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Surf Life Saving Australia Welcomes North Bondi Veteran Peter Agnew as New President

Peter Agnew, a long-standing member of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club for more than 40 years, has been appointed President of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), marking a significant moment for both the local community and the national surf lifesaving movement.

Read: Bondi Rescue to Continue for “Many Years to Come” at Bondi Beach, Producers Confirm

Agnew takes over the role following the passing of former SLSA President John Baker AM ESM earlier this year. He brings decades of experience in surf lifesaving leadership, including roles at Surf Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving Sydney. His appointment was confirmed at SLSA’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney.

As a long-term active member of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, Agnew has been involved in patrolling beaches and supporting volunteer initiatives for over 40 years. He also served in governance and administrative roles across Sydney, contributing to surf lifesaving initiatives at both local and state levels.

Professionally, Peter Agnew is the Director of People Development Australia and works as a consultant with the Australian Institute of Management. He holds master’s degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Leadership Counselling, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Over the past two decades, he has served on numerous boards, providing extensive leadership and governance experience.

Agnew’s appointment coincides with a historic milestone for Surf Life Saving, which has surpassed 200,000 members for the first time. This growth reflects the work of volunteers who patrol beaches, educate communities, and perform rescues nationwide. In the past year alone, volunteers contributed over 1.4 million patrol hours and carried out more than 8,200 rescues, representing a social and economic value exceeding $9 billion.

The year also saw a record number of coastal drowning deaths, with 154 fatalities reported. This underlines the continued importance of SLSA’s work in protecting Australians at the beach. Agnew’s leadership comes as the organisation continues to prioritise volunteer support, water safety, and community engagement.

SLSA CEO Adam Weir welcomed Agnew’s appointment, noting his extensive knowledge of the organisation and leadership experience. Agnew’s combination of local involvement, professional background, and long-term volunteer service provides a foundation for guiding Surf Life Saving Australia as it grows and strengthens its impact.

Read: Tama Touch Group Breaks World Record at Bondi in Support of Beyond Blue

For the North Bondi community, Agnew’s elevation to national leadership demonstrates the connection between local volunteer service and broader organisational governance. As summer approaches, SLSA continues to encourage safe beach practices while recognising the efforts of volunteers who contribute to public safety and the ongoing culture of surf lifesaving in Australia.

Published 11-November-2025

Viral Video Sparks Debate Over Bondi Runners Beach Etiquette

Photo Credit: TikTok / @lucycharlietravel

A video capturing dozens of runners streaming along Bondi Beach at sunrise has ignited heated discussion on social media about beach etiquette and the explosive growth of Sydney’s running community.

The footage, posted to TikTok and captioned “POV: Every sunrise at Bondi Beach”, shows a large group of joggers in activewear moving en masse along the iconic beachfront, while pedestrians navigate around them.

@lucycharlietravel all jokes aside fair play to all the runners out there every week 🤣 #bondirunclub #runclub #fyp #sydney #australiatravel ♬ original sound – kirsten_ssss

The runners belong to The Sydney Run Club, which gathers twice weekly at 5:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group has amassed a following of 50,000 on Instagram and describes its mission as recognising that “running is more than just exercise – it’s a community, a passion, and a journey of self-discovery”.

Social media reaction to the footage has been sharply divided. Supporters praised the group’s dedication to fitness and community building, with one commenter noting: “I’m not a runner but I see a bunch of people doing something good for their bodies while making new friends.”

A participant in the run club defended the group, writing: “Well that’s me over there. Sorry not sorry.”

However, critics expressed frustration with the impact on other beachgoers. “It’s actually a nightmare when you’re walking and they run at you like a stampede. I wish they’d just go to an oval or a park,” one viewer wrote.

Others used stronger language, with one person describing the scene as a “cult” and another declaring it “ruining the serenity” of the beach.

The controversy reflects the broader trend of run clubs surging in popularity across Australia over the past year, particularly among younger Australians who are increasingly choosing early morning exercise over evening social activities. The phenomenon has been characterised by some as a shift towards fitness-focused socialising, with participants seeking connection and community alongside physical health benefits.

