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Parking Woes: Driving a Fine Line in Maroubra

A recent parking incident has ignited a discussion among residents in Maroubra, after a motorist was fined $129 for parking in a circumscribed space within the South Maroubra beach car park.

This area, intended for vehicle reversing, lacked the usual white lines indicating a legal parking spot.

This enforcement by Randwick City Council has divided opinions, with some locals arguing for clearer parking guidelines and others saying the fine should be upheld.

Understanding Local Parking Regulations

Across Sydney, local Councils are understandably strict about parking regulations. Similarly, Moreton Bay Regional Counci in Queensland is prosecuting motorists for various parking infringements. These cases range from stopping in areas with a yellow edge line to parking in bus zones, highlighting the importance of adhering to local parking laws.

Motorists often turn to sites like Parkopedia, which provides a comprehensive list of parking options, including street parking spots, car parks, and their respective costs and time limits. This information is vital for residents and visitors to avoid unintended fines.

Sometimes though, unclear signages or improper communication of from local Councils to motorists lead to violations and fines.

For instance, Sydney residents recently noticed mysterious roadside devices. Initially causing concern among locals, Campbelltown Council clarified these were part of a traffic study.

Apparently, the devices are used to collect data for transport planning, including vehicle use, traffic flow, and travel times. This indicates a growing trend towards data-driven management of traffic and parking.

Community Response and Future Implications

In Maroubra, the parking fine incident has sparked a discussion on the need for clear parking regulations and adequate signages. It also reflects a broader trend in Australian cities where traffic and parking management are increasingly data-driven and strictly enforced, lessing confusion and ambiguity.

Published 10-Dec-2023

Little Bay and Malabar Beaches Set for Enhanced Safety Measures

Little Bay and Malabar Beaches in the Eastern Suburbs will have a significant boost to safety following the decision to increase lifeguard patrols in these areas.

Beginning 1 Dec 2023, Randwick City Council will task more lifeguards in response to a spate of near-drownings and fatal incidents at these beaches, including a harrowing shark attack at Little Bay, marking the city’s first in nearly 60 years.

Community’s Call for Increased Safety

The local community has been a driving force behind this change, advocating for extended lifeguard services following an alarming frequency of beach incidents.

“We were just getting more and more call-outs. The numbers were increasing year by year,” said Lifeguard Luke Twitchings, who has over a decade of experience patrolling these beaches. Until now, emergencies at Little Bay or Malabar required lifeguards from other beaches to respond, leaving their posts undermanned.

Tragic Incidents Spur Action

Recent tragic events have underscored the urgency of this initiative. Notably, a father and his 9-year-old son lost their lives after being swept off rocks while fishing at Little Bay Beach last year. These fatalities are part of a worrying trend in the area, which has been identified as Australia’s most dangerous for rock fishing, with 21 related deaths since 2001.

The shark attack that claimed the life of British expatriate Simon Nellist last February further highlighted the need for increased vigilance and rapid response capabilities.

The introduction of lifeguards at these beaches is expected to eliminate critical response delays.

“Now by putting lifeguards at both of those beaches, we eradicate that six-minute response, which can sometimes be critical. Now we will be able to respond directly,” explained Twitchings.

Financial Considerations and Visitor Safety

Despite the additional costs, Randwick Council Mayor Philipa Veitch affirmed the importance of the decision, especially following the highest-ever recorded figure of 28 coastal drownings in NSW between December 2021 and March 2022.

“Our council staff conducted a review due to some incidents at Little Bay and increasing visitors, and it was decided that introducing the lifeguard services was something we really needed to do,” Veitch stated.

Little Bay and Malabar Beach attract a diverse range of visitors, including families and international tourists. Many of these beachgoers are less confident in the water, making the presence of lifeguards even more critical.

Published 5-Dec-2023

Maroubra: Sydney’s Rising Real Estate Star

In the ever-changing landscape of Sydney’s real estate market, Maroubra stands out as a suburb on the rise. This beachside hotspot, nestled in Sydney’s premium Eastern Suburbs, is increasingly attracting buyers with its comparative affordability and appealing location.

Whilst its more famous neighbors, Bondi Beach and Coogee, continue to command higher prices, Maroubra offers a more accessible entry point to this desirable area.

Surge in Property Prices

Over the past five years, Maroubra has witnessed a remarkable surge in property prices. According to PropTrack data, the median house price in the suburb soared by 40 per cent from $1.96 million in October 2018 to $2.75 million in October 2023.

Although these figures are below the May 2022 peak of $2.94 million, PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty observed that Maroubra’s numbers are “recovering.”

2023: A Year of High Expectations

The year 2023 is shaping up to be a defining period for Maroubra and other Sydney suburbs like Coogee and Balmain. Experts anticipate these areas to be among the top performers in the city’s property market. Driving factors behind this growth include infrastructure developments, population increases, and overall economic progress.

