A parking dispute on William Street in Double Bay has highlighted local frustrations over vehicle placement, with one resident leaving an angry message on a white Honda Civic.
The confrontation occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a local resident took exception to the car’s positioning, which appeared to occupy space typically sufficient for two vehicles. The resident responded by affixing two strips of masking tape to the windscreen with pointed messages about the parking manner.
One note explicitly asked the driver to “please don’t park like a jackass,” while another noted the vehicle was taking up “2 car parking” spaces. The windscreen wipers were also raised as part of the protest.
A parking permit visible on the windscreen suggests the driver is likely a local resident, potentially creating an awkward neighbourhood situation.
The incident follows similar recent parking disputes, including a case in Newcastle where a vehicle blocked a driveway, forcing a visitor to navigate through a front yard.
Under New South Wales law, parking across a driveway carries significant consequences:
A $302 fine for the offence
Illegal to stop over a driveway except when picking up or dropping off passengers
Drivers must move within two minutes
Parking across one’s own driveway is also prohibited
Double Bay is now making headlines for a different reason. It’s home to Borne, a luxurious retreat to support new mothers during the often-overlooked fourth trimester.
Borne is located within the InterContinental Hotel and offers a comprehensive wellness program for women and their newborns. The five-day packages provide around-the-clock care from a team of experts, including lactation consultants, midwives, doulas, and educators.
These professionals guide new mothers through the challenges of breastfeeding, swaddling, and bathing their infants.
The retreat is more than just a luxurious staycation. It’s a sanctuary where women can recover physically and emotionally. Founder Avalon Nethery, inspired by her own experience with postnatal depression, recognised a gap in the market for specialised postpartum care.
She believes the modern expectation for women to balance careers and motherhood can lead to isolation and overwhelming stress.
Borne aims to address this issue by providing a supportive community for new mothers. The retreat offers various services, from gourmet meals to expert advice, designed to help women confidently transition into motherhood.
While the cost of a four-night stay at Borne may be significant, Nethery emphasises the long-term goal of making such care accessible to all women. She hopes to work with government and insurance providers to reduce the financial burden and ensure every new mother can benefit from this specialised support.
The impact of Borne’s services can be seen in the experiences of women like Melinda, a first-time mother who struggled with a high-risk pregnancy and traumatic birth.
She found solace and support at the retreat, gaining the confidence and knowledge she needed to navigate the challenges of early motherhood.
Long-standing Double Bay shopping centre Roma Arcade could soon be transformed into a high-end mixed-use hub featuring hotel rooms, office spaces, and retail stores.
The Roma Arcade, located on New South Head Road in Double Bay, was purchased in March 2024 by education entrepreneur Adrian Fonseca and his wife Nancy Reardon-Fonseca for approximately $21 million.
Mr Fonseca, who serves as the deputy president of the GWS Giants and is the founder of Oxanda Education, bought the property with his wife as part of a vision to revitalise the area. This acquisition marked the first time in decades that the arcade changed hands, making it a significant transaction for the Double Bay community.
Details of the Proposed Development
The Fonsecas’ plan – DA 393/2024 lodged with Woollahra Council – proposes demolishing the existing arcade structure to make way for a five-storey complex with a mix of functions designed to attract both locals and visitors.
Photo Credit: Before/Google Maps
According to the planning documents prepared by GSA Planning, the new development would house three levels dedicated to retail and office space and feature 15 studio-style hotel rooms across the third and fourth levels. Each hotel room would be designed with ample natural light and small balconies to provide an open, airy feel, appealing to tourists seeking a boutique experience.
Photo Credit: After/DA 393/2024
According to the proposal, the rooftop will be transformed into a terrace, adding an extra community-oriented element for relaxation and gatherings. Fonseca’s team has indicated that the new centre will blend well with Double Bay’s “desired future character,” aiming to create a high-quality, modern space that fits within the area’s growing commercial and social environment.
Community Impact and Economic Potential
The proposed redevelopment is expected to generate new employment opportunities for Double Bay, replacing the existing structure with a facility that incorporates retail, office, and accommodation elements. Planners believe that the new complex will draw in more visitors and contribute to the local economy by providing additional shopping, work, and stay options.
The hotel rooms, especially, are expected to attract tourists and business travellers, further boosting local businesses and encouraging longer stays in the area.
Photo Credit: After/DA 393/2024
Oliver Meehan, head of development at Oxanda Education, describes the Roma Arcade project as a vital part of Double Bay’s “tremendous revitalisation,” aiming to bring modern amenities and high-quality architectural design to the neighbourhood. By focusing on both retail and office spaces, as well as accommodation, the development offers more varied business opportunities than the existing structure, which has historically hosted a smaller selection of shops.
Next Steps and Community Response
Pending council approval, the redevelopment will move forward, with the demolition and construction phases likely to follow shortly after. Woollahra Council’s decision will weigh the potential benefits of increased economic activity and tourism against considerations from local residents and business owners who may be impacted by construction.
Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback during the planning review process to ensure the redevelopment aligns with the needs and expectations of Double Bay’s residents.
Nicole & Baby Boutique, a luxury pet brand from Sydney, has opened a community-focused pop-up event in Double Bay, bringing unique pet products and experiences to local pet lovers.
Running from early November until Christmas, the pop-up, held in collaboration with pet-friendly store Fido & Fido, offers an array of pet-focused activities and premium pet products. Attendees can expect services like professional pet photography, “puppuccinos” for dogs, pet styling sessions, and regular giveaways. The event aims to foster a sense of community among pet owners by creating a welcoming space for those who enjoy pampering their pets.
High-Quality Pet Fashion and Products
Founded in 2022 by Nicole Voyatzis, the Nicole & Baby Boutique started as an online store inspired by her dog, Baby. Noticing a lack of high-quality, fashionable pet clothing that blends style with function, Nicole created a brand that offers pet clothing, accessories, toys, and dishware with a luxury edge.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The boutique has gained a following, with more than 10,000 followers on Instagram and recognition from British Vogue, where it was featured in three consecutive issues from September to November 2023.
Nicole is committed to environmentally conscious practices, including eco-friendly packaging. She has partnered with the RSPCA, dedicating 10% of all sales to the organisation to support its work with abandoned, injured, and sick animals.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The pop-up in Double Bay features a selection of these products, including seasonal holiday-themed attire and Australian-made items. It reflects her ongoing dedication to supporting animal welfare and fostering connections within the pet-loving community.
Nicole & Baby Boutique plans to expand its Australian-made products and add custom embroidery services. Additionally, inspired by her second dog Boo, who struggles with anxiety, Voyatzis is developing a product specifically designed to help ease pet anxiety. She hopes to release this product as part of her mission to address pet wellness and comfort.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Building a Community of Pet Lovers
Nicole & Baby Boutique has also gained support from a community of pet influencers who regularly share their experiences with the boutique’s products. This growing community includes pet owners across Australia and beyond, who gather online and now in person at the Double Bay pop-up to celebrate their shared love for pets and quality pet care.
The pop-up will continue to operate at Fido & Fido in Double Bay through the Christmas season, offering pet owners a unique opportunity to shop, socialise, and connect over their passion for pets.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: The Yard Gym IG
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
