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Teen Ironman Ethan Callaghan Challenges Ali Day at Maroubra in Tight Iron Series Battle

Wild conditions and a vicious shore break at Maroubra tested Australia’s elite ironmen and ironwomen in round five of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series, with a captivating generational battle emerging at the top of the leaderboard.

Read: Powerful Surf Re‑Exposes Hereward Shipwreck off Maroubra Beach

The local beach’s washing machine-like surf proved the perfect testing ground for 19-year-old rising star Ethan Callaghan to claim his second series win of the season, drawing level with his childhood hero Ali Day on 112 points with just two rounds remaining.

Photo credit: Facebook/Shaw and Partners Iron Series

For Day, the 10-time Coolangatta Gold champion who retired from that prestigious event after his October victory, Maroubra delivered a setback to his hopes of claiming another professional series title. The ironman great could only manage fifth place as Callaghan led from the front in treacherous conditions.

The weekend’s racing at Maroubra showcased both the skill and endurance required in surf lifesaving competition. Competitors found themselves in battles of survival as waves swallowed athletes, equipment soared through the air, and the vicious shore break tested even the most experienced campaigners.

Conditions were brutal, according to 21-year-old Callum Brennan, who won Saturday’s round four and sits third overall on 107 points, just five behind the leaders. The young gun from Currumbin described the racing as hectic as competitors battled the elements.

For Callaghan, the Burleigh Heads ironman whose father Travis competed in the Uncle Toby’s series in the early 2000s, the Maroubra triumph was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The teenager admitted to significant anxiety heading into the ski leg, where he remains the least experienced paddler in the professional field. Despite his concerns about the challenging surf, Callaghan acknowledged he’s still learning but was pleased with how the race unfolded.

He beat Burleigh clubmate Joel Piper and Northcliffe’s Zach Morris for a Queensland sweep of the podium on Sunday.

The significance of Callaghan’s performance extends beyond the points table. Just a season ago, he was a Next Gen competitor who had won a spot in his first professional field alongside the man he’d idolised growing up. Now he’s threatening to deny Day another series crown.

Callaghan has previously spoken about his admiration for Day, citing the resilience and toughness the champion showed in coming back from potentially career-ending injuries to return to the top of the game and establish himself as one of the greatest ironmen of all time. Those same qualities of mental fortitude and determination will be crucial as the teenager seeks to maintain his momentum heading into the final rounds.

The women’s competition delivered its own breakthrough moment at Maroubra, with Burleigh’s Lily O’Sullivan claiming her maiden round win despite being confined to bed with illness in the days before competition. O’Sullivan defeated Newport’s Lizzie Welborn and Northcliffe’s Emily Doyle, moving into 10th place overall.

In the women’s overall standings, Lucy Derbyshire and Carla Papac share top spot on 114 points, with Tiarnee Massie third on 97 points.

The competitor said her illness may have worked in her favour, forcing her to race smartly rather than rely on superior fitness in the challenging surf conditions. O’Sullivan described the victory as the fulfilment of a dream she’d held since she was about five years old, having spent the past five years in the series watching other competitors before finally claiming her first win. She expressed immense pride in the achievement.

The weekend’s competition at Maroubra also carried deeper significance for the surf lifesaving community. Newport’s Charlie Verco, who finished second in Saturday’s ironman, spoke about the resilience shown by local clubs in the wake of the Bondi tragedy in December.

Verco, who happened to be at Bondi on the night of the shooting attack, described the experience as frightening. He reflected on how the incident dramatically changed the beachside community in the following weeks, with crowds dropping from tens of thousands to almost nothing as Bondi became a ghost town patrolled by police officers. However, he noted the beach has bounced back quickly with strong community support.

The Sydney surf lifesaver praised the volunteer lifesavers who opened their clubs and rushed to help those injured and affected by the shooting attack. He emphasised that these volunteers, who typically deal with swimming and surf-related emergencies, showed remarkable bravery by putting their lives on the line in circumstances they were never prepared for. The tragedy, Verco suggested, highlighted the dedication and courage within the surf lifesaving movement.

Read: Maroubra Coastal Foraging Walk Listed in Ocean Lovers Festival 2026

As the series heads to the Gold Coast for its final two rounds on January 31 and February 1, the battle lines are drawn. Callaghan and Day remain locked together at the top, with young gun Brennan lurking just behind.

Published 13-January-2026

Pioneers Park Patrols Increase After Pets Fall Sick in Baiting Scare

Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil

A confirmed dog-baiting incident at Pioneers Park in Malabar has prompted urgent warning signs and extra patrols of the off-leash area, leaving local dog walkers on edge as authorities urge the community to stay alert to protect pets from harm.

