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Region 9 Bus in Maroubra Slowest in Sydney

The Region 9 bus service has one of the slowest services operated by the Sydney Metropolitan Bus. The State Transit bus line servicing the eastern suburbs depots in Maroubra, Bondi Junction, Botany, Mascot, Randwick and Surry Hills reportedly failed to reach its target running time more than 95 percent of the time during two unfortunate months in 2020.

From January 2020 to January 2021, Region 9 was among the most consistently slowest bus service, along with Transdev, except in November of last year. However, a representative from Transport for NSW said that the State Transit bus line improved its running time performance to 96.8 percent in 2020 from a slower running time performance of 95.2 percent in 2019.

Privately-run bus services in Sydney, on the other hand, have a record of 99.9 percent running time and fastest bus lines are:

Transit (NSW) – Inner West and Liverpool
Punchbowl Bus Company – Hurstville and Bankstown
Forest Coach Lines – Terrey Hills

In 2019, the state government revealed plans for more bus service privatisation, citing an increase in patronage.

“This rate of growth outstrips that of all other forms of public transport and we need to address this increasing demand as a matter of urgency,” Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said.

“We know customers want more buses, more often, as well as a mix of bus services that cater to their needs. This includes high-frequency services on major routes, like the B-Line, and frequent direct options such as on-demand services for short, local trips.

“The NSW Government will engage with the private sector to transform the current, one-size-fits-all model of service delivery, to one with multiple service types including high-capacity routes and local and on-demand travel.”

Region 9’s privatisation was earmarked for tender in early 2020 but was pushed back to 2021 due to the pandemic.

Controversy Arises Over Shark Nets in Maroubra Beach and Other Areas

The local community at Maroubra Beach and other northern beaches are wholly against the proposal to remove protective shark nets at local beaches, citing safety concerns

Recently, Randwick City Council received a motion to phase out shark nets around eastern Sydney’s beaches, saying that these could also trap other non-harmful marine creatures like turtles and other fish.

Greens MP Lindsay Shurey proposed to have smart drum lines in place of the nets to lessen the harmful impact of the barriers on the sea animals but Liberal councillors rejected the motion. In a post on Facebook, the nippers explained why they don’t support the proposal.

“For the record, Maroubra Beach is approximately 1.2km wide from point to point. From the shoreline approx 400 metres outwards, we have a series of shark nets placed strategically to help protect swimmers and surfers from the risk of shark attacks, we’ve had no attacks for many many years at Maroubra,” the post stated.

“The protected area for humans on Maroubra Beach is limited to a relatively small area of the beach/ocean where a series of nets are strategically placed in channels (not entirely across the beach) blocking pathways for sharks from approaching shallow areas where people are likely to be located.”

The nippers also said that whilst drumlines work in regional areas, Maroubra Beach is different because it is frequented by beachgoers every day. The nets helped fend off a white pointer in Maroubra Beach as 1,200 school children were holding activities in the water.

“Your club is conscious of protecting sea life however not at the expense of children and others & until the technology is able to replace nets thereby protecting people we strongly reject the proposal to remove physical barriers.”

It comes as drone footage controlled by a Maroubra local caught a juvenile predator, the great white shark, on the hunt for a stingray miles off the tourist beach. Whilst the video caught such spectacular behaviour, other commenters on social media said that the shark could have easily breached the barrier.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lewis (@carvedbanks)

Meanwhile, experts reminded beachgoers of some basic ways to avoid a shart attack:

Never go swimming alone, especially at dawn or dusk
Avoid swimming in areas where there are lots of fish
Don’t wear jewellery as it can catch light and attract the predators

4 Ways to Help the New Organic Garden at Maroubra Grow

Do you want to be part of an enriching community initiative? A group of locals has been gathering resources to build and sustain The Garden at Maroubra, an upcoming organic garden to benefit all residents.

The Garden at Maroubra is targetted to open in 2021. Randwick City Council is expected to sign off on the final design plans in May or June. This will be the third community garden within Sydney’s eastern suburbs, after Coogee and Randwick.

