Brisbane Broncos star Ben Hunt has inked a $2.35m deal following his move back to Queensland NRL Brisbane Broncos star recruit Ben Hunt and his nutritionist wife Bridget have snappily sold their former Sydney home for $2.35m having headed back to Queensland The couple’s Caringbah South property had been bought for $1.61m in late 2018 two-bathroom home allows parking underneath on its 866sq m block living and dining area opens to a covered deck and landscaped yard by MattBlak Property agent Blake Spooner who was initially guiding $2.2m when it was listed in late March MORE: $5m secret that delivered Hunt to Broncos have finalised their move back to Queensland MORE: Worst hoarder homes in Australia exposed much quicker that the 63 days median time on market that PropTrack calculates from the 56 house sales of the past 12 months PropTrack puts its median house price at $2,298,500 with rents around $1,280 a week reflecting a three per cent annual rental yield Hunt’s Bruce Avenue cul-de-sac home was briefly listed for rent earlier this year seeking $1400 a week through Katrina Strodaha of MattBlak Property The Rockhampton-born Hunt made the move to the Brisbane Broncos for the 2025 season where he has played all six games as five-eighth MORE: Aussie crypto millionaires’ secret money stash Ben Hunt bought the property for $1.61m in late 2018 MORE: Aussie couple in 30s turn $60k into $153m His buyers’ agent and former NRL player Matt Srama recently told realestate.com.au that the Hunts have been renting on the southern Gold Coast while looking to purchase There has been no recent registered purchase in Queensland although Hunt does own north of the border at Bridgeman Downs which was bought in 2013 during his first stint at the Broncos Last year the family secured an acreage in Newrybar The 20ha property has been a luxury farm stay in the portfolio of local entrepreneur Norm Black and his accommodation superhost wife Fiona third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. A toddler's close call with a vehicle leaving a home next to popular Flour bakery-cafe at Caringbah South has highlighted traffic concerns near the business is one of several recorded by Geoff and Donna Streater who are among residents seeking council action to solve traffic and other problems which have resulted from a large number of patrons at peak times Mr Streater said the latest incident was the most serious on her way to work driving slowly out of the driveway had an extremely close call when a toddler ran in front of her car "It was incredible she didn't hit the child." Mr Streater said children less than 1.2 metres in height were completely obscured to drivers exiting his property by the compliant fence panel which tapered from 1.2 metres to 1.6 metres and the vehicle's bonnet we have had to brake suddenly to avoid vehicle impact with children playing or walking on our driveway have berated myself and my wife for using our driveway." as well as the Flour oppose a council proposal to install a pedestrian crossing in front of his home They have called for the crossing to be moved slightly to the north in front of the barber shop in the neighbourhood centre Mr Streater said his family's life had become "living hell" since the bakery-cafe opened the ongoing near accidents from the driveway activity it is overwhelming and impacts on our health," he said The council is considering a range of measures to address the impacts Residents, owners oppose council's traffic solutions for popular Flour bakery-cafe Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy offers the ultimate in privacy and convenience the property is designed to meet all your needs or simply need space for your family's vehicles this home delivers," listing agent Matthew Callaghan from Matt Callaghan Property said "The automated gated entry ensures ease of access while maintaining security and the locality provides close access to Dolans Bay Marina The home features a clever design with generous living spaces throughout The formal living room boasts high ceilings and a cozy fireplace flowing out to a sun-drenched balcony that overlooks a heated in-ground pool The open-plan kitchen is an entertainer's dream The kitchen and dining leads out to a covered alfresco area with a built-in outdoor kitchen and barbecue perfect for hosting family gatherings or simply enjoying the outdoors including a main suite with a walk-in robe and en suite there's potential for a sixth bedroom or home cinema a spacious third living area opens to a balcony with glimpses of the ocean and Port Hacking River convenience and flexibility - truly a perfect family retreat," Matthew said If you have a story for me email ndavey@austcommunitymedia.com.au I enjoy highlighting businesses and events in our community through features and special publications and have been doing so for more than 21 years Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime There is no phone or standard website at freshly opened cafe and bakery Flour inCaringbah South. But stand on the footpath (newly layed under its owners Abbey Cadell and JimmyCameron’s direction) and watch people arrive with the fervour of bees, swarming on a vanilla and spiced rum canele, or an Iced VoVo finger bun ribboned with toasted coconut buttercream and house-made raspberry jam, as displayed on the counter. Ponder loaded utes rolling up to spill tradies asking in their best polite voice if the beef, caramelised onion and red pepper sausage rolls are still available. Saffron and vanilla scroll.Rhett WymanOr the pork, fennel and apple ones? Or the chicken, leek and sweetcorn pies? All ages, with prams, walking sticks, wild geometric sunglasses and small sticky fingers sit beside wide timber-framed bi-fold and awning windows to catchthe breeze while hoeing into individual burnt Basque cheesecakes. Or twirl-edged saffron and vanilla scrolls each sprinkled with tiny sugary rocks. Word of mouth, and a suburb rejoicing in Flour’s range of bread and baked goods, all made on-site, brings a ceaseless line of customers. And, Cadell and Cameron, formerly business partners at Grind Espresso in Cronulla, know almost all of them by name. “We have some amazing customers,” Cameron says. “They always love to have achat.” Every second person gives them a “hoi”, some discussing their quilting projects, others the garden while the pair work the floor or behind the counter. The cafe, formerly a corner store where Cadell and Cameron used to buy lollies as children, is filled with people talking. Or, if they’re solo, reading from the rack of daily newspapers, watching the world outside or staring into the doughroom (more on that later). A writer, who comes in daily and has a window spot beside a specially installed USB powerpoint, taps on a laptop while Cameron brings him regular beverages.No one is staring at their phone. Green and gold zucchini foccacia with charred corn, lemon ricotta, pine nuts and basil.Rhett WymanAdvertisementAll, at some point, have stared at Flour’s dazzling pastries, loaves and baguettes,their effulgently layered zucchini, sweetcorn and lemon ricotta foccacia, their stracciatella-filled foccacia sandwiches, their golden quiches and breakfast buns, the latter tall with bacon, egg crepe, hash brown, cheese and smoky tomato relish, and sighed, “Yes, please.” The menu – seasonal, made