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Salvation Army Officer in Maroubra Changes Lives with BBQ Trailer

A Salvation Army officer in Maroubra uses a BBQ and coffee trailer to support residents in one of the city’s disadvantaged neighbourhoods by offering free sausage sizzles and services that are helping people get back on their feet.

Community Outreach with a Purpose

Lieutenant Keven Williams, who serves with the Salvation Army Eastern Beaches Corps, brings his BBQ and coffee trailer every second Tuesday to Lexington Place, a public housing estate in South Maroubra.

The trailer, which features a BBQ, coffee and slushie machines, and other amenities, allows him and a team of volunteers to connect with residents in a community setting. Mr Williams describes this mission as a response to his faith, seeing it as a way to provide comfort and practical help to those struggling with issues like financial hardship and addiction.

The trailer and free food events are part of a broader community support network established by Randwick City Council. The council reached out in 2021, offering to collaborate with the Salvation Army on services for local residents, which Mr Williams says felt like an answer to prayers he had been making since 2020.

At first, the team focused on building trust with locals, who Mr Williams notes were often hesitant to accept help due to past experiences. Over time, however, many have started attending chapel services and using additional support services provided by the Eastern Beaches Corps.

Lives Changed by Service

Volunteer Kelly-Ann is one of the locals whose life was changed by the Salvation Army’s support. Once homeless and battling with addiction, Kelly-Ann turned her life around after a health scare, deciding to quit alcohol and pursue a more stable life.

Now, six months sober, she helps run the coffee machine at the fortnightly events, where she often makes hot drinks for children and chats with residents. Kelly-Ann credits the Salvation Army for giving her a purpose and helping her find faith, and she says she now looks forward to helping others in situations like the one she faced.

Rod, another volunteer, had a similar transformation. He initially came to the Eastern Beaches Corps for a free meal, but the warmth and support he found encouraged him to return and connect with others in the community. His involvement with the group ultimately lifted him out of a period of depression and has led him to become a Senior Soldier in the Salvation Army.

Today, Rod assists Mr Williams with cooking at the BBQ events, enjoying the chance to give back to a community that helped him during a tough time.

Salvation Army Keven Williams — *Photo Credit: Salvation Army*

Training for the Future

Mr Williams, who became a Salvation Army officer after a low point in his own life, says his training for this role has been challenging but rewarding. He says he has seen not only personal growth but also positive changes in those he serves.

Mr Williams hopes that the BBQ trailer will continue to be a valuable resource for community building and support in Maroubra.

Published 8-Nov-2024

Maroubra New Year’s Fireworks Plans Halted Over Wildlife and Pet Concerns

Plans for a New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Maroubra are on hold because of potential negative impacts on pets, local wildlife, and nearby residents.

The planned “Maroubra Sparkles” event, intended to reduce overcrowding at Coogee Beach’s main fireworks display, was set to take place at Heffron Park with a 15-minute show at 9 p.m. The goal was to create a family-friendly celebration, offering an accessible option for southern residents who might find the crowded Coogee event challenging to attend.

Randwick’s existing New Year’s Eve budget, currently $230,000, would have covered the $50,000 cost for the additional event.

While some officials supported the new event, others feared its impact.

Cr Danny Said voiced concerns over potential disruptions to Maroubra residents and the effect on pets and wildlife, particularly bats and vegetation around Heffron Park. Mr Said argued that bringing large crowds to the area could upset the local environment. He questioned whether holding a large-scale event in a residential setting was appropriate.

Cr Christie Hamilton echoed these views, expressing concern about the distress fireworks can cause animals.

Not all council members were against the Maroubra display. Cr Noel D’Souza argued that a local fireworks show would foster community spirit and inclusivity, especially for those struggling to attend the Coogee event. He suggested that pet owners could prepare in advance, considering the short duration of the fireworks display.

New Year’s Fireworks, Wildlife and pet — Coogee Fireworks Display
Photo Credit: RCC

Mr D’Souza also highlighted the potential for Maroubra Sparkles to serve as an affordable, family-friendly event that could bring residents together for the New Year’s celebration.

