A community playgroup in Rose Bay is expanding its weekly schedule to accommodate increased demand from local families, with an open day event planned to introduce the new offering.
Holdsworth Rose Bay Cottage Playgroup will hold an open day on Thursday, 31 July at its site on O’Sullivan Road to mark the expansion of its services. Previously open one day per week, the playgroup is now open on Wednesdays and Thursdays to meet rising interest from families in the area.
Growing Demand for Local Family Programs
Scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the open day will feature a range of children’s activities, including face painting, themed messy play, storytime, and indoor and outdoor games. The event is designed to introduce families to the playgroup’s offerings. Bookings are required to attend.
Located at 22a O’Sullivan Road, the program caters to children aged up to five years, with an emphasis on social development and learning through play. The additional session suggests increasing interest in early childhood programs within the Woollahra local area.
In Bondi Junction, a daily indoor paint activity offers families a creative option. The one-hour sessions include a canvas to take home, protective gear, and materials for splatter painting. The venue is located on Spring Street, with bookings essential.
Also nearby, Vaucluse House will host a food-themed writing workshop focused on family recipes and memory. Participants will explore their culinary heritage in an interactive session held in the historic kitchen space.
Supporting Local Community Engagement
The upcoming open day reflects Holdsworth’s focus on supporting community connections and early learning through play-based activities. Families in and around Rose Bay are encouraged to take part in the event and explore what the playgroup offers.
With new services at Holdsworth Rose Bay Cottage and various events in surrounding suburbs, the eastern Sydney area continues to provide accessible and engaging opportunities for families. The recent expansion highlights local demand for inclusive programs that support both children and caregivers.
A Rose Bay family home has become the latest casualty in the ongoing financial troubles facing hospitality entrepreneur Jon Adgemis, with the Conway Avenue property now under mortgagee possession and being prepared for sale.
The six-bedroom house at 2A Conway Avenue, situated on a 567-square-metre block, was co-owned by Mr Adgemis and his mother. The property had been home to Mr Adgemis’s sister and her son until recently, when it was emptied and secured by the mortgagee.
Signs now posted on the property doors warn that “the mortgagee is in possession of this property” and advise that all doors and windows have been secured, with prosecution threatened for any trespassers. Padlocks have been installed on the gates, and the interior has been stripped of furniture and fittings, including televisions that were removed from the walls.
Photo Credit: McGrath Double Bay
The repossession forms part of efforts by La Trobe Financial to recover $6.2 million that Mr Adgemis borrowed to finance his business operations. The financial institution had applied to the Supreme Court to repossess the Rose Bay house, which was purchased for $4.45 million in 2018.
Reports indicate that repossession notices have appeared on the property as part of efforts to recover millions in business debts, though it is understood that Mr Adgemis’s mother’s share of the house will not be affected by the action taken against her son.
Photo Credit: McGrath Double Bay
The situation has proved particularly complex due to allegations that emerged earlier this year regarding the mortgage arrangement. Court proceedings revealed that Mr Adgemis’s mother claimed she had no knowledge of legal documents related to the mortgage and maintained she never received any such paperwork.
Real estate agents Fred Small and Steven Zoellner from Laing and Simmons Double Bay have been appointed to handle the sale. Industry estimates suggest the property could now be worth between $7 million and $8 million, representing significant appreciation since its 2018 purchase.
Photo Credit: McGrath Double Bay
The property’s title reveals multiple caveats from various creditors, including the chief commissioner of state revenue, highlighting the extent of the financial entanglements surrounding Mr Adgemis’s business empire.
Mr Adgemis’s Public Hospitality Group has accumulated debts reported to be around $500 million, leading to a series of refinancing attempts and property disposals. In February 2025, Mr Adgemis paid $400,000 to creditors as part of a settlement deal, though this appears insufficient to resolve all outstanding issues.
Photo Credit: McGrath Double Bay
The hospitality entrepreneur’s business empire previously included prominent Sydney venues such as Oxford House, The Lady Hampshire, Camelia Grove, and Noahs Backpackers. However, the business began to struggle after taking on hundreds of millions in debt at high interest rates just before financing costs rose significantly.
Mr Adgemis, a former KPMG dealmaker, has relocated from the family’s Rose Bay home and now resides in a Bondi apartment. The Conway Avenue property situation represents a personal impact of the broader financial difficulties that have affected his hospitality ventures across Sydney.
The repossession highlights how commercial financial troubles can extend to impact family properties and local communities, with Rose Bay residents witnessing the dramatic change in circumstances at what was once a thriving family home.
