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Outdoor Gym Upgrades Ongoing at Varna Park in Clovelly

Have you been to Varna Park in Clovelly in recent weeks? You may have noticed busy workers building a new workout space near the section with shaded trees as Waverley Council has responded to the community’s needs for an outdoor gym.

The new facility will be the seventh outdoor gym within the Council’s jurisdiction. It will be set up with a chest press, an elliptical trainer, lat pulldown, cardio equipment, exercise bike, and strength and stretching exercises.

A Council spokesperson said that this has been most requested by the community, who want to use a free gym than a commercial option, especially for the older residents. Thus, studies and consultations were undertaken between October 2019 to January 2020 to assess the feasibility of the project.

Following the consultations, Council started with the upgrades on Varna Park in February 2021 and it’s scheduled to finish by May 2021.

The project will also entail the following improvements:

Installation of natural and imaginative play spaces
New park furniture and bins
New fitness station and rubber softfall
Turf improvement works

The upgrades on Varna Park have been moving forward despite criticisms that spending on an outdoor gym might not be worth the cost as only a small number of locals actually use the facilities.

Whilst workout spaces have become the trend in Sydney, it has yet to help with people’s fitness routines in a significant way as only about 17 percent of Australians perform sufficient physical exercises regularly, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Common Dolphin at Risk According to New Flinders University Study

A study conducted by researchers at Flinders University has revealed that the common dolphin, which populates the waters of Clovelly and other suburbs by the Pacific Ocean, is at risk.

Though the population of the common dolphin remains high, it has the potential to decline given recent trends in their behavior. According to the research performed by researchers from Flinders University, this potential decline has been attributed to the dolphins’ frequent interactions with fisheries, which could often prove fatal to them fishermen and fishing equipment have the potential to cause them great, if not mortal harm.

These dolphins, which are illegal to hunt as per the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, likely accidentally injured themselves on fishing lines and nets or by getting too close to large fishing boats.

Common dolphins play an important role in marine ecosystems, acting as ecology indicators due to their status as top-level predators. If numerous dolphins are found sick, diseased, or injured then it is likely that certain issues need to be addressed — whether its water pollution, overfishing, or industrial or residential runoff.

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Researchers at Flinders University have given new guidelines to fisheries after concluding their study, which spanned over 1500 sq km stretching from the southern and east coast of Australia to Tasmania and New Zealand. Fisheries are warned to minimise their interactions with dolphins in the future, and these guidelines are also expected to assist with the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Why This Clovelly Mum Keeps Her Kids In Early Education Despite the Pandemic

A few kids attending the Clovelly Child Care Centre on Arden Street are moving up the preschool group for this latest school term. However, a drop in preschool enrolments in New South Wales have had government officials concerned as parents shift to a work-from-home set up amidst the pandemic.

Clovelly mum Odette Grabinski is one of the thousands of parents who have transitioned to working from home but she’s still sending her young children to the Clovelly Child Care Centre to prepare them for actual schooling.

Ms Grabinski has a 3-year-old son in the preschool group and a younger child in the early education program. She believes that enlisting her kids at the centre will help with their social development and stabilise a structure that will build their confidence.

Besides the learning and the child-minding, a preschool or childcare environment will give her kids a new social setting where they could develop life skills.

The centre receives support from the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission, which helps out children of unemployed adults, people with a disability or chronic illness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, migrants and refugees and financially disadvantaged parents.

Clovelly Child Care Centre also honors the free preschool grant extended to families with children attending a community preschool, which was launched at the height of the pandemic crisis in April 2020.

The NSW Government has set aside $120 million to fund the free preschool program, which has been extended until the end of 2021.

“This is a $120 million investment in our future, which will remove a layer of financial pressure for many families during this uncertain time. It will also help support more than 7,400 early childhood educators and teachers in their vital roles,” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said. “This could save families more than $2000 per-year per-child and will ease the cost of living pressures and help balance work and family life.”

Photo Credit: Clovelly Child Care Centre

However, attendance in early education facilities has dwindled in 2020, especially between March to June. The first school term for 2021 also saw a two percent drop in enrolment compared to last year, completely reversing the trend that usually sees preschool enrolments increasing.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said that it’s understandable for families to consider homeschooling during this uncertain period but she also reminded parents of the proven benefits of early education.

