The storytelling fun continues. Remo and I have been invited to present a session at the inaugural Bondi Books & Ideas Weekend, happening at the Bondi Pavilion over the weekend of 21 and 22 November. We’d love to see you there.

_____________________

From the programme:

“With almost four decades of life in Bondi, Melanie and Remo Giuffré are the ultimate local storytellers. Together, they are the unstoppable creative powerhouse behind the popular Bondi Observer blog, REMORANDOM book series and new book ‘Love, Bondi’. Join the Giuffrés as they share their passion for creativity and reflect on their favourite Bondi stories, people and memories in a celebration of ingenuity and community.”

Register for our session HERE

Full programme HERE

Love, Bondi

Order online HERE at REMO or from Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore on Hall Street

Enigmatic Bondi-born-and-bred Bruce loves the local cafe scene, dislikes the 40kmh speed limits but mostly he wanted to talk about how courteous he thinks the local drivers are. No fuss, no stress.

Also, he wanted to acknowledge the good work that Waverley Council are doing in greening the area.

Backstroking Roslyn Baker

Not just backstroking but singing also.

Roz is a long-time Berg’s swimmer but recently discovered a new passion and joined a choir.

“Why I joined the choir? I went to the sold-out Vivaldi Choir and Orchestra concert in June at Bondi Catholic in June and had a vision from the Goddess within…..started going to mass…..got an audition and NOW I am singing with quite professional singers.

The best joy in life is to surround myself with those whose talents I admire….to learn a skill, improve one’s arts practice little by little every week.

This is my version of being a millionaire!! I learnt to ocean swim at the Icebergs by being a pest and trailing along behind all the hardy, sun-tanned types; NOW I am actually learning the complexities of medieval harmony from pale-skinned Conservatorium of Music professionals. Lucky me. AND all without leaving Bondi!”

Di Robinson and Sammy Simpson

Di’s family is very international. Sammy, who is married to her niece Luisa, is from Scotland. Luisa grew up in Italy. They live in Manchester and are on a six month sabbatical.

Di has lived here since 1994. She came to live here with her then partner who was from the UK. It was the only thing he knew about us. Lucky it was worth the risk.

“I am always excited about just walking along the beautiful beach … and meeting friends and chatting while wandering, preserving the best of the paradise we have … (but want to join a rock band).”

Nippers Season

And they’re off for another season

You’re So Brave

One of the little affirmations you find around the place from time to time.

Love, Bondi was officially last Thursday at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore. It was a great night! Writes Bondi local Rick Feneley on FB:

“You gotta love Bondi on nights like this. Congrats Melanie.”

Get your copy from Gertrude & Alice or online HERE.

Michael and Romeo Mahoney Loving the Bubble

Take one guess what first drew us to these two. Sorry Michael!

Michael and Romeo were enjoying some time down by the beach with their dog Felix when we met them.

“My attachment to Bondi started 15 years ago. I found my way here from the Sunshine Coast. I never had an interest in living in Sydney but fell in love with the place and never left.

These days my partner and I have a local BNB business, purchased our dream home in the backstreets of Bondi Beach and are raising our son in this wonderful community.

I met my fiancée here, and after both finding this slice of paradise from other parts of the world, we’ve laid our roots here in Bondi.

We’ve certainly embraced living in the bubble.

It’s such a privilege to live in a place that people from all over the world come to visit. And we get immense joy from hosting those coming to experience Bondi for themselves.

We’ve recently become parents for the first time. Every day is so special and exciting with our baby boy Romeo.

Exploring Bondi through a new lens is such a thrill. We’re so excited about the future and all the wonderful things we’ll get to experience with him.

Bondi is such a great place to have kids and we’re falling in love with Bondi all over again!”

Jacob and Willy

These two strong silent types were visiting from Brisbane. The came down for the Rugby League World Cup game between Australia and New Zealand last week.

The Davids got their copy of Love, Bondi

David Williams and David Watson have been travelling around the country for the better part of the year but they had to get back to get their copy of Love, Bondi.

You can get a copy from Gertrude & Alice on Hall Street or online HERE.

Thongs Give-Away

People love a freebie. On Saturday Archies thongs set up a kiosk on the grass above the beach from where they were giving away 2,000 pairs. The queue was long and people had travelled from afar. We spoke to a woman who had come from Gladesville.

Save the Whales Rally

At the same time as the 1000s were queuing for their free thongs a small but valiant group were making their way across the beach protesting krill over-fishing (for oil) that deprive whales and other Antarctic wildlife of their primary food source.

North Bondi local Belinda was trying to lure Santi in for his first dip in our beautiful ocean and came up with the idea of the floral swim cap to add a little fun. They certainly sparked joy in us.

