Created: 29-04-19
Last Login: 05-07-20
Eastern Suburbs Life advertisements
Apply to be an artist on the Bondi Beach Sea Wall
Description: To support the diverse and dynamic character of Bondi Beach, Waverley Council is inviting artists to submit their unique designs for the historic Bondi Beach Sea Wall. Each successful applicant will have their artwork displayed on a panel on the sea wall for a period of six months starting this summer. Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said artists also have the opportunity to create designs for the concrete blocks lining Campbell Parade and across south Bondi Park. Artists may apply for up to ten bollards to create a body of work or a series of works. “The Bondi Beach Sea Wall has been in operation since the late 1970s and has featured a mix of street and contemporary art with strong social messages throughout the decades,” Mayor Masselos said. “Over the years, the Sea Wall has hosted the work of some of the best know street artists across the globe. Featured art works have ranged from collages, stencils, pop art, text works, love notes and memorial portraits. “The Sea Wall is a striking backdrop to our most famous beach and is viewed by millions of people each year. Applications close 20 July 2020. To apply visit: https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/arts_and_culture/bondi_beach_sea_wall/bondi_sea_wall_application_form For more information, please contact Waverley Council’s Visual Arts Team at [email protected] or on 9083 8746.
Publish Date: 29-06-20
2020 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize open for entries
Description: The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, Australia’s pre-eminent award for small sculpture presented by Woollahra Council, has announced three new guest judges for 2020 along with an increased prize pool of $29,000 to mark its 20th anniversary. Artists are now invited to submit their entries until 17 July. The 2020 Prize judges are: Lara Strongman, Director Curatorial and Digital at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia; Australian style pioneer and internationally acclaimed artist and designer Jenny Kee AO; and art historian, writer and lecturer, Joanna Capon OAM. Prize money will be awarded to winning artists across four categories: the main acquisitive award of $25,000; a Special Commendation award of $2,000; the Viewers’ Choice award of $1,000; and the Mayor’s Prize of $1,000. Joanna Capon commented on joining the judging panel, “I am delighted to be involved in this year’s Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize which is always an important event in Sydney’s Art Calendar. In these very challenging times it will be even more significant, allowing artists the opportunity to show their works and the community to show them our support.” Lara Strongman said, “At times of crisis, the arts are critically important in showing us new ways to look at the world around us and to imagine the future. I’m pleased to be part of the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize this year and I’m looking forward to seeing the wide range of work. Sydney has an enviable reputation for the quality of its art and culture – and more than ever, we need to support our artists.” Jenny Kee added, “In this 20th Anniversary year – what a year! – I am thrilled to be part of the judging of the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize. At this time of crisis it’s so important for artists to have a platform in the form of this Prize and long may it continue.” Mayor of Woollahra Susan Wynne said, “This is a milestone year for the Prize, which has built a distinguished reputation over the past 20 years and attracts some of the world’s best artists. It has featured many truly incredible works throughout its history and I’m excited to see more beautiful artistry on display in 2020.” Established in 2001 as the first national acquisitive prize showcasing quality and diversity of smaller dimension sculptures, the Prize attracts strong support from artists, collectors and critics. Entries are open until 17 July 2020, with artists required to submit images of their original, freestanding sculpture of up to 80cm in any dimension. For the first time, entries will be accepted for wall hanging sculptural work as it is anticipated that the finalists’ exhibition will coincide with the planned opening of Woollahra Council’s new art gallery in the former Woollahra Library heritage building in Double Bay in late 2020 (subject to COVID-19 social distancing regulations). Last year, 43 finalists were selected from 634 entries. The main Prize winner in 2019 was Sydney based artist Merran Esson and her work Autumn On The Monaro. Previous winners include Jan King (2002), Mikala Dwyer (2003), Louis Pratt (2006), Adam Cullen (2008), Alexander Seton (2009), Archie Moore (2010), Thor Beowulf (2012), Julia deVille (2013), Robert Owen (2015), Todd Robinson (2016), Sanné Mestrom (2017) and Tim Silver (2018). For more information visit the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize website.
