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Maroubra Tutor Installs Street Libraries Across Sydney’s East

Did you know that you can find FREE books, magazines, and even games at a street library in Maroubra? It’s one of a handful of street libraries installed by Maroubra tutor and business owner, Harry Mavrolefteros, to help make learning materials more accessible to those who need them.

Mr Mavrolefteros is the owner of First Education, a tutoring facility for K to Year 12 students, and he decided to put up these street libraries at various sites in Eastern Sydney because of the pandemic lockdowns.

The passionate tutor stocks up the street libraries with free textbooks on Maths, English, and Science, which he has either bought out of pocket or received through donations. Mr Mavrolefteros said this is his way of letting the students and their parents know that support is available, as they cope with a unique learning experience amidst a public health crisis.

Some of the donations have also included “hardcore” Greek books that still appealed to readers. Mr Mavrolefteros, who is of Greek heritage, realised that no matter what books he adds to the library, it would be grabbed by a bookwork in a matter of days.

The locations of his street libraries are:

SUBURB	STREET
Maroubra	below the First Education tutoring site at the corner of Anzac Parade and Boyce Road
Earlwood	next to the Earlwood Post Office on Homer Street
Bondi	on the corner of Bondi Road and Penkivil Street
Mascot	on Botany Road near the corner with King Street

Mr Mavrolefteros established First Education in October 2010, above the Maroubra optometry shop of his parents. Aside from Maths, English, and Science, there are also debating classes and study sessions to prepare Year 12 kids for their final year in high school. The tutor believes that learning is a privilege, especially if the students find the right mentor.

Meanwhile, Street Library is a worldwide movement to encourage literacy and foster positive community engagement. In Australia, the Street Library movement aims to establish 5,000 street libraries by December 2021. As of November, the group has over 3,000 sites across the country.

Learn How to Build or Support Street Libraries

Maroubra Junction Public School Principal Focuses On Developing A Strong School Culture

Photo credit: Liam Mcevoy/Google Maps

‘School culture’ has been the focus area of the 2021 International Teacher Exchange program between Helen Empacher, Principal of Maroubra Junction Public School and a colleague from Alberta, Canada.

Read: Proud Maroubra Resident Dylan Parker Taking Public Service to New Heights

In an exchange done virtually with Ms Kathiana Marc of Ecole Sainte-Catherine School in Alberta, Ms Empacher shared how the culture of a school can impact relationships with key stakeholders and learning outcomes for students.

“In my current school, I would confidently say that our school culture is strong. One way of knowing this is via our annual involvement in the Tell Them From Me surveys,” Ms Empacher said.

Tell Them From Me is a self-evaluation tool for schools based on two complementary research paradigms (‘effective schools’ research and ‘Dimensions of Classroom and School Practices’). Amongst other markers of success as a school, these surveys measure the school’s abilities in the eight drivers of student learning.

“For all eight, we have graded as above state average for the last three years. This is not to say that we are without challenges where our school culture is concerned. This is why I keep this at the top of my priorities because it is this that strongly drives student learning outcomes,” she said.

Developing a Strong School Culture

Photo credit:Maroubra Junction Public School

Ms Empacher, a principal at Maroubra Junction Public School for over eight years has shared a few recommendations to Ms Marc, who was new to the position of a school principal, working in a small school in this role for just over a year.

She believes problems within schools can be resolved more readily and successes can be celebrated more authentically if relationships and communication are strong.

“Once relationships are established, more challenging questions can be asked, for example, as trust has been built,” Ms Empacher said.

According to Ms Empacher, there are three main categories when developing or sustaining and growing a school culture:

Verbal – includes written and spoken, evident in things like the school motto, the school plan, a shared vision, the school’s goals and the language used by teachers when talking about school.
Behavioural – evident in the school’s procedures, ceremonies, rules and regulations, rewards and consequences, structures and curricula.
Visual – evident in the school’s symbols, uniforms and facilities.

Culture, for Ms Empacher, is the environment that surrounds people at work all of the time. It is a powerful element that shapes your work enjoyment, your work relationships and your work processes.

Lastly, Ms Empacher recommended working with key stakeholders to identify the school’s culture and to negotiate the way forward for improvement. Principals should find ways to collaborate, to have parents involved, to communicate with students about their home lives and their learning at school and to be inclusive of students at all levels of need.

