Rose Bay Archives - Page 5 of 7

Rose Bay Residents Fear Woolworths Overhaul

A local grocer has raised concerns about a proposed $58.6 million Woolworths development in the heart of the affluent Sydney suburb.

*Photo Credit: Website/* *PBD Architects*

Peter Morelli, owner of Parisi’s Food Hall, fears the new supermarket would stifle smaller businesses and disrupt the local community.

Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, has lodged plans with Woollahra Council for a four-storey building, including a ground-floor supermarket, 13 apartments, and basement parking. The company argues that the development would address a shortage of supermarkets in the eastern suburbs.

However, Morelli contends that the area already has sufficient supermarket options, including a Woolworths Metro, an IGA, and a Harris Farm. He worries that the new supermarket would draw customers away from smaller businesses, potentially forcing them to close.

Morelli expressed concern that the proposed Woolworths development would negatively impact smaller businesses. He argued that there was no need for another supermarket in Rose Bay and that it would likely harm existing local businesses.

Conversely, Woolworths maintains that the new supermarket would better serve the local community’s needs, which currently relies on a limited number of full-line supermarkets in nearby suburbs.

The proposed development has sparked debate among local residents. Some support the idea of a larger supermarket, while others share Morelli’s concerns about the impact on smaller businesses and the overall character of the suburb.

The Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel is expected to decide on the proposal.

Published Date 07-November-2024

Sydney’s Third-Highest Sale of 2024: Rose Bay Property Snapped Up for $38M

As Sydney’s luxury real estate market experiences a slowdown in trophy sales, a standout transaction has emerged in Rose Bay. A harbourfront property has changed hands for approximately $38 million, marking the city’s third-highest house price sale of the year.

Read: Orosi Unveils Plans for Landmark Mixed-Use Development in Rose Bay

The five-bedroom residence at Fernleigh Gardens, perched on the Rose Bay hillside, boasts uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour. The property is a testament to luxury living, featuring a home theatre, lift, spa, sauna, pool, and gymnasium. These amenities, coupled with its prime location, justify its hefty price tag.

This sale represents a significant appreciation in value since its last transaction in 2017, when it sold for $19.18 million. The nearly twofold increase in just six years underscores the enduring appeal of Sydney’s premium waterfront properties.

In the context of Sydney’s high-end real estate market, this sale is particularly noteworthy. While the market has seen a decrease in trophy sales compared to previous years, this transaction stands out. It’s surpassed only by two other sales this year: the Rockleigh mansion in Point Piper at close to $82 million, and a Point Piper home that sold for over $50 million.

The Rose Bay sale contributes to a select group of ultra-high-end transactions in 2024. To date, there have been eight sales exceeding $30 million this year, a stark contrast to the same period last year when that number was reached in May alone.

Read: Club Rose Bay Shuts Down Day After Italian Bistro Grand Opening

This sale not only highlights the enduring appeal of Sydney’s harbour views but also demonstrates the resilience of the top end of the market, even in a period of overall market cooling. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see if this sale catalyses further activity in Sydney’s luxury property sector.

Published 26-September-2024

Rose Bay Buzzes with McAuley Catholic Primary School Walkathon

Photo Credit: Facebook / McAuley Catholic Primary School

Rose Bay came alive today as McAuley Catholic Primary School held its annual Walkathon, the school’s largest fundraising event of the year. The vibrant procession of 250 students, accompanied by teachers and supporters, wound its way through the neighbourhood, drawing attention and smiles from local residents and passersby.

**The Walkathon aims to raise funds for playground upgrades.**
Photo Credit: McAuley Catholic Primary School – Rose Bay

The event, aimed at raising funds for playground upgrades and new learning resources, transformed Rose Bay into a carnival-like atmosphere. Students, ranging from the youngest to the oldest, participated with enthusiasm, walking, dancing, and cheering their way along the route.

