Maroubra Archives - Page 9 of 14

Unexpected $100-K Cash Boost for Maroubra Man Will Bring Him to Queensland

A Maroubra man is off to plan his holiday in Queensland after getting an unexpected $100,000 cash boost. He was excited about the unexpected windfall but he didn’t expect to hit the jackpot!

The Eastern Sydney local received a notification about his win on his cellphone but he ignored the call from the officials of The Lott because he thought they were calling to sell him a new energy package.

So, he walked to the office to verify the notification and was floored to learn he was going to get the $100,000 prize from the Super Jackpot draw.

“I thought, ‘oh, that’s cool – a little win on that one,” he told himself after getting the notification.

“Then I realised it said $100,000! all I could think was, ‘that’s not right, I don’t know about this!'”

This was his second purchase of the Super Jackpot ticket from the official site.

“I usually only purchase tickets when there’s a big jackpot! I plan to help someone who deserves it and celebrate with a holiday in Queensland.”

Per The Lott: “The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $11.57 million for draw 1579, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is now $17.18 million for draw 10603.

In 2021, 127 1st Prize and Jackpot winning entries across Australia won more than $32.95 million. During this time, the biggest prize was won by a Coolangatta man who a Mega Jackpot prize of $9.41 million in May.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.5 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.”

Mahon Pool At Maroubra Beach Set To Undergo Coping Restoration

Following the success of Wylie’s Baths pool coping restoration, three more ocean pools across NSW are set to receive upgrades, including Mahon Pool, which is located to the north of Maroubra Beach at the base of Jack Vanny Reserve.

Read: Get To Know Maroubra-Born Ron Finneran OAM, Australia’s First Winter Paralympian

Scope of works for Mahon Pool involve removing existing hand rail, preparation and installation of new timber posts, removal of existing hand rail and installation of new hand rails, grout repair, removal of loose materials.

The upgrades are part of the Ocean Pool Restoration Program, which is one of the major projects of Randwick City Council in 2022. A grant of $300,000 has been provided by the federal government for this project.

mahon pool maroubra — Photo credit: Randwick City Council

Aside from Mahon Pool, the Malabar Ocean Pool and Ross Jones Pool were also identified as needing restoration work around the outer edge of the pool, known as the coping.

A product called Cement-All was used when coping was redone at Wylie’s Baths, and the end result is of excellent condition, even more than a year later. It will now be applied at Malabar, Mahon and Ross Jones Pools to upgrade and renew the coping. In addition, minor civil works will be done at each pool.

Cement All is a highly engineered cementitious grout product that can be applied from feather edge to as much as 100mm thick in single passes. It’s also a rapid set product, enabling its application to set within one-hour, prior to tides returning and compromising the bond to the substrate or the curing of the product.

Meanwhile, locals are being reminded that ocean pools will be closed whilst the work takes place.

The timeline for work at Mahon Pool will be from Tuesday 14 June – Thursday 30 June 2022.

To stay updated about the project, visit Randwick City Council’s website.

Rate Increase to Impact Residents of Maroubra, Malabar, and Matraville

A rate increase has been proposed in the 2022-23 Operational Budget that will see the completion of facility upgrades across Maroubra, Malabar and Matraville.

Council announced that it’s pushing for a 2.5 per cent rate increase and a 2.5 per cent domestic waste charge for the incoming financial year, which should generate enough revenues to deliver the following projects:

MAROUBRA

Finishing the Heffron Centre, the newest community sporting facility at Maroubra’s Heffron Park
Construction of new seating and shaded netball court area at Heffron Park Netball Centre
Stage one of Heffron Park Criterion Loop construction
Replacement of the Des Renford Leisure Centre indoor pool roof and upgrading the poor filtration system
Construction of a new amenities block at South Maroubra Beach
Upgrade to the Heffron Park irrigation and drainage systems
Upgrade to Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club
Local road upgrades – Burnie Kelly Dr, The Causeway, Gale Rd, Scott Lane, Portland Cres, Wride St, Maroubra Rd, Osprey Court, Hughes Ave, Beauchamp Rd
Local footpath works – Anzac Pde, Malabar Rd, Torrington Rd, Fitzgerald Ave

MALABAR

Design work on Pioneers Park Club House refurbishment
Upgrade works to Malabar Memorial Hall and Malabar Community Library
Local road upgrade – Victoria Ln, Fishermans Rd
Local footpath works – Zions Ave, Howe St.

