Fireworks cancelled and money lost, but signs of hope for Bondi businesses

You know that crowds are beginning to return to Bondi Beach when long lines of customers stretch outside the doors of burger restaurants, frozen yoghurt bars and fish and chip shops.

That was the scene at the beachfront strip on Tuesday as sunshine brought holiday beachgoers out in their thousands to soak up the surf and sand synonymous with the world-famous stretch of coastline.

For many businesses, it was a welcome sign as they continue to feel the effects of the devastating terrorist attack against the Jewish community at Archer Park on December 14.

In the past fortnight, both state and local governments have been encouraging visitors to “open their wallets” and return to Bondi in a show of solidarity and support towards the community’s road to recovery.

There are signs Sydneysiders and tourists are listening.

Speaking during a brief respite between serving hungry customers on Tuesday, Paul Georgiou – owner of Bondi Surf Seafoods – said the flock of visitors through the doors was the first indication that visitor numbers are beginning to return to typical summer levels.

“In the last fortnight we lost about 50 per cent of our trade and people – whether it’s out of respect or a sense of uncertainty – have been staying away,” he said.

“But the tourists are beginning to come back, the backpackers are coming back – it’s very welcome because we rely so much on summer to see us through the quieter months.”

A bounce in visitor numbers has been recorded at other businesses heavily reliant on the tourist trade, including the Akubra hat shop on Hall Street where store manager Eliza Tucker said foot traffic had doubled during the past week.

Ash Mehana, owner of a Souvenir Plus on Campbell Parade, is also welcoming a rebound after a sharp drop in customer numbers over the usually busy Christmas period.

“Having the police presence, I think has made people feel safe and secure and the sun has also brought people back out again,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot of interstate customers saying that they want to come to Bondi to show their support for the community.”

Hotel Ravesis co-owner Aya Larkin said there was a strong determination to reclaim the world-renowned beach as a place of fun and relaxation.

“We’ve lost about $200,000 in trade over the last couple of weeks but for us, the concern isn’t the financial impact – first and foremost our focus has been on the community,” he said.

“On the day of the attack, we heard the gunshots and customers were hiding under our tables to take shelter – you never want to forget what happened on that day, but you also don’t want any terrorist to make people feel as though they have to hide in their shell or behind walls.

“Bondi is strong and there’s a real determination among the community not to be cowered in fear.”

The NSW government announced small businesses in the immediate vicinity of the attack would be eligible for support grants of up to $25,000 to help them reopen.

Some businesses have reported delays receiving payment, including Curly Lewis Brewing Co, which recorded a 50 per cent drop in trade.

Manager Yesha Avsar said the cancellation of the Bondi New Year’s fireworks display also resulted in the cancellation of 50 bookings on what was usually the beachfront venue’s busiest period.

So far, 93 businesses had applied for grants and 34 had been approved, a NSW Department of Customer Service spokeswoman said in a statement, and the number was expected to rise in the coming weeks.

Waverley Council will also hold a meeting in mid-January to discuss further support measures.

A Destination NSW spokeswoman said the NSW government was committed to supporting the community and is working with businesses to “ensure communications remain respectful, accurate and community-led”.

“At this time, the focus remains on supporting existing activity and sharing positive stories that reflect Bondi at its best, rather than launching a promotional campaign,” she said.

“The community has shown remarkable strength and unity, and during the holiday season, locals and visitors are enjoying Bondi’s beaches, cafes, coastal walks and lifestyle.”

Jane Turner, owner of the Gertrude & Alice bookshop and cafe on Hall Street, is hopeful the suburb will recover with time.

“From our own perspective, we had Oprah Winfrey visiting the shop in early December and all these amazing things were happening, and now it feels like we’re just treading water,” she said.

“It’s a grieving process for the community and it will take time to begin to heal.

“I’ve been here for 25 years, and it’s been humbling to see the support and the community spirit that’s really shone through this time. All we can do as a community is take one day at a time.”

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