Work began in early October 2025, with the gym scheduled to open in mid-November. The new facility will sit beside the Maroubra Skate Park at the south end of the beach.
It will replace the existing gym near the Surf Life Saving Club, which is being removed to make way for improvements to the playground area. The project by Randwick City Council aims to upgrade community recreation facilities and promote healthy living for residents.
Features of the New Facility
The new gym will feature a wide range of strength and cardio equipment, including an elliptical trainer, step-up station, chest press, pull-downs, leg press, parallel bars, monkey bars, pull-up bars, and sit-up benches.
This marks a significant upgrade from the 2013 gym, which focused on low-impact exercise for older residents. The equipment will cater to a wider age group, encouraging both casual and fitness-focused users to work out outdoors.
Community Consultation and Feedback
Council consulted the community in February and March 2025, receiving 170 responses on equipment preferences and surface design.
Residents supported relocating the gym to a more open and accessible area near the skate park. The consultation reflected local interest in inclusive recreation spaces and durable fitness infrastructure.
Council’s Broader Health Focus
Deputy Mayor Clare Willington said the project reflects the council’s ongoing investment in public health and social connection.
The Maroubra upgrade follows the opening of Little Bay’s first outdoor gym in August 2025, with another planned at Coral Sea Park in the coming year. Together, these projects support the council’s goal of improving public open spaces and encouraging active lifestyles.
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.
Thousands of bluebottles have washed up on Maroubra Beach, forcing many swimmers to relocate while others braved the waters despite the risk of painful stings. Strong onshore winds over the weekend carried masses of the stinging jellyfish onto the shoreline, covering the sand in clusters of blue.
Beachgoers at Maroubra were met with an unexpected challenge as thousands of bluebottles washed ashore over the weekend. The sudden influx was attributed to onshore winds pushing colonies of the stinging jellyfish onto the sand.
Sydney man Greg Tannos, who was among those stung, described the sensation as “going into an electric shock in the water and then it keeps getting worse.” Despite the risk, some swimmers still chose to enter the ocean, while others moved to alternative locations.
Randwick Lifeguards confirmed that while they do not close beaches due to bluebottles, warning signs were placed around flagged areas to alert beachgoers.
Understanding the Bluebottle Problem
Bluebottles, easily recognised by their blue gas-filled sac, are a common nuisance along Australia’s east coast. They are not capable of independent movement and rely on ocean currents and winds to drift. When winds exceed 30 km/h, entire colonies can be pushed towards specific beaches, as seen at Maroubra.
Experts estimate that up to 30,000 bluebottle stings occur annually across Australia, though none have been fatal. The stings cause intense pain and irritation, often leaving red welts on the skin.
Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory recommends rinsing the affected area with seawater first before applying ice or hot water to reduce pain. Freshwater should be avoided initially as it can worsen the sting by triggering the release of more venom.
Photo Credit: Lynne Oldfield/Facebook
Treatment and Prevention of Bluebottle Stings
In the event of a bluebottle sting, the following steps are recommended:
Monitor the casualty while offering comfort and reassurance.
Pick off any remaining tentacles.
Remove any ‘invisible tentacles’ with a copious amount of seawater.
Immerse the affected area in hot water or cover it with hot running water (as in a hot shower) for at least 20 minutes to neutralise the venom proteins.
Alternatively, apply a dry cold pack for pain relief.
Call Triple Zero (000) if an allergic reaction occurs, pain is persistent, or the sting site covers a large area or a sensitive region (e.g., the eyes).
Seek assistance from a lifeguard if available.
Note: Ensure the water temperature is safe to avoid scalding.
To prevent bluebottle stings:
Avoid swimming when warning signs are displayed.
Do not touch jellyfish in the water or on the shore.
Wear a Lycra wetsuit or protective clothing when swimming.
Use waterproof footwear when wading through shallow water.
Community Concerns and Safety Measures
The presence of bluebottles at Maroubra has raised concerns among locals and lifeguards. Maroubra’s Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has advised swimmers to remain cautious and check local warnings. The Jellyfish App and Beachsafe app are recommended for real-time updates on bluebottle activity.
While lifeguards provide first aid for stings, experts stress the importance of prevention. Beachgoers are encouraged to watch for warning signs and avoid swimming in areas where bluebottles are present.
The feline, tethered on a leash, was seen on the beach last Sunday, 12 January 2025 and appeared to be enjoying the sunny afternoon at the popular Sydney beach, located in the city’s southeast.
Mixed Reactions from Locals
The sight of the cat relaxing on the sand has sparked a variety of opinions. Some locals appreciated the owner’s effort to include their pet in outdoor activities, viewing it as a creative and harmless outing.
Others raised concerns about whether the beach environment was appropriate for a cat, citing potential discomfort and risks to the animal’s wellbeing.