The property is expected to be placed on the market in coming weeks, with the proceeds to be applied towards outstanding debts. Local residents and property watchers will be observing the sale closely, given the premium location and the substantial value increase since the original purchase.
We’ve combed Rose Bay 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!
Lester DSouza ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My experience at Catalina was, without a doubt, one of my standout fine dining moments in Sydney. Each dish was a testament to quality, freshness, and vibrant flavors that genuinely impressed. Beyond the exquisite cuisine, the staff’s exceptional courtesy and perfectly tailored recommendations truly elevated the experience. I would recommend this place for a great afternoon lunch!
pooja patel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Took my best friend here for her 21st birthday, we absolutely loved it! The vibes, the food and service were immaculate. The view of rose bay wharf from our table was beautiful as well and the Wagyu Steak was to die for. Will definitely be returning.
Theresa Jade ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My nephew requested to return to Catalina’s for his birthday brunch. We previously had the Mother’s Day set menu and had such great meal and service, not to mention great views. Definitely a nice treat.
2. Amore e Sapori From Napoli – Italian restaurant Rose bay
Bobby Rose ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely the best Italian I’ve had since visiting Napoli. It is wonderful and authentic. The pizza is exactly as I remember it in Italy. And the person who served us (maybe the owner? not sure) was so incredibly nice and attentive. He was always there when we needed him, answered questions, made recommendations, made sure we liked everything. The only thing I would suggest is to not eat outside as it is quite a loud road and a very busy footpath.
XINCHEN XUE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I ordered 2 of daily specials I’ll say it is the best pizza I have in Sydney. The pasta is fresh too, better than many other expensive restaurants. Excellent
Priya Dwivedi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is awesome! Easily one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in all of Sydney. The pizza is done to perfection; nailed the trifecta of dough, sauce and cheese, and made me reminisce about my time in Naples. The service is also really great – you can tell they really care about your experience and what they’re serving you. Buonissimo!
Jenny. C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars for both the food and service. The volcano sushi is so good that I had 2 plates! We also had the chicken katsu Udon, teriyaki beef bento, teriyaki chicken meal, lion king sushi which all are very yummy. Strongly recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Authentic flavour, fresh food, easy to park, dog friendly, baby friendly – they tick all the boxes ✅ Will come back! Thank you!
Jules The Traveller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mizuki Japanese Restaurant is a warm, cosy place to enjoy authentic Japanese food, everyone loved their order and we finished everything on our plates 😍 we felt very welcome and touched by their sincerity, highly recommend having a meal here
Sophia Vela ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely adore this place. The food is full of flavor and really satisfying. The service is perfect, it’s a true pleasure to go eat at Mizuki.
Adrian ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tonight I had the French onion soup, which was a flavour bomb of goodness, extremely tasty!!! Also had the Bug meat gnocchi with smoked lobster… 10/10 perfect dish, flavour was on point. Would definitely eat here again, worth it imo. (Photo does it no justice). Venue is very cute and cosy, staff were amazing, service was perfect and the music playing was delightful.
Gladys Samosino ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I saw the French toast on Bitton’s Instagram and couldn’t resist trying it this morning before heading to work—and I’m so glad I did! Definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made. The staff were fantastic—Jackie and Rigo at the counter made a smooth, perfect coffee, and Monet on the floor was all smiles, instantly brightening my day. The food was exceptional: the bread was evenly toasted, the syrup added just the right touch without making it soggy, and the bacon was perfectly crispy. The sweet and salty combo was spot on. Highly recommend this café—one of the best spots in Rose Bay!
Anurag Srivastava ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I just stopped by for a quick breakfast and coffee. The chilli scrambled eggs were top notch and the coffee was great to boot. Very friendly and prompt service as well.
5. Sydney Seaplanes Lounge (Formally Empire Lounge)
Sertan Can ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was exceptional. We started with the freshest oysters, served with an amazing vinaigrette that brought just the right balance of acidity and freshness. The taramasalata was beautifully smooth and rich, and the lamb was a true standout — smokey, tender, and layered with complex flavours that made every bite better than the last. The chef even came over to check if we were enjoying everything. She was warm, down-to-earth, and clearly passionate about her craft, which added such a lovely personal touch. The serving team was also incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional — we felt genuinely well looked after from start to finish. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-quality food, service, and atmosphere in a breathtaking location.