Apart from developing social and communication skills, children attending these centres can be properly monitored and referred to speech pathologists and occupational therapists. The children also gain access to health screenings from NSW Health.

Bundock Park Playground Upgrade Expected in 2021

Following community consultations and a public exhibition in 2020, the construction of the proposed Bundock Park Playground upgrade at Eastbourne Avenue will be underway this year. Randwick City Council will soon confirm the start date of civic works that will move the new playground a few metres off its current location.

The Bundock Park Playground upgrades will include new equipment for the children, such as a slide, a basket swing, wooden play equipment with rope ladders and monkey bar hooks to climb. Most of this will be made of wood to be safer for toddlers to enjoy.

The proposed plan also has provisions for the grown-ups, who will be accompanying their kids at the play area. There will be more shade and seating for the comfort of the adults whilst the new location, slightly to the west of the old playground, will take advantage of the beauty of the surrounding bushes and shrubs.

Bundock Park Playground is just across Clovelly Beach. It’s surrounded by plenty of amenities like external showers, BBQ and picnic shelters, and a cafe for dining and lounging in between meals and swimming.

For enquiries and other comments about this planned upgrade, email council@randwick.nsw.gov.au or phone the project manager at 9093 6934.

Clovelly Bowling Club Ranked as 2020’s #1 Bowls Club in NSW

Clovelly Bowling Club ranked as the best bowls club in NSW and the third-best across the country in a recently concluded survey for the Wotif 2020 Uniquely Aussie Awards. The bowls club is one of only three from the NSW to make it on the list.

Built around the 1940s, the Clovelly Bowling Club‘s biggest draw that’s hard to beat is its gorgeous and picturesque 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean.

“It’s an absolutely stunning world-class view,” Brian Bagshaw, the president of the bowlo said.

The drinks served at the bar are very competitive and comes with a selection of beers, wines, spirits and mixers. The bar is licensed to operate until 10:0 p.m.

Members usually come around the bowlo for some games and drinks, whilst some fire up the self-service BBQ to grill meat to share among themselves.

Photo Credit: Osvaldo Picon Viega/Google Maps

Here’s the complete ranking of the Top 10 Best Bowls Club in Australia:

WINNER: Merthyr Bowls Club, New Farm, QLD
2 – Chermside Bowls Club, Chermside, QLD
3 – Clovelly Bowling Club, Clovelly, NSW
4 – Broadbeach Bowls Club, Broadbeach, QLD
5 – Moama Bowling Club, Moama, NSW
6 – The Greens North Sydney, North Sydney, NSW
7 – Mooloolaba Bowls Club, Mooloolaba, QLD
8 – Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, Burleigh Heads, QLD
9 – Torquay Bowls Club, Torquay, VIC
10 – Club Kawana, Wurtulla, QLD

According to Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch, more locals are relearning to love their community bowls club amid the pandemic restrictions at bars and restaurants. These community hubs received thousands of votes in Wotiff’s yearly survey, proving that bowls clubs deserve to be in the spotlight.

The travel website conducted a survey to encourage domestic travel across the country. Wotif learned that 70 percent of Australians are looking forward to taking a road trip to discover local gems whilst 90 percent believe that everyone should do their bit to save the tourism industry and small business.

“An excellent bowling club. Excellent view. Located along the coastal walk between Bronte and Clovelly. Friendly staff. Very clean. Lawn bowls and barefoot bowls available here. Bar service here. No bistro – but they sell meat pies and some other food over the counter. COVID-safe policies have been implanted here. Extremely large air-conditioned ballroom – perfect to hire for any function – the ballroom has its own kitchen. #clovelly”
Brenden Wood, Google Reviews

“Lovely little bowlo with great views out over the ocean. Go there for a cheap beer or a bite to eat, and try to catch the monthly Starfish musical gigs.”
Simon Proudman, Google Reviews

“What a great place. Amazing views, great value for money and most of all the people working here provided us great service and even took the time to give us a quick bowling lesson.”
Jamie Haffey, Google Reviews

Burrows Park Outdoor Gym in Clovelly to Close for 2-Week Repair Work

Do you use the facilities at the Burrows Park outdoor gym? You might have to make some changes to your fitness plan for the next two weeks as the Clovelly facilities will be temporarily closed beginning 9 Nov 2020, the Randwick City Council announced.