Ultimately, it was decided to defer plans for Maroubra Sparkles until next year and explore other possible locations. Police had already advised against Maroubra Beach as a venue, and there are discussions about other local sites for a future event. For now, Maroubra’s proposed New Year’s celebration remains on hold, with discussions set to continue as the council considers community input, environmental impacts, and potential alternative venues for the future.

Published 4-Nov-2024

Maroubra Beach Reopens After Mysterious Tar Ball Invasion

Maroubra Beach and several other popular Sydney beaches have finally reopened to the public after a mysterious influx of black tar-like balls forced their closure.

Maroubra tar ball — *Photo Credit: Google Map*

The strange blobs, which sparked health concerns among locals and visitors alike, prompted authorities to respond swiftly and conduct a massive clean-up operation.

Initial fears that the deposits were highly toxic proved unfounded. Tests revealed the spheres to be composed primarily of fatty acids, similar to those found in common household products like cosmetics and cleaning agents. However, the exact origin of these unusual formations remains a puzzle.

Eight beaches in total were affected, including Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. Mark Hutchings, Executive Director of New South Wales Maritime, assured the public that the balls posed minimal risk to human health but advised against direct contact. He suggested washing with soap, water, or baby oil in case of accidental touching.

Stephen Beaman, Executive Director of the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA), stated that while laboratory analysis is ongoing, pinpointing the source of the tar balls could still take several days.

The incident triggered a comprehensive investigation, with authorities working to determine the origin of the pollution and the parties responsible.

Although the situation has raised environmental concerns, officials have downplayed potential political ramifications.

Published Date 31-October-2024

Shop, Eat, Connect: Maroubra Beach Markets Extended Through 2025

From fresh local produce to artisanal crafts, Maroubra Beach Markets has attracted over 63,000 visitors to Broadarrow Reserve since its launch earlier this year. The popular monthly event will continue operating at its current location until August 2025, offering residents a diverse shopping experience just steps away from Maroubra Beach.

Read: Food, Culture, and Arts in the Inaugural Maroubra Beach Markets

New schedule and location plans

To avoid conflicts with surf life saving nipper events, the markets will switch from Sunday to Saturday operations. Following the extension period, Randwick City Council plans to trial an alternative location at Heffron Park, Maroubra.

The monthly event, featuring more than 120 stalls at Broadarrow Reserve, brings together local vendors and artisans. Located at 292–310 Fitzgerald Avenue, the markets offer residents a diverse shopping experience just steps away from Maroubra Beach.

Maroubra Beach Markets highlights

Maroubra Beach Markets fresh goods — Photo Credit: Facebook/Cambridge Markets

Every month, Broadarrow Reserve transforms into a vibrant marketplace where over 120 local vendors and artisans create an unforgettable shopping experience. Fresh seasonal produce and gourmet delicacies from local farmers and food artisans tempt visitors at every turn.

Maroubra Beach Markets artisanal products — Photo Credit: Facebook/Cambridge Markets

The market’s artistic heart beats through stunning displays of handcrafted homewares, bespoke ceramics, and unique jewellery pieces, all created by talented local designers.

Maroubra Beach Markets outdoor eats — Photo Credit: Facebook/Cambridge Markets

Food enthusiasts can explore a diverse dining precinct offering everything from authentic Middle Eastern flavours to gourmet organic dishes. Comfortable dining areas invite visitors to relax and soak in the bustling community atmosphere, making it more than just a market—it’s a monthly celebration of local creativity and cuisine.

Read: Mysterious Black Balls Plague Maroubra and Sydney’s Iconic Beaches

Cambridge Markets, in partnership with Randwick City Council, currently accepts applications from potential stallholders interested in joining the thriving market community.

Published 31-October-2024

Mysterious Black Balls Plague Maroubra and Sydney’s Iconic Beaches

Maroubra Beach and several of Sydney’s most popular coastal spots have been closed after a deluge of mysterious black balls washed ashore, prompting an investigation.

