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Tamarama SLSC and Boot Factory Renovations On Track for Early 2024

The Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club and the heritage Boot Factory building in Bondi Junction are undergoing major upgrades and restorations. The projects are progressing well and expected to finish in early 2024.

Read: Bondi’s Historic Boot Factory Gets New Lease on Life

Tamarama SLSC upgrade

The upcoming upgrade of the Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club will modernise the facility to better serve lifesavers, educators, and the local community. The renovation is a partnership between Waverley Council and the Club.

The improved Club will have new amenities tailored for contemporary lifesaving activities and patrols. There will be enhanced spaces for female club members along with facilities for increased community and public use. The design also addresses noise bleed to nearby residential properties.

It’s partially funded through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which helps local Councils like Waverley deliver priority infrastructure projects, creating jobs and boosting local economies to aid pandemic recovery.

Boot Factory building restoration

Artist’s impression of the Boot Factory restoration (Photo credit: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au)

Waverley Council has undertaken restoration and upgrades to the historic Boot Factory and Mill Hill Community Centre in Bondi Junction. The former shoemaking factory was originally built in 1892 by William Sidaway and Son.

Waverley Council last restored the historic building in 1986. Located behind Norman Lee Place at 27-33 Spring Street, the facility is now being transformed into a vibrant community hub.

A key feature of the renovated centre will be an Innovation and Knowledge Hub. This space will allow Waverley Council to foster innovative ideas and collaborate with the community to shape the future of the area as a modern, technology-enabled “smart city.”

Upgrades to the seniors and community centre will provide flexible spaces for public use. Normal Lee Place will also see improvements, and a new café is being added.

Most notably, the building will house Waverley Council’s inaugural Thinker In Residence program. This initiative will bring in experts to engage with the community on finding innovative solutions to pressing environmental sustainability challenges facing the area.

Read: Prestigious Flickerfest Returns to the Refurbished Bondi Pavilion

Alan Al Refaei, Director of Schiavello Constructions, expressed excitement about collaborating with Waverley Council on the restoration projects.

“Our focus has been to protect and restore the rich heritage elements of these buildings while undertaking major external, civil, structural and interior fitout works to create a thriving community hub,” Mr Al Refaei said.

Visit Waverley Council’s website for updates on major projects.

Published 1-September-2023

Waverley Council Urges Better Options for Shark Deterrence in Bondi Beach Amid Environmental Concerns

Sydney’s iconic beaches in Bondi and Bronte could experience a landmark change this summer as discussions swirl around the possible removal of shark nets from its waters, especially after Waverley’s leaders have called for better deterrents.

The New South Wales government is grappling with whether to continue the controversial shark meshing program, which has been in place since 1937 and has faced increasing opposition due to its impact on marine life.

The shark nets are traditionally deployed at 51 beaches spanning from Newcastle to Wollongong each year, typically from September to April.

However, as the deadline for their installation approaches in less than five weeks, the NSW has announced that a final decision will not be made until it gathers input from eight coastal councils.

One of the most vocal proponents for alternative methods is Waverley Council, responsible for some of Sydney’s most renowned beaches. It has previously opposed the use of shark nets and has been eager to collaborate with the state government to develop improved solutions.

Paula Masselos, the mayor of Waverley, emphasized the need for more progressive approaches to shark deterrence, stating that there should be a better system for the 21st century.

The use of shark nets has long been a point of contention within the community, often drawing criticism from environmental groups due to the unintended trapping of dolphins and turtles, leading to their unfortunate deaths. Mayor Masselos pointed out that the nets are only deployed for half of the year and are not extensive enough to cover entire beaches, allowing sharks to become trapped close to shore.

However, not everyone is convinced that a swift removal of the nets is the best course of action.

Sally Betts, Waverley’s longest-serving councillor and former mayor, believes that alternative methods should be more thoroughly developed before discarding the nets. Betts recalled a shark attack incident in 2009 that resulted in a surfer losing his arm, highlighting the importance of maintaining effective shark deterrence.

Latest data on the number of marine animals inadvertently caught and killed in shark nets showed that 90 per cent have been “non-target species,” such as turtles or stingrays.