fresh each day and usually all gone by closing time –is devised between executive chef Josh Davidson, formerly of Apollo and Margan,baker Nathan Martin, formerly Humble, Brasserie Bread, The Grounds and Sonoma and pastry chefs Emily Demetriou and Patrik Svab, both ex-Flour & Stone. Along with Cadell, Cameron and Flour’s floor staff, everyone working here lives locally. Flour’s full name is Flour Coffee and Doughroom, the last word describing the glass-walled, temperature-controlled kitchen space, framed by rolling pins, sacks of flour, wide counters and a stack of cling-wrapped butter slabs. Pavlova danish.Rhett WymanAdvertisementAt the right time of day, you can watch baker Martin shaping sourdough baguettes and loaves for the oven or Demetriou and Svab rolling, layeringand weaving apple crumble galettes, pain au chocolat, vanilla and spiced rum canele or gluten-free lemon polenta cakes with whipped coconut and passionfruit icing. “It’s a bit theatrical,” Cadell says. “We didn’t want to do a cafe where it’s just four walls and a heap of seats. We wanted to open things up and show what we’re doing. It’s like our honesty system. We’re proving to you that we actually make all of this here.” Cameron says the doughroom, in which baker’s assistant and cardamon roll aficionado Hannah Bacon can be seen experimenting today, is particularly interesting for children. “It’s hands and noses pressed to the glass,” he says. “We’re spraying it clean every day.” Four years ago, when Cadell and Cameron left their former business, Grind in Cronulla, they moved into real estate and teaching respectively. But the pull of running a cafe, along with living minutes away, called loud. “It’s hard work,” Cadell says. “It’s relentless. But it’s so rewarding. People love coming in and talking with us and we’re excited to keep offering them beautiful food every day. We missed all of that.” Vibe: Sunny, buttery-hued cafe in a handsomely reworked corner store, with exultant baked goods, good strong coffee and a spirited community feel. Go-to dish: Spiced sweet potato danish with Bulgarian feta, chickpeas, pepitas and sage ‘Bloody delicious’: Bet you’ve never had a pizza as dramatically crisp as this, SydneyAn ex-Da Orazio and Matteo pizzaiolo brings his puffy-crusted pedigree to the LuMi team’s new pizzeria north of the bridge. Potts Point favourite Fei Jai takes new-wave Cantonese cooking to Rose BayRestaurateurs Peter Lew and Nicole Galloway have opened their new 40-seat eatery next to Bitton on Plumer Road. Show me you love me – with a stuffed pig’s trotter at the most romantic restaurant in SydneyWith a new chef and new Asian-infused dishes, Parisian bistro Restaurant Hubert is worth a second look. news and the hottest openings served to your inbox Flour is a bakery located along Willarong Rd in Caringbah South Owners Abbey Cadell and Jimmy Cameron formerly owned Grind Espresso in Cronulla and at the end of 2023 they opened up Flour cakes and cookies from their climate controlled dough room on site Find out what are the best sellers and must orders here I've definitely read that it's always good to go to a meal hungry It's almost 12:30pm when we reach Flour and I'm famished and hangry We park outside and I silently hurry Mr NQN on who saunters through life at a leisurely pace located at a former convenience store where the two owners Abbey Cadell and Jimmy Cameron used to buy lollies as kids Bakers are busy in the climate controlled dough room overlooking the cafe There is an eat in menu but it looks like a lot of people are feasting from the display counter A tray of cinnamon buns with a creamy icing draped all over them rapidly diminishes before my eyes There are also pretty Iced Vovo finger buns I go for everything that takes me eye which is dangerous stuff indeed when you are famished but the total only gets to $59 Then I add a custard tart (spoiler: it was 100% worth adding) and we take a seat outside at the bar There are three types of sausage rolls: pork caramelised onion and black pepper or a vegetarian version with cheese and spinach I opt for a classic pork with relish and it's good a nice flaky puff pastry and a nice pork mince filling that could do with perhaps more fennel or seasoning but that's a personal preference a margherita one and the spectacular Euro Summer focaccia parsley prosciutto and caramelised balsamic this is one of the most delicious ways to serve a crispy bottomed focaccia when I see a fougasse hanging I abandon regular loaves in favour of this delicious bread cheddar and salt and stains the paper bag with that luscious fat Sweets-wise we start on the domed cinnamon scroll that resemble a beehive topped with maple honey glaze - inside are layers upon layers of cinnamon sugar filling It's good and I can see why it's popular and we take this home where we warm this up For nostalgia sake (and because it's pink) the Iced Vovo Finger Bun is a soft sultana studded bread with squiggles of pink buttercream shredded coconut and house made raspberry jam The canele is a very good version of this technically very difficult pastry with a crisp outer and a soft and spongey interior And last but not least is the custard tart Usually it's sold out by noon but they've just brought out a tray of these and they're still warm to the touch The custard is wobbly and silky and the tart shell crisp with freshly grated nutmeg on top And there is not a single regret as we fight over the last bites of this do you always try and approach meals being hungry but then it turns into hangry there is no chance you'll miss this spooky sight A house on Taren Road hopes to knock the socks of lolly-hunting kids with its giant skull which will light up the night with its eerie eyes on October 31 Tradesman Luke Sergeant made the skull with his two children "It all started last year when I built a Santa sleigh for Christmas and all the kids had photos with that My kids said 'what are we doing for Halloween?' I asked them what they wanted and said a big skull so he already had the necessary tools to help create the giant skull It's great for the kids and gets them off their iPads," he said "The kids love seeing the cars stop at look at it - they just hang by the windows." No doubt it will be the house to trick-or-treat "Most years we leave a sign that says 'please take one treat but I might sit there stationed at the house this year," Mr Sergeant said "It gets so busy and crowded on our street - it's a big family event." St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering education, health and general community news. Email: ekolimar@theleader.com.au just weeks after selling another property on the same street The West Tigers player listed his former Caringbah South home on Thursday one of four near-new townhouses developed on a site he purchased back in 2017 The four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached townhouse on Percival Road will have its first open this Saturday, August 22, and head to auction on September 12 through Reno Santaguida of Cronulla Real Estate. which Santaguida said would be adjusted if needed after feedback from open homes it’s one of the rare townhomes with a double garage and a pool,” Santaguida added Records show Reynolds, along with former Bulldogs teammate Michael Lichaa and property developer James Marroun, known as Gabby – who was briefly on the Canterbury Leagues Club board and was previously given a six-year ban from junior rugby league – bought the 1311-square-metre site in 2017 for $2.5 million. They knocked down the existing four-bedroom home and built four townhouses in its place. A development application lodged in late 2016 put the estimated cost of such works at more than $1.55 million. “I really enjoyed it,” Reynolds told Domain. “My friend Michael Lichaa and builder and friend Gabby Marroun [and I] have done a couple of projects together and while the process of picking everything and making sure we have good product is stressful, at the same time I love it as I really feel it’s something I could do for life after football. Gold Coast Titans hooker Nathan Peats lists Palm Beach home Matty Johns pockets $5.85m for Collaroy house to buy $7.1m digs around corner “I’m going to do a project managing course next year which will help me hopefully one day be able to develop something by myself,” he added. It is the second Percival Road property that Reynolds has put on the market this year, the first of which was a four-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex nearby which was listed in February. The property was part of a duplex development owned by Reynolds and Lichaa, who purchased the 710-square-metre block for $1.5 million in 2016. Lichaa sold his four-bedroom home for $1.75 million in 2018, however Reynolds withdrew his listing. It returned to the market in 2019 with no success, and then again in February with a guide of $1.5 million to $1.6 million, which was revised down to $1.425 million to $1.55 million by June. Santaguida said the home sold earlier this month, but declined to give the final sale price. 3 Baths2 ParkingView listing It marks an end to Reynolds’ time in the Shire which has been his home for some four years “I have loved it because a lot of my friends live around here and it’s close to the beach and in Caringbah South it is very quiet –  just the way I like it but I just felt it’s time for a change,” he said He faced domestic violence-related charges after his former partner Arabella del Busso had claimed he grabbed her arm during an argument last year Reynolds pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were dropped in February, after police re-opened the case following a Nine News report that revealed del Busso’s real name was Donna Preusker and that she had allegedly used almost a dozen aliases and, according to Reynolds’ legal team, faked multiple pregnancies. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate is a finalist in Miss Galaxy Australia 2025 Picture suppliedAlessandra Bold of Caringbah South is a finalist in Miss Galaxy Australia 2025 The student was a national finalist in the Miss Teen Congeniality pageant for the second time Ms Bold is studying for a Bachelor of Primary Education and is passionate about promoting positive mental health She enjoys playing softball and coaching tee ball for Cronulla RSL The pageant was founded in 2011 and encourages its participants to support a chosen charity as part of their mission to fundraise and volunteer for various causes The national final is from April 30 to May 3 Four young women can attend the US to represent Australia in the international pageant Former NRL Warriors coach Nathan Brown has listed his Sutherland Shire riverfront home at Caringbah South The agency website notes four off market offerings in the suburb Carringbah South home in 2018 when it was an empty shell seeking $3.75 million for the sloping 930 sqm block It had been bought for $1.62 million in 2009 with wife Tanya from the Tynan family the newly built home features five bedrooms and three bathrooms A passenger lift services the living and bedroom levels MORE: Major stumbling block most first homebuyers face ‘No more handcuffs’: Kyle Sandilands buys $3m forever home Nathan Brown during his time coaching the Warriors There’s no word on the reason for the listing but it’s surprised the neighbourhood since Brown is not heading to Mt Smart stadium According to realestate.com.au the median house price in Caringbah South is $2.3m and has grown 31 per cent over the last 12 months RELATED: NRL bad boy’s swish new digs revealed Brown quit the Warriors last month after deciding he didn’t want to relocated his family permanently to New Zealand the newly built home features five bedrooms The median house price in Caringbah South is $2.3m It was Brown’s third NRL coaching gig after stints with St George Illawarra and Newcastle after a playing career that spanned 172 games for the Dragons MORE: Weirdest homes money can buy Record pokie payout in the Southern Highlands Cooper Cronk scores epic new $10m home Picture by John VeageSid Ford is happy to have the popular new Flour bakery-cafe opposite his home at Caringbah South but has let fly at the council for "seven months of inaction" in addressing parking and traffic problems affecting nearby residents Mr Ford sent the Leader a copy of the letter he has written to Sutherland Shire Council and asked that it be published under the heading "Residents in despair" "Since last October we contacted council hundreds of times about gouged damaged dangerous verge due to excessive parking demands The damaged verge outside Sid Ford's home Heaven or hell? - Community divided over popular new Caringbah South cafe formal complaints to council (including to the mayor extension of yellow lines to create safe exit from residential driveways and concreting a strip along the verge...since October "escalation'...translate to 'too hard basket' 'massaged by vague promises'.' How hard can it be Surely someone (anyone) is senior and competent enough to make a decision and improve the safety and living conditions of residents All are common sense; low cost; practical solutions to restore our community The onus is on the council to be proactive The council provided the following response to the Leader: "Sutherland Shire Council's Traffic Engineers continue to undertake detailed assessment of traffic conditions surrounding a commercial premises on Willarong Road to determine the need for changes to existing parking controls and traffic infrastructure Co-owner James Cameron at Flour in Willarong Road south Picture by John Veage"Information drawn from the multiple site visits which have been made by staff in recent months as well as vehicle surveys and examination of crash incidents will inform any proposed changes to parking facilities and roadways surrounding this premises "Council is preparing to undertake a process of community consultation to gather community feedback on a number of changes which have been suggested with this feedback as well as the extensive correspondence Council has received on this issue to be incorporated into any planned changes A report will then be submitted to the Sutherland Traffic and Traffic Safety Committee for consideration before going to Council for adoption "Should the outcome of this process recommend the introduction of additional concrete kerbs or paved surfaces to address additional demands for parking at this site these works will then be incorporated into Council's program of planned works based on priority Council's Roads and Traffic Officers are also conducting regular patrols at this location to ensure motorists are parking