The strange debris found at Coogee Beach on Tuesday has since spread to Bronte, Clovelly, Congong, Frenchmans, Little Bay, Malabar, and Tamarama, leaving authorities baffled.

Initially, the objects, the size of tennis balls, were observed to break down into smaller, marble-sized pieces in the surf. The NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) described the material as fibrous, mixing wet and dry pieces.

mysterious black balls — *Photo Credit: Google Map*

EPA crews are analysing samples to identify the material and pinpoint the source of the contamination. NSW Maritime has assumed control of the incident, coordinating with Randwick Council, the EPA, Port Authority and other agencies. Vessels have been deployed to monitor the situation and ensure no further debris enters the waterways.

Waverley Council, responsible for Bondi and Tamarama, has closed all its beaches as a safety measure. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker confirmed that beaches under his jurisdiction would remain closed until the clean-up operation was finished, emphasising public safety as the top priority.

Although initial tests by Randwick City Council indicated the presence of hydrocarbons, consistent with the phenomenon known as “tar balls”, the EPA has yet to corroborate these findings. Further investigations are underway to unravel the origin and nature of these enigmatic objects.

Beachgoers are advised to avoid contact with the balls and refrain from swimming. However, boating and kayaking activities remain unaffected.

Published Date 22-October-2024

New Program to Support Parents Launches in Maroubra

Maroubra parents and carers of young children will soon have access to a new voluntary support service designed to help improve their families’ future, thanks to the Parent Pathways program.

Starting from November 1, Workskil Australia, the largest not-for-profit employment services provider in the country, will operate Parent Pathways across various locations, including Maroubra. The program aims to offer tailored support to parents and carers of children under the age of six who are not currently in paid employment. This new initiative replaces the mandatory ParentsNext service.

Tailored Support for Families

Parent Pathways provides a wide range of services to help parents overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, whether they are personal, parental, or related to education and employment. According to Nicole Dwyer, CEO of Workskil Australia, the program addresses specific challenges that parents face, such as language barriers, literacy issues, financial difficulties, and the need for stable housing or childcare.

“Parent Pathways is a really practical initiative which helps participants overcome obstacles to reach their personal, parental or career goals,” Ms Dwyer said. “It’s about empowering participants, who might not have other support networks, and helping equip them to be the best they can be – for themselves and their children.”

The program will also connect families with health services and provide financial assistance where needed. Participants will receive direct support to pursue education, training, and employment opportunities if that aligns with their goals.

Parent Pathways Maroubra — *Photo Credit: Unsplash*

Who Can Participate

To be eligible for Parent Pathways, participants must either be receiving a Parenting or Carers Payment or Special Benefit, or meet other criteria such as being a First Nations parent, an early school leaver, or aged under 22. The program is designed to be inclusive, with a strong focus on cultural diversity and understanding individual needs.

Workskil Australia will create Parent Centres in communities like Maroubra, where parents can access the support services in a welcoming and safe environment. These centres will also allow parents to bring their children along while they connect with the available resources.

“We’ll be creating vibrant, welcoming Parent Centres where parents and carers can come along, with their children, and feel comfortable to learn, connect and grow,” Ms Dwyer added.

Flexibility and Community Impact

Unlike its predecessor, the ParentsNext service, Parent Pathways is voluntary. This means that participants can leave the program at any time without any penalties and return when they are ready. The program also promises flexibility in participation, so that parents can take breaks if needed.

Workskil Australia is set to recruit 25 new staff members to help deliver the program across its various locations. These new positions will largely benefit locals in regional towns and areas like Maroubra, where the program will be active.

Workskil Australia has been a leading provider of employment and community services since 1982 and operates in over 67 locations across the country. Their aim with Parent Pathways is to create a supportive and accessible network for parents in need of assistance, giving them the tools to build better futures for their families.

The program will be available across multiple suburbs in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, with a strong focus on delivering locally relevant solutions to meet the needs of each community.

Published 23-Oct-2024

Maroubra Residents Brace for Swooping Season as Magpie Attacks Soar Across NSW

Photo Credit: Magpie Alert!

