Local Chick… Lisa Holland from Bondi

By James Hutton on December 13, 2016 in People

Early childhood teacher and children’s yoga instructor Lisa Holland was born and bred in Bondi. She shares her local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? 53 years. I was born and bred here in Bondi. My mum grew up in Vaucluse when there was a dairy across the road from her house and my dad came from Europe to Bondi just before the outbreak of WWII. I’m lucky enough to have my whole extended family still here in the area.

What’s your favourite beach? Bondi during the week with smaller crowds is part of my soul, and the top of Parsley Bay with its isolation and beauty is also very special to me.

What’s your favourite eatery? I love the food and vibe at Depot in North Bondi and the Speedos window seat for the best view.

Where do you like to have a drink? I like quiet boutique bars. The Hill Eatery is one I’ve been to a bit recently. My garden at home is pretty good too.

What’s the best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The beaches, the shops and the people. A lot of my generation who grew up in Bondi are bitter about the changes since our childhood, but I loved it then when it was called Scum Valley and still love it now!

What’s the worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The traffic, without a doubt; it’s a struggle to get to places on time without being stressed.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? I’m not really into sport much, but I was bought up as a Roosters supporter and I married a Rabbitohs nut, so I guess I haven’t been able to escape the footy.

What music are you into at the moment? I have a few playlists on Spotify with a mix of many decades and styles. I also love using Pandora where you can punch in a favourite song and everything that follows is in the same genre.

Who is your favourite person? My three adult children: Nic, Jake and Emily. They kill me sometimes, but they will always be my besties.

What do you get up to on the weekends? My partner lives in Terrigal, so we take turns to hang out there or at Bondi. Either choice always feels like a holiday.

What do you do for work? I’m an early childhood teacher. I run a children’s yoga company called Planet Yoga, which teaches yoga at schools and childcare centres. I also assess childcare students at Randwick Tafe and OTEN.

What’s your favourite thing about work? Arriving at a centre and being mobbed by excited preschoolers who love my fun yoga sessions. The cuddles are hard to beat, too!

Do you have a favourite quote? “Prevention is better than cure.”

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Perspective is everything. Almost anything can be turned around to be a positive experience.