**New learning resources are also the priority for the raised funds from the Walkathon.**
Photo Credit: McAuley Catholic Primary School – Rose Bay

One of the most striking features of this year’s Walkathon was the unexpected sight of “cockroaches” parading through Rose Bay’s streets. Several students and teachers donned giant cockroach costumes, courtesy of the event’s major sponsor, Pest2Kill, a local pest control company. This unusual spectacle added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings, eliciting laughter and amusement from onlookers.

Local businesses played a crucial role in the event’s success. These Rose Bay area companies, along with others, demonstrated their commitment to community engagement and educational support through their sponsorship.

The Walkathon concluded with each student receiving a certificate of achievement and a refreshing Zooper Dooper, a fitting reward for their efforts in the September warmth. While the event has ended, the school continues to welcome donations to help reach its fundraising goal, with an online donation link available for those wishing to contribute.

This successful community event not only raised funds for McAuley Catholic Primary School but also brought a sense of joy and unity to Rose Bay, showcasing the strong ties between the school and its local community.

Published 6-September-2024

Club Rose Bay Shuts Down Day After Italian Bistro Grand Opening

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Prominent waterside venue Club Rose Bay shut down on Friday, August 30, 2024, just one day after the grand opening of its new Italian Bistro, Villaggio. The closure came as a shock to the community, especially given the celebratory atmosphere of Thursday night’s event, which featured complimentary pizza and pasta.

The club’s financial troubles were not publicly known until the closure. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) documents reveal that Club Rose Bay had been placed into administration on August 15, 2024. Administrators Hugh Armenis and Jason Lloyd Porter of SV Porters were initially attempting to keep the club operational while exploring future options.

However, the situation changed dramatically on Friday when receivers Simon Cathro and Andrew Blundell of Cathro & Partners were appointed by a secured creditor. This led to the immediate closure of the club and the termination of approximately 20 casual staff members.

Financial records indicate that Club Rose Bay had been struggling for some time. The club reported a loss of over $350,000 in 2022, followed by a smaller but still significant loss of just over $40,000 in 2023.

The closure affects not only club members and staff but also the newly opened Villaggio restaurant. Villaggio, which operates independently and has locations in other Sydney clubs, has removed mentions of Rose Bay from its social media posts. The restaurant continues to operate at its other locations, and there is no indication that Villaggio itself is facing financial difficulties.

As of Sunday, September 1, Club Rose Bay’s social media pages had not acknowledged the closure. Instead, they were still promoting event bookings at the venue, highlighting features such as the “newly refreshed Deck Bar Lounge” and the “upstairs Monash Hall.”

Published 2-September-2024

Jesse’s Cafe Bakery in Rose Bay May Relocate Temporarily Amidst New Housing Development

Jesse’s Cafe Bakery in Rose Bay could temporarily move as developers plan to demolish the current site to construct a multi-storey apartment complex aimed at increasing Sydney’s housing capacity.

The proposed development (DA-245/2024) at the junction of The Ave and Old South Head Rd aims to introduce a five-storey building with panoramic views of The Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Jesse's Cafe Bakery The Avenue Rose Bay — *Photo Credit: DA-245/2024*

Development Details

Plans submitted to Waverley Council by Coogee Bay Holdings Pty Ltd & Parseh Pty Ltd outline the construction of a complex featuring 50 residential units. To support housing affordability, 15 per cent of these units are designated as affordable rentals for a period of 15 years.

The project would lead to demolishing existing structures, including residential units, Jesse’s Cafe Bakery, a martial arts studio, and Vantage Jiu Jitsu.

However, developer Hamid Samavi expressed his commitment to retaining Jesse’s Cafe Bakery within the new development, highlighting ongoing discussions to relocate the cafe during construction temporarily.

The Avenue Rose Bay — *Photo Credit: DA-245/2024*

The new building is designed to include residential spaces and commercial areas on the ground floor, potentially including a new cafe or bakery. Two levels of basement parking are also included in the plans.

The proposal features a communal rooftop terrace, bicycle parking facilities, and enhanced landscaping.