Whilst waiting for approval, heaps of preparation and work have to be done before the community could harvest a bountiful gain. Here are four ways you can help with the initiative:

1. Make a one-time donation to get things started.

For this community space to thrive, funds will be needed to buy seeds and organic soil, as well as spend for the water tanks and shed. The group has set up a fundraising initiative on Go Fund Me for one-time contributions.

2. Become a Friend of the Garden.

Your generosity will go further if you sign up to be a “Friend of the Garden” and regularly contribute an annual $59 to the cause. This privilege will allow you to participate in training workshops or the working bees program, where you can help maintain the site at your most convenient time.

3. Become a Working Member.

If you’re eager to take your participation a step further, you can sign up to be a “Working Member” and make a $149 annual contribution. Working members are required to join garden workshops and working bee programs. They are also expected to be at The Garden on a weekly basis to cultivate the fruits, herbs and vegetables, as well as keep the space in order. This is ideally great for retirees and residents who have more time to volunteer.

“As The Garden is not yet under construction, members must undertake training workshops prior to becoming involved in the project,” the group said. “We are currently building out the workshop calendar for 2021, so once you confirm how you’d like to be involved, we will contact you via email to outline the workshops needed to get involved. There are no additional costs for these workshops; they are covered as part of your annual membership fee.”

4. Spread the word.

The Garden at Maroubra needs to get the word out to gather more members, sponsors and donations. Help raise awareness by sharing The Garden at Maroubra Facebook page. Look at the group event’s page and share the workshop schedule in your network. Someone from your contact list might be an expert gardener who can provide tips, inputs, and guidance to improve this initiative.

Published 26 February 2021

Champagnat Catholic College in Maroubra to Shift to Co-Ed

Champagnat Catholic College in Maroubra will transition from a private boys school to a co-educational school beginning 2023 after studies have revealed a huge demand for a mixed-sex system in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

School director Tony Farley said that the decision has been vital since single-sex education has dominated schools in Sydney east, regardless if it’s a Catholic, public or independent system.

The Maroubra institution will be the third Marist Brothers-operated school to change the system in the last seven years after Marist North Shore (North Sydney) and Marist College Penshurst (Mortdale).

Marist North Shore welcomed the first batch of Year 7 female students during the first term for 2021, comprising 60 girls out of 160 students. Marist College Penshurst, on the other hand, saw its enrollment doubling since it became co-ed in 2014.

Years were spent in preparation for the shift. Both Marist schools redesigned their toilet blocks and changed the curriculum to accommodate girls. The school staff and older students had to undergo gender bias training as well.

In November 2020, Mr Farley announced Champagnat Catholic College’s masterplan as it prepares for the transition. The plan covers:

the delivery of contemporary learning spaces and facilities;
increased curriculum opportunities for students; and
shared new and renewed facilities and the opportunity to foster better connections between the parishes, partner schools and community.

“We will start with year 7 only in 2023. Each year after that we will enrol girls and boys into the year 7 cohort. The complete transition to coeducation will take six years. We will not be accepting enrolments for girls in the high years until we have transitioned to co-education,” school officials said.

As part of the transition, Champagnat Catholic College will also have its Open Day on 24 March 2021.

Champagnat Catholic College, founded in 161, accepts Year 7 to 12 students and has dominated sports competitions in the Sydney Metropolitan area. This Maroubra school averages 700 students per enrollment.

ANZ Maroubra Junction to Permanently Close in April 2021

Here’s a heads-up for clients of ANZ Maroubra Junction following reports that the major bank will close 19 branches permanently across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

Randick Mayor Danny Said announced that the Maroubra branch has been affected by the closure and will service clients only until Wednesday 7 April 2021. Customers of this branch are encouraged to to get their accounts in order before the closure.

“ANZ will assist customers with alternative banking methods such as online, telephone and mobile banking options. Customer accounts that were at the Maroubra Junction branch will now be located at ANZ Eastgardens,” the mayor posted on Facebook.

