Bondi Junction Archives - Bondi Beach News

Bondi Stabbings: 6 Dead, Including a Child, at Bondi Junction; Separate Attack Claims Woman’s Life at Charity

Six individuals, including a child, were fatally stabbed at Westfield Bondi Junction, and in a separate unrelated incident, a woman tragically lost her life in a stabbing at a local charity near Bondi Beach.

Detailed Incident Report

At approximately 3:10 p.m. on a busy Saturday afternoon, the 13th of April 2024, a male assailant entered Westfield Bondi Junction and launched a brutal stabbing attack on customers. The New South Wales Police were quick to respond, arriving at the scene shortly after reports were made about multiple stabbings.

😡😡😡

ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE LONE WOLVES WE KEEP HEARING ABOUT!!!

Sydney stabbing live updates: Westfield Bondi Junction attack leaves six dead, including attacker shot by police, and multiple people in critical condition👇😲😲😲

Police in Australia confirm a mother and young… pic.twitter.com/ueiDI32M3W
— 'Seeing is believing' (@dave24144975) April 13, 2024

The assailant, armed with a knife, was confronted by a senior police inspector who was the first to arrive. Displaying commendable bravery, she shot the attacker dead when he threatened her with the knife.

Several social media videos captured the confrontation and its immediate aftermath, showing the officer providing critical first aid to the wounded.

🚨Shop owner recounts seeing female police officer shoot the man who stabbed & killed multiple people at Bondi Junction: "The man, who was wearing a green T-shirt, threw the knife towards a mobile store and was shot by a policewoman.

“I think she shoot like two times or three… pic.twitter.com/Yj9iTQLrOq
— MilkBarTV (@TheMilkBarTV) April 13, 2024

Victims and Emergency Response

The attack resulted in six fatalities, including a child, and multiple injuries among the shoppers present during the incident. Eight individuals were urgently transported to various hospitals in Sydney, with NSW Ambulance Service confirming the inclusion of one child among those critically injured.

The medical conditions of these victims remain closely monitored, reflecting the severity of the incident.

Multiple stabbings have been reported at a shopping center in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺

A police operation is underway at a busy mall near Bondi Beach after the suspected attack, according to a news site. #Sydney pic.twitter.com/50G1vmeR9Q
— jayaa (Modi ka pariwar) (@Jayaa2012) April 13, 2024

Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media

The shopping centre, a popular weekend destination, was crowded during the attack. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and confusion as people tried to escape the immediate danger.

One witness recounted, “It was insanity,” as he described seeing a wounded woman and others in distress.

Social media played a significant role in broadcasting the pandemonium, with videos showing terrified shoppers running from the scene and police and emergency services arriving swiftly.

Terrorist attack in Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre

At least 4 people are dead with many more injured.

Call this for what it is, a terrorist attack! pic.twitter.com/oGSneraSJd
— The opinionated Black woman ~ Aunty (@Theblackfemini3) April 13, 2024

Prime Minister’s Reaction

In a televised response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed deep shock and sorrow over the incident.

“Today Bondi Junction was the scene of shocking violence. But it was also witness to the humanity and the heroism of our fellow Australians,” he stated.

The Prime Minister highlighted the courageous actions of the police and first responders, labelling the police officer who neutralized the threat as a hero.

Paula Masselos, the mayor of Waverley, expressed her shock and extended deep condolences to the victims’ families, reflecting the broader community impact.

In deep shock as we continue to learn details of the critical incident that occurred at Westfield Bondi Junction at 3.30 pm Saturday. I extend Waverley Councillors / Council, our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish those injured a full recovery
— Paula Masselos (@paulamasselos) April 13, 2024

Following the attack, the police have not disclosed any definitive motive, and the identity of the assailant remains under wraps as investigations continue. Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke emphasised that all possibilities, including terrorism, are being explored by the authorities.

The community was reassured of no ongoing threat but was advised to stay clear of the area to facilitate a thorough investigation.

Bondi Beach Stabbing

In a separate incident, a woman was stabbed at Wayside Chapel on Roscoe Street, just metres from the iconic Bondi Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. This incident occurred just before 11:00 a.m. on Friday, the 12th of April 2024, prompting a swift response from local police and emergency services.

A 36-year-old woman suffered a head injury during the incident and was subsequently rushed to the hospital in a stable condition. Initial reports suggest a screwdriver may have been used in the alleged attack, although police have yet to confirm these details.

As the community reeled from this violent act, Rev Jon Owen, CEO and Pastor of Wayside Chapel, expressed the deep distress of the staff and pledged continued efforts to ensure the safety of those who visit the community centre. A crime scene has been established, and NSW Police are appealing to the public for any relevant information, CCTV footage, or dashcam vision to aid their investigation.