MATRAVILLE

Upgrade works to Malabar Memorial Hall and Malabar Community Library
Local road upgrade – Shirley Cres, Daunt Ave.
Local footpath works – Eastern Rd, Windsor St.

Thus, residents are encouraged to fill out their inputs on the 2022-23 Operational Plan and Budget online.

The consultation period for the rate increase will run until Friday, 27 May 2022. Council said that all submissions will be considered before finalising the plans.

Residents may also send their inputs through email – council@randwick.nsw.gov.au or snail mail – 30 Frances Street, Randwick NSW 2031.

Sleepless in Maroubra: Mom Stayed Up to Wait for Life-Changing News

A mother from Maroubra spent one sleepless night waiting for the great news that would change her and her daughter’s life.

The Maroubra woman was expecting a call that would confirm her million-dollar windfall after watching the Division One draw on Wednesday, 20 April 2022.

She was holding the proof in her hand when the Division One winner was announced but she wanted to hear the official call.

When she finally got the life-changing call, The Lott informed her that she had won $1,093,753.75.

“I checked my ticket last night on The Lott app and saw that I’d won division one,” the woman said.

“I couldn’t believe it! I was shaking so much.

“I screamed out to my daughter to check my ticket for me. We were so happy. There were lots of hugs and kisses.

“I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I just felt so happy and excited! I didn’t want to miss your call, so I stayed by the phone all night.

“My family kept calling me last night, too, checking to see if it was real. It was hilarious!

“It’s a dream come true.

“I want to get a bigger house for all the kids and grandkids to enjoy, so they can come and visit whenever they want.

“I’ll help my kids and then use the rest to enjoy retirement.”

The winner bought her ticket at Pacific Square News along Anzac Parade in Maroubra. The shop’s team was thrilled for the Maroubra mom and wished her all the best.

So far, The Lott’s Division One winners have reached over 360 this financial year and 119 have been from New South Wales.

Set Your Calendars for these Plant With Us Events in Maroubra

Several ‘Plant With Us’ events are going to take place in Maroubra from May to October 2022, as part of the city’s project to promote greening, combat climate change, and help preserve the planet.

On Thursday, 28 April 2022, Plant With Us will be underway from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Heffron Park. The ‘Greening Our City’ tree-planting activities are done during the cooler months of the year to ensure their survival.

Everyday is Earth Day in the Eastern Suburbs, so those who cannot make it to Heffron Park in April may still join the other scheduled planting days at the following dates and locations:

DATE	LOCATION
Sunday, 8 May 2022 Mother’s Day	Heffron Park, Maroubra
Friday, 20 May 2022	Heffron Park, Maroubra
Sunday, 5 June 2022	Cromwell Park, Malabar
Sunday, 26 June 2022	Heffron Park, Maroubra
Friday, 29 July 2022 Sunday, 31 July 2022	Heffron Park, Maroubra
Thursday, 1 September 2022	Environmental Park, Randwick
Saturday, 8 October 2022	Latham Park, Coogee

Participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes, a hat, long sleeves, and long pants. They also need to bring their own gloves and a water bottle. While face masks are no longer mandatory, participants may use them if they are unable to maintain a safe distance from others.

Meanwhile, residents may also fill out a Request a Tree form to support the Greening Our City project and receive an appropriate tree for planting outside their own home on the nature strip or verge.

Per Council, “If you request a tree as we approach summer or early autumn, you may find it takes longer for your street tree to be planted. As most of our street trees are native or indigenous trees that we often source from our Community Nursery, they are usually better suited to local weather conditions and this tends to give the trees the best possible start to a long life.”

“The final decision on tree species and planting approval will be made by the assessing tree officer.”

