Last Sunday two men were swept off the rocks in another rock fishing accident at Little Bay.

I’m grateful to the Randwick City Council Lifeguards who attended the scene – along with other first responders – and for all they did alongside NSW Police Rescue and Surf Life Saving NSW to recover the bodies of the men in extremely difficult conditions.

I know I speak for all staff and Councillors in expressing my deep sadness at this tragic event, and in extending our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the men’s families, friends and loved ones.

Twenty four people have died in the last 20 years when fishing off the rocks in the Randwick City, with eight lives lost at Little Bay alone.

It’s a shocking statistic. Please only fish off the rocks if you are able to swim well. Never fish alone and make sure you wear a lifejacket and non-slip footwear. If conditions are rough, please go home. It’s just not worth the risk.

In better news, Yarra Bay and Frenchmans Bay have been protected for future generations, after the State Government’s Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe announced the Gooriwal Cultural Landscape has been listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

The move finally protects and preserves the area, in recognition of the local Aboriginal community’s strong and unbroken connection to this Country and its significance in the history of our state.

This weekend, I hope you’re able to participate in Saturday Circle, our monthly get-together at the Sustainability Hub. You can participate in a bike maintenance workshop, and even donate your old, unwanted bike to be repaired and given to someone else in need. Visit our website to book your spot today!

On Sunday I’ll be speaking at our annual civic ceremony to mark Bastille Day, or la Fête nationale at the La Perouse Headland. The ceremony features speeches, a wreath laying, and canons will be fired at approximately 10:30am. For further information, please visit our website.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, I look forward to seeing some of you out and about in beautiful Randwick.

Cr Philipa Veitch
Mayor or Randwick