Harden’s local karate champions, Isla and Peter, put their formidable skills to the test, proudly representing their community at the MKA Australian Open Kyokushin Championships in Maroubra.
The competition saw Isla and Peter, students of Mas Oyama’s Kyokushin Karate Australia – Harden Dojo, demonstrate their determination and spirit on the large Sydney stage.
Peter faced a challenging path in his division at the championships. His instructor, Sean, noted Peter came fourth after two consecutive fights that happened within just a minute of each other.
Despite the swift and demanding schedule, Peter showed true Kyokushin spirit, particularly when he was matched against a more experienced junior green belt. He gave his all, undeterred by the difference in grading, earning praise for his resilience and commitment.
Isla tackled a busy tournament schedule, competing in both non-contact and contact divisions. In her contact division, she secured an impressive second-place finish.
While she narrowly missed out on a placing in her non-contact division, another report highlighted her success in this category, stating she placed second in a non-contact division and first in a padded contact division, showcasing her versatility and skill across different styles of competition. Her ability to compete effectively in both formats underscored her dedication to the sport.
Instructor Sean expressed immense pride in both competitors, commending their determination, sportsmanship, and resilience throughout the championships. He highlighted their “amazing effort” in reaching such a significant event in Sydney. The Harden Dojo stated it could not be prouder of Isla and Peter. The young martial artists will not have long to rest on their achievements, as both are set to return to Sydney to compete in another major tournament in just two weeks, ready to represent their community with honour once again.
A dramatic early morning rescue unfolded in Maroubra when a local resident risked his life to save an elderly woman trapped in a burning second-storey apartment on Portland Crescent.
Emergency services rushed to the scene around 4.15am on Sunday, 31 August, after flames were spotted engulfing the unit. While a 78-year-old man managed to escape the fire, his 74-year-old partner remained trapped inside the smoke-filled apartment.
In an act of courage, a neighbour entered the burning building and successfully helped the woman to safety. However, she sustained severe burns during the ordeal and was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital where she remains in serious condition.
Both the elderly man who initially escaped and the Good Samaritan neighbour were taken to Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Medical staff report both men are in stable condition.
The incident prompted the evacuation of the entire unit block as Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to contain the blaze. While firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading beyond the original unit, several neighbouring apartments suffered smoke and water damage from the emergency response efforts.
Eastern Beaches Police Area Command officers have established a crime scene at the location. Specialist Scene of Crime Officers and Fire Investigators are expected to examine the premises to determine what caused the fire.
The Portland Crescent incident highlights the quick thinking and bravery that can emerge in crisis situations, with the neighbour’s swift action potentially saving a life. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and supporting residents displaced by the evacuation.
Local authorities have not yet indicated when residents will be able to return to the affected building or provided estimates for repair work on the damaged units.
A new Return and Earn machine has opened at Pacific Square in Maroubra, expanding recycling access for residents with the suburb’s 10th local return point.
Randwick residents now have additional access to container recycling with the launch of a new Return and Earn machine at Pacific Square, Maroubra. The machine is located in the underground carpark on level B1, section G, at 737 Anzac Parade. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Return and Earn
Growing Network in Randwick
The Pacific Square site is the 10th return point in the Randwick area. Local residents have already recycled more than 125.3 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through existing locations since the program’s introduction.
Photo Credit: Return and Earn
Statewide Results and Options
Since the launch of Return and Earn in December 2017, more than 14 billion eligible containers have been returned across New South Wales. Over $1.4 billion has been refunded. At the Maroubra machine, users can opt to receive their refund via printed Coles voucher or e-voucher. They can also have it transferred directly to a bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
Photo Credit: Return and Earn
Support for Charities and Community Groups
Refunds can also be donated to nearly 400 charities listed on the app, including Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Since 2017, the program has raised more than $82 million for charities and community groups through donations and hosting fees.
Return and Earn is part of the NSW Container Deposit Scheme, designed to reduce litter and promote recycling. More than 40 million containers are returned across the network each week. To date, the scheme has achieved a 73 per cent reduction in drink container litter and diverted over 1.19 million tonnes of material from landfill.
Maroubra has tied for first in a national ranking of pet-loving suburbs, showing that city living doesn’t stop locals from making dogs and cats part of the family.
A July 2025 report using national insurance data reveals unexpected trends in pet ownership across Australia. Petsy’s analysis shows that inner-city suburbs like Maroubra and Rosebery are leading in pet insurance uptake, challenging the idea that pets are mostly found in homes with backyards.
