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‘Space to Create’ at Lionel Bowen Library Seeks Resident Creatives in Maroubra

Photo credit: Alexandr Ivanov / Pixabay

‘Space to Create,’ a new space for the local creative community at the Lionel Bowen Library in Maroubra is now accepting expressions of interest from creatives who want to apply for a six-month residency in 2023.

Read: New Beachfront Apartment Development With Adaptable Housing in Maroubra Proposed

The office space on the third floor of Bowen Library has been activated to provide eight artists with a six-month residency, for a nominal weekly fee and bond, with the potential to extend to 12 months. Fees and other charges will be confirmed before the end of 2022.

“Space to Create” is located adjacent to the library’s maker space (The Third Space), recording studio (The Studio Space) and meeting rooms for hire. At this space, resident writers and creatives will be provided access to the library’s extensive collection of books and materials, including maps and photographs, as well as an opportunity to showcase their work and provide talks or workshops about their work at the end of their residency.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said that the space will provide artists with a space to create and that it not only supports individual expression but also enriches our community, with the hope that some of the work will adorn the community.”

Randwick City Council is now seeking expressions of interest for its opening residency from local writers and creatives across different art forms including digital art, fashion, calligraphy, collage, crafts, drawing, décollage, graphic art, installation art, jewellery, mixed media, painting, mosaics, textile art, film, video, and video games.

Read: Free Sunset Silent Cinema Debuts at the New McKeon Street Plaza

Those who wish to submit their expression of interest for the opening residency may check out this page for more information and a link to the EOI form. 

EOIs close Monday 14 November 2022 and the outcome of the application will be sent in writing by early December 2022.

New Beachfront Apartment Development With Adaptable Housing in Maroubra Proposed

Photo credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au/

An application seeking to establish a new beachfront apartment development which includes two adaptable housing with basement parking on Marine Parade in Maroubra is currently being assessed.

Read: Free Sunset Silent Cinema Debuts at the New McKeon Street Plaza

The new boutique apartment development comprises ten high-end residential units across a four-level building with associated car parking on a 1,238sqm site on Marine Parade in Maroubra. The proposed five-storey building will have an effective height of 12.4 metres. 

The dwellings will be a mixture of two single-bedroom, two 2-bedroom and six 3-bedroom apartment units with two of the units designated as adaptable units, on top of the basement level.

On the ground floor will be two open-plan 3-bedroom dwellings (including one adaptable housing unit)  with each containing a living, dining and kitchen area plus a powder room, three ensuites, a walk-in robe and a wraparound terrace.

New Beachfront Apartment Development With Adaptable Housing in Maroubra Proposed
Ground floor plan | Photo credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au/

Level 1 of the building will have two 1-bedroom and two 2-bedroom units with each having an open plan living, dining and kitchen area, a laundry, a bathroom and private open space. Each of the 2-bedroom units will also have a walk-in robe and an ensuite.

New Beachfront Apartment Development in Maroubra Proposed
Level 1 floor plan | Photo credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au/

Level 2 will contain two open plan 3-bedroom units (including one adaptable housing unit) with living, dining and kitchen plus an ensuite, walk-in robe, a powder and private open spaces.

New Beachfront Apartment Development With Adaptable Housing in Maroubra Proposed
Level 2 floor plan | Photo credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au/

https://maroubranews.com.au/free-sunset-silent-cinema-debuts-at-the-new-mckeon-street-plaza/

On Level 3 will be two open plan 2-bedroom units also with a living, dining and kitchen area. Each unit will have an ensuite, a powder room and private open spaces.

New Beachfront Apartment Development With Adaptable Housing in Maroubra Proposed
Level 3 floor plan | Photo credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au/

The architectural design of the project is courtesy of MHN Design Union and landscaping by Wyer & Co.

Read:

The proposed subject site is located at 116 and 118 Marine Parade in Maroubra. The last time the property exchanged hands was on 16 April 2021 for $16.7 million.

116 Marine Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035, Australia

Free Sunset Silent Cinema Debuts at the New McKeon Street Plaza

Photo Credit: CrDavidRosenfeld/Facebook

Did you know that McKeon Street Plaza will be debuting a series of FREE Sunset Silent Cinema events at the newly opened public space? 