Sertan Can ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was exceptional. We started with the freshest oysters, served with an amazing vinaigrette that brought just the right balance of acidity and freshness. The taramasalata was beautifully smooth and rich, and the lamb was a true standout — smokey, tender, and layered with complex flavours that made every bite better than the last. The chef even came over to check if we were enjoying everything. She was warm, down-to-earth, and clearly passionate about her craft, which added such a lovely personal touch. The serving team was also incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional — we felt genuinely well looked after from start to finish. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-quality food, service, and atmosphere in a breathtaking location.
Da Ka ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great views and decent food and beers. Prices can be a bit hefty, but the burger is a good choice at an OK price. The staff is very friendly and the location is just amazing. We were seated right next to where the water planes are starting.
A sprawling 4400 square metre waterfront property in Rose Bay has quietly hit the market, with industry insiders suggesting it could potentially surpass Australia’s current $130 million house price record.
The exceptional holding at 754-760 New South Head Road represents one of Sydney Harbour’s most prized residential sites, combining two residences, recreational facilities, and what many consider the suburb’s finest harbour views.
The property has deep ties to Australian medical history, having been in the Dan family for over four decades. Records show Adrienne Dan, wife of renowned neurosurgeon Professor Noel Dan AM, purchased the beachfront portion for $1.03 million in 1983. Professor Dan’s groundbreaking epidemiological research into head injuries was instrumental in introducing random breath testing to NSW in 1982, a public health initiative that has saved countless lives.
What makes this site particularly attractive to potential buyers is its rare combination of scale and location. The 4400 square metre block comprises five separate titles and boasts uninterrupted views towards the Harbour Bridge, along with direct beach access and dual street frontages.
The family’s decision to market the entire consolidated site marks a significant shift from previous attempts. In 2023, part of the property was offered separately, creating an oddly-shaped 3300 square metre block that may have deterred potential buyers despite carrying an $85 million price guide.
The current offering includes an additional 1029 square metre parcel featuring a Victorian-style residence, which the family acquired in 1986 for $629,000. This portion, registered under art gallery owner Sally Maree Dan-Cuthbert (Professor Dan’s daughter), provides crucial street-to-beach access and dual driveway options.
Property market observers note the site’s potential has long been recognised. The block was previously owned by advertising executive John Singleton before the Dan family’s purchase. Initial market testing occurred in 2017, coinciding with significant movements in Sydney’s luxury property sector.
The timing appears strategic, following recent record-breaking sales in nearby Point Piper. Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar’s $130 million sale of the Elaine estate in October 2024 has reset expectations for Sydney’s waterfront property market.
Sales agents Paul Biller of Biller Property and Joshua Punin of Biller Projects are managing the off-market listing, with sources indicating developer interest has already materialised into formal offers.
The site’s development potential appears substantial, particularly given recent planning precedents for large waterfront parcels in the eastern suburbs. However, the property’s heritage significance and community value as one of Rose Bay’s last substantial private waterfront holdings may influence future development considerations.
For Rose Bay residents, the sale represents the end of an era, as the Dan family’s stewardship of this prime harbourfront land spans more than 40 years of local history.
A push to reshape Rose Bay into a high-density housing hub has sparked frustration and confusion among locals, who say their village lacks the transport and shopping infrastructure needed to support such growth.
The concerns boiled over during a packed community forum held at Double Bay Bowling Club on Thursday, 12 June, where more than 180 residents gathered to question why Rose Bay was identified as a “town centre” under the NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.
A Village, Not a Centre
The plan aims to address the housing crisis by allowing more low- to mid-rise apartment buildings near existing infrastructure and public transport. Suburbs like Rose Bay, located less than 10 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, have been flagged for such development.
However, residents and local leaders argue that Rose Bay does not meet the criteria of a town centre. Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan stated that the suburb lacks a full-scale supermarket and adequate transportation links. Although the area has a Metro store and some grocers, she argued that it falls short of the planning standards that would justify its classification.
Wolloahra has lodged multiple Freedom of Information requests to understand how Rose Bay was chosen, but Ms Swan said the documents provided so far have been incomplete and vague.
Questions with Few Answers
At the forum, state MP for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane told the crowd she was also struggling to get clear answers from the Department of Planning. She noted that while officials appear to listen, there has been little sign of actual change or reconsideration.
Ms Swan said her own requests to meet with Housing Minister Paul Scully have been ignored. Council’s general manager did meet with him last year, but Swan said further efforts had gone unanswered.
Meanwhile, the Department of Planning maintains that Rose Bay is a suitable area for growth, citing its proximity to the city and existing services, including “three supermarkets, a Bunnings and good transport links.”