As temperatures rise across New South Wales, residents of Maroubra and other suburbs are urged to remain vigilant as magpies enter their annual swooping season.

With over 1900 magpie swoops and 242 injuries reported statewide this year, experts remind the public that these protective parents are simply defending their nests.

According to data from Magpie Alert!, a website that tracks magpie attacks, The Ponds in western Sydney currently holds the dubious honour of “most swooped suburb”, with attacks occurring across 13 streets.

Baulkham Hills and Dubbo follow closely behind, with 11 streets known for aggressive magpies. While Maroubra may not top the list this year, residents are still advised to exercise caution, especially when walking alone.

WIRES, an Australian wildlife rescue organisation, emphasises that magpies swoop out of a sense of parental duty, not aggression. They see passersby as potential threats to their chicks and act instinctually to protect their young.

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Tips To Stay Safe During Magpie Season

Be aware of your surroundings: Listen for the distinctive calls of nesting magpies.

Travel in groups: Magpies are more likely to target individuals.

Protect your head: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and consider using an umbrella. Cyclists should wear helmets and sunglasses.

Stay calm: Avoid running or sudden movements, which may be perceived as a threat.

Know your enemy: Familiarise yourself with known magpie nesting areas in your suburb.

Remember, harming or killing magpies is illegal in NSW. By understanding their behaviour and taking simple precautions, we can all coexist peacefully with these native birds.

Published Date 27-September-2024

Bsp’eria: From Humble Beginnings to Maroubra’s Newest Pizza Hotspot

Bsp’eria, one of Sydney South’s most beloved pizzerias, is expanding its reach with a new location in Maroubra Junction. What began as a modest pizza joint at Penshurst Station has now grown into a local phenomenon, bringing its acclaimed neo-Neapolitan pies to the beachside suburb.

Read: Food, Culture, and Arts in the Inaugural Maroubra Beach Markets

Bsp’eria’s origin story is as authentic as its pizzas. Picture this: an electric oven, a smattering of milk crates for seating, and a concise menu of neo-Neapolitan pizzas that consistently sold out night after night. This unpretentious setup at Penshurst Station was the seedbed for what would become a local pizza sensation.

The Maroubra Experience

The new Maroubra Junction location promises to maintain the essence of Bsp’eria while adapting to its beachside surroundings. Pizza enthusiasts can look forward to a cosy 10-12 seat pizzeria with a focus on takeaway.

At the heart of the operation is a prominent wood-fired oven, a significant upgrade from their original electric setup. Despite the changes, Bsp’eria remains committed to the quality that made their Penshurst location a hit.

Under a nostalgic red awning, Bsp’eria Maroubra creates an immersive sensory experience. The irresistible aroma of fresh dough, melting cheese, and sizzling toppings wafts through the air, drawing in passersby. Inside, a warm, intimate interior invites you to linger, while the satisfying sounds of pizza-making and contented diners create a comforting backdrop.

At the heart of this endeavour are Michael Sgourdas and Mick Abboud, two lifelong friends whose passion for pizza has transformed into a thriving business. Their dedication is evident in every aspect of Bsp’eria, from the carefully crafted menu to the welcoming atmosphere.

Menu Highlights

After a day at Maroubra Beach, locals and visitors alike can indulge in Bsp’eria’s standout creations. The signature vodka sauce pizza is a must-try from the menu, offering a flavour explosion that combines fresh mozzarella, creamy stracciatella, fragrant basil, and a kick of chilli oil. This perfect blend of ingredients showcases Bsp’eria’s commitment to quality and innovative flavour combinations.

Bsp’eria Maroubra is set to become a favourite evening spot, welcoming pizza lovers from Wednesday to Sunday. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, the pizzeria will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, perfect for a midweek treat or a relaxing end to the weekend. For those looking to start their weekend with a slice of perfection, Bsp’eria extends its hours on Fridays and Saturdays, staying open until 9:30 p.m.

