Key Takeaways
- Over 20 tonnes of rubbish were collected from Coogee beach in Sydney’s east after thousands of backpackers celebrated Christmas Day
- The annual unsanctioned party, known as "orphan’s Christmas", was expected to take place at Bronte beach, but the council warned revellers to stay away due to safety concerns
- The council is reviewing its response to the event and is open to further action to prevent similar incidents in the future
- The clean-up effort was praised by the mayor, who commended staff for their hard work in clearing the rubbish and cleaning the area
- The council is determined to protect the local beaches and ensure they are safe and open to everyone, and is considering options such as temporary fencing and alcohol and glass inspections
Introduction to the Incident
The Christmas Day celebrations at Coogee beach in Sydney’s east have left a trail of destruction, with over 20 tonnes of rubbish collected from the area. The annual unsanctioned party, known as "orphan’s Christmas", was expected to take place at Bronte beach, but the council warned revellers to stay away due to safety concerns. The warning was issued due to construction work in the park, which the council worried could not be managed if a large crowd turned up. Despite the warning, thousands of backpackers still flocked to the area, but instead of going to Bronte beach, they went to Coogee beach.
The Reason for the Warning
The council’s decision to warn revellers to stay away from Bronte beach was due to safety concerns. The construction work in the park had resulted in a "drastic reduction in open space and only narrow channels available to move around", making it difficult to manage a large crowd. The council was also concerned about the aftermath of last year’s gathering, which saw significant mess and broken glass, antisocial behaviour, and crowd control issues. The council had undertaken community consultation about how to better manage the impacts of the event, and the warning was a result of those discussions.
The Aftermath of the Incident
The aftermath of the Christmas Day celebrations at Coogee beach was chaotic, with over 20 tonnes of rubbish left behind by the crowd of thousands. The clean-up effort was massive, with staff using beach rakes, footpath sweepers, high-pressure hoses, and hands-on cleaning to clear the rubbish and clean the toilets, sand, and grassed areas. The mayor of Randwick, Dylan Parker, praised the staff for their hard work, saying that they had done an "amazing job" in completing the clean-up. The council also thanked Waverley Council for sending extra crews to help with the clean-up.
The Council’s Response
The council is reviewing its response to the event and is open to further action to prevent similar incidents in the future. The mayor said that the council did not want to see the incident become the norm, but unfortunately, it may have no other choice. The council is determined to protect the local beaches and ensure they are safe and open to everyone. The mayor said that the council would look at all options, including temporary fencing, alcohol and glass inspections, and more, in consultation with local police and neighbouring councils.
The Need for Responsible Behaviour
The incident highlights the need for responsible behaviour from revellers. While many people behaved responsibly, some chose to litter heavily and urinate in public spaces, causing significant mess and damage. The council is urging people to enjoy Christmas by the beach, but to do so respectfully. The mayor said that the council welcomed people enjoying Christmas by the beach, but it had to be done in a way that did not harm the environment or disturb the local community.
The Future of the Event
The future of the "orphan’s Christmas" event is uncertain. The council is considering options to prevent similar incidents in the future, but it is unclear what measures will be taken. The mayor said that the council would work with local police and neighbouring councils to find a solution. The incident has highlighted the need for better management of large events, and the council is determined to find a way to balance the need for people to enjoy the beach with the need to protect the environment and the local community.