Publish Date: 28-06-20
OPEN FOR ENTRIES: 2020 Youth Photographic Award and Short Film Prize
Description: This annual competition is open to local high school students or high school students living in the local government area. This year a special category has been added. ‘Strange Days' encourages students to submit photographic responses and observations to our current situation and world in the time of a pandemic. The competition awards cash prizes of up to $2,000, as well as donated prizes from our proud supporter the Australian Centre for Photography. Entries close on Friday 14 August. An exhibition of photographs and films will be held between 11 – 20 September (venue to be confirmed). Please read the entry brochure for all information. Students and/or teachers must submit an entry spreadsheet. You can enter online or in person. To enter in person, please submit your entry by 4pm, 14 August at reception/customer services at Woollahra Council, 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay. About the Prize The Youth Photographic Award and Short Film Prize started in 1994 to provide an opportunity for local high school students to showcase all the great creative talents of young photographers and filmmakers. Through its 27 year history, Council has exhibited the works of many talented high school students and given the public an opportunity to view these inventive and extraordinary images and films. For more information, please contact: Cultural Development Telephone: 9391 7102 Email: [email protected]
Publish Date: 28-06-20
Paperless Development Applications now accepted at Randwick Council
Description: The Development Application (DA) process at Randwick City Council is about to go paperless, making the development lodgement process simpler, faster and more transparent. From Wednesday 1 July 2020, residents can submit most DAs via the Randwick Council website or the NSW Planning Portal, www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/onlineDA. DA determination and approved plans will be sent to the applicant via email. Digital lodgement of information will also apply to modification applications (Section 4.55), review applications (Section 8.2) and pre-lodgement applications. Subdivision Certificate applications and Local Approvals, such as footpath dining agreement, will still require paper submissions. “Going paper-free will not only save people time and effort, it will also do a lot to look after our environment and reduce our paper consumption,” explained Mayor Said. “We have the resources and capability for our residents to submit plans via digital means, it’s best practice on so many levels and makes sense for this to be the way forward.” There will be no change to the way Council notifies people about DAs in their area. Residents will continue to receive letters and Council will advertise determined applications on Council’s website. This move to a paperless application process is part of Randwick Council’s commitment to sustainability and using technology to streamline processes.
Publish Date: 28-06-20
Council to trial pop-up pedal parks in Clovelly and Chifley
Description: The pop-ups will provide a safe and accessible space for local families to use for outdoor recreation such as bike riding, scooter riding and ball games. “During the COVID-19 pandemic when beaches and beachside car parks were closed, local families embraced many of our closed car parks turning them into temporary bike tracks and outdoor recreation spaces. “Since beachside car parks reopened on 13 May 2020, we’ve had requests from residents including the Clovelly Precinct Committee and a petition asking Council to consider providing safe community access to car parks throughout winter. “It was really great to see how the community re-imagined the use of this public space during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. They turned disused asphalt into a place of healthy community interaction, fun and learning. Kids learnt to ride a bike for the first time and practised tricks on scooters, while others played handball and basketball. “With many of our beachside car parks lightly used over winter, this is an opportunity to trial pop up winter pedal parks to provide more open space for local families to use for recreation and physical activity,” explains Mayor Danny Said. The pop-up pedal parks will be in place from Friday 26 June to Monday 31 August 2020.
Publish Date: 28-06-20
Update on Waverley Council services and facilities during COVID-19
Description: Public Health Orders govern the way we operate our services and facilities. Here’s the latest about what the changing restrictions mean for you. Customer Service Centre The Customer Service Centre is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. To comply with the current restrictions and ensure covid-safe practices, we are: * Restricting access to the Customer Service Centre to a maximum of 15 customers at a time in order to ensure social distancing * Opening a maximum of three service counters (instead of the usual five) to maintain appropriate distances between staff and customers * Operating a cashless payment system. Justice of the Peace services, Late Thursdays and the Duty Planner is not yet available. To contact the Duty Planner, email [email protected] The Customer Service team will continue to provide phone, email and online support services through the call centre. Details: 9083 8000 or Make a Request here. Waverley Library The library is now open for browsing sessions between the hours of 10am-12 noon and 2pm-4pm each day. Ready Set Borrow! sessions are held in the ground floor of the Adult and Children’s Library and are limited to 35 people at anyone one time. Staff will be monitoring visitor numbers and recording library card numbers in accordance with public health order requirements for contact tracing. You can still order books online through our popular Grab ‘n’ Go service. Click here for info and updates. Sporting groups (outdoor) All sporting codes are permitted to recommence competition from 1 July and some have already recommenced training. Clubs must acknowledge COVID Safety Plans and Australian Institute of Sport return to sport frameworks. We are providing clubs with information about the safe use of changing rooms and canteen during match days. Community Facilities We are finalising COVID Safety Plans for each of our community centres, facilities and activities and/or require each tenant, hirer or sporting group to have their own Plan for their activity. These plans will help ensure the safety of all users. Markets The Junction Markets at Oxford St Mall will reopen on Wednesday 1 July. Details: www.junctionmarkets.com.auThis external link will open in a new window The Bondi Farmers Market and Bondi Beach Public School have continued to operate during these times and is open every Saturday. Details: http://bondimarket.com.au/farmersThis external link will open in a new window The Bondi Markets at Bondi Beach Public School will be reopen on Sunday 19 July. Details: www.bondimarkets.com.auThis external link will open in a new window Beaches and ocean pools Our beaches and ocean pools are open for all activities. Visitor numbers at beaches are still restricted to 500 people. Our Winter Beach Management plan is now operational at Bondi with one set of flags at the northern end of the beach and buffer zones either side. Surfing is allowed across the full length of the beach (outside of the flags and buffer zones). Swimmers are encouraged to only swim between the red and yellow flags which will be placed each day dependent on conditions.
