Maroubra locals now have a reliable way to connect with regional producers and makers every month at the Heffron Park Markets, a vibrant community hub tucked inside the netball stadium that brings together over 100 stalls to champion small-scale trade.
Rain or shine, the event proceeds without a hitch. By repurposing the expansive netball stadium canopy, organisers have successfully created a climate-protected space that keeps shoppers dry and comfortable. It is a smart, practical alternative to the frantic pace of typical beachside markets, offering a calm, sheltered environment where browsing feels less like a chore and more like a leisurely weekend stroll.
Stalls overflow with a diverse range of finds, from farm-fresh eggs and local honey to handcrafted ceramics and natural skincare. Have you ever wondered where to source authentic, artisanal treats while supporting the person who actually made them? Here, you can chat with the makers behind the jewellery or pick up unique art prints directly from the artists.
Whether you are hunting for vintage fashion, grabbing a warm gozleme for lunch, or browsing for pet accessories, the sheer variety creates a curated experience that feels distinctly local.
Managed by the Randwick City Council and curated by the team at Cambridge Markets, the event prioritises ease of access for the entire community. Forget about battling for a spot on the street—visitors can pull into the site and take advantage of generous, free on-site parking. Just head toward the Fitzgerald Avenue entrance to find your way in.
The markets take place on the third Sunday of each month between 8 am and 2 pm. You can mark your calendars for these sessions, which are set to run through 19 December 2026. Best of all, entry remains free for everyone.
Heffron Park in Maroubra will welcome volunteers for free community planting sessions as part of National Tree Day, giving locals the chance to help grow native habitat while contributing to one of Australia’s biggest environmental initiatives.
National Tree Day takes place on Sunday 26 July, with two sessions running from 8:30am to 10am and 10:30am to 12pm. Places are free but bookings are required via Humanitix.
Australia’s biggest community tree planting event
Planet Ark started National Tree Day in 1996 as a single annual occasion for Australians to plant trees and connect with their local environment. It has since become Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event, drawing around 300,000 volunteers each year.
This year, National Tree Day falls on Sunday 26 July — the last Sunday of the month — while Schools Tree Day is on Friday 24 July.
Planting for a greener heffron park
Volunteers at Heffron Park will plant trees and groundcovers as part of a wider effort to increase native and indigenous vegetation across the Randwick area.
Photo Credit: Humanitix
The morning is hands-on and social — no experience needed, and all ages are welcome.
The 44-hectare park on Fitzgerald Avenue is one of the largest open spaces in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and adding native planting to its grounds contributes to habitat for local wildlife as well as shade, stormwater management and community amenity for Maroubra residents.
What to bring
Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, long sleeves and long pants. Bring your own gloves and a water bottle. All planting materials are provided.
Photos and videos may be taken at the event for community communications purposes. Attendees who prefer not to be photographed can request this on arrival.
Coming back in September
A Father’s Day planting celebration follows on Sunday 6 September 2026, also at Heffron Park. Bookings for that event are available here.
Both events are part of the Plant With Us series. More planting opportunities across the Randwick area can be found be through this link.
A 52-year-old man has been formally charged with murder following a domestic violence investigation into the death of a beloved grandmother discovered in a Maroubra apartment block.
The arrest occurred on Monday, 6 July 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m. at a property located on Pennant Hills Road in Pennant Hills. This development follows a complex investigation that has spanned more than 18 months since Christine Dawson, 66, was found deceased in her unit at Astoria Circuit on 18 November 2024. The accused was refused bail and is currently awaiting an appearance at the Parramatta Local Court.
The Maroubra community has long held the memory of Ms. Dawson in high regard. Her daughter, Tamara, previously shared that her mother was a woman of immense kindness who possessed a gentle soul and an unfailing generosity toward those around her.
Reflecting on the profound loss, Tamara expressed the deep void left by her mother’s passing, noting that life for their family would never truly be the same again. Throughout the lengthy investigation, the family maintained a hopeful plea, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to ensure the right outcome was reached.
For residents living in and around the Eastern Suburbs, the news of an arrest brings a sense of finality to a case that has remained a quiet concern for over a year. While legal proceedings are just beginning for the accused, the charges offer a significant step forward for those who knew Ms. Dawson.
The case serves as a somber reminder of the impact domestic violence has on local neighbourhoods and the commitment of investigators to see that justice is pursued, regardless of the time passed.
