A Maitland resident’s sleepless night has turned into an unimaginable stroke of luck, as he discovered he had secured a substantial windfall of more than $615,000 in the recent weekend draw.
The ecstatic winner, who prefers to remain anonymous, had only recently dipped his toes into this game of chance, making his triumph all the more thrilling. He held the sole winning entry for the first division in the draw that took place on Saturday, 9 Sept 2023, securing the entirety of the $615,902 prize.
“Wow. I’m a bit emotional! I haven’t slept at all,” the winner said upon receiving the life-altering news.
An official from the game reached out to confirm his newfound fortune on the following morning, which only added to his astonishment.
“It was a last-minute decision. I have only entered [this game] three or four times, and I bought the ticket just before the draw closed on Saturday night. I don’t even know what to say. I’m speechless.”
The unexpected windfall couldn’t have come at a better time for the lucky winner.
“We have been through a fair bit recently, so it means a lot. It’s going to change everything. I’ll be able to buy a house for my family and take some days off work. Thank you so much.”
The winning numbers that secured his life-changing victory were 11, 9, 14, and 29, in the exact order they were drawn during the event.
For this fortunate Maitland resident, the sleepless night that followed his last-minute decision has turned into a dream come true, opening up new horizons and opportunities for him and his family.
Charlee Feildel, a cheeky and talentd eight-year-old has taken her first steps into the world of cooking. What makes her so special? She is the other half of the father-daughter duo that also includes her father, the renowned celebrity chef, Manu Feildel.
Charlee and Manu, both proud Maroubra locals, are setting the stage for a joint journey exhibiting their shared passion for cooking as they put their own twist on classic recipes and delicious dishes that bring families together.
Charlee’s charming confidence and a touch of cheekiness adds a unique flavour to the kitchen as she playfully challenges her Papa’s culinary prowess.
The father-daughter team has come together to whip up two mouthwatering chicken recipes as part of Ingham’s Dinner Done initiative. Here’s a taste of what it’s like to have these two in the kitchen.
Charlee helps Manu cook Mexi-Bean Loaded Chicken Chippees
At first, Charlee wants to go out for dinner to have loaded fries. Manu, comfortable in his slippers, is not so keen and suggests Mexi-Bean Chicken Chippees instead.
Showing her cheeky personality, Charlee challenges Manu: “Papa, I always see you judging people on TV. So, because I really want those loaded fries, tonight I’ll be judging you. No pressure.”
Together Charlee and Manu cook the chicken chippees in the oven, mash the guacamole, cook the corn, and layer the cooked chippees with olives, corn kernals, salsa and cheese – returning it all to the oven to melt. After presenting the loaded chippees with guacamole, halved cherry tomatoes, sour cream, and coriander it’s time to taste.
And the final score Charlee gives her celebrity chef dad? “Presentation, good. Smell, good. Taste, good.”
Charlee and Manu create Tempura Chicken Nugget Lettuce Cups – a twist on mum Clarissa’s San Choy Bao
“I’ve been a kid for over eight years, and it’s time for us to change things around here,” announces Charlee. “I love Mumma’s San Choy Bao, but what if we use chicken nuggets?”
Manu agrees, “That’s a great idea. What about lettuce cups, vermicelli noodles, some salad vegetables, chicken nuggets and a dressing over the top?”
Manu shows Charlee how easy it is to use an air-fryer, and Charlee shows Manu how to really shake the dressing.
On the couch, Manu and Charlee reveal what this father-daughter duo is all about.
Charlee: “I really like spending time with my dad and making dinner with him.”
Manu: “It’s always fun to be working with my daughter. She seems to understand the gig for some reason.”
When asked who the better cook is, Charlee doesn’t miss a beat: “He’s pretty good, but I think I’m a bit better.”
Ingham’s Dinner Done was launched earlier to provide quick, simple, and delicious recipes to get midweek dinners done with flavour and fun.