Publish Date: 28-06-20
Woollahra Libraries Open for Select and Collect Service
Description: We are pleased to inform you that from 1 June you will once again be able to borrow books, DVDs, magazines, music and audiobooks from our libraries with a free booked service called Select and Collect at Double Bay, Paddington and Watsons Bay. How does it work? As a member of Woollahra Libraries, you may choose up to 10 items you wish to borrow from the catalogue and place a free reserve. These items will be loaned to your Library card for the standard 3-week loan period. Our staff will gather the books and call you to organise a suitable time for pick up. Please do not visit our Libraries without a confirmed appointment. When staff arrange your pick-up please notify them of any special requirements, and they will endeavour to accommodate you. You will be asked to arrive within an allocated 30 minute appointed time slot with your name and contact details recorded. Once your details have been checked you will be able to collect your items that will be packed and waiting for you on a table. Looking for something to read? Let us know what kind of books you (or your child) enjoy and our librarians will select up to 10 items for you, through our Book Connect service. Just fill out this form and our staff will then contact you to organise a time to collect your books. Please bring your Library card to pick up your items. Wherever possible please come on your own and maintain the recommended physical distancing at all times. Please refrain from attending if you are unwell. Returning books Please return your books to the return chutes at Paddington Library, Woollahra Library at Double Bay, Rose Bay car park and Watsons Bay Library. Books that are returned will be quarantined in boxes for three days, during which time they will not be available for borrowing. Operating hours Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm all Libraries Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm Woollahra Library at Double Bay and Paddington Library For Enquiries Woollahra Library at Double Bay: Phone: (02) 9391 7100 Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm Paddington Library: Phone: (02) 9391 7988 Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm Watsons Bay Library: Phone: (02) 9391 7999 Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Publish Date: 06-06-20
Randwick Council services set to reopen
Description: Randwick City Council’s Customer Service Centre and popular Community Nursery in Kingsford will reopen to the public from Tuesday 9 June 2020. Council’s Recycling Centre at Matraville will also recommence Saturday openings from 13 June. Randwick Mayor Danny Said welcomed the openings and encouraged people to continue practising caution and social distancing. “It’s great to be opening more of our facilities and slowly getting back closer to a feeling of normality,” Randwick Mayor Danny Said commented. “But we still need to be cautious and practice social distancing. While our Customer Service Centre is reopening, you can access most of our services and transactions on our website and I’d encourage people to consider using our online services where possible.” Here’s a run-down of upcoming changes to Council services. Customer Service Centre 30 Frances Street, Randwick (Mon-Fri 8.30am – 5pm) Reopening for all Council services from Tuesday 9 June 2020. Social distancing restrictions will be in place including limits on the total number of people in the premises. Hand sanitiser will be available and plastic screens in place. We strongly encourage people to lodge Development Applications electronically via our website rather than in person. Randwick Community Nursery 2B Barker St, Kingsford (Mon-Fri, 9am – 3pm) Reopening to the public from Tuesday 9 June 2020. Maximum of 100 people permitted at any one time. Randwick Recycling Centre 72 Perry St, Matraville (open 6 days) Reopening Saturdays for recycling drop-off including green waste. The Centre is also open Monday to Friday, but green waste drop-off is only permitted on Saturdays. Des Renford Leisure Centre Cnr Jersey Rd & Robey St, Maroubra (open 7 days) Indoor pool, gym and indoor classes resume operating from Saturday 13 June 2020 subject to restrictions. For further details visit: www.drlc.com.au. Libraries Libraries reopened on 1 June 2020. From 9 June no bookings will be required. From 15 June access will be returned to study areas, printing, computers and opening hours will return to normal operating hours (except Lionel Bowen Library will close at 6pm due to building works). Sports fields Team training has resumed on Randwick City sports fields commencing 1 June 2020. The NSW Government has announced that community sport competitions for under 18 years can commence from 1 July 2020. Council is currently working with local clubs and associations to provide a COVID safe return to outdoor sporting activities.
Publish Date: 06-06-20
Waverley Library services reopen
Description: Waverley Library services have reopened, after more than two months after restrictions on public gatherings lead to the closure of libraries and other public institutions across Australia, Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, announced. Mayor Masselos thanked library staff for continuing to keep the community connected during COVID-19 including providing welfare checks on members of the Home Library Service and online storytelling for families. “We are excited to announce that the Waverley Home Library Service will commence contactless book deliveries and people will also be able to borrow books online and collect in person through our ‘grab and go’ service open from 9am to 5pm on the ground floor of the library,” Mayor Masselos said. “From Wednesday 10 June, we are pleased to be able to support our HSC students with the resumption of HSC study sessions from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 5pm each weekday. Students can book online and each study session will be limited to 30 students. “Given the public health orders and restrictions in place, the Council’s direction to take an abundance of caution approach to ensure safety for staff and the community, and our overriding WHS obligations to have a Covid-safe workplace, we are having to take a gradual and planned approach to reopening service facilities. “It is not possible to just reopen our doors and revert back to open access, pre-pandemic arrangements. The four square-metre per person rule, and the need to monitor and manage social distancing and maximum gathering requirements mean that our public facing facilities need to be carefully managed, and this particularly applies in respect of the Library.” From Wednesday 17 June, or earlier if possible, the library will roll-out additional sessions for students, vulnerable groups, people over the age of 70 and sessions for young people. Most sessions will need to be booked and more information will be available at https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/library/home. Library staff will also offer a suite services for the community including story times, book clubs and arts and crafts.