Locals have expressed concern about pet safety, with some sharing past experiences of pets falling ill or, in one case, dying after visiting the park. One resident reported their dog consuming what appeared to be minced meat found in bushes, and the animal was taken to a vet for treatment before being monitored for potential poisoning. The meat sample was kept in case authorities wanted to test it.

Calls for additional security measures have grown louder on neighbourhood community pages, with several people urging cameras and more frequent park inspections to deter further harmful behaviour.

Randwick City Council responded swiftly after being notified of the suspected incident at the northern end of Pioneers Park, installing warning signage and increasing ranger patrols to search for suspicious materials that could endanger animals. Council said it had referred the matter to NSW Police, which is investigating, and urged dog owners to keep their dogs on leads and under close supervision while in the park.

While rangers continue patrols during busy morning and evening periods, some dog owners remain cautious about bringing their pets to the beloved local green space.

Police have not yet publicly confirmed formal reports of the incident, but Council maintains it is working closely with them to address the situation and keep the community and their pets safe. Dog walkers are encouraged to report anything unusual to either council staff or NSW Police as the investigation continues.

Dog baiting — the intentional placement of food laced with harmful substances — is illegal and can be life-threatening for pets and wildlife. Incidents like this have stirred strong responses in other parts of Sydney as well, and local authorities stress early reporting and vigilance to prevent harm.

The park was searched and warning signs were put in place after the incident was reported on 7 January 2026. Increased patrols and community alerts have remained active since then as further checks are conducted and police continue their inquiry.

Published 13-Jan-2026

Maroubra SLSC Volunteer Robert Allchin Earns National Medal

Photo Credit: Maroubra SLSC/Facebook

Robert Allchin from Maroubra SLSC has been recognised with a National Medal for long service in surf lifesaving, reflecting years of verified patrol and safety work carried out through the club.

Community Service Recognised

The recognition places Maroubra SLSC among clubs represented in the latest national honours round announced by Surf Life Saving Australia.

The National Medal recognises long service carried out in roles involving personal risk, including beach patrols, rescues, first aid, and preventative actions. Allchin is listed as the recipient from Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club in this honours batch.

What The National Medal Represents

The National Medal forms part of Australia’s official honours system and was established in 1975. Eligibility is set by Commonwealth regulation rather than Surf Life Saving Australia and follows strict service requirements.

Members must complete a minimum of 15 full years of operational service, record at least 30 patrol or lifeguard hours each season, and remain proficient throughout their service. All service must be active, verified, and completed before an application is accepted for assessment.

Maroubra SLSC In Context

Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club is a volunteer-based organisation with deep roots in the local community. The club patrols Maroubra Beach, supports member training, and promotes water safety across Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Its history documents long-standing community involvement in surf lifesaving, patrol activity, and skills development.

Recognition At Club Level

National Medals are presented at club or service level to keep recognition grounded in the communities where the service occurs. At Maroubra, Allchin’s award reflects sustained commitment across many patrol seasons rather than a single incident.

The recognition links a national honour back to local surf lifesaving service and ongoing community beach safety efforts relied on by residents and visitors.

Published 31-December-2025

Maroubra Coastal Foraging Walk Listed in Ocean Lovers Festival 2026

Photo Credit: Ocean Lovers Festival

Maroubra is included in the published program for the Ocean Lovers Festival 2026, with a coastal foraging walk scheduled as part of the festival’s month-long series of ocean-focused activities across Sydney.

Maroubra Added To Citywide Festival Program

Founded in Bondi in 2019, the Ocean Lovers Festival returns in March 2026 for its sixth year, continuing its evolution into a citywide event spanning Sydney’s coastline and harbour. The festival now runs across multiple locations throughout March, reflecting its expansion beyond its original Bondi setting.

The 2026 program operates under the theme “Dive into Discovery & Wonder” and is structured around the pillars of discovery, action and fun. Maroubra is listed among the participating suburbs, alongside Bondi, Manly, North Sydney and other harbour-side locations, as part of this broader coastal approach.

Coastal Foraging Walk Scheduled At Maroubra Beach

The Maroubra-based activity listed in the program is a coastal foraging walk scheduled for Saturday, 21 March 2026, commencing at 10 a.m. The event will begin outside the Pavilion Beachfront at Maroubra Beach and take place along South Maroubra.

The walk will be led by plant-based chef Elijah Attard, who is known for his work with wild and foraged ingredients. Participants will be guided along a route of approximately 1.5 kilometres, covering a mix of pavement, sand and grass, with some uneven terrain.