“Santi is a dear friend who I met in Bogota - he is a third or fourth generation polo player of the Polo Club of Bogota and his first trip to Australia for the Australian polo season - and his first dip in the ocean at Bondi.

I swim and dip in the sea at Bondi just about every day I’m in Sydney all year long regardless of the water temperature peaks and troughs. It feeds my soul.”

Ednardo “Eddie” Goncalves

Relaxing in his van facing out to sea while enjoying his morning coffee Eddie was a bit of a sitting target for the Bondi Observer team.

Eddie lives in Vaucluse but is moving back to Bondi in the near future. He brings his van down to the beach on the weekends for a change of scenery and a game of altinha, “a traditional Brazilian beach game where players work together to keep a soccer ball in the air without letting it touch the ground”.

“It is my van that I use to pick up the dogs, as I run a small cleaning company I have to use to move cleaning equipments and get away weekend, camping and chill at beach.

The van was my life saver as I was facing a very hard times in the past 8 months, I travelled with it when I could , I play some tunes where I found opportunity to meet people talking about music and share life experiences.

I lived in Bondi for about 11 years, now I’m Vaucluse and soon moving back to Bondi. Yes I drive from there to spend time after work and weekends in Bondi when I am not on a trip.

I also play Beach volleyball around ramp3.

I used to run beginners and intermediate Beach volleyball lessons by donation, aiming individuals learn a new sport, improving skills and also mental health. It was before COVID 19, and during when allowed and after this hard time.

I own a cleaning company where I make sure the individuals are in a clean, health and spotless environment.

I also do dog walking, pet sitting and house sitting around eastern suburbs when it is required by my clients making sure the house is safe, pets are fed, safe and walked.”

Jess Beames and Anthony Garnham

This was a fun-meet. Jess and Anthony came up to us to tell us that they had bought a copy of our book, Love, Bondi from Gertrude & Alice. It’s impossible to say how thrilling that was!

Anthony told us about his point-to-point Bondi walking tours, Bondi with Birdy that was born out of taking family and friends, and then friends of family and friends of friends from the tip of Marks Park to the tip of Ben Buckler. It’s such a great idea.

Da Boys Go For a Swim

Raille, Mike, Steve, Peter, Rob and Adam prepare for their regular 8am swim

New Mural by @AndrewJSteel

Bondi Locals Loving Love, Bondi

Love, Bondi is now available to buy from Gertrude & Alice on Hall Street or online HERE.

Josef and his partner Sandra Popovic have lived in Bondi for 10 years. They hail from Germany (but Australian born) and Serbia respectively, but now call this place home. They have two young children (or two little Aussies!).

“It’s the people here who I bump into that make me feel good and want to stick around. It’s the spontaneous interactions with the creatives, the Bondi originals and characters whose stories reach deeper.

It’s the untamed nature with its ever changing sounds, waves and creatures that I can come so close to.

The cruelty and tragedy experienced by our community is still in my bones. I am amazed by the life-affirming people of Bondi, especially those who have been attacked directly in their way of being. I’m excited to contribute to this positive vibe by looking directly into people’s eyes and smile as I want to everyone to feel seen and safe.

And on a lighter note: how great that Mackenzie’s beach is back for an awesome summer!

Thanks to all the creatives, the characters and the creatures of Bondi.”

Grunt by Mr G

This will surprise a lot of people but the dog that has been depicted on the wall of Lamrock Café across the road from Birichina Café since 2015 is not, and never was, Billie. Billie belonged to Bevan, the previous owner of Birichina and was beloved by many locals. We have been mourning the wrong dog.

Grunt, an English Bulldog belonged to friends of the multi-disciplinary artist from New Zealand, Mr G, who used to look after him.

Evie with Love, Bondi

Love, Bondi is now available to buy from Gertrude & Alice on Hall Street or online HERE.

Surf Rescue Briefing

Sunday morning’s session for the this group of volunteers get briefed. The ones out front are going for the annual reaccreditation of their boating skills.

Pools Closed

This was last Friday morning. We didn’t have to be told the pools were closed. That surf was rough.

We see Dan on the promenade rain, hail or shine. Usually he is carrying his camera rig and his bike is nearby. He has recently added a leg cast and some crutches (and a small table for support) and replaced the bike with an UBER. Dan had one of those freakish accidents when he was walking over the rocks at the north end at sunset (nothing to do with that banana skin under the bench). He ended up with a broken tibia front and back on the ankle and fractured fibula near the knee.

“I first lived in Bondi Beach in 2011 and one of the event/project managers for the ice rink on the sands of Bondi Beach, which was equally one of the most amazing and challenging projects I’ve been involved in.

