A four-year-old boy suffered multiple bite wounds after an off-leash dog attacked him at a Tamarama playground, prompting a community appeal to identify the owner.
The incident occurred late morning on 24 July at Marks Park Playground, a beachside reserve in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The child, Jagger, had been playing on the swings with his family nearby when a dog described as a terrier or pit bull cross charged at him.
Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only
Witnesses said the animal jumped, pulled and bit the boy for several minutes before the owner intervened. The owner, a man about 183cm tall with a medium-to-large build, reportedly took more than a minute to restrain the dog.
Injuries And Treatment
Jagger sustained deep puncture wounds to his leg, chest and arm. Nearby construction workers gave first aid while the family left the park to assess his injuries.
Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only
He was treated at Randwick Children’s Hospital and now requires daily GP visits for wound care and medication. His mother said both sons remain distressed, and the family is avoiding places where dogs may be present.
Disputed Circumstances
The family said the owner claimed it was a dog park and that the boy would be unhurt. Council rules allow off-leash dogs at Marks Park only before 8:30 am and after 4:30 pm, and at least 10 metres from play equipment.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
A bystander told the family he tried to follow the man after the attack, but the owner allegedly left before authorities arrived.
Community Response And Investigation
Waverley Council has confirmed it is making every effort to locate the dog and owner. Officials are reviewing CCTV footage and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Around midday on Friday, 1 August 2025, a section of sandstone about 20 metres long and six metres deep gave way at the northern end of Bronte Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Large rocks fell onto a stormwater drain and damaged a safety rail. The collapse occurred beneath a headland access point used by surfers and beach visitors.
Waverley authorities, staff, and lifeguards sealed off sections of the beach, the headland footpath, and the park above. Parts of the walking path and a small portion of the beach remain closed while assessments continue.
Several people were in the immediate area at the time but avoided injury. One surfer had stepped off the stairs moments before the collapse, while others were approaching the same spot. A lifeguard was reportedly about to descend the stairs when the rocks fell. Witnesses described a loud crack and ground movement as the cliff gave way.
Possible Cause and Expert Insight
Waverley authorities have indicated that recent heavy rainfall may have contributed to the instability of the cliff, which sits above a stormwater culvert. The damaged culvert and surrounding area are subject to a geotechnical assessment to determine stability and whether closures should be extended.
Professor Ana Vila Concejo, a coastal geomorphology expert from the University of Sydney, said rockfalls are a natural process for sandstone cliffs, which can fracture over time due to wave action.
Local residents expressed concern about safety and the risk of similar incidents in surrounding coastal areas. Some noted they had recently walked the now-damaged stairs and stormwater pipe. Others said that on a busy, dry day, the outcome could have been far worse.
The authorities’ investigation will continue, with further safety measures to be considered once the geotechnical assessment is complete. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the affected areas until they are deemed safe.
Three dedicated volunteers from Bronte Surf Life Saving Club—James Lawrence, Robert McLellan, and Nick Seale—were among 107 lifesavers across the country recently recognised with prestigious National Medals for their long and diligent service to community safety.
The latest round of honours, announced as SLSA National Medal Batch 53, saw a remarkable showing from New South Wales volunteers. Of the 107 medals awarded nationwide, 70 were presented to members of NSW surf clubs, highlighting the state’s immense contribution to protecting Australian coastlines. Volunteers from clubs across the state, from the Far North Coast to the South Coast, were acknowledged for their sustained commitment.
Key Members of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club: Lawrence, McLellan, and Seale
James Lawrence is a dedicated patrol leader at Bronte SLSC. For the upcoming 2024/2025 season, Mr. Lawrence is listed as a Vice Captain, a key leadership role on the beach responsible for overseeing patrol operations and ensuring the safety of swimmers. His involvement with the club extends back several years, with records indicating he also contributed his photography skills for a club event in 2014.
Robert McLellan has been involved in the governance of the club. The 2021/2022 Annual Report for Bronte SLSC lists a “Robert McLellan” as a member of the Board of Management, highlighting his contribution to the strategic direction and administration of the club during that period.