Learning Through Coastal Exploration

The session focuses on identifying edible coastal plants and developing an understanding of the diverse flora found along Sydney’s shoreline. The walk combines food knowledge with environmental awareness, encouraging participants to engage directly with their local coastal landscape.

Children aged six and over are permitted to attend when supervised. The event is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of heavy rain or strong winds. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water.

The walk concludes near the starting point, with participants given the option to join a post-walk ocean dip or coffee, with coffee not included.

Chef Elijah Attard — *Photo Credit: Elijah Attard/Instagram*

buy tickets now

Festival Timeline

The Ocean Lovers Festival 2026 runs from 1 March to 31 March, beginning with beach clean activities linked to Clean Up Australia Day and concluding with the SEA the Weed sunrise ceremony on 27 March at North Bondi.

Published 23-Dec-2025

Phillip Bay Family Seeks Help for UV-Safe Backyard for Two Sisters

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

A Phillip Bay family needs help to finance and build a UV-protected backyard so that their two daughters, who live with a rare genetic condition, can safely spend time outdoors during daylight hours.

Rare Condition Shapes Daily Life in Phillip Bay

Amielle, 12, and Taya Walker live in Phillip Bay with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare genetic disorder that prevents their bodies from repairing DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light. Medical advice provided to the family states that no amount of UV exposure is safe.

As a result, the sisters spend most daytime hours indoors, with outdoor activity largely restricted to after sunset.

Phillip Bay family fundraising — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

Severe Health Risks Linked to Sun Exposure

Xeroderma Pigmentosum places the girls at an estimated 10,000-fold increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and a 2,000-fold increased risk of melanoma compared with the general population. Even brief exposure can cause severe burns and permanent DNA damage that cannot be repaired.

Protective clothing is required whenever the girls are outdoors, including full-length UV-rated garments and face shields. Their primary school has also been modified with UV-filtered windows to reduce daily exposure.

Planned UV-Safe Backyard at Phillip Bay Home

To improve daily life, the Walker family has planned a fully enclosed UV-safe backyard at their Phillip Bay home. The structure is expected to measure approximately seven metres by ten metres and will use treated glass and UV-blocking blinds to prevent harmful exposure.

The UV structure itself is estimated to cost about $280,000. Fundraising materials indicate the total project cost, including additional home modifications, is approximately $530,000.

Fundraising Progress and Community Response

As of December 2025, more than $106,000 has been raised through community donations, with a current target of $250,000. Messages of support accompanying donations consistently highlight the importance of safe outdoor play and improved quality of life for the children.

Fundraising updates confirm plans have been finalised and approved, with remaining funds required before another summer season.

rare genetic disorder — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

donate now

What Comes Next

If completed, the UV-safe backyard would allow the sisters to play outdoors during the day without full protective gear, host friends, and experience routine activities currently unavailable to them. The family says the project would also allow doors and windows to be opened safely, improving daily living conditions at their Phillip Bay home.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Harris Farm Markets Launches Pacific Square Store in Maroubra

Photo Credit: Harris Farm Markets/Facebook

Harris Farm Markets has opened a new store in Maroubra, with the retailer launching its latest location inside Pacific Square Shopping Centre.

New Store Opens in Maroubra

The Harris Farm Markets store officially opened on 4 December 2025 at Pacific Square Shopping Centre, Maroubra. The opening marked the arrival of the retailer in the beachside suburb, welcoming shoppers to a new fresh food destination.

The Maroubra opening is one of several new stores launched by Harris Farm Markets in 2025, following openings in Dural, Marrickville and Miranda.

Fresh Food and Grocery Range

The Maroubra store offers a selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables, alongside everyday groceries and pantry staples. The store brings together fresh produce and food items in a market-style setting.

Shoppers can also access a wide cheese range featuring local and international options, as well as a curated selection of premium pre-packed meats and charcuterie.

Harris Farm Maroubra — *Photo Credit: Harris Farm Markets/Facebook*

Sustainability and Local Products

Sustainability remains a focus at the Maroubra store through the continued use of the Imperfect Picks range. This includes fruit and vegetables that may not meet cosmetic standards but are suitable for consumption, helping reduce food waste while supporting Australian farmers.

The store also stocks artisan and gourmet products made by local suppliers, with an emphasis on products produced without artificial colours.

fresh food Maroubra — *Photo Credit: Harris Farm Markets/Facebook*

Opening Activities and Early Feedback

To mark the opening, Harris Farm Markets Maroubra ran in-store specials and hosted tastings from selected suppliers. Early feedback shared on social media reflected positive reactions from customers, with comments welcoming the new store and noting its size and product range.