In 2016, I was living in California and came back to Australia with the view to saving money for 6 months to go back to America. I house sat in Coogee for 3 months, then moved to Bondi Beach as I was craving a beach with waves and loved my time in Bondi Beach in 2011.

I’ve been a photographer my whole adult life, and 6 years ago I stepped into the ocean for the first time to film the surf, and it changed my life forever.

I film and take photos and video of Bondi Beach lifestyle, sunrise and surf daily under the Instagram moniker of @hotndelicious (a song I wrote 20 years ago whilst living in Dubai), and am in love with the coastal life and the community in Bondi Beach. It’s definitely home for me.

My Instagram handle @hotndelicious 😆😂 I’ve lived in 🇦🇺🇮🇹🇺🇸🇦🇪🇮🇩 and there’s so much more to my life, but it’s where you’ll get to know me a little better, a space for my art and window to my soul. It’s a good staring point.”

Friends of Biddigal

If you love to garden but don’t have a garden, or even if you do, this is a great project. Every last Friday of the month you can join Friends of Biddigal that is working to restore the native flora and fauna in this remarkable public green space at the north end of the beach.

Another Day Another Film Crew

They couldn’t tell us what they were filming for. Or maybe they could but they’d have to kill us.

Another Day Another Vox Pop

Classic Spring

Weather-wise it has been pretty classically Spring-like lately.

We see swim-teacher Jo almost every morning at the pool.

“I’ve been coaching at the Icebergs nearly 3 years. I coach adult swimmers stroke correction, learn to swim, mini squad. Additionally Icebergs Kids Swim and Survival Swim School in the summer terms plus Bondi Surfclub Nippers’s swim coaching.

Bondi Beach is my community and my “happy corner”! It makes me feel very grateful and fortunate to have beauty, nature and freedom in the Bondi bay!

Our community and beach is very real and dynamic.

I am loving the arrival of spring and the new season of swimmers building and up skilling themselves in the water!”

Matiu Stevens

When we came across Matiu he was reminiscing about the last time he was in Bondi over 30 years ago. He lives New Zealand now but was back here for a visit.

“I would have been 19, my bro and I would catch the train to Bondi from Guildford on a Sunday morning. There was reggae concerts in the Pavilion and we would sit under a tree outside, drink some cold ones and swim and then come back and sit under the tree again.”

Fernanda Lena and Jesus Gilson

Our Brazilian friend Fernanda has lived in Australia for 37 years so now feels like a local!

She has strong ties with the close-knit Brazilian community in Bondi. Including Mr Capoeira himself, Jesus Gilson, who Fernanda gave English lessons to when he first arrived in 1994.

Fernanda and Iman Muldoon

You see some people every day on the promenade. Others you see from time to time. Fernanda is normally the latter but this week she fell in to the former category.

Here she is with her long time friend Iman. They met when they had kids at school together but Fernanda, a well-known gourmand, knew that it was meant to be when she watched Iman bite into a slice of sourdough with jam with great love and joy.

Grand Final Weekend

Apparently there is some football being played this weekend. And it’s a grand final.

Have a good game guys!

Sean and Manoo of Sean’s Restaurant with Love, Bondi

We love our job! We can’t emphasise enough how how much fun it is to tap people on the shoulder and get to know them a little bit and to find out what binds us all together.

“Bondi has become more than just a place where I live. I’m only a short walk from the beach, so it has naturally become part of my everyday life; morning walks, watching the sunrise, grabbing coffee, meeting friends, and sometimes just sitting by the water and doing nothing [Ed. we all need to learn to do nothing].

What I love most is that Bondi has its own rhythm. It can be busy and full of people, but at the same time, there’s something very calming about being here. You see the same faces, people walking their dogs, runners, surfers, families, locals having their morning coffee; everyone somehow becomes part of the scenery.

As someone who moved to Sydney from the Philippines, Bondi has also been one of the places that made Sydney feel like home for me. I’ve met people here, discovered little places to eat and explore, and created a lot of memories around the beach. I think that’s what makes me attached to it, it’s not just the beach itself, but the everyday life that happens around it.

Right now, I’m excited about discovering more of Australia and, especially, seeing Bondi through a different perspective. I love taking photos and creating short videos, so I’m always noticing little things, the light in the morning, people walking along the beach, interesting characters, food spots, or something unexpected happening on the street.

I’m also excited about meeting more people in the community and hearing their stories. I think every person has a different relationship with Bondi, and that’s what makes the place interesting. There’s always something new to discover, even when you feel like you already know the area.

For me, Bondi is a reminder that sometimes you don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re somewhere special. Sometimes it’s just a morning walk, the ocean, a good coffee, and a familiar view.”

