Life’s a (Bondi) beach, then hopefully you don’t die

Behold, the national treasure. Waverley Council website:

People love world-famous Bondi Beach with its fabulous surf, wading pool, playgrounds, and nearby shops, cafes and restaurants. The southern end is popular with experienced surfers, while the northern end is more swimmer-friendly. For more cultural entertainment, visit the historic Bondi Pavilion.

Surf’s up, sun’s out and the masses hit the beach, triggering a perfect storm on social media. Aunty Mame, YouTube, March 20:

I felt really bad for Australia with all the horrible fires last month set back by disgruntled young Australians!! I sent money to help save the Koalas that were in so much trouble … but now the Bindi (sic) Beach stupidity! Are all the young people in Australia total F***ing MORONS?!? I won’t send any more money to help the Aussoes again. Let those stupid young Australian Bindi Beach Assholes take care of it!!!!!

Closing time No 1. Waverley Council press release, 9.14am, March 22:

Waverley Council would like to remind all visitors that our three beaches (Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte) are closed until further notice. The Council closed its beaches yesterday afternoon in an immediate response to the NSW Police Minister David Elliott’s announcement at 2pm yesterday that beaches across the state can only have a maximum of 500 people on the beach at any one time.

Closing time No 2. The Prime Minister calls last drinks. abc.net.au, March 23, 1.14am:

A major crackdown on gathering will see the closure of indoor venues, including pubs, clubs, sporting and religious venues, from midday today in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trouble in paradise. NSW Health, March 29:

Photos posted on social media by the promoter show partygoers dancing, hugging and kissing at the (Tropicana) event held at Bucket List bar at Bondi Beach on the night of March 15. NSW Health revealed more than 20 people had contracted COVID-19 after attending the party, with the first onset two days later. Another 10-20 cases had emerged from a dinner at nearby restaurant Bondi Hardware, the same night.

Covidiots in paradise. Bondi’s backpackers party on and NSW Police Minister David Elliott is not happy, Sydney Morning Herald, March 28:

(It’s) one of the most irresponsible things I have come across. If these people think they can gather for a barbecue at a backpackers in Bondi on a Friday night, they will face the full force of the law.

The backpackers are bristling. Emily Ritchie in The Australian, Wednesday:

Belgian backpacker Justine Van Den Mooter, 23, said she was happy to be tested but disappointed with the treatment of travellers. “There are so many news stories putting us as the bad guys — that backpackers and travellers are causing the eastern suburbs to spike in the number of cases,” she said. “I think it’s a pity they’re blaming us. We are getting discriminated against a lot lately, people yelling ‘just go home’ … people are becoming slightly racist towards us. I don’t like that. It’s not fair.”

Look at the scoreboard. The Daily Telegraph, Friday:

Sydney’s eastern suburbs have record­ed the highest number of positive cases in the state. Waverley Council is the most affected with 151 cases. Almost two-thirds of those are in Bondi (91).

Another day in paradise. The Bucket List eatery website, late Friday:

April 03: Sunset Sounds. Kristie Mercer & Band. International Women’s Day Awards. $2 oysters + $10 Sofi Spritz.