Ingham’s has launched a free recipe e-book, “10 Easy Dinner Done Recipes the Family Will Love” available to download from inghams.com.au.
And to help Aussie’s get dinner on the table with the rising cost of living, Ingham’s has launched a cook-snap-win Dinner Done competition – giving away eight $500 grocery vouchers from September to December 2023.
To learn more about Ingham’s and Ingham’s Dinner Done, visit and follow Ingham’s on Instagram @InghamAustralia Facebook @ingham’s and YouTube @Inghamschicken.
Broadarrow Reserve in Maroubra Beach could undergo a transformation, potentially serving as additional parking during peak periods and hosting regular markets.
Currently, the reserve serves as an off-leash dog park and occasionally provides overflow parking during major events. Randwick Council is actively engaging with the community to gather input on these initiatives to make some changes. The goal is to alleviate the severe parking congestion experienced on nearby streets during sunny days when Maroubra Beach attracts a large number of visitors.
Thus, from 1 November to 31 March each year, the reserve may be used as a supplementary parking site exclusively on weekends and public holidays, adding over 300 parking slots in the area.
Access to the reserve on designated days would be primarily for cars, ensuring a smoother flow of traffic. Safety remains a top priority, and activation of the reserve for parking would depend on favourable beach and surf conditions.
In addition to the parking expansion proposal, Randwick Council is planning to introduce regular markets starting in February 2024, offering the community an exciting avenue for engagement.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate actively in shaping the future of Broadarrow Reserve. A survey is available on Council’s Your Say website to voice opinions and concerns.
Alternatively, ideas and feedback can be submitted via email with the subject line “Broadarrow Reserve Parking” to council@randwick.nsw.gov.au or through traditional mail to 30 Frances Street, Randwick NSW 2031.
The consultation window is open now and will remain so until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 19 Sept 2023.
The emergency services came to the aid of an unconscious man who was pulled from the water at Maroubra Beach. The man, whose identity remains a mystery, was reportedly in critical condition and is currently being treated at St George Hospital.
The incident unfolded around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, 27 Aug 2023, when calls alerted authorities to a man in distress off the north rocks at Maroubra Beach. The individual, who is believed to have been rock fishing, was swept into the water by the powerful currents, according to witnesses.
Responding swiftly to the emergency, officers from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, surf lifesavers, and a rescue helicopter rushed to the scene along Marine Parade. The man, described as being of Asian appearance and aged in his 50s or 60s, was located unconscious in the water.
Lifeguards from Maroubra Beach played a pivotal role in the rescue, skillfully navigating Jetskis to retrieve the unconscious man from the water. They initiated CPR whilst awaiting the arrival of paramedics. The man was then transported to St George Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, the man’s identity remains a puzzle, leaving authorities with no means of contacting his next of kin. To aid in the investigation and identification process, the New South Wales Police have issued a public appeal for assistance.
Authorities have described the man as approximately 160cm to 170cm tall, with a slim build and an olive complexion. He was found wearing long black pants, a white long-sleeved button shirt with a grey cardigan, a black vest, and white speckled boots. The man was also carrying a blue Nike backpack and had fishing gear in his possession.
Anyone with information about the incident or the unidentified man to come forward. Maroubra Police Station can be contacted at (02) 9349 9299, and information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Slated for completion in late September 2023, the new splash park will feature an impressive selection of in-ground and above-ground structures. Among the highlights are exhilarating slides, refreshing water sprays, a captivating spiral tunnel, and the delightful Fun-brella.
Additionally, children will have a blast with the Sneaky Soaker, whilst thrill-seekers can enjoy the Surf Cannon and Surfboard attractions. For an ultimate drenching experience, a towering Dump Bucket will provide endless laughter and excitement.
Photo credit: Des Renford Leisure Centre/Facebook
One key aspect of the splash park’s design is its focus on sustainability. In line with the growing need for responsible water usage, the park incorporates a water circulation system that emphasises conservation.
Photo credit: George Sarspedo/Google Maps
This innovative system will recycle and reuse water, allowing up to an impressive 95 percent of used water to be recovered.