THISBOWL (nee FISHBOWL)

Theirs is a great story. These three guys were hungry one day and the next they had opened their very first shop in Bondi Beach serving fresh Asian-inspired, quality-ingredient filled fast food. By the next day they had launched in 60 new locations across Australia and the US. Actually it was more like 10 years but given they were 23 years old when they opened the first FISHBOWL (now THISBOWL) it seems meteoric.

Last Saturday they re-opened the original shop on Campbell Parade after a remodel that reflects all the things that interest them: “food, design, music, art, movement, and community”.

The place is filled with work from local artists including these ceramic bowls that were fired on the Mid North Coast and hand painted by the kindergarteners at Bondi Beach Public School.

Laura, Freya Hanly and Digby (and Olive)

Olive (the dog on the right) is usually being shooed out of the way when the photo is being taken but in this instance we thought it was fitting that she got to muscle in. It was Olive who inspired Laura and family to get a dog and that’s how they ended up with Digby. We tie Olive up on the ramp at the Icebergs which is where Laura got to know her. Laura was VERY impressed with Olive’s patience. Good girl!

Laura and Freya were walking to school along the promenade with Digby when we met them.

Trish Garcia

Michael “Cheg” Chegwidden Plaque

The South end is dotted with various memorials.

Interdisciplinary artist and writer Merran has a particular focus on the ocean and our fragile coastal systems. Much of her work and advocacy stems from that love and concern.

That care led to her co-founding, with a group of friends, Blue World, to ”catalyse positive change for a clean and thriving ocean” for which Valerie Taylor (one of the biggest guns in ocean advocacy) is a patron.

Merran is also an amateur historian and has brought the story of the great Australian competitive swimmer Fanny Durack from the early 1900s to our attention. And of course, this interest led Merran to co-writing a vaudevillian musical about Fanny and another local swimmer Mina Wylie.

“My Bondi story stems from my passion for swimming and the ocean. My writing, artwork and recreation centre on our coast.

My current project is a vaudeville musical comedy. Dangerous When Wet - The Musical is about local pioneer swimmers Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie of Wylie’s Baths. Actually Fanny Durack swam at Bondi Baths at the height of her career, and even broke world records in our local pool. A local that should be claimed!

Dangerous When Wet tells the story of the women’s fight to compete at the 1912 Olympics, their rivalry and, at the heart of it all, their friendship. We have an incredible creative team. I’m working with Eliane Morel, Joanna Weinberg and Daryl Wallis, and the comedy is written in the vaudeville style, which suits the era and is so much fun.

Dangerous When Wet premieres at Randwick Town Hall from 8–18 October 2026. So come along, and enjoy a Sydney story. We even have a sea horse.

Cypriana Singh plays Fanny Durack and Grace Trainor plays Mina Wylie”.

Bookings: dangerouswhenwet.com.au Tix $25-$100

It’s going to be a very fun night out.

Matt and Andy from Macelleria Bondi

New Mural by Trish Garcia

Squad Time

David Leser with the Book

We stopped Karen last Friday because we had seen her the day before and regretted not stopping her then. We were convinced that she was acress Catherine McClements who we had recently been watching in Dalliance, a six-part series that is great Australian TV.

Anyway, she’s not Catherine, she’s Karen and she was really fun to meet.

“I’ve been a Bondi local for nearly 30 years and you can pretty much find me in the water somewhere, most days.

I joined the Icebergs when the building was re-built in the early 2000s (after lots of great parties there on Sunday nights!) In fact, the last night before demolition saw everyone end up in the pool naked. Funniest relay swimming I’ve ever seen!

Swim squad at the Bergs with Coach Neil Rogers for many years kept us all fit and forged lifelong friendships, as did being a member of the surf club. We’d have a ladies Xmas lunch out somewhere every year and get all frocked up. It was fun then but turned into something really special throughout the years as the big life events roll through - marriage, moving away, kids being born, kids all grown up, Covid ...

I’ve served the community through the North Bondi SLSC for 25 years, with 10 years on patrol and 15 years on the management committee in various roles.

These days my day starts either with a swim at the Bergs or a swim across the bay. And always taking longer to get to the starting point because you invariably bump into people along the way and have a chat. We are pretty blessed here! And I think we all know that.”

Blake Moclair

Bondi born and bred Blake moved to Brisbane earlier this year with his wife Lauren and baby Millie. They were back for a grandmother visit for a few days. Millie’s grandmother is well-known and well-loved swim teacher, squad leader and Iceberger Donna Moclair.

Millie, Isabella, Lydia, Logan, Madeleine and Isabelle

These four Floridians arrived two weeks ago and are all studying at UTS.

Happy Birthday Neisha

Neisha was being feted by her friends for her 22nd birthday (or depending on the wind her 55th). They are from Indonesia and are studying early childhood at TAFE in Randwick.

