Clovelly Archives - Clovelly News

Unexplained Floating Formations Return to Clovelly Beach: What Are These Strange ‘Cakes’?

In an eerie echo of last October’s bizarre black ball phenomenon, Clovelly Beach has once again become the site of a puzzling marine mystery. Locals report another unexplained occurrence: unidentified, floating “cakes” dotting the bay’s surface.

Read: Common Dolphin at Risk According to New Flinders University Study

Eyewitnesses describe the objects as unusual formations with a sponge-like middle, unlike anything previously seen in the area. A local resident shared images and video of the strange floating objects, quickly sparking speculation and concern among community members.

One social media commenter drew an unflattering comparison, likening the objects to the residue found in a polluted storm drain.

clovelly beach — Photo credit: Yuri Sydney/Facebook

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Initial theories range from environmental pollution to potential oil spills, reminiscent of the investigations that followed the black balls incident last October.

At that time, authorities conducted extensive testing on the mysterious black spheres that washed up on several Sydney beaches, including Clovelly Beach. Those investigations revealed the objects were likely composed of waste products such as cooking oil and soap scum.

Environmental experts are advising caution. Residents and beachgoers are urged not to swim near or touch the unidentified floating objects. The NSW Environment Line (131 555) has been recommended as a point of contact for reporting and seeking more information about these mysterious marine formations.

This latest incident follows the unsettling black ball phenomenon, raising questions about marine pollution and potential environmental anomalies in the area. Authorities are expected to investigate the nature of these floating “cakes” and determine their origin and potential environmental impact.

Read: Waterlings: Clovelly Swim Teacher Creates Reusable Swim Nappies for Australian Families

For now, the mystery remains unsolved, leaving local residents and beach visitors to wonder about the unusual objects mysteriously appearing in their coastal waters.

Published 12-December-2024

Waterlings: Clovelly Swim Teacher Creates Reusable Swim Nappies for Australian Families

A Clovelly swim teacher and former Bondi Icebergs lifeguard has created a new eco-friendly brand, Waterlings, which offers reusable swim nappies designed to suit Australia’s beach-loving lifestyle.

Community Roots Inspire Local Business

Sasha Hanic, who has taught swimming for over 25 years through her Sydney-based In The Deep swim school, launched Waterlings to address the challenges of finding functional and stylish swimwear for babies and toddlers.

Drawing from her deep connection to Sydney’s coastal community, particularly Clovelly, Ms Hanic said the new range was inspired by her experiences growing up near the ocean and her passion for helping children feel confident in the water.

Waterlings Sasha Hanic Clovelly — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The brand’s reusable swim nappies aim to provide a sustainable alternative to disposable options while keeping children comfortable and stylish during swimming lessons or family beach outings.

Ms Hanic said her frustration with the limited options in children’s swimwear motivated her to create Waterlings. She observed that many products were either functional but unattractive or stylish but impractical.

Her solution combines durable materials with appealing designs, catering to parents seeking both quality and convenience. She leveraged her expertise as a swim teacher to ensure that the nappies address common concerns, such as leakage in pools, without compromising on comfort.

Launch Highlights and Local Impact

Waterlings was officially introduced to the Clovelly community at an event held at the Clovelly Hotel on 24 November. The family-friendly gathering showcased the swim nappies, designed to withstand the Australian sun and surf while ensuring they are both practical and visually appealing.

The launch highlighted Ms Hanic’s commitment to promoting water safety and sustainability. She has expressed a desire for Waterlings to not only fill a gap in the market but also resonate with local families who value environmentally friendly solutions.

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Supporting Clovelly’s Community Spirit

Ms Hanic’s background as a competitive swimmer and her dedication to Clovelly’s aquatic culture have cemented her role as a prominent figure in the local community.

Waterlings reflects her broader mission to strengthen bonds within the area, bringing families together through shared values of water safety and environmental responsibility.

Clovelly locals can visit the Waterlings website or connect with Ms Hanic at her swim school for more details about the brand and its offerings.

Published 11-Dec-2024

Adventurous Kelpie Rescued from Clovelly Cliffs

Photo Credit: Facebook / Rescue & Bomb Disposal - NSW Police Force

On Thursday morning, October 10, a local kelpie named Gus was at the centre of a daring rescue operation after becoming trapped on the rocks below the cliffs of Clovelly.

The incident began when Gus, spooked by something unknown, ran away from his minder, Marcella Hayward, and her grandson during their walk. The dog ended up stranded on a rock ledge near the rock pools.