Looking Forward

With the Maroubra store now open, Harris Farm Markets adds another location to its growing network across Sydney suburbs, offering fresh produce, grocery items and sustainability-focused initiatives at Pacific Square.

Published 15-Dec-2025

Historic Maroubra Property Changes Hands Outside Family for the First Time

Photo Credit: Ray White Dulwich Hill

A historic Maroubra property with deep ties to one of Australia’s most significant food culture pioneers has been listed for sale, marking the first time it has changed hands outside the family in 95 years.

The two-storey residence at 3/730 Anzac Parade, known as Bettina, was built by Joachim Tavlaidis, better known as Mick Adams – the Greek immigrant who opened Australia’s first American-style milk bar in 1932.

Adams arrived in Australia from Greece as a 14-year-old in the early 1920s. A decade later, he would change the nation’s food landscape forever when he launched the Black & White 4d milk bar at Martin Place in Sydney on 4 November 1932, according to historians Effy Alexakis and Leonard Janiszewski.

**The Black and White 4d. Milk Bar in Martin Place**
Photo Credit: Facebook / ShirleyAnn Williams

The milk bar concept proved wildly successful. By 1937, approximately 4,000 milk bars were operating across Australia, transforming how Australians socialised and consumed food.

**Inside the Black and White 4d. Milk Bar**
Photo Credit: Facebook / ShirleyAnn Williams

Adams constructed the Maroubra property as a wedding gift for his daughter. The building, distinguished by its clock tower, has served various commercial purposes over the decades – operating as a milk bar, butcher shop, pizza restaurant and other ventures.

“He gave the property to my mother as a wedding present, and she owned it until her passing last year,” grandson Michael Gerondis explained in a statement.

Mr Gerondis and his sister purchased the property from their siblings and undertook extensive renovations to preserve its heritage while creating modern living spaces.

The restoration revealed fascinating glimpses into the building’s past. Workers discovered newspaper and linoleum from 1937 beneath the kitchen carpet, with floorboards underneath that had never been walked on.

“The floorboards had never been walked on – they’re pristine. We’ve polished them and they’re being used for the first time in nearly 90 years,” Mr Gerondis said.

The property’s iconic clock, frozen in time for 30 years, is now working again following the restoration.

The building has been converted into three family terraces, with the property for sale featuring generous proportions and significant original character. The former milk bar space became a recreational room during Mr Gerondis’s son’s tenancy, complete with a pinball machine and basketball court.

Ray White Dulwich Hill agent Steve Kremisis is handling the sale, with the property carrying a guide price of $1.8 million.

The listing describes the residence as smartly upgraded with impressive proportions, traditional charm and a deep rear garden, positioned in Maroubra’s sought-after Golden Triangle precinct.

Adams’ legacy received formal recognition in July 2024 when a commemorative plaque was unveiled in Martin Place, Sydney, after a seven-year campaign. The plaque acknowledges Adams’ achievement in establishing what historians believe was the world’s first modern milk bar, though both of Adams’ daughters had passed away before seeing the plaque installed.

The property is being offered for the first time in its history to buyers outside the Adams family, representing a rare opportunity to own a piece of Australian food history in one of Maroubra’s most recognisable buildings.

Published 11-December-2025

Maroubra Tree Painted Blue to Support Mental Health Awareness

Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil/Facebook

A dead tree at Nagle Park in Maroubra has been painted blue as part of a national mental health awareness initiative involving local community members.

Mental Health Symbol Installed in Maroubra

On 14 November 2025, community participants gathered at Nagle Park to paint a dead tree blue as part of the Blue Tree Project. The project began in 2019 and now includes more than 1,500 trees across Australia, each serving as a visible reminder to encourage mental health discussions.

The Maroubra chapter of The Man Walk proposed the idea earlier in the year to encourage connection and reduce social isolation. The group conducts weekly walks designed to offer men a supportive and open environment.

Details of the Blue Tree Project

The Blue Tree Project places painted blue trees in public spaces to help break down barriers around mental health. The newly painted tree in Nagle Park joins the national network of symbolic installations aimed at prompting conversation.

Members of The Man Walk highlighted that the tree is intended for the wider community and hoped it would prompt questions from people passing through the park. Suicide remains a leading cause of death for males aged 15 to 44 in Australia, underscoring the importance of such initiatives.

Plans are underway to install signage next to the painted tree, offering guidance on where to access support.