Nick Seale served as a Vice-Captain of Patrol 11 for at least two consecutive seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23. In this role, he was part of the leadership team for his patrol, working alongside the Patrol Captain and other Vice-Captain to ensure the safety of beachgoers at Bronte. During the 2021/22 season, his fellow members on Patrol 11 included Jem Knight (Vice-Captain), Martin Lynch, Therese Powell, Richard Melki, Rene Kesler, Damien Cave, Robert Watt, Stuart Ryan, Sofia Jenson, and Chris Bell. The patrol was praised for its teamwork and spirit.
The National Medal is part of the Australian honours system, awarded for long and diligent service to organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. The recent batch of awards recognised lifesavers who have reached significant milestones.
Ninety-five volunteers, including the trio from Bronte, received the National Medal for 15 years of service. A further 11 members were awarded their 1st Clasp for an impressive 25 years of service. A special mention went to Stephen Leahy OAM from Fingal Beach SLSC in NSW, who received his 2nd Clasp, marking an extraordinary 35 years with the Surf Life Saving movement.
In a statement, Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker AM ESM congratulated all 107 recipients on their outstanding service. He said that each volunteer should be very proud of the incredible impact they have made on the lives of many through their long-standing commitment.
Mr Baker added that the entire Surf Life Saving movement relies on the commitment of its many dedicated volunteers. He expressed that it is people like those honoured in this batch of medals who make the movement possible, and he thanked them for their many years of service keeping Australian communities safe.
Waverley Cemetery in Bronte is set to add memorial walls for ash interments as part of a plan to address limited burial space and rising maintenance costs.
Waverley officials have proposed constructing 20 memorial walls at Waverley Cemetery in Bronte, each containing compartments for storing ashes. The initiative is designed to provide an additional revenue stream while offering more resting place options at the heritage-listed site.
Background and Context
Established in 1877, Waverley Cemetery occupies 40 acres between Bronte and Clovelly Beaches and is listed on the State Heritage Register. The cemetery contains over 50,000 graves, including significant Victorian and Edwardian monuments.
Recent reports highlight that maintenance has become increasingly costly, with annual upkeep reaching $1.5 million. Since 2022, repair work has included addressing structural issues such as collapsed vaults, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The council’s plan involves building memorial walls along Quinn Road within the cemetery, providing 720 compartments. Each compartment, measuring 19cm wide by 17cm high, would cost $8540 to reserve. The project is estimated to generate at least $6 million, assisting with ongoing upkeep of the site.
Memorial walls of this kind have been installed previously along the cemetery’s northern side and have proven popular. The new structures are designed to align with the cemetery’s heritage character and will be accompanied by minor landscaping and new seating.
Alternative Options and Council Considerations
Waverley Council explored the memorial wall proposal as part of efforts to preserve the cemetery’s future role as a final resting place for the community. The council noted that, due to the protected status of many graves and unclear records for older sites, options for reusing existing burial plots were limited.
Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil
Community Feedback on the Proposal
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from locals. Some social media users have compared the appearance of the walls to post office boxes, while others have questioned their cost-effectiveness. The Friends of Waverley Cemetery group has expressed support, highlighting the plan’s role in helping to fund essential maintenance.
Waverley Council plans to release ash niches gradually over the next 20 years to provide steady revenue. The project follows consultation and design refinement, with construction yet to commence.
We’ve combed Bronte and Waverley for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Peter H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent experience. Particular call-out to sommelier for knowledge and skill. The Moreton Bay bug sandwich and the crispy spaghetti were food highlights.
Raoul K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was nothing short of outstanding. The mussels were a standout: fresh, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. Each bite was a reminder of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can be absolutely extraordinary. The prawn pasta was equally impressive—Perfectly al dente, and dressed in a sauce that was both rich and balanced, showcasing true culinary craftsmanship. To top it all off, the wine selection was impeccable. Alex’s recommendation paired beautifully with the meal, elevating the entire dining experience to something truly memorable. A perfect evening from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Tom E ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such a nice, relaxed Sunday lunch, best meal we’ve had out in a long time. Everything was amazing, particularly the scallops starter and Murray Cod main. Didn’t feel rushed once and it was such a pleasant change of pace from other Sydney venues. Staff were lovely, thank you Yasmin and Steve for looking after us!
