Tory McGuire
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.