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.
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.
Maroubra residents now have around-the-clock access to postal services thanks to a major upgrade of their local post office, which includes a secure 24/7 lobby and modernised facilities designed to meet the growing demand for parcel convenience.
Located at 936 Anzac Parade, the newly renovated Maroubra Post Office offers a streamlined and centralised experience, combining postal services, parcel collection, PO Boxes, and retail items all in one spot.
“The relocation to the new premise ensures that our Post Office, parcel collection, and PO boxes are conveniently available to customers in one central location,” said Sarah Coe, General Manager of Retail Operations North at Australia Post.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Among the key new features is a 24/7 lobby equipped with free Parcel Lockers, offering locals secure access to their online orders and deliveries at any time. The lockers also support return parcels, giving customers added flexibility for their eCommerce needs.
“We recognise that many customers work from 9 to 5 and may not be able to access our services during regular business hours. Our secure 24/7 lobby at the new Maroubra Post Office will allow customers to access postal products through a vending machine and collect and send parcels at a time that suits their busy schedule,” she added.
Photo Credit: Supplied
This upgrade comes in response to a sharp rise in online shopping across the country. According to Australia Post’s 2024 eCommerce Industry Report, over 9.5 million Australian households shopped online last year, with 82% of homes making at least one purchase.
To manage this growth, the Maroubra branch includes an upgraded back-of-house area designed to handle larger volumes of parcels more efficiently, particularly during busy seasons such as Christmas and Black Friday.
The redesign also accommodates customers seeking traditional services. Locals can still access in-person financial services through Bank\@Post, identity verification, and purchase business supplies and stationery — all supported by a team of staff members available during regular trading hours.
“We are continuing to invest in our network to deliver the services customers want and need, this includes having our team available in the Post Office to support our customers,” Ms. Coe said.
“We know our customers want choice, flexibility and simplicity in how they receive their deliveries – this includes both when and where,” she added.
Australia Post also considered community needs and feedback in the planning process, with a focus on providing flexibility and accessibility for residents juggling busy schedules.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Maroubra renovation was officially launched on Thursday, 26 June, with The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite, Member for Kingsford Smith, in attendance to help mark the occasion.
The Maroubra Post Office is open during regular business hours for staffed services, while the 24/7 lobby allows customers to use Parcel Lockers and a vending machine at any time.
While there are no formal announcements yet, Australia Post confirmed that similar upgrades may be considered across other Sydney suburbs, depending on demand and customer needs.
“Australia Post continues to review its network of Post Offices to align with customer demand. Where we find an opportunity to improve the service for our customers and communities, we will do so,” Ms. Coe explained.
A commemorative bench overlooking the bay in Maroubra has unintentionally confused residents due to a significant error in the engraved birth year of Julie Savage, a long-time local who passed away in 2024.
The plaque, placed by a friend, includes a message celebrating Ms Savage’s connection to the Maroubra coastline, her love of swimming, and her respect for the land. However, instead of listing her birth year as 1947, the plaque states it as 2047—creating a timeline inconsistency that has puzzled the community.
Caption: The plaque in honour of Ms Savage sits on a bench overlooking Maroubra Bay. Photo Credit: Google Maps
Background on the Tribute
Julie Savage died on 29 April 2024. The bench and plaque were installed as a tribute from a close friend named Cat, who praised Ms Savage’s regular walks, ocean swims, and appreciation for the natural and cultural significance of Maroubra’s headland.
The plaque, placed in a prominent public location with Randwick City Council’s logo, reflects sentiments of remembrance and local heritage. The inclusion of a mistaken birth year has, however, shifted attention away from the intended message.
Community Reactions and Council Response
Residents expressed confusion after an image of the plaque was posted to a local Maroubra Facebook page. The post noted the inconsistency between Ms Savage’s birth and death years, prompting widespread engagement.
One resident questioned how such an oversight was not caught earlier in the process, citing the number of people typically involved in preparing and installing public plaques. Comments ranged from humorous to sympathetic, with multiple locals noting the tribute’s intention despite the error.
A friend of the late Ms Savage confirmed that the plaque’s author had been informed of the error and praised the tribute’s message. Randwick City official Dylan Parker later confirmed that the mistake was acknowledged and would be corrected promptly.
Randwick City Council has committed to addressing the error on the plaque at Maroubra. The tribute remains in place while the correction is arranged, with no timeline yet announced for its replacement. The situation has prompted renewed attention to quality control in public memorials.
Initially, the redevelopment of Snape Park was aimed at updating the existing amenities only. Over time, the $6.3-million, two-stage plan expanded to include a purpose-built indoor training facility for cricket and rugby league.