Saturday Water Temp

Tony with Love, Bondi

You’ll find Tony and family on page 124 next to Glenn Orgias. Book HERE.

Spidey (aka Vincent) took his dad Michel down to see the kites at this year’s Festival of the Winds that took place last Sunday. We were very excited to meet Spidey and thrilled when he very kindly showed us his web-spinning talents.

We got chatting with Michel and asked him to fill in the BO (Bondi Observer that is!) survey so we could find out a bit more about him.

“My Bondi story is not so unusual, as a 19 year old gap traveller back in 1996 I first came to Sydney, I travelled all over Australia on buses, camper vans, motor bikes, trains and just about any form of transport I could find and afford. As my start and end point Bondi always held a special place in my heart.

So a decade later when I was lucky enough to be offered a skilled migration position with a global investment bank in Sydney, I jumped at the chance and emigrated here permanently in 2006.

Bondi ticks a lot of boxes for me. Coming from the Isle of Portland [Ed: one of the Channel Islands] I have been surfing and ocean swimming all my life, so the transition to living and working in Sydney felt very natural and it has always felt like home. I have been living here ever since and it never gets boring.

The first hour of my day ideally involves a routine of a cycle to the beach from North Bondi, a walk or jog on the golden sand, and possibly a swim or surf in the crystal clear waters (more likely between Sept and May).

One thing people might like to know about me is that I am an eternal optimist. If your glass is half empty try using a straw and drink it from the bottom up.

Like many people I have had to adapt to lots of change throughout my life. I find if you approach change with optimism it’s often easier and a more interesting experience.

If I had to introduce Bondi to someone who has never been here before I would recommend a swim, some nice food, a cold drink on a hot day and possibly a social gathering in the evening at a local bar.

You really need at least a week to take it all in, and discover the shops, markets, cafes, bars, eateries, Icebergs the Pavilion and more.

Bondi has changed over the years, people come, people go, buildings are knocked down, new ones are built, shops open and close but some things remain the same, which is reassuring. It maintains a sense of community.

I love being a dad and showing Vincent around his neighbourhood. I hope that my son and his generation can continue to enjoy living at Bondi Beach and the surrounding wards as much as I have for the past twenty years.”

PS: Talking to strangers can be fun. It didn’t take long before the number of coincidences started piling up. Remo had spent significant time in the part of the world that Michel comes from. Michel lived for a while in the Netherlands where our daughter has been living for the last 10 years. And it went on!

Birdos by Reubszz

Reubszz’ mural depicts the endangered Regent honeyeater and the eastern yellow robin.

You can see more of his work HERE.

Amelia, Isabella and Gabriela

There was a large cohort of pyjama-wearing year 12 girls from Santa Sabina College in Strathfield walking along the promenade last Saturday morning.

This is the last week of face to face classes before the HSC exams in October and they all came down to the beach for the sunrise.

We wish them all well.

Choker and Envy

We time warped right back into the 1970s when we came across these two on the promenade last Sunday. Back then the Afghan Hound was the dog-de-jour. Think oodle/Daschund of today.

Anyway, they were glorious specimens.

Te with the Book

You’ll find Te on page 71 of the book

Everyone was out and about over the weekend. It was a very Springy happy vibe!

Dani was one of those people walking along the promenade with a spring in her step. We couldn’t help lurching across the promenade to tap her on the shoulder.

“Maybe 15 years ago Bondi always seemed too touristy and out of touch from my humble origins. Since then I found a lot of self acceptance, personal ambition and emotional balance. And I have found a lot of that mirrored back at me in the village atmosphere of Bondi and Bronte.

My first hour of the day is pretty routine. Brush my teeth, drink my coffee then a Bronte to Bondi run with either a beach gym circuit or a yoga session. But I’m trying to build myself up for morning dips too 😂

About me? I’m a very deep thinker, a creative and a leader. But current rules and frameworks don’t apply well to me or people like me. And so I like to have the tough conversations. I like to diagnose the error within the system, not the individual, and see how to make things right. A lot of people feel threatened by my ideas. Like I’m trying to strip something away rather than trying to make something stronger, more resilient, for everyone. So I guess the one thing I want them to know is I’m always, always, always on their side.”

Cynthia Lu

We often go to Birichina on Sunday morning for a coffee and a crepe. That’s where we met Cynthia who was waiting for her coffee before heading off to work at this year’s Festival of the Winds.

She was working with artist Clemens Habicht who had a kite stall at the festival for the third year in a row. His simple kites are something to behold. Check them out below or in detail HERE.

Hana and Ellaine

These two met on the Facebook group “Sydney Girls Connect” and chatted for a couple of weeks before their first meet-up. This Bondi get together was their second and they plan more.