In addition to its water features, the design of the splash park also takes into account the comfort and convenience of parents and caretakers. New landscaping and seating areas will provide ample space for families to relax and supervise their children whilst enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
About the Des Renford Leisure Centre
Photo credit: Shunichi Sato/Google Maps
The Des Renford Leisure Centre, owned and operated by the Randwick City Council, is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and attracts over 500,000 visitors each year.
The centre features a range of aquatic and fitness amenities, including a 50-metre outdoor Olympic pool, a 25-metre indoor competition pool, a 25-metre indoor training pool, an enclosed outdoor dome pool, and a dedicated toddler’s outdoor pool.
Photo credit: Garry Robinson/Google Maps
The centre also has its own spacious gym equipped with the latest cardio equipment, catering to the diverse wellness needs of the community.
The centre is named in honour of the late Des Renford MBE, a renowned Australian marathon swimmer.
Renford devoted many hours to the centre and generously shared his time with the Special Olympics group and his beloved Coffee Club. Through the Coffee Club, he created a welcoming environment where individuals of all swimming abilities could swim together and enjoy a cup of coffee, fostering a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity.
Heffron Centre, the eagerly anticipated world-class facility in Maroubra, is now officially open to the public, offering an array of sports, dance, and gymnastic programs for people of all ages and abilities.
The indoor multipurpose facility boasts a two-court sports hall capable of accommodating various sports such as netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball, and indoor futsal. The site includes a dedicated gymnastics area featuring high-quality equipment, ensuring a safe and progressive environment for gymnasts to develop their skills.
BK’s Gymnastics Heffron Centre, a prominent program offered at the facility, has carefully curated classes to cater to various age groups and skill levels. The programs follow a two-week plan focused on skill competencies relevant to each developmental milestone, ensuring a safe and progressive approach for gymnasts.
From the Stepping Stars program for children as young as walking age up to 2 years, to the Gym Fundamentals, Club Gym, Ninja Stars, and All Stars Academy programs for older children and competitive gymnasts, there is something for everyone.
BK’s Gymnastics coaches incorporate elements such as strength, coordination, flexibility, mobility, support, and balance to help gymnasts progress to more advanced levels. Special events like Check-In Week and BK Carnival provide opportunities for participants to showcase their progress and celebrate their achievements.
Heffron Centre also introduces the Dance Society, a program aiming to bring dance to life within the Maroubra, Hillsdale, and surrounding communities. The Dance Society offers classes for preschoolers (3-5 years), Junior Hip Hop (6-14 years), and Open Dance classes.
The Open Dance class offers adults an opportunity to explore dance for the first time or relive their former dance glory days. These classes combine Jazz, Classical Ballet, and musical theatre, delivering a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for beginners and dance enthusiasts alike.
Not only does the Heffron Centre offer sports and gymnastics programs, but it’s now the new home and the high-performance centre of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. This facility also supports Souths Cares’ educational and community initiatives.
Moreover, visitors can enjoy various publicly accessible areas, including a café, a hall of fame, a merchandise shop, and a fan area with a view of the NRL standard showcase field, where training sessions can be observed.
Nagle Park’s lights are currently in operation for three nights a week until 8.30 p.m. from April to September, during Randwick Rugby Club’s training on the sports fields.
To promote informal and passive recreation in the park during winter, Randwick City Council plans to conduct a trial by extending the lighting days to five days a week (Monday to Friday) until 8.30 p.m.
Photo credit: Iyssa/Google Maps
This trial aims to accommodate residents who walk their dogs in the park and use its off-leash dog areas, as dogs are not allowed on the sports field.
Feedback from the survey will be thoroughly reviewed and presented to the Council to determine whether to move forward with the trial. If approved, the trial will begin in June and end in September 2023.
Following the trial, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted, including additional community consultation, to determine if the arrangements should continue.