The Burrows Park outdoor gym will undergo some much-needed repair work of its rubber softfall surface. Other miscellaneous civil work will also be undertaken to maintain the lifespan of the equipment.

The facility has 18 low-impact and cardio equipment, which residents may use without paying for a gym membership:

Treadmill
Oblique
Chest Press
Seated Row
Lateral Pull Down
Shoulder Press
Bench
Leg press
Triple Pull Up
Plyometric Box Set
Pull Up
Assisted Pull up
Dips
Leg Raise
Hand Bike
Spinning Bike
Cross Trainer
Recumbent Bike

Photo Credit: Michael Simons/Google Maps

Whilst civil works are ongoing, traffic calming options around the Ocean St sportsfield, including areas near the Coastal Walkway and Clovelly Bowling Club, will be installed for the safety of motorists, pedestrians and contractors.

The Burrows Park outdoor gym opened in 2014 and it’s the second free fitness facility established in Randwick City after Maroubra Beach’s outdoor gym.

Explore the Coastal Marine Life through Sydney Underwater Scooter Tours at Clovelly

Exploring underwater has never been this easy and fun thanks to the Sydney Underwater Scooter Tours at Clovelly.

Whether you are into water activities or not, the tour will allow you to calmly breeze through the water and explore the abundance of marine life found at Gordon’s Bay with the use of water scooters. With a water scooter on hand and a certified instructor per group tour, all of your water woes will definitely be put at bay. All you have to do is swim, smile, and enjoy the rest of the underwater tour.

What to Expect

The Sydney Underwater Scooter Tours will provide each participant with the following gear for the 90-minute guided water tour:

High quality diving mask with tempered glass
Wet suits and boots that are buoyant and warm all through the year
Clip-on fins that will allow you to propel through the water
Battery-powered water scooters that pull you through the water at 5kph

This guided water activity can either be mild or wild depending on how you’d like it to be. You may opt to be pulled along above or below the water— both of which are fun and also a great opportunity for a close encounter with the marine life. But if you feel a bit more adventurous and if you have the skills, a swim-through challenge with deep dive is also being offered.

All abilities are catered for during the underwater scooter tour; however, it is necessary for everyone to have basic swimming knowledge. Also, all participants must be at least 16 years old to join.

The admission fee for the underwater scooter tour is $200 per person. You may book a slot on their webpage or purchase a gift card for a friend today.

For updates and more information, you may visit Sydney Underwater Scooter Tours.

Van Expresso Bar in Clovelly Serves Vietnamese Dishes with a French Twist

A small but classy-looking cafe has recently opened a shop on Clovelly Road to elevate this precinct’s food scene. Van Expresso Bar serves mainly Vietnamese dishes but its chef expertly fuses her creations with French influences.

Chef Anna Bach-Cuc Kellett runs Van Expresso Bar with her partner Vladimir Vujovic, after successfully running the Italian restaurant Young Alfred in Sydney CBD. The couple decided to open this Vietnamese establishment to showcase Kellet’s heritage.

However, Kellet insists that the menu at their restaurants shouldn’t be described as a fusion but as “food without boundaries.” Indeed, a quick sweep on the food list might confuse first-timers since it’s rather extensive. There are also Japanese, Thai, Korean and Chinese influences in some of the dishes.

The most recommended dishes to order at Van Expresso Bar are its juicy and flavourful pork and prawn dumplings, san choy bow, and market fish curry with fried sweet rice bun. For breakfast or brunch lovers, it’s best to try the French toast with banh mi, and crepes with sweet oyster omelets. All the ingredients are locally sourced and served fresh every day.

Those looking for a nightcap might be surprised to find Van Expresso Bar quite busy on a weeknight. Clovelly’s night scene isn’t exactly bustling compared to other precincts but this bar attracts the night owls hankering for some fruity cocktails and soothing drinks. They have an expansive collection of wines.

