Permanent Memorial Proposed for Westfield Bondi Stabbing Victims

A permanent memorial is being planned to honour the six lives lost in the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing tragedy, with Waverley Council leading discussions to create a space for reflection and healing in the heart of the community.



A Space for Reflection, Not Just a Tribute

The attack on 13 April 2024, left six people dead and several injured in a stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction, prompting an outpouring of grief across Sydney. Since then, flowers and tributes have filled public spaces like Oxford Street Mall and Bondi Beach. One year later, these spontaneous gestures are helping shape a permanent memorial led by Waverley Council. 

Photo Credit: NSW Government

Rather than a stark monument, early ideas focus on a garden-like setting with curved paths and soft landscaping to encourage reflection and rest. Inspired by the pressed flowers from anniversary displays, the design aims to feel gentle and intimate, a space for quiet remembrance and emotional healing.

Choosing the Right Artist and Approach

Instead of holding a public competition, council members preferred to invite a select group of artists, ideally an Australian woman, given that five of the six victims were women. The Arts, Culture and Creativity Advisory Committee emphasised the need for a careful, unrushed process. 

Photo Credit: NSW Government

They stressed that both the victims’ families and the broader community should be consulted. Across all discussions, there was strong agreement that the memorial must centre on care, mental wellbeing and a deep sense of local relevance.

Memorial to Fit Within the Broader Bondi Vision

The permanent memorial’s location is still undecided but will align with the broader Bondi Junction masterplan. Council is working with groups including Waverley Council, Scentre Group, and the local community to find the right site. 

Photo Credit: NSW Government

Officials say the space must feel peaceful and accessible without disrupting the area. Oxford Street Mall, already a site of tributes and vigils, is a strong contender, though final decisions are still underway.

Government and Community Support Remain Strong

The NSW Government, Waverley Council and other partners marked the one-year anniversary in April 2025 with public tributes, including photos and messages from the 2024 Bondi Beach vigil. These displays were a step toward acknowledging collective grief and supporting the community. 



Planning for the permanent memorial continues alongside ongoing mental health and victim support services. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to honouring the victims through thoughtful action and lasting care.

Published 29-July-2025

Council’s Equipment Removal Divides Bondi Beach Fitness Community

A heated debate has erupted in Bondi after Waverley Council’s decision to remove equipment from the popular beachside fitness station has left regular users frustrated and divided the community over who should have access to public fitness spaces.



The weights and dumbbells were removed from the Bondi Park Fitness Station in March following complaints about public safety risks and concerns that the outdoor gym had become dominated by male users, creating an unwelcoming environment for women and other community members.

Council documentation revealed that safety concerns included potential trip hazards from equipment left on the ground and items being stored inappropriately around the fitness station. The removal was also part of broader efforts to “rein in commercial operators” from using the area.

Regular user Joey Pamment expressed bewilderment at the council’s approach, questioning how an outdoor gym could function without proper equipment. He emphasised the community spirit that developed when people of different backgrounds trained together at the free public facility.

Another longtime user, Louise Brandon, countered claims about gender exclusivity, noting that people of varying ages and genders had regularly used the weights, which had encouraged her own participation in the space.

However, not everyone shared this view. Bondi-based fitness trainer Vix Erber argued that the outdoor gym had developed a culture that discouraged many potential users, particularly women and older residents, from feeling comfortable exercising there.

The controversy has highlighted broader tensions about how public fitness spaces should operate and who they truly serve. While some users celebrated the inclusive, community atmosphere they experienced, others described feeling excluded by what they saw as an intimidating environment.

Council confirmed they are developing plans to allow weights to return to the site, but with new conditions including limits on equipment numbers and stricter rules about placement and storage.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh indicated the new conditions aim to strike a balance between accommodating regular fitness enthusiasts and addressing concerns raised by the broader community.