90-year-old Randwick Artist Wins Women’s Day Art Prize; Maroubra Gallery Exhibits Winning Artworks

Did you know that a 90-year-old artist from Randwick who has only been painting for a year has won first place in the 20+ category of the 2022 Randwick International Women’s Day Art Competition? Some of the winning artworks are now on display at the Lionel Bowen Library Gallery in Maroubra.

Elena Guerrera, a Randwick resident, is originally from Naples. As a hopeful 27-year-old, she followed her husband to Australia in the late 1950s. Her artwork, “The ship I arrived in,” has won the top prize in 20+ category of the competition.

Elena started painting as therapy to help her recover from a stroke which had paralyzed her left hand. According to her daughter, Anna, painting has given her mum a new passion, purpose, and meaning in her life.

Professional artist Tesha Malott, who judged the competition, described Ms Guerra’s work as a “skillful, naive-style painting.”

The ‘women-only’ art event was a way to encourage and support the women of the Randwick City community to showcase their creative talents.

International Women's Day Art Competition Winners Randwick — Photo Credit: Philipa Veitch/Facebook

The other winners in the competition are Tanya Duckworth for “Dames d’Heremes: Selle des steppes” also in the 20+ category and Niranjana Ghosh for “Joker” for the 12-19 category. Jessica Mang’s “Mistress” took home the Councillor’s Prize.

Lionel Bowen Library Gallery Maroubra — Photo Credit: RCC

The exhibit at the Maroubra gallery has over 168 beautiful artworks to admire until Saturday, 24 April 2022.

World Surf League Qualifying Series to Go Ahead in Maroubra Despite Recent Shark Attack

Despite the tragic shark attack that gripped beachgoers and residents of Sydney, activities for the three-day World Surf League Qualifying Series will still proceed as scheduled in Maroubra.

Maroubra will be the third of four stops of the elite surfing event. Happening from 4 to 6 March 2022, the World Surf League Qualifying Series will be broadcasting a live webcast of the qualifying competitions via Surfing NSW’s Facebook page.

A spokesperson for Surfing NSW said that the Australian Surf Life Saving UAV Service will be monitoring from the land, water, and air to ensure everyone’s safety. This comes after the one-day closure of Maroubra beach after the shark attack in Little Bay, some 10 kilometres away, on Wednesday, 16 Feb 2022.

The World Surf League Qualifying Series has been the highlight of the summer at Maroubra for more than five years, showcasing the up-and-comers and best surfers in the country at one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches, according to Randwick City Councillor Danny Said.

“It’s a great event for the athletes but also the perfect place for the whole community and surf fans to come to watch future stars of the sport,” Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden said.

“Events like this send a clear message to the world that NSW is open and ready for visitors to enjoy in a COVID-safe way,” NSW Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said.

“Maroubra has such a rich history with competitive professional surfing. The WSL is stoked to be continuing the tradition and returning to Sydney’s eastern suburbs once again this March,” WSL APAC Tour Manager Ty Sorati said.

The World Surf League Qualifying Series kicked off at the Boomerang Beach in Pacific Palms on 23 Feb 2022. Follow the live scores on the official site.

Speeding Fines Jumped in Maroubra, Randwick In Just One Year

A number of school zones in NSW, including Maroubra and Randwick, saw an alarming jump in speeding fines within a 12-month period, according to the National Roads and Motorists’ Association, the country’s largest member organisation offering roadside assistance, car servicing, and motoring advice.

In February 2020 speeding fines in NSW totalled 8,937 but that number increased to 17,494 during the same month a year later. Some 85 per cent of the fines were for motorists who drove at least 10 km/hr above the speed limit.

Among the 10 roads with doubled speeding fines year-on-year include:

WHERE	2020 FINES	2021 FINES
Malabar Road, Maroubra	48	149
Avoca Street, Randwick	170	397
Botany Road, Alexandria	237	447
Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens	525	1,057
Edgar Street, Condell Park	83	228
Fitzwilliam Road, Old Toongabbie	41	103
Hume Highway, Ashfield	63	136
Pennant Hills Road, Oatlands	28	73
The Boulevard, Strathfield	240	492
Victoria Road, Ryde	53	1,131

Based on these statistics, NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury warned motorists to take heed and do the right thing as the school zone speed limit of 40km/h has been enforced yet again with the start of the new school term for 2022.