ANZ’s closure will mean job losses for 100 workers, prompting Financial Sector Union National Secretary Julia Angrisan to call the decision “heartless.”

It is not known how many staff currently work at the ANZ Maroubra Junction.

The bank said that it’s shifting focus on online banking post-pandemic but Ms Angrisan said ANZ has been forcing customers to go online because it will save costs on rents and staff wages whilst boosting profits.

Reports stated that ANZ’s full-year profits in the pandemic year (2020) were at $3.76 billion.

Meanwhile, the following ANZ branches in NSW will shut down in the next few months:

Ashfield
Campbelltown
Crows Nest
Chifley Square
East Maitland
Engadine
Erina Fair
Kiama
Maroubra Junction
Potts Point
Springwood
St Leonards

Bluebottle Alert at Maroubra Beaches: What To Do If Stung?

An alert has been raised across Sydney’s beaches, including Maroubra, as droves of bluebottle jellyfish have been washing up in the coastline. Whilst the onslaught is expected to ease off right before autumn, experts have warned that thousands of these stingers could still return.

Randwick City Councillor Dylan Parker shared a photo of the situation at a Maroubra SLSC tent as dozens of swimmers reported their brush with bluebottle clumps in the water.

The lifesavers usually rub ice on the victims’ skin to reduce the stinging sensation. However, Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory recommends rinsing and neutralising the affected area with seawater first before reaching out for a bottle of cold water or ice. It’s the same recommendation from the Australia Resuscitation Council.

Apparently, applying freshwater first could worsen the sting but seawater will stop the stinger from pumping more venom. Apart from ice, hot water is also good for numbing the pain after neutralisation.

Because bluebottles are sea drifters, their movement is directed by north-easterly winds and not by the season. When onshore winds are strong, bluebottles will likely come ashore, as recently seen in Sydney’s beaches.

Major bluebottle situation at Maroubra today #marenvs20 pic.twitter.com/hu1r39FKoK
— Crystal Dimov (@dimov_c) February 6, 2020

Swimmers and beachgoers in Maroubra are advised to watch out for signs and warnings from the lifeguards or download the Jellyfish App for alerts and tips.

Mahon Pool: Quiet Family Spot Beyond the Surfing Mecca

As a surfing hotspot, Maroubra’s beaches are expectedly crowded, especially during the weekends, but towards the clifftops to the northern end is a quiet bathing spot known as Mahon Pool.

To the unfamiliar, finding Mahon Pool might not be easy coming from the beaches on Marine Parade but locals sure know that amidst the mossy pit and down by the rocky formation is a natural tidal pool, which has been developed and improved since the 1930s.

Mahon Pool is where frazzled Sydney dwellers go to take a dip and unwind, sans the mob. Usually relaxing and scenic, this outdoor pool thrills the adventurous as well. Whenever the tide is up and the wind is strong, good waves usually follow.

This has been the go-to watering hole for families with kids for decades because, aside from swimming, the rock formation is a haven for exploration and discovery. On the grassy spot, locals, who know each other by name, usually enjoy a picnic.

Photo Credit: Anna Szczecińska/Google Maps

Elite athletes and the Sydney Swans AFL team use the pool for training on some days. The water can be extra cold during the winter months when only the brave souls dare take a dip.

Prior to the pandemic, improvements to the toilet and changing facilities on the clifftops were undertaken, making a trip to Mahon Pool all the more worth it. The building, designed by Lahz Nimmo Architects, was made to blend with the environment and won the 2020 NSW Landscape Awards.

Mahon Pool was named for Alderman Mahon, a South Ward representative who lobbied to improve the tidal pool to what it is today. He died in 1935, before seeing Mahon Pool’s development. Maroubra Bay Progress Association petitioned Council to memorialise him by attaching his name to the bathing site.

Maroubra’s Pacific Square, Other Mini-Gun Shopping Centres Remain Resilient

Mini-gun shopping centres, or those with a Gross Lettable Area (GLA) between 6,000 to 20,000 square metres, such as Maroubra’s Pacific Square, are thriving under the pandemic lockdowns better than the big guns or big retail hubs.