Sydney’s broader housing market, particularly in the Eastern Suburbs, are also showing signs of recovery. Auction clearance rates in these areas are on the rise, indicating a resurgence in buyer interest.

The city’s North Shore is also predicted to experience growth in property values, drawing attention from buyers with larger budgets.

Maroubra’s Market Dynamics

Despite the overall positive trends, Maroubra’s property market has its complexities. A record-breaking sale in March 2023 positioned Maroubra above its neighbors Coogee and Clovelly in terms of property value.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

However, the broader housing market in Maroubra saw an 8.1 per cent decrease, highlighting the suburb’s unique market dynamics.

As Sydney continues to evolve, Maroubra stands out as a suburb of interest for both buyers and investors. Its blend of affordability, location, and growing market appeal positions it as a key player in Sydney’s property market narrative for 2023 and beyond.

Published 27-Nov-2023

Maroubra Family Leads the Way in Sustainability with 1000th Rebate

A significant milestone has been achieved in environmental sustainability after a Maroubra family, the Lissendens, proudly became the 1000th recipients of a rebate program.

The Randwick City Council’s innovative Sustainability Rebates program not only highlights the individual efforts of Maroubra residents but also reflects a broader commitment to environmental stewardship across the region.

The Sustainability Rebates program, introduced by the Randwick City Council, has been a cornerstone in promoting eco-friendly practices among its residents. Over the past three years, the program has successfully incentivised the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices in homes and businesses.

From electric vehicle chargers to solar panels, the initiative covers a wide array of rebates, fostering significant community investment in renewable and sustainable improvements.

Impact and Outreach

The Lissenden household, like many others in Maroubra and beyond, has experienced firsthand the benefits of the program. With the council’s financial assistance, they installed a solar battery, a decision initially hindered by cost concerns.

This rebate not only reduced their upfront expense but also facilitated a deeper engagement with energy management. The program’s impact extends beyond individual households, as it has leveraged over $6 million in community investment and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

A Wider Australian Movement

Maroubra’s story is part of a larger narrative unfolding across Australia, where local councils are leading the charge in sustainability. From Adelaide’s carbon neutrality goals to Melbourne’s Renewable Energy Project, councils across the nation are implementing innovative strategies to reduce carbon footprints and promote renewable energy.

The collective efforts of these councils, including Randwick’s initiative in Maroubra, symbolize a growing commitment to sustainability in Australia. These programs not only address immediate environmental concerns but also lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future.

As more communities join this movement, the prospect of a greener, more sustainable Australia becomes increasingly tangible.

Published 20-Nov-2023

New Amenities Enhance South Maroubra Beach Experience

South Maroubra Beach welcomes summer with a sunny splash of convenience, as RCC unveils a brand-new amenities building.

Read: $2.15-M Amenities Block Approved for Malabar Ocean Pool

On Sunday, 22 Oct 2023, the facility was opened just in time for the much-anticipated Maroubra Fun Run and Spring Festival, marking a significant improvement to this coastal hotspot.

The new amenities building aims to elevate the beachgoers’ experience by providing essential services in a picturesque setting. This addition comes as a response to the growing demand for facilities that cater to both residents and visitors.

The South Maroubra Beach amenities building features male, female, and unisex bathrooms, showers, baby change facilities, and a communal wash basin, providing accessible and much-needed conveniences for beachgoers. In addition to serving the general public, this project has also created additional storage rooms for the South Maroubra Surf Lifesaving Club and Surfing NSW, aiding the local community’s sporting and recreational activities.

To ensure ease of access for everyone, the project also included upgrades to paths, landscaped areas, and parking spaces. These enhancements make South Maroubra Beach more welcoming, promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors.

Positioned adjacent to the South Maroubra Surf Lifesaving Club, the amenities building is perfectly located for beach enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a day of picnicking or follow the scenic coastal walk. The architects behind the project have prioritized sustainability and preserving the natural surroundings. The building has been designed to complement the natural sand dunes, maximising the use of natural light and ventilation.

Furthermore, the building was constructed on an empty green patch, ensuring that no trees, including the native Banksia, had to be removed during the construction process. This commitment to environmental preservation aligns with the broader goal of promoting sustainable development in the region.

Read: Maroubra’s Newly-Opened Heffron Centre Now Offering Various All-Abilities Programs

“This area of the beach is incredibly popular as people pass through on a coastal walk or stop to have a BBQ behind the beach. The new building will ensure visiting South Maroubra is much more comfortable,” Randwick City Council Mayor Philipa Veitch, who inaugurated the building amidst a crowd of enthusiastic community members, said.