Supporters pointed out that the cat seemed comfortable exploring the area, interacting with beachgoers, and enjoying its time outdoors.
Critics, however, questioned whether this type of environment, often bustling with dogs and activity, was suitable for a cat.
Photo Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Rules and Risks
The incident has drawn attention to pet regulations at Maroubra Beach.
According to Randwick city officials, cats and dogs are not permitted on beaches, children’s play areas, food preparation zones, and other public spaces. The event has led to discussions about the clarity and enforcement of these rules.
Experts have weighed in, suggesting that not all cats are suited for such outings.
Cat journalist Kristian Hitchcock noted that a cat’s suitability for outdoor activities depends on factors such as its comfort with noise, experience on a lead, and ability to remain calm in unpredictable settings. Cats unaccustomed to these conditions may become stressed or risk injury.
Community Perspectives
The community remains divided on the issue. Supporters believe pets like cats should have opportunities to explore outdoor spaces when responsibly managed, emphasising that some cats can adapt well to such environments.
On the other hand, critics argue that beaches, with their busy and often unpredictable settings, are not ideal for cats due to potential stress and safety risks.
Some locals expressed frustration over perceived inconsistencies in attitudes towards pets. They noted that while dogs are sometimes brought to beaches despite restrictions, a single cat’s presence drew significant attention and criticism.
This inconsistency, they said, highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and fair treatment of all pets.
Photo Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Future of Pet Policies at Public Spaces
This incident has sparked discussions about pet policies and their enforcement at public spaces like Maroubra Beach.
While rules for dogs are well-documented, the event raises questions about how other pets should be addressed.
For now, the decision to bring less conventional pets, such as cats, to the beach remains up to individual owners. However, this topic is likely to remain a point of interest in the community.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Google Map
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Google Map
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.
A temporary rocky cove has appeared at the northern end of Maroubra Beach after powerful south swells shifted sands and uncovered a hidden rock shelf, transforming the popular eastern suburbs shoreline.
The dramatic change occurred after the beach experienced the largest south swells of the season.
Lifeguard supervisor Paul Moffatt explained that the direction and size of the swells significantly impacted this part of the beach. He stated that the waves hit North Maroubra with considerable force, causing the sand to be pulled out and creating a strong rip current in the cove area.
Moffatt noted that this sand movement is a regular occurrence, and the beach typically returns to its normal state over time. He indicated that the duration of the rocky cove’s presence depends on surf conditions, with consistent south swells prolonging its existence and calm seas allowing sand to be pushed back onto the beach more quickly.
The altered landscape has created new challenges for beachgoers, particularly surfers. Local photographer Glenn Duffus, who captured images of the transformed shoreline, pointed out that accessing the water from the north end has become more difficult. He warned that the exposed rocks, now covered in slippery green weed, pose additional hazards for those entering the surf.
Duffus also mentioned that the sand movement has affected wave conditions at the northern end of the beach, an area known as The Dunny Bowl due to its swirling rip current.
Despite the beach’s landscape changes, Moffatt assured that lifesaving operations would not be impacted. He explained that lifeguards can still monitor the area effectively from their office and through CCTV cameras overlooking the north side of the beach.
The newly exposed rock shelf has attracted some unexpected visitors. Last week, a seal was spotted sunbaking on the rocks, prompting Randwick Council to remind locals of wildlife protection laws. The council advised people to maintain a distance of 40 metres from seals, increasing to 80 metres if a pup is present.
Maroubra Beach is set to host the inaugural Street Paws Festival, a celebration of our furry companions and their companionship with humans. Supported by Rotary Clubs Botany, Randwick, and Maroubra, this event promises a fun-filled day for both dogs and their owners.
The festival, which will take place on 7 April 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arthur Byrne Reserve, boasts diverse activities and competitions.
Photo Credit: StreetPawsFestival/Facebook
Schedule of Events
10 am: The festival starts with a warm welcome by the Mayor of Randwick.
11 am: Watch the dogs showcase their talents in Best Tail Wagger, Best Trick, and Best Dancing Dog categories.
Noon: Get ready to be amazed by the creativity displayed in the Best Fancy Dress Dog competition.
1 pm: Honour the wisdom and grace of senior dogs in the Most Dignified Old Timer contest.
2 pm: Prepare for an overload of cuteness as puppies vie for the title of Cutest Puppy.
In addition to the main events, attendees can participate in a raffle, enjoy a sausage sizzle, paint their faces, and explore various dog-themed market stalls. This event is perfect for families looking for a delightful day out with furry friends.
Photo Credit: StreetPawsFestival/Facebook
Photo Credit: StreetPawsFestival/Facebook
Since its inception in 2018, the Street Paws Festival is committed to becoming an annual fixture across Sydney. Organisers plan to rotate the festival to various locations, ensuring accessibility to dog lovers citywide.