Publish Date: 06-06-20
FREE EXPERT ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Description: Looking for help starting or growing your small business? Or pivoting it in the time of COVID? Free professional advice is at hand through Realise Business. Funded by the NSW Government through the Business Connect program, Realise Business offers up to 34 hours of advisory, workshops, webinars and seminars to owners of small businesses {ie those with under $2m in turnover and less than 20 employees}. Because of the Coronavirus, the NSW Government decided to waive the previously incurred out-of-pocket expense for these services, enabling businesses to access 34 hours at no cost to the client until the Pandemic, or its impact on businesses, are over. Prior to COVID-19, the first four hours of advice were free while the remaining hours were heavily discounted. “We help people from the first seed of an idea, which is a great time to see us, because we can guide you through the maze of setting up a business; also we run Start a Business workshops,” says Amanda Warrington, Business Advisor at Realise Business, who provides advice under this scheme to small business at all stages. “And we help people with businesses who have reached a road block and not sure which way to turn: that’s also a really important time.” Especially when they understand that systems they may have initially put in place won’t take them to the next level. Or that things need to change and they will give it one last go. Another aspect that helps Amanda achieve top results in coaching clients is that she really enjoys her job: “I love my work,” she enthuses. “Helping people to understand business because to me, it actually came quite easy.” Indeed, her over 20 years of expertise in business has been well acknowledged. Earlier this year Amanda’s guidance of Kerri Ainsworth’s new business Art Travel Adventures won an award for small business growth. Another accolade is exemplified by Amanda’s most recent case study: let’s call her JB - Jane Businessperson. Referred by one of her friends, JB wasn't enjoying her business anymore and started applying for jobs. “But when I sat down with her, I realised she in fact loved her business but couldn’t move it forward,” Amanda observes. “I could see the potential so I suggested she give it one last shot – and still apply for jobs.” Amanda set goals for her and JB is still operating today. “She is in such demand and has increased her sales by well over 100% and won an international award for her work.” During this time of COVID, Amanda has been busy. “My job as a business advisor is to help people to see differently, to recognise how they’re going to come out of this time. They have to be agile,” she observes. “Some of my clients have come up with some great new ideas for their businesses after a couple of sessions, which is very satisfying." Amanda Warrington 0415 893 887 [email protected] BOOKINGS: 9545 5900 [email protected] realise.business
Publish Date: 28-05-20
Randwick libraries reopen for limited services
Description: All three Randwick City Libraries will reopen on Monday 1 June to provide browse, borrow and return services and will admit members for 30-minute pre-booked timeslots only to allow safe social distancing to occur, Randwick Mayor Danny Said announced today. “The health and safety of our staff and library users remains our top priority, and as a result our libraries haven’t yet returned to their full-service model,” explained Mayor Said. “Members won’t be able to use the computers, printers or meeting rooms, but our entire collection of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, games and toys are available for people to browse or pick up if they have placed a reserve on items.” Library members can book their timeslot 2 business days in advance via the Library website, and will be admitted only if they have their Library card or the myLibrary app with them so they can perform self-checkout functions. The 9.30am – 10.30am timeslot will be held for people aged 70 years or over, the vulnerable within our community and people with disabilities. Only one booking per Library member is allowed per day. Adults can bring up to three children with them during the booking. In between timeslots, staff will clean common touchpoints such as desks and self-checkouts. Staff will also be on hand to direct people as they enter and exit the libraries. “We will review and progressively increase services, opening hours, and access to other parts of the Library, such as study rooms and venue hire spaces, when we are confident it is safe to do so. In the meantime we will continue to deliver our program of online activities and events via Zoom and Facebook,” stated Mayor Said. Initial opening hours Lionel Bowen Library 9.30 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday Margaret Martin Library 9.30 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday Malabar Library 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday All three libraries will be open from 9.30am to 12pm on Saturday.
Publish Date: 28-05-20
Edgecliff Hearing : COVID 19: A TIME TO LISTEN TO THE EXPERTS
Description: This is a time for us to have a keen ear and listen to the experts for advice and guidance. We follow Live News broadcasts to listen and make sense of the directions given by our health experts. It’s a time to discuss the changes to our lives with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues - as this helps to process the messages and relieve the stress of change. Like the old adage “a problem shared is a problem halved”. But what if you have a hearing problem? Spare a thought to those among us who have difficulty hearing spoken messages and may find the television hard to hear and the telephone a source of great frustration due to lack of clarity. Social isolation is a well-documented unwelcomed feature of hearing loss, as it makes conversing with others difficult. People with hearing loss can socially withdraw and not initiate conversation, as they have been embarrassed or frustrated by previous efforts. What can you do? If you know someone has a hearing loss, then be patient when talking to them. The best tactic is to slow your rate of speech down and still speak naturally. This gives you time to better articulate, and the listener time to follow the conversation even though some parts of your words are not 100% clear. This is especially important if you’re using a mask that muffles speech and does not allow lip-reading. Don’t shout as this distorts speech. And never say “oh, never mind” if they ask for you to repeat something, as this is very disheartening and dismissive. Instead try repeating or paraphrasing your message. This is a time for greater patience and tolerance for our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. And this will always be appreciated when conversing with someone with a significant hearing loss. If you, or someone you know, has a hearing loss and needs assistance, then contact EDGECLIFF HEARING. We understand hearing problems and give expert advice. We want to reassure you that we are taking COVID-19 very seriously. • Appointments are spaced to allow extra hygiene measures. • We can arrange MAILOUT of batteries and other hearing device consumables. • We regularly disinfect door handles, chairs and shared surfaces at the start of the day, throughout the day and at the close of clinic. • The waiting room is arranged to create a greater distance between patients. • Use of face masks. • A drop-off box for hearing aids that need repair. • Hand sanitizers are available in the Edgecliff Centre Lobby and at Edgecliff Hearing waiting room.
