In the years following World War II, Sydney saw an influx of migrants arriving from a war-ravaged Europe seeking a fresh start. Facing a massive influx of migrants after the war and desperate to provide housing, the State established the Bunnerong Migrant Hostel by converting old naval storage facilities at Bunnerong Park (now Heffron Park in Maroubra) into accommodations.
Despite having a capacity of 1,200 people, the conditions were far from ideal, with the buildings poorly insulated and migrants forced to eat communally in dormitory-style halls, preventing any sense of normal family life. The living conditions and amenities at the hostel were regarded as among the worst in all of Australia.
Gordon James Choake holding his daughter at Bunnerong Migrant Hostel (Photo credit: Marilyn Wilson Collection/Randwick City Library)
The facilities were wholly unsuitable for comfortably accommodating the migrants, but the government had little choice given the urgent need for housing at the time.
Despite these hardships, the migrants persevered, determined to build better lives in their new home.
Group of migrant children at Bunnerong Migrant Hostel (Photo credit: Marilyn Wilson Collection/Randwick City Library)
Now, over 70 years later, there is a push to honour the sacrifices and contributions of these post-war migrants with a permanent memorial at Heffron Park itself. The proposal was brought forward by Cr Noel D’Souza, who emphasised the importance of acknowledging the vital role migrants played in Australia’s development.
Cr D’Souza said migrants were willing to take menial jobs when first settling, and many showed an incredible work ethic and willingness to sacrifice in order to establish themselves in their new country. He stated they built modern Australia through the knowledge, cultures, and skills they brought with them.
In presenting his motion to Randwick Council, Cr D’Souza highlighted how migrants were essential to the growth of industry and infrastructure in Australia’s post-war years.
A memorial would not only pay tribute to their efforts but serve as an opportunity for “truth-telling” about a piece of history that has too often been forgotten amid debates about statues and their relevance.
Cr D’Souza viewed it as a chance to share the forgotten history of migrants from all over the world who left everything behind to start a new life in Australia full of hope. His motion to install a memorial at Heffron Park was ultimately carried out.
Whilst the form is still to be determined, Cr D’Souza suggested a monument or even a large granite rock with a plaque could sufficiently honour the migrants who helped shape modern Australia through their perseverance and passion for their new home. After decades of having their struggles and sacrifices go unrecognised, Maroubra may soon have a permanent reminder of their indelible impact.
A previously undetected blood clot was the cause of Bersot’s stroke, which led to his death. He had been reportedly experiencing minor back pain, which tragically masked the underlying issue.
Tributes have flooded in for the talented wave rider, reflecting the profound impact Bersot had on those around him. Social media platforms have been inundated with messages of condolence, with the Bra Boys—a close-knit group of surfers—expressing their heartfelt sympathies to Bersot’s grieving family.
“We are sending love to the Bersot family and all of our Brazilian Bra Boy family,” a post on a page related to the Bra Boys said. “Bruno was My Brother’s Keeper in Action—devastated for you all.”
The outpouring of support went beyond Bersot’s close friends and family. His boys, Lucas and Mateus, also posted touching tributes online. Lucas thought about how his dad was “the most beautiful dad in the world,” and Mateus thought about how Bersot was both a superhero and a best friend. The heartfelt words they wrote demonstrate the strong bond between a father and his children.
Lucas and Mateus Bersot, who were his kids, also wrote sad tributes. Lucas said his dad was “the most beautiful dad in the world,” and Mateus said he was a superhero and best friend. Both boys talked about their sadness and fond memories online.
Bruno Bersot’s passing leaves a void in the Sydney surfing scene. Remembered for his skill on the waves and his dedication to his family, Bersot’s memory will undoubtedly live on within the Maroubra community.
Emergency services responded immediately to reports of a motorcycle crash. Upon arrival, police discovered a severely damaged motorcycle and its rider lying on a nearby grassy area. It appears the rider was ejected from the vehicle during the incident.
Despite the swift response of NSW Ambulance paramedics, who administered immediate treatment at the scene, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
A crime scene was established at the location, and police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. As part of their inquiry, they are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online. The police have assured the community that all information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
As the investigation continues, a report will be prepared for the coroner. The Maroubra community awaits further details and reflects on this tragic loss of life on their local streets.
Heads up! Maroubra Beach Markets is set to kick off its first-ever monthly series of market days to support and showcase the suburb’s local talents, culture, and the arts.
Located at Broadarrow Reserve on 310 Fitzgerald Ave, the event will showcase various stalls featuring delectable treats, beverages, art-related and handcrafted goods, toys, homewares, vintage items, crafts, plants, and more. Stallholders interested in participating can apply online.