Photo Credit: Shark Meshing Bather Protection Program Report

Out of the 228 creatures trapped in the waters of NSW beaches during the 2022-23 season, only 24 were the intended species of sharks (18 white sharks and six tiger sharks), while the remaining 204 were unintended species. A majority of these caught animals (63 per cent) met their demise due to ensnarement.

Among the 204 unintended species, there were 120 smaller sharks, 58 rays, 14 turtles, 10 mammals (consisting of eight dolphins and two seals), and two finfish.

The list of animals encompasses 16 critically endangered grey nurse sharks, two of which suffered fatal consequences. Additionally, two common dolphins and six Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, both categorized as protected species under national environmental laws, were captured; none of the caught dolphins managed to survive.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty expressed the government’s dedication to finding a balanced approach to shark mitigation, addressing concerns about marine life impact. The government has been actively investing in initiatives such as increased aerial surveillance through drones, smart drumlines, listening stations, and community education programs to promote shark safety.

“At this stage, no decisions have been made about the future deployment of shark mesh nets,” a spokesperson said. “A decision will be made by the NSW Government before the start of the 2023/24 swimming season and following the tender and council consultation processes.”

Published 7-Aug-2023

Prestigious Flickerfest Returns to the Refurbished Bondi Pavilion

Flickerfest, Sydney’s world-renowned, longest-running film festival, will be returning to the Bondi Pavilion, its home for two decades, in 2023.

Flickerfest director Bronwyn Kidd expressed nostalgia about returning to Bondi Pavilion for its 32nd year in 2023. She said that the historic venue, which was recently refurbished, has “few little rough edges here and there” but the amphitheatre has always been a magical place.

“We adapted with the Pavilion and we’ve evolved over so many years,” Ms Kidd said. “So it’s going to be really interesting to be back there in its new incarnation.”

Flickerfest will run from the 20th to 29th of January 2023. Showcasing thousands of short films from homegrown creatives, this Australian film festival is the only one that qualifies for the Academy Awards (Oscars) and the BAFTA.

Flickerfest 2023 will be funded with $135,000, up from $7,850 in 2019. Waverley Council has allocated $135,000 for the event. Reports cited that the boost in funding came at the 11th hour after Council defended the expense for the country’s most important short film fest.

A spokesperson said that they want to ensure Flickerfest will continue at the Bondi Pavilion. The venue has been upgraded in the last four years and was officially re-opened in September 2022.

Thousands ‘Strip Off’ On Bondi Beach For Skin Cancer Awareness

Photo credit: Screen capture from video by Spencer Tunick on Facebook

Bondi Beach turned into a nude beach for a day after thousands gathered for “Strip Off for Skin Cancer,” a one-of-a-kind photo shoot held to raise awareness about the condition, which can be life-threatening if not treated early. Queensland is one of Australia’s hotspots for skin cancer.

Read: Flave: New Restaurant With Plant-Based Menu By Celebrity Chef

The project was a collaboration between photographer Spencer Tunick and Skin Check Champions, a charity that helps communities who are most at risk of skin cancer by connecting them with their local GP, skin clinic, or dermatologist, or bringing specialists to the people through their free, educational pop-up skin check clinics.

Bondi Beach — Photo credit: https://sofsc.com.au/

“Strip Off for Skin Cancer” aims to challenge Australia by raising funds and awareness for its national skin check program. The idea is to flood social media with skin, encouraging people to donate to the charity’s program.

Everyone who would like to sign up may create their profile or start a team. Then, share it with as many of your mates as possible to get them on board as sponsors or ambassadors. The more Aussies sign up, the more people the charity will be able to save from skin cancer.

“We challenge you to do something brave and get your kit off for the cause (sun-safely and legally of course). Posting photos or videos doing whatever it is you love doing (in your undies / swimmers) to get people’s attention,” Skin Check Champions said.

Meanwhile, this kind of project isn’t new for Tunick, who is best known for organising large-scale nude shoots in various landmarks around the world. In 2010, 5,500 people gathered at the famous Opera House in Sydney for his shoot.

Bondi Beach Skin Cancer Awareness — Photo Credit: Facebook/Spencer Tunick

However, this was the first time in history that a nude shoot involving thousands of individuals took place in Bondi Beach. Tunick felt honoured to have this kind of opportunity, which allowed him to raise awareness in partnership with Skin Check Champions, whilst making his art.