Read: McKeon Street Plaza To Open for 6-Month Trial

Launching on Saturday, 30th of October 2022, the Sunset Silent Cinema will open with a spooktacular family-friendly movie featuring Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” at 7:00 p.m. 

Prior to the film’s showcase, an opening ceremony will take place at 6:15 p.m. and things will get a lot more spine-tingling by 9:00 p.m. when the first “Scream” film will be showcased at the event.

However, the fun does not stop with Halloween as Sunset Silent Cinema will run with two movies for November 2022, January 2023 and March 2023. Here’s the schedule for the upcoming movies: 

Film DateTime
The GrinchSaturday
26 November 2022		7:00 p.m.
Love ActuallySaturday
26 November 2022		9:00 p.m.
MoanaSaturday
28 January 2023		7:00 p.m.
Point BreakSaturday
28 January 2023		9:00 p.m.
Minions: Rise of GruSaturday 11 March 20237:00 p.m.
The Lost CitySaturday 11 March 20239:00 p.m.
GET TICKETS

Currently, free ticket reservations are limited to 50 people but Council advised there may still be opportunities for other locals to watch the movies if there are no-show guests 15 minutes before the start of each program.

Ticket holders are allowed one beanbag and one set of headphones. The headphones only work within the cinema space and are not compatible with Bluetooth. Ticket holders are required to check in upon their arrival at the event.

Read: Shared Space Trial At McKeon Street In Maroubra Encourages People To Use Public Spaces More

This is strictly an alcohol-free event. Smoking is not permitted under any circumstances within the cinema space. 

McKeon Street Plaza
Photo Credit: Claudia Hunter/Facebook

McKeon Street Plaza officially opened on the 8th of October 2022 following years of planning under the NSW Government Shared Spaces Program, aligning with Randwick City’s Economic Development Strategy. 

McKeon Street Plaza Design
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil

Opening of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Matraville Fast-Tracked for January 2023

Photo Credit: Sacred Heart Matraville/Facebook

Did you know that Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Matraville, the newest primary school in the Eastern Suburbs, has been fast-tracked to open one year ahead of its schedule?

Read: McKeon Street Plaza To Open for 6-Month Trial

By January 2023, the amalgamated Catholic primary schools of St Agnes in Matraville and the Our Lady of the Annunciation in Pagewood will be called the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, maintaining the Matraville site as the campus. The site will have over 420 students with two classes each from Kindergarten to Year 6.

According to Sydney Catholic Schools, the amalgamation warrants “contemporary, flexible, multi-use spaces to support modern learning practices” where both schools will transition as one institution with one identity and equal access to the new building.

The said building is geared for completion by the end of 2022 with 12 new learning spaces and a canteen. Development, however, will still continue as Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Matraville will incorporate a bigger outdoor space, an Early Learning Centre, and shared parish and school facilities. 

“We’re very excited to see the Sacred Heart community realised ahead of schedule,” Tony Farley, the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, said. 

“We trust our students will enjoy the adventure of new facilities, classmates, teachers and new learning experiences.

“This master plan is a multi-million-dollar investment in education that will allow students to thrive in a dynamic and faith-filled environment and become the next generation of change-makers in their communities.”

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Matraville
Photo Credit: Sydney Catholic Schools

The name Sacred Heart was chosen for the amalgamated schools as it’s the founding order for both St Agnes and the Our Lady of the Annunciation.

“Parents have responded very positively to the early amalgamation: they especially loved the new uniforms and school name which keeps the charism of both schools alive,” Sacred Heart Principal Rosemary Andre said. “We’re very excited about the new resources and opportunities for collaboration and excellent teaching and learning ahead. We also look forward to creating a new vision for the school in consultation with staff, parents and students.”

For enrolment enquiries, phone 0476 183 408 or email info@shmatraville.catholic.edu.au.

Read: Initial Phase of the Maroubra Junction Makeover Begins

Meanwhile, the Pagewood site will transition into a secondary co-educational school for Champagnat Catholic College. The institution will welcome its first female Year 7 students in 2023. 

McKeon Street Plaza To Open for 6-Month Trial

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Heads up, Maroubra locals! The McKeon Street Plaza will be open beginning the 8th of October 2022.