Stage 1 involves the construction of the indoor centre, while Stage 2 proposes a replacement of the kiosk, public toilets, and changerooms, along with landscape upgrades and improved pathways and parking. The indoor centre is planned for an under-used part of the park near existing outdoor cricket nets.
Authorities have confirmed that Stage 2 will proceed following further community consultation in future years.
The project is valued at $6.3 million, jointly funded by Randwick City Council and the Federal Government, who gave a $1-million contribution to the project.
Community Engagement and Council Process
Council documentation shows that internal stakeholder engagement began as early as July 2022. Communications obtained through freedom of information requests show Randwick Petersham Cricket Club was involved in consultations before any broader community feedback process began. In contrast, the public consultation period was limited to a one-month window from 3 February to 3 March 2025.
A complaint submitted by residents spans 50 pages and alleges that the planning process lacked transparency and excluded local input. Specific concerns were raised about the project’s origins, with claims the indoor centre component was introduced through a council motion in August 2020 without substantial background or justification.
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council
Design and Implementation Details
The facility will include synthetic flooring, filtered lighting, and energy-efficient features, with potential for solar panels and Indigenous artwork. Consultants have been engaged to advise on accessibility, acoustics, arboriculture, traffic, heritage, and other factors.
The structure will be positioned among trees in a low-lying area to reduce visual and noise impact. According to council, the design aims to use robust materials and visual elements that blend with the natural environment.
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council
Public Objection and Community Response
Residents opposing the plan have raised several objections, including the building’s size, potential traffic issues, and loss of green space. Critics describe the proposal as outsized and believe the process prioritised sporting clubs over broader community interests. A petition opposing the project has collected more than 1,200 signatures.
Council maintains that consultation followed the adopted Community Engagement Strategy. However, several residents argue the process was rushed and lacked genuine opportunity for public input. Concerns have also been raised about whether the indoor centre serves public needs or benefits specific user groups.
A Maroubra man has been charged after cybercrime detectives stormed a home in Sydney’s east, uncovering thousands of sensitive court documents that had been accessed without permission in what authorities are calling a serious breach of state security.
The arrest followed a two-month investigation into unauthorised access to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Online Registry, known as JusticeLink. Between late January and 20 March, nearly 9,000 restricted files were illegally downloaded.
Police allege the suspect used an account to automate document retrieval before the breach was discovered during routine maintenance, leading to a wider investigation with state and federal agencies.
Community Concerns Over Data Access
The accessed files included sensitive documents such as domestic violence orders and affidavits from civil and criminal cases across New South Wales. Legal experts warned of potential risks to vulnerable individuals if the data were leaked.
However, authorities said there is no evidence of information appearing online or on the dark web. Acting Attorney-General Ron Hoenig confirmed the breach was contained, the system stable, and no individuals under apprehended violence orders were at increased risk.
Police Operation In Maroubra
Strike Force Amherst, formed by the NSW Police Cybercrime Squad, led the early morning raid on 23 April. Footage showed heavily armed officers entering the Maroubra home, handcuffing a man who tried to hide his face, and seizing two laptops.
Officers also scanned hard drives for evidence. The man, identified as 38-year-old Christopher John Duff, was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with accessing restricted data and using a carriage service to cause harm.
Court Proceedings And Official Statements
Initially refused bail, Duff was later granted conditional release during his appearance at Waverley Local Court. He must pay a $1,000 bond, surrender his passport, and use only a basic mobile phone for calls and texts.
He is due back in court on 7 May. NSW Police and the Department of Communities and Justice said the breach was serious but assured the public it had been contained. Affected individuals are being contacted as the DCJ continues assessing the documents.
Did you know that Google has chosen Maroubra as the landing point for two major international subsea internet cables, Tabua and Honomoana, which will connect Australia with the United States, Fiji, French Polynesia and New Zealand? The infrastructure will provide critical backup and expanding connectivity options outside of Sydney’s already crowded cable protection zones.
The proposal, submitted by Google through its licensed carrier Perch Infrastructure, was sparked by mounting congestion in Sydney’s northern and southern cable landing zones. According to the company’s submission to New South Wales planning authorities, twelve subsea cables already land in these areas, six in the southern zone alone, pushing the infrastructure close to capacity. Google is seeking permission not only to land the cables at Maroubra but also to extend the official southern cable protection zone boundary to include this new site. See the EIS Scoping Report here.
The planned landing point will be about one kilometre offshore, where the cables will either be buried beneath the seabed or laid on it, depending on environmental and technical considerations. From there, the cables will stretch out to the edge of New South Wales’ coastal waters, which extend 5.56 kilometres from the shoreline.