Hayward tried to follow Gus but lost sight of him. She recounted the moment a massive wave hit Gus, temporarily submerging him.

With the help of an onlooker and rock fishermen who spotted Gus in the water, Hayward located him again. The dog had managed to climb onto a rock ledge below the bowling club, but was trapped by the incoming tide.

Gus’s owner, who had rushed to the scene, decided to call emergency services for help. By this time, Hayward reported that Gus was “completely freaked out.”

A multi-agency rescue operation commenced. A Bondi surf lifesaver was first to reach Gus and attached a lead to him. Due to the risky conditions, the NSW Police Rescue squad abseiled down the cliff to reach the dog.

Using treats to calm Gus, the rescuer secured him in a harness. The pair were then winched up the cliff to safety.

NSW Police later shared photos of the rescue on Facebook, commenting on Gus’s adventurous nature.

Hayward noted that the location was fortunate as it was where the rescue team practised, giving them experience with the terrain.

Following the ordeal, Hayward reported that Gus was doing well but possibly “emotionally scarred.” She plans to return to the park with him the next day, hoping to avoid a similar incident.

Published 10-October-2024

Former Clovelly Crocodiles Junior Henry Paterson to Debut in Paris 2024

Henry Paterson, a former Clovelly Crocodiles junior and current Australian rugby sevens speedster, is gearing up for his Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games.

Read: Make Your Home Stylish With Pieces From This Clovelly Store

Early career and transition to Sevens

Born into a rugby league family, Paterson initially followed in his father Trevor’s footsteps, who played 69 games for the Sydney Roosters between 1986 and 1991. Despite trialling with the Roosters as a teenager, Henry’s path took an unexpected turn when he was cut from the squad at 18.

Undeterred, Paterson made the switch to rugby union, joining Eastern Suburbs and competing in the Shute Shield. His career gained momentum after connecting with trainer Justin Lang, son of former NRL coach John Lang.

Henry Paterson breaks through

Paterson’s breakthrough came during the 2021–22 World Rugby Sevens Series. His outstanding performances, including a hat-trick in the London Sevens Cup final, helped Australia secure its first series victory since 1999–2000.

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His stellar form continued into 2023, earning him a spot on the World Series Dream Team and the prestigious Shawn MacKay Medal for sevens player of the year.

Paterson’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He was initially selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but had to withdraw due to injury just before the Games.

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This season, he only took part in the 2023–24 SVNS starting in Vancouver. He missed the first three tournament legs, including the home leg in Perth.

Reflecting on this setback, Patto says, “These experiences, I like to think you come back better and stronger from them.”

“In a way leading into Paris, I could be sitting here in July with a gold medal saying ‘thank god I had those tournaments out’ because it allowed me the right mindset to grow and have a successful season.”

Read: Clovelly Surf Club Added as New Micro Wedding Venue for NSW Registry

Now, Patto is focused on Paris 2024. Australia men’s rugby sevens team will compete in a group with Samoa, Kenya, and Argentina on July 24 and 25.

Published 20-July-2024

Mysterious Rash Plagues Beachgoers in Clovelly

An unexplained rash resembling bite or sting marks has plagued beachgoers in Clovelly and other Sydney beaches this summer.

Despite extensive investigation, experts remain baffled as to the cause of the skin condition, sparking concern among locals.

In recent weeks, numerous locals, particularly those frequenting beaches like Clovelly, have reported developing peculiar rashes on their skin after swimming. The rash patterns vary from red blotches to tiny raised bumps, prompting speculation about potential causes and raising questions about the safety of popular beach spots.

On a recent Sunday in February 2024, a swimmer emerged from Clovelly Beach with red blotches covering her legs and feet, joining the ranks of those affected by this mysterious phenomenon. Despite her lack of discomfort whilst in the water, the appearance of these blotches has left her and others bewildered.

Whilst some experts suggest sand flies, a type of biting midge, as the likely culprits behind these rashes, others remain unconvinced. The Queensland Museum, reviewing images of the affected individuals, admitted uncertainty about the cause but also leaned towards sand flies due to their typical delayed reaction, causing localized hive responses.

Sand flies or biting midges, known for their tiny size and inconspicuous nature, pose challenges in detection but are widespread across Australia. However, the localised nature of the bites raises doubts among experts, leading to speculation about the involvement of crustaceans such as scavenging amphipods or isopods.

Conclusive evidence remains elusive thus the true cause of the rashes remains shrouded in uncertainty.

According to the Australian Environmental Health Guide, biting midges will not transmit diseases to humans but it can cause painful and irritating bites. The severity of reactions varies, with some individuals experiencing red swollen bites measuring several centimetres in diameter.

