Double Bay Archives - Page 4 of 5

Healy Ryan from Double Bay Makes Waves as NSW/ACT Sailing Awards Finalist

The 2024 NSW/ACT Sailing Awards finalists have been revealed, and Double Bay Sailing Club is shining brightly with young sailor Healy Ryan nominated for Youth Sailor of the Year.

Ryan, who also represents Hunters Hill Sailing Club, is recognised alongside Louis Tilly from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and Joel Beashel from Belmont 16ft Skiff Sailing Club & Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

Celebrations Set for Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

ACT Sailing Awards — *Photo Credit:* *Australian Sailing*

Australian Sailing is inviting the NSW and ACT sailing community to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable individuals at the NSW/ACT Sailing Awards Presentation. The event will be held on Saturday, 21 September, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the prestigious Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

Diverse Group of Finalists Represents Sailing’s Strength

The finalists showcase a diverse range of contributors to the sport, from dedicated club volunteers to elite athletes who recently competed in the Paris Olympic Games. The list includes professionals striving to expand sailing’s reach, promoters leveraging technology to increase visibility, and Australian Sailing Team athletes consistently performing at the highest level.

Other Notable Finalists

Female Sailor of the Year: Rhiannan Brown, Evie Haseldine, Olivia Price

Male Sailor of the Year: Shaun Connor, Grae Morris, Jim Colley

Team of the Year: Anthony Johnston & Marcus Ashley-Jones, Brin Liddel & Rhiannan Brown, Olivia Price & Evie Haseldine, Jim Colley & Shaun Connor

Instructor of the Year: Isabella Holdsworth, Bella Jones

Volunteer of the Year: Eric Duggan, Peter Mansbridge

SheSails Award: Twin Wire Skiff Programme, Women’s Sailing Course

Sport Professional Award: Jack Buchan, Graham Biehl, Jeremey Atkinson

Sport Promotion Award: Dave Flower, Ethan Tucker, Lisa Darmanin, Jervis Tilly

Sustainability Award: Shane Guanaria, Sustainability Working Group

Club of the Year Award Category A: Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, Drummoyne Sailing Club, Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club

The finalists for Coach of the Year, Official of the Year, and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be unveiled at the Awards Presentation, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

buy tickets

Tickets for the NSW/ACT Sailing Awards Presentation can be purchased online. The event includes canapes served throughout the evening. It promises to be a night of celebration and recognition for the outstanding individuals and organisations that make sailing thrive in NSW and ACT.

Published Date 18-September-2024

Culinary Evolution in Double Bay: Neil Perry Unveils Cantonese Gem, Song Bird

Photo Credit: Song Bird

Double Bay is set to welcome a new culinary star to its constellation: Song Bird. The latest venture from renowned chef Neil Perry, Song Bird is a three-storey Cantonese restaurant poised to redefine dining in this harbourside haven.

Located within the historic walls of Gaden House, a heritage-listed architectural masterpiece, Song Bird promises a dining experience that harmonises tradition and innovation. Perry, known for his acclaimed establishments Margaret and Baker Bleu, is set to weave his signature modern Australian touch into the delicate flavours of Cantonese cuisine.

While the full menu remains a closely guarded secret, whispers of fresh, locally sourced produce and a focus on each ingredient’s natural essence have ignited anticipation among food aficionados.

The restaurant’s multi-level layout, thoughtfully designed to complement the building’s unique architecture, promises a journey through diverse culinary experiences.

With reservations now open for its grand debut on August 30th, Song Bird is set to become a magnet for those seeking an elevated dining experience. As Double Bay continues to evolve as a culinary destination, Song Bird’s arrival is a testament to the suburb’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a new chapter in the suburb’s gastronomic story.

Published Date 23-July-2024

The Yard Gym Bares New Plans After Double Bay Opening

With the opening of its new location in Double Bay, boutique fitness chain The Yard Gym announced its plan to open 400 new stores worldwide by 2025.

Founded by Daniel Bova in Sydney’s southern region during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gym has rapidly gained momentum, marking its first step towards international expansion.

