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Masters Legends Recognised at 2025 Surf Life Saving Championships in Bondi Beach

The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Bondi Beach saw four accomplished Masters competitors inducted into the SLSA Masters Legends.

Celebrating Outstanding Achievements at Bondi Beach

Four Masters competitors were formally recognised as the newest SLSA Masters Legends during the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Bondi Beach.

The honourees were Laura Thurtell (Bondi SBLSC, NSW), Rod Taylor (Mooloolaba SLSC, QLD), Louise Santos (Bondi SBLSC, NSW), and Ted Smithies (Newport SLSC, NSW).

32 Years of Masters Competition

The Masters Championship at the Aussies has been running for 32 years. Masters competitors, aged 35 and over, play a vital role in surf lifesaving by contributing to club structures and maintaining competitive excellence.

The SLSA Masters Legends program was first established in 2019, recognising those who have achieved consistent, outstanding results over a sustained period.

Recognising the 2025 SLSA Masters Legends

Bondi Beach Masters Legends ceremony 2025 — *Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook*

Laura Thurtell from Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club first competed in Masters events in 2006 and has consistently finished on the podium across Surf, Board, Tube, Ironwoman, Ski, and Beach events. Between 2019 and 2022, she secured 19 Gold medals.

2025 SLSA Masters Legends inductees at Bondi Beach — Caption: Mr Rod Taylor’s award collected by club representative.
Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook

Rod Taylor, representing Mooloolaba SLSC, began competing in 2003 in the 50–54 years beach events and has maintained a podium presence ever since. At the 2023 Championships, he dominated the over-70s category, winning every event he joined.

Louise Santos recognised at Bondi Beach Aussies 2025 — *Caption: Ms Louise Santos’s award collected by her husband.*
*Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook*

Louise Santos, also from Bondi SBLSC, collected 32 Gold, 19 Silver, and 19 Bronze medals between 2005 and 2023. Her achievements span Ironwoman, Rescue and Resuscitation, Board, and Pool Rescue disciplines.

Ted Smithies recognised at Bondi Beach Aussies 2025 — *Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook*

Representing Newport SLSC, Ted Smithies secured 31 Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze medals from 2001 to 2024, with a focus on beach sprints, relays, and flags.

Community Response to the 2025 Inductees

The surf lifesaving community shared widespread congratulations following the announcement at Bondi Beach. Supporters and clubmates took to online platforms to recognise the inductees’ sustained achievements and their impact on surf lifesaving at club and national levels.

Continuing the Legacy

With the induction of the 2025 Masters Legends, the SLSA continues to honour the legacy of excellence in surf lifesaving. Previous inductees include notable names such as Dianne Wallace-Ward, Davina Strauss and David Hutchison.

The tradition highlights the significant role of Masters competitors in upholding the sport’s standards and fostering club spirit.

Published 27-Apr-2025

Bondi Beach to Welcome Japanese Coffee Giant % Arabica in 2025

A major global coffee brand is setting up shop in Bondi Beach, with Japanese favourite % Arabica confirmed to open its first Australian café at the busy corner of Hall Street and Campbell Parade.

Landmark Location Chosen for Australian Debut

The new store is planned to launch in late 2025 and will be part of the Hall & Campbell luxury apartment development in the heart of Bondi Beach’s shopping and dining zone. The corner spot previously housed the well-known Bates Milk Bar, a community favourite with deep local roots.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

% Arabica confirmed the news via a newly launched Instagram page for its Australian branch, while retail leasing firm executives also noted the lease had been secured. They highlighted the location’s strong local foot traffic and visibility as a key factor in the decision.

A Global Brand Eyes Local Coffee Culture

Founded by Kenneth Shoji in Kyoto in 2014, % Arabica has grown into a highly recognisable coffee brand across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. It currently operates 224 locations worldwide, with upcoming stores announced in countries including Nepal, Iraq, and Spain.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Shoji’s vision for % Arabica is to encourage cultural exchange and appreciation through coffee. The brand’s motto, shared on its official website, encourages people to see the world through the lens of shared experiences over coffee.