All top-ranking NSW suburbs are in metropolitan Sydney, suggesting apartment living isn’t stopping people from owning pets. The findings reflect a wider national pattern, with nearly 70% of Australian households now having at least one pet.
How Maroubra Stands Out
Maroubra’s high ranking shows its growth into one of Sydney’s most pet-friendly suburbs. With a mix of apartments and houses, locals continue to show strong care for their animals, supported by access to parks, vet clinics, and pet-friendly venues.
Petsy’s data also highlights other apartment-heavy areas like Alexandria and Macquarie Park, pointing to wider changes in attitudes towards pets in units. Since New South Wales ended blanket pet bans in 2021, more Sydney residents in strata housing have been welcoming pets into their homes.
National Snapshot: Beyond the Big Backyards
Outside New South Wales, the trends shift across states. Victoria’s top suburbs included Melbourne CBD and Berwick, while Queensland’s list was dominated by Gold Coast areas like Pimpama and Southport, suggesting pet ownership is strong even in urban settings.
In contrast, South Australia and Western Australia favoured more traditional suburbs with larger homes, such as Woodcroft in Adelaide and Baldivis in Perth. Across the board, the rise in pet insurance signals a growing emotional and financial commitment to pets nationwide.
A Community That Loves Its Pets
In pet-loving suburbs like Maroubra, everyday life often revolves around four-legged companions. Morning walks by the beach, bowls of water outside cafés, and apartment buildings that welcome pets are all part of the local rhythm.
As urban living shifts, Maroubra proves that a backyard isn’t essential, what matters is attitude, access, and design. It’s a suburb rewriting the rules of what pet-friendly really means.
Nilusha De Silva, 43, who works as Head of Injury Prevention and Health at Veolia Australia, appeared at Waverley Local Court on Wednesday where she received a $440 fine and three-month licence disqualification.
The incident occurred around 11:30pm on 13 June when De Silva was stopped during routine roadside breath testing on Anzac Parade. Police reported she smelt of alcohol and was unable to provide an adequate breath sample despite multiple attempts.
She was subsequently arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station, where testing revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.100 – exactly double the legal limit of 0.05. This reading falls within NSW’s mid-range PCA category, which covers blood alcohol levels between 0.08 to 0.149.
De Silva, who is also an accredited exercise physiologist, told police she had consumed three glasses of wine that evening.
Her defence lawyer, Anna Petrakis, told the court that De Silva believed she was under the legal limit because she had eaten a meal alongside the wine. Ms Petrakis described her client as experiencing “deep and sincere” remorse and said the incident represented an “isolated lapse in judgement.”
The court heard that De Silva had proactively sought medical advice following the incident and completed two traffic offender programs. She was supported by work colleagues and had no prior criminal history.
Under NSW law, first-time mid-range drink driving offences can attract fines up to $2,200 or imprisonment for nine months, with licence disqualifications typically ranging from 6 to 12 months. De Silva received a penalty well below the maximum, likely reflecting her clean record and the court’s assessment of her remorse.
As part of her sentence, De Silva must have an alcohol interlock device fitted to her vehicle when her licence is reinstated.
Magistrate Michael Barko noted during sentencing that mid-range drink driving cases, once the most common offences in his court, had been overtaken by drug driving and drug possession charges. He questioned De Silva’s decision to drive given the easy availability of ride-sharing services and affordable taxi options.
The Prahran resident’s case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of drink driving, particularly for those in positions of professional responsibility. Her role at Veolia involves promoting workplace health and injury prevention – a responsibility that extends to making safe choices on the road.
Two remarkable figures from Australia’s rich aquatic sporting heritage have been permanently honoured at Maroubra Beach, with their bronze plaques now embedded in the promenade alongside other legends of the surf.
Maxwell Raymond Metzker, the former Olympian and dedicated surf lifesaver, and Damien Hardman, the calculating competitor known as ‘The Iceman’, were inducted into the Australian Surfing Walk of Fame during a special ceremony on Sunday 20 July as part of Randwick City Council’s annual Beach Breaks event.
Local Hero Returns Home
Maxwell Raymond Metzker Photo Credit: Wikipedia / Sergey Guneev / Сергей Гунеев
For Metzker, the honour represents a homecoming of sorts. The Olympic swimmer began his journey in the waters off Maroubra Beach when he joined the local surf life saving club in the 1970s. After earning his Bronze Medallion in 1975, he devoted 16 years to protecting beachgoers, including several years as patrol captain.