in a safe and lawful manner as well as responding promptly to individual requests to address safety and parking compliance issues "While Council acknowledges the concerns raised by some neighbouring residents about the progress of Council's efforts to address this issue it is vital that all changes to traffic control measures rely on accurate data and are undertaken in an informed manner to ensure any works undertaken do not have any unintended impact on the safety of our community "Council wishes to thank all stakeholders for their patience as we continue to work towards resolving this issue and ask that all affected residents continue to respect the staff tasked with undertaking this project." Inside the Hunt family’s cracking new Caringbah South home but St George Illawarra Dragons star halfback Ben Hunt has settled into Sydney during the off-season buying a family home after his move from Brisbane He and nutritionist wife Bridget didn’t buy into the St George heartland but are setting up in the Sutherland Shire with their son Brady and two pooches Leeroy Brown and Rowdy And the Hunts have timed their purchase nicely Ben signed a contract with the Dragons at the beginning of 2017 But the family has now been able to buy into a subdued market The home sat on the market for around 60 days failing to sell last year until its price tag was reduced to $1.67 million The couple paid $1.61 million through Cripps & Cripps Property Cronulla agent Graeme Miller CoreLogic calculates the suburb has seen an average 7 per cent change in median price over the past 10 years The vast kitchen leads on to the open backyard and entertaining area The architect-built four-bedroom home sits on an 865sqm parcel and had an ­estimated build cost of $350,000 the insulated home features windproof Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows Dragons Ben Hunt at WIN Stadium in Wollongong There’s also a heated concrete slab and wood combustion fire Former Bronco Hunt’s six-year contract at the Dragons puts the 28-year-old among the NRL’s top earners Bridget Hunt has studied ­nutritional medicine (BHSc) and also has a diploma in professional ­pilates instruction Hunt still owns a property in Bridgeman Downs having paid $375,000 for the 500sqm block a year earl­ier The four-bedroom house is now a $670/week rental Former NRL player Ben Barba has sold his Sutherland Shire home Despite the emerging property price recovery across Sydney former NRL star Ben Barba has sold in the Sutherland Shire at a big loss His former Caringbah South home quietly sold for $1,085,000 nearly $100,000 less than the $1.18 million he paid in 2014 — just two years into Sydney’s five-year boom MORE: Hayne set to offload Sydney investment Purple Wiggle finds north shore bachelor pad Barba bought the two-bedroom home a month after signing a three-year contract with the Cronulla Sharks Fast-forward five years and the former fullback has been deregistered from the NRL and is reported to be working in Mackay and playing football for Mackay Rangers The Caringbah South home became a $1000-a-week investment when Barba left to play in France and England He later signed with North Queensland but his contract was terminated before he played a game after video emerged of an alleged altercation with his girlfriend at a casino and he pleaded guilty to public nuisance and was sentenced to community service but was not convicted How the property looked back when Barba bought it in 2014 SIGN UP TO THE NSW REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER Barba is still seeking a buyer for his Brisbane investment house at offers over $849,000 for the four-bedroom home he paid $769,000 for in 2013 In 2017 he sold a Caringbah South investment unit for $600,000 Whether you want the convenience of being able to jump straight on your watercraft from your backyard or a home where you can admire scenic water views this street to deep waterfront property presents all that and more Listing agent Suzanne Hibbard from Abode Property said the spectacular home was crafted by renowned Watershed Architects "The property embodies a harmonious blend of sunlit expansive spaces and bold architectural elements accentuated by meticulous detailing," Suzanne said "The innovative split-level design effortlessly integrates the interiors with expansive outdoor terraces and waterfront amenities The main living areas are featured on the upper level The open plan kitchen features Miele appliances Liebherr integrated fridge/freezer and butler's pantry while the living and dining space open to the entertainer's balcony with expansive views across Burraneer Bay Caringbah SouthSet on the lower level is an entertainment area complete with a cinema room Outside you will discover a heated pool and spa with infinity edge a boat house/cabana located on the water's edge magnificent landscaping and exceptional deep waterfront facilities including jetty "Utilising a bespoke combination of concrete this light-filled sanctuary offers a private and tranquil oasis," Suzanne said beautiful gum trees on the nature strip in Wentworth Street Picture suppliedResidents were alarmed when they saw the grass around two mature Caringbah South suddenly turn yellow and brown They suspected the trees had been poisoned and reported the matter to Sutherland Shire Council A senior council arborist inspected the site and "noted the presence of substances applied to the ground surrounding the gum trees" but the council says it is unable to take further action at this stage A resident who contacted the Leader was surprised and extremely disappointed the council was not prepared to take further steps starting with having the soil analysed to see what had been applied The council will monitor the health of the two gum trees on the nature strip in Wentworth Street Picture supplied"They are beautiful gum trees and our family are heartbroken this can occur and nothing is going to happen," the resident said A council spokesman said in a statement reports of "the suspected poisoning" of the trees were investigated following their deterioration "Council has assessed the site and noted the presence of substances applied to the ground surrounding the gum trees," the spokesman said "Despite a comprehensive on-site assessment and information sourced from surrounding residents council cannot conclude at this time the cause of this sudden decline in the health of these trees and is unable to take further action to address this matter at present The spokesman said the council would monitor the condition of the gum trees "Should the health of the trees continue to decline council will work to ensure no lasting loss to local canopy cover occurs," he said Council takes all complaints regarding potential tree poisoning seriously In recent years we have received an increasing number of reports regarding trees that have been damaged or destroyed council has the legal power to issue fines or pursue much greater penalties via court prosecution where the breach is serious "Council also enforces our replacement planting policy to ensure that canopy is created for the future in adherence with its Urban Tree and Bush Land Policy principle of mitigating loss through responsible offsetting "Council welcomes contact from any residents wishing to raise concerns regarding potential tree poisoning