Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 20 of 30

Malabar Ocean Pool Coping Restoration Now Complete

Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / randwick.nsw.gov.au

The Malabar Ocean Pool Coping project has been completed. A part of the Ocean Pool Restoration Program, the project involved the repair of the damaged coping (or outer edge) of the pools caused by constant large swells, severe storms, and strong winds.

Following the successful coping restoration of Wylie’s Baths pool, Randwick City Council undertook a similar upgrade of Malabar Ocean Pool and two other pools identified as needing restoration work around their coping. Some $300,000 worth of funding was allocated for the projects.

Three years ago, the Malabar Pool underwent coping restoration. However, the project fell short of expectations due to an issue with the cementing products used, prompting Council to seek other products that could deliver the desired results.

Once a suitable product was identified, Council proceeded to try the product on repairs at Wylie’s Baths. The product proved to have excellent results, even after a year.

Restoration works then moved to Malabar Ocean Pool. By the time restoration started, the coping surrounding the Malabar Ocean Pool was already rough and bumpy and some sections showed signs of damage from storm erosion.

The rough coping surrounding the ocean pool before the upgrade — BEFORE RESTORATION: Tough coping surrounding the ocean pool
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / randwick.nsw.gov.au

The coping around the Malabar Ocean Pool after the restoration | — AFTER RESTORATION: The coping around the Malabar Ocean Pool
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / randwick.nsw.gov.au

Similar restoration works at Mahon Pool is already 80 per cent complete. Minor civil works at the site include the preparation and installation of new timber posts, replacement of existing handrails, grout repair and removal of loose materials.

Meanwhile, the Ross Jones Pool upgrade is on hold and will continue as soon as weather and swell conditions permit.

About the Malabar Ocean Pool

Malabar circa 1950s | Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / randwick.nsw.gov.au

Malabar Ocean Pool is situated near Malabar Beach in Long Bay. The formation of the fine rock pool near the present Randwick Golf Club site was recorded in the 1890s. By 1909, the ocean pool had become a popular attraction among the locals.

Malabar Pool, however, fell into disrepair due to several decades of disuse following contamination issues caused by the Malabar sewage system outfall. The ocean pool was eventually reopened in 1997 following the installation of a deepwater ocean outfall for sewage in 1990 which led to the gradual clearing of the water.

MumSafe: Safe and Effective Post-Pregnancy Fitness Training

Photo Credit: MumSafe / Facebook

Jen Dugard, a Maroubra mum of two, runs MumSafe, a mum-focused business that connects postnatal mothers with fitness professionals to help them get back in shape and stay fit safely and effectively.

Founder and director Jen just had her son when she launched her group business for mums with onsite childcare in 2008 called Body Beyond Baby. She then launched Safe Return to Exercise pre & postnatal certification for fitness professionals in 2016.

Two years later, the main business was sold; she kept the brand though and evolved into the Body Beyond Baby Affiliate Team and later MumSafe.

MumSafe, safe and effective exercise | Photo Credit: MumSafe / Facebook

With more than a decade of experience in pre and post-natal exercise and education, Jen has always believed that for mothers to achieve their health and wellbeing goals, their exercise program needs to be both safe and effective. And that involves helping new mums understand their body and mind, their birth experience and where they are right now before they start exercising.

Their Safe Return to Exercise (SRE) program is designed to guide new mothers, particularly those who are between their 6-week check up and returning to formal exercise. For mums who have received no or limited exercise guidance, may be experiencing weak pelvic floor symptoms, or don’t know what exercises they should or should not be doing, SRE is a great way to start their postnatal journey.