Plans for The Avenue Rose Bay — *Photo Credit: DA-245/2024*

While the building would exceed current height restrictions by 1.35 meters, it aims to maximise land use and provide essential housing in one of Sydney’s most densely populated areas. Including affordable housing units is intended to support essential service workers residing locally.

Government Housing Targets and Local Impact

This development is part of a broader strategy following last month’s announcement by the NSW government, which set new housing targets across Sydney. The targets demand the creation of 2,400 new homes within the Waverley Council area over the next five years, with eastern suburbs expected to contribute 41% to the city’s new dwelling targets.

Published 5-July-2024

Fei Jai Brings Cantonese Flavours to Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Fei Jai

Fei Jai, the beloved restaurant in Potts Point, has expanded its presence to the picturesque neighbourhood of Rose Bay. In a strategic move, the Lew family is set to bring the beloved Cantonese flavours within reach of the residents of Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, and Dover Heights.

Their growing ties to the region and a wise assessment of local demand in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are the driving forces behind this choice.

Peter Lew, co-owner of Fei Jai, reflected on the catalyst for this new venture, highlighting the high volume of deliveries to the Rose Bay vicinity during the pandemic. This realisation sparked the idea of a second Fei Jai location, aiming to serve a community that had become increasingly familiar with their cuisine.

The original Fei Jai, meaning “fat boy” in Cantonese, has been a staple in Potts Point for 14 years. With Lew and his wife, Nicole Galloway, now residing in Rose Bay, they saw an opportunity to offer a dining experience that caters to the local families who might prefer to stay within their neighbourhood rather than venture out.

A Familiar Yet Distinct Dining Experience

The new Rose Bay venue mirrors the intimate and moody atmosphere of its predecessor. Patrons can expect low lighting, elegant finishes, and a welcoming al fresco dining area that spills onto the street, creating an inviting setting for an evening out.

Menu Highlights

While the Rose Bay menu remains largely faithful to the Potts Point original, it features some adjustments due to the smaller kitchen size. Nonetheless, it offers an array of Fei Jai’s beloved dishes. Diners can indulge in handmade steamed dumplings such as prawn har gau and spinach and mushroom gow gee, or savour the signature crab omelette, crafted with delicate egg whites. The sweet and sour pork and kung pao chicken are standout options for those craving richer flavours.

Weekends at Fei Jai Rose Bay introduce a yum cha experience from midday, enhancing the variety and appeal of the menu.

Cocktails and Culinary Pedigree

Despite its cosy 45-seat capacity, Fei Jai Rose Bay includes a bar, allowing guests to enjoy a range of cocktails. The Fatboy Aperolada, with its refreshing blend of Aperol, coconut, rum, and orgeat, is perfect for summer, while the spicy yuzu Marg offers a tantalising mix of jalapeno-infused tequila, yuzu, and tajin.

Fei Jai’s culinary pedigree is noteworthy. Peter Lew’s uncle, Gilbert Lau, is a legend of the esteemed Flower Drum, and Nicole Galloway’s experience includes working at renowned establishments such as Tetsuya’s and Hugo’s. This rich background in fine dining is reflected in the quality and sophistication of the food and service at Fei Jai.

A Family Effort

The opening of Fei Jai Rose Bay was a true family endeavour. Nicole Galloway played a crucial role in designing the restaurant, assembling the staff, curating the wine list, and overseeing the operational setup—all while pregnant. The couple welcomed their third child, Louie, just a month before launching their new restaurant.

Fei Jai’s Rose Bay location embodies a neighbourhood restaurant vibe while delivering a culinary experience rooted in tradition and expertise. With its strategic location and carefully curated menu, it is poised to become a cherished dining destination for the local community.

reserve here

Published Date 01-July-2024

Orosi Unveils Plans for Landmark Mixed-Use Development in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Instagram / @orosiprojects

Eastern Suburbs developer Orosi has submitted plans for its largest project to date: a mixed-use development set to transform a key gateway site in Rose Bay. The proposal, filed with Waverley Council, outlines an ambitious shoptop development that promises to be the most significant addition to the area in recent years.