Publish Date: 21-05-20
Woollahra Municipal Council Column
Description: Council services The safety of our community and our staff is Council’s number one priority, and we ask that everyone continue to follow social distancing requirements and observe restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Whilst our Customer Service Centre is temporarily closed, we are still here to help. You can call 9391 7000 for all service requests, or lodge an online service request on our website. Council libraries are also temporarily closed, but library staff are available on 9391 7100 and email: [email protected] Check out all our amazing online resources at woollahra.nsw.gov.au/library - access is free. For more information on Council services and closures and contact details for a range of support services, please visit: www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au Small business support Council is providing more than $5m in relief to local small businesses to help soften the impact of COVID-19. Support measures introduced on March 24 include: • Rent relief for 6 months for all small business tenants of Council-owned properties, and for the same period, no fees will be charged to any small business in the local government area for health, hygiene, licensing and fire safety inspections. • All outdoor and footpath dining fees waived for a period of 6 months. • Parking meters have been turned off until further notice. Timed parking restrictions will remain in force to ensure adequate parking turnover for our commercial centres and retail shopping locations. Free one-hour parking is available at Kiaora Place, Cross Street and the Cosmopolitan Centre car parks in Double Bay. Citizen of the year Congratulations to Barry Joseph, who has been recognised as the 2020 Woollahra Citizen of the Year for his outstanding volunteer contribution to our local community. Barry has volunteered for more than 30 years with local organisations including Rose Bay Rotary, the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Montefiore. The Woollahra Citizenship Awards celebrate the individuals and groups who have demonstrated excellent citizenship by helping to improve the lives of the people of Woollahra and the wider community. For more info on our other Citizenship Awards category winners, visit: woollahra.nsw.gov.au/citizenshipawards2020.
Publish Date: 21-05-20
Marjorie O'Neill MP
Description: Hi Everyone! The past few months have been extremely challenging for all of us, especially in the Eastern Suburbs. We are at the heart of the virus in NSW, and that has presented challenges to our community members, local organisations, and small businesses. I’m extremely proud of the way that our community has come together to support our most vulnerable, and ask that over the coming week and months you continue to do so. COVID-19 EMAIL LIST Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19, I am sending out a digital newsletter every time major information comes to light, or changes are made to policies which affect our community. You can sign up to my email list here: https://marjorieoneill.com.au/community/email-list-sign-up/ BUS ROUTE CUTS Despite COVID-19, the campaign to Save Our Buses is in full swing due to leaked government documents showing the Government’s plan to cut 16 bus routes across the Eastern Suburbs. Our bus services are crucial to keeping our community together, and getting us where we need to do. I recently sent a physical copy of the petition to every household in the electorate of Coogee, but if you didn’t receive one, you can download it from my website: https://marjorieoneill.com.au/community/petitions/ In order for any petition signatures to be submitted to Parliament, we must receive a physical copy of the petition. Therefore, please mail your copy to 15/53-55b Frenchmans Road, Randwick 2031. OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS In this difficult time, if you have any issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the State Government, or aren’t sure where to go to for help, please feel free to contact my office on (02) 9398 1822; [email protected], or 15/53-55b Frenchmans Road, Randwick. I also invite you to listen to my new podcast Coogee Voice, where I interview local identities about the different issues in our community. You can listen on your favourite podcast streaming app.