“Have been training with Jen for 2 years now. Great way to reclaim your fitness post baby and to keep it. Classes are challenging, but focus is always on exercising in a safe way.” – H. Perry

“I highly recommend Chels from Vibe Geelong. I was very nervous to start exercising again after two c sections,my body just felt so weak. Chels made me feel so comfortable and supported from the very beginning. She reminded me that I need to take time out for myself to get my strength back, she has helped me navigate injuries that have arised and I love how my body is now feeling so much stronger. She explains each exercise in depth and has such a wealth of knowledge to support Post Natal Mum’s.” – Taliah DB

“I would highly 100 % recommend chels from vibe Geelong, she is caring, understanding and always makes me feel included in group training sessions by offering me to do some personalised ulternatives if need be that wont put a strain on my body but still give me a great work out session. she sits down with you gets to know you and your story and genuinely is in it to help you with your growth and goals. If you want someone who is mumsafe, genuine and puts in the effort to make you comfortable supported and safe during & after pregnancy chels from vibe Geelong is the way to go ! Thank a million Chels” -S. Pearmin

“I have been training with Jen for over 2 years now. I started when my youngest was 4 months old and I hadn’t exercised for at least 5 years. It was such a great and safe introduction back in to exercise. 2 years on and Jen extends me and motivates me more than ever. The nannies are also brilliant with the kids, I have always felt very comfortable leaving my kids in their caring hands. Jen is super passionate and experienced. I can’t recommend her highly enough!” – L. Carr

And to ensure MumSafe stays true to its promise, their fitness trainers are registered with a Fitness Body, pre and postnatal educated, SRE accredited and partnered with a Women’s or Pelvic Health Physiotherapist apart from undergoing ongoing education as well.

MumSafe currently has over 60 locations across Australia and New Zealand. To know more about their Safe Return Exercise program or if you want to become a MumSafe trainer, check out their website here.

Is It Time for Maroubra to Get Rid of Shark Nets?

Photo Credit: Photographs by Gnangarra...commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU /Wikimedia Commons

Maroubra is among the 51 beach locations where the Shark Meshing Program is being implemented. Do you think it’s time to get rid of the shark nets?

Some NSW coastal areas could soon be ditching shark nets altogether if plans of letting each council area decide for itself pushes through.

Agriculture Minister Dugald recently confirmed that the state government is in talks with councils about the future of the current shark bite mitigation program. Among those who have shown strong support for the removal of the shark nets is Central Coast MP Adam Crouch, and if he could have his way, he would like his electorate to be the first region to do so.

Wollongong’s Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery also expressed his support for the proposal stating that there are better approaches to protecting both human life and the marine environment.

Randwick Council is also calling for a change in the current shark net program and expressed their full support for the additional shark mitigation measures including SMART drum lines and listening stations by voting to take part in the trial.

*Grey nurse shark*
*Photo Credit: The original uploader was Jlencion at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>/Wikimedia Commons*

Since 1937, shark nets have been deployed on Sydney’s beaches as a measure to reduce the risk of shark attacks. The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) manages the deployment of these nets at 51 NSW beaches, including Maroubra, from September to April each year.

A 2021-21 Annual Performance Report, however, showed that out of the 376 marine animals that were caught in the shark nets during the period from 1 September 2021 to 30 April 2022, an overwhelming 85 per cent or 325 were non-target animals.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Photo Credit: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>/Wikimedia Commons

Threatened or protected species that were caught includes 28 white sharks, 14 green turtles, 16 leatherback turtles, 14 grey nurse sharks and 4 loggerhead turtles.

Moreover, during the period, there was one reported human-shark interaction at a meshed beach involving a surfer who was bumped by an unidentified shark at Maroubra Beach in early March 2022.

Also, there were seven verified interactions at unmeshed beaches, three of which happened in the shark meshing region including a spearfisher who was uninjured after fending off a white shark at Magic Point, Maroubra (just one kilometre south of the closest meshed beach) in March 2022.

Early this year, the NSW Government announced that it will invest an additional $85 million in shark mitigation technology including SMART drum lines and SMART listening stations.

Coral Sea Park Inclusive Playspace Now Open

Children of varying ages and abilities can now play at Coral Sea Park Inclusive Playspace, the newest playspace in Maroubra that opened as part of the state-supported Everybody Can Play program.