The debate comes as neighbouring Randwick Council moves ahead with outdoor fitness investments. Randwick has existing outdoor gym facilities at Maroubra Beach and is planning upgrades to equipment and layout following community consultation.



The Bondi fitness station controversy reflects wider conversations happening across Sydney’s coastal councils about balancing public access to recreational facilities with community safety and inclusivity concerns. The outcome may influence how other councils approach similar facilities in their areas.

For now, regular users of the Bondi Park Fitness Station continue exercising with the remaining fixed equipment, while waiting to see what conditions will apply when the free weights eventually return to Australia’s most famous beachside workout spot.

Published 28-July-2025

Initium Eyes Luxury Apartments Project in Bondi Beach

A group of properties near Bondi Beach, including the local post office, is being assembled into a proposed $80 million site for luxury apartment redevelopment.



Major Property Deal Near Bondi Beach

A property fund manager is seeking to acquire a combined 1800-square-metre site along Hall Street in Bondi Beach, involving several adjacent shopfronts. The site is positioned just metres from Campbell Parade, a key route parallel to the beachfront.

Hall Street Bondi
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Background and Site Details

The proposed amalgamation includes properties currently occupied by Australia Post, Anglicare, Uturn, a backpackers hostel, and a hardware store. It is regarded as one of the largest private site consolidations in the suburb’s history. The current landowners opted to collectively market their properties in response to recent changes in planning policy that support higher-density developments.

Capital Raising and Development Plans

The site is being targeted by Initium Capital, which has launched a fund seeking $29 million in equity to finalise the acquisition by the end of July 2025. The fund is forecasting a 25 per cent annual return. Initium plans to transform the area into a four-storey residential complex with boutique retail space at street level.

As part of its development approach, Initium intends to apply the state’s housing density bonus scheme, which provides height and floor space incentives in return for dedicating part of the project to affordable housing.

Bondi redevelopment
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Gentrification and Urban Renewal

This move comes amid a wider push for urban renewal in Bondi Beach. The NSW government and Waverley Council have both flagged Hall Street—particularly the section between O’Brien Street and Campbell Parade—as a strategic corridor for redevelopment. A nearby example includes a 17-unit project at 45 Hall Street, where the penthouse sold for $22 million in 2024.

The Waverley Council area, which includes Bondi Beach, is expected to deliver 2400 new homes by 2029 under the state’s housing targets.

Next Steps



The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the month, pending successful capital raising. If finalised, the development will add to the ongoing transformation of the Bondi Beach precinct through medium-rise, high-end housing and mixed-use projects.

Published 24-July-2025

Surf Lifesavers from Bondi Beach Receive National Medals

Three surf lifesavers from Bondi Beach have been recognised in a national honours list for their long-standing volunteer service in coastal safety.



Bondi Beach Lifesavers Honoured for Service

Three members of the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club have received National Medals in Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) 53rd medal batch. The award recognises individuals who have completed 15 or more years of continuous voluntary service in surf lifesaving roles. These include beach patrols, emergency response, and other lifesaving duties.

National Recognition for Lifesaving Volunteers

A total of 107 surf lifesavers were included in the latest round of honours. Of these, 95 were recognised with the National Medal for 15 years of service, while 11 received a 1st Clasp for 25 years. One recipient was additionally recognised with a 2nd Clasp, marking 35 years of service.

Bondi Beach’s Thomas Nguyen, Maxwell Serpa Gonzalez, and Geoff Sumner were among those acknowledged for 15 years of service. The three contributed to public safety along one of Australia’s busiest and most visited beaches.

Role of Bondi Beach in the Surf Life Saving Movement

Bondi Beach holds a significant place in the country’s surf lifesaving tradition. It is home to the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, one of Australia’s oldest. The beach has long been associated with coastal safety, volunteer training, and organised patrol activity. The latest medals highlight the continuing contribution of Bondi’s lifesavers on a national scale.

Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club
Photo Credit: Bondi Surf Life Saving Club/Instagram

National Framework and Eligibility



The National Medal is part of the official Australian honours system. It is awarded to individuals who have placed themselves at risk in service to the community over an extended period. Eligibility and nomination procedures are outlined in Surf Life Saving Australia’s Recognition and Appreciation Framework, accessible through the SLS Members Area.

Published 14-July-2025

Bondi Hardware Hit with Winding-Up Order as ATO Pursues Unpaid Taxes

The closure of beloved Bondi watering hole Bondi Hardware has taken a troubling turn, with court documents revealing the venue owes nearly half a million dollars in unpaid taxes to the Australian Taxation Office.



The Hall Street establishment, which served the eastern suburbs community for more than a decade, shut its doors in January after announcing on social media that mounting financial pressures had made continuing operations impossible. However, the venue’s troubles have continued well beyond its final service.

Federal Court records show the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation successfully obtained winding-up orders against the company, with the ATO pursuing debts totalling $472,478. A liquidator was appointed by the court on 27 June, though meetings with company representatives are yet to commence.

The revelation comes nearly seven months after Bondi Hardware ceased trading, having operated as a local institution since opening in what was formerly an actual hardware store. The venue had transformed from a place that once served local tradesman and DIY enthusiasts into a popular bar and restaurant, becoming a regular haunt for after-work drinks and social gatherings in the eastern suburbs.

Photo Credits: Google Maps / Bondi Hardware

When the venue announced its closure in January, management cited the familiar challenges facing hospitality businesses across Australia. In their social media farewell, they pointed to the lingering effects of COVID-19, escalating living costs, and sharp increases in the price of alcohol, food, utilities and rent as factors that ultimately proved insurmountable.

A spokesperson for the venue confirmed this week that the ATO’s pursuit of outstanding taxes played a significant role in the closure decision. However, they also highlighted another crucial factor that potential buyers found prohibitive: an inflexible demolition clause written into the commercial lease.

According to the spokesperson, whilst several parties expressed interest in taking over the business, brand name and prime location, the rigid terms of the lease agreement ultimately deterred investors. The demolition clause, which could not be modified or moved, was deemed too risky for those considering acquisition of the venue.

The closure of Bondi Hardware reflects broader challenges facing the hospitality sector, particularly in high-rent areas like Bondi Beach. The spokesperson noted that along with several other recently shuttered businesses in the area, Bondi Hardware no longer serves the local community that once relied on it as a regular meeting place.

For locals who frequented the venue over its 12-year run, the news of the tax debt and court-ordered liquidation adds another layer of disappointment to what was already described by the owners as a “difficult and devastating decision.”

Photo Credits: Google Maps / Bondi Hardware


The appointment of a liquidator typically marks the beginning of a process to recover debts owed to creditors, with the ATO often taking priority in such proceedings. The ultimate outcome for the venue’s assets and any remaining obligations to suppliers, staff, or other creditors will likely become clearer once the liquidator completes their assessment of the company’s financial position.

Published 3-July-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 2026

We’ve combed Bondi, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, and Tamarama for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!



1. Makaveli Bondi


About Makaveli Bondi
4.9 Google Rating


177, 2/179 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

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CoCo W
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazing Italian bottomless brunch! Delicious food, endless margs, and great vibes. shoutout to our waiter—great service with an even better view.

Hannah K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Delicious Margs and decaf espresso martinis on request, if ya lucky. Nice vibe, relaxed and easy

David S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bottomless brunch excellent! Would also recommend Irish Pawsitter to mind your dogs while you come here

2. Iberica


About Iberica
4.8 Google Rating


251 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026

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Rob S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely excellent dining experience, amazing food, great service and really cool venue. Tapas was delicious, would definitely recommend to anyone in the area. If I was pushed to pick a favorite the seafood paella was gorgeous but very hard to separate the dishes as everything was delicious and very high quality!

