Beacon of Bondi sheds light on community values

The future of the dilapidated Bondi Pavilion is proving highly contentious, with Waverley Council and community activists trading barbs over the best way forward.

A ‘Q and A’ session was held at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre on Saturday, with a panel of guest speakers discussing what Bondi means to them. Hosted by the Friends of the Bondi Pavilion, the event looked at a variety of strategies for the future use of the pavilion and its wider significance to the community.

MC of the event, actor Michael Caton said the pavilion had been in gradual decline and was concerned the building represented an ugly welcome to the beach.

“The pavilion is like an old lady,” Mr Caton said. “We need to reinvigorate it through imagination, flexibility and make the building a beacon for those who’d like to visit Bondi.”

Councillor Ingrid Strewe said the maintenance costs for the pavilion amounted to nearly $8 million per year. As a local heritage site, the building falls under Waverley Council’s Bondi Beach, Park and Pavilion Plan of Management, a ten-year strategy focused on understanding how the area is used and the future aspirations of locals.

Director of Flickerfest, Bronwyn Kidd said the booming tourist industry had raised the importance of recognising the pavilion as a cultural hub that was accessible to all.

“One of the things I’ve noticed is the increased commercialism,” Ms Kidd said. “There needs to be a balance with events that bring people from all [over] the world.”

Founder of Let’s Go Surfing, panellist Brenda Miley said while balancing business and tourism was important, Council should maintain the pavilion as the symbol of a lively community.

“I was never alone at Bondi,” she said. “It’s a vibrant beach suburb; we need to make sure we reflect that. Before we start talking about funding, we need to work out what the community wants.”

One idea Ms Miley raised was the introduction of a surfing beach museum to educate beachgoers about the history of the beach and Australia’s surf culture. Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak agreed, opining that with its global iconic status, the pavilion can have an important educational purpose in raising awareness about local culture and indigenous heritage.

“The pavilion should serve as a medium for transmitting knowledge to the community,” Mr Kanak said. “With its strong connection to the local and international community, the pavilion might be a good place to include a plaque remembering the Stolen Generations.”

Founder of Bondi Beach Responsible Runners, panellist Justin Bonsey said the pavilion can help to raise awareness about local heritage and nature.

“I feel an incredible connection to the natural resources in the area and it’s not just a natural beauty, but particularly there’s cultural heritage specific to Bondi,” he said. “We have our own special integrity that is in a class of its own within Sydney.”