His dedication to community service ran parallel to an extraordinary swimming career that took him to two Olympic Games. Metzker competed in the 400-metre and 1500-metre freestyle events at Montreal 1976, before returning to Moscow 1980 where he served as co-flagbearer for the Australian team and claimed bronze in the 1500-metre freestyle.
Between Olympic campaigns, Metzker dominated Australian surf lifesaving competitions, claiming four national titles between 1975 and 1979. His versatility shone through at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Canada, where he captured gold in both the 1500-metre freestyle and 4×200-metre freestyle relay, plus bronze in the 400-metre freestyle.
Even after retiring from pool competition following another gold medal performance at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, Metzker continued representing Maroubra SLSC on the world stage. At the 1983 World Surf Life Saving Championships in Hawaii, he proved that his skills translated perfectly to ocean competition, winning gold in both the men’s open surf swim race and one-mile race.
Damien Hardman earned his ‘Iceman’ nickname through a methodical approach that made him one of the most formidable competitors of the 1980s and 1990s. Starting his surfing journey on Sydney’s northern beaches at age 10, Hardman’s systematic pursuit of excellence yielded remarkable results.
His breakthrough came in 1984 when he claimed both Australian and World Junior Champion titles. This launched a professional career that would see him capture ASP World Tour titles in 1987 and 1991, along with two runner-up finishes and seven consecutive years in the top 10.
The numbers tell the story of Hardman’s dominance: 19 ASP/WCT tour victories across all continents, including a still-standing record of seven tour victories in the 1988 season and nine wins in that calendar year. His achievements led to induction into the Surfing Australia Hall of Fame in 1999, where he was recognised for raising performance standards and pioneering vertical manoeuvres.
Since retiring from professional competition, Hardman has maintained his connection to surfing through business partnerships with long-term sponsor Rip Curl and community involvement, including five years as President of North Narrabeen Boardriders Club.
Prestigious Recognition
Deputy Mayor Marea Wilson, who presented the inductees with their honours, emphasised the cultural significance of both surfing and surf lifesaving to Australian identity. The ceremony highlighted how these sports reflect the nation’s coastal connection and community spirit.
The Australian Surfing Walk of Fame at Maroubra Beach was established in 2006 as the first of its kind in Australia, modelled on the World Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California. Each year, bronze plaques are laid into the promenade to recognise outstanding achievements by Australia’s world-class surfers and surf lifesavers.
The inductees join an elite group that includes seven-time world champion Layne Beachley, who was honoured in previous ceremonies. Recent years have seen the recognition of various legends including Peter ‘Cuz’ Kirkwood AM, Susan Wood-Moore, David Parkes, and women’s surfing pioneer Pauline Menczer.
The ceremony formed part of the Beach Breaks festival, an annual winter celebration that brings warmth and activity to Maroubra Beach during the cooler months. This year’s event showcased not just the induction ceremony but various entertainment and community activities that celebrate the beach’s cultural significance.
For both Metzker and Hardman, the recognition represents more than individual achievement – it acknowledges their contributions to Australia’s rich aquatic sporting culture and their roles in inspiring future generations of water sports enthusiasts.
A spear fisher diving off Maroubra’s coastline has had an unexpected and tense encounter with a great white shark, with the dramatic moment caught entirely on his GoPro.
The close encounter happened off Maroubra, a beachside suburb in Sydney’s east, as spear fisher Dean was diving for salmon. A 2.5-metre great white shark circled him for over three minutes, captured on his GoPro. Dean said he remained calm and still, keeping the shark in view during what he called a “staring contest.”
The shark edged closer with each pass but eventually swam away without incident. Authorities later confirmed the shark had been tagged and detected near Maroubra just 10 minutes earlier, after migrating from Stanwell Park.
Speargun Used as Protective Barrier
As the shark came within arm’s reach, Dean used his speargun as a barrier, slowly raising it between himself and the animal. At one point, he nudged the shark’s nose to maintain distance. The shark responded by swimming broadside and eventually drifting away, but not before making another pass.
Dean said the most stressful part was when he briefly lost sight of the shark, not knowing where it had gone. He remained underwater until he felt it was safe to return to the surface. His GoPro recorded the entire sequence.
Wildlife Experts Track Shark Behaviour
Officials confirmed that the same shark had triggered tracking beacons placed along the coast. The NSW government’s shark monitoring system, which uses acoustic tags to study shark movements, logged the great white off Maroubra just before Dean’s dive began.