Community, Capacity and Connectivity
While the initiative is backed by one of the world’s largest tech companies, the impact is being felt on a local level.
A recent community event at Maroubra Beach marked the beginning of the Sydney section of the cable build, attended by stakeholders including Randwick City Council, UGL, UEA, and members of the La Perouse Aboriginal community. Local contractors such as UEA Group have been tapped to handle the initial construction, supporting regional employment and economic activity.
Photo Credit: Subco
This isn’t the first time Maroubra has been part of a significant digital infrastructure project. The area previously saw activity during the PPC-1 cable landing over a decade ago. In comparison, the new cables are expected to carry a far greater data capacity, up to 400 terabits per second, highlighting how much internet technology has advanced in just 15 years.
Preparing for the Future
Google’s broader project, known as the Pacific Connect Initiative, reflects rising internet demand across the Indo-Pacific region and the growing need for system redundancy. By using Maroubra as a landing point, the company aims to relieve pressure on existing zones while ensuring that Australia’s international internet links remain resilient and future-ready.
The final decision on the proposal rests with NSW planning authorities and the Australian Communications and Media Authority. If approved, Maroubra could soon become a key node in Australia’s digital network, linking the community directly to global communication routes.
Based on the EIS Scoping Report, construction of the project would take approximately 20 days (10 days per segment) within NSW coastal waters and is estimated to commence in December 2025.
The 28-year-old footballer purchased the original-condition semi in February 2024 for $3 million, located just 200 meters from Maroubra Beach. This acquisition places Heeney close to his first Sydney home, a two-bedroom garden apartment he bought in 2018 for $1.56 million, approximately 400 meters away.
Randwick City Council is now reviewing Heeney’s ambitious renovation plans, which would completely reimagine the three-bedroom property. The proposed redesign by ARCM Design, initially sketched last June, comes with a construction cost of $478,500.
The plans reveal a sophisticated three-story home featuring Lohas Roman handmade external brickwork. The redesigned property will include four bedrooms—three on the upper level and one on the entry level—along with an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area that extends to an alfresco deck with access to the rear lawn.
In a significant layout change, the plans call for demolishing the existing four-car garage at the rear of the narrow 340 square meter block. New double garaging will instead be positioned at the front of the house, which will occupy 162 square meters of the site.
Timeline indicators suggest Heeney had been planning this redevelopment for some time, having placed the double-brick property on a six-month rental lease shortly after purchase.
The 206-game veteran, who performed strongly despite the Swans’ recent loss to Collingwood, has been with the team since 2015 after playing junior football with the Cardiff Hawks in his native Maitland.
Heeney appears to be following the property development path of former Swans captain Luke Parker, who recently joined Melbourne. Parker and his interior designer wife Kate are currently undertaking a major reconstruction of their nearby Malabar home.
An educational business founded in Maroubra has been recognised nationally after winning ‘Business of the Decade’ at the 2025 Australian Small Business Awards.
Fifteen years ago, Harry Mavrolefteros and his brother launched First Education in a small storeroom above their parents’ optometry practice in Maroubra. The business began with a vision to change how students experienced learning—prioritising enjoyment, confidence, and empowerment. The optometry practice still operates in the community today, reflecting the family’s long-standing local ties.
From its Maroubra roots, First Education has grown into a leading tutoring provider with over 200 tutors and more than 1,000 students. Centres now operate across Sydney, including Bondi, Earlwood, Mascot, and Randwick, with daily availability. The organisation offers one-on-one tutoring for students from Kindergarten through to Year 12, supporting all subjects with a focus on individual needs.
First Education’s method prioritises in-centre, personalised tutoring over group or home-based sessions. According to the business, this structure provides focused attention while avoiding distractions that often hinder learning at home. Sessions are designed to build student confidence and foster a lasting interest in learning.
The founder’s early passion for mathematics shaped the organisation’s philosophy: education should uplift and empower. Tutors at First Education work to instil lifelong learning skills, aiming to build students’ self-esteem alongside academic performance. This approach has supported improved results, particularly in the senior years.
Community Engagement in Maroubra and Beyond
First Education’s original Maroubra centre remains active, contributing to local educational outcomes and community development. The business’s expansion into neighbouring suburbs has strengthened its presence across the Randwick area, helping students gain skills and confidence in a structured learning environment.
While the recent national recognition highlights First Education’s business success, its founder described the achievement as a shared victory involving students, families, tutors, and local support. The acknowledgement also reflects the lasting educational impact the organisation continues to deliver across the region.
With its foundation in Maroubra, First Education remains focused on its mission to support students through personalised education. The award marks a significant milestone in the business’s development and its ongoing contribution to learning in local communities.