The temporary public plaza will be open for a six-month trial period, during which the area between Marine Parade and Fenton Avenue will be closed to cars and opened to the community for shopping, dining, and other activities.

Read: Controversial Matraville Incinerator Proposal Officially Withdrawn

“This is an opportunity to prioritise people and our local businesses. Creating a plaza on McKeon Street will provide more opportunity for visitors and locals to stay in the area and enjoy the beautiful beachside suburb of Maroubra, while also spending time at the local businesses and outdoors,” Mayor Dylan Parker, who will officially launch the public plaza, said.

Once opened to the public, the McKeon Street Plaza will feature new landscaping, outdoor furniture and public art. And from launching up to the end of March next year, local entertainment and music will delight visitors every Saturday as well.

The six-month trial is funded through a $500,000 grant from the NSW State Government as part of its Street as Shared Spaces (Round 2) initiative in partnership with Randwick City Council.

“The community and local businesses were consulted on this project and the responses were very supportive,” adds Mayor Parker.

Mayor Dylan Parker talking about the new public plaza at McKeon Street, Maroubra in May 2022

Based on the feedback collected from the community consultation, an overwhelming majority or 87 per cent agree that the area will benefit from the pedestrianized public space. Moreover, 86 per cent said that they agree or strongly agree that people would visit or stay longer in the public space if it was well-designed.

Read: Initial Phase of the Maroubra Junction Makeover Begins

To address concerns about the loss of parking, Council will create an angled parking area on Fenton Avenue, resulting in 29 new parking spaces or a net gain of 15.

“Overall, the objective is to strengthen the vibrancy of the area, enable more day and night activity, and encourage more walking to and from the area while preserving the area’s unique local character and identity.

Initial Phase of the Maroubra Junction Makeover Begins

Following a long consultation with the community, the Maroubra Junction makeover has finally started with the greenery planting, which will be followed by the actual construction of the central plaza.

Read: NSW Measles Case Now Recovering, Had Visited Pacific Square Maroubra and 3 Other Venues Whilst Infectious

More than $1 million has been set aside to develop the Maroubra Junction Oasis Project which will see the planting of over 1,000 trees at the park. These trees are predominantly of the native variety that requires little tending to and maintenance. These are also meant to provide a new habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies to thrive. 

The funding is part of New South Wales’ Your High Street Projects to create a public space at the heart of Maroubra. Per the NSW Planning and environment, this revitalisation will merge “two halves of a divided town centre by converting a wide median strip into an urban oasis with a raised turf platform, seating, lighting and landscaping.”  

Maroubra Oasis
The Maroubra Oasis
Photo Credit: RCC

The tree planting initiative is expected to take over six weeks and then the plaza construction is expected to kick off in early 2023. The work will include new seating areas, picnic tables, bike racks, and pavements. 

“This project is the beginning of our journey to improve the entire town centre,” Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said.

“Maroubra Junction is a bustling centre but sections are tired, uninviting and in need of a makeover. This project is a first step towards cleaning up the area by creating a greener and more inviting space for everyone across our community to enjoy.”

Read: Malabar Ocean Pool Coping Restoration Now Complete

In May 2021, Randwick City Council presented the Maroubra Junction Masterplan that identified three key areas in need of revitalisation, including Bunnerong Road and Flower Street. Nearly 300 locals responded to the survey.

NSW Measles Case Now Recovering, Had Visited Pacific Square Maroubra and 3 Other Venues Whilst Infectious

Photo Credit: Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels

NSW’s first confirmed measles case since February 2020 has now been found to no longer be contagious. The person has been infectious for a week and visited several venues during that time including Pacific Square in Maroubra.

Read: Controversial Matraville Incinerator Proposal Officially Withdrawn

NSW Health said that the person who contracted the disease is in their 50s and was infected whilst travelling in Asia, but developed the symptoms after returning to Sydney.

The person who had been infectious for a week before developing symptoms had visited St Andrew’s Catholic Church Malabar for mass (4 September 2022, 10.30 am), Tyree Energy Building, University of NSW (6 September, all day), University of NSW’s Lounge Restaurant (6 September, 12.15 pm to 2 pm) and Pacific Square Maroubra (7 September, 9 am to 11 am).

The person, however, has now been reported to be no longer infectious and is already recovering at home after being reported to be isolated in hospital last 13 September 2022.