In addition to celebrating culture and the arts, food enthusiasts will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of gourmet delights, as the market will feature a special focus on global hot foods.
Locals, tourists, and families are all encouraged to join every Sunday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. launching on 5 May and running until 1 September 2024. Future market dates are scheduled on June 2, July 7, August 4, and September 1.
The project spearheaded by the Randwick City Council is organised by Cambridge Markets.
Origins of the Maroubra Beach Markets
The Maroubra Beach Markets project was finalised by Randwick Councillors during their November 28, 2023, monthly meeting.
Following a community survey over the past year, the Council decided to launch monthly markets at Maroubra Beach and Heffron Park, beginning on 5 May 2024 and running until September 2024.
Overall, the Randwick City Markets, part of Randwick Council’s Economic Development Strategy, will undergo a trial period until October 2024.
Despite his own hardships, Glen Mezei, the owner of Little Bay’s Site Pizza Bar sets an exemplary example of businesspeople driven by a stronger sense of empathy for the community in an era where financial margins frequently dictate business decisions.
Site Pizza Bar, which is right in the middle of Little Bay, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where people meet and help each other. Giving away free food isn’t just a kind thing for Mezei to do; it’s a reflection of his values and a promise to help those around him.
At first glance, this kind of behaviour might make you wonder if it can last. But for Mezei, it’s not about making money; it’s about making a difference. “I believe that, as a business owner, I have a responsibility to give back to the community that supports us,” Mezei says. “It’s not just about selling pizzas; it’s about contributing positively to the lives of others.”
Photo Credit: Facebook/Site Pizza Bar
Mezei’s path to giving back to the community isn’t easy. Just like many other businesses, he also had to deal with uncertainty. However, Mezei didn’t run away and he saw a chance to step up and help where it was most needed. “The outbreak showed how important it is for people to help each other. People were having a hard time, and I felt like I had to do everything I could to help,” Mezei says.
He feeds field workers and gives free pizzas to families who are having a hard time with money. He also helps people feel like they belong and are part of the community.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Site Pizza Bar
But Mezei’s generosity and kindness extend beyond his business dealings. To increase his influence, he collaborates with local organisations. By collaborating with food banks and shelters, he ensures that his assistance reaches those who need it most. “When we collaborate, we can do much more. In order to truly impact people’s lives, Mezei asserts that “collaboration is the key.”
Photo Credit: Facebook/Site Pizza Bar
Positive comments about it have come from several neighbours. Many clients applaud Mezei for his selflessness and are inspired to follow in his footsteps. Glen’s goodwill is contagious. “It motivates us all to improve and support one another more,” a regular customer comments.
His story shows how love and charity can change things. His actions give us hope in a divided world. They demonstrate that cooperation for the greater good can provide benefits.
Mezei is still on a mission to feed both the body and the soul, and he wants other people to help him make society more caring and welcoming. “Your acts, no matter how small they may seem, can make a difference. “Together, we can make the future better for everyone,” Mezei says, ending with a smile that shows how generous he is.
A striking case has emerged in Maroubra, focusing on a newly completed apartment building that has revealed significant structural issues, including “excessive cracking” and water leaks.
The state’s building watchdog, Fair Trading NSW, has taken decisive action against Maroubra Living Pty Ltd, the developer behind the Jardin building located at 128a Garden St, Maroubra.
Following an inspection of 33 defects, a building work rectification order was issued on 21 March 2024.
The identified defects, including severe cracking in the building’s rooftop concrete slab, constitute breaches of Australian building standards, highlighting the urgent need for repair to ensure the safety and amenity of its residents.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The inspection uncovered various issues, ranging from water ingress through a damaged wall panel to inadequate drainage and fire safety standards violations. It also noted that a concrete slab within the Jardin building needed to be properly vibrated or compacted, leading to structural weaknesses.
The roof’s inadequate drainage and a defective fire stair door underscore the significant risks posed to occupants’ safety and the building’s integrity.
Elizabeth Stewart, the Department of Customer Service’s director of legal operations, has stipulated four months for Maroubra Living Pty Ltd to rectify the defects. This directive underscores the balance between the developer’s financial costs and the critical benefits to the owners and occupants, ensuring the building’s construction aligns with approved plans, the Building Code of Australia, and Australian standards.
Despite the defects, the Jardin building is currently occupied by tenants and has been promoted as offering “impeccably presented” apartments designed with accessibility in mind.