Bondi Junction’s rich café culture and beachside buzz made it a natural choice for the brand’s Australian launch.

What This Means for Bondi Locals

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

For the Bondi Junction community, the arrival of a brand like % Arabica adds an international flavour to a local scene already full of cafés and food stops. The choice to open at a spot that holds historical meaning, where Bates Milk Bar once served locals for decades, adds another layer of connection to the area.

The company’s entry into the Sydney market may also create new jobs and offer a fresh coffee experience for both long-time residents and visitors heading to the beach.

Published 25-April-2025

Dramatic Police Pursuit Ends In Gunfire Near Bondi Beach

A dramatic early morning police pursuit ended with gunshots fired just meters from Bondi Beach when a police officer opened fire on a stolen Audi after the driver allegedly accelerated toward them.

The incident began around 4am Saturday when police spotted a dark-coloured Audi A1 on Old South Head Road in Rose Bay. The vehicle had been reported stolen from a property in Double Bay the previous night.

According to Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore, officers initiated a pursuit but abandoned it less than two minutes later due to the vehicle’s “high speed and erratic driving.”

The Audi was later located in the dead-end lane of Sir Thomas Mitchell Road in Bondi, just a block from the famous beach. When an officer approached the vehicle, the 37-year-old driver allegedly accelerated toward the officer, who then fired six shots at the vehicle.

Residents reported hearing an officer yelling “get out of the car” and “get on the ground” followed by multiple gunshots. After allegedly ramming a police vehicle, the driver fled the scene, prompting a manhunt across the eastern suburbs.

The abandoned Audi was discovered around 6:30am on Murriverie Road in North Bondi by a local resident.

The suspect, who is known to police, was located nearby shortly after and taken into custody. He is currently “assisting with inquiries,” according to police. Both the driver and police officers were uninjured in the incident, confirmed after hospital checks.

Superintendent Radmore defended the officer’s approach to the vehicle and use of force, stating: “Police are doing their job to keep people in the community safe.” She added that the incident “shouldn’t be tolerated and should be dealt with the full force of the law.”

The incident disrupted the normally peaceful beachside community, with police tape surrounding the crime scene throughout Saturday morning. Several residents were either delayed in accessing their homes or turned away entirely.

The Audi has been seized for forensic examination. Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage from the area between 4am and 6:30am to contact Eastern Suburbs Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 19-April-2025

Bondi Beach Tar Balls Came From Sewage Network, EPA Confirms Bacteria Presence

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/ Facebook

Investigations have confirmed that Sydney Water’s sewage network was the source of thousands of tar balls, containing bacteria including E. coli, which forced closures at Bondi Beach and other Sydney coastlines.

Investigation Narrows Source

The mystery surrounding the thousands of small, dark debris balls that washed ashore on Sydney beaches between October 2024 and January 2025 appears to be solved. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) concluded its investigation, pointing towards Sydney Water’s wastewater network as the origin.

This finding came after the composition of balls collected from beaches matched samples taken from several wastewater treatment plants. The balls, mostly marble-sized and black or grey, contained household fats, oils, grease, human hair, fibres, and some petroleum hydrocarbons.

Their appearance forced the closure of seventeen beaches, starting in the eastern suburbs at locations like Bondi Beach, Coogee, and Bronte, later appearing at Kurnell, and then across the Northern Beaches, including Manly and Dee Why. Given the EPA’s findings, initial thoughts that a passing ship might be responsible seem less likely.

Health Concerns and Bacteria Identified

Concerns were raised about the potential health risks associated with the tar balls. Testing revealed the presence of bacteria commonly found in sewage, including Enterococci, E. coli, and thermotolerant E. coli. These bacteria are known indicators of faecal contamination and can be linked to various illnesses like diarrhea and infections.

In addition, Northern Beaches Council organised its own independent tests on balls found on its shores, which also identified faecal matter and E. coli. The council alerted the public to its findings and shared the results with the EPA.

