Tag: Bondi Beach

Community Response Praised After Bondi Beach Tragedy

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil/Facebook

The actions of locals, first responders and council workers in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack have been acknowledged as an example of how the Waverley community responded during a moment of crisis.

Read: Tougher Measures for Cars Blocking the Driveway in Waverley

In the hours following the incident, lifeguards, council staff and members of the public helped those who were injured, assisted people fleeing the area and supported emergency services as they arrived on scene.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the response showed the strength of the local community during an extraordinary situation.

“The courage, care and compassion shown by so many people on the day reflects the true spirit of Waverley,” he said.

Actions on the Ground

Lifeguards on duty at Bondi Beach were among the first to respond, providing immediate assistance and helping manage the scene before police and ambulance crews arrived. Council staff who were nearby, including rangers and parking officers, also helped direct people away from danger and towards safer areas.

Mayor Nemesh said these actions went beyond normal responsibilities.

“Our lifeguards and staff acted with professionalism and bravery in circumstances none of them could have anticipated,” he said.

Members of the public also stepped in, offering help to those injured and supporting people who were distressed or separated from friends and family.

A Collective Effort

The mayor said the response was not limited to trained professionals, noting that ordinary residents also played a role.

“What stood out was how quickly people looked after each other,” he said. “Strangers helped strangers, and people did whatever they could to assist.”

In the days following the attack, messages of support and gratitude were shared across the community, recognising the efforts of those who responded and acknowledging the impact of the events on residents and visitors alike.

Reflecting at Year’s End

As the year draws to a close, the incident has prompted reflection across Waverley on community connection and resilience. While the events themselves were deeply distressing, many locals have focused on the way people came together during the aftermath.

Mayor Nemesh said the response would not be forgotten.

“It was an incredibly difficult day, but it also showed the values that matter most to this community,” he said.

Read: $500m Uniting Waverley Estate Redevelopment Moves Forward

Published 18-Dec-2025

Council Acquires Bondi Unit Block for Affordable Housing Program

Photo Credit: Highland

Waverley Council has purchased a block of six flats in Bondi Beach for $8.55 million to expand its affordable housing program, paying $1.45 million over the reserve price at a competitive auction last month.

Read: Uniting’s $448M Waverley Estate Redevelopment Opens for Public Feedback

The 1940s apartment block at 49 Mitchell Street, located within walking distance of Bondi Beach, consists of six two-bedroom apartments without off-street parking. The property last changed hands in 2020 for $5.75 million, representing a nearly 49% increase in value over five years.

Photo Credit: Highland

Thursday’s auction at the Damien Cooley auction rooms saw four bidders compete for the property, which had been listed with a guide price of $7 million. Sources present at the auction reported that the Council representative opened bidding at $6.9 million and nearly secured the property at $7.8 million before another bidder intervened, resulting in a two-way contest that pushed the final price to $8.55 million.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @highlanddoublebay

The purchase price equates to approximately $1.45 million per apartment, which remains below PropTrack’s median price of $1.52 million for two-bedroom apartments in Bondi.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh described the acquisition as “the most significant expansion of its affordable housing portfolio in over a decade” and “a momentous win for the community.” The Council confirmed the purchase was funded through developer contributions via its affordable housing reserve.

The Waverley Council Affordable Housing program provides discounted rentals to qualifying working people on low-to-moderate incomes, typically offering 20-25% below market rates for terms up to five years. Eligibility requires applicants to demonstrate they have lived or worked in Waverley for at least three years, with the Council currently reviewing its policies to include specific provisions for essential workers.

Paul Grasso of Highland Commercial, who handled the sale alongside Steffan Ippolito of IB Property, noted that two-bedroom apartment blocks in this part of Bondi rarely come to market.

“They’re very tightly held,” Grasso said. “We had 200 inquiries, 30 inspections and 18 contracts out on this one.”

Photo Credit: Highland

Four of the six apartments have been renovated by the previous owner, featuring new kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and fresh paint. Despite lacking off-street parking, the units would command between $900 and $950 per week on the open rental market, according to agent estimates.

Photo Credit: Highland

Read: Waverley College’s $141.5M Expansion Draws Resident and Transport Concerns

The Council stated the Mitchell Street property was “ideal for affordable housing” due to its proximity to Bondi shopping, essential services, and public transportation.

Published 28-March-2025