Anzac Parade Archives - Maroubra News

A Local Favourite: Inside Maroubra’s KokoroYa

KokoroYa at 665/667 Anzac Parade sits near the Bowen Library and a short walk from Maroubra Junction, quietly cementing its place as the most highly rated Japanese restaurant in the suburb. It carries an impressive average 4.6 to 4.8 out of 5 rating from more than 2,000 reviews across major platforms.

The name itself tells you everything you need to know about its vision. KokoroYa translates from Japanese as a home for the heart, and the restaurant has built its massive following on something closer to a cosy neighbourhood diner model than a formal dining experience.

It is the exact kind of local gem families return to for milestone birthdays, couples drift into on casual weeknights, and solo diners feel comfortable settling into with an iPad and a sake.

An authentic Japanese owner has operated the restaurant since its doors first opened, and regulars are quick to point out that success has not changed its grounded approach or its quality. In a suburb where consistent dining spots come and go, KokoroYa has earned serious community credibility.

The food and how to order it

Ordering happens via an automated self-order tablet at the table, which lets diners control the pace of their meal and add dishes as they go without having to flag down staff. The system has become a signature feature in its own right, particularly for families with young kids who love tapping through the screen.

Standout dishes include the signature sushi, which is consistently praised for its freshness and precision, alongside vibrant sashimi platters and sukiyaki. The steak tofu and wagyu beef are two of the most talked about dishes among regulars, while the matcha mousse and tiramisu desserts draw a dedicated following.

Tempura, ramen, and a broad selection of rolls including soft shell crab and scallop with dynamite sauce round out a menu that covers both accessible entry points and more demanding Japanese flavours.

Google reviewers give the restaurant 4.6 stars. OpenTable diners, who book ahead and tend to rate based on the full experience, have left hundreds of highly positive reviews.

What customers say

Absolutely amazing !
From the entrance the staff are very welcoming, kind and helpful.
The restaurant is extremely clean and a very comfortable layout.
The ordering process is very efficient and a beautiful selection of amazing fresh food.
The flavours are outstanding, and so many delicious options to choose.
It was my first experience here and I’ve already booked to return next week.
This is a must try, great work Kokoroya, this is my new favourite place ❤️
Michael Tonna, Google Reviews

Super fresh sashimi and amazing nigiri. Loved the uni, saba, and the tempura was so light and crispy. Every dish we ordered was on point. One of the best Japanese spots in Maroubra!
Nicole Wang, Google Reviews

We found this Japanese restaurant while driving past, the busy crowd made us curious. The food was amazing, just like the crowd suggested. Super fresh sashimi and perfect sukiyaki. But the best part is Dessert! The chocolate treat melted in my mouth, feeling so good! Easy parking too.
Jiantao Wei, Google Reviews

Getting there and booking

KokoroYa is a couple of blocks from Maroubra Junction, near the Bowen Library, with easy parking in the surrounding streets.

The venue is wheelchair accessible and accepts credit cards. Delivery and takeaway are also available for a cozy night in. It is incredibly family friendly, complete with a dedicated children’s play area inside.

KokoroYa is located at 665/667 Anzac Parade, Maroubra. Opening hours and bookings are available at kokoroya.com.au or through OpenTable. You can follow their latest updates on Instagram at @kokoroyasydney.

Published 5-June-2026

Violence Erupts Outside Maroubra McDonald’s as Bystanders Look On

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A disturbing brawl involving several teenage girls unfolded outside the McDonald’s on Anzac Parade in Maroubra on Saturday evening, leaving witnesses shaken and prompting fresh concerns about youth violence in the area.

Police from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to the fast food restaurant at approximately 5.45pm on 14 February following reports of a fight. Footage filmed by a passing motorist captured the confrontation, which showed two girls allegedly attacking another girl on the footpath before dragging her onto the busy road.

The video depicts one alleged attacker repeatedly striking the victim, including pulling her hair and kicking her whilst she lay on the pavement near the intersection. A second girl, believed to be attempting to help the victim, was then set upon by one of the alleged attackers.

The witness who recorded the incident told news.com.au they were simply driving to work when the fight broke out. The footage shows dozens of pedestrians walking past, with only one woman appearing to call for assistance whilst others watched from a distance.

Police attended the scene and spoke with four females aged 12, 17, 18 and 21. The three younger females were released pending further enquiries, whilst the 18-year-old woman was taken to Maroubra Police Station where she was charged with affray. She was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 6 March 2026, according to IBTimes UK.