Communication Questions Raised

Documents released under freedom of information laws indicated that the EPA’s testing identified the presence of specific bacteria like E. coli shortly after the first incidents in October 2024. However, Randwick Council stated it was unaware of these specific bacterial findings when it deemed its beaches safe to reopen several days later, although it stressed that it acted cautiously by closing beaches and organising cleanups while awaiting results.

The EPA responded to these points, stating it had advised relevant authorities, including councils within the response team, of early analyses that indicated bacteria, but emphasised these results were not fully verified at that stage. The agency maintained that more comprehensive analysis was needed and that the public was consistently advised not to touch the debris balls. In December, an official EPA media release mentioned the balls contained “bacteria commonly associated with wastewater”.

Sydney Water Response and Prevention

Sydney Water acknowledged that an independent expert it commissioned also identified its network or facilities as the probable source. A Sydney Water manager stated that their coastal treatment facilities were operating normally and meeting regulatory standards, and no specific faults were found in the system.

Investigations suggested the tar balls may have formed over time due to an increased load of fats, oils, and grease entering the system, combined with specific oceanographic factors and weather conditions leading to potentially ten or more separate discharge events. Sydney Water stated it would contribute to the clean-up costs and consider long-term infrastructure upgrades where needed.

It also highlighted the community’s role in prevention, urging residents and businesses to dispose of fats, oils, and greases in the bin, not down the drain.

Public Advised to Remain Cautious

While experts have assessed the balls as a low threat to public health, the EPA’s official advice remains consistent: people should avoid touching debris balls found on beaches. Any new discoveries should be reported immediately to the local council or the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555. The EPA confirmed that its team of pollution experts and investigators is continuing work related to the incidents.

Published Date 16-April-2025

One Year On: Bondi Beach Reflects on Bondi Junction Stabbing

Photo Credit: MarjorieONeillCoogeeMP/Facebook

Bondi Beach is the focus of remembrance as the local community marks one year since the fatal Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing. The incident claimed six lives and injured several others.

Community Remembers Victims of Westfield Tragedy

One year after the 2024 mass stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach has become a focal point for commemoration, with public tributes honouring the six victims, survivors, and first responders.

On 13 April 2024, Joel Cauchi fatally stabbed six people and injured twelve others before being shot by police. The attack occurred within minutes inside the busy shopping centre, deeply affecting the Bondi community and beyond.

Commemorative installations and floral displays have been placed at Oxford Street Mall and Westfield Bondi to allow residents and visitors to pause and reflect on the impact of the tragedy.

Details of the Attack

The stabbing took place between 3:32 p.m. and 3:38 p.m. at Westfield Bondi Junction. Mr Cauchi, armed with a Ka-Bar knife, targeted mainly female shoppers. Multiple eyewitnesses reported that civilians attempted to intervene before Mr Cauchi was stopped by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.

The six victims were Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young, and Pikria Darchia. Among the injured was Ms Good’s nine-month-old daughter, who survived following surgery.

Memorials Across Bondi Beach and Junction

In the lead-up to the anniversary, Oxford Street Mall installed two display boards featuring images and messages collected after the tragedy. The boards will remain in place until 16 April.

Westfield Bondi has also arranged a large floral tribute near Zara on level 4, providing black ribbons at concierge desks. Digital screens throughout the centre are acknowledging the event, and Lifeline representatives are present to support visitors.

*Photo Credit: Westfield Bondi Junction*

Images of preserved flowers laid in the days following the incident are being reused in tribute. They are curated for both display and reflection.

Community and Government Response

Waverley Council, the NSW Government, and Scentre Group coordinated the commemorations, joined by members of the public and emergency services.

The first anniversary was described by officials as a day of mourning and reflection. Community support has remained strong throughout the year, with vigils, mental health services, and local initiatives continuing to assist those affected.

Local officials Anthony Albanese and Chris Minns acknowledged the anniversary, recognising the victims and praising the courage shown by first responders and civilians on the day.

Reflection and Ongoing Support

The Bondi Beach community continues to support each other through remembrance and ongoing services. Counselling remains available through Lifeline and other mental health organisations, with public reminders issued for anyone struggling with the memory of the incident.