Pagewood, Hillsdale Locals Lead Most Entries in Million Dollar Vax

Residents of Pagewood and Hillsdale are leading the most number of entries for southeast Sydney in the nationwide Million Dollar Vax COVID-19 vaccine raffle contest created by a group of generous philanthropists and corporations to boost the country’s vaccination program.

Launched in early October 2021, the Million Dollar Vax contest has, so far, enticed 1.73 million Australians from 18 years old and above to sign up for a raffle entry from the official site. All they needed to be eligible was to get at least one jab of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine before the grand event.

Craig Winkler, the chairperson of Million Dollar Vax, said that they are extremely pleased by the turnout of Australians who signed up for the million-dollar draw on 5 November 2021. However, the group has also been giving away 100 gift cards worth $1,0000 on a daily basis since the launch and 1.3 million more gift cards are set to be given away until the end of the month.

The Million Dollar Vax initiative was inspired by the vaccination contest in Ohio in the U.S. where five residents, who have gotten their first jab, won one million each.

Aside from Pagewood and Hillsdale, a high number of residents of Botany, Daceyville, Eastgardens, and Mascot also got in on the contest.

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A post shared by M$V Alliance (@milliondollarvaccine)

To enter the Million Dollar Vax Promotion residents must go online between the 1st October – 31st October and provide the following details:

First and last name;
Email address;
Date of Birth;
Suburb;
Postcode;
Mobile phone number

They must also acknowledge and advise the promoter that they have received the advice of a health practitioner prior to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination during or following the promotional period.

The winners’ names, states, and postcodes will be published on the official site, which will remain live until the end of 2021.

Jaggar Phillips, 10-Year-Old Maroubra Surfer, Nabs Billabong Sponsorship

A 10-year-old surfing prodigy from Maroubra has received a sponsorship from Billabong, one of Australia’s longest-running apparel brands for surf and beach lovers. Jaggar Phillips impressed the Billabong team after they saw his videos during the brand’s “Surfing 30 Days in September” challenge.

Jagger was able to complete the challenge with much success as he raised $2,200 for remote surf communities, where access to sanitation and medical care, including child and women’s health care, is challenging.

As friends of the family reposted Jagger’s videos to gather support, Billabong apparently had their eye on the young talent.

The company’s representatives got in touch with the boy and his father, Mark Phillips, and asked if they would like a sponsorship. Whilst Jagger has had experience joining surfing competitions, he has mostly ridden the water for fun and enjoyment.

Jagger is off to complete the 2021 Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps National Series for the first time as a Billabong endorser. The event will run from September to December 2021 across New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland.

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A post shared by JAGGAR PHILLIPS JP (@jaggar_phillips)

Jagger has been surfing since he was two years old and a link to Billabong has always been part of his dreams.

He was able to join Billabong’s 30-day surfing challenge last month as NSW schools shifted to Zoom sessions, allowing him to take his surfboard on the waters of Maroubra in between his online classes every single day.

“Thanks heaps, Billabong, for the sponsor! I’m so stoked!” Jagger said in another video.

Proud Maroubra Resident Dylan Parker Taking Public Service to New Heights

Maroubra resident Dylan Parker is now at the helm of Randwick City, taking over from Danny Said. The new leader plans to rejuvenate the area and revive the city’s nightlife as he works to reopen establishments and community groups safely.

Mr Parker, who started his career as a public servant in 2017, worked in the government for nearly a decade. He assisted public housing tenants and was training to become an educator before public service became his calling.

The son of a nurse and a small business owner in Maroubra, Mr Parker is also a volunteer lifesaver. He promised to carry on the legacy of Mr Said, who served as Randwick’s mayor for two years.

Mr Parker’s key objectives as the new mayor include enriching the cultural life of the community and preserving the green spaces with various park and walking tracks improvements.

Photo Credit: RCCPhoto Credit: RCCPhoto Credit: RCC

“Randwick has remained resilient throughout a really tough period. Over the next term I look forward to ensuring our sporting groups, cafes, restaurants and community groups can reopen safely,” Mr Dylan Parker said.

“I want to rejuvenate our area and bring energy to our nightlife. I will also work to protect our green spaces and demand real, affordable housing for our area.”

Meanwhile, Mr Said remarked that “the Council is in safe hands” with Mr Parker at the helm.

Along with the new leadership, Lindsay Shurey was named the Deputy Mayor of Randwick. She started public service in 2012 and led the city in 2017.