Randwick City has paid tribute to the life and legacy of Aunty Marilyn Russell, recognising her lasting contribution to Aboriginal culture, community and the continuation of the shellwork tradition in La Perouse.
During its June 2026 meeting, local representatives acknowledged Aunty Marilyn’s role in strengthening understanding and respect for Aboriginal history in Randwick. A minute’s silence was observed in her honour, while flags were flown at half-mast to mark her funeral.
Aunty Marilyn Russell was a Bidjigal woman from the coastal community of La Perouse whose artistic practice continued a cultural tradition handed down through generations of Aboriginal women in her family. She learned the intricate art of shellwork as a child by watching and working alongside her mother, the late Aunty Esme Timbery, who had learned the practice from her own mother, Queen Emma Timbery, Aunty Marilyn’s great-great-grandmother.
Continuing a Family Tradition
For generations, Aboriginal shellwork has been an important cultural tradition within the La Perouse community. Aunty Marilyn’s shellworks expressed identity, family history and a deep connection to Country while continuing a practice that has been passed down through her family for generations.
She continued this family tradition throughout her artistic career while also sharing her knowledge with younger generations. Aunty Marilyn often created shellwork alongside her daughter and granddaughter, helping cultural knowledge continue to be passed from one generation to the next, just as it had been within her own family.
Her work expressed cultural continuity and resilience. Grounded in long-standing family traditions, her shellwork also reflected Aboriginal identity, history and belonging, highlighting the enduring connection between people, place and community.
A Legacy Beyond La Perouse
Photo credit: YouTube/Australian Museum
Aunty Marilyn’s work earned recognition well beyond La Perouse. Her shellworks are held in several of Australia’s leading public collections, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
She also participated in the Biennale of Sydney, where her work was recognised as continuing both a family legacy and the cultural traditions of the Bidjigal people.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Aunty Marilyn passed her shellwork knowledge to younger generations within her family, helping sustain an important cultural practice for the future.
The tribute from Randwick City recognised her contribution to fostering greater understanding and respect for Aboriginal history and culture throughout the local community.
As La Perouse farewells Aunty Marilyn Russell, her legacy lives on through the generations she taught within her family, the artworks she created and the traditions she helped preserve. Her shellwork reflects the importance of passing knowledge, culture and traditions between generations.
Catholic Healthcare is transforming a former bowling club site in Maroubra into a massive integrated seniors precinct where more than half of the land will be dedicated to public green spaces and community wellness hubs.
For older residents, moving into care often means leaving behind the familiar streets and communities they know so well. This new project aims to change that pattern by creating a space where people can comfortably age in place. The development will replace the old RSL Memorial Bowling Club on Malabar Road with 55 independent and assisted living apartments alongside a 44-bed residential care home.
The apartments feature two and three bedrooms with larger-than-average balconies and extra rooms, specifically designed for people looking to downsize from large family homes without sacrificing their personal space.
Catholic Healthcare chief executive Josh McFarlane noted that the project is about creating an environment where older people can thrive and find a strong sense of belonging. The site will offer a hybrid model of care, meaning residents can easily transition from independent living to higher care as their personal and medical needs change over the years.
Rather than building an isolated facility, the developers want this site to blend seamlessly into the surrounding neighbourhood. Just 300 metres from the beach, the buildings are designed by architecture firm GroupGSA to reflect the local environment. The structures, ranging from two to five storeys, will feature brick, soft timber, and bronze-coloured metal to mimic the natural look of coastal rock formations.
The site is heavily focused on public integration. A new pedestrian pathway will extend Rossiter Avenue, giving everyone in the area an easier walk between Malabar Road and Mons Avenue. On the ground level, a large wellness village will offer a public cafe, a swimming pool, a cinema, a hair salon, and a chapel. These shared spaces are meant to encourage residents to stay active in the everyday life of the suburb instead of retreating from it.
Construction on the new precinct is scheduled to begin in early 2027. Planners have placed a heavy emphasis on environmental responsibility, aiming for a top-tier sustainability rating. The design relies on passive cooling, using natural sea breezes and large windows to reduce the need for artificial air conditioning and heating.