The Westfield Bondi Junction site reopened five days after the event in 2024 with upgraded security and a day set aside for public reflection. Retail tenants were given rent relief during the closure.

Published 15-Apr-2025

Hero Security Guard Still Scarred One Year After Bondi Westfield Massacre

Photo Credit: Google Maps / Westfield Bondi Junction

One year after the tragic Bondi Westfield massacre, security guard Muhammad Taha continues to struggle with the physical and emotional trauma of that fateful day. Despite being granted permanent residency in Australia for his heroic actions, Taha has made the heartbreaking admission that he may never return to work as a security guard.

The massacre, which occurred on April 13, 2024, saw 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, who suffered from schizophrenia, attack shoppers with a fighting knife. In just three minutes, Cauchi fatally stabbed six people and injured ten others before being shot dead by police inspector Amy Scott.

Taha, 30, and his colleague Faraz Tahir confronted Cauchi after running toward screaming shoppers. Cauchi fatally stabbed Tahir in the chest before attacking Taha, who was stabbed on the left side of his stomach. Despite his injury, Taha managed to call for help via his radio.

“At the last moment, he was with me and everything that happened was in front of my eyes, so it’s very painful,” Taha told news.com.au.

“With our bare hands, we did the best that we could,” he added. “If we were provided with some kind of protection or something… we would have been much better defending ourselves and protecting others.”

Following the attack, Westfield owner Scentre Group implemented new safety measures including body-worn cameras and stab-proof vests for security personnel. However, some advocates argue that security guards should be equipped with additional protective equipment.

Bryan de Caires, CEO of the Australian Security Industry Association Limited, continues to advocate for security guards to be nationally recognised as frontline workers. “Currently they’re not. We think that’s an oversight, a significant oversight,” he said.

An inquest into the stabbing is scheduled to run from April 28 to May 30. It will examine the emergency response procedures of Westfield’s owner Scentre Group and security subcontractors Falcon Manpower Solution and Glad Group.

Despite the trauma he endured, Taha expressed gratitude for the support he has received and plans to remain in Australia. “I’m planning to continue my stay in Australia and settle here permanently because I got the residency, so I will build my career here,” he said.

Published 13-April-2025

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

For many in Sydney’s west, the idea of a lazy day at Bondi Beach can feel more like a postcard fantasy than a weekend possibility. The distance, the traffic, the cost of tolls and parking—not to mention the tangle of train and bus transfers—can make Sydney’s most iconic shoreline seem out of reach.

Read: “The Bondi” Penthouse Changes Hands for $16.25M

But this summer, Fairfield flipped the script with a bold and heartwarming initiative: free bus rides from the heart of western Sydney to the coast, giving residents an easier path to soak up the sun, sea and sand. Among the destinations was the jewel of the east—Bondi Beach.

The program ran on selected Sundays in January and February, with two dedicated trips to Bondi. The buses, fully air-conditioned and direct, picked up locals in Fairfield and whisked them off on a beach day to remember. No need to navigate public transport or worry about parking metres. Just hop on, relax, and arrive in under an hour.

The response was overwhelming. Nearly 400 people seized the opportunity, with seats filling fast each weekend. For some, it was a fun day out. For others, it was a long-held dream come true.

One of those passengers was 67-year-old Phyllis Tedesco, who has lived in western Sydney for over five decades but had never seen Bondi with her own eyes. Originally from Italy, Phyllis migrated to Australia as a child and settled in Fairfield, where life’s routines and responsibilities kept the coast always just out of reach. Despite living only 30 kilometres away, the cost and complexity of getting to Bondi had always stood in the way.

That changed one sunny Sunday in February when Phyllis finally boarded the free beach bus—encouraged by her daughter—and made her long-awaited visit. Seeing the iconic stretch of sand for the first time, she was moved by the beauty of the beach and the warmth of the experience. After six joyful hours exploring the foreshore, shops and cafés, she returned home with stories, photos, and a newfound connection to a part of Sydney she had only imagined.

This wasn’t just a free ride—it was a bridge. A bridge between two parts of Sydney that don’t often meet. From the multicultural streets of Fairfield to the breezy cafés of Bondi, the bus carried more than just passengers; it carried connection, curiosity, and community.