Neighbourhood Cellars to Takeover The Feedbag in Maroubra

Neighbourhood Cellars, the family-run liquor shop with several outlets across the Eastern Suburbs, is moving into The Feedbag’s former site, a familiar corner spot on McKeon Street in Maroubra.

The Feedbag owner and chef, Peter Thompson, confirmed that he’s shutting down the burger joint in a few months to take time off and develop a new business concept. However, Thompson is not completely shutting down the option to revive the sought-after “Bra Burger” so patrons of the shop should continue to follow its Instagram account.

An experienced hospitality worker, Thompson opened The Feedbag in 2016 to offer an uncomplicated menu of burgers and beer. He created a laidback space with an inviting and relaxing vibe, attracting a diversified market of beachgoers, professionals, students and parents.

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A post shared by The Feedbag Burger Restaurant (@thefeedbagburgers)

Meanwhile, Neighbourhood Cellars has filed a development application (DA/563/2021) with Randwick City Council to change the use of the retail premise from a cafe to a liquor store, which will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday. The plan also includes changes to the interiors

“The proposed development will involve a fit out of the interior of the ground floor of the building and its fitting out as a retail liquor store,” the development application indicated.

“The end-product will be a retail shop fitted out with perimeter shelving including refrigerated cabinets, some free-standing display units, a counter with a cool room at the rear similar to that found in stores retailing quality packaged liquor.”

Neighbourhood Cellars hopes to “breathe new life” into the shopping strip by offering fine wine choices that could attract new clientele from Maroubra and the surrounding suburbs.

The application, lodged on 13 Sept 2021, is still under preliminary review. Follow Neighbourhood Cellars on Facebook for updates about the new site’s opening.

Solar Start-Up SunDrive, Founded in Maroubra, Sets New World Record

SunDrive, the solar company established by two innovative UNSW graduates at a Maroubra garage, has set a new world record for efficiency which was previously held for years by Longi Green Energy Technology Co, a solar power giant from China.

In a post on Twitter, SunDrive announced a new world record of 25.54 percent efficiency for a commercial-size silicon solar cell. Its claim was tested by the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamlin, Germany and acknowledged by China’s PV-Tech.

Australian technology making history!🇦🇺☀️

SunDrive has officially set a new world record for a commercial size silicon solar cell.

A proud milestone for the team that worked incredibly hard to achieve this. Stay tuned for what’s next… pic.twitter.com/xf9NtqqZ7I
— SunDrive (@sundrivesolar) September 9, 2021

Cannon-Brookes also confirmed SunDrive’s big news on Twitter.

“This little Aussie startup just set the world record for panel efficiency,” he wrote. “This is a big deal on the world stage – and it came from some super smart people in a small Sydney garage. Copper is the way.”

The next move for SunDrive is to prove that their invention could be mass-produced affordably whilst retaining reliability and efficiency.

Formed by Vince Allen and David Hu in 2015, SunDrive has developed as a more cost-efficient solar cell, using copper instead of silver. The company has since received support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes to upgrade its operations.

“It’s fantastic to see an Australian solar startup at the forefront of producing the next generation of high-efficiency solar cells,” ARENA CEO Darren Miller said after announcing its support for SunDrive.

“Through technological innovations from startups like SunDrive, Australia will remain at the forefront of solar innovation and research and development for years to come.”

“With ARENA’s support, we feel incredibly proud to be in a position to contribute to Australia’s rich heritage of advancing solar cell technology. With this project we have an opportunity in Australia to lead the world in creating the best version of next-generation solar cells,” Allen said.

“Our goal is to use the learnings from this project to bring to life a superior solar technology, creating new local industries which can compete on the global stage.”

Plans Released for the Coral Sea Park Playground Upgrade in Maroubra

Plans for the Coral Sea Park playground upgrade in Maroubra are now under public exhibit. The playground designs were done with inputs from the Maroubra United Soccer Club, as well as various local and school clubs that use the greenfield.

In January 2021, Randwick City Council asked for contributions about the planned upgrades with most suggestions leaning towards the reconfiguration of the existing layout, as well as the construction of a new playing field, which should boost playing hours to more than 2,000 hours a year.