Publish Date: 21-05-20
Noel helps elderly with contactless prescriptions
Description: Eastern suburbs pharmacist Noel D’Souza has leapt to the rescue of elderly people isolated at home by COVID-19. He and his staff operate a contactless prescription service for older customers, some of whom are on multiple medication regimes. “We’re delivering to the letterbox or door step so the whole process is completely contactless,” says Noel. “They pay over the phone and we obtain the prescriptions from doctors by email or fax.” He urges other pharmacists who do not already have contactless procedures to put them in place. “Our old and vulnerable need to have special protection during the current crisis,” he said. “The only trouble is that they will become too isolated and could suffer mental health issues as a result. For many elderly people, visits from relatives and others are their only direct social contact. Years ago, I used to deliver medicines and a weekly meal of chicken cacciatore to an elderly gentleman. I said to him ‘I can always cook you something else, you don’t have to have the same dish and I am quite a good cook.’ Then he confessed he didn’t really like my chicken cacciatore, in fact he was feeding it to his dog. But he liked my visits and told me, ‘You’re the only person who really cares about me.’“ The care factor is something that has helped Noel become a pillar of the local community since he set up business in Matraville in the mid-1980s. He knows countless customers at his two Matraville pharmacies by name and has always devoted special attention to old folk. Now, with COVID-19 sweeping through the community, Noel and his staff have had to handle a greatly increased workload. He expects that situation to last up to three months. “During that time we’ve got to be very cautious,” Noel said. He said Bondi was a “COVID-19 hot spot,” with Waverley recently rated the highest risk Local Government Area in Sydney and a pop-up testing clinic set up at Bondi Beach. “It’s been reported that backpackers could be prime carriers and the worrying thing is that a lot of the cases in the Waverley LGA can’t be traced to the sources of infection,” Noel said. “There’s a danger the disease could take hold in neighbouring beach suburbs like Coogee.” He said that, as well as, the pop-up testing clinic at Bondi Beach, there is one at the former diabetes clinic in Avoca St, Randwick. But one of the main messages from former Randwick mayor Noel is “Don’t Panic!” He is confident the community will get through the COVID-19 crisis if we all take sensible steps: 1. Wash hands regularly with an antibacterial wash. 2. Keep a 1.5 metre distance from others. 3. Wear a face mask N95 to cover nose and mouth. 4. Use hand sanitizer frequently and wear gloves where possible. 5. Sneeze or cough on your arm or cover mouth and nose. 6. Try not to touch your nose, eyes or mouth. 7. Avoid being in a group of more than two people. 8. Minimise or avoid unnecessary contact with the elderly. Meanwhile, he says, pharmacies are at the “front line” in the battle against the COVID-19 virus and he is managing to maintain stocks of hand sanitizer, face masks, asthma sprays and other in-demand supplies. He urges people in high-risk categories to get vaccinated against flu. “The flu vaccine will not combat COVID-19, however it will it help in reducing the severity and spread of seasonal influenza which can lower a person's immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses.”
Publish Date: 21-05-20
Larger, improved outdoor gym reopens in Clovelly
Description: Visitors to the outdoor gym in Burrows Park, Clovelly will have more space and new equipment to use following the unveiling of the new, upgraded facility, Randwick Mayor Danny Said announced today. The popular gym was closed in December 2019 when it was found that rust had caused extensive damage to the previous equipment and needed to be replaced. As part of Council’s commitment to improving facilities, the recreational area was increased to accommodate new pieces of corrosion resistant gym equipment and to include the installation of new softfall made from recycled material. “Exercising outdoors provides a mental boost that can’t be replicated indoors,” stated Mayor Said. “Studies have indicated that it helps to lift people’s mood and reduce depression, which I know is very important for a lot of people right now. “Equally important is that these outdoor gyms are free to use and available for everyone. We currently have five outdoor gyms within the Randwick City area, all designed so that people with different fitness levels, ages and abilities can use them. “We do ask that people keep themselves safe by washing their hands or using sanitiser before and after use, keeping 1.5m distance between each other and to limit group gatherings to no more than 10 people.” Along with a new multipurpose gym station, the 17 new pieces of equipment will include Chest Press, Seated Row, Lateral Pull Down, Shoulder Press, Bench, Leg Press, Hand Bike, Spinning Bike, Cross Trainer and Recumbent Bike among others. Outdoor gyms are also located at Chifley Reserve, Kensington Park, Maroubra Beach and Frenchmans Bay Beach.
Publish Date: 21-05-20
Bondi Pavilion works to start in June
Description: Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos is delighted to announce that construction work the Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation Project will commence mid-June. Waverley Council took further steps towards appointing a head contractor for the project at its meeting last night. This follows on from the Development Application approval in December 2019. Mayor Masselos was also pleased to see the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) officially announce that it had lifted the ‘green ban’ placed on the Pavilion in 2016. “Together with progress on the procurement of a contractor, the lifting of the green ban means we will be able to meet our construction start date of mid-June,” Mayor Masselos said. Waverley Council started working on plans to restore and upgrade Bondi Pavilion in 2015. In 2016, the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) placed a ‘green ban’ on the project following community opposition to the design of the time. In a statement to the media on Wednesday 20 May 2020, the CFMEU officially lifted that ban. “Council worked with the community for over a year on the final design, which will see Bondi Pavilion restored to its full glory. “The community told us loud and clear that they wanted to retain the Pavilion as a community and cultural hub. Council has listened. The Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation Project ensures the Pavilion will continue to be used and loved for generations to come. “We expect to confirm a contractor in the next fortnight, and this together with having the green ban lifted today, means the restoration can start as planned next month.” The Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation Project will take around 18 months to complete and includes: New and improved amenities on the northern side of the Pavilion, including a family change room. *Renovated community spaces *Renovated art gallery and theatre *A ‘Bondi Story Room’ which will be used as a flexible exhibition/educational space *A community radio studio *New tourist centre/box office to the north of the entrance foyer *Renovated commercial spaces for hospitality and other services *A new indigenous public artwork *A larger space for the Pottery Studio and a second kiln. “The design, which is guided by the Pavilion’s Conservation Management Plan, was given the green light by the Heritage Office late last year. “The day we start works will be an important moment in history. It will mark the end of an era, and the beginning of an exciting future. I look forward to again seeing the Bondi Pavilion shining as a beautiful Australian icon,” Mayor Masselos said. More information about the Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation Project can be found on Council’s website: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/bondipavilionproject