While the future of the beach bus remains uncertain, the impact is clear. Fairfield residents—many of whom face real transport and financial barriers—got a chance to enjoy what much of Sydney takes for granted. And Bondi, with all its beauty, was made a little more accessible, a little more shared.

Read: Bondi Beach Ranked Among World’s Best, But Do Locals Agree?

Local officials are now urging the state government to step in and support similar programs in future, calling for toll and public transport relief on weekends to open the coast to more families.

For now, the memories of sun-drenched Sundays live on—and for people like Phyllis, Bondi is no longer just a dream. It’s a place she finally reached, and one she’ll never forget.

Published 11-April-2025

Bondi Icebergs Smashed by King Tide as Waves Top 5 Metres

Photo Credit: Jenny Haines/Facebook

Shattered glass and mangled railings marked the aftermath as Bondi Icebergs was slammed by powerful waves more than five metres high.

Bondi Beach Smashed by King Tide: Homes Flooded, Coastline Damaged

Bondi Beach was pounded by massive waves more than five metres high on Tuesday night, causing major damage to the famous Bondi Icebergs pool and flooding homes further south.

*Photo Credit: Bondi Icebergs Club/Facebook*

The destruction unfolded after a powerful king tide and storm surge collided along Sydney’s coastline on 2 April. Strong winds and intense swells battered the area, with emergency crews responding to damaged properties and coastal structures from Bondi to Botany Bay.

A Night of Coastal Chaos

Around 11:30pm, massive 5.5-metre waves battered Bondi Icebergs, smashing glass fencing and tearing apart sections of the pool deck. Management reported parts of the floor being lifted and a large water tank swept away by the force of the ocean.

A lifeguard nearby at the time escaped injury, but the area was left in disarray. Staff described the impact as one of the worst in recent memory, saying they had never seen damage on this scale.

Damage Spreads Along the Coast

The storm’s impact stretched beyond Bondi, with late-night evacuations in Dolls Point and parts of Botany Bay as floodwaters entered nearly a dozen homes. Residents used sandbags to protect their properties, while emergency crews from Fire and Rescue NSW and the SES worked overnight to manage the situation.

Coastal footpaths and walkways were damaged, with heavy concrete slabs pushed out of place. Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, Bronte Beach, and areas of Cronulla also reported infrastructure damage, including torn fences and broken seating areas.

Warnings and Community Response

Authorities warned locals and beachgoers to avoid dangerous coastal areas in the days following the surge, with rough surf and unstable infrastructure posing ongoing risks. Despite the hazards, some surfers entered the water to ride the large waves before conditions deteriorated further.

Clean-up efforts are still underway, with local councils assessing damage and preparing repairs. Bondi Icebergs has temporarily closed its pool to conduct safety checks and begin restoration work.

Published 3-April-2025

Mermaid Artwork Project for Bondi Beach Stalls After Community Pushback

Jan Carmody in 1959 and as one of the mermaids in Bondi Beach. Photo Credit: Waverley Council

Bondi Beach residents say they’re being left out of the conversation amidst a local plan, originally proposed in 2023, to install new mermaid artwork in Bondi’s South Park. Community consultation shows a lack of local support, with many pointing out that the project lacks meaningful historical connection, would cost too much, and could pose coastal risks.

The original mermaid sculptures. Photo credit: Waverley Library

Community Discontent Surfaces

Waverley Council commissioned three artists to create modern takes on the original Bondi Mermaids, once a beloved landmark on the rocks near Ben Buckler.

The proposed designs include a large replica mermaid by design studio Pink Cactus, to be placed on the Bondi foreshore’s South End.

Proposal from Pink Cactus design studio. Photo Credit: Waverley Council

Other proposals include artwork depicting a mermaid’s tail from Stutchbury and Utzon, and a memorial-themed reflection pond from Georgouras Studio. Detailed plans can be found here.

