Why I love my suburb: Diesel praises Botany’s relaxed vibe

This week singer-songwriter Diesel talks about the things he loves most about living in Botany.

Musician Diesel (Mark Lizotte) in his home suburb of Botany with a friend's vintage Ford Falcon.

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Name: Diesel (Mark Lizotte)

Suburb: Botany

Profession: Singer-songwriter, rock musician.

When did you originally move to this suburb and why?

We made the move in 2014, on the hunt for more space. We ended up doing a warehouse conversion which suited us perfectly as my wife was able to design a kitchen that would suit her needs as a passionate cook and I was able to find a space for my home recording set-up.

It has a relaxed feel. The locals are friendly, with a lot of people having lived in the area for a long time and an element of newcomers, which is exciting.

What do you like most about living here?

Living east before made it tricky to get to the beach sometimes with the sheer amount of people all jostling for space. I’ve found it much easier with Maroubra south end and Congwong Bay close by, both excellent spots.

Congwong Beach, La Perouse. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

What is your favourite cafe and why?

I love Brasserie Bread at the end of Botany Rd. The bread is great and they do a good breakfast.

What is your best memory from living in this area?

Our first Christmas hosting a large family and friends. It was the first of many gatherings

we’ve had utilising the space.

Michael Klausen of Brasserie Bread in Banksmeadow. The shop is Diesel’s favourite cafe.

Do you have a favourite park or outdoor space, and if so, why?

I enjoy getting to Sir Joseph Banks Park as it’s a great place to ride my bike and also connect to the little known bike path that runs along Foreshore Rd. It’s great at sun up and sun down with a feeling of space and plenty to look at with the large ships and planes taking off.

One of the ponds at Sir Joseph Banks Park at Botany. Picture: Viv Polyblank

What do you wish you could change about your suburb?

I’d love to see more bike paths. Sydney in general seems to be heading towards a car based “carmageddon” like Los Angeles. I’d love to see it more like a European city based on pedestrians and bikes.

Rock musician Mark Lizotte, aka Diesel.

What is the best gift you’ve received recently?

The gift of hindsight. You can never have to much of…

Where is the most interesting place you’ve travelled to recently?

Venice, Italy is the most interesting place I have travelled to recently. I found it fascinating, the whole idea of the place and its history.

What books do you have on your bedside table?

I’m reading Le Freak, Nile Rodgers biography. He’s been a huge influence on me.

IN OTHER NEWS

The last meal that truly impressed you?

I enjoy anything my wife cooks, she’s always pushing the envelope and last week we had a delicious dinner at Stanton & Co in Rosebery.

A dessert at Stanton and Co at The Cannery, Rosebery. Picture: Kai Leishman

What do you tell other people about your suburb?

Come check it out, you might be surprised, and you just might love it.

What is the best thing that your suburb offers you?

Space and convenience to a large part of my life, which is the airport.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences living in this area?

I feel blessed, with more and more great things to discover in the vicinity coming all the time, coupled with a relaxed vibe still close to the CBD, I can’t imagine being anywhere else in Sydney.