Violence Paints A Worrying Picture Of ‘Peaceful’ Bondi

By Dan Hutton on February 5, 2014 in News

While many people would think of Bondi as a peaceful place, a few recent incidents have painted a very different picture of the beachside suburb, particularly after the sun sets and the pub scene get into full swing.

In late October, a group of Jewish residents were set upon by eight mainly Pacific Islander youths in what appeared to be anti-semitic attack. It is believed that the attackers were under the influence of alcohol.

The victims, members of two families, were walking home from a Jewish Sabbath dinner when the group of men made derogatory comments towards them and attacked them.

The victims, four men aged 66, 48, 39 and 27, and a 62-year-old woman, suffered injuries including facial fractures, concussion, cuts and bruising. All were treated at St Vincent’s Hospital.

More recently, 23 year-old Michael McEwen was king hit and head his head stomped on outside a beachside kebab store after drinking with friends at a Bondi park adjacent to the beach on December 14. One of his attackers, a 24 year-old Bondi man, was thrown out of the Beach Road Hotel shortly before the attack and was seen on CCTV stumbling from the area before starting a verbal altercation with Mr McEwen.

Mr McEwen crossed the road to walk away but his attackers followed him to a bus stop, continuing to bait him before setting upon him.

McEwen suffered brain injuries in the attack and was placed in an coma, which he has since woken from.

Waverley mayor Sally Betts said that Council was doing everything in its power to reduce anti-social and violent behaviour in the area.

“Recent reports of alcohol related violence have been shocking and saddening,” Cr Betts said.

“Waverley Council works closely with the police, who deal with criminal behaviour including alcohol related violence all the time, to ensure the community is safe.

“Council runs community education campaigns, like my Bondi Summer, and implements alcohol free zones and alcohol prohibited areas.

“Our staff also works closely with the local police regarding liquor licence applications and policies to manage anti-social and violent behaviour, within the NSW planning and legal framework.

“Lock-outs have been introduced in most of the larger pubs throughout Waverley. The introduction of CCTV cameras is also being discussed to see if their introduction will discourage anti-social behaviour.“

Despite the recent incidents, Cr Betts is adamant that the measures being taken by Council and police are having a significant impact.

“The number of non-domestic violence assaults in the Waverley area has decreased, and Council will continue to focus on working with the police to make further improvements,” Cr Betts said.

In other concerning news for Bondi, a victim of a shooting at Rose Bay Marina late on New Year’s Day was found with a bullet wound to his back near the corner of Lamrock Avenue and Campbell Parade. The victim is believed to be associated with the notorious Brothers 4 Life gang.

While alcohol-related violence is obviously a major concern and one that needs immediate attention, the last thing the local areas need is a spate of gang-related gun crime.