Publish Date: 21-05-20
Souths Cares support community during COVID-19
Description: The Souths Cares team has been busy during the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting local community members in need. Each week staff have been visiting families in Chifley, Malabar, Matraville and Little Bay to provide food hampers, education and wellbeing support. The charity delivers a range of community programs within Randwick LGA including the Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) Program, Deadly Youth Mentoring Program and the Rabbitohs Wellbeing Program. School closures and social distancing have provided a number of challenges for delivering community programs, requiring a flexible and innovative approach to the way in which vital community support is provided. William Last is a Matraville resident and a mentor in the Nanga Mai Marri Program. He has seen firsthand the impact of Covid-19 on the local community. “Giving back to our community is vital during these times of need, especially for our elders who are struggling to do their shopping. The smiles on people’s faces when we visit shows how important this support is during difficult times”. Randwick City Council has been a proud partner of Souths Cares for many years, working together to support the local community and address social needs across the South Sydney region. Souths Cares will be continuing to support disadvantaged families throughout Randwick LGA during the Covid-19 pandemic, and are looking forward to resuming school workshops and normal service delivery later in the year.
Publish Date: 17-05-20
Managed access at Waverley’s beaches
Description: In line with the latest Public Health Orders, there is now managed access at Waverley’s beaches for a range of activities including walking, running, sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Our ocean pools are also now open for a maximum of 10 persons at any one time. A 500-person limit applies to all beaches. People must not gather in groups of more than 10 and must maintain social distancing. Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, welcomed the easing of restrictionsThis external link will open in a new window but reminded the community to remain vigilant at all times. “We are still in a pandemic and must work together to keep our community safe,” Mayor Masselos said. “We are pleased to be able to relax our restrictions at our beaches in line with the new public health orders. However, we urge the community to follow all restrictions so that we can continue to provide access. “We are responsible for ensuring that our beaches do not exceed the 500-person limit on the sand, so it is up to the community to do the right thing.” Fences and access points will remain in place but access will be available at all times unless further restrictions need to be imposed. “Please remember to observe all current restrictions and follow instructions from lifeguards, Council Ambassadors and the Police at all times. “If it gets too busy at our beaches, Council may need to limit access or reduce the activities allowed on the beach. If our beaches look crowded, please come back another time. “Our plans for our public spaces are contingent on advice received from the government with regards to the latest Public Health Orders and we thank the community for their ongoing patience.” Council staff will be monitoring visitor numbers at our beaches and ocean pools to ensure the restrictions are followed. The latest easing of restrictions in NSW also means that playgrounds, outdoor gyms and outdoor sporting courts are now open from today. Gathering restrictions remain in place and people should wash their hands before and after using equipment in public places.
Publish Date: 16-05-20
Update on Waverley's outdoor public spaces
Description: Following our understanding of the state government’s easing of some COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, Waverley’s ocean pools, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sporting courts will be open from tomorrow, Friday 15 May. Waverley’s beaches will remain closed as per the Public Health Orders current on Thursday 14 May and access to the water at our beaches for swimming and surfing will be via our existing ‘Swim & Go’ and ‘Surf & Go’ corridors. This position will be reevaluated when the new Public Health Orders become available. An anticipated 10-person limit applies to all ocean pools, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sporting courts. Council staff will be monitoring visitor numbers at Bronte and North Bondi pools to ensure the restrictions are followed. Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, welcomed the easing of some restrictions but reminded the community to remain vigilant at all times. “Please remember to observe all current restrictions and follow instructions from lifeguards, Council Ambassadors and the Police at all times,” Mayor Masselos said. “Our plans for our public spaces are contingent on the detail of the next round of Public Health Orders which are due to be released soon. “If you intend on using our ocean pools, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and outdoor sporting courts and they look busy, please come back another time. “We are delighted to be able to reopen some of our beautiful public spaces and urge the community to continue to do the right thin
Publish Date: 14-05-20
Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and other recreational spaces to open
Description: The easing of some COVID-19 restrictions in New South Wales from Friday 15 May 2020 will see the welcome return of many Randwick City Council outdoor facilities including playgrounds, outdoor gyms, basketball courts, skate parks and ocean pools, Randwick Mayor Danny Said announced today. The facilities will progressively reopen commencing Friday morning. Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay and La Perouse Beaches – previously accessible for exercise only – will now be accessible for general recreation provided social distancing is maintained and gatherings restricted to no more than 10 people. Beachside carparks will reopen. Randwick City ocean pools – Geoff James Pool at Clovelly, Giles Baths and Ross Jones Pool at Coogee, Ivor Rowe Rock Pool at South Coogee, Mahon Pool in Maroubra and Malabar Ocean Pool – will reopen with swimmers limited to 10 at a time. Wylies Baths and McIver’s Ladies Baths will remain closed due to upgrade works and staffing limitations. From Monday 18 May 2020 the outdoor pool at Des Renford Leisure Centre in Maroubra will reopen weekdays for up to eight swimmers at a time from 6am to 7pm. Swimmers will need to book allocated swim times. Randwick City’s 57 playgrounds will also progressively reopen from Friday morning along with skate parks, bike tracks, basketball courts and outdoor gyms. Mayor Danny Said reminded people that use of outdoor facilities will still require people to observe social distancing guidelines. “The relaxation of some restrictions means we’re taking small, cautious steps towards life as we used to know it, but is not an indication that we should become complacent,” stated Mayor Said. “The coronavirus is still part of our lives, and so it is vitally important that people maintain the social distancing protocols we have become used to these past few months. That is, stay at home if you feel unwell, wash or sanitise your hands regularly, keep 1.5m distance between yourself and others and sneeze or cough into your elbow. “This is especially the case if you choose to use shared spaces such as skate parks or basketball courts or when touching items that others have recently used, as is the case with playgrounds and outdoor gyms. If at any point an area looks busy or full, we ask that people use common sense and use the facility at another time.”