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The South Maroubra Beach amenities building was a major investment, taking a year to complete from conception to its official opening.

Published 30-Oct-2023

Two Police Were Injured After Their Patrol Car Crashed Into Parked Vehicles

Photo Credit: Diego Fabian Parra Pabon from Pixabay

A patrol car crashed into two parked vehicles in Maroubra. Two officers, a male and a female, were injured and had to be taken to hospital – they were responding to a call in Coogee.

The incident occurred just after 12:30 am 22 October 2023 when emergency services were called to Maroubra Rd, Maroubra, after reports of a police vehicle involved in an accident. Upon arrival, responders found a marked police car on its side, and two officers, a male constable and a female probationary constable, in need of medical attention. The officers who were from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were en route to a call in Coogee.

CCTV footage captured the marked police truck racing down Maroubra Road before clipping two parked cars, one being a Mercedes Sedan, and the other a two-week-old Land Rover. The collision caused significant damage to the patrol car, leading it to flip onto its side.

The two officers were temporarily trapped inside but were eventually extricated from the vehicle and transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Thankfully, no one else was hurt in the incident.

This is the second such incident this year, with a similar accident occurring in Prestons back in May. Officers within the police force have long criticised the safety and drivability of caged police trucks, and this recent crash has amplified these concerns. Some senior officers argue that these vehicles have a tendency to rollover during high-speed emergency calls, jeopardising both officers and the public.

In response to this incident, the police are calling on the public to provide any dashcam footage that may have captured the incident. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Published 26-October-2023

Maroubra Veteran Trevor Cracknell Looks Back on His Years of Fearless Ocean Rescues

The waves crashing along Maroubra Beach aren’t just familiar background noise to Trevor Cracknell. They are an ever-present reminder of the thousands of rescues he has made across the state’s treacherous coastlines. Let’s take a look back at his journey, driven by an enduring commitment to protecting ocean goers in need.

Read: Police Appeal to Identify Man Rescued from Maroubra Beach

As a young lifesaver just starting his career on Maroubra Beach, Mr Cracknell often gazed up at the rescue helicopters patrolling the coast overhead. He was fascinated by the crews’ heroic work saving lives along the turbulent shoreline.

One day, after chatting with a friend about his admiration for the service, Mr Cracknell decided to take the next step.

Photo credit: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters/Facebook

He looked for open positions with Westpac, feeling called to join the crews he had admired from afar.

Mr Cracknell joined the rescue service in 1986 at the age of 27 following a distinguished swimming career where he represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games. The service first launched 50 years ago on the same beach where he honed his lifesaving skills.

Now, 37 years into his rescue career, Mr Cracknell is a senior crewman and diver with no plans of retiring anytime soon. He says it’s been the best job in the world, eager to go to work every single morning over the last four decades.

This is despite the fact that the job has never been easy. Mr Cracknell recalls challenging rescues of fishermen who had fallen from rocks, overturned boats, and fighting the light which presents its own difficulties.

After a childhood spent exploring the coves and beaches of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, he is familiar with the coastline’s hidden dangers – he notes that more fishermen have been injured or killed on the rocky outcrops of this region than anywhere else across Australia.

In 2022, Mr Cracknell and his crew were awarded the Surf Life Saving Australia Rescue Medal for an extremely challenging rescue mission the previous year.

On 5 May 2021, Mr Cracknell, Jon Klopper, and John Molnar responded in the ‘Lifesaver 21’ helicopter to a welfare check request for a young family lost and isolated by rising creek levels at the National Park.

Despite confined spaces complicating the delicate rescue, the crew located the family and directed them to an area where they could be retrieved. Each patient, two adults and an infant, was carefully secured, winched into the aircraft, and transferred to waiting emergency services at a nearby field, reuniting the grateful family safely. Mr Cracknell and his crew received SLSA’s prestigious Rescue Medal for their skilled handling of a complex heli-rescue.

Read: Little Bay Beach Could Soon Have Lifeguards

Now in the twilight of his career, he plans to continue serving as long as fitness allows. He remains as passionate as ever, eager to help those in need after over 1,000 rescues. Though missions still present challenges, Mr Cracknell takes it all in stride, driven by a career-long goal of saving lives.

Published 18-October-2023

Lace Up Your Sneakers! Juniors Maroubra Fun Run Returns This October

After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Juniors Maroubra Fun Run & Spring Festival, one of the biggest and best annual family events in town, is finally back!

Read: New Synthetic Sports Field at Coral Sea Park Delights Maroubra Community

On Sunday, 22 October 2023, Maroubra will host the 25th annual Fun Run & Spring Festival, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, promising a day filled with family, community, and fitness.

The Fun Run & Spring Festival has become a beloved Maroubra tradition, drawing participants from across the region for a morning of activity followed by an afternoon celebrating spring.