The debate raises questions about how Sydney’s public spaces accommodate the city’s evolving fitness culture, particularly at popular locations like Bondi Beach where different user groups compete for space during peak times.

Published 9-November-2025

Bondi Beach to Host First Australian Mighty Hoopla Festival Headlined by Kesha

Photo Credit: Mighty Hoopla

Bondi Beach will welcome international pop star Kesha as the headliner for the first Australian edition of the UK-born Mighty Hoopla music festival, bringing a major new pop event directly to one of Sydney’s most recognisable coastal locations.

Ticket Sales and Event Details

The festival is confirmed for Saturday 21 February 2026 at Bondi Beach. Presale access opens at 10am AEDT on Wednesday 22 October 2025, followed by general sale at 10am AEDT on Thursday 23 October 2025.

Standard tickets are expected to start from $169.90 plus booking fee, with VIP options from $299.90 plus fees. A discounted concession ticket from $99.90 will be available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and eligible concession card holders.

International and Local Lineup

Alongside Kesha, UK dance artist Becky Hill and Australian pop performers including Delta Goodrem and Jessica Mauboy have been announced. Organisers confirmed that further acts will include drag artists, queer party collectives, DJs and club performers from both Australia and overseas.

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A post shared by Mighty Hoopla Sydney 🦘 (@mightyhoopla_sydney)

Mighty Hoopla builds a UK reputation for platforming inclusive pop culture and programs both mainstream and community-driven music experiences.

Organisers on Why Sydney Was Chosen

Event co-founder Jamie Tagg stated that Kesha’s previous Mighty Hoopla appearance in London earlier this year made her an immediate choice for the festival’s Australian launch.

Founder Glyn Fussell called Australia a second home for the team. He said Sydney’s pop audience shows strong support for live music and performance. Organisers cited the strong local response to previous pop tours as a key reason for choosing Bondi Beach. They expect a strong summer turnout.

What This Means for the Local Community

This marks the first time Mighty Hoopla has been staged outside the United Kingdom. The move positions Bondi Beach as a new home for the festival’s expansion and adds to Sydney’s 2026 major events calendar ahead of the peak summer tourism period.

Local businesses along the Bondi foreshore expect a surge in weekend foot traffic. Organisers position the event as a welcoming public celebration instead of a niche music showcase.

Published 22-October-2025

Bondi Beach Art-Deco Apartment Block Offers Redevelopment Entry

Photo Credit: Colliers

A striking art-deco block of four apartments located just 300 metres from the sand at Bondi Beach has sold at auction, with buyers receiving the site’s existing development approval for significant alterations and an extra floor.

The property at 34A Francis Street was marketed for its redevelopment potential and prime coastal location, illustrating how older residential buildings in tightly held beachside suburbs are attracting interest from developers and investors.

Sale details and property highlights

The building was listed on the site of the sale records as comprising four two-bedroom apartments, land area 463 square metres, and an internal floor area of about 308 square metres.

art-deco apartment Bondi Beach — *Photo Credit: Colliers*

It sold on 18 September 2025 at auction, with the listing stating “DA Approval for re-configuration” and on-site parking for three vehicles. The marketing emphasised its elevated position on a quiet residential street, yet within walking distance of Bondi’s lifestyle precinct and beachfront access.

Existing approval and zoning context

According to minutes from the Waverley Local Planning Panel, the property (alternate address 43A Denham Street) holds DA-118/2018 for alterations and additions to the residential flat building.

The listing confirms the building is zoned R3 High-Density Residential under Waverley Council, which allows redevelopment opportunities subject to consent. While the current approval covers residential alterations, any change of use would require a separate application.

Agents involved in the sale noted that compact, well-located holdings with redevelopment potential remain highly sought after in Bondi Beach.

Published 22-Oct-2025

Calls Grow to End Exclusive Surf Licence at Bondi Beach

Photo Credit: LetsGoSurfing/Facebook

A long-standing exclusive licence allowing only one surf school to operate at Bondi Beach has drawn criticism from locals and instructors who are calling for fairer access and competition.