Collaborating with franchise co-owners Rebecca Cutler, Mike Case, and Talitha Case, the Double Bay branch sets the tone for The Yard Gym’s global expansion strategy.

Mr Bova revealed that the Double Bay outlet is just one among the 70 new franchise locations already sold as part of the broader plan to establish 200 new sites in Australia and an additional 200 in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand, and Asia.

Emphasising their commitment to offering a unique fitness experience, Ms Cutler, co-owner of The Yard Gym Double Bay franchise, highlighted the gym’s member-centric philosophy and community engagement initiatives.

The gym aims to differentiate itself by providing an unparalleled group training experience, offering extra services, and maintaining a luxury boutique gym aesthetic tailored to the Double Bay community.

The Yard Gym in Double Bay prides itself on offering its members a comprehensive range of services. With over 40 classes catering to various fitness levels and age groups, the gym ensures something for everyone.

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A post shared by THE YARD GYM DOUBLE BAY (@theyardgym_doublebay)

Additionally, the gym’s commitment to convenience extends to providing services during weekday morning classes, allowing parents to pursue their fitness goals while their children are supervised.

The Yard Gym traces its roots back to Mr Bova’s backyard training sessions over a decade ago, where he fostered a passion for fitness among his peers. From humble beginnings, the gym has expanded to include two operational sites in the United States, with plans for further growth.

Follow The Yard Gym Double Bay via Instagram for more updates.

Published 21-February-2024

Cybersecurity Breach Rocks Affluent Eastern Sydney Suburbs’ Public Libraries

Library patrons in some of Sydney’s richest neighbourhoods may have had their personal information and partial credit card details stolen in a pre-Christmas cybersecurity breach. The library systems breach, encompassing affluent harborside neighborhoods like Double Bay and Point Piper, was discovered on December 15th.

Cybersecurity breach

The council confirmed that hackers may have accessed library users’ names, contact details, encrypted passwords, and partial credit card information through a software system used for library functions.

The affected libraries are located in the suburbs of Double Bay, Watsons Bay, and Paddington. Woollahra Council has not confirmed how many residents were impacted.

Investigations underway

Council is working with cybersecurity agencies to investigate the incident and has implemented fixes to secure the compromised system. They have begun notifying affected library patrons about the potential breach.

GM Craig Swift-McNair apologised for the attack, emphasising that the council takes privacy and data protection seriously. He encouraged concerned residents to be vigilant about identity theft and potential scams using their information.

The cyberattack highlights that even affluent communities are vulnerable to emerging cyber threats. Residents of Woollahra Council, including former PM Malcolm Turnbull, may have assumed their suburbs were insulated from such breaches.

This incident underscores the need for vigilance and proper cybersecurity measures among organisations and governments serving Australia’s neighbourhoods. The council stated it is doing everything possible to contain the attack and assist impacted community members.

Published 30-December-2023

Miraculous Escape for Babies After Car Accident

Photo Credit: Freepik / standret

Two babies narrowly avoided serious injury after a car accident with their pram on New South Head Road in Double Bay. The incident occurred on December 11, 2023 around 9:40 a.m., prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Site of the crash

The mother, aged 30, was walking with her two children—a two-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl—when the car veered off the road, striking the pram and crashing into a nearby retaining wall.

Eyewitnesses recounted the frightening moment the babies were thrown from the pram due to the impact of the car accident. Miraculously, despite the intensity of the collision, both babies managed to escape severe harm.

Emergency teams swiftly arrived at the scene and attended to the injured. The mother sustained a minor back injury and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital. She is reported to be in stable condition.

One of the children, the youngest, suffered a minor facial injury and received treatment at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. Thankfully, the child has since been discharged. The elder sibling was assessed at the scene and did not require hospitalisation.

NSW Police have confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, who emerged unscathed, underwent mandatory testing. As of now, no charges have been laid, and investigations by the Eastern Suburbs police area command are underway to determine the circumstances of the crash.