or unauthorised land clearing on Sutherland Shire properties sharing all available evidence whether that be witness reports "Council can confirm there is no development application (DA) for the property." Picture by John VeageA three-year-old boy suffered a broken leg when he was hit by an electric "fat bike" ridden by a teenager at Caringbah South Clara Ferrer Patxot was walking home along Gannons Road with her three young children after visiting shops at the corner of Kingsway when the accident occurred about 5.30pm on Tuesday last week were walking next to a fence when the bike was ridden between them and their mother who was pushing 18-months-old Cecelia in a pram on the footpath Ms Ferrer Patxot said she stopped to get something from the pram when she saw the e-bike travelling towards them at high speed She called to the boys to stop still so it could pass but Biel "took one little step" towards her and the bike hit him and dragged him "for about a metre" Picture by John VeageMs Ferrer Patxot pulled the bike off her son and checked his head because the wheel was close to it There were just scratches and a little lump when I picked him up there was a massive lump on his leg and he was screaming in pain," she said Ms Ferrer Patxot called her husband who ran down and carried their son home Biel was taken to Sutherland Hospital where x-rays revealed a broken tibia His leg was placed in a cast and he was kept in hospital overnight for observation A specialist examined him today and said the break was healing well and he will not require surgery Ms Ferrer Patxot said she felt sorry for the teenager "He was crying and saying he was sorry," she said "Teenagers are riding these high-powered bikes but they don't have the maturity to handle them "Something really bad could happen and they would have to live with it for the rest of their lives "They are always flying down the Gannons Road footpath and I am telling the kids to 'watch out'." who first raised the issue on the council floor late last year said the case illustrated the need for people to be licensed to ride e-bikes that do not need to be peddled for power "These bikes need to have a different classification which limited the power when bikes were bought "I want children to have freedom and independence but I also want them to have the knowledge so that they ride responsibly," she said "A licensing system would ensure education was effective Cr Farmer urged residents to make a formal report of every illegal e-bike incident to police Transport for NSW says: "To be classified as a bicycle in NSW an electrically power-assisted bicycle must have a maximum continued rated power of 500 watts if the power output progressively reduces as the bicycle's speed increases above 6km/h and is cut off when the bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h or the rider of the bicycle stops pedalling and the speed is more than 6km/h." who addressed the council on the issue early this year "Transport for NSW is of the opinion that the continuous rated power is a specification of the motor itself it would not be legal to use an e-bike on NSW roads that uses a motor with higher power rating even if it is limited by software For rent: $1100 a week through Century 21 Cronulla agent Ashlee Dorant FORMER NRL player Ben Barba has sought tenants for his Caringbah South home after moving to France who was pivotal in the Cronulla Sharks premiership winning team last season now plays for the rugby union side Toulon after signing a lucrative 30-month deal The two-bedroom home with upstairs loft that he recently vacated cost Barba $1.18 million in 2014 following his move from Brisbane It’s been listed at $1100 a week through Century 21 Cronulla agent Ashlee Dorant The listing photos were taken in the dreary weather we’ve had over the past few weeks with the outdoor ­entertaining area looking out onto a rain-soaked deck His four-bedroom Everton Park home just outside Brisbane continues to be a rental after he left Queensland for the Shire Barba made his French rugby union debut for Toulon last month coming on late in the Top 14 club’s loss to Brive Allie was alone with three-months-old Zahli in the family's home in Willarong Road when ferocious winds and big hailstones hit about 4.40pm on Monday but I went to a back room and picked up Zahli because she was really frightened there was a huge crack and the tree came crashing through the window of the front room where I had been sitting." Allie called her mother's mobile phone only to find she was trapped in her car by tree branches in the driveway of their home "I was nearly home when the storm hit and so I drove in and intended staying in the car until the worst was over," Tracey said "Then the tree came down on the car and house The windscreen smashed and hailstones and bits of roof tiles came flying in." The women called 000 and were told help would come quickly and to stay where they were because of the risk of fallen power lines "He stepped over power lines to get to the car and remove branches so I could get out and then showed me where to step to safely get out to the street," she said they used a machine to test the wires and told us they were live "I realise in hindsight it was probably stupid of me to leave the car." An ambulance paramedic arrived soon after and escorted Allie to safety "The damage to the house is not as extensive as we thought and we may be able to move back in within a few days." Tracey and her husband Garry said they they often complained about the tree but never applied to the council for its removal They said the tree appeared to be in good health and believe it was just the tremendous force of the wind that brought it down Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time The cabin of a truck that crashed through part of a house in Sydney’s south on Saturday morning was left hanging over a 10-metre cliff in what rescuers described as a “fortunate escape” for the two occupants of the vehicle owned by a tree lopping contractor with a chipper trailer on the back appeared to have lost control Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said The truck went down a steep hill at Weerona Place where it crashed through the front of an unoccupied home that was undergoing renovations A truck that crashed into house at Caringbah South on Saturday morning.Credit: Fire & Rescue NSW A man and a woman were trapped in the front of the truck until firefighters The pair appeared to have suffered no serious injuries but were treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital as a precaution The truck’s cabin was left hanging over a small cliff with a 10-metre fall.Credit: Fire & Rescue NSW The home’s structural integrity was compromised by the crash and the truck is now holding up the roof Specialist contractors will now take over the scene and police have declared the area a “danger zone” NSW Police received a call from the neighbours of the waterfront property about 7.25am and both occupants were out of the truck 30 minutes later The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here The cabin of a truck that crashed through part of a house in Sydney\\u2019s south on Saturday morning was left hanging over a 10-metre cliff in what rescuers described as a \\u201Cfortunate escape\\u201D for the two occupants of the