Read: Residents Divided Over Toilet Block Plans for Malabar Rock Pool

Designed to include everyone in the community, the new space is equipped with slides and swings for bigger kids, sensory play for toddlers, toddler swing, wheelchair accessible carousel, and more outdoor furniture including a drinking fountain.

Children of all abilities can play together, including those with physical disabilities, mobility impairments or spectrum disorders such as autism.

The project was made possible through the NSW Government’s Everybody Can Play program, which provided a total of $200,000 in funding to upgrade the existing playground at Coral Sea Park.

As part of the initiative, Molly’s Memorial was also re-established in honour of Melissa Anne “Molly” Dunn, who died at the park in 2012.

Kids from around the neighbourhood came in to see the official opening of the park on 3 August 2022.

Children and adults had fun spending the sunny afternoon and the free ice cream, coffee and bubbles as well as live music whilst playing on the new equipment.

Randwick City Mayor Dylan Parker graced the event alongside Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts, Member for Maroubra Michael Daley, and Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill.

“An inclusive playspace means it is easy for people to get to the playground and to access the equipment, there are a variety of items they can interact with and there is shading and seating that allows families or carers to stay for as long as they want,” said Mayor Dylan Parker.

“It’s important to us that there is equal access to our open spaces for all people, whatever their ability and I’m looking forward to seeing the enjoyment this will bring to so many families,” he said.

Seal Population Recovering From Near Extinction

Photo Credit: Johnathon Keller / Pexels

In 2015, one lucky baby seal that was badly injured after a shark attack and found in a rock pool at Malabar made a full recovery after being treated at Taronga Wildlife Hospital. But did you know that from the early 1800s to the early 20th century, Australian fur seals and sea lions were almost hunted to extinction?

In the early 1800s, fur seals and sea lions were commercially hunted for their hides and were even culled because they were thought to be competing with local fishermen. Almost a million skins were known to have been traded from Australia and New Zealand during that time. And by the early 20th century, their population dwindled to just about 20,000.

Thanks to conservation efforts, their population somewhat recovered from near extinction. According to a study published in 2015 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the total population of long-nosed fur seals across Australia and New Zealand was estimated to be around 200,000.

The Australian sea lion population, however, is still far from making a full recovery; in fact, they are declining. Research published last year in Endangered Species Research estimated that based on data from 80 breeding sites, the Australian sea lion population has declined by 64 per cent over the last four decades.

12 weeks into Sydney lockdown, Benny the Seal has returned to Bennelong Point.

Nature is healing. pic.twitter.com/tjyYTRV0hO
— Sydney Opera House (@SydOperaHouse) September 13, 2021

In Sydney, there have been several pinniped sightings in the past years, including the one found at Malabar. But unlike the baby seal at Malabar, a seal spotted in 2018 was not as lucky. Nicknamed “Sealvester”, the animal died just a few weeks after the City of Sydney put up a fence below the stairway to prevent him from entering Rushcutters Bay Park. He had wounds on his eye and flippers and was found to be underweight.

But perhaps the most talked about sighting of them all was that of a long-nosed fur seal who found his way onto the Sydney Opera House in 2014. “Benny” has been a frequent visitor and has been delighting Sydneysiders since then.

Australian fur seals are mostly found throughout the islands of Bass Strait, and parts of Tasmania, South Australia, Southern Victoria and southern NSW. Whilst Australian sea lions have restricted distribution in South Australia and Western Australia.

Australian fur seals and sea lions are protected by law.

Why Join a Tour of the Randwick Recycle Centre in Matraville?

Did you know that a guided tour of the Randwick Recycle Centre in Matraville is happening soon to give residents an opportunity to find out where their waste materials, recyclables, and organics go?

It will be a most informative day for those in attendance, who will acquire new knowledge that will inspire them to recycle more and spread the word to their neighbours, family and friends.

The guided tour of the Randwick Recycle Centre in Matraville will take place on Saturday, 6 Aug 2022, with eight schedules spread out from 9:00 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. Each tour will last between 50 minutes to an hour, with opportunities for the guests to ask questions.