Because of its cosy and intimate interiors, Van Expresso Bar makes for an ideal dating spot as well. Cliques also hang out here for the Illy Espresso and some bubble tea during lazy afternoons.

Van Expresso Bar’s hours of operation are:

Monday to Tuesday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday to Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“Best Vietnamese food in Sydney. The dumplings and the lemon tart are so outstanding. Small and cozy restaurant for a great experience!
~ Quentin Eysseric, Facebook

“Good atmosphere and great service. The menu is a delicately curated mix of Asian flavors that changes according to the season (love that!). Has a good selection of wines and yummy cocktails.”
~ Ana Marcela Botero Bernal, Google Reviews

Learn Hands-On CPR and First Aid Skills for Babies and Children At Clovelly

CPR Kids is having a kids CPR and First Aid Course at the Everlearn Preschool in Clovelly this 5 May 2019.

Despite our best efforts in keeping our little ones safe at all times, accidents and emergencies can still happen. That is why it is important for any parent or guardian to learn proper first aid that can address common emergency situations such as choking, burn, cuts, bites and stings, allergies, etc.

If you are interested in learning children’s CPR and proper first aid, the CPR Kids is having a 3-hour course that can help you prepare and handle any possible emergency situation that your child may encounter. This children’s CPR and First Aid Course will be held at the Everlearn Preschool in Clovelly on 5 May 2019 at 8:30 a.m.

The cost for this course is $90. You may click here to book your slot for the course.

What to expect in this Course?

CPR Kids — *Photo credit: Everlearn Preschool – Clovelly/ Facebook*

This children’s CPR and First Aid Course is suitable for families, parents, grandparents, friends, pregnant couples, older children (ages 8 and above), and basically anyone who cares for babies and children.

Throughout the course, all attendees will learn hands-on CPR and First Aid skills for babies and children through our expert paediatric nurses. Each participant is given access to their own baby and child manikins in order for everyone to practice and learn not only what to do but also how to do it. Apart from the lecture, an ample amount of practice time will be given.

Here are the following topics covered in this course:

CPR for infants and children
Drowning
Choking
Head injury
Burns
Seizures
Poisoning
Plus post-class online learning
- Limb injuries
- Bites & stings
- Allergic reaction

By the end of the course, all participants will receive the following:

The CPR Kids First aid e-guide by Sarah Hunstead RN MN. A must-have resource for all families, this e-guide covers all the topics learned in class plus other first aid situations that affect children and babies.
Poster covering First Aid scenarios and CPR flowchart
Fridge magnet of important phone numbers
Access to our YouTube channel, CPR Kids TV, so participants can refresh their knowledge anytime

Improve Your Swim Fitness and Join the Ins-N-Outs Challenge at Clovelly Beach

Photo Credit: Engin_Akyurt/Pixabay

If you’re planning to get some serious fitness training, it might be time to join a group that makes Clovelly Beach their ultimate workout place. Challenge yourself and join the Ins-N-Outs hosted by the Seac Studio along with the BRAT Club Bondi Running And Triathlon Club.

On Thursday, 11th of April 2019, the group embarked on their Ins-N-Outs challenge as early as 6:30 a.m. at the Clovelly Beach. The full-hour session was geared towards learning to swim fit and fast while mixing the routines with a run on the soft sand.

The Ins-N-Outs session usually begins with a warm-up of five laps of soft running on the sand and six toe-touch push-ups. Running on the sand can be a good leg muscle-building and aerobic workout because you’ll be pushing the muscles on your glutes and calves.

After the run, the group then sets for a swim at the Clovelly Beach for five laps. The participants regroup with each lap on the first steps on the ledge and then sprint to the wall to jog back to the steps and do a 30-second side plank by the ground.

While these routines sound tough, the Ins-N-Outs is actually kid-friendly. If you have kids and you’d like to engage them into working out, you are encouraged to bring them along.

Participants aren’t expected to wear wetsuits. They can keep it basic and casual with boardshorts.

Ins-N-Outs takes place on a Thursday but the schedule isn’t regular. Book a slot at the Seac Studio site or inquire the next schedule via email. This event doesn’t require payment. Just sign up and then head to the beach on the day of your schedule.