A report from the Shopping Centre News revealed that 133 mini-guns in Australia collectively raked $13 billion in sales between 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020, with Pacific Square performing above the numbers of bigger malls following the addition of new food retailers.

Pacific Square had an 18 percent improvement in sales ($18,805 in turnover per square metre) by remixing its retail and food choices months before the pandemic struck. The Maroubra shopping centre also had $173 million in annual earnings, improving its previous year’s numbers by 1.5 percent.

According to Michael Lloyd of the Shopping Centre News, mini-guns have had high levels of trading because they are “local and convenient” and have shop owners or managers who know the pulse of the community.

In recent years, smaller shopping centres have also been managed by a sophisticated team of workers who got their training under the big guns. The right mix of local influence and refined corporate guidance has equipped the mini-guns to deliver peak performance during an unprecedented and unexpected public health crisis.

*Rank*	*Centre*	*Moving Annual Turnover* *per sq m*
1	Pacific Square, NSW	$18,805
2	Lane Cove Market Square, NSW	$17,727
3	Norwood Place, SA	$16,648
4	Bentons Square, Vic	$16,271
5	Shoreline Plaza, Tas	$16,007
6	Bridgepoint S/C, NSW	$15,630
8	St Ives Shopping Village NSW	$15,456
9	Kenmore Plaza, Qld	$15,430
10	Gasworks, Qld	$14,801

Sweet Whale Maroubra Serves the Coolest Treats You’ll Need to Beat the Summer Heat

Maroubra locals will say that this beachside suburb has been missing a decent ice cream joint, with a good number of flavour selections for many years. But with the opening of Sweet Whale Maroubra, a gelato and drink shop at Marine Parade, ice cream lovers now have something to talk about.

Sweet Whale Maroubra has opened its doors at the former stall that housed a news agency next to the pharmacy on Marine Parade, an area that draws a lot of foot traffic from families with kids strolling in the summer months.

Easily accessible either by car or foot, the ice cream shop is quite spacious for long lines of customers and whilst there’s not much to sit, the shop has a happy and vibrant feel.

The owners of Sweet Whale aren’t new to the ice cream business as they’ve successfully been running the award-winning gelato shop, Lello’s, at Westfield Eastgardens four kilometres west of their latest business. Some of Lellos gelato flavours are also offered at the Maroubra store, such as the colourful and creamy Unicorn gelato (cotton candy flavour).

Aside from ice cream, the store also serves bubble tea, coffee and fresh juices. They’ve just debuted their Crystal Mermaid Tear, a cool combination of icy crushed mango and butterfly pea flavours topped with lychee popping pearls. It promises to be an “adventurous and chilly rush”!

The store opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and you can follow them on Instagram.

Pioneers Park Sportsfield Upgrade Starts, Completion Target in May

The upgrade on the lower sports field at Pioneers Park in Malabar has begun and the site will temporarily be unavailable for community use until its target completion in May 2021.

Randwick City Council confirmed that the first steps of preparing the field for civic works started in December last year.

The tricky process has been monitored by Hygienist and Environmental Engineer (JBSG) as the site was once a landfill containing materials with asbestos. The experts have been regularly conducting tests to ascertain that conditions around the park remain healthy and ideal whilst work has been underway.

Pioneers Park’s redevelopment was approved following the necessary maintenance of the stormwater harvesting system on site.

As part of its upgrade, Council will install a new all-weather synthetic playing field and new natural grass surface field, allowing young boys and girls from different local leagues to take advantage of the facilities regardless of the season.

Apart from the installation of the new fields, the scope of work on the park will include excavation, drainage works, footpath works, laying turf and miscellaneous civil works.

With the upgraded site, Council expects a reduction in maintenance costs and an expansion in the participation of students in sports activities.

Field 1 and Field 2 are currently fenced and closed for public use.

For concerns and updates on the progress of Pioneers Park, phone or email the project manager at 02 9093 6763 or zaman.shamsuz@randwick.nsw.gov.au.