The photo shoot coincided with the celebration of National Skin Cancer Action Week (Nov 21-27), which aims to create nationwide ‘skinspiration’ to help elevate the issue of skin cancer into the public consciousness.

One of the participants felt nervous about joining the photoshoot, but because everyone was respectful, despite the nature of the shoot, it ended up a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Read: Bondi Beach Landmark Noah’s Backpackers Goes on the Market

To learn more about Skin Check Champions and their initiative, visit their website.

Noah’s Backpackers in Bondi Beach Changes Hands

Photo Credit: Google Maps

After several months of negotiations, Pub Baron Jon Adgemis has acquired the iconic Noah’s Backpackers in Bondi Beach for $68 million, amidst stiff competition from a few major developers.

Presented as one of Sydney’s biggest development opportunities, Noah’s Backpackers was sold to Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group, beating several other big-time property developers including Ingham chicken empire heir Robby Ingham and Crown Hotel Surry Hills’ new owner George Karageorge.

The acquisition is the latest addition to the rapidly expanding Public Hospitality Group’s $400-million portfolio which currently controls 17 pubs and hospitality venues such as The Strand Hotel, The Empire Hotel, Norfolk Hotel, the Exchange Hotel, and Kurrajong Hotel.

The property was listed in April 2022 through an Expression of Interest campaign and whilst no price guide was offered, it was understood to be in the vicinity of $70 million.

Noah's Backpackers | — Noah’s Backpackers | Photo Credit: Google Maps

The former investment banker has yet to reveal his plans for the site but industry insiders say that Noah’s has the potential for a hotel, high-end residential or even a mixed-use development.

The group, however, needs to negotiate with Waverley Council to allow it to go higher than the 12.5-metre limit before any major redevelopment requiring added height can commence.

The 260-bed backpackers with breathtaking ocean views sit on a 1,087-sqm site at 2-12 Campbell Parade. The hostel was forced to lock down in 2020 and again last year due to COVID-19.

The last time a Campbell Parade property was sold was in late 2020 when 134-138 Campbell Parade, where Ben & Jerry’s Easy Mart and an eight Art Deco flat sits, was sold for a reported street record $26 million.

Bondi Beach Landmark Noah’s Backpackers Goes on the Market

Noah’s Backpackers, a landmark hostel in Bondi Beach, has been put on the market as a massive development opportunity for an investor to transform the three-storey building into a boutique apartment block.

Industry insiders said that the property may fetch more than $75 million with its prominent location at the corner of Campbell Parade. Its 1,087 square metres landholding has three street frontages, 260 bedrooms, and retail spaces.

Sales agent Matt Pontey of Colliers said that whilst investors familiar with the backpacking culture have expressed interest in acquiring the property, the site has a strong potential for mixed-use developers as well. He predicted that the sale could break records of prices paid on Campbell Parade.

Noah’s Backpackers was built in the 1930s and became a landmark site as the entry to the commercial area of Bondi Beach. Since the late 1990s, the hostel belonged to a family consortium who are now divesting its assets.

Beach lovers, cyclists, and hikers frequent this accommodation because of its proximity to all the essentials, including the heaps of shops and dining sites on Bondi beach. The site also gets large bookings from students and young people who want to enjoy a great experience in the suburb.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the hostel suffered outbreaks that forced authorities to cordon off the site. Needless to say, the pandemic has drastically changed the hostel and the hospitality business in general. However, with restrictions easing off Noah’s Backpackers is expected to be busy in no time, and could be busier if redeveloped.

The site has no heritage listing but Pontey hopes that its new owners will be “sympathetic to the character” of the precinct.

Flave: New Restaurant With Plant-Based Menu By Celebrity Chef

Photo Credit: Flave / Facebook

Bondi has just scored a new diner. ‘Flave’ features a plant-based menu created by Executive Chef Scott Findlay, a Gordon Ramsay-trained chef who has also cooked for celebrities like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Sir Elton John.

Former meat-lovers, Stuart & Samantha Cook hatched the idea for a 100% plant-based eatery after Samantha had a life-threatening bacterial infection while on vacation in Costa Rica. Upon doctor’s advice, she switched to a plant-based diet which her husband supported by staying away from meat products too.