“If you are driving to take kids to or from school, or just happen to be driving through a school zone – follow the road rules,” Khoury said. He also asked parents to be on the alert when dropping off or picking up their children at the school by following parking rules and practicing safe behaviours.

NSW Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward also said that there is no excuse for speeding in school zones. She urged every single person behind the wheel to pay close attention and be more vigilant when driving near schools. She is hoping to see the number of speeding fines go down this year.

Drowning in Little Bay Prompts Call to Observe Increased Rock Fishing Safety Measures

Surf Life Saving Australia is calling on the public to observe increased safety measures for rock fishing following the tragic drowning of a father and his son in Little Bay near Maroubra.

Shane Daw, the general manager for coastal safety of Surf Life Australia has been advocating for those engaging in rock fishing to wear lifejackets and he believes that this should be mandated nationwide. The safety expert also wants more education on the importance of a lifejacket, including in areas where it has become compulsory.

A 40-year-old father and his nine-year-old son were believed to have been swept by the tide as they were rock fishing in Little Bay on Monday, 31 Jan. The pair were not wearing lifejackets when paramedics took them out of the water. According to reports, the dad and son were in critical condition and could not be saved.

According to Mr Daw, every council in Australia should have laws about mandatory lifejackets, as well as continued enforcement and education about its use. He said that even in councils where it has been required, many fishers are still not aware of the law, especially among recreational fishers. He believes that this safety guideline should also be taught in schools and community groups as the death toll has been climbing.

Data from Surf Life Saving Australia showed that 80 per cent of all rock fishing fatalities were not wearing a lifejacket.

Little Bay, under Randwick City Council, is considered one of the most dangerous places for rock fishing. In 2018, the Council mandated lifejacket use for rock fishers.

However, according to NSW Police, only two violations have been logged in Little Bay since its enforcement. The recent accident is the fourth rock fishing-related death in the area since 2017 and the 21st since 2001.

A review of the lifejacket policies, education, and implementation will be conducted by Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker. Meanwhile, the victims’ family and friends have launched a GoFundMe page for the mother, who painfully watched her husband and son drown in the water.

Maroubra Among Top 10 of Hottest Renovation Suburbs in NSW

Upsizing, home improvements, and other renovation activities are on an all-time high in 10 suburbs in NSW, including Maroubra, as the volume of jobs and demand for tradies increased in 2021.

Hipages, the largest online marketplace for tradies in Australia, determined the 10 hottest renovation suburbs from 1 January to 21 December 2021 based on the number of jobs posted by homeowners on its app. Aside from Marouba, residents from the suburbs of Kellyville, Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Quakers Hill, Campbelltown, Sydney, Penrith, and Schofields had a huge demand for tradies as well.

With homeowners unable to travel for leisure due to the lockdowns and restrictions during the pandemic, Hipages’ app usage for homeowners had a 56 per cent increase in the last year. Stuart Tucker, Hipages’ Chief Customer Officer, said the demand has continued into the New Year with new job postings at an average of 20 seconds.

However, some jobs are highly sought-after that he advised homeowners to start discussing with their tradies earlier to schedule the job and avoid delays or hitches in the renovation projects. Among the most in-demand jobs include:

Handymen
Plumbers
Electricians
Fencers
Painters
Cleaners
Builders
Concreters
Tilers
Carpenters

The Hipages app also saw an increase in job listings for project managers and landscape architects for larger projects. During the pandemic, most homeowners have decided to renovate their kitchen, home theater, house extensions, attic access, pool, and landscape or gardens.

It comes as Property Market Updates reported a 22.22 per cent growth in Maroubra’s property market for the period covering October 2020 to September 2021. In this Eastern beaches locale, even rundown Maroubra homes are seen as good value because of the water views and the size of land per block, where new homeowners envision restoration projects to build their dream homes.