Read: Beyond Profit: The Philanthropic Mission of Site Pizza Bar’s Owner

As Bsp’eria expands its reach from Penshurst to Maroubra, it brings with it a reputation for excellence, a commitment to quality, and a promise of pizza perfection. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, Bsp’eria Maroubra is set to become your new favourite pizza destination, offering a taste of neo-Neapolitan heaven just steps from the beach.

Published 27-September-2024

Maroubra Saints Junior Errol Gulden Chases Premiership Glory with Swans’ Midfield Hydra

Maroubra Saints junior and Sydney Swan Errol Gulden is set to make his mark on Australian football history this Saturday, 28 September. As one-third of a formidable midfield trio, Gulden and the Swans have the opportunity to secure their first premiership since 2012, in what would be their second grand final appearance in three years.

Read: Maroubra Fisherman’s Cruel Treatment of Shark Sparks Outrage

Early beginnings

Although his primary passion was soccer, Gulden’s raw talent quickly caught the eye of Sydney Swans scouts. By the age of 11, the Malabar-raised athlete had already been recruited into the Swans Academy.

Gulden’s progression through the Sydney Swans system has been remarkable. The Swans drafted him with the 32nd pick in the 2020 AFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact in his debut season in 2021.

@sydneyswans What a debut from Errol Gulden! #afl #aflplayers #fyp #foryoupage #footy #debut #goals #footy ♬ Domino Lovers Challenge – user

In his first game, Gulden electrified the crowd with three goals and 19 disposals in a performance that heralded his future greatness. His standout rookie year culminated in two prestigious accolades: the Sydney Swans Rising Star Award and the AFLPA’s Best First Year Player title in 2021.

Errol Gulden breaks out

Now 22, Gulden has established himself as one of the AFL’s most exciting young midfielders. His breakout 2023 season saw him earn his first All-Australian blazer, finish fourth in the Brownlow Medal, and win the Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney Swans Club Champion.

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This year, Gulden’s relentless performances filled the stats sheet, positioning him among the leaders in crucial areas like total metres gained, inside 50s, and score involvements—earning him a second consecutive All-Australian team selection.

Read: Maroubra Goes Green: Eco Living Festival Merges with Beach Markets

A trio on the verge of history

Gulden forms one-third of Sydney’s formidable midfield trio, alongside Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner. This “midfield hydra” has taken the league by storm in 2024, drawing comparisons to legendary midfield combinations of the past.

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Their synergy goes beyond just scoring; the trio’s ability to transition from defence to attack with precision and speed has made Sydney’s midfield a nightmare for opponents. The big three’s power is particularly notable, combining for an impressive 82 goals in the 2024 season.

A premiership is all that stands between them and a lasting legacy in AFL history.

Published 24-September-2024

Maroubra Home Among Australia’s Longest on the Market

Photo Credit: buymyplace

A five-bedroom brick home in Maroubra has earned the dubious distinction of being Australia’s 2nd longest running property listing, having been on the market for an astonishing 3,330 days — over nine years.

The property at 14 Wise Street, Maroubra, is just behind the nation’s longest-running listing, a rural property in Beaudesert, Queensland, which has been for sale for 3,652 days or roughly 10 years.

This revelation comes from recent PropTrack data, which highlights a handful of properties across Australia that have struggled to find buyers for extended periods.

The Maroubra home’s extended time on the market stands in stark contrast to the typically hot Sydney real estate scene, where properties often sell within weeks or even days of listing.

While specific details about the Maroubra property’s asking price or the reasons behind its prolonged listing are not provided, real estate experts offer some insights into why some properties might linger on the market.

Leanne Pilkington, president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, suggests there’s usually one primary reason for such extended listings: “There’s really only one reason why a property was stuck on the market — the owner wanted more money than the buyers thought it was worth.”

PropTrack economist Paul Ryan adds that unique properties or those in atypical areas for buyers can take longer to sell. He also notes that sometimes, a property’s extended time on the market can become a “self-fulfilling prophecy,” potentially deterring future buyers.

Published 22-September-2024