Marine experts said the shark’s behaviour appeared to be investigative rather than aggressive. These kinds of close encounters are uncommon but not unheard of in Sydney waters, particularly during salmon runs when sharks follow food sources closer to shore.
A Story That’s Staying With the Community
Dean returned to shore safely, shaken but unharmed, and plans to share the footage with researchers studying shark movements. Despite the encounter, he kept the salmon he’d caught and joked it would be lunch.
Locals who viewed the footage online responded with both admiration and concern. Many praised Dean’s calm response, while others were uneasy about diving in shark-prone waters. The incident serves as a reminder to the Maroubra community of the marine life just beyond the shoreline.
A Maroubra surfer has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first person to hydrofoil 92 kilometres across open ocean from Bali to East Java, capturing the spirit of his local surf community far from the familiar breaks of Sydney’s eastern beaches.
On 27 June 2025, Josh Ku, who grew up riding the waves at Maroubra, crossed the treacherous Bali Strait on a hydrofoil board, setting off from Uluwatu in Bali and landing at the legendary surf break G-Land in Java. The daring journey took four and a half hours and pushed him through rough seas, strong currents and the same dangerous waters where a ferry tragedy claimed lives just days later.
Crossing the Bali Strait
Ku shared that he had dreamt of tackling the crossing for over a year, inspired by surf pioneers who explored both Uluwatu and G-Land in the 1970s. He called the Bali Strait the most difficult body of water he had ever faced, comparing it to his past Molokai to Oahu crossing in Hawaii, which he now says felt mild in comparison.
Paddling out of Maroubra as a young surfer gave him the grit for such feats. Known for braving heavy reefs on a standard surfboard, Ku had already made long coastal foiling trips at home, including a run from Maroubra to Wollongong that covered 60 kilometres. The Bali–Java mission was the next step in pushing the limits of what’s possible on a hydrofoil.
A Community Effort
He credited his success to his wife, local sponsors and the mates who supported him when the idea sounded near impossible. California-based filmmaker Dane Wilson followed Ku’s preparation and crossing, with plans to release a film about the journey later this year. Ku said the crossing was more than a personal goal — it was about trusting instinct, skill and the lessons learned growing up with Maroubra’s close-knit surf community.
The magnitude of his achievement struck home when news broke of a ferry sinking in the same strait, a grim reminder of the region’s powerful currents and unpredictable weather. Ku extended his condolences to families affected and stressed that such waters deserve respect.
Home Break, Big Waves
Despite his adventures abroad, Ku keeps returning to Maroubra’s waves, sharing his biggest local rides on social media and reminding followers that his roots are firmly in Sydney’s surf culture. His recent posts show him charging large swells at Maroubra, proving that for all the record-breaking crossings, the local break still feels like home.
The documentary about his Bali–Java crossing is expected to premiere in September at an international watersports event in Oregon, shining a light on an Australian surfer whose ambition was forged in the surf of Maroubra and carried across oceans.
Lifesavers and locals will soon benefit from a major refresh of the Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, with plans underway for a modern building complete with gym, meeting spaces, and a café-style barista window. Now over a century old, the club is also set to receive upgraded storage for lifesaving gear, new training areas, improved public showers, and terraced seating right by the beach.
Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1906, is one of Australia’s earliest surf clubs. The club provides volunteer patrols at Maroubra Beach, complementing lifeguard services, and offers surf sports, water safety training, and education for the community.
It currently has 1,410 members and plays a key role in supporting local beach safety and youth development initiatives.
The planned redevelopment follows over 18 months of consultation with club members. The proposed design features a larger gym, upgraded amenities, and new spaces for members. It includes function and meeting rooms, a kitchen, a bar, an outdoor terrace, and improved storage for lifesaving equipment.
Public features will include beach access improvements, showers, a barista window, landscaped seating areas, and weather-protected decks. The new building aims to reflect the club’s cultural heritage while addressing future needs, using sustainable materials, natural ventilation, and solar panels to enhance environmental performance.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
Project Funding and Timeline
The redevelopment is funded by all three levels of government. Randwick City Council is contributing $10.5 million, the Federal Government is providing $3.5 million, and the State Government is contributing $1 million. Construction is expected to begin in 2027–28, subject to consultation outcomes, design refinements, and future budget allocations.