The project, dubbed “OROSI Rose Bay,” will occupy a 3,000 square meter site at the intersection of The Avenue, Old South Head Road, and William Street. Orosi, led by Founder and Managing Director Hamid Samavi, spent two years assembling the parcel through the amalgamation of several lots.

Samavi envisions the development as an “iconic landmark” for Rose Bay. “OROSI Rose Bay will set a new benchmark for architecture and sustainability in The Eastern Suburbs,” he stated. The plan includes state-of-the-art facilities and curated retail spaces, featuring a Kosher café, an organic restaurant, and what Samavi describes as “Sydney’s most iconic wellness centre.”

The proposed structure will house 50 apartments across four to five levels, comprising 34 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom units. Samavi noted that the larger apartment sizes are designed to appeal to a broad demographic, not just downsizers.

To mitigate its visual impact, the development will be split into two interconnected buildings, with setbacks from The Avenue and William Street. This design approach aims to reduce the overall bulk of the structure, which will sit across from the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

The development will replace existing commercial and residential properties dating from the mid to late 20th century. According to Urbis, the firm handling the submission, the project “would revitalise the site with new opportunity for residential, commercial and retail spaces, and reactivate the Old South Head Road street frontage.”

Notably, the plan includes a bakery-style café, continuing a century-long tradition of bakeries on the site. Samavi emphasised the importance of maintaining this heritage, particularly the current kosher bakery, which he described as the only one of its kind in Sydney.

Orosi, which acts as both architect and builder for its projects, has a track record of luxury developments in the Eastern Suburbs, including a 25-apartment complex in Bellevue Hill and an 18-apartment project in South Cronulla.

Samavi highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, detailing features such as passive design elements, double-glazed windows, and heat exchangers in each unit to ensure proper ventilation and prevent mould formation.

As the proposal moves through the approval process, it represents a significant development for Rose Bay, potentially setting new standards for mixed-use projects in the area.

Published 19-June-2024

Rose Bay Schools Launch Ferry Service

To reduce traffic and embrace sustainability, two of Sydney’s prestigious girls’ private schools, Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Kambala, have introduced a new ferry service that glides through the waters of Sydney Harbour.

Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Kambala have united with Sealink and Captain Cook Cruises to offer a unique transportation option that connects Circular Quay, Cremorne Point, and Watsons Bay.

This initiative aims to provide students and staff with a scenic and efficient alternative to road transport, highlighting a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. It’s also meant to alleviate the congestion on Sydney’s roads by providing a greener, more pleasant commute.

Kambala Rose Bay — Photo Credit: Kambala/Facebook

The ferry’s morning route starts from Circular Quay and goes via Cremorne Point to Watsons Bay. It follows the same path back in the afternoon.

At Watson’s Bay Pier, a shuttle bus awaits to ferry students and staff directly to their schools. This service introduces a novel way to navigate Sydney’s iconic harbour and encourages the schools’ communities to consider sustainable travel options.

The principals of Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Kambala, Erica Thomas and Jane Danvers, respectively, have been pivotal in realising this venture.

The school principals
Photo Credit: Kincoppal-Rose Bay/Facebook

Their foresight and cooperation underscore a commitment to environmental sustainability and the health of the Sydney community. By facilitating this ferry service, they champion the idea that commuting can be enjoyable and eco-friendly.

The introduction of the ferry service has been met with enthusiasm from both school communities, as evidenced by their social media announcements. The service benefits current families and opens up new possibilities for prospective families and staff, particularly those residing on the North Shore or further along the Parramatta River.

The convenience and efficiency of the ferry service are poised to transform the daily commute into a delightful journey across Sydney Harbour, setting a precedent for other institutions to follow.

Published 25-February-2024

Australia Day: Superintendent Gina Kathrin Bostick Honoured for Service in Rose Bay and Beyond

Among the 10 distinguished employees of the New South Wales Police Force recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours, Superintendent Gina Kathrin Bostick, who served in Rose Bay and other locations, stands out for her exemplary dedication, professionalism, and service.