To take the survey, go to Randwick City Council’s website. The feedback period is open from 5 April until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, 3 May 2023.
About Nagle Park
Photo credit: David Kenwright/Google Maps
Nagle Park, situated on Walsh Avenue in Maroubra, provides amenities for various organised sports such as rugby union, cricket, baseball, and school sports.
The park features vast shaded areas from large trees and screen plantings around the perimeter.
In addition to organised sports, Nagle Park is utilised for walking and dog exercises. A playground is also located on the premises, within 10 metres of the park.
The playground is fenced and suitable for toddlers and older kids. There is a swing set, spring toys, slippery dip, rock climbing set and monkey bars.
Two adventurous teenagers had luck on their side and only sustained minor abrasions and a couple of bruised egos, after they were rescued off Mistral Point in Maroubra.
The boys, aged 16 and 17, became stranded at the base of the cliff and had to seek refuge inside a cave as the waves crashed against the rocks.
According to the NSW Police, members of the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and Marine Area Command, as well as the rescuers from Surf Life Saving NSW, Randwick Council Lifeguards and NSW Ambulance paramedics, were on the scene to help the trapped teens, whose friends informed emergency services.
Though their injuries were minor, the boys were still taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital as a safety precaution.
Chief Inspector Tracy Ford, the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command Duty Officer, commended all the agencies that worked hand in hand to save the teenagers.
“Whilst the area does attract adventure seekers, it must not be forgotten that the area is still extremely dangerous,” Chief Inspector Ford said.
“Thankfully, the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit are trained for such retrievals – and thanks to the quick response of all first responders – we were able to avoid a tragic outcome this long weekend.”
Launching on Saturday, 30th of October 2022, the Sunset Silent Cinema will open with a spooktacular family-friendly movie featuring Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” at 7:00 p.m.
Prior to the film’s showcase, an opening ceremony will take place at 6:15 p.m. and things will get a lot more spine-tingling by 9:00 p.m. when the first “Scream” film will be showcased at the event.
However, the fun does not stop with Halloween as Sunset Silent Cinema will run with two movies for November 2022, January 2023 and March 2023. Here’s the schedule for the upcoming movies:
Currently, free ticket reservations are limited to 50 people but Council advised there may still be opportunities for other locals to watch the movies if there are no-show guests 15 minutes before the start of each program.
Ticket holders are allowed one beanbag and one set of headphones. The headphones only work within the cinema space and are not compatible with Bluetooth. Ticket holders are required to check in upon their arrival at the event.
McKeon Street Plaza officially opened on the 8th of October 2022 following years of planning under the NSW Government Shared Spaces Program, aligning with Randwick City’s Economic Development Strategy.
Following a long consultation with the community, the Maroubra Junction makeover has finally started with the greenery planting, which will be followed by the actual construction of the central plaza.
More than $1 million has been set aside to develop the Maroubra Junction Oasis Project which will see the planting of over 1,000 trees at the park. These trees are predominantly of the native variety that requires little tending to and maintenance. These are also meant to provide a new habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies to thrive.
The funding is part of New South Wales’ Your High Street Projects to create a public space at the heart of Maroubra. Per the NSW Planning and environment, this revitalisation will merge “two halves of a divided town centre by converting a wide median strip into an urban oasis with a raised turf platform, seating, lighting and landscaping.”
The Maroubra Oasis Photo Credit: RCC
The tree planting initiative is expected to take over six weeks and then the plaza construction is expected to kick off in early 2023. The work will include new seating areas, picnic tables, bike racks, and pavements.
“This project is the beginning of our journey to improve the entire town centre,” Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said.
“Maroubra Junction is a bustling centre but sections are tired, uninviting and in need of a makeover. This project is a first step towards cleaning up the area by creating a greener and more inviting space for everyone across our community to enjoy.”
In May 2021, Randwick City Council presented the Maroubra Junction Masterplan that identified three key areas in need of revitalisation, including Bunnerong Road and Flower Street. Nearly 300 locals responded to the survey.