The incident has sparked debate on social media, with many questioning why bystanders did not intervene to stop the violence.

Domestic violence advocate and author Ashlee Donohue has expressed alarm about what she describes as increasing youth violence in Maroubra. Ms Donohue is CEO of Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women’s Centre and has presented at United Nations forums on violence prevention.

Ms Donohue referenced a separate incident on Maroubra Bridge on 31 January, where a 14-year-old girl suffered serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, following an alleged assault by a group of girls. She believes social media is playing a role in fuelling these attacks, with perpetrators filming the violence to gain attention online.

“They are doing this to post it online to get likes and views,” Ms Donohue told the Daily Mail. She has called for changes to legislation that would hold those who film or encourage violence equally accountable as those who carry out the assaults.

Ms Donohue said the 14-year-old victim from the January incident had been lured to a location by a schoolmate under the pretence of hanging out at the beach, only to be set upon by several girls whilst approximately 15 others watched and encouraged the violence.

“This assault was brutal and planned,” she said. She noted that police have laid charges against several teens in relation to that incident, but has made a public appeal to meet with the parents of those involved.

The latest violence has rattled some Maroubra residents who remember when the suburb was synonymous with the Bra Boys surf gang in the 1990s. That group became notorious for territorial disputes and violent confrontations, gaining national attention through their 2007 documentary narrated by Russell Crowe.

Whilst Saturday’s incident resulted in charges, the broader question of how to address youth violence and the role of social media in amplifying these confrontations remains a concern for the local community.

Anyone with information about the Anzac Parade incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 16-February-2026

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

Corporate Health Executive Fined After Maroubra Drink Driving Incident

Photo Credit: NSW Courts

A Melbourne-based health and safety executive has been fined and lost her licence after being caught drink driving in Maroubra in June.

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.

Published 24-July-2025

Safety Concerns Prompt Parking Restrictions Along Anzac Parade

In response to mounting complaints and concerns about safety, a 4.5-kilometre stretch of Anzac Parade between Matraville and La Perouse is now off-limits for parking boats, trailers, and caravans.

Parking Restrictions Take Effect

“No parking” signs would be installed along the grassed median strip of Anzac Parade, from Kain Avenue to Bunnerong Road, within 10 days following the announcement. Vehicles currently parked in the area have been issued warning notices, and owners are given a grace period to adjust to the changes before fines of $129 are enforced. Variable message boards are also in place to notify residents of the new restrictions.

According to Council, the area has become increasingly used as a storage site for larger vehicles, which creates safety risks for pedestrians and obstructs traffic visibility. Complaints from residents and local precinct committees about the congestion and hazards prompted the council to act.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Residents have expressed divided opinions about the move. While some welcome the decision to address safety concerns and clear the medians, others worry the change will push vehicles into residential streets where parking is already limited.

A Randwick City Council spokesperson stated that the aim is to make the green spaces safer for pedestrians and improve traffic conditions. However, some residents argue that parking recreational vehicles on the median strip is a practical solution to reduce street congestion and are calling for long-term storage options to be provided.

Long-Term Plans and Costs

To support residents, Council is considering the construction of formalised parking bays for cars along Anzac Parade but clarified that these would not accommodate boats or caravans. Additionally, plans are underway to improve the green space by planting more native and indigenous plants. This is expected to provide screening, shade, and noise reduction for the surrounding area.

As a potential long-term measure, the council is consulting with Transport for NSW to explore the installation of low-level railings to prevent vehicles from parking on the median strip. The estimated cost for fencing, parking areas, and landscaping is $550,000, which will be considered in the 2025–26 budget.

Council has committed to informing residents about these changes and future developments. Letters have been sent to vehicle owners where possible, and the community will be consulted further as plans for formalised parking and green space improvements progress.

Published 7-Dec-2024

Man Charged for Assaulting A Paramedic in Maroubra

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a NSW Ambulance paramedic in Maroubra on Monday night, 2 December 2024.

Emergency services were called to Anzac Parade around 9pm after reports of an unconscious 40-year-old man in the street. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man at the scene and transported him to Prince of Wales Hospital.

During transit, the man is alleged to have assaulted a female paramedic. Eastern Beaches Police Area Command officers arrested the suspect and took him to Maroubra police station.

The man was charged with assault of a frontline health worker resulting in actual bodily harm. He was refused bail and appeared at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, where bail was again denied.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday, 10 December 2024.

Published 3-December-2024

Pioneers Park Sportsfield Upgrade Starts, Completion Target in May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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