Photo credit: Maroubra Fun Run & Spring Festival/Facebook

Whilst some will lace up their sneakers and run or walk the course, others are sure to cheer on the athletes before enjoying the Spring Festival. No matter how one chooses to participate, the event offers fun for all ages.

The event will feature live music from local fan-favourite bands, a barbecue hosted by the surf club, and a variety of beers, wines, and other refreshing drinks for attendees to enjoy.

This year’s major sponsor, The Juniors, will help cover costs to benefit local schools and community groups. Proceeds will go to the P&C Association of schools with winning Fun Run teams, as well as organisations like the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, Rotary Club of Maroubra, and Lions Club of Maroubra.

The 25th anniversary is a milestone reflecting the Fun Run & Spring Festival’s role in bringing the community together through athletic and springtime celebrations. For participants, it promises to be a day full of laughter, friendly competition, connections, and seasonal joy.

Read: Locals Love It: McKeon Street Plaza in Maroubra Beach to Go Permanent

If you’re planning to go, be sure to come early at the Arthur Byrne Reserve to allow enough time to collect your race bib number and timing tag before the race begins.

For those who have not registered yet, visit https://maroubrafunrun.com.au/ to join or to learn more about the event.

Published 13-October-2023

Corpus Christi College in Maroubra Plans to Increase Students and Staff

Maroubra’s Corpus Christi College, formerly known as Champagnat Catholic College, plans to increase the student and staff population within five years, following the relocation of its primary school.

Our Lady of the Annunciation, the primary school, bid farewell to its old site and moved to a nearby Catholic campus, leaving behind a property with immense potential.

Corpus Christi College seized this opportunity by lodging a DA/689/2023 with Randwick Council, detailing a bold vision that aimed to reshape their destiny.

In partnership with Sydney Catholic Schools, the college wants to expand the secondary school into the vacated primary school campus, encompassing Blocks A, B, and C, which had lain dormant for some time.

The college has a previously approved application to redevelop one of the blocks via DA/249/2020.

The proposal outlines an ambitious target – a goal to increase the student population by a staggering 400 pupils over the next five years.

As the 2023 academic year dawned, the school stood at a student population of approximately 650. They envisioned a steady progression, with an expected 1,100 students gracing their halls in the years to come. Naturally, this growth would necessitate the recruitment of 20 additional staff members to support the burgeoning student body.

In their application, Corpus Christi College championed the positive social impacts of their proposed expansion. They emphasized that schools were not merely institutions of learning but vital components of thriving communities. The accessibility of the campus would extend its reach to a broader section of the community.

“Schools are a vital part of any healthy and thriving community and the increase in the student and staff cap would allow the school to function as an important civic place for parents, teachers and students,” the planners outlined.

“The proposal to increase staff and student numbers would support the upgrades to school facilities under DA/249/2020 and would allow access to better student outcomes through the provision of a quality learning environment for broader section of the community.

“The proposed development would provide short term and long-term economic benefits. In the short term the proposal would support the creation of additional full-time employment gradually offsetting the loss in full time employment created by the relocation of the primary school campus.

“Long term, the productivity and growth as a result of student’s continuing education would drive better labour market outcomes by supporting students as they acquire formal education allowing them to remain employed and learn new skills in the future.”

Published 29-Sept-2023

Sleepless Night Turns into Life-Changing Moment for Maitland Man with $615,000 Windfall

Photo Credit: PX Here

A Maitland resident’s sleepless night has turned into an unimaginable stroke of luck, as he discovered he had secured a substantial windfall of more than $615,000 in the recent weekend draw.

The ecstatic winner, who prefers to remain anonymous, had only recently dipped his toes into this game of chance, making his triumph all the more thrilling. He held the sole winning entry for the first division in the draw that took place on Saturday, 9 Sept 2023, securing the entirety of the $615,902 prize.

“Wow. I’m a bit emotional! I haven’t slept at all,” the winner said upon receiving the life-altering news.

An official from the game reached out to confirm his newfound fortune on the following morning, which only added to his astonishment.

“It was a last-minute decision. I have only entered [this game] three or four times, and I bought the ticket just before the draw closed on Saturday night. I don’t even know what to say. I’m speechless.”

The unexpected windfall couldn’t have come at a better time for the lucky winner.

“We have been through a fair bit recently, so it means a lot. It’s going to change everything. I’ll be able to buy a house for my family and take some days off work. Thank you so much.”

The winning numbers that secured his life-changing victory were 11, 9, 14, and 29, in the exact order they were drawn during the event.

For this fortunate Maitland resident, the sleepless night that followed his last-minute decision has turned into a dream come true, opening up new horizons and opportunities for him and his family.

Published 16-Sept-2023