Whilst they were getting used to plant-based eating, they also realised that vegetarian options are hard to find. And so, Flave was born with a mission to serve flavourful fare including burgers and bowls that even the hardcore meat eaters wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Behind the stellar Flave menu is Gordon Ramsay-trained Executive Chef Scott Findlay who was a private chef to several flexitarian celebrities including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna and Sir Elton John. But he admits that his years of experience with Sir Paul McCartney, who is a vegetarian and founder of the Meat Free Mondays movement, had the most influence on his creations.

Flave founders, Stuart and Samantha Cook / Executive chef, Scott Findlay
Photo Credit: Flave / flave.com

Take Ballsy Burger/Bowl for example, which drew inspiration from his recipe created to please McCartney’s taste buds. These Italian meatballs, slow-cooked in Napoli sauce, come with cheesy eggplant parmigiana, fresh pesto and rocket.

The Japanese-style So Su Me is also another McCartney-inspired recipe. The tuna tartare’s burger version is served in a toasted charcoal bun stacked with crispy sushi rice nori and sesame edamame patty, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, avo, red cabbage slaw & wasabi aioli.

The So Su Me Bowl option, on the other hand, comes with baby spinach, quinoa and rice, carrot and cucumber ribbons, pickled ginger, edamame and avocado. Balancing the tangy and spicy goodness are sesame seaweed salad, togarashi, Miso Ponzu dressing; wasabi aioli, crispy shallots and tempura nori for crunch.

Curious as to what Rihanna’s food preference is like? Then Wadda Jerk is for you. This recipe is based on Riri’s favourite dish from Barbados. Wadda Jerk is a spicy Jamaican Jerk chicken recipe in coconut-sweet potato gratin, complemented with cool mango salsa, coconut rice and beans along with Jamaican greens.

Flave fries | Photo Credit: Flave / Facebook

Sides menu includes light & crispy sweet potato fries with the perfect amount of crunch, lightly fried strands of ‘tato, and crispy golden onion ring-a-ding-dings fried in a spicy southern American batter.

Tasty desserts, coffee, tea and a slew of wines and beer options are also on offer.

Flave occupies the former St.George Bank site at 89 Hall Street in Bondi Beach. Hours of operation are Monday – Wednesday and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm; Thursday -Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm.

Flave | 89 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

Bondi’s Historic Boot Factory Gets New Lease on Life

Photo credit: NJ Electrical Services / Facebook

Restoration and upgrade to turn the 19th-century, heritage-listed Boot Factory building at the heart of Bondi Junction into a ‘civic innovation hub’ are well underway.

Restoring the historic building for innovative future uses

Council started the restoration project last April 2021, working with architectural firm Archer Office for the updated design of the three-storey building at 27-33 Spring Street.

Coinciding with the Boot Factory’s restoration is the refurbishment of the adjacent Mill Hill Community Centre. Both facilities will then be connected, providing shared access to lift and amenities.

“The Boot Factory and Bondi Pavilion are such important buildings in the history of Waverley and our restoration of both will ensure they are preserved for future generations,” Mayor Masselos said.

Executing the project is Lloyd Group, whose initial restoration works on the Boot Factory will include roof, masonry perimeter walls, installation of new floors, and a complete interior fit-out.

Restoration works will then move on to connecting the Boot Factory and Mill Hill Centre and enhancing the courtyard at Norman Place.

Artist impression of the Norman Lee Place upgrade and Civic Innovation Hub | Photo credit: ARCHER OFFICE / archeroffice.com

The expected outcome of the restoration project include:

Flexible community spaces on the ground floor and top floor of the Boot Factory and the Mill Hill Community Centre
Upgraded Community and Seniors Centre
A new café at the Spring Street entry to the precinct with street and courtyard presence
Council will also beautify the courtyard in Norman Lee Place

The Boot Factory in retrospect

Built by William Sidaway and Son in 1892, the Boot Factory began footwear production soon after its completion, until it was acquired by Mr Fred Cull in 1893. In partnership with Mr Thomas Bardon, George Cull and his sons continued the footwear manufacturing business at the factory.

Mr Bardon took over the business as its sole proprietor sometime between 1920 and 1921. After his death in 1938, the business was passed on to his son Thomas Charles Bardon.