The policy has already begun to shift the local property market. According to recent reports, some Rose Bay property owners have seen land values soar, with multi-lot sales potentially reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. One group of 16 homeowners on Wilberforce Avenue is reportedly considering a joint sale that could exceed $160 million.
While this has created financial opportunities for some, others fear it will make Rose Bay even less affordable. Forum attendees expressed concern that the increase in apartment stock would not benefit first-time buyers or downsizing retirees, but instead lead to inflated prices that push locals out.
Residents also raised questions about the impact on roads, schools, stormwater systems and tree cover, all of which they say are already stretched.
Locals argue they are not against growth, but want development that fits the scale and character of the area. The call from residents and officials is not for a halt to housing reform, but for greater transparency and planning tailored to community needs.
It started as a bus stop, nothing more, nothing less. But in Rose Bay, that bus stop has become a symbol of something much bigger. On the edge of New South Head Road, outside a local nail salon, a new shelter with a towering advertising screen now stands, and some residents say it’s changed everything.
The shelter was one of nearly 40 that began appearing across Woollahra’s eastern suburbs in 2024. Brought in through a deal between Council and advertising company oOh! Media, the structures came with seats, shelter from the rain, and large screens meant to bring in extra revenue. The goal was to upgrade public transport infrastructure while reducing financial strain on ratepayers.
But in Rose Bay, the change wasn’t welcomed by all.
One Shelter, Many Problems
For some locals, the shelters offered practical benefits. Seniors, they said, had a place to rest while waiting for the 323. On rainy days, children could stay dry before school. The revenue was a bonus. It was a way for Council to fund local services without raising rates.
For others, though, the trade-off wasn’t worth it.
Deanna Mastellone, who has lived in Rose Bay for years, couldn’t look past what she described as a growing “blight” on the suburb’s character. In her view, the shelters were too big, too bold, and too intrusive.
The advertising screen outside the nail salon near her home struck a nerve. In her latest Facebook post, published on 14 June, she wrote that the structure “must be completely and permanently removed.” She claimed the screen devalued the property and made it nearly impossible for the business owner to sell. What was once a clean stretch of promenade, she argued, now felt cluttered.
“I’m not against bus shelters,” she explained. “We need them. But they must not destroy our beautiful streetscape.”
She called on Woollahra Council to engage with the full community before moving forward with such installations and urged a return to simpler, heritage-style seating.
“It is an absolute disgrace Woollahra Council has signed up for 39 advertising bus shelters with zero community consultation. They placed a giant advertising screen at the O’Sullivan Road bus stop Rose Bay. Such an ugly blight on our magnificent Rose Bay Promenade. Balmoral Beach does not have any of these giant bus shelter advertising screens. Mosman Council only has 22, and engaged with the entire community, plus accommodated all objections. I never give up nor go away. Wrong is wrong. Have followed up with the Audit, Risk and Innovation external Woollahra Council commitee. We must protect and preserve our streetscape and ensure all the community is engaged in the placement of these bus shelters. I am not against bus shelters. We have the privilege to live in the most beautiful harbour side city in the world and it is all our responsibility to protect and preserve its beauty,” Ms Mastellone wrote.
Frustrations Build
Mastellone wasn’t alone. In February 2025, resident Nancy Georges launched a petition asking Council to stop installing shelters that narrowed already tight footpaths. She raised concerns about pedestrian safety and pointed to three reported car accidents that had taken place near the shelter outside Star Nails.
Business owners joined in. Some said the shelters made it harder for customers to see their storefronts. Others complained that people were being forced off the curb and onto the road, especially near high-traffic intersections.
Still, Council stood by its decision. The representatives stated that each shelter site was carefully assessed and that nearby homes and shops were notified in advance. They argued that the advertising revenue helped fund essential services, including street cleaning and public amenities. Removing the shelters now, they said, could ultimately cost the community more.
No Easy Answers
By March 2025, tensions were high enough to draw media attention amidst Mastellone’s protest, where she chained herself outside her home in symbolic opposition. Residents from surrounding suburbs chimed in online. Some supported the changes. Others said the shelters belonged somewhere else—anywhere but Rose Bay.
As of June 2025, the NSW Ombudsman continues to review formal complaints filed by residents. Woollahra Council has said it may reconsider some shelter placements, but has made no firm commitment to remove any of them.