GG V
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Iberica surprised me in everything! I love spanish cuisine and this restaurant took me back to Spain! The food was amazing!!! The service was great and the place beautifully decorated. I will definitely come back!

Francesca N
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Utterly fantastic selection of tapas, great advise on what to order, what sides to pair and what drinks to pair Thoroughly recommend

3. Bistro Chouchou


About Bistro Chouchou
4.7 Google Rating


13 O’Brien St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

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Robert P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food was incredible, steak tartare was unreal, highly recommend

Holly D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The steak and beef tartare at this place are absolutely incredible, and they have an interesting variety of wines. Lovely to pop in, relax at a comfortable pace and get delicious food which is great value. Staff friendly and helpful.

Mira J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
11/10 place. Incredible food, non inflated prices, fantastic service. The magret de canard and the eye fillet were stand outs. Fabulous cocktails too! Have gone back twice in 5 days! Thoroughly recommend.

4. Icebergs Dining Room and Bar


About Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
4.1 Google Rating


1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

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Walter M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had a wonderful experience. We went to celebrate our anniversary, and Lucia took care of us, paying attention to every detail. She is excellent at her job. The place and the food were excellent.

Jorge V
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had the privilege of dining (in the bar) at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, the staff are amazing, friendly and professional. The staff explained the menu in detail and helped pick delicious options, overlooking the famous Bondi Beach, it was an iconic night. All the food and drinks we had were sublime and I will be back soon to get another Anna’s Boulevardier (my new favourite cocktail), more Squid Ink Calamari and the delectable Chocolate Mousse (UNREAL!).

Penny G
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had a lovely dinner with a tasting menu and pairing wines. The food was very delicious especially the wasabi melon with prosciutto! The wine pairing was also beautiful and matched really well with the dishes. The staff was super friendly and very good at explaining the dish and the wine pairing. Overall, we had a really enjoyable time and really enjoyed the food and wine!

5. Sean’s


About Sean’s
4.0 Google Rating


270 Campbell Parade, North Bondi NSW 2026

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Yui IK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sat outside with the beautiful view of the sky turning pink. 3 options of a 3-course menu shared verbally by the kind waitress. Food sourced locally. Delicious food!

Emily B
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really don’t understand the low reviews! Food was excellent – we loved the roast chicken, which was a pleasant surprise. Loved the cozy bistro vibes. Service was excellent.



Lou L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loved the service and ambiance and most of the food 🙂 Half of the dishes we loved (pork and parfait), and half were bland (beet starter and mushroom pasta main). The cheese desert was great as were the included oysters. For the price a few of the dishes could have been better but leaving 5 stars as I love the restaurant being there and overall a great dining experience 🙂

Humpback Whales Spotted Off Bondi Beach During Annual Migration

Whales have been sighted off Bondi Beach as the annual humpback migration along the New South Wales coastline reaches its peak. This draws attention from locals and visitors.



Whale Movements Visible Off Bondi Beach

Whale watchers in Sydney have reported humpback whale activity off Bondi Beach. Several sightings have been reported as part of the annual migration north. The activity forms part of a larger migratory pattern that sees tens of thousands of whales pass the New South Wales coastline each year.

Bondi Beach whale migration
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Annual Migration Reaches Peak

Each year between May and November, an estimated 40,000 humpback whales travel from Antarctic waters towards warmer northern seas. Many are passing close to Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour. The seasonal movement spans roughly 10,000 kilometres. It is one of the longest mammal migrations on Earth.

The northern migration phase typically peaks in June as the whales seek out breeding grounds along the Coral Coast.

Whale Watching and Observation

Bondi Beach is one of several vantage points from which the public can view the migration. This season, sightings include humpbacks breaching and surfacing in view of the coastline and tour boats. Whales have also been reported during commercial whale tours operating near Sydney Harbour, breaching in view of the boats.