Publish Date: 14-05-20
Message from Woollahra Mayor
Description: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Woollahra Council’s objective has been the protection of our community. We introduced a number of important measures to help reduce the spread of the virus, including beach closures due to risks posed by large crowds of beachgoers. I’m pleased that last week we were able to reopen our beaches and harbour pools for swimming and exercise, as I am aware of the importance of the use of our beaches to many in our community. Thanks to everyone who has been doing the right thing, observing social distancing and taking a quick swim, run or walk and then leaving so that our beaches can remain open. Playgrounds and fitness equipment in our parks will also reopen from this Friday. Please be conscious of social distancing rules and gathering limits of 10 people for outdoor events and activities. As more health restrictions begin to ease in the coming weeks and months, we will continue to be guided by government health advice as the safety of our community remains our primary focus. Entries for the 2020 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize are now open and to celebrate the Prize’s 20th anniversary, we have increased the prize money to $25,000. The Prize attracts some of the world’s best emerging and established artists every year and I’m excited to see more beautiful works submitted in 2020. Council’s support of the arts includes our proud sponsorship of the Head on Photo Festival, which normally features a hub in Paddington but due to social distancing requirements, it is hosting more than 100 fantastic contemporary Australian and international photography exhibitions entirely online until 17 May. We have commenced publication of new development applications here on our website. If you are the owner of a property that may be impacted by development, you also will be notified by mail as normal. Our Council meetings have been taking place remotely, with councillors and staff currently participating via audio-visual link due to health requirements. We have made it possible for you to watch meetings live via YouTube or listen in via phone. Please head here for instructions. Councillor Susan Wynne Mayor of Woollahra
Publish Date: 13-05-20
Bright Smile Dental Coogee
Description: The team at Bright Smile Dental Coogee, have nearly two decades of experience between them. Bright Smile Dental Coogee opened in 2010 and is a full-service dental practice that serves many parts of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. At Bright Smile Dental Coogee, we firmly believe that your dental treatment should be tailored to your individual needs. No matter what shape your oral health is in currently, we’re dedicated to helping you improve it without judgment. Our services includes: Cosmetic Dentistry, Custom Mouthguards, Dental Implants, Emergency Dentistry, General Dentistry, Invisalign®, Orthodontics, Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Sleep Apnoea, Teeth Grinding, Sedation Dentistry, Extractions and Wisdom Teeth, Laser Dentistry When the restrictions from lockdown are lifted we will BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS for most procedures and treatments including the general regular checkups .
Publish Date: 11-05-20
Bob Price Trophies
Description: Since taking over the ownership of Bob Price Trophies in 2017, Ian continues to provide quality products and services while maintaining the highest levels of customer focused standards. Bob Price Trophies offers a comprehensive range of presentation products including trophies, medals, engravings, sublimation printing, corporate awards and shields/perpetuals. We provide a personalised service offering the latest products at competitive prices. Whether you require a large number of trophies or a single engraving, we aim to meet your requirements. We are NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC at the moment, but we are now taking orders for the future. Phone: 93492922 Email: [email protected]
Publish Date: 08-05-20
Susan Avery Flowers and Events
Description: Our business is unrivalled in it's reputation for quality, distinction, discretion, and economy. We are one of Australia’s most in-demand floristry businesses. We are the sole contractor for the International Monetary Conference and the Athens Olympic Delegation and have done the flowers for iconic films such as Moulin Rouge, Australia, and Star Wars. After 30 years, 4,000 weddings, and 300,000 arrangements behind us, you can trust that we will deliver nothing but the very best for everything from small posies to extravagant weddings. ORDER NOW FOR MOTHER'S DAY Presently our retail shop is not fully-functioning due to social distancing. However, you can order online or by phone. Phone: 9363 1168 Email: [email protected]
Publish Date: 08-05-20