Maroubra Beach is set to host the inaugural Street Paws Festival, a celebration of our furry companions and their companionship with humans. Supported by Rotary Clubs Botany, Randwick, and Maroubra, this event promises a fun-filled day for both dogs and their owners.
The festival, which will take place on 7 April 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arthur Byrne Reserve, boasts diverse activities and competitions.
Photo Credit: StreetPawsFestival/Facebook
Schedule of Events
10 am: The festival starts with a warm welcome by the Mayor of Randwick.
11 am: Watch the dogs showcase their talents in Best Tail Wagger, Best Trick, and Best Dancing Dog categories.
Noon: Get ready to be amazed by the creativity displayed in the Best Fancy Dress Dog competition.
1 pm: Honour the wisdom and grace of senior dogs in the Most Dignified Old Timer contest.
2 pm: Prepare for an overload of cuteness as puppies vie for the title of Cutest Puppy.
In addition to the main events, attendees can participate in a raffle, enjoy a sausage sizzle, paint their faces, and explore various dog-themed market stalls. This event is perfect for families looking for a delightful day out with furry friends.
Photo Credit: StreetPawsFestival/Facebook
Photo Credit: StreetPawsFestival/Facebook
Since its inception in 2018, the Street Paws Festival is committed to becoming an annual fixture across Sydney. Organisers plan to rotate the festival to various locations, ensuring accessibility to dog lovers citywide.
Future iterations of the event are expected to return in other suburbs, providing communities with continued opportunities to celebrate the bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
Lynne McGranger, famed as Irene Roberts in “Home and Away,” is set to captivate Maroubra with “The Grandparents Club,” premiering at The Juniors Auditorium along Anzac Parade.
This unique Australian musical comedy, celebrating the dynamic lives of modern grandparents, promises laughter and poignant moments and marks Ms McGranger’s return to her theatrical roots alongside a talented cast, including Laurence Coy, Meredith O’Reilly, and Andrew James.
The show, which will run on 30 June 2024 in Maroubra, promises an unforgettable experience. McGranger anticipates the return with excitement, highlighting the musical’s blend of humour, warmth, and grandparental glory under the creative guidance of Wendy Harmer and John Field.
Beyond Maroubra, the tour is set to traverse metro and regional NSW, ACT, and VIC from May to August 2024, making stops in various cities, including Batemans Bay, Wollongong, Penrith, and many more.
Tour Schedules
• 30th May – Yuin Theatre, BATEMANS BAY(3.00pm & 7.00pm)
For those in Maroubra and beyond, this production is more than a musical; it’s a testament to grandparents’ evolving, vibrant role in today’s families, promising laughter, tears, and, most importantly, a grand time.
About the Cast
Apart from Irene Roberts on “Home & Away,” Ms McGranger has showcased her versatility across Australian television, becoming the longest-serving female cast member on any Australian scripted TV show by 2014. Not just confined to acting, McGranger has also excelled in dance, securing the runner-up position on “Dancing with the Stars” and authoring her memoir, “Acting Up,” during the 2020 lockdown. With a background in teaching and a rich history in performing arts, McGranger’s career spans various roles on stage and screen, emphasising her passion for acting and contributions to theatre and pantomime.
Laurence Coy, known for his quick wit, started his career as a stand-up comedian in Australia and internationally. His talents extend beyond comedy to acting and singing, making him sought after in theatre, musical theatre, television, and film. He has worked with various state theatre companies and notable productions such as “Summer Rain,” “Calamity Jane,” and “The Fantasticks” in musical theatre. In film, he has appeared in “The Appleton Ladies Potato Race,” “Ladies In Black,” and “San Andreas,” among others. Television credits include “Mr Inbetween,” “Black Comedy,” and “Rake.” Additionally, Coy has co-written and directed series like “Tough Nuts – Australia’s Hardest Criminals” for Foxtel and “The Kangaroo Gang” for the BBC.
Photo Credit: Supplied/David Hooley
Andrew James has had a distinguished career in Australian theatre and television, showcasing his acting and comedic talents. He has performed for esteemed theatre companies such as Bell Shakespeare and Sydney Theatre Company, as well as in national and international tours of musicals like ‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’. His versatility extends to roles for young audiences and adaptations like ‘Pete the Sheep’ and ‘The Magic Pudding’. On television, he has appeared in various shows including ‘Home and Away’, ‘Rake’, and ‘Prisoner’. James has portrayed a diverse range of characters, from historical figures like Winston Churchill to animals like a dog, kangaroo, and sheep. Notably, he is about to become a grandparent. Additionally, he enjoys playing the harmonica and ukulele in his free time.