Wendy M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bronte Road Bistro is a hidden local gem. Housed in a beautiful heritage old home, with a garden courtyard that’s perfect for summer dining. We have come here for years. Staff get to know you, then they get to know your name, then they do everything they can to accommodate your dining preferences, and fitting you in during busy periods. AND then they let me do a bougie takeaway of oysters and anchovies. The service is personal and so accommodating. The menu is consistent and consistently good. My partner loves the steak and cheese soufflé, I bounce between sometimes it’s the spatchcock, sometimes it’s two entrees, sometimes it’s a special – and it’s always enjoyable. The wine list is solid. Sophie is service with a smile and gives French authenticity while the rest of the team and their sense of humour always make us laugh.
Alexis N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We are a local business and Stew hosted our end of year Christmas Party and it couldn’t have been more magical! The food was amazing, the service was quality, and the atmosphere was incredible! Everyone had an amazing time and it wouldn’t have been as special as it was without Stew’s fabulous vision for the night! We cannot thank you enough!
Anna ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food is amazing . We ordered spatchcock and fish – it took a while , yet was absolutely worth the wait. Prices are a little high – yet well worth it
Fiona E ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a wonderful dinner tonight ! The Lamb Ragu Pasta was exceptional- also thank you to the young girl who served us – great service and very welcoming
Lucy C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lorraines on the top floor is a little gem. Modern glass roof space with great service and wonderful food. Free Purezza sparkling water is a nice touch. Will be back 😍
Andrew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great atmosphere & food. Oscar, Sam & Ryan are a credit to the pub & always delivering great service. Can’t fault any of the staff as they are always friendly and hard working. Try Peter’s espresso martini’s they are amazing!
Leah M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a group of five we had a lovely evening. We opted for share plates so we could try different meals together. Service and food were exceptional. I would recommend the Octopus tacos, duck and king oyster mushrooms. Such a great vibe. Cocktails were pretty awesome too
Anita B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bellagio is always a first choice for one of my celebrations or everyday. The food is delicious and service helpful & friendly. Food can sometimes take awhile! Thank you for being great
Quentin G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were delighted to see that this prime local venue that has been a breakfast & lunch place for many years was at last open for dinner. The meal was excellent and great value, the atmosphere warm and friendly. Recommend the honey-baked goats cheese salad.
Natalie C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely brilliant! We had the best night and the food was sensational. Amazing service. Nigel is a legend and hilarious! The best host. Tiramispoon was a highlight as were the pastas.
Lisa G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thoroughly enjoyed the food at this wonderful restaurant on Bronte Road! We had the focaccia, fried zucchini flowers, mozzarella, beef pappardelle, and prawn tagliolini. The pasta and focaccia are made fresh on site, and both were absolutely delicious. I would highly recommend this spot. They also have an upstairs dining area for parties and functions, which is a great bonus.
John R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food is classic well presented Italian; the pasta was perfect and the focaccia was even more so! The wine list is a selection of classic Italian varietals. The service was attentive and friendly. The overall experience was excellent and great value.
Thousands of backpackers who packed Bronte Beach on Christmas Day last year left behind more than just footprints, shattered glass, piles of rubbish and overwhelmed locals have now pushed for firm action to manage the event in 2025.
On Christmas Day 2024, more than 15,000 mostly young international visitors gathered at Bronte Beach for the popular “Orphan’s Christmas” event. While the tradition is cherished by many travellers, residents and officials reported serious damage and safety concerns.
Broken bottles, vomit and blocked laneways left parts of the suburb unusable, with one alley described as a “mass urinal.” Clean-up crews collected over 15 tonnes of rubbish, and emergency services were heavily stretched. The event cost Waverley Council more than $135,000 in clean-up and enforcement, prompting widespread community frustration.
Council Chooses Tougher Controls
Waverley Council has voted to adopt “Option 3” to manage the 2025 Bronte Beach Christmas event. The plan includes a glass bottle ban, more police and crowd control officers, and alcohol checkpoints, but no fencing or ticketing. It also involves a public awareness campaign and better coordination with emergency and transport services.