Future iterations of the event are expected to return in other suburbs, providing communities with continued opportunities to celebrate the bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
After fifteen years, the Rubik’s Cube that sat on the shore of Maroubra Beach that many have taken to calling the ‘Maroubrix Cube,’ has finally been solved.
The Maroubrix Cube is now solved! Photo Credit: Facebook / Randwick City Council
This piece dates back from 2008, when anonymous street artists added the quirky fixture that has captivated locals and tourists since then.
The unsolved Cube right next to an actual Rubik’s Cube, taken October 2023. Photo Credit: Facebook / Cubos R Py
The unusual design of the Cube, endearingly called the Maroubrix Cube, has caught the attention of Maroubra Beach’s passersby. It was intentionally designed to be unsolvable, which caught on to Rubik’s Cube enthusiasts.
Maroubrix Cube is mentioned on Wikipedia’s Big Things of Australia, and is even featured in a children’s book as a ‘portal to another realm’.
Although the recent transformation of the Cube has been made by the still-anonymous artists themselves, a lively debate has sparked among the Maroubra community. This has divided the locals between embracing the refreshed look and cherishing the unsolved puzzle that gave it its original charm and recognition for over a decade.
Randwick Council Mayor, Philipa Veitch, expressed her surprise at this sudden change. She acknowledged the artists’ intention as thought-provoking. She states that this public art transformation challenges the community to contemplate and stimulate a healthy dialogue.
While some residents have applauded the Cube’s new appearance as “satisfying” and “long overdue,” others have voiced nostalgia for the original design, resisting the change. Over the years, temporary alterations like festive costumes and pastel paint caused mixed reactions, showcasing the community’s attachment to the artwork.
The Maroubrix Cube is now solved! Photo Credit: Facebook / Randwick City Council
The ongoing debate revolves around honouring the artists’ intentions and the council’s role in preserving or altering public art. Mayor Veitch advocates for maintaining the solved state. She highlights the importance of allowing artistic expression to evolve naturally without intervention.
As Maroubra grapples with this unexpected twist, the future of the Rubik’s Cube remains uncertain. Whether it will persist in its solved form or undergo further transformations, the Cube continues to serve as a focal point for artistic expression and community conversation in this beachside locale.
The waves crashing along Maroubra Beach aren’t just familiar background noise to Trevor Cracknell. They are an ever-present reminder of the thousands of rescues he has made across the state’s treacherous coastlines. Let’s take a look back at his journey, driven by an enduring commitment to protecting ocean goers in need.
As a young lifesaver just starting his career on Maroubra Beach, Mr Cracknell often gazed up at the rescue helicopters patrolling the coast overhead. He was fascinated by the crews’ heroic work saving lives along the turbulent shoreline.
One day, after chatting with a friend about his admiration for the service, Mr Cracknell decided to take the next step.
Photo credit: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters/Facebook
He looked for open positions with Westpac, feeling called to join the crews he had admired from afar.
Mr Cracknell joined the rescue service in 1986 at the age of 27 following a distinguished swimming career where he represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games. The service first launched 50 years ago on the same beach where he honed his lifesaving skills.
Now, 37 years into his rescue career, Mr Cracknell is a senior crewman and diver with no plans of retiring anytime soon. He says it’s been the best job in the world, eager to go to work every single morning over the last four decades.
Photo credit: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters/Facebook
This is despite the fact that the job has never been easy. Mr Cracknell recalls challenging rescues of fishermen who had fallen from rocks, overturned boats, and fighting the light which presents its own difficulties.
After a childhood spent exploring the coves and beaches of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, he is familiar with the coastline’s hidden dangers – he notes that more fishermen have been injured or killed on the rocky outcrops of this region than anywhere else across Australia.
In 2022, Mr Cracknell and his crew were awarded the Surf Life Saving Australia Rescue Medal for an extremely challenging rescue mission the previous year.
Photo credit: sls.com.au
On 5 May 2021, Mr Cracknell, Jon Klopper, and John Molnar responded in the ‘Lifesaver 21’ helicopter to a welfare check request for a young family lost and isolated by rising creek levels at the National Park.
Despite confined spaces complicating the delicate rescue, the crew located the family and directed them to an area where they could be retrieved. Each patient, two adults and an infant, was carefully secured, winched into the aircraft, and transferred to waiting emergency services at a nearby field, reuniting the grateful family safely. Mr Cracknell and his crew received SLSA’s prestigious Rescue Medal for their skilled handling of a complex heli-rescue.
Now in the twilight of his career, he plans to continue serving as long as fitness allows. He remains as passionate as ever, eager to help those in need after over 1,000 rescues. Though missions still present challenges, Mr Cracknell takes it all in stride, driven by a career-long goal of saving lives.
