A beach toy box decorated with hand-painted bees has been installed following the Bondi Beach tragedy, marking a community-led tribute connected to the loss of a local schoolgirl.
In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach massacre, bees emerged as a shared symbol of remembrance for Matilda, a 10-year-old girl whose death prompted widespread mourning. Bee-themed items appeared at Bondi and in surrounding areas as residents sought simple ways to acknowledge the loss.
Photo Credit: ProductiveTangerine2935/Facebook
A Tribute At La Perouse Beach
A Randwick local, who chose not to be named, built a reusable beach toy box and placed it at La Perouse Beach, near the school Matilda attended. The box was painted with bees by the builder’s grandsons, linking the tribute to both family involvement and Matilda’s nickname.
The builder had planned to create a beach toy library before the tragedy, later choosing the bee design after observing similar tributes appear in the Bondi area.
Photo Credit: ProductiveTangerine2935/Facebook
From Storm Clean-Up To Shared Resource
The beach toy box initiative began after dozens of toys were collected from the sand following a summer storm, when items were left behind and at risk of being washed into the sea. Rather than discarding them, the toys were redistributed through shared beach boxes.
Toy boxes are now located at La Perouse, Coogee and Malabar, with further installations planned.
Photo Credit: ProductiveTangerine2935/Facebook
Community Reaction
The tribute drew strong support within local online groups, with commenters describing the gesture as thoughtful and meaningful. Responses highlighted appreciation for the environmental focus, the involvement of children, and the way the tribute honoured Matilda without formal signage.
The bee-painted toy box remains at La Perouse Beach as both a practical community resource and a quiet memorial, reflecting how the Bondi Beach tragedy continues to be acknowledged through small, collective actions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tourists love Bondi Beach, but does it really deserve a spot among the world’s best? Tripadvisor’s latest rankings have sparked a debate among Australians.
Bondi Named One of the World’s Best Beaches, But Locals Aren’t Convinced
Bondi Beach has been listed among the planet’s best 25 beaches in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, but not everyone is pleased. While the international listing puts the Sydney icon on the world’s most stunning coastal locations, many locals believe it fails to reflect the best of Australia’s coast.
Two Australian Beaches Make the Cut
Bondi came in at number 24 on Tripadvisor’s annual list, with Manly Beach at 15, eight places down from its seventh place ranking in 2024. The world ranking, based on travellers’ ratings and reviews over the past 12 months, featured just two beaches from Sydney.
Tripadvisor has listed Bondi’s golden beach, renowned surf beaches, and scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee as the top reasons for its ranking. Manly, however, was commended for its convenient ferry ride from Circular Quay, patrolled swimming pools, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Locals Divided Over the Rankings
Even with the global recognition, Sydneysiders were shocked to find Bondi and Manly as Australia’s representatives on the list. Although both beaches are undoubtedly iconic, others feel that other less popular destinations are more representative of the country’s natural beauty.
Bondi, though, is a resort area, with large crowds and expensive restaurants that take away from the beach experience, say some. Most locals prefer to visit less crowded beaches like Palm Beach, Freshwater, or Bronte that offer the same view without the crowds.
Manly’s addition was less argumentative, with its casual charm and appeal, though some still question whether it is better than beaches like Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach or Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay, both longtime favourites on similar lists.
How the World’s Best Beaches Are Chosen
The 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards rely on a mix of millions of traveller reviews over the last year. Tripadvisor takes into account aspects such as water quality, landscape, activities, and overall visitor satisfaction to compile the rankings.
At the helm of this year’s best was Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, because of its pink sand and crystal clear waters. The remaining beaches that joined the top five were Eagle Beach in Aruba, Cable Beach in Broome, and Praia da Falésia in Portugal.
Despite missing out on a top 10 spot, Bondi and Manly’s global recognition reinforces Sydney’s status as a world-class coastal destination—even if not all Australians agree.
Sydney’s iconic beaches in Bondi and Bronte could experience a landmark change this summer as discussions swirl around the possible removal of shark nets from its waters, especially after Waverley’s leaders have called for better deterrents.
The New South Wales government is grappling with whether to continue the controversial shark meshing program, which has been in place since 1937 and has faced increasing opposition due to its impact on marine life.
The shark nets are traditionally deployed at 51 beaches spanning from Newcastle to Wollongong each year, typically from September to April.
However, as the deadline for their installation approaches in less than five weeks, the NSW has announced that a final decision will not be made until it gathers input from eight coastal councils.
One of the most vocal proponents for alternative methods is Waverley Council, responsible for some of Sydney’s most renowned beaches. It has previously opposed the use of shark nets and has been eager to collaborate with the state government to develop improved solutions.
Paula Masselos, the mayor of Waverley, emphasized the need for more progressive approaches to shark deterrence, stating that there should be a better system for the 21st century.
The use of shark nets has long been a point of contention within the community, often drawing criticism from environmental groups due to the unintended trapping of dolphins and turtles, leading to their unfortunate deaths. Mayor Masselos pointed out that the nets are only deployed for half of the year and are not extensive enough to cover entire beaches, allowing sharks to become trapped close to shore.
However, not everyone is convinced that a swift removal of the nets is the best course of action.
Sally Betts, Waverley’s longest-serving councillor and former mayor, believes that alternative methods should be more thoroughly developed before discarding the nets. Betts recalled a shark attack incident in 2009 that resulted in a surfer losing his arm, highlighting the importance of maintaining effective shark deterrence.
Latest data on the number of marine animals inadvertently caught and killed in shark nets showed that 90 per cent have been “non-target species,” such as turtles or stingrays.
Photo Credit: Shark Meshing Bather Protection Program Report
Out of the 228 creatures trapped in the waters of NSW beaches during the 2022-23 season, only 24 were the intended species of sharks (18 white sharks and six tiger sharks), while the remaining 204 were unintended species. A majority of these caught animals (63 per cent) met their demise due to ensnarement.
Among the 204 unintended species, there were 120 smaller sharks, 58 rays, 14 turtles, 10 mammals (consisting of eight dolphins and two seals), and two finfish.
The list of animals encompasses 16 critically endangered grey nurse sharks, two of which suffered fatal consequences. Additionally, two common dolphins and six Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, both categorized as protected species under national environmental laws, were captured; none of the caught dolphins managed to survive.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty expressed the government’s dedication to finding a balanced approach to shark mitigation, addressing concerns about marine life impact. The government has been actively investing in initiatives such as increased aerial surveillance through drones, smart drumlines, listening stations, and community education programs to promote shark safety.
“At this stage, no decisions have been made about the future deployment of shark mesh nets,” a spokesperson said. “A decision will be made by the NSW Government before the start of the 2023/24 swimming season and following the tender and council consultation processes.”