Wilberforce Avenue in Rose Bay, known for its freestanding family homes, is being primed for transformation, as 16 property owners band together to take advantage of New South Wales’ new Low to Medium Density (LMR) housing reforms.
The policy, introduced earlier this year, allows for apartment buildings of up to six storeys, eight if affordable housing targets are met, within 800 metres of key town centres and public transport.
A concept image Court Road, Double Bay showing building height and scale permitted under NSW government’s low and mid-rise housing policy (Photo Credit: NSW Gov)
Two separate collectives on the street—one comprising 12 properties, the other four—have aligned their holdings, offering developers a rare, large-scale development opportunity in the tightly held eastern suburbs.
The larger amalgamated site, spanning 6000 square metres and incorporating 10 houses and two semis between Wilberforce Avenue and Dover Road, is expected to fetch around $165 million. The smaller 1988-square-metre portion is tipped to sell for between $53 million and $55 million.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Before the zoning changes, the individual homes were estimated to be worth about $8 million each. Now, with the added development potential, values are expected to double, reflecting the growing demand for medium-density living in high-value suburbs.
The move is one of the first major consolidations sparked by the state’s LMR reforms, which aim to unlock 112,000 new homes over the next five years to address Sydney’s housing shortage. Developers are anticipated to make full use of the new planning controls, with the site’s scale and dual-street frontage enabling a diverse mix of apartment offerings, including more accessible two-bedroom units with additional study spaces.
While some local resistance to large-scale change is expected, proponents argue that quality design and respect for the existing streetscape will help win community support. The redevelopment is being seen not only as a financial windfall for long-time residents, but also as a test case for how Sydney’s established suburbs might evolve under the new housing policy framework.
After more than 20 years of hosting one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier regattas, Woollahra Sailing Club (WSC) in Rose Bay will no longer be the home of Sail Sydney, Australian Sailing has announced.
The national governing body is now inviting sailing clubs across New South Wales to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to host the event from 2025 onwards.
Sail Sydney, which began as a test event for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, has grown into one of the largest annual “off-the-beach” regattas in the region, attracting elite and aspiring sailors alike. The regatta has been a fixture on the waters of Sydney Harbour, with WSC providing the iconic backdrop and expert coordination that has seen it flourish for over two decades.
Photo credit: Alon Berman/Google Maps
Australian Sailing has expressed its deep appreciation for Woollahra Sailing Club’s longstanding commitment, crediting the club’s staff and volunteers for their role in developing Sail Sydney into a world-class event.
“Australian Sailing would like to extend our thanks and congratulations to Woollahra Sailing Club for their commitment to Sail Sydney over such a long and important period. While we are sad to be moving from WSC, the opportunity to take the event to the next level in a new home is exciting with many opportunities for the new host club, the event and for Australian Sailing,” the organisation stated.
While the regatta has been based at Rose Bay for many years, it has previously been held on various NSW waterways. Australian Sailing is now seeking EOIs from clubs both on SydneyHarbour and in the greater Sydney area, with the aim of expanding the event’s reach and impact.
A New Chapter for Sail Sydney
Photo credit: Ari Edinburg/Google Maps
The selected host club will take on the role of Organising Authority, working closely with Australian Sailing to deliver a four-day regatta in December. The event draws around 250 entries across Olympic and invited classes and plays a key role in the national sailing calendar alongside Sail Melbourne and Sail Brisbane.
Hosting Sail Sydney offers a wealth of opportunities, including:
Increased revenue through sponsorships, event fees, and tourism
Facility upgrades and new equipment
Enhanced visibility, community engagement, and club reputation
A chance to inspire youth sailors and strengthen grassroots programs
Australian Sailing will provide support through race documentation, media strategy, and registration systems, while retaining commercial rights and overseeing overall event delivery.
Interested clubs are encouraged to submit an EOI and can find further details by contacting Emma Humphries at emma.humphries@sailing.org.au.
Woollahra officials are calling for the suspension of recently introduced planning rules that permit higher-density housing near town centres in Rose Bay, Double Bay and Edgecliff.
New planning controls under the new Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy came into effect on 28 February 2025. These amendments to the Housing SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy 2021) require local officials to allow buildings of up to six storeys within 400 metres and up to four storeys within 800 metres of designated town centres and stations.
Woollahra is one of the areas affected, with development allowed in key precincts including Double Bay, Edgecliff and Rose Bay.
The policy is part of a broader strategy to deliver 377,000 new dwellings across New South Wales under the National Housing Accord. Woollahra’s specific target is to deliver 1900 homes by mid-2029.