The grounds will feature solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and new trees to support local wildlife. In addition to the public areas, the precinct includes rooftop courtyards and special protected gardens for residents living with dementia. This Maroubra project is just one piece of a broader strategy for Catholic Healthcare, which is spending more than $600 million over five years to build similar community-focused senior hubs across New South Wales in areas like Blacktown, Wahroonga, Forbes, and Lewisham.
Trent Rutherford, a young man from Maroubra with deep ties to the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, has died after spending over a week fighting a severe brain injury, leaving behind a community of people who described him as a rare and genuinely good human being.
Trent, believed to be in his late 20s, passed away on 4 June. A carpenter by trade, he had been living in Uluwatu in Bali’s southwest with his long-term partner Bella Cignetti, where the couple had set up fitness-related businesses after relocating from Maroubra in 2024.
His mother described him as being surrounded by love in his final moments.
The tributes of a community that loved him
Bella Cignetti’s tribute captured something of the person Trent was. “I’d choose you in every single lifetime, my love. You fought harder than anyone I’ve ever known,” she wrote. “You are my soulmate, my greatest love, and now my angel, watching over me, protecting me, guiding me and so many others.”
She spoke of being grateful for every adventure, laugh, moment and dream they had shared. “Thank you for choosing me, for loving me the way you did and for giving me the most beautiful memories and life. Until we meet again, my love. Forever and always I’ll love you with my whole heart.”
Tributes flooded social media from people who had known Trent across different parts of his life, with many describing a “special human” with a “heart of gold” and an infectious smile that people remembered long after meeting him.
South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray paid his own tribute during Thursday night’s NRL clash against the Manly Sea Eagles, wearing wrist tape emblazoned with “TRENT” throughout the match.
A family known to South Maroubra SLSC
Trent’s connection to the Maroubra community ran deep. His parents, Yvette and Grant “Paddles” Rutherford, are Life Members of the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, a club that has been a fixture of the beach since 1963.
The club shared its condolences with the family this week, noting that Trent was a former club member who had been seen at the clubhouse as recently as March, when he presented the Bruce Rutherford Memorial Award to the club’s nippers.
“Trent was a former valued club member and good friend of South Maroubra SLSC,” the club posted. “Thoughts and prayers are with the Rutherford family as they confront this most difficult time. Vale Trent.”
The Bruce Rutherford Memorial Award bears the name of a family member before him, a detail that gives some sense of how long and how genuinely the Rutherfords have been part of the fabric of this club and this beach.
How to support the family
Friend and organiser Sam Owens originally set up a GoFundMe to support Trent’s medical battle, but has since updated the page to help his family cover funeral expenses and ongoing costs. “This has been an incredibly difficult time for his family, partner Bella, and everyone who loved him,” Owens wrote.
La Perouse Public School participated in the Clean Air Schools Program, a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Education and UNSW Sydney that monitored indoor and outdoor air quality between 2023 and 2025.
The final report examined carbon dioxide (CO₂), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels at schools across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Researchers collected air quality data from one classroom and one outdoor area at each participating school.
While the study identified 17 schools where the monitored classroom recorded carbon dioxide levels above the recommended 850 parts per million threshold for much of the school day, individual school results have not been publicly released.
As a result, it is not known whether the classroom monitored at La Perouse Public School was among those identified by researchers.
A school near major freight and transport corridors
La Perouse Public School is located in Sydney’s south-east, an area influenced by some of the state’s most significant transport and freight infrastructure.
Photo Credit: La Perouse Public School
The school sits within the broader Botany Bay region, not far from Port Botany, Foreshore Road and major freight routes that support one of Australia’s busiest container ports. Heavy vehicle movements and commuter traffic are a familiar part of the area’s transport network.
The Clean Air Schools report found that pollution sources near schools are often highly localised, with traffic and industry among the factors that can influence outdoor nitrogen dioxide levels.
While researchers did not publish individual pollution readings for La Perouse Public School, the study highlights the importance of understanding how local environmental conditions can influence air quality in and around schools.
What researchers found across NSW schools
The study found that most classrooms exceeded the recommended carbon dioxide threshold at some point during the school day, although these exceedances were often short-lived.
Three schools — Condell Park High School, Hebersham Public School and Mayfield East Public School — consistently recorded carbon dioxide levels above 1000 parts per million throughout much of the school day.
Researchers concluded there was evidence that some NSW classrooms were exceeding levels considered optimal for student learning and health.