Mermaid’s tale art installation by Stutchbury and Utzon. Photo Credit: Waverley Council

Memorial-themed reflection pool by Georgouras Studio. Photo Credit: Waverley Council

Public feedback showed most people were unhappy with the options, with many choosing the “least bad” design rather than one they liked. Based on community consultations, no artwork design is really supported by the public.

Locals felt the proposed artworks lacked a connection to Bondi’s history and culture. Some said the new mermaids failed to capture the charm or identity of the originals, which were modelled after real women — champion swimmer Lynette Whillier and Miss Australia Surf 1959 Jan Carmody.

Jan Carmody in 1959 and as one of the mermaids. Photo Credit: Waverley Council

about the original mermaids

Environmental and Financial Concerns

Residents also raised environmental and financial concerns. They questioned the project’s location near erosion-prone areas and said public funds could be better used elsewhere—especially after the 2024 Bondi Junction tragedy, with some suggesting a memorial instead.

Council documents noted that pushing ahead with the project could harm public trust, given the strong community pushback.

Project’s Future Uncertain

A review is being done on whether to continue or cancel the project. If scrapped, the money may go toward other public art with wider support, such as artwork commemorating the tragic 2024 Westfield Bondi stabbing incident.

An internal Council committee report also pointed out that, “If Council chooses to progress this artwork in the absence of community consensus for it to proceed, it would risk over-extending Council’s allocated spending on public art projects, and would jeopardise the delivery of more recent public art projects prioritised by Council including the Campbell Parade mosaic restoration works, the Westfield tragedy memorial artwork and joint Waverley-Woollahra artwork. “

The original Bondi Mermaids, installed in the 1960s and removed in the ’70s due to storm damage, remain a cherished part of local history. But many feel the current proposal doesn’t do their memory justice.

Published 2-April-2025

Bondi Beach Residents Demand Action on Dangerous E-bikes

Photo Credit: Lime

Discarded e-bikes obstructing footpaths and reckless riding have led to threats of vehicle impounding, following a 350 percent increase in e-bike usage near Bondi Beach from 2021 to 2024.

Community Concerns and Council Response

Residents have expressed increasing frustration over the haphazard parking of shared e-bikes, which obstructs pedestrian access and creates safety hazards, particularly for elderly individuals and those with disabilities. The council reports constant complaints about bikes being carelessly abandoned on footpaths and ridden at dangerous speeds.

In response, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh has announced a one-month ultimatum for e-bike operators to agree to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the council. This agreement would outline specific e-bike usage and parking rules to restore street order.

Proposed Regulations and Enforcement

The council’s proposed MoU demands that e-bike companies adhere to strict regulations, including Lime, Hello Bike, and Ario. These include limits on the total number of bikes allowed within the Waverley area, designated parking zones, a maximum speed limit of 20km/h, and mandatory helmet use for riders. The council has also stated that operators must relocate any bikes obstructing pedestrian access within two hours of notification.

Failure to comply with these regulations will result in the council impounding the bikes, and operators will face fines of $2750 per non-compliant vehicle. Furthermore, the e-bike companies will be responsible for covering the costs of implementing and enforcing the new agreement.

Parking Trial and State Government Involvement

In addition to the MoU, the council plans to implement a six-month trial of designated e-bike parking areas in high-traffic locations such as Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, and Bronte Beach, starting in June. Mayor Nemesh has also called on the New South Wales state government to take a more active role in regulating the share bike industry. He suggests a state-run tender process for bike share services, with a portion of the revenue allocated to local councils for infrastructure and enforcement.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson acknowledged the community’s concerns. It stated that the government is currently reviewing regulations for sharing schemes and considering recommendations from a recent parliamentary inquiry into e-scooters, e-bikes, and related mobility options.

Legal Framework and Safety Concerns

Current NSW regulations stipulate that permitted e-bikes have an electric motor and battery that assist riders with pedalling up to 25km/h. Petrol-powered bikes or those with internal combustion engines are illegal. E-bikes are also prohibited from riding on footpaths, and riders must always wear helmets.

Police have the authority to issue fines for violations of these rules. The council’s push for stricter regulations comes amid growing concerns about rider safety, with reports of injuries caused by e-bikes.

Published Date 26-March-2025