Per the Council, the Coral Sea Park playground upgrade will include the following changes and additions:

New state-of-the-art synthetic sports field to allow for an additional 2,000 hours of play, with mini-field markings for juniors and able to be played on all year round.
Redesign of the overall park to allow for larger fields to enhance the player experience and meet Football NSW Guidelines.
Upgrading lights to allow for safer play and additional spaces to be floodlit in winter.
New cricket nets, moved to a new location.
Existing half basketball courts will be unaffected and remain in their current location.

Maroubra locals and those who use the facility are enjoined to submit their inputs to the plans by filling out the online survey, which will close on 29 Sept. 2021. Council staff members will review the community feedback before any changes have to begin.

Submit Your Feedback

Coral Sea Park was dedicated to the war heroes of the battle fought in the Coral Seal in May 1942. It is set amidst a quiet residential area minutes away from the beaches. It’s a popular site for rugby, soccer, and cricket players, as well as kids who love to play outdoors in the playground. A section of the park is for off-leash dog exercises.

Maroubra Granted Priority Access to Pfizer for 16 to 49 Following Superspreader Event

Some parts of the Eastern Suburbs have been given priority access to the Pfizer vaccine for eligible individuals between the ages of 16 to 49 years old, following a superspreader event in Maroubra.

Health officials have grown concerned after a Maroubra party with about 60 guests on 14 Aug resulted in 20 positive cases who infected 61 more close contacts. To prevent a COVID-19 hotspot, NSW’s vaccine program has put Maroubra as a priority, as well as these Randwick local government areas: Chifley, Clovelly, Coogee, Kensington, Kingsford, La Perouse-Phillip Bay, Little Bay, Malabar, Matraville, Randwick, South Coogee.

Camden LGA and Bayside LGA are also on priority.

“We know there are several hundred thousand people in these LGAs who are unvaccinated in this age group, and this is a great opportunity for them to come forward and get their jab,” NSW Health Deputy Secretary Susan Pearce said.

Beginning Monday, 31 Aug 2021, Randwick City Council has urged all eligible residents to book a vaccination slot as a priority pop-up vaccination hub has been set up in Novotel Hotel at the corner of Grand Parade and Princess Street.

NSW has been administering 127,530 doses of Pfizer a week and will have more supplies by October 2021.

Meanwhile, the NSW Police announced the formation of Strike Force Travelstop, which will investigate the superspreader event in Maroubra.

“Each of these people who are going to these functions must understand that they run the risk of either having the virus and transmitting it or getting the virus and taking it home to their families and their communities,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

“There is no time now to be selfish – it’s time to think of the broader community and your families. If you are actually spreading the virus, you could be responsible for peoples’ deaths.”

Aggressive contact tracing has taken place since the event but fines have not yet been issued by the authorities amidst the investigation.

Woolworths Partners With Uber Eats to Trial One-Hour Delivery in Maroubra Beach

Woolworths has launched a new initiative with Uber Eats to facilitate a one-hour delivery service in Maroubra Beach and 11 other Sydney and Melbourne sites.

Beginning Monday, 30 Aug 2021, customers may shop for 1,200 products from Woolworths Metro using their Uber Eats app. After the grocery staff has packed the purchases, the items will be delivered by Uber Eats drivers straight to the designated address from the app.

Justin Nolan, the general manager of Woolworths Metro, said that the initiative should satisfy their online customers’ last-minute shopping needs, especially for those looking for speed and reliability of service. Mr Nolan also said that it will also comply with their customers’ need to limit their time outside because of the risk of virus transmission.

Woolworths Metro products on the Uber Eats app include the most basic grocery staples, as well as a good selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals. The process and payments work the same way as when people order from restaurants through Uber Eats.

App users from Maroubra Beach, Bondi, Padstow, Park Sydney (Erskineville), Pyrmont, Randwick, Redfern, Rose Bay, and Rozelle in Sydney should be able to see the feature when it rolls out next week. The service will also be ready in Balaclava, Hadfield, and Hawthorn in Melbourne.

Woolworths has plans to introduce the service in the rest of its Metro outlets across Australia in 2022. It comes as the supermarket giant has an existing and broader partnership with Uber for larger online supermarket deliveries.

Meanwhile, Uber Eats ANZ regional manager Lucas Groeneveld said that their delivery service has increased in demand amidst the Sydney lockdowns, which has been extended until the end of September. Mr Groeneveld said that adding Woolworths Metro strengthens their platforms’ appeal for Australian households because because they may now be able to get anything from the app.