Carbon dioxide is commonly used as an indicator of ventilation performance. Elevated levels do not necessarily mean a classroom is unsafe, but they can indicate that fresh air is not entering a room quickly enough.
The NSW Department of Education has stated that the report did not find classrooms were unsafe and has begun follow-up assessments.
One classroom, one school
An important limitation of the study was that only a single classroom was monitored at each participating school. Researchers acknowledged this means the results may not be representative of conditions elsewhere on the same campus.
The report noted that understanding air quality across an entire school would require monitoring a wider range of classrooms over a longer period.
Photo Credit: UNSW
Ventilation emerged as a key finding
One of the strongest findings in the report was the role of classroom design and ventilation.
Researchers found classrooms with cross-ventilation — where windows can be opened on multiple sides of a room — generally recorded lower carbon dioxide levels than classrooms without cross-ventilation.
Schools participating in the NSW Government’s Cooler Classrooms Program also tended to record lower carbon dioxide levels than schools relying primarily on split-system air-conditioning.
The report found that classrooms without cross-ventilation and without Cooler Classrooms upgrades recorded the highest average carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers recommended accelerating the installation of mechanical filtered ventilation systems, particularly in schools identified as having consistently poor natural ventilation.
KokoroYa at 665/667 Anzac Parade sits near the Bowen Library and a short walk from Maroubra Junction, quietly cementing its place as the most highly rated Japanese restaurant in the suburb. It carries an impressive average 4.6 to 4.8 out of 5 rating from more than 2,000 reviews across major platforms.
The name itself tells you everything you need to know about its vision. KokoroYa translates from Japanese as a home for the heart, and the restaurant has built its massive following on something closer to a cosy neighbourhood diner model than a formal dining experience.
It is the exact kind of local gem families return to for milestone birthdays, couples drift into on casual weeknights, and solo diners feel comfortable settling into with an iPad and a sake.
An authentic Japanese owner has operated the restaurant since its doors first opened, and regulars are quick to point out that success has not changed its grounded approach or its quality. In a suburb where consistent dining spots come and go, KokoroYa has earned serious community credibility.
The food and how to order it
Ordering happens via an automated self-order tablet at the table, which lets diners control the pace of their meal and add dishes as they go without having to flag down staff. The system has become a signature feature in its own right, particularly for families with young kids who love tapping through the screen.
Standout dishes include the signature sushi, which is consistently praised for its freshness and precision, alongside vibrant sashimi platters and sukiyaki. The steak tofu and wagyu beef are two of the most talked about dishes among regulars, while the matcha mousse and tiramisu desserts draw a dedicated following.
Tempura, ramen, and a broad selection of rolls including soft shell crab and scallop with dynamite sauce round out a menu that covers both accessible entry points and more demanding Japanese flavours.
Google reviewers give the restaurant 4.6 stars. OpenTable diners, who book ahead and tend to rate based on the full experience, have left hundreds of highly positive reviews.
What customers say
Absolutely amazing ! From the entrance the staff are very welcoming, kind and helpful. The restaurant is extremely clean and a very comfortable layout. The ordering process is very efficient and a beautiful selection of amazing fresh food. The flavours are outstanding, and so many delicious options to choose. It was my first experience here and I’ve already booked to return next week. This is a must try, great work Kokoroya, this is my new favourite place ❤️
Super fresh sashimi and amazing nigiri. Loved the uni, saba, and the tempura was so light and crispy. Every dish we ordered was on point. One of the best Japanese spots in Maroubra!
We found this Japanese restaurant while driving past, the busy crowd made us curious. The food was amazing, just like the crowd suggested. Super fresh sashimi and perfect sukiyaki. But the best part is Dessert! The chocolate treat melted in my mouth, feeling so good! Easy parking too.
KokoroYa is a couple of blocks from Maroubra Junction, near the Bowen Library, with easy parking in the surrounding streets.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and accepts credit cards. Delivery and takeaway are also available for a cozy night in. It is incredibly family friendly, complete with a dedicated children’s play area inside.
KokoroYa is located at 665/667 Anzac Parade, Maroubra. Opening hours and bookings are available at kokoroya.com.au or through OpenTable. You can follow their latest updates on Instagram at @kokoroyasydney.
Families in Maroubra are set to see changes proposed for two local playgrounds, with upgrade plans prepared for South Maroubra Village Green and Hereward Reserve to refresh ageing equipment, improve access and create more varied play spaces.