Community Feedback and Sentiment
Public consultation is open, with feedback invited through the official website. Comments on social media reflect both support and queries from residents. Some have praised the upgrade as long overdue, while others have raised concerns about the lack of provision for boardrider clubs and other daily ocean users. There were also suggestions about the design, including calls for more community-oriented features.
The project team is gathering community feedback until 25 July 2025. The final design will be refined based on input received during the consultation period before progressing to the next stage.
We’ve combed Maroubra, Maroubra South, and Pagewood for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Susan Chen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Japanese restaurant is a hidden gem located in eastern suburbs. Really good quality food for a reasonable price. We love their sashimi plates and sushi. Very fresh and delicious! Plenty of parking on the street, will definitely come back in the future!
Sherry Z ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always bustling! Melt-in-your-mouth teriyaki beef and fresh tuna-scallop sushi dazzled us. Miso eggplant—unexpectedly divine! Celebrated a birthday; every dish impressed. Friendly staff, lively vibe, plus a kids’ play area. A must-visit Japanese gem. Will return! 🍣🔥
David ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a hidden gem! The sushi is incredibly fresh, and the ramen is rich and flavorful. The service is friendly, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a family meal. Highly recommend the salmon sashimi. Will definitely be back! 🍣🍜
James Hourn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The pork ribs and souvlaki platter were amazing, Ribs were so perfect, great flavour, and melted off the bone, cant wait to return. Loved the greek salad also, thanks for a wonderful meal.
Patricia Zuccon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m sitting here at the Tradewinds Restaurant Maroubra, feeling happy content and completely satisfied. We started with grilled Halloumi and tomatoes, followed by the softest most beautiful calamari. Our main was the meat platter for two – WOW! Our cocktails were incredible. Guys…this is the best place in Maroubra!!! Thanks Mo for the sensational cocktails and Erica for a wonderful dining experience.
Atti ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cannot speak more highly of Tradewinds. Have always had an awesome dining experience here. The food is amazing, Erica and her team consistently deliver friendly and efficient service. I highly recommend the ribs, my personal favourite from the menu.
Queen B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had dinner at Marenellos Maroubra food was delicious. Big serves at a reasonable price. All staff are friendly. Plenty of parking and wheel chair access. You can dine inside or outside it’s your choice.
Zondy Wu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Italian food restaurant located in Maroubra Sidney, on the front side of the Pasific Square. Serving delicious Italian food, such pasta, pizza, ravioli, etc., and they also have salad, wine, coffee. The interior space is a bit tight so when its crowded & busy, people speak louder, you will hardly hear the music. Anyways, its still a nice place to hangout with friends of family while enjoying delicious Italian food.
Lynne Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Popular with the locals for their generous servings and great value. Wine list prices are reasonable. We always start with the garlic pizza crust. Tonight we had the tortellini, spaghetti & meatballs, steak and caesar salad.
J W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service was great, with a smile. Coffee was ripper strong. Food was reasonably priced – big breakfast was actually big and tasty. Sweet potato fries were awesome, super crunchy, but not overcooked. I would go back.
Оксана Свинаренко ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The most amazing place! Exceptional service, delicious food, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The portions are generous, and the ambiance makes you want to come back again and again. Highly recommended for everyone to visit. Wishing your establishment great success!❤️
Antonia Indrodjojo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best coffee comes with delicious brownie. Big breakfast can be shared between two and pancakes was yummy.
Cristina Loddo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We ate 2 schnitzel with chips, salad and beers 🍻. Food and drinks were very good and the service was so fast! We enjoyed the atmosphere. Plus, the price was correct for the quality. As italian it was funny to find the shrimps on top of the meat, but they were good as well!
Denis C (DC) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic value, taste sensation meals at very affordable prices in a busy, happy, venue with family friendly values. Also boasts a great bar with ocean views, very friendly management and smiling efficient staff catering for all age groups – teens through to seniors. I’m there at least twice a week, once at least with family during the week and on weekends with my friends – we all love it! Spring 2022…An expanded alfresco dining area alongside the McKeon St traffic free Plaza is a great addition! Summer 2023…balmy alfresco evenings are even better, so relaxed, decent people enjoying good food and each other’s company. Autumn 2023…ditto, great food, extensive choice of beverages and quality food still abounds with the sounds of the beach close by and pounding surf a reminder of how well situated we are her at Maroubra Beach.
Leeanne A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food although a bit pricey was delicious and huge servings. Worth the cost. The service was friendly and fast. Definitely a great place to have a mid week lunch.