Whilst the event is free, the slots are limited. So, guests will have to secure a ticket to one of the schedules. Participants are enjoined to bring their own water bottle and wear a hat and sunscreen for their protection.

Per Council’s instruction, “tour participants to make their own way to 72 Perry Street Matraville and assemble outside the centre at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour to check-in. Participants to sign the attendance sheet before the tour starts.”

Those in attendance are expected to strictly follow the marked paths and resist touching anything.

After the tour, they will be asked to complete a feedback form and then enjoy the BBQ.

SECURE TICKETs

Meanwhile, the Randwick Recycle Centre is also conducting free information sessions on modern cloth nappies and their economic and environmental benefits. This is for parents, carers, and grandparents.

Check with Council for future schedules.

New NSW Law Bans Matraville Incinerator

Photo Credit: No More Incinerators Eastern Suburbs / Facebook

A huge win for the Matraville community. The controversial plan to establish an incinerator in this southeastern Sydney suburb will no longer be able to move forward following the passing of the NSW EPA Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Amendment (Thermal Energy from Waste) Regulation law.

“These new laws mean Veolia’s (formerly SUEZ) unpopular proposal to transport truckloads of rubbish to burn at the Opal paper mill in Matraville is officially dead – it cannot happen.” – Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker

On 28 July 2022, the amendments were passed into law and now form part of the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2021. That meant new energy-from-waste operations (subject to limited exceptions) are now banned except in four designated precincts namely: West Lithgow Precinct, Parkes Special Activation Precinct, Richmond Valley Regional Jobs Precinct and Southern Goulburn Mulwaree Precinct.

“Outside these areas, energy from waste will only be permitted if the facilities use waste, or waste-derived feedstock to replace less environmentally sound fuels to generate energy at the site, and where that energy is used to power industrial and manufacturing processes on-site.” – NSW Environment Protection Authority

“The NSW Government has gazetted new regulations amending the Protection of the Environment Operations Act to ban waste to energy facilities in the Sydney basin,” Randwick City Mayor Dylan Parker said, adding that he was very pleased with the news. He also called on Veolia, formerly SUEZ, to withdraw its proposal from the planning system which he said was a “bad idea”.

“This is huge news for our community who have been living with this dark cloud hanging over them for three years.

“Our community has fought this ill-conceived idea tooth and nail from the very beginning.

Mayor Parker also congratulated and thanked the members of the community including the Nor Matraville Incinerator community group, the Randwick and Bayside Councillors, State Member Michael Daley, Federal Member Matt Thistlethwaite, the Matraville Precinct, and Matraville locals Mike Whitney and Russel Fairfax who have tirelessly campaigned against the proposed waste-to-energy facility.

“This is a win for people, it’s a win for common sense, and it sends a message that industry cannot trample over the environment and the community for their own benefit.”

Veolia proposed the $250 million 60m high Matraville incinerator back in 2019 to generate power for the Opal Paper Mill. The plant is proposed to run 24/7 and will burn an estimated 165,000 tonnes of construction and other non-organic waste material each year.

The proposal did not sit well with the locals and businesses since it would mean that the incinerator, which is proposed to be built less than 100 metres from a residential area, will produce toxic pollutants that will potentially have a negative impact on the residents in eastern and southeastern Sydney suburbs.

The “No More Incinerators” group said that the proposed incinerator would benefit Opal in “terms of energy costs, and increase the profit to the shareholders” whilst the community gains nothing from the project but instead “the health of more than 500,000 residents of Sydney Eastern Suburbs, including indigenous population, will be affected by the proposed incinerator.”

Residents Divided Over Toilet Block Plans for Malabar Rock Pool

Despite a public consultation two years ago, residents are still divided over the plans to construct a toilet block near Malabar Rock Pool. Some locals who oppose the construction have petitioned to drop the project.

Elizabeth Lloyd, who started the petition, believes that there must be other priorities for improving the pool facilities, such as fixing the pool pump that repeatedly breaks down, than a toilet block.