Exclusive Surf School Rights at Bondi Beach

For nearly 30 years, surf lessons at Bondi Beach have been run solely by Let’s Go Surfing under Waverley Council’s licensing arrangement. The restriction prevents other surf schools from teaching on the same beach, sparking debate over access and fairness in the use of public space.

A local resident said her son has had to travel to Dee Why for lessons since his instructors cannot teach at Bondi. She and other parents believe local children should be able to learn in familiar conditions for safety and community reasons.

Bondi Beach surf licence — *Photo Credit: LetsGoSurfing/Facebook*

Push for Competition and Fair Access

Two Dee Why Salty Surf School instructors have urged the officials to allow a second operator at Bondi. They argue this would improve competition and reduce lesson costs.

Lesson fees currently differ between beaches. At Bondi Beach, a two-hour group session costs $140 and a private lesson $250, while the same operator charges $100 and $175 respectively at Maroubra Beach.

They also noted that the teaching limit of 20 students at a time could be shared between two schools without overcrowding.

Lets Go Surfing — *Photo Credit: LetsGoSurfing/Facebook*

Officials Review and Confidential Report

A confidential report accessed through freedom of information laws acknowledged that competition could reduce prices and improve equity but warned of potential operational conflicts and safety pressures.

The report outlined two options: maintaining one licence or trialling two for 18 months. Waverley Council reviewed the matter on May 20, then later held a closed meeting where officials voted to continue with the single licence model.

Operator’s Statement

Let’s Go Surfing said it supports the officials’ decision and remains committed to providing surf education at Bondi Beach, noting its nearly 30-year record under the current system.

Ongoing Community Discussion

Residents and instructors continue to question whether a single-operator arrangement best serves Bondi Beach, suggesting shared licensing could enhance access and affordability. For now, Bondi remains under the same policy — one operator, limited spaces, and continuing debate over the fairness of the system.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Etheus Brings Greek Island Dining To Bondi Beach

Photo Credit: etheus.bondi/instagram

Etheus has transformed the Bondi Pavilion dining scene with a bold Greek-inspired menu built around fire, flavour, and the coastal rhythm of Bondi Beach.

A New Chapter for Bondi Pavilion

Opened in September 2025, Etheus occupies the former Promenade site along Queen Elizabeth Drive, adding a relaxed yet polished dining experience to the beach’s social hub.

The restaurant, by hospitality group House Made Hospitality, has quickly become a drawcard for locals seeking Mediterranean food paired with sea views.

The venue’s leadership includes executive chef Chris Benedet, known for his work at Cirrus and Yellow, and head chef Stav Stavrou, who brings his Cypriot heritage and love for fire-led cooking to the menu. Together, they have created a menu focused on simplicity, warmth, and bold seasonal produce.

Food Made for Sharing

The dishes highlight the essence of Greek coastal dining with a Sydney touch. Diners can expect wood-fired souvlaki, spanakorizo, and seafood grilled over open flames.

Favourites include kefalograviera saganaki with honey and ouzo, Cyprus-style sheftalies, and braised lamb shoulder served with lemon and oregano.

The restaurant’s signature pita, made fresh daily, accompanies dips such as fava and taramasalata. Desserts like bougatsa with custard and pistachio complete the meal.

Community, Beach, and Celebration

Beyond food, Etheus is fast becoming a local gathering place. The verandah overlooks Bondi Beach, giving diners a front-row view of the coastline, while private rooms called The Dunes and The Grotto cater to community events and small celebrations.

Its Beach Bar connects directly to the promenade, creating a space where people can walk up for snacks, drinks, and DJ sets.

This November, the restaurant will host a Melbourne Cup lunch priced at $155 per person, featuring wood-fired dishes from Chef Benedet and a post-race party with music at the bar.

Local Roots with a Modern Twist

House Made Hospitality says Etheus represents a sharper, more distinctive identity for the space. The restaurant combines Sydney’s coastal lifestyle with Mediterranean flavours in a way that feels natural to the area.

With long-table sharing, open fire cooking, and a casual but refined setting, Etheus has quickly become part of Bondi’s food culture, appealing to locals who enjoy good food with ocean views.