Council Response and Requested Suspension
Woollahra Council has formally requested a temporary suspension of the policy in its affected precincts, citing a range of infrastructure and planning concerns. Council passed a motion in March and has since pursued access to government documentation under the Government Information (Public Access) Act to assess possible flood-related risks in Double Bay and Rose Bay.
The council has raised objections to the scale of permitted developments, noting that allowable building heights represent up to a 221 per cent increase, and floor space ratios may rise by as much as 462 per cent compared to current local planning controls.
Caption: Court Road, Double Bay as it is now Photo Credit: NSW Gov
Infrastructure and Environmental Constraints
The council argues that the reforms do not account for existing infrastructure limitations. These include capacity issues at local schools such as Rose Bay Secondary College, traffic congestion on surrounding roads, and strained public transport connections through Edgecliff Station.
Concerns have also been raised about sewerage and water management. The Edgecliff precinct was previously excluded from the state’s Transport Oriented Development Program due to water and sewerage limitations, and Woollahra Council has warned that Double Bay and Rose Bay could face similar challenges. The nearby Bondi wastewater treatment facility is already under pressure, and the council has requested a detailed assessment from Sydney Water.
Additional environmental concerns include the area’s high water table and flood-prone conditions. Local official Merrill Witt noted the physical limitations posed by unstable ground conditions across parts of the municipality.
Caption: A concept image Court Road, Double Bay showing building height and scale permitted under NSW government’s low and mid-rise housing policy. Photo Credit: NSW Gov
Council’s Planning Record and Alternative Approach
Council maintains it has consistently met state housing targets and is already delivering over 100 new dwellings annually since 2016. It has endorsed localised growth strategies for Double Bay and Edgecliff, prioritising design standards and existing density levels.
Local official Paul Scully stated that the state engaged with affected councils, including Rose Bay, through a 2024 workshop. However, the council disputes the level of engagement and maintains that the reforms overlook Rose Bay’s established planning efforts and infrastructure capacity.
Future Steps and Ongoing Advocacy
Woollahra Council continues to advocate for a planning approach that respects local character, heritage conservation and infrastructure limitations. It has requested meetings with senior NSW Government officials and submitted two formal objections addressing both the scale of development and infrastructure risks.
The council remains opposed to the implementation of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy in its current form across its key precincts, while awaiting further response and assessment from the relevant state departments.
Kincoppal-Rose Bay, one of Sydney’s high-fee private schools, has announced it will stop accepting boys into its primary school, Barat-Burn. The independent Catholic school has operated a co-educational junior program since 1914, while its high school has remained exclusively for girls.
Boys will be admitted into kindergarten for the last time in 2028, with the junior school currently accommodating around 280 students.
Families were informed of the change through a letter issued by the school’s principal, Erica Thomas. She noted the ongoing difficulty in attracting a sustainable number of boys despite efforts such as offering scholarships, refining the school’s holistic education approach, and attempting to build year 7 pathways with other schools. Historical data shows male enrolments at Kincoppal-Rose Bay’s primary school have ranged between less than 10 per cent and up to 30 per cent.
In 2019, the school offered 30 scholarships for boys from kindergarten to year 3, attempting to lift male participation. However, these efforts were hindered by increased competition from other schools and the removal of direct high school pathways for boys.
Broader Trend in Independent Schools
As Kincoppal-Rose Bay shifts back to single-sex schooling at the primary level, several other Sydney schools, including Newington and Cranbrook, are instead set to adopt co-education by 2026.
Shore, a boys’ independent school, has likewise announced plans to discontinue its co-ed model at the Northbridge campus for kindergarten to year 2 beginning next year. Shore has operated a co-ed program for early primary since 2003. The school reported that fewer than 10 girls are currently enrolled in years 1 and 2, reflecting a steady decline over the past decade.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Parental Preferences and Long-Term Planning
Shore’s leadership explained that many parents are looking for a K–12 school pathway, leading them to favour single-sex institutions that offer continuity. The junior girls’ program was previously flagged for cancellation in 2018, but parent backlash paused the decision at the time.
The school’s early learning centre will remain co-educational, but from year 3 onwards, Shore continues to operate as a boys-only school.
Community and Institutional Response
Both schools described the shift away from co-education as a response to family choices and enrolment patterns, rather than a strategic shift in ideology. Kincoppal stated its board’s decision followed extensive consultation and review.
The school affirmed its commitment to the 38 boys currently enrolled, as well as those who have accepted places in coming years. The final co-educational cohort is expected to graduate in 2034.
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