Symptoms may include pain, itching, blistering, and weepiness, lasting for days or weeks. Desensitisation may occur in individuals continuously exposed to midges, whilst tourists or others may suffer severe reactions requiring medical attention.

Generous Pensioner Leaves $4.5 Million Home to Charity to Feed the Homeless in Clovelly

The late Malcolm Mawhinney, an unassuming pensioner, has left a lasting legacy by bequeathing his multi-million dollar Clovelly home to charity, a generous act that will help feed the homeless.

The property sold for a remarkable $4.55 million in August 2023, exceeding the suburb’s median house price.

A former public servant who lived a modest life, Mr Mawhinney often appeared as though he was struggling financially. Thus, charity founder Reverend Bill Crews, known for his work in homelessness outreach, was astounded when he discovered that Mr Mawhinney had left his entire home, a two-bedroom property located at 23 Northumberland Avenue, to the reverend’s homelessness foundation.

Rev Crews only learned about the remarkable bequest when he fulfilled Mr Mawhinney’s last wishes by scattering his ashes on the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he had a dedicated annual seat for the Sydney test match.

A Simple Life and Hidden Generosity

Despite appearances, Mr Mawhinney maintained a simple life. He was known to live frugally, often having baked beans for dinner and enjoying a few schooners at the local bowling club in the afternoons.

Rev Crews described him as “a lovely gentleman, always kind and gentle, but he looked like one of our [homeless] guests” and “as poor as a church mouse.”

Unbeknownst to many, he volunteered with the Exodus Foundation, even showing movies to homeless individuals in the foundation’s hangout hall, ranging from action films like “Rambo” to classics like “The Sound of Music.”

Clovelly, Malcolm Mawhinney — Photo Credit: Google Maps

An Unassuming Cricket Fan

Malcolm Mawhinney was not just a generous benefactor but also a dedicated cricket, AFL, and rugby league enthusiast. He supported teams like the Sydney Swans and Wests Magpies.

Mr Mawhinney’s memorial service was held at the iconic Clovelly Bowling Club, a place he frequented for an afternoon beer, located just 250 meters from his home.

His impact on the community and the homeless population will be felt for the next six months, thanks to his remarkable act of generosity. The pensioner’s legacy serves as a testament to the hidden kindness that can exist within the unassuming residents of even the most affluent neighbourhoods.

A Lifeline for the Homeless

The substantial windfall from the sale of Mr Mawhinney’s Clovelly home will greatly aid the mission of the Bill Crews Foundation, renowned for its work in feeding Sydney’s homeless population, and providing essential support to those in need.

The foundation offers food services through its food vans and the Loaves & Fishes restaurant in Ashfield, in addition to free dental clinics, legal assistance, laundry services, food parcels, clothing, and financial aid to struggling individuals.

Homelessness has become a growing concern in Australia, with an increasing number of “working homeless” people living on the streets and in makeshift tent villages due to soaring rents and low vacancy rates. According to Mission Australia, over 122,000 Australians are homeless on any given night, with another 1,660 joining their ranks monthly.

Published 8-Nov-2023

Actor’s Childhood Home in Clovelly to be Auctioned Off to Benefit Charity

The late Australian stage actor Richard Hughes has bequeathed the full sales proceeds of his childhood home in Clovelly to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity that supports seriously ill children and young people.

The property, located at 24 Park Street, will go up for auction on Saturday, 5 Aug 2023, with all funds raised being donated to the foundation.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi-detached house, situated on a 280-square-meter block with picturesque views of the water, has a price guide of $3 million to $3.3 million, according to Colliers agent Nelson Dueza, a long-time friend of the late actor. The property has remained in the family for an impressive 83 years since Mr Hughes’s parents, Dick and Beryl, purchased it around 1940.

Clovelly Richard Hughes — Photo Credit: Colliers Australia/YouTube

Mr Hughes, who passed away at the age of 77 in late 2022, had a remarkable career in the theatre, appearing in productions with Kirribilli’s Ensemble Theatre. He was known for his playful and witty nature, often entertaining his loved ones with puns and jokes.

In his retirement years, Mr Hughes focused on family, caring attentively for his mother, Beryl, and his aunt June, until they both passed away in their nineties. He was also the organiser of regular family reunions, strengthening the bonds among his extended family.

