Hi, it’s Adrian Bo, and today, in contrast to last week, I’m at the southern end of Marine Parade to talk about some iconic elements of this stunning patch of Maroubra, including an interesting recent rewriting of history. So the iconic Maroubra Beach sits at the southern end of Marine Parade, considered one of Australia’s premier surf beaches, the Bra. It’s approximately one kilometre long and any swell brings the beach breaks to life as it faces due east so captures regular swells from the south, north east and the east. The beach sits between Mistral Point to the north and Magic Point to the south. Based on Surf Life Saving Australia data, this beach averages one surf rescue everyday of the year, which means it’s one of the more hazardous surf spots in New South Wales. The beach benefits by two fantastic Surf Life Saving clubs, firstly, the Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club and secondly, the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. Now, until a few years ago, locals believed that the club at the northern end of the beach, the Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, was established in 1907, and the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1959. However, long term member Bob Wurth compiled some exhaustive research to uncover the fact that South Maroubra Surf Club had actually been formed in 1907, mainly by a group of medical people, including gynaecologist Dr. Cedric Bowker, surgeon Dr. Steer Bowker, obstetrician Dr Jack Windeyer and head and neck specialist Dr. Herbert Maitland, as well as a distinguished businessman known as Ernest Marks who traded Wool and later became LM of Sydney along with professional rugby referee Norman Martin, amongst many others.

Apparently in 1908, the two surf clubs on Maroubra beach were forced into amalgamation due to the formation of the Surf Bathers Association and their ruling that a beach could only have one surf club. This meant that the Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club became the headquarters for Surf Life Saving on the beach. And not until 1959 did the South Maroubra club officially re-emerge at the south end of the beach as a breakaway from Malabar Surf Life Saving Club. One thing’s for sure, both clubs maintain a very proud history and are absolutely fundamental in 2021 to daily life here in the Bra. The Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club has long been a prolific competitor. It’s founding members included local sporting legends, Harold Baker, Sid Godfrey and Mick Lacey. World War One saw a mass exodus of members to serve in the Great War, yet the first clubhouse, a three metres by three metres galvanised iron shed, was established during the war under the guidance of club captain Arthur Rodman, after whom Rodman Avenue in Maroubra is named, as well as two of the surf boats at the club. A larger clubhouse was built in 1932, and the club went from strength to strength, growing membership, winning competitions, educating swimmers and, of course, saving lives. Plans to re-establish the surf club here at South Maroubra failed in 1929, but 30 years later, it got the green light, partly due to the fact that a large land area of bushland adjacent was being opened up for housing and a new club was needed.

But also the Malabar Surf Life Saving Club was under pressure due to the Sydney Water Board’s sewage treatment plant polluting the Malabar beach at that particular time. Initially, a tent was installed on the sand dunes as a makeshift clubhouse until a 10 metre by 10 metre fibro and timber shed was constructed several months later. L.J. Hooker himself donated a new surfboat later, and Maroubra Rotary also donated another boat. Also during this time, the South Maroubra Dolphins Winter Swimming Club was established, holding races at Wylie’s Baths during Winter months. Vandalism problems in the ’60s and various heroic Shark encounters did not stop South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club flourishing, which it still does to this very day. The history of these two respected institutions deserves a much deeper telling, which I intend to go through over the coming months, as we must not forget how the amazing facilities that we take for granted have evolved through plenty of blood, sweat and tears, including complete dedication of many lives for the community we both love and enjoy.

In more recent years, the Maroubra Skate Park was established here on Marine Parade within the Arthur Byrne Reserve after being conceived by Randwick CC in 1997, with around 1100 square metres of skate-able area, and by all accounts has been a very successful project. Now, the real estate market on Marine Parade is quite interesting. According to official data, there are 323 units and 61 houses on Marine Parade basically split between 50% owner occupiers and 50% renters. The average owner occupier has been living here on Marine Parade for 10 years and two months. In fact, 39% of residents on Marine Parade have been living here for over a decade. In 2020 on Marine Parade, there were nine units sold and three houses. As I mentioned last week, I’ve sold many properties in the area over my 32 year selling career period. 68 Marine Parade for $3,850,000, six at 62 Marine Parade for $1,525,000, and 73 Torrington Road for $2,975,000. And as I mentioned last week, that incredible sale that experienced 66% capital growth during the last transaction, which was 42 Sackville Street for $2,817,000. The delightful vendor was Irine and Mark, who had some very nice words to say about me on their review, which is greatly appreciated. I’ve sold many properties for this great family since 2010, and it is always a pleasure helping them. Now, I hope you’ve enjoyed finding out more about the surf clubs in the Bra. There’s plenty more to tell you, but for now I hope you enjoy the consistent rolling surf on one of Australia’s greatest iconic beaches. And always remember, your home is worth more with Adrian Bo.