Wildlife photographers have also taken advantage of the sightings, capturing images during boat-based tours off the Bondi coast. One photographer described the continued thrill of observing the animals even after years of experience documenting marine wildlife in the area.

humpback whale
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Conservation and Safety Measures

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has reminded the public to follow whale-watching safety regulations. Watercraft, including boats and surf craft, must maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres from the whales, or 300 metres if using a jetski or if calves are present. Drones are also subject to distance requirements.

The agency also operates a Large Whale Disentanglement Team. They respond to cases where whales become trapped in fishing gear or marine debris. The team, supported by the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy, cooperates with academic and conservation organisations to address entanglement risks and monitor migration patterns.

Environmental Awareness

Bondi Beach and nearby coastal points remain popular observation areas during whale season. Authorities have highlighted the importance of responsible wildlife viewing. This is to ensure the safety of both marine mammals and observers.



Research collaborations continue between NSW government bodies, marine organisations, and universities to track the migration and mitigate threats posed by human activity.

Published 19-June-2025

Bondi Junction Outlet Sells $100M Ticket – Winner Yet to Come Forward

A life-changing $100 million prize remains unclaimed, nearly a week after a winning entry was purchased at a Bondi Junction outlet.


Read: A Bus, a Beach, a Dream Realised: The Journey to Bondi


The mystery ticket was bought from a newsagency and internet café inside the busy Westfield Shopping Centre on Oxford Street, Bondi Junction — a spot visited by thousands of Sydneysiders every day. Despite the historic win, no one has yet stepped forward to claim the staggering jackpot.

Photo credit: Bondi Junction News & Gifts/Google Maps

The draw, held on Thursday 12 June, had just one division one winning entry across the entire country, and it came from that single shop in Bondi. That means someone walking through those doors last week unknowingly became one of the biggest prize-winners in Australian history.

Adding to the suspense, the winning ticket wasn’t registered, which means there’s no way to notify the winner. Lottery officials are relying on media coverage and public awareness to reach the lucky individual. In the meantime, excitement and curiosity continue to build among locals.

Photo credit: mediacentre.thelott.com

Residents and visitors who bought tickets in the Bondi Junction outlet are now being urged to double-check their entries — whether they’re stuffed in a purse, tucked into a pocket, or pinned to a fridge. It could be the difference between everyday life and instant financial freedom.

The winning ticket was purchased at Shop 2, 191 – 195 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction — a humble store now at the centre of national headlines.


Read: Early Morning Routines Redefine Lifestyle Trends at Bondi Beach


With only six Australians ever having taken home a $100 million prize or more, the unknown winner now joins an elite group — even if they don’t know it yet. Until someone comes forward, one of Australia’s richest individuals remains an everyday mystery.

Published 18-June-2025

Venomous Red-Bellied Blacksnake Discovery Shocks Bondi Beach Community

A metre-long venomous red-bellied blacksnake was recently discovered slithering across a busy road towards Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach, sparking concern and highlighting an extremely rare occurrence for the popular Sydney suburb.



Unusual Appearance in Bondi

Local resident Tim was driving along Old South Head Road, the main thoroughfare dividing Bondi Beach and Bellevue Hill, when his girlfriend, Lara, noticed a woman attempting to guide a snake off the road with a stick. 

Tim, who grew up in country Victoria and has some experience with snakes, quickly realised it was not a harmless tree snake or python as he initially expected, but a red-bellied blacksnake. While bites from this species can cause long-lasting harm, no human fatalities have been recorded in Australia for decades.

Community Steps Up for Safety

Knowing the potential danger, Tim stepped back and watched as the woman, identified as Michelle, guided the snake down Hall Street towards a nearby tree. Worried about children leaving school soon, Tim attempted to contact police and wildlife rescue, but they were unable to assist. 

He then decided to call a professional reptile handler. Tim stated he preferred to pay for a snake catcher rather than risk a child being bitten. Michelle then offered to split the cost, and another bystander, Tyson, who was walking his dog, also contributed.