The childhood home holds cherished memories for the actor, who grew up there as an only child, enjoying the stunning views of Coogee and Wedding Cake Island, which are just a short distance from Clovelly Beach. The property’s location is one of its standout features, as it offers breathtaking ocean views from multiple rooms.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation, the chosen beneficiary of the auction’s proceeds, creates over half a million Starlight experiences for sick children annually through their various programs. These experiences provide a much-needed respite from the challenges of illness, allowing the children and their families to laugh, play, and connect during difficult times.

Clovelly, an idyllic beachside suburb located 8km southeast of Sydney’s CBD, is highly sought after, with Domain’s House Price Report for the March 2023 quarter showing a median house price of $3.8 million.

The sale of this beloved childhood home is not only an opportunity for a new chapter in the property’s history but also a chance to make a significant impact on the lives of seriously ill children, thanks to Richard Hughes’s heartfelt bequeathment to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Published 26-July-2023

St Luke’s Anglican Church Renovation Approved, Locals Express Traffic Concerns

St Luke’s Anglican Church in Clovelly has been granted approval to proceed with its $1.8 million renovation project, amidst vocal opposition from local residents concerned about potential traffic congestion.

The decision was made during a recent meeting of the Randwick Local Planning Panel, where objections from neighbouring residents and the Varna Street Action Group were raised.

The proposed upgrade works for St Luke’s Anglican Church involved the partial demolition of the church hall and excavation of the basement. The Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney, the owner of the site, submitted DA 417/2022 in August.

The primary goal of the renovations was to make the church fully wheelchair accessible for the first time. This would be achieved through the installation of a lift connecting the basement, first and second floors, as well as the addition of a new first-floor meeting room, office space, and accessible bathrooms.

However, residents expressed concerns about traffic congestion caused by the church’s activities. With Clovelly Public School located opposite the church, residents feared that the existing congestion would worsen, especially during school hours.

The Varna Street Action Group, representing concerned residents, also raised objections about the size and scale of the proposed building, as well as the potential overshadowing of neighbouring properties. Dance classes operating within the church had also been identified. In total, Council received 19 unique objections to the development plans.

Despite this, the Randwick Local Planning Panel approved the renovation project, citing the need to make the church facilities accessible to all members of the community. The panel acknowledged the concerns related to existing traffic and parking conditions but clarified that these were not the subject of the current application.

To address the residents’ worries, the panel imposed conditions to regulate activities within the site and facilitate better communication between the church and the properties around it. However, the commercial use of the hall was not part of the planning panel’s consent and would be addressed separately.

David James, the spokesperson for the Varna Street Action Group, expressed support for the church’s goal of improving accessibility but maintained that the area already suffered from significant traffic problems. He believed that expanding the commercial space in the church hall without providing additional parking would exacerbate the congestion issue.

To foster community engagement and address concerns, a condition of the approved plans includes the establishment of a community liaison committee consisting of senior church representatives. This committee will meet four times within the first year following the completion of the renovation work. Additionally, an acoustic consultant will review a management plan to ensure compliance with all acoustic requirements.

St Luke’s Senior Minister, Reverend Dave Rogers, emphasized that the development would not significantly increase the church’s size but would greatly enhance accessibility and create a more welcoming environment for the community. The church has been an integral part of Clovelly since 1894 and seeks to accommodate various community activities.

Published 22-June-2023

Pop-Up Pedal Park in Clovelly to stay Until October

The pop-up pedal park in Clovelly Beach will stay in place until the first of October 2021, nixing original plans to dismantle the facility at winter’s end. The extension will be a welcome reprieve for kids home schooling during the lockdown.

Children will be able to safely play outdoors and have fun at the pedal park as it continues to be accessible until 5 Oct 2021. According to Randwick City Mayor Danny Said, keeping the facilities in place will “help lighten people’s burden” during this pandemic.

“Council has looked for additional ways for residents to make use of our outdoor spaces,” the mayor said.

“The pop-up pedal parks have proven to be a popular and effective way for kids to get outside, burn off some energy in a safe environment and feel like life is a little bit normal again.

“It was a no-brainer to keep them open for longer than was originally planned. The positive feedback we’ve received from the community tells us that this is a valued initiative that brings relief and happiness to many families.”

Since beachside car parks closed during the lockdown, Council installed temporary bike tracks for the kids on the site. The first pop-up pedal park was opened and trialled in May 2020, whilst another facility was installed at the Chifley Reserve.

The pedal parks were subsequently brought back in June 2021, following a Council vote to make this a regular winter offering. This year ramps, rails, and tunnels were added to provide additional skill-building opportunities for junior cyclists, skaters, and scooter users.

Meanwhile, residents may continue to provide feedback about the pedal parks to Council.

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.