vehicle The home\\u2019s structural integrity was compromised by the crash and the truck is now holding up the roof Specialist contractors will now take over the scene and police have declared the area a \\u201Cdanger zone\\u201D The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories NRL player Josh Reynolds is hoping to get a good result for his Caringbah South investment property hoping to put the turmoil of the past few months behind him is again attempting to sell his Caringbah South ­duplex investment It was part of a contemporary building project with his ­former Bulldogs teammate Michael Lichaa The duo paid $1.5 million for a 710sq m development site which has Port Hacking waterviews The property has a $1.6 million price guide Lichaa sold his four-bedroom home with pool for $1.75 million in 2018 Cronulla Real Estate’s Reno Santaguida now has the tenanted offering with a $1.6 million guide It’s along the street from another project Lichaa and Reynolds recently completed after their three-man ­investment syndicate paid $2.5 million in 2017 for a four-bedroom knockdown on 1310sqm which are days away from strata registration Just the one has been offered for sale with ­Reynolds seeming likely to add his townhouse to his ­extensive property portfolio As he app­roaches the start of the NRL season Reynolds this week expressed hopes of moving on from the allegations of domestic violence made by former girlfriend Arabella Del Busso following the alleged incidents at the duplex I ­believe the charges against me should never have been brought I was always an innocent man and I’m happy the legal system has proved this,” Reynolds told Channel 9 this week “I’m relieved with the fact that I can now get on with my life and move forward.” A mother who allegedly ran over her daughter in a car outside her son’s 21st birthday party has been charged with drink driving Police were called to Ash Avenue in Caringbah South at about 12.40am and found Keely Palmer trapped underneath a white Toyota hatchback after she had been allegedly dragged 100 metres by the vehicle Firefighters eventually freed the woman about 2am and she was taken to St George Hospital in a serious condition with “significant” injuries to her arm and leg an update on her condition was unavailable Police allege the 58-year-old car driver Dale Palmer – the injured woman’s mother – returned a positive result to a roadside breath test before being arrested A breath analysis at Sutherland Police Station allegedly returned a reading of 0.166 Police have since charged her with aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and high-range drink drinking and she was bailed to appear at Sutherland Local Court on May 5 A provisional apprehended violence order has also been taken out against Dale Palmer on Keely Palmer’s behalf with a formal application likely to be made by police when the mother faces court this week Police on Sunday were yet to speak to her daughter but believe the incident occurred while Ms Palmer was hosting her son’s 21st birthday party at the family home NSW Police Chief Inspector Gary Ford said that while he understood a party was being held at the residence police didn’t yet know why the mother was allegedly behind the wheel a teenage girl was taken to hospital in critical condition after she was hit by a van in Sydney’s south on Saturday night Emergency services were called to the intersection of Old Illawarra Road and New Illawarra Road in Menai about 8.40pm on Saturday after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car A 14-year-old girl was treated at the scene and taken to St George Hospital before she was transferred to Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick in a critical condition A male van driver was taken to Sutherland Hospital for mandatory testing Police established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances of the crash A mother who allegedly ran over her daughter in a car outside her son\\u2019s 21st birthday party has been charged with drink driving with \\u201Csignificant\\u201D injuries to her arm and leg Police allege the 58-year-old car driver Dale Palmer \\u2013 the injured woman\\u2019s mother \\u2013 returned a positive result to a roadside breath test before being arrested A provisional apprehended violence order has also been taken out against Dale Palmer on Keely Palmer\\u2019s behalf but believe the incident occurred while Ms Palmer was hosting her son\\u2019s 21st birthday party at the family home police didn\\u2019t yet know why the mother was allegedly behind the wheel a teenage girl was taken to hospital in critical condition after she was hit by a van in Sydney\\u2019s south on Saturday night before she was transferred to Sydney Children\\u2019s Hospital at Randwick in a critical condition Although no price has been disclosed for the Caringbah South home it is understood to have sold for close to the price guide of $6 million Cahill would likely be relieved to have recouped the bullish $5.25 million he paid for the Willarong Road property in 2006 four-bathroom house came with a home cinema Cahill has spent little time at the property and their four children moved to New York when he signed with the New York Red Bulls More recently, he has been splitting his time between the US and China, having signed a $10 million deal in March to play in the Chinese Super League. Cahill still owns a Horningsea Park property in Sydney’s west. He bought the property with family in 1999 for $260,000. In 2013, he sold his Narellan Vale property in Liquidamber Drive for $440,000. Greg Gilbert, of Greg Gilbert Real Estate, said confidentiality agreements meant he could not disclose the sale price of Cahill’s 1200-square-metre property.  The suburb high of $8.5 million was set last year for a waterfront mansion in nearby Fernleigh Road sold by hotelier Geoff Redmond and his wife, Alison.   offering everything from bunk beds to bathroom renovation supplies It’s also one of the Sutherland Shire’s more affordable neighbourhoods where buyers priced out of shiny Burraneer and Cronulla can often find properties that don’t blow the budget “Most of the original homes would be 60 years old and the majority would be fibro,” says Ben Pike, director at Pulse Property Agents “There’s also a small mix of red-brick homes built in the 1970s.” a new wave of young couples and families is heading to the area extensions and even knockdown-rebuilds,” Pike says Positioned about 25 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD Caringbah once stretched from Woolooware Bay on the Georges River to Yowie Bay and Burraneer Bay on the Port Hacking estuary the 2229 postcode has been subdivided into several smaller suburbs Caringbah has about 5300 dwellings – a touch more than ritzier Caringbah South – as well as a diverse mix of commercial and industrial areas The main local shopping area is near the station the shops and showrooms along Taren Point Road on the border of Caringbah and Taren Point attract buyers from all over the Shire and beyond the suburb’s only stretch of waterfront is home to businesses That section is next to the region’s new town centre The vast mixed-use development will deliver even more shopping and lifestyle options for residents of Caringbah Pike says two-bedroom apartments in Caringbah typically range from $550,000 