Published 6-October-2025

The Veronicas to Headline Summer Sounds 2025 at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club

Australian pop duo The Veronicas will headline Summer Sounds 2025, set to take over the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday 1 November. The one-day event, presented by Rolling Stone AU/NZ and fashion and lifestyle retailer THE ICONIC, will blend live music, fashion, and beachside culture at one of Sydney’s most recognisable coastal landmarks.

Read: Tama Touch Group Breaks World Record at Bondi in Support of Beyond Blue

Now in its second year, Summer Sounds follows its debut in 2024 and continues the partnership between Rolling Stone and THE ICONIC. The event is designed as a seasonal launch, combining live performances with fashion-led experiences in a coastal setting.

The Veronicas

Twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso, known as The Veronicas, have been part of the Australian music landscape for more than two decades. With hits including Untouched, 4ever, and You Ruin Me, their songs have topped charts both in Australia and internationally.

Their headline role at Summer Sounds 2025 adds another chapter to their career, with a performance expected to draw long-time fans as well as new audiences. Known for their energy on stage and ability to connect with crowds, the duo will bring their music to Bondi in a setting that reflects the start of the Australian summer.

Summer Sounds Competition

Access to the event will be through a competition run by THE ICONIC rather than standard ticket sales. To enter, customers must hold an ICONIC account and submit their details via the Summer Sounds page on THE ICONIC’s website, along with their answer to the question: which summer anthem would you play first at Summer Sounds and why?

The competition opened at 10:00am AEST on Monday 29 September 2025 and will close at 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday 19 October 2025.

The major prize includes four passes to the event, return flights to Sydney if needed, two nights of accommodation in Bondi Beach, and a $3000 voucher to spend at THE ICONIC. A further 25 double passes are also available, providing more opportunities for fans to attend.

Read: Bondi Rescue to Continue for “Many Years to Come” at Bondi Beach, Producers Confirm

A Bondi Summer Moment

The return of Summer Sounds confirms Bondi Beach as more than just a location for surf and sand. The combination of live music, fashion, and the coastal setting reflects the cultural role the beach plays each summer. With The Veronicas headlining, North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club will host a day that marks the start of the season in Sydney.

Published 2-October-2025

Bondi Beach Art Exhibition Secures $200,000 Donation

Photo Credit: Sculpture By The Sea

Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi Beach will go ahead after organisers secured $200,000 in corporate funding, ending uncertainty caused by a budget shortfall.

Funding Shortfall and Public Appeal

On 24 September, organisers of Sculpture by the Sea announced that the Bondi Beach exhibition might not proceed without $200,000 in additional funding. The annual outdoor art event, scheduled to open on 17 October, faced a financial gap after its funding dropped from $1 million in 2023 to no direct support in 2024. The organisation issued a call for urgent assistance, highlighting that the event was at risk just weeks before opening.

outdoor exhibition — *Photo Credit: Sculpture By The Sea*

Corporate Support Ensures Event Goes Ahead

On 26 September, insurance company NRMA stepped in with a $200,000 corporate donation, bridging the shortfall and confirming the event would proceed. In the days leading up to the donation, organisers had already crowdfunded $125,000 from the public. While that amount would have supported a scaled-back version of the festival, the additional corporate support means the full program, including the education initiative for school students, can continue.

Sydney art festival — *Photo Credit: Sculpture By The Sea*

Event Scale and Costs

The exhibition typically features about 100 sculptures installed along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. The total cost of staging the event is about $3 million, with $800,000 required just for installation. Around 60 contractors and more than 20 temporary staff are engaged in setting up the sculptures, highlighting the significant scale of the project.

Artist Investment

More than 100 artists are expected to participate in 2025. Each artist spends an average of $15,000 on materials, freight and installation. For this year’s exhibition, artists are guaranteed an income of $3,000, with further earnings dependent on prize money and the sale of their works.

Attendance and Cultural Role

The event attracts about 450,000 visitors annually along the Bondi coastal walk. Since its beginnings as a one-day show in 1997, Sculpture by the Sea has grown into one of Sydney’s largest free outdoor art festivals, offering the public wide access to contemporary sculpture in an open setting.