Council documents labelled last year’s event as “out of control,” citing major safety concerns. The new measures will cost over $220,000 and aim to keep the beach safe while still allowing people to gather.
Mixed Reactions From Locals
Some residents want the Bronte Beach Christmas event scrapped, saying it’s turning the area into a party spot and disrupting local life. During community forums, concerns were raised about families being pushed out by large crowds and festival-like behaviour.
Council has decided not to cancel the event, instead opting for stronger enforcement and public education. Officials say tougher rules may follow if the new measures don’t work.
What to Expect This December
Bronte Beach will see tighter controls on Christmas Day 2025, with a ban on glass bottles and increased police presence to manage alcohol-related risks. Rangers and crowd control teams will monitor the area throughout the day.
Council is also working with NSW Police and rideshare services to manage traffic and keep access routes clear. The event will still go ahead, but officials say the chaos of 2024 will not be repeated. The new measures aim to protect both the local community and holiday visitors.
Bronte Surf Life Saving Club is set to undergo a significant transformation, with $5 million in funding committed to upgrading its ageing facilities and supporting its vital role in the local community.
The planned investment will help modernise the club’s infrastructure, providing safer and more inclusive spaces for its volunteers, members, and the thousands of beachgoers who visit Bronte each year. Established in 1903, the club is one of Australia’s oldest surf life saving institutions and a central part of life in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Photo credit: Bronte Surf Life Saving Club/Google Maps
Local surf life saving representatives said the funding would allow the club to better support its lifesaving operations and community programs. They described the project as a long-awaited step forward that recognises the club’s importance not just for its members but for the broader public who rely on the beach and park facilities.
Club President Basil Scaffidi noted the club’s daily presence on the sand and in the community, saying the upgrade would ensure Bronte SLSC could continue its work for decades to come.
“A big step forward for our club, the beach, and the whole community. It is all systems go, and we will start to roll out the plan in the coming weeks,” the club announced on social media.
Photo credit: Glenn Hargreaves/Google Maps
Waverley Mayor Cr Will Nemesh also welcomed the funding, highlighting the value of the club to local families and visitors and the benefits of upgrading essential community infrastructure.
The funding is part of a broader initiative to strengthen surf life saving facilities across the region, with similar improvements also planned for neighbouring clubs.
Once complete, the club’s upgrade is expected to enhance safety, accessibility, and community engagement—ensuring that this iconic institution remains a beacon of service and connection on Sydney’s coastline.
A Christmas Day party at Bronte Beach saw around 15,000 people, many of them backpackers, pack the sand and parklands, leaving behind broken glass, waste, and frustration among long-time locals.
The crowd gathered on December 25 for the informal “Orphan’s Christmas,” popular with young international travellers, mainly from the UK. Locals say the festive mood quickly spiralled, with reports of public urination, fights, vomiting, and rubbish strewn through streets and laneways.
At a recent Waverley Council forum, residents said they were fed up with the yearly disruption. Some reported people urinating on fences and fights breaking out near their homes, with one describing a nearby lane as a “mass urinal.”
Council Copes with the Cost
Waverley Council said the party cleanup cost ratepayers over $60,000, with another $75,000 spent on extra police and rangers over summer. Despite efforts, resources were stretched.
Mayor Will Nemesh said the event’s impact was unsustainable and hard to manage, as it isn’t formally organised and spreads via word of mouth and social media.
Locals Call for Stronger Action
Many in the Bronte community want stronger council action this year. Suggestions included more police, street closures, geofencing, or fencing off the park as a dry, ticketed zone.
Despite these ideas, the prevailing message from residents was not to manage the party, but to stop it altogether. They argued that the beach and surrounding streets should not have to suffer the same mess and damage year after year.
Divided Views Among Locals
While most supported ending the party, some locals and business owners said it brought energy and income, suggesting better facilities instead of a shutdown.
Still, the community voice at the recent forum leaned heavily towards change. Residents said it was time for Bronte to reclaim its beach and parks for peaceful family celebrations, not be left to clean up after 15,000 tourists each year.