There were no secondary infections detected following the incident. But whilst NSW Health said that the locations where the infected person had visited do not pose an ongoing risk, people who may be susceptible to measles and were also present at the said locations are urged to be on alert for possible symptoms until 24 September 2022.

Those who are considered to be susceptible to measles are the people who never had two-lifetime doses of the measles vaccine, have a confirmed history of measles infections, or have a weakened immune system.

Read: Malabar Ocean Pool Coping Restoration Now Complete

“If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP to ensure you do not wait in the waiting room with other patients,” Dr McAnulty said.

Dr McAnulty also highlighted the importance of measles immunisation as “maintaining high rates” of  immunisation within the community “reduces the risk of measles being imported into Australia by returned travellers.” She furthered that through herd immunity, the spread of the virus locally, once it is introduced, is reduced.

Controversial Matraville Incinerator Proposal Officially Withdrawn

Photo Credit: No More Incinerators Eastern Suburbs / Facebook

The proposed Matraville incinerator has been officially withdrawn following the passing of a new regulation law in July 2022, banning energy-from-waste operations within the Sydney basin. 

Read: New NSW Law Bans Matraville Incinerator

With the exception of the West Lithgow Precinct, Parkes Special Activation Precinct, Richmond Valley Regional Jobs Precinct and Southern Goulburn Mulwaree Precinct, the use of waste to generate energy has been banned within the Sydney basin. That meant the beginning of the end for the controversial plan to establish an incinerator in Matraville.

On 31 August 2022, Randwick City Council announced that the Matraville incinerator proposal had been formally withdrawn. 

“The NSW Government’s Planning Portal has been updated as of this afternoon 31 August 2022 to list the incinerator project (also called the Botany Cogeneration Plant) as ‘withdrawn’,” the announcement said

Mayor Dylan Parker was elated by the news saying that it was “huge news” for the community who had been fighting against the “ill-conceived idea” ever since it was proposed three years ago.

“Burning waste just metres from people’s homes to power a private business is just a bad idea. The community knew it from day one and I am very pleased the NSW Government has now acted to stop it from happening,” Mayor Parker said.

“I am very pleased that Veolia has responded to community feedback and now formally withdrawn their proposal.”

The Mayor then went on to congratulate and thank the local community members who have actively participated in the fight to stop the plan including Randwick and Bayside Councillors, State Member Michael Daley, Federal Member Matt Thistlethwaite, the No Matraville Incinerator community group, the Matraville Precinct.

Mayor Parker also mentioned in particular, well-known locals Mike Whitney and Russell Fairfax who have been the voice of the campaign against the incinerator. 

“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,” Mayor Parker said.

Read: Malabar Ocean Pool Coping Restoration Now Complete

An online petition launched by a group called No More Incinerators received an overwhelming response from the community with more than 20,000 supporters signing against the proposed waste-to-energy incinerator plant at the paper mill recycling site on Botany Road in Matraville.

The proposed incinerator plant was meant to generate power for the OPAL paper mill and help reduce operating costs
The proposed incinerator plant was meant to generate power for the OPAL paper mill and help reduce operating costs | Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / randwick.nsw.gov.au

Under the now scrapped proposal, the plant would have a capacity of incinerating up to 200,000 tonnes of non-recyclable materials yearly to generate power for the OPAL paper mill and help reduce operating costs. 

Amid the celebration, the group is still reminding the members of the community that the fight continues against two other plans for massive waste incinerators in Western Sydney.

“The Next Generation (TNG) wants to build a waste incinerator at Eastern Creek and is appealing the EPA’s new regulation in the Land & Environment Court. TNG are trying to say that this regulation doesn’t apply to them!” the group’s social media post reads.

No More Incinerators warned, “…what happens in Sydney’s west affects ALL of Sydney!”

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.

Read: MumSafe: Safe and Effective Post-Pregnancy Fitness Training

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.

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

About the Malabar Ocean Pool

Malabar circa 1950s
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.

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

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
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.

Safe Return to Exercise (SRE) program is designed to guide new mothers
Safe Return to Exercise (SRE) program is designed to guide new mothers | Photo Credit: MumSafe / Facebook

“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

Read: Coral Sea Park Inclusive Playspace Now Open

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.