Support services listed include:
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

The Man Walk Maroubra meets every Friday at 7:15 a.m. outside the Heffron Park Tennis Centre.

Blue tree Maroubra — *Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil/Facebook*

Growing Community Support

The Man Walk has expanded nationally, now running weekly in more than 80 Australian locations. Participants have collectively walked over 2.25 billion steps, reflecting the growing interest in simple, accessible community connection.

The Maroubra initiative reinforces this approach by providing a visual symbol aimed at strengthening mental health awareness within the suburb.

Local Messages of Support

Members involved in the initiative expressed that the blue tree is meant to reassure the community that seeking help is acceptable. They hope the installation encourages conversations and prompts individuals to check in on others.

What Comes Next for Maroubra

The painted tree will continue to stand in Nagle Park as a symbol of mental health awareness in Maroubra. Planned signage will guide residents towards support services and reinforce the message of connection and care.

Published 21-Nov-2025

Woman Struck By Wrench During Violent Altercation Between Teens

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 23-year-old woman has been hospitalised after being struck by a wrench during a violent altercation involving teenage males outside the Bay Hotel in Maroubra on Monday afternoon.

NSW Police were called to McKeon Street just after 12.45pm following reports of a brawl involving approximately four male teenagers. According to a police spokesperson, the woman sustained head injuries after being hit by a wrench that was thrown by one of the group during the confrontation.

Authorities have confirmed the woman had no connection to the group involved in the fight.

Paramedics from NSW Ambulance treated the woman at the scene before transporting her to Prince of Wales Hospital for further medical care.

Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended the incident and established a crime scene. Police have seized the wrench for forensic examination as part of their ongoing investigation.

Video footage of the incident has circulated on social media, showing several young males engaged in the altercation on McKeon Street, near the popular beachside hotel. The confrontation occurred in broad daylight in the busy Maroubra area.

Police are continuing their inquiries and have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The investigation remains ongoing, with officers working to identify those involved in the brawl.

If you witnessed this incident or have any information that could assist police, please contact Crime Stoppers.

Published 20-November-2025

Powerful Surf Re‑Exposes Hereward Shipwreck off Maroubra Beach

Powerful surf in recent months has shifted large volumes of sand from the northern end of Maroubra Beach, uncovering a significant section of the Hereward, the three-masted iron clipper that ran aground more than a century ago.

Read: Maroubra Beach to Get Expanded Outdoor Gym Beside Skate Park

In the past two months, large surf events have removed enough sand to reveal a much larger portion of the Hereward’s hull than is typical. The wreck lies about 50 metres from shore in roughly three metres of water depending on the tide, and it sits under a surf break.

Lifeguards are advising caution: because of surf conditions and underwater structure, only snorkellers with good experience should consider approaching.

Hereward in 2013 (Photo credit: Facebook/Randwick City Council)

The Hereward has long been of interest to local heritage and maritime historians. When it was previously exposed in 2013, a bronze cannon was recovered and is now displayed at the Maroubra Seals Club. The wreck is protected under federal heritage legislation, and removal of any part is prohibited.

History of the Hereward

The Hereward was a full-rigged iron clipper built in Glasgow in 1877. It weighed around 1,513 tons and had three masts. The ship was making a coastal passage up the New South Wales coast on 5 May 1898 when it encountered a violent storm that ripped its sails to pieces.

Despite the chaos, the Hereward managed to avoid two rocky reef formations near Maroubra and came to rest on the soft sand at the beach’s northern end. Miraculously, all 25 crew members reached shore safely, reportedly making their way to a nearby wool-scouring works.

Attempts to refloat the vessel later that year were unsuccessful. Tugs pulled the ship off the beach, but another gale forced it back out, and subsequent wave action broke the hull into two. Over time, most of the wreck buried beneath shifting sand. By 1937, only a triangular “dorsal fin” of the hull was visible, according to historical records.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Randwick City Council and navy divers carried out controlled blasting of exposed metal to reduce danger to swimmers and surfers. Nonetheless, substantial parts of the wreck remain under the seabed, occasionally resurfacing when conditions permit.

Read: Bluebottle Research Aims to Protect Local Beaches, Including Maroubra

A Window into Maroubra’s Coastal Legacy

For residents of Maroubra, the re-emergence of the Hereward is not just a historical curiosity—it’s a tangible link to the suburb’s past and an ongoing reminder of the power of nature. As the ocean continues to reshape the beach, the Hereward periodically offers glimpses of a bygone era, resurfacing when the surf allows.

Published 17-November-2025