Tamarama residents will soon see a 40km/h speed limit enforced on local roads and stricter controls on shared e-bikes under Waverley’s new transport safety measures.
Tamarama is one of several suburbs in Sydney’s east affected by Waverley Council’s recent changes to road and public space regulations. These include the introduction of a 40km/h speed limit and new rules targeting e-bike misuse across the area.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Slower Speeds for Local Streets
As part of a broader initiative covering the southern half of Waverley, Tamarama’s local roads will be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h. This follows a community consultation held from 2019 to 2020 and affects areas located south of Bondi Road and Syd Einfeld Drive, extending to sections of Oxford Street.
The changes follow the installation of infrastructure such as kerb extensions, pedestrian crossings and speed humps. Council cited data from Transport for NSW indicating that lower speeds reduce crash severity and shorten braking distances.
Although the consultation drew only 195 responses from a population of 64,000, 75 per cent of those who responded supported the speed reduction. Installation of signage is expected to be completed by mid-June.
E-Bike Rules Address Safety and Obstruction
Waverley Council is also addressing growing complaints about shared e-bikes left strewn on footpaths or operated at unsafe speeds. Under enforcement powers granted by the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, the council will begin impounding bikes that block access or present safety concerns.
Bike providers will have three hours to relocate problem bikes before they are impounded. Once impounded, companies have 28 days to retrieve them, subject to fees.
Lime Agrees to Regulation Terms
An agreement has been signed between Waverley Council and operator Lime, placing limits on the number of e-bikes within affected suburbs including Tamarama. The deal also introduces designated parking areas and geo-fenced no-go zones, including pedestrian-heavy and environmentally sensitive locations.
Lime’s bikes will be restricted to a maximum speed of 25km/h, and the company has agreed to fund new parking infrastructure and respond quickly to non-compliant parking.
Other operators such as HelloRide and Ario did not meet the council’s deadline to sign a similar agreement, meaning their bikes may now be subject to removal.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Local Reactions and Broader Impact
Community response has been mixed. Some residents voiced concerns online that slower speed limits may worsen congestion. Others highlighted e-bike misuse as a more pressing issue, citing safety risks from high-speed riding and blocked footpaths.
Between 2021 and 2024, the use of shared bikes in the area rose by 350 per cent, contributing to increased visibility and concern over how the bikes are managed.
Next Steps in Tamarama
The new speed limit in Tamarama will be fully enforced by mid-June. Lime’s agreement with council begins at the end of June and will run for two years, starting with a six-month trial of designated parking areas. The council is also reviewing speed limits for the northern section of Waverley.
Council representatives said these changes aim to improve safety and accessibility in areas like Tamarama, where narrow streets and high pedestrian traffic require closer regulation.
Bronte Beach remained closed during the Easter long weekend due to the powerful ocean swells battering New South Wales. The hazardous conditions claimed three lives yesterday, with a fourth person still missing.
Bronte Beach was among several across Sydney’s eastern suburbs that were deemed too dangerous for swimming as four-meter waves pounded the coastline.
The closure of Bronte Beach comes at what would typically be one of its busiest periods, with the Easter long weekend coinciding with temperatures reaching 29 degrees across Sydney. Lifeguards maintained a strong presence at the beach, enforcing the closure as dangerous surf conditions persisted.
The powerful swells created particular hazards around Bronte’s famous ocean pool, with waves occasionally breaking over its walls. Coastal walking paths near the beach were also affected by dangerous conditions, with authorities advising visitors to maintain a safe distance from surf-exposed areas.
The dangerous conditions at Bronte reflect the broader situation across Sydney’s eastern beaches, where a 24-year-old man remains missing after being swept away at Little Bay Beach. The multi-agency search operation was suspended as darkness fell yesterday and will resume at first light.
Surf Life Saving NSW has deployed additional personnel to beaches including Bronte, with rescue teams remaining on high alert through the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology warns the hazardous conditions will persist until Saturday as the deep low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea moves eastward toward New Zealand.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay away from coastal rock platforms and to avoid swimming at unpatrolled locations or closed beaches as the dangerous conditions persist through the Easter holiday period.