Ms Bostick embarked on her illustrious career with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1992, starting in general duties in various areas, including the vibrant community of Rose Bay. Today, she continues to maintain her operational capacity, a testament to her unwavering commitment.

In 1997, Ms Bostick joined the Covert Evidence Officer program within the Special Services Group. This initiative marked the beginning of a select group of skilled operatives, some of whom would become experts in covert evidence capabilities within the NSWPF.

One of the defining moments in her career occurred in 2005 when she played a pivotal role in the planning of Operation CONTEGO, the NSWPF’s response to the security and logistical demands of the 2007 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. Her leadership, commitment, professionalism, and devotion to duty during this critical operation earned her high commendation.

Ms Bostick’s career trajectory continued to ascend when she moved to the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command (CTST) in 2008, where she established the Business Contact Unit as a sergeant. In 2009, she was promoted to inspector and took on the role of Knowledge Management Controller of STIB. During this time, she sought engagement with other government departments, corporations, and private businesses that were vital to STIB’s operational support.

In 2019, she brought her expertise to the Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) and led the groundbreaking Digital Evidence First Responder (2.0) project. This in-house developed program included a customised training package for frontline police, enabling them to conduct forensic examinations of phones and computers using a third-party tool. In 2021, her exceptional contributions led to her promotion to superintendent commander of the High Tech Crime Branch.

Her time spent serving in Rose Bay, among other locations, has been marked by a consistent commitment to upholding the highest standards of policing, and her accomplishments have now earned her the Dynamic Leader Award and the overall Gold Award at the Commissioner’s Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing.

Meanwhile, these outstanding NSW Police Force personnel have been awarded the Australian Police Medal for their exceptional contributions:

Superintendent Gina Kathrin Bostick
Detective Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Grey
Chief Superintendent Toby Lindsay
Chief Inspector Gregory Mahan
Superintendent Michael Rochester
Superintendent Joanne Schultz
Chief Inspector Raymond Stynes
Superintendent Sonya Tabor
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein

With a combined policing service spanning 332 years, these dedicated individuals have not only exemplified professionalism and high-quality work but have also demonstrated an unwavering passion and commitment to ensuring the safety of communities across the state.

Published 1-Feb-2024

Kambala Triumphs in NAPLAN: A Tale of Excellence in Rose Bay

The corridors of Kambala School in Rose Bay are abuzz with excitement as the results of this year’s NAPLAN assessments illuminate the academic landscape. The students have showcased exceptional proficiency in literacy and numeracy, achieving scores that place them well among the highest.

With 957 students spanning from Kindergarten to Year 12, Kambala prides itself on its intimate learning environment, boasting a commendable student-to-teacher ratio of 1 to 9.

For the Year 5 NAPLAN results, students from Kambala achieved an average of 562. The rest of the results are as follow:

Reading	567
Writing	555
Spelling	553
Grammar	576
Numeracy	560

At the helm of this journey to academic excellence is Ms. Jane Danvers, the esteemed Principal of Kambala School. With over two decades of dedicated service to the Australian educational community, Ms. Danvers has steered Kambala towards this remarkable achievement. Her unwavering commitment to educational excellence has been a guiding light for the school.

Meanwhile, both private and public schools in New South Wales have left their mark in the recent NAPLAN. Apart from Kambala, institutions like Abbotsleigh in Wahroonga and Newington in Stanmore have consistently outperformed other schools in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy. On the public school front, Kellyville Public, Earlwood Public, and Cranebrook High have emerged as top performers in Sydney.

Recent studies have shown that there are only slight differences in NAPLAN scores between private, Catholic, and public schools. These differences largely vanish when considering a student’s family background.

But the school that has rose to the challenge is Fairfield Heights Public School. Approximately 40 per cent of its 740 students have a refugee background, 70 per cent come from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds, and 93 per cent do not speak English at home.

The school’s structured approach, with traditional classrooms and regular assessments, has led to an absence of significant discipline issues. Like the educational system in Singapore, teachers receive a year-long curriculum program and follow a regimented timetable that prioritizes reading and numeracy.

Published 18-Dec-2023