Meredith O’Reilly boasts a rich, 35-year career as a professional entertainer, earning nominations for prestigious awards in roles such as Grandma Addams in “The Addams Family” and Sylvia St Croix in “Ruthless.” Notable stage appearances include “Les Miserables,” “Love Never Dies,” and “Hello Dolly!” among others. She has also played principal roles in Australian productions like “Karaoke the Musical” and “King Of The Air.” Meredith’s versatility extends beyond stage acting to television dramas, commercials, and voiceovers. She has showcased her vocal talents with the Big Band, Horns Plus, and in her jazz duo and quintet. Moreover, her cabaret “Curtains,” reflecting on her showbiz journey, has received acclaim at various venues. Additionally, she has hosted radio shows and narrated audiobooks for Vision Australia.
An unsolved Rubik’s cube, a 15-year-old guerilla art installation painted on a concrete stormwater drain in Maroubra Beach, was recently “solved” by the original artists, sparking a wave of nostalgia and debate among locals.
The unexpected alteration of the cube’s appearance from a jumbled puzzle to a neatly solved state has led Randwick Council to contemplate a unique approach: asking Maroubra residents to vote on the artwork’s future.
The council is poised to decide whether to restore the cube to its original, unsolved design or maintain the current solved configuration, with a motion proposed by Labor councillor Dylan Parker to kickstart this community consultation process.
The artwork, affectionately dubbed the “Maroubrik’s Cube,” has become a staple of local culture since its inception in 2008, symbolising the creative and spontaneous spirit of the community.
The original artists, who initially painted the cube under the cloak of darkness, have confirmed their involvement in the recent transformation, stirring mixed feelings among residents and council members alike.
Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch and councillor Dylan Parker have emphasised respecting the community’s connection to the cube. Mr Parker also noted the significant feedback received on the new design.
Ms Veitch has expressed a willingness to support the community’s decision, underscoring the cube’s role in adding whimsy and interest to the local landscape.
The debate over the cube’s fate highlights the broader conversation about public art and community identity.
Marissa Ely, a lifelong Maroubra local and community social media manager, shared that most of her followers prefer the cube’s original, unsolved state, suggesting it reflects the community’s diverse and imperfect nature more accurately.
As the council prepares to engage with the community on this matter, the story of Maroubra’s Big Rubik’s Cube continues to unfold, embodying the dynamic relationship between art, public spaces, and the people interacting with them daily.
Maroubra United BRC is gearing up to compete in the upcoming Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final taking place at Burleigh Heads in Queensland.
Maroubra United earned their spot in the national final after succeeding in the qualifying rounds held across Australia over the past few months. More than 80 clubs competed in these events, with only 42 clubs advancing to the Grand Final.
At the ABB Grand Final on March 9 and 10, Maroubra United will be represented by a team of five surfers across different divisions. Each club squad consists of two Open males, one Open female, one Junior (male or female) and one over-35 Master (male or female), in addition to their reserves.
The club will compete against squads boasting renowned surfers like 7-time World Champion Layne Beachley and other ex-pros including Danny Wills, Kieran Perrow, Josh and Sierra Kerr, and Bede Durbidge. The depth of talent at the event poses a formidable challenge for Maroubra United.
Challenging new format and location
This year the ABB Grand Final moves from Newcastle to Burleigh Heads, which will provide a much more difficult test for competitors. The event will run on a point break, requiring surfers to endure long paddling distances and running up the beach between waves.
Heats have also increased to 70 minutes from 60 minutes in previous years.
“There are a lot of exciting changes to the event this year that will create buzz for fans and some epic surfing,” said Surfing Australia Events Specialist Rohan Fell. “Teams will want to make sure they have selected their best athletes, so they don’t get knocked out in an early heat.”
World surfing champion Joel Parkinson from Snapper Rocks Surfriders expressed his thoughts:
“I know between the Burleigh boys they’re going to have a huge advantage, and some of the Gold Coast teams will have a good advantage. They’ve probably jumped quite a bit but some of the other teams that don’t spend their life jumping off these rocks are going to really have some drama.”
United for Maroubra
Photo Credit: Instagram/Maroubra United Boardriders
Maroubra United was established in 2015 with the goal of uniting the local surf community. The club was founded by presidents of three rival Maroubra clubs who sought to move past factions and agendas that had long divided local surfers.
They represent the entire Maroubra region and compete in events like the ABB as a cohesive team.
The contest kicks off the new season for boardrider clubs around the country. After months of training, clubs are eager to showcase their talent in the nation’s premier team surfing event.