Following the removal of the vehicle, police and traffic management teams remained at the scene to regulate traffic flow. The incident caused temporary delays for eastbound motorists before the area was cleared by 11 a.m.

Published 12-December-2023

Customers Express Concerns Over Double Bay Restaurant’s Dress Code

Popular Middle Eastern restaurant Bedouin in Double Bay has instituted a dress code which prohibits people with visible tattoos, heavy jewellery, and designer-labelled clothing from entering the premises.

Read: Melbourne’s Favourite Bakery Opening New Location In Double Bay

The strict dress code, which reads, ‘no visible tattoos,’ ‘no designer labelled apparel,’ and ‘no heavy jewellery’ was posted on a sign near the door.

Some concerned locals, including previous patrons couldn’t help but express their dismay on social media.

“I couldn’t get in because I have tattoos – even though I have no criminal record and have served my country in the army,” said AD Darbs.

Acknowledging the public’s opinions, Woollahra Councillor Richard Shields revealed he does not favour the new policy. Although he’s not a fan of tattoos, he thinks people with tattoos have the right to express themselves in that way.

Despite some criticisms, there are a few who believe Bedouin had the right to set its own house policies, including releasing a dress code.

The restaurant and bar, which opened along Cross Street in 2018, is run by a team of managers who were formerly part of fine dining establishments.

Inside the restaurant (Photo credit: Bedouin Double Bay/Facebook)

Besides their Lebanese-inspired cuisine, Bedouin is known for being frequented by celebrities, having guests such as Nick Kyrgios and Rita Ora as some of their a-list patrons.

The venue boasts a stylish and laidback interior, and Lebanese food given a European twist to match.

With regard to the new dress code, restaurant management said they value their customers and community stakeholders and have always implemented house rules that include a dress policy that discourages intimidating appearances.

Have Your Say On Knox Street Pedestrian Plaza

Photo credit: Google Street View

Locals are being invited to have their say regarding plans to transform a part of Knox Street, Double Bay into a permanent pedestrian plaza.

Read: New Public Plaza to Open on Knox Street, Double Bay

A short survey will run until Wednesday, 23 February 2022 to ask residents for their opinions about the released concept designs for the project.

In September 2021, Woollahra Council held an initial consultation, which revealed that 91 per cent of respondents prefer to see outdoor dining in this space whilst 86 per cent would like to see the space have a ‘spacious and leafy’ feel.

Following a consultation with the community, Council designated architects from Aspect Studios to come up with architectural plans for the site.

The council is seeking to pedestrianise a section of Knox Street (between the Bay Street intersection and Goldman Lane), adding new lighting, plantings, public art and seating for the community.

“The new plaza will provide extra space for people to gather, rest and relax in a leafy and welcoming environment. It will also create potential for new events, markets, activations and outdoor dining experiences in an already well-loved and inviting part of Double Bay,” Woollahra Council stated.

The proposed Knox Street pedestrian plaza is part of the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program and estimated to cost around $4.75 million. If approved, Council will start construction in mid 2022 and will open the plaza by January 2023.

Read: Melbourne’s Favourite Bakery Opening New Location In Double Bay

Mixed Reactions

Whilst the plans have received many positive responses from locals living nearby, there are a few residents who oppose the new pedestrianised public plaza.

A few business owners from Knox St and residents from Cosmo Centre hope the council will reconsider their plans and tweak certain aspects of the proposal.

Locals wanted to see street parking retained but they also want to widen pedestrian paths by reducing traffic lanes from three to one. There are also a few who suggested temporary bollards which could be erected to close the street during events.

New Public Plaza to Open on Knox Street, Double Bay

Plans are in the works to create a public plaza on Knox Street, as part of upgrades to eco-friendly public places of a new, $250-million state program called the Public Spaces Legacy Program.

According to Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, the funding has managed to support 60 successful council proposals for over a hundred projects — one of which calls for the creation of an all-new public plaza in Knox Street, Double Bay.

The Woollahra Municipal Council’s proposal, titled Enhancing and Revitalising Woollahra’s Iconic Spaces Project, aims to create a pedestrianised public plaza in Knox Street that comes complete with new plantings, lighting, public art and seating areas. In order to construct the plaza, the local council has received a $4.75 million grant.

