia right in the heart of Bondi. Follow them on Facebook for more details.

Published 13-October-2023

Ben & Jerry’s Teams Up with JCDecaux for Ice Cream-Themed Bus Stop in Bondi

To mark the launch of their new Sundaes range, iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s has joined forces with media company JCDecaux to create a delectable ice cream-themed bus stop in Bondi Beach.

This unique activation promises presents a tempting sight to Bondi commutersin search of a salted caramel fix as they wait for their buses.

Situated directly across from the Ben & Jerry’s store on Campbell Parade right across the popular Bondi Beach, the specially designed 3D bus shelter has undergone a whimsical transformation, taking on the appearance of a colossal Ben & Jerry’s Sundae.

This eye-catching installation is aimed at promoting their new range, described as featuring “the chunkiest, swirliest flavours, layered with never-before-seen creamy whipped topping and finished with sticky sauce and chocolate chunks.”

The attention to detail is remarkable, with custom green seating and a Sundae-topping roof adding to the immersive experience. As a delightful bonus, the bus stop features a push-button salted caramel scent dispenser, further tempting passersby with the allure of this delectable treat.

Strategic Location

The strategic placement of this ice cream-themed bus stop is no accident. Bondi Beach attracts nearly half a million domestic visitors annually, and this particular bus station lies along the busy 333 bus route from North Bondi to City Circular Quay.

“The activation looks delicious and is strategically located opposite the Ben & Jerry’s Bondi Beach store to drive footfall,” Lama Perrin, Group Manager of Creative and Digital Solutions at JCDecaux, said.

Bondi ice cream themed bus stop — Photo Credit: Ben & Jerry’s/Little Black Book Online

“A popular outdoor destination like Bondi is the ideal environment for ice cream advertising, with the beach, sun, and holiday atmosphere.

“For many customers, ice cream is an impulse buy, with the scent dispenser triggering appetite and positive memories.”

National Campaign

Sean Farrell, Country Manager for Ben & Jerry’s Australia & New Zealand, expressed the brand’s enthusiasm for introducing the Ben & Jerry’s Sundaes range to Australia through this fun and multi-sensory activation.

“At Ben & Jerry’s, we always strive to find new and authentic ways to surprise and delight our fans, from our euphoric ice cream to how we connect with them in their daily lives.”

This whimsical campaign isn’t limited to the streets of Bondi alone. It is supported by a national advertising campaign spanning JCDecaux Classic and Digital Large Format media outlets. The primary goal is to raise awareness of the new Ben & Jerry’s Sundaes and, equally important, to encourage people to visit Ben & Jerry’s store locations and supermarkets where the brand is available.

Bondi residents and visitors alike can enjoy the delightful Ben & Jerry’s Sundae bus stop until 22 Oct 2023.

Published 9-Oct-2023

Shorter Parking Limits Proposed to Alleviate Bondi Beach Woes

To tackle the perennial issues of traffic congestion and parking shortages near the iconic Bondi Beach, shorter parking limits are being proposed for visitors. While aiming to alleviate the plight of local residents, the move could pose fresh challenges for those seeking a day at the beach.

Waverley Council intends to expand the existing Resident Parking Scheme in the vicinity of Bondi Beach and enforce a two-hour parking restriction for non-residents. Per Mayor Paula Masselos, the proposal aims to “strike a balance between the parking demands of residents and visitors” to Bondi Beach.

Parking issues in this area have long been a contentious topic. Over the past year, Waverley Councillor Leon Goltsman, representing the Bondi ward, has fielded complaints from hundreds of locals regarding on-street parking problems.

Regarding potential solutions, Cr Goltsman acknowledged the diverse range of opinions but stressed the consistent desire of residents to have their voices heard. He also highlighted the challenge posed by Waverley’s status as one of Australia’s most densely populated local government areas, experiencing demand for parking that often surpasses supply, particularly during peak times.

Whilst Waverley Council has a vision of reducing car travel reliance through initiatives like the Bondi Junction Cycleway, which opened in February 2023, Cr. Goltsman expressed reservations. He noted a reduction in public street parking in recent years, with spaces being repurposed for car-sharing zones, parklets, and expanded sidewalks. Although these changes have some advantages, they contribute to the difficulty of finding parking.

Cr Goltsman also acknowledged concerns that altered parking rules might deter lower-income residents from visiting the glamorous Bondi area. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Bondi’s welcoming reputation and considered the visitor experience holistically. He expressed concern that shorter time limits, coupled with the high cost of parking near Bondi Beach, could overshadow an otherwise joyful day at the beach.

Parking around Bondi Beach is notoriously pricey, with some sections charging as much as $10 per hour – exceeding the costs in Sydney’s CBD. Additionally, the privatization of bus services in the Eastern Suburbs has limited public transport accessibility in the region.

Council, along with the NSW Police and Transport for NSW, is currently reviewing the feedback received during the public consultation for its Resident Parking Scheme (RPS), which closed in September 2023.

Published 6-Oct-2023

Sixers Star Maitlan Brown Joins Bondi Beach Cricket Blast

Bondi Beach played host to a day of beach cricket on September 25, led by Sydney Sixers star Maitlan Brown. The free Woolworths Cricket Blast program transformed iconic Bondi Beach into a cricket arena for local children to enjoy some holiday activities.

Bondi Beach cricket excitement

Cricket NSW partnered with Waverley Council to organise the beach cricket event, transforming Bondi Beach into a cricket hub. 64 children took part in modified cricket activities including batting, bowling and fielding on the sand. All the equipment was provided by Cricket NSW.

Parents watched from beach chairs and under umbrellas as their children played barefoot cricket on the makeshift Flicx pitch set up on the beach. Many families travelled from surrounding suburbs such as Berowra to take part.

Sydney Sixers all-rounder Maitlan Brown made a special appearance at the Bondi Beach Cricket Blast. She led barefoot cricket activities and gave tips to the young participants.

Brown was enthusiastic about the beach cricket concept, saying it encouraged children to stay active outdoors. She coached the children and handed out Sydney Sixers prizes and giveaways.

Maitlan Brown extends contract with Sydney Sixers

In related news, Maitlan Brown has signed a two-year extension to her WBBL contract with the Sydney Sixers. Head of Sydney Sixers, Rachael Haynes said it was a priority for the club to secure the all-rounder for the long term.

The WBBL season begins on October 19 when the Sixers take on the Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval.

Published 1 October 2023