Expert Explains Rare Sighting

Chris Williams, founder of Urban Reptile Removal and president of the Australian Herpetological Society, attended the scene and safely secured the snake. Mr Williams, a seasoned snake handler with extensive knowledge of red-bellied blacksnake habitats, confirmed there are no recent records of the species residing in Bondi Beach. 

He suggested a simple theory for its presence, explaining that finding one in Bondi is exceptionally rare, indicating it was likely a “translocation.” Mr Williams stated that red-bellied blacksnakes are known for hitching rides on the underside of cars, suggesting this was how it ended up in the suburb.

Increased Risk for Residents and Pets

Mr Williams highlighted the increased danger posed by the snake’s presence in an area where the species is not typically found. He noted the potential for curious children to approach the snake. 

More critically, he pointed out that local veterinarians in Bondi Beach would likely not have snake bite immediately on their radar when diagnosing animal illnesses. He explained that vets might initially consider a wide range of other possibilities before a snake bite, which could lead to critical delays in treatment for a bitten pet, potentially proving fatal.



Second Remarkable Discovery

Remarkably, the red-bellied blacksnake in Bondi was not the only significant reptile rescue Mr Williams undertook that day. Earlier, he was called to the Dundas Valley, near Parramatta, after a cat attacked a 70cm tiger snake. 

Mr Williams noted that finding a tiger snake, considered the fourth most venomous snake globally, in an established suburb like Dundas Valley is a significant discovery for snake enthusiasts and the wider public. He believes this tiger snake might be part of a rare, surviving population in the area’s interconnected bushland, which has persisted despite urban development and the presence of domestic animals.

Published Date 09-Jun-2025

From London to Bondi: Trainers Redesign Strength for Everyday People

Two personal trainers who swapped London’s grey skies for Bondi Beach’s coastal sun are quietly changing the way locals over 50 approach strength training, no gyms, no pressure, just simple tools and the right guidance.



A Fresh Start in a New Place

Matt and Cyan moved from the UK to Bondi Beach a year and a half ago, seeking a fresh start from their careers as personal trainers in London. They quickly saw a need for accessible fitness and began running “Strength & Stretch” classes at the Bondi Pavilion, aimed at people, especially older adults, who find gyms intimidating. 

Photo Credit: Supplied

Photo Credit: Supplied

Using just a chair, resistance bands and body weight, the sessions offer a simple, safe way to build strength. Their goal is to help people like their own parents train confidently, even if they’re just starting out or returning from injury.

Solving a Simple Problem

During their classes, Matt and Cyan saw that many people struggled with resistance bands, grips were uneven and progress was hard to track. Cyan came up with a simple idea: print evenly spaced lines on the bands to help users train consistently and see improvement. 

Photo Credit: Supplied

Photo Credit: Supplied

When they couldn’t find anything like it on the market, they created their own and called it Strong Band. It was designed for everyday people, not athletes, to make strength training easier and less intimidating.

Feedback from the Community

In their Bondi classes, the new band has already helped people train with more confidence and consistency. One member with past injuries said it allowed her to work at her own pace without comparing herself to others.

Photo Credit: Supplied

A woman in her 70s said the clear levels made it easier to know when to progress, giving her a quiet sense of achievement. Matt and Cyan say that’s exactly the point, removing guesswork so people can feel steady progress and stick with it.

Building Strength for Life

Photo Credit: Supplied

Matt, who studied development and health psychology, says strength training becomes even more important as people age, helping with movement, health and independence. Their “20 Minute Strength” programme has been backed by a Sydney doctor who says it offers a simple, safe way for beginners to build strength. 



Beyond Bondi, they’re pledging part of Strong Band profits to charities that help kids access sport, something both trainers say shaped their own lives. For Matt and Cyan, it’s not just about fitness; it’s about creating a space where people feel supported and strong, both physically and in community.

Published 27-May-2025