Hana, from Indonesia, has only been in Australia for a month and Ellaine, from the Phillipines has been here for two years.

Barriletes Gigantes de Sumpango

This year’s Festival of the Winds included a display of these Barriletes Gigantes de Sumpango. These massive hand-crafted structures made of bamboo and tissue paper, that can take months and many hands to build, are traditionally flown on 1 November in Sumpango, Guatemala to honour the ancestors.

The craft of making these kites was added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.

Practice Day

Michael Crouch with the Book

Mr Page 112 himself!

Colleen is very community-minded. When she was asked by the NBSLSC to write the biographies of its members she didn’t hesitate. That was 250 people she got to know very well.

“Having grown up in between Newcastle Beach and Nobby’s Beach, I have to be near the ocean.

Being an ocean swimmer, my day doesn’t start unless I have a swim. Bronte is really my beach, but as we all know it’s not always swimmable, hence the transition to Bondi. I swim every day, regardless of the weather – unless there is a tsunami!

Bronte and North Bondi Surf Clubs are a big part of my life, and through these two fabulous clubs, I have really become part of the community. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone come out of the surf without a smile - it really sets a great platform for the day.

A small group of nipper parents from Bondi and Bronte Surf Clubs started talking about what we do in winter at the end of the Surf Life Saving season and came up with the idea to meet every Saturday and Sunday morning @ 8am and swim the length of Bondi Beach - this was the beginning of the North Bondi/Bronte Winter Swim group (NBSW). This is now all year round and is followed by coffee and great chats. The NBSW has been going for over 20 years, and some amazing friendships have been formed.

All I can say if you want a great start to your day come to Bondi and have a swim. There is always someone there to have a chat to and you will always learn something.”

Black Cockatoo

This was very exciting. Our part of the street in North Bondi is usually over run by Indian myna birds but yesterday there were three native yellow-tailed black cockatoos feeding on the seeds of the local banksias.

Thanks Sarah K for alerting us to this magnificence.

NOT NOT’s Bees

These are scattered around the neighbourhood. This one was with a few friends on the corner of Warners Avenue and Gould Street.

Jonathan with the Book

Jonathan Nolan thumbing through Love, Bondi. He appears on pages 26 and 27.

Love, Bondi

Available later this month from Gertrude & Alice and REMO Since 1988 and other book sellers.

Chloe and Tay-la, a proud Ngemba and Wiradjuri couple living and working on Darug Country, spent nearly 3 days creating this artwork for the Bondi community.

Olive took a real shine to them. (We did too!).

“The artwork represents people coming together, celebrating the diversity of those who live in, work in and visit Bondi every day. Each of us carries our own story and follows our own journey, represented through the different pathways woven throughout the artwork. While our journeys may be unique, they cross, connect and bring us together, reflecting the strong sense of community, belonging and connection that makes Bondi so special.”

Make Kindness the New Normal

Scott Rathman is an Arrente man living in South Australia. He was recently in Sydney and created this mural for us while he was here.

Extract from his Instagram:

“Kindness is not just something we do when the moment calls for it. It is a responsibility carried by every one of us. Every word we speak, every action we take, the way we choose to treat another person leaves something behind. Like footprints in the sand our actions become part of the path that others follow and young people are watching where and how we walk.”

When the Gymea Lilies Bloom

“When the gymea lilies bloom the whales sing their song”

By Georgina “Batsy” Kenyon and naturebooks.com.au

Peter Drew Pasting

Adelaide artist Peter Drew got his glue out again.

From the Archive

Joel is a peace loving man and very approachable. He is a bricklayer who has lived in North Bondi for 4 years. He is originally from the west but says this “was the best transition he’s ever made”.

Joel is “super friendly and loves meeting new people”.

You are looking at 5 years worth of work on Joel’s body.

Joel is featured on page 85 of Love, Bondi which out later this month.

We see Joy’s husband Longy at the pool every morning. But we only see Joy occasionally. She always has a smile for us.

Longy told us that Joy (nee Ivill) is an artist. Her works of joyful embroidery storytelling have been collected by the Powerhouse Museum.

“Joy is a keen walker and an excellent cook!”

What the Actual Cup?

That should have read ”what, the actual cup?”. Yes it is!

The actual Melbourne Cup was brought down to the beach on Saturday as part of a promotion for the race coming up in a few months.

Spring has Sprung

There was some excitement on the Iceberg’s board this morning. Spring has sprung!

Marathoners come to Bondi

Bondi has had a lot of Sydney marathoners coming for a visit since Sunday’s event. How they’re not lying prostrate somewhere is a bit beyond us.

Jean March and Afra, who had come from France for the marathon were here for the day before flying home.