Ms Lloyd is a regular swimmer at the ocean pool for two decades. She said that if there is a toilet block closer to the pool then more people will be encouraged to stay longer.

The locals are concerned that this will create more pollution and garbage, affecting the fragile ecosystem around the pool area. There has been some precedent to this concern because they had to clean up after people who illegally camped out in the area overnight last summer.

Regular pool users also do not want the new toilet block to “compromise the sparse parking space at the lower carpark.”

The nearest toilet facilities are either at Cromwell Park, some 700 metres away, or at the Randwick Golf Club. Still, some residents said they need the toilet block near the Malabar Rock Pool.

“The pool is for all to use not just locals. The nearest public toilets are at least 300 metres away at the beach. Parents can’t walk children there and back in the summer heat,” one resident said.

Randwick City Council has allocated $360,000 to build the toilet block, which gained favor from over 70 per cent of the respondents during the public consultation in July 2020. Council is currently undertaking the design work to develop a concept plan for such amenities. A public exhibition of the toilet block’s design is expected to be released in late 2022.

A spokesperson from the Council also said that other issues requiring remediation and repair work are actively in place. There are no requirements to prioritise one project over the other.

Unexpected $100-K Cash Boost for Maroubra Man Will Bring Him to Queensland

A Maroubra man is off to plan his holiday in Queensland after getting an unexpected $100,000 cash boost. He was excited about the unexpected windfall but he didn’t expect to hit the jackpot!

The Eastern Sydney local received a notification about his win on his cellphone but he ignored the call from the officials of The Lott because he thought they were calling to sell him a new energy package.

So, he walked to the office to verify the notification and was floored to learn he was going to get the $100,000 prize from the Super Jackpot draw.

“I thought, ‘oh, that’s cool – a little win on that one,” he told himself after getting the notification.

“Then I realised it said $100,000! all I could think was, ‘that’s not right, I don’t know about this!'”

This was his second purchase of the Super Jackpot ticket from the official site.

“I usually only purchase tickets when there’s a big jackpot! I plan to help someone who deserves it and celebrate with a holiday in Queensland.”

Per The Lott: “The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $11.57 million for draw 1579, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is now $17.18 million for draw 10603.

In 2021, 127 1st Prize and Jackpot winning entries across Australia won more than $32.95 million. During this time, the biggest prize was won by a Coolangatta man who a Mega Jackpot prize of $9.41 million in May.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.5 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.”

Matraville Local Maria Reilly Celebrates 104th Birthday With a Prominent Guest

Matraville resident Maria Reilly had only one wish for her 104th birthday. She wanted to celebrate with someone she admires, except no one knew if he could be there because he’s quite a busy man.

But to her and her family’s surprise, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet dropped by, with yellow roses on hand. Ms Reilly said it was one of the best birthdays in her long life. Family members, some of whom have flown in to celebrate the milestone, said that they have not seen their 104-year-old grandmother smile that much in a long time.

Ms Reilly, who has claimed she’s always voted Liberal, has admired the Premier because he is not just a good Catholic man but he’s also “very good looking, even more handsome in real life.”

Premier makes Maria’s 104th a forget-me-not – https://t.co/W7it8W28ww pic.twitter.com/a1oUiOXpT1
— The Catholic Weekly (@catholic_weekly) June 3, 2022

Mr Perrottet indulged her with all of her questions about his job and his private life. She nudged him to have baby number eight because it’s a lucky number in her culture. The Premier has six daughters and a son.

The 104-year-old mom, who was from Malaysia, was visiting Australia in the 1970s to attend her daughter’s wedding. She decided to apply for residency and worked at the Water Board for 40 years.

Years later, Maria Reilly retired and met Jim Rielly whilst volunteering at Vinnies. They married at the age of 80 years old.

She is a devoted parishioner of St Agnes Matraville, where she goes to mass every Saturday evening. The 104-year-old mom is also a member of The Castlereagh (Catholic Club Limited).