to more than $1 million give or take a few hundred thousand depending on location and quality Updated homes regularly trade for closer to $2 million Wendy De Francesco has lived in the Sutherland Shire her whole life she moved to a townhouse in Caringbah because of the suburb’s convenience from the beach to the shopping centre at Miranda,” she says and there are dog-friendly times at Greenhills Beach 54B Crammond Boulevard What’s the property equivalent of that beloved new car smell Take in the delights of this new Torrens title duplex where highlights include multiple living areas Newton Real Estate’s Ian Gray is quoting a price guide between $1.2 million and $1.25 million 14B Nullaburra Road crisp white cabinetry and thoughtfully-placed open-plan design give this three-bedder a refreshing feel a lock-up garage and a main bedroom with a freestanding bath in the en suite Alex Pitsis of Greg Gilbert Real Estate is leading the campaign. would accurately describe Leanne Clarke's motto in life The Caringbah South mum and dedicated advocate for cancer awareness and research is living proof that a positive attitude and ongoing effort can surpass any obstacle For her continual efforts in pushing for greater awareness she has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community health As one of 506 recipients of the OAM across Australia Mrs Clarke's contributions were recognised on a national scale A psychologist who has assisted with submissions to government and other leading authorities she has been Clinic Director of Southside Health and Wellbeing since 2001 she was the inaugural chair of Allied and Community Health Council South Eastern Sydney Medicare Locals and is a former director of Central and Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network Perhaps her most personally rewarding role is as advocate for Rare Cancers Australia and a volunteer advisor for overseas therapy options at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre It is a cause close to her heart. Her husband Daniel was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. He travelled to the US in 2018 to undergo CAR-T therapy for non-hodgkin's lymphoma Picture by Chris LaneMrs Clarke said she was surprised to receive the accolade "When I first received the email from the Governor's General office I thought it was a scam." Luckily she read on and actioned the offer Mrs Clarke said Australia was still behind in being able to provide new cancer therapies "While we tend to view Australia's health system as innovative and world leading the reality is that we are slow to adopt new therapies," she said cost containment and failure to listen to the advice of expert clinicians means that patients miss out on the care they deserve - for some that means sub-optimal treatment and delayed recovery for others it can literally be a death sentence "Over four years after receiving a terminal diagnosis That would not have been possible if I was not in the privileged position of being a health professional with strong connections within the field and a background in health advocacy All Australians deserve access to world-leading no one should have to go to the other side of the world to access it." Want more local news? Sign up for your free weekly newsletter. listing his waterfront mansion in the city’s south The soccer star bought the four-storey pad in Caringbah South shortly after the 2006 World Cup But despite paying a hefty $5.25 million for the home – a suburb record at the time – the busy professional footballer has spent little time at there He owns another home just outside of New York where he lived with his wife and the couple’s four children when he played for the New York Red Bulls After signing a $10 million deal with Chinese club Shenhua Shanghai at the start of the year he has been splitting his time between the US and China Selling agent Greg Gilbert of Greg Gilbert Real Estate was reluctant to put a price on the property but it’s likely the star will be looking to recoup more than he paid in 2006 Each of the home’s four floors provides expansive views over the Port Hacking River Mr Gilbert said the privacy the home offered and it’s “family-focused layout” were key selling points &<span class=”scayt-misspell-word” data-scayt-word=”nbsp”>nbsp</span>; and the grass lawns around the water are a big advantage for children so it’s going to suit a multitude of different people,” he said Mr Gilbert will releasing a price guide to interested parties in two weeks ahead of the auction scheduled for June 25 The current suburb record stands at $8.5 million, which was paid in November last year for a five-bedroom mansion on 4600 square metres on Fernleigh Road. This is probably not the page you’re looking for Picture by John VeagePolice are seeking witnesses and video footage after a three-year-old boy was injured when he was struck by an electric 'fat bike" at Caringbah South Clara Ferrer Patxot was walking home along Gannons Road with her three young children when the accident occurred about 5.30pm on Tuesday March 26 and he was kept in overnight for observation Acting commander of Sutherland Shire Police Area Command Acting Superintendent Gavin Bradbury said police had taken details from the child's mother "Attempts to identify the rider of the e-bike are being made and subsequent canvassing for witness of camera footage has been conducted," he said "The child's mother did inform my police that the teenager did stay with at the scene and was very remorseful." along with Sutherland Shire Council and state and federal MP's "are receiving regular concerns about the riders of these types of bikes" "We have engaged with community members and councillors regarding the issue and are working with council Youth Officers and local police to address and educate riders about their responsibilities when riding e-bikes and bicycles in general," he said 3-year-old suffers broken leg when hit by 'fat bike' at Caringbah South Tom Burgess was among the NRL players to make a recent move in the property market NRL players have been joining the rush of Sydneysiders buying and selling real estate during the current boom market with many making purchases just in time for the start of the new season Players from the Roosters to the Tigers have made moves all across the city from the Central Coast to the Sutherland Shire ahead of the first round of games And it comes as research group CoreLogic revealed property prices grew in February at the fastest rate in 17 years Buyer demand in NSW has spiked more than 50 per cent on levels recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak while listings have slumped to record lows in some areas MORE: Sydney’s $50m man on why he’s selling up Ex-houso has 29 homes at age 29 It’s created long lines of homebuyers at open for inspections and a pressure cooker sales environment where buyers are snapping up homes days after they hit the market in some instances Sea Eagles player Kieran Foran sold a Central Coast property Among the NRL players who have recently cashed in on the boom is Manly Warringah Sea Eagles star Kieran Foran Foran and wife Karina sold their weekender investment in Central Coast enclave Terrigal for $1 million just seven days after it hit the market The pair had snapped up the five-bedroom townhouse in 2018 for $775,000 