Jesus with the Book

Jesus is holding an advance copy of Love, Bondi, which is being launched at Gertrude & Alice next month. Jesus is on page 29.

We have had a nodding acquaintance with Tory for many years. Our kids, now in their late 20s and 30s were at the same primary school (but different years) and she has been slogging up and down the promenade for about as long as we have. Finally the planets aligned and we actually stopped and chatted.

“My day starts with coffee, word games and some gentle stretches. I get some work out of the way then hit the promenade for a walk where invariably I’ll stop and chat to the locals.  Every day will include a walk with a friend, a swim or Surf (depending on the conditions) or all of the above.

I’ve been a part of the Bondi community for over 35 years, having raised three kids in the area. I am a long service member of a local Surf Club and have made many lifetime friends through this club. My work can be challenging so I need my Dr Bondi fix at least once a day. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather live and come home to.”

Matteo Ernandes

We first met Matteo nearly 3 years ago. We had spotted him and his trainer in a garage on Warners Avenue.

We recently saw him in the sauna at the pool so it was good to get an update.

“I moved to Sydney in 2014, and just two days after arriving I started working in Bondi. My cousin was already living there, so actually on my first day in Sydney I went straight to Bondi to see him.

I still remember going down Bondi Road on the bus and suddenly seeing the beach appear through the window. I fell in love with it straight away. I come from Lampedusa, a small island in Sicily, so being close to the ocean immediately gave me that feeling of being at home.

I continued working in Bondi for the next four years, and in 2016 I moved there permanently. Since then, I’ve never left.

I usually wake up pretty early and go straight to the gym at Bondi Icebergs. I’ll do my workout and, around three times a week, I love finishing with a couple of rounds between the sauna and a dip in the ocean pool.

For me, it’s genuinely one of the best places in the world to train. The view is insane, the people are great, and starting the day next to the ocean always puts me in a good mood.

Today I own Regina La Pizzeria in Surry Hills Village, so even though I have to drive from Bondi to Surry Hills pretty much every day, I don’t think I could ever leave Bondi.

I spent most of my twenties here, built a big part of my life here, and I think Bondi is one of the reasons I still call Sydney home today.”

From the Archive

It was such pleasure to meet this family. We were just coming out of the post office and there they were.

“I moved to Bondi 17 years ago when I got my teaching job here [at Bondi Public School]. The draw card for living here back then was the nightlife, the beach, and meeting new people. The draw card for staying here now is the people, and community we are ingrained into. As a keen spear fisher I’ve now got my local favourite spots to catch my family tasty dinners too. The rhythmic swelling and diminishing population that take place in the summer - winter changes was always fascinating, and our social circle has grown and evolved into a huge collection of wonderful friends, now like family here. As a teacher we fear that we may be soon priced out of what feels like our forever home here in Bondi, but we aren’t giving up the good fight yet. Hopefully we can find a way to remain here, and continue contributing to making this wonderful community the best it can be.”

We can’t let them be priced out. Bondi would be the loser if Alex and family have to move away from the ‘hood.

Happy Birthday Imogen!

Imogen was being celebrated on her 27th birthday by her fellow local-living Irelanders.

Andrew J. Steel New Mural

Andrew J. Steel aka AJS has a new mural on the promenade.

New Zealand born and working between here and there, you will have seen his work dotted around the neighbourhood.

An earlier work on the Bondi Art Wall from 2015 was organised through the Make a Wish Foundation and done in collaboration with 11 year old Andrea.

Rosco moved from South Africa to Bondi with his family 20 years ago. He still remembers the first time he rounded the corner onto the south end of Campbell Parade, with that vista (and the next 20 years) before him.

His days start with a combination of one or more of the following:

“Sunrise on Ben Buckler, early morning beach swims, Kettle Bell Maniacs (KBM) training sessions, or negotiating the traffic on the way to the office.

Ultimately it begins with appreciation of living in this little slice of paradise.”

What would we like to know about him?

“I’m fairly easy going, I don’t mind having a chat, appreciate good food and the occasional beverage.”

Elia Longo

Another training session done for the day.

Rio and Matteo

You’ll often see these two waiting patiently in front of the NBSLC for owner Luke to get his morning swim in. And they’re watching his every move.

Old School Sand Prank

This family had just arrived from Ireland. They lived in Bondi for 10 years but were just back for a visit.

Paddle Out Mural

The paddle out is a heartbreaking but beautiful tradition.

Surfers and swimmers gather past the breaking waves to memorialise a person who has died or to support a community after a tragedy.

The mural was created by beckfeiner_illustrations

We approached Petra while she was taking in some winter sun before her day got going.

It was a brief but lovely encounter and we hope to bump into her again.