Published 28-Sep-2025

Breakthrough Study Finds Kingfish Spending Winter at Bondi

Photo credit: Google Maps

Bondi Beach is known for surfers, swimmers and tourists—but now it has an unexpected seasonal visitor. Scientists from Deakin University have discovered that Yellowtail Kingfish, a prized catch for recreational anglers, head to Bondi during the colder months.

Read: Warming Seas May Bring Year-Round Bull Sharks to Bondi

The finding comes from a large-scale tracking project in which 40 kingfish along Australia’s east coast were fitted with acoustic tags. Data revealed that the fish, commonly caught in Victoria, move across Bass Strait after summer and migrate north to spend winter in Bondi’s waters.

For saltwater fishers, kingfish are among the most sought-after catches, especially along the stretch from Mallacoota to Portland and in the southern waters of Port Phillip and Western Port.

This breakthrough sheds light on a long-standing mystery about the species’ movements. Kingfish are highly sought after, yet researchers have known little about their migration patterns or breeding behaviour. Early results suggest they may be spawning in warmer waters, possibly off New South Wales seamounts, but more data is needed to confirm.

The project is being powered by recreational fishing licence fees through the Victorian Fisheries Authority, with additional support from Project Kingfish, which is also deploying satellite tags. By uncovering where these fish travel and reproduce, scientists hope to provide vital information for fisheries management.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority is already considering changes to catch limits, aiming to ensure the sustainability of kingfish stocks while still allowing anglers the thrill of reeling in these powerful fish. Local fishing clubs are also being encouraged to take part in tagging programs to help expand the research.

Read: Bondi Rescue to Continue for “Many Years to Come” at Bondi Beach, Producers Confirm

“The proposed change would leave more kingfish in the water to be shared amongst experts and beginners and encourage responsible fishing practices that balance taking home a meal of fresh fish with continued improvements in local stock levels,” the Victorian Fisheries Authority stated.

For Bondi, the discovery highlights the beach’s role not only as a global destination for people but also as an important stopover for marine life. As scientists continue to track these ocean travellers, Bondi’s waters may become a key piece of the puzzle in protecting one of Australia’s most prized recreational fish.

Published 19-September-2025

Tama Touch Group Breaks World Record at Bondi in Support of Beyond Blue

Bondi Beach witnessed a history-making spectacle earlier this month when the Tama Touch Group officially secured the Guinness World Record for the longest beach touch rugby game.

Read: Big Walk for Little Kids Launches at Bondi Beach

Over the course of 34 hours, 9 minutes, and 25 seconds of continuous play, the community-based team not only showcased extraordinary endurance but also rallied support for an issue close to their hearts — mental health.

The marathon game, held from 3–4 September, was more than a sporting feat. It was the culmination of months of preparation and a demonstration of what can be achieved when mates unite for a greater purpose. Every sprint, dive, and pass carried the weight of a cause that impacts millions of Australians: raising awareness and funds for Beyond Blue.

Since its founding in 2001 in Tamarama, the Tama Touch Group has evolved from casual weekly games into a supportive community built around connection, camaraderie, and the belief that sport can help tackle life’s toughest challenges. Playing three times a week, the group has long viewed their regular beach touch sessions as more than exercise. They are a lifeline for mental wellbeing and friendship.

The world record attempt brought together 22 players of diverse backgrounds, along with their families, friends, and supporters who cheered from the sidelines. Special appearances, including Bondi lifeguard and television personality Dean Gladstone, added to the energy and profile of the event.

For participants, the physical toll of running the equivalent of one and a half marathons on sand was immense, but the symbolic message was even greater: community sport can be a powerful force against isolation and the stigma of mental health struggles.

The event has already raised $178,512 toward the group’s goal of more than $300,000 to support Beyond Blue’s work. Contributions are still being accepted, encouraging the broader community to recognise the importance of initiatives that promote connection, resilience, and open conversations around mental health.

Read: Robyn Smith’s Bold City2Surf Run Highlights Genetic Cancer Awareness

By setting a new world record, the Tama Touch Group has proven that determination and teamwork can achieve the extraordinary. More importantly, they have used their passion for touch footy to highlight the importance of mateship and support — showing that when communities come together, they can break more than just records.

Published 9-September-2025