The plans cover two established neighbourhood playgrounds used by local families. Both designs respond to earlier feedback from playground users and focus on practical improvements, including new play equipment, rubber softfall surfacing and better pathways.
The upgrades are still at the concept design stage, meaning the final layout, colours and planting may change before works begin. Construction is expected to start in late 2026 once the final designs are developed.
South Maroubra Village Green Plans Include Nature Play
At South Maroubra Village Green, the proposed upgrade includes new play equipment for children across a range of ages and abilities.
The draft design features a nest swing, balance beam, slide and triple swing set. A new nature play area is also included, adding a different style of play to the existing playground setting.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
Other proposed changes include integrated concrete footpaths to improve accessibility, upgraded furniture with more seating for carers and visitors, and bright rubber softfall surfacing. The existing shade cloth and fencing are planned to remain.
The South Maroubra Village Green plan is aimed at giving the playground a fresher appearance while replacing ageing equipment and improving how families move through and use the space.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
Hereward Reserve Playground Set For A Safer Layout
At Hereward Reserve, the upgrade plan also proposes new play equipment for a range of ages and abilities, including a nest swing, climbing set and slide.
The design includes new footpaths, rubber softfall surfacing and a reconfigured playground layout. The layout change is intended to improve safety and reduce the impact of debris from overhead trees.
Several existing features are planned to stay, including the street libraries, brick walling, existing ramp and surrounding trees. This would allow the playground to be updated while retaining familiar parts of the reserve.
Hereward Reserve also has a local historical link through the Hereward ship, which was wrecked in 1898 while travelling to Newcastle from the Dutch East Indies. On 5 May 1898, strong wind damaged the ship’s sails and pushed it onto soft sand at the northern end of Maroubra Beach.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
Residents Can Still Comment On The Designs
While the main focus is the planned upgrade of the two playgrounds, residents can still comment on the draft designs before the plans are finalised.
Feedback on the South Maroubra Village Green design is open from 18 May to 13 June 2026, with an in-person session scheduled at the playground on Thursday 28 May 2026 from 3 pm to 4 pm, weather permitting.
Feedback on the Hereward Reserve design is open from 18 May to 15 June 2026. An in-person session is scheduled at Hereward Reserve on Tuesday 2 June 2026 from 3 pm to 4 pm, weather permitting.
Comments can be made through the online survey for each playground. Written submissions can also be sent by email or post, using the relevant playground name as the heading.
The plans point to a practical refresh of two family spaces, with more play options, improved access, updated surfacing and additional seating included across the proposed upgrades.
The building will include toilets, change cubicles, a regraded car park section and new landscaping. A planted roof has been incorporated into the design to keep the structure low-key and unobtrusive within the landscape. Construction is expected to take eight months, with the building due for completion in late January 2027.
The ocean pool itself remains open throughout the construction period.
A pool that has needed this for a long time
Malabar Ocean Pool is particularly valued by older people and those recovering from injuries, who use its rare stair-free access to the water. The lack of any on-site amenities has long been a friction point for those users, who have had to walk 700 metres to the facilities at Malabar Beach or forgo the pool entirely.
Photo Credit: Sam Crawford Architects
The stair-free access is genuinely uncommon among Sydney’s ocean pools. Most rockpool entries involve steps or ladders, making Malabar a specific destination for people who need gentler access and who have the most pressing need for nearby facilities.
A design shaped by the community
The amenities building went through a public consultation process before its final design was settled. Community feedback was clear: any building should be modest in size, located away from the pool deck, and should not impact views or sightlines for nearby properties.
Photo Credit: Sam Crawford Architects
The design reflects that feedback. The building sits unobtrusively within the landscape and the rooftop plantings help it blend into the surrounding vegetation rather than sitting above it as a visual intrusion.
It is the kind of outcome that tends to result when community feedback actually shapes the brief rather than simply appearing in a consultation summary.
What to expect during construction
There will be a temporary reduction in available parking near the pool and some construction noise and higher traffic levels during the eight-month build. Visitors planning to drive to the pool should allow extra time to find parking along Marine Drive or the surrounding streets.
The pool and Coastal Walkway remain accessible throughout. Further updates will be released at key stages during construction.
Malabar Ocean Pool is at the end of Marine Drive in Malabar, accessible from Maroubra via the Coastal Walkway or by car along Marine Drive.