“I moved to Australia from London with my family in 2003, unprepared and shamefully ignorant of the country and its history. Before I left, I met a lovely Scottish woman at a party, married to an Australian and living in Bondi. She gave me her number and said ‘call me when you get there’. It was almost the first thing I did and I’m not sure we would have stayed if it weren’t for her taking us under her wing. I had heard of Newtown as being an interesting place for us to live – but ‘why travel across the world and not be by the ocean’ she said! So we rented nearby and the children went to the local public school. She introduced us to her friends and to other iconic coastal places like Byron Bay.

Three months after our move I can remember crying uncontrollably, feeling bereft of a sense of identity – I don’t think I’d realised how much personal history, particularly friends and places, contributed to a sense of knowing who I was.

Once I started working at the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and became part of a great team of people, I started to find my feet. There I was introduced to the work of Australian contemporary artists, in particular the work of First Nation artists like Karla Dickens and Fiona Foley, and I began to learn so much about Australia, Aboriginal culture and the atrocities of European colonialism.”

Nikita Sukhanov

It’s always fun to meet the artists behind any new work appearing on the wall.

Nikita was born in Russia (with an accent to prove it!). He has been here for nearly five years but still not sure if this is where he’ll stay.

In regards to his mural he says:

“I just wanted to create a contrast between Australian winter and snowy winter in other countries. I miss snow a bit and also miss snowboarding.”

Check out Nikita’s work at CXPK.art

PS: We’re always a bit flummoxed that those naughts, crosses and/or squiggly lines can turn into a completed artwork.

Janet and Paul

These 2 were visiting Bondi from Peru but looking every inch Greek Islanders

Which Way?

We like to call this the ‘This Way Cloud’

From the Archive

From this time two years ago:

The bride-to-be was surprised by the groom-to-be last Sunday evening. She thought they were just coming to Bondi for dinner with friends. It was the perfect evening for it.

We did wonder though, will there ever be a ‘get-down-on-one-knee and propose’ sort of proposal again? Still and all, it was lovely to see.

You can’t miss these two. Mostly because Stanley (sorry Matt!) is usually wearing this sweet little cap and seemingly finding himself quite becoming in it.

“I have been living in North Bondi for ten years now since moving from South Africa. I can say, this is now definitely home for me

The first hour of my day typically starts with a run to and from Bronte followed by coffee at Glory Days. If it’s a rest day it’s normally taking Stanley (my dog) for a walk along the promenade and then to Glory Days (his favourite) so he can get pats and attention from all the staff and locals there who love seeing him in the morning.

I’m a pretty easy going, friendly guy so if you ever see Stanley and I walking on the promenade, come say hi.”

Art Not Ads

We was had! A fashion brand. Next time we will do our due diligence before we post.

Life Happening at Gertrude & Alice

Winter Morning Yellow

Art Wall Archaeology

One of the best things about the renewal process on the Bondi Art Wall is this stage of the clean that’s like an archaeological dig of past art works.

From the Archive

Luke Cornish AKA E.L.K.’s stencil art has been popping up around Bondi over the years. Luke’s astronauts symbolise emotional escape and the search for hope.

Skye was being celebrated by her friends on her 28th birthday when we came across her last Tuesday.

“I moved to Bondi from London just over two years ago. I’ve been coming here to visit my family friend since I was 16 and always loved it. I decided to leave  my job in fashion and embrace a new lifestyle by the beach. I’ve always loved being outdoors, swimming and running since I can remember so for me it was the perfect fit. I’ve been so lucky to make amazing friends who are like family out here as we are so far from home. It’s changed my whole perspective on how I want to life my life and I’m so grateful for that.

Most mornings, I start the day with a run followed by a dip in the ocean. I’ll usually meet friends for a coffee before work so we can catch up before heading to the office. It’s the perfect way for me to start the day as I feel so energised and positive for what’s next.

One thing about me is that I absolutely love fashion. I love how creative you can be with your style and accessories, and how everyone expresses their personality in a different way. I’ve been reading Vogue for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been lucky enough to work in the fashion industry, which has only made me appreciate it even more. It’s so fun how creative you get bringing ideas to life through colours, accessories and textures.”

City to Surf 2026

The race started at 7:35am. These photos were taken at 8:25.

Paddle-Out for Zak Michael

Bondi suffered a very sad loss when born and bred Bondi boy Zak Michael died in a free-diving accident in Indonesia recently. There was a paddle out for Zak on Friday, organised by the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club. He was much loved. There were many people in the water and watching on for the memorial.

Friday was Zak’s 29th birthday.

Clean Pool Day

We earned our self-righteous badges on this particular morning. It was clean but very cold on clean pool day last Thursday.

Eddie the Woma Python

You need a license to carry.

Piñata