Photo credit: CC BY/J Bar/Wikimedia Commons

“This pandemic has reminded us of the immense value we all place on our public spaces – our parks, streets, plazas, cycleways, foreshores, bushland and walking trails,” said Mr Perrottet. “This program and the funding behind it will not only lead to better public spaces, but the work to construct them will boost local economies through the creation of more jobs.”

The new plaza is estimated to be complete and open to the public by the end of 2022. To learn more about the Public Spaces Legacy Program, read about it on New South Wales Government’s website here.

Double Bay Tops ATO’s List for Highest-Paid Earners

Double Bay has emerged as the suburb with the highest-paid earners in the latest report from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whilst seven of the top 10 postcodes with high-income earners come from Sydney.

The statistical data are from ATO’s 2018-19 financial year, which reveals that surgeons, anaesthesiologists and internal medicine specialists are some of the highest-earning rate payers. These professions made an average of $300,000 to $400,000 in the covered period.

Financial dealers, psychiatrists and those in the legal profession are lucrative occupations as well. However, even before COVID-19 and the lockdowns, hospitality workers, such as waiters and fast-food cooks, earned the lowest average taxable incomes.

Across Australia, 66 people who earned above one million and 156 individuals with a reported income of $500,000 or above paid no taxes for 2018-2019 due to a loophole in the country’s complex tax system, according to Richard Denniss, the chief economist at the Australia Institute.

The group with the most number of taxpayers are those who earned between $37,001 and $90,000, or about 41.7 percent of the working population.

Here are the suburbs of the top 10 of highest-paid earners for 2018-2019:

Suburb	Taxpayer’s Earnings
1 Double Bay, Sydney	$202,541
2 Toorak and Hawksburn, Melbourne	$201,926
3 Darling Point and Point Piper, Sydney	$199,813
4 Dover Heights and Vaucluse, Sydney	$197,886
5 Woollahra, Sydney	$183,418
6 Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove, Perth	$179,376
7 Portsea, Victoria	$175,356
8 Bellevue Hill, Sydney	$173,278
9 Mosman, Sydney	$171,135
10 Northbridge, Sydney	$168,891

In contrast, the lowest income earners are from regional New South Wales and regional Queensland, who made less than $10,000 during the said financial year.

New $6.5 Million Redevelopment Plan for Heritage-Listed Gaden House Unveiled

A new plan to redevelop the heritage-listed Gaden House in Double Bay has been unveiled after boutique developer Fortis bought the building from AMA Property.

Fortis director Charles Mellick, who has been a resident of Double Bay for more than 50 years, is confident that their proposal, which has yet to be lodged with Woollahra Council, will have no objections as they have been careful to take into account all of the concerns of the community.

Previous development applications to revitalise the iconic building were opposed and rejected as the plans would completely alter the original building’s mid-century design, courtesy of prominent Sydney architect Neville Gruzman. The public outcry prompted Council to enlist the building as a heritage property.

Mr Mellick said that Fortis, who bought the building in 2020, has some ideas to expand Gaden House while retaining its fundamental design, with respect to Gruzman. The director said that he doesn’t want this heritage-listed site to have a nightclub but will consider a high-end food and drink area on the street level.

To ensure that this redevelopment won’t be rejected, Fortis signed up architect Peter Hurley and a few heritage designers to go over the plans before submitting the application.

Fortis is also nearly done with securing tenancies for the new building whilst Gaden House’s redevelopment is still in the planning stages.

“With significant community interest and heritage sensitivities, Fortis has assembled a project team of the highest calibre,” Fortis said.

“Paying utmost respect to Gruzman’s original designs, the creative vision is to enhance the existing building by restoring key structural and aesthetic elements including the façade, concrete staircase, metal-clad louvres, terrazzo podium and feature lighting circles. Carefully preserving its past, whilst bringing ultra-contemporary new levels of amenity, Gaden House will be re-established as a Double Bay for generations to come.”