Published 13-April-2024

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).

Temporary Bondi Bus Diversions to Last for 11 Weeks

Due to the construction and development of the Bondi Junction Cycleway and Oxford Street’s Streetscape Project, bus diversions from Bondi Road and Old South Head Road will impact commuters for at least 11 weeks beginning 13 Sept 2021.

Waverley Council announced that the affected bus routes are 333, 380, 381, 326, 327, 386, 387, and 379. The bus diversion routes were chosen based on traffic support and pedestrian safety whilst ensuring that the road network remains reliable.

Take note of these reroutes:

AFFECTED BUSES	STANDARD ROUTE	BUS DIVERSIONS
333, 380 and 381	Bondi Road towards Bondi Junction Interchange	Adelaide Street and Grafton Street, 24/7
326, 327, 386, 387 and 379	From Old South Head Road towards the Interchange	Edgecliff Road between Kendall Street and Grosvenor Street from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adelaide Street and Grafton Street from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Signages around Bondi have been placed to direct the public to alternative bus stops. Commuters may also head to the taxi rank at the corner of Grosvenor Street and Oxford Street as it will remain open during the work on the cycleway and streetscape.

The Bondi Junction Cycleway is part of the State and Federal Government’s $240 million investment to improve the green spaces and public areas in Waverley Council.

Once completed, the cycleway and streetscape will include:

improved safety with new signalised crossings
50 new trees
new street lights
street furniture
garden beds
new roads, paving and footpaths
the installation of a bi-directional cycleway

Closed Down Bondi Wellness Centre Customers Advised to Get Tested

A trendy and popular Bondi wellness centre has been permanently shut down by Sydney health authorities after unleashing an infection scare and its clients from the last seven years are advised to see their GP as soon as possible as a precautionary measure.

In December 2020, two of Detoxologie’s clients ended up in the hospital after undergoing intravenous infusions at the centre. An investigation by the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC), which received the complaints, revealed that the patients were likely given contaminated infusions from non-sterile equipment.

Whilst the risks of blood-borne viral infection spread is small, experts from the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District said that customers of Detoxologie from 2013 to 2020 should get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV, especially if they have had invasive procedures like the infusions, facial micro-needling, blood tests for food allergies, and colonic irrigation.

Director of the Local Health District’s Public Health Unit Mark Ferson said that no cases of blood-borne virus infections were linked to Detoxologie to date. However, blood-borne viral infections can be silently affecting a person’s health for years before it becomes a full-blown disease.

Ferson also said that a positive test will help the individuals prevent passing the infection to their loved-ones. They could also receive effective treatments as soon as possible.

Before it was shut down, Detoxologie traded at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction. It previously had a shop on Oxford Street. Investigators said that the centre resumed business after the incident in December and complied with the infection control measures.

However, in early February 2021, the HCCC said that one of its practitioners, Fay Fain, prescribed medication that was not approved for use in Australia. Ms Fain said she’s a registered nurse but there is no record of her credentials as a nurse practitioner in Australia.

Ms Fain has been prohibited from providing health services whilst Detoxologie is no longer in business.

Call for New Campus at Bondi Junction

Given Bondi Junction’s well-established transport links, this Sydney eastern suburb is considered to be an ideal place to build a new high school.

A great amount of demand and pressure are experienced over at existing schools within the Sydney eastern region. Population growth and increasing densification are just two of several issues that cause this pressure.

The petition to build new schools has been signed by 500 residents and has reached the NSW Parliament just last year. Now, more and more groups are putting this campaign on the state election agenda.

CLOSE East

Since 2010, lobby group CLOSE East has been very vocal about the need for a new school within Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

According to its spokeswoman, Licia Heath, planning for new schools should have happened a long time ago since the birth spike in the area in 2006. This means that these kids are now in Year 6 or have just started on their Year 7.

Library — *Photo credit: CCO Public Domain/ StockSnap/ Pixabay*

With more children entering high school, a new campus seems very fitting to ease the highly significant enrolment pressure on existing schools.

CLOSE East thinks that Bondi Junction is an ideal suburb to build a new school due to its existing and efficient transport links.

Capacity Constraints and Government Solution

Existing schools within Sydney’s eastern region are close to reaching capacity, according to the Department of Education.

Sydney Boys High School at 95 percent capacity
Sydney Girls High School at 88 percent capacity
Rose Bay Secondary College at 88 percent capacity

Education Minister Rob Stokes said all existing schools today have the capacity to cater to the needs of local communities. However, in order to meet the future demand for schools, different solutions must first be planned. Among the solutions being laid out are the proposed expansion of the Randwick Boys and Girls High School precinct, as well as turning Randwick Boys into a co-ed campus.