Boot Factory exterior | Photo credit: Waverley Council – Waverley Library Local Studies / waverley.nsw.gov.au

Boot Factory circa 1911 | Photo credit: Waverley Council – Waverley Library Local Studies / waverley.nsw.gov.au

After World War I, the Bardon Boot Factory became a recognised producer of fashion footwear for women that were distributed to well-known shoe stores at the time including David Jones and Taylor Shoe Store. The Caddy family was the last family to run and manage the Boot Factory until it closed in 1969.

Boot Factory 1934 & 1984 — Boot_Factory 1934 & 1984 | Photo credit: Waverley Council – Waverley Library Local Studies / waverley.nsw.gov.au

The building was acquired by Waverley Municipal Council in 1984 and then underwent restoration in 1986. In May 2013, Council voted to have the building demolished after finding it structurally unsound but an independent report said otherwise. And so remedial structural works were completed that same year to ensure it stays stable until Council finds an alternative use for it.

In 2019, the Council lodged an application to transform the old building into an “innovative community space” and was given the green light by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel in May 2020.

The Boot Factory is listed as a local heritage item in the Waverley Local Environmental Plan and classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Now Open! FSH MKT for Takeaway Meals in Bondi from the Fishbowl Group

Did you know that there’s a new corner store along the Sevenways precinct on Glenayr Avenue in Bondi? Sydney’s popular Fishbowl Group has opened the FSH MKT next to the FISH SHOP and it will focus on an ideal concept in the new normal — takeaway meals!

Owners Nic Pestalozzi, Nathan Dalah and Casper Ettelson launched FSH MKT in mid-October 2021 following six months of planning with Executive Chef Joel Bennetts in the kitchen. The group came up with a delectable menu based on sustainably caught seafood supplies alongside rotating choices of vegetables and condiments like chilli jams or tartar sauce.

FSH MKT specials will depend on market availability to keep the menu exciting but there will always be classic favourites like fish and chips or fish burgers. Customers will also get to create their own picnic seafood orders to take during visits to the beach or park this summer.

The Fishbowl Group knew that there was a need for quick and satisfying takeaway meals after FISH SHOP offered this service during the lockdowns. However, because the restaurant’s concept made the waiting time longer for the customers, the trio decided to establish FSH MKT for grab-and-go meals. According to Dalah, FSH MKT is a reinvention of traditional fish’n’chip shops.

Meanwhile, the Fishbowl group is gearing up for more store openings, including pop-ups, in Sydney in 2022. There will be at least 13 new outlets for all of its concept stores.

Follow their Instagram page for more updates, new menu, and trading schedule.

Martin Stark: This Boxer Champions Inclusivity

For inclusivity advocate Martin Stark, boxing isn’t just a man’s sport — it’s for everyone, including the LGBTIQ+ community. That is why Martin, who’s currently training at the Fit Fighters Club in Bondi Junction, will be participating in the World Gay Boxing Championships.

Read: New Tamarama Memorial Honours LGBTQ Hate Victims

The World Gay Boxing Championships is a not-for-profit organisation where all boxing fans come together for one goal, and that is to showcase boxing as welcoming to all genders and sexualities.

Board of World Gay Boxing Championships (Photo credit: Martin Stark/Instagram)

One of the reasons he started WGBC is to fight homophobia in sport. A research by Out on The Fields revealed 80% of people in Australia have either witnessed or experienced homophobia in sport, with 75% believing that an openly gay person would not be safe as a spectator at a sporting event.

Martin’s journey with boxing started in 2018 following a near-death experience in 2017. He suffered from multiple health scares, including pancreatitis, collapsed lungs, a tracheostomy, and two induced comas as a result of his Addison’s disease.

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A post shared by Martin Stark (@gayboxingchamp)

As a way of combating post-traumatic stress disorder, he went on to try self-defence classes which included boxing. He recalled seeing boxing as a “barbaric” sport but he now credits it for helping him recover both mentally and physically.

Now, Martin is getting ready for the world’s first LGBTQI+ boxing tournament, which will be held at the Randwick Racecourse in February 2023. At present, there are already more than 70 competitors who expressed their interest in joining the event. The event will be gender inclusive, with trans, non-binary, and intersex boxers of all levels welcome to compete.

Coinciding with the Sydney World Pride in early 2023, Martin expects the tournament will be as colourful, as flamboyant, and as glittery as the Mardi Gras.

Martin simply loves boxing and wanted to give back to the sport and LGBTQ community by providing an opportunity for people to participate and compete in a safe and friendly environment.