The Terrigal property of Kieran Foran sold for $1m Foran has some form when it comes to real estate deals He sold a Freshwater home in 2017 for $3.055 million – about $540,000 above the price he paid for it nearly two years prior South Sydney Rabbitohs star Tom Burgess and fiancee Tahlia Giumelli secured a home in Woolooware at auction in February beating out strong competition from 17 other bidders The couple paid $2.61 million – a figure reported to be $400,000 over the reserve for the property It was understood to be the culmination of a long search for Burgess and Giumelli who had begun looking for a new home after the birth of their 19-month old daughter Sophie The Woolooware property was snapped up for $2.61m The couple’s relocation to the Sutherland Shire followed their departure from Little Bay last year Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and wife Chelsea spent $3.53 million on a cottage in Mosman late last year following a reshuffle of their investment portfolio They had sold their nearby Mosman home for $5 million in August after just five days on the market They had purchased that home for $3.1 million in 2017 and spent about $120,000 on a renovation They also sold a Cammeray investment apartment Sydney Roosters co-captain Jake Friend also did some reshuffling of his property investments two-bathroom unit in Randwick for an undisclosed price late last year He and partner Jenna Kallin lived there for 18 months before doing a major renovation Tigers player Josh Reynolds sold in the Shire Wests Tigers player Josh Reynolds recently sold a Sutherland Shire townhouse that had been a side project with an old teammate and builder friend The trio bought the 1310 sqm site in Caringbah South for $2.5 million in 2017 and built a complex Reynolds’ townhouse was at the rear and was listed with a $1.7-$1.8 million guide The guide was later dropped to $1.65-$1.7 million after its auction Manly Warringah Sea Eagles star Jake Trbojevic bought ¬another northern beaches property in 2020 He snapped up the garden apartment in Narrabeen where he had previously purchased property six years ago came with two bedrooms and an alfresco entertainment area Former NRL star Todd Carney recently sold a one-bedroom investment property in Waverley for $905,500 who is expecting a new baby with Married At First Sight star Susie Bradley had been renting the home out to tenants for about $650 per week Retired star Greg Inglis sold an investment property Retired NRL legend Greg Inglis also sold an investment property last year offloading a Botany townhouse for $911,000 The former South Sydney Rabbitoh’s super fund had snapped up the two-bedroom townhouse for $850,000 in 2015 West Tigers player Josh Reynolds has sold a townhouse at Caringbah South THE redundant Sutherland Shire townhouse of Wests Tigers player Josh Reynolds has gone under offer But Reynolds had to reduce his ­initial price hopes to find the buyer for what was a side project away from footy MORE: Inside Karl Stefanovic’s waterfront mansion Breathtaking estate has private golf hole and infinity pool Live in the fast lane with this Bathurst home The 2019 built home was part of a Caringbah South townhouse development with his former Bulldogs teammate Michael Lichaa and their builder mate James “Gabby” Marroun The trio bought the 1310sqm site for $2.5 million in 2017 Reynolds’ detached four bedroom townhouse was at the rear of the boutique complex Its contemporary Caeserstone kitchen and open plan living flow to the rear of the 355sqm block where there’s a lawn and a pool It had a guide of $1.7 million to $1.8 million for its early September auction The main bedroom has high ceilings and ducted airconditioning The guide became $1.65 million to $1.7 million after its auction by Cronulla Real Estate agents Reno and Dominic Santaguida It was just a few doors along from Reynolds and Lichaa’s earlier project where Reynolds found a buyer for his four bedroom SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST NSW REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER FOLLOWING his latest relocation­ — this time to the English Super League — fallen former Cronulla Sharks rugby league star Ben Barba has decided to offload his Sutherland Shire investment property Barba’s decision to sell the Caringbah apartment comes after he recently leased his own home It seems Barba’s playing future is now in the UK after being told by French rugby union club Toulon — with whom he had signed a lucrative 2½-year deal in January — that he was no longer needed It comes after 2012 Dally M Medal winner Barba was banned from the NRL for 12 matches for failing a drugs test last November in the wake of the celebrations over Cronulla’s maiden grand final win last year who had joined the Sharks the previous season played a starring role in that historic victory But just two months later he tested positive to having cocaine in his system The flying fullback will pocket a profit from selling the 84sqm investment apartment with a price guidance of $620,000 to $660,000 for the two-bedroom apartment with updated kitchen and bathroom It was listed in March at $420 a week and the marketing suggests the tenants are happy to stay on for the new buyer Century 21 Cronulla’s David Wolfhart has the listing which faces competition­ from the top floor of the block where a renovated unit is listed with $649,950 hopes Barba’s decision to sell the apartment comes after he recently leased his two-bedroom former Caringbah home He paid $1.18 million for the home in 2014 following his brief stint at the Brisbane Broncos Barba was recently spotted at the Super League Magic Weekend — an annual event in the ­English Super League in which an entire round of matches is played over a weekend at one ­stadium Newly appointed St Helens coach Justin Holbrook worked with Barba at the Bulldogs as assistant­ coach St Helens are seeking to get Barba’s ban reduced but the NRL has said it expects the ban to be enforced before he makes his Super League debut Domain Liveable Sydney 2016 is a new study that ranks 555 Sydney suburbs based on liveability The study’s authors – Tract Consultants and Deloitte Access Economics – used 16 indicators to determine a suburb’s liveability, including transport, education, traffic, views and proximity to employment hubs. For the full list of indicators click here Hurrah for Kareela the most liveable place in southern Sydney The suburb on the southern shores of Oyster Bay has loads of open space and an impressively low crime rate The only below-average scores are for culture and shopping Just missing out on first place for liveability in Sydney’s south, Woolooware is at the top of its game for education proximity to ferries (over to Bundeenda) and water views also scores well for cafes and restaurants Take a bow Cronulla the third most liveable suburb in Sydney’s south This ‘burb has beaches and ferries (although only over to Bundeena) not to mention pretty impressive bus and train links (contain your envy northern beaches.) The only not-so-flash scores are for proximity to employment hubs and crime Eating out is a weak spot on the liveability chart for Bardwell Park just north of the M5 East near Wolli Creek The fourth most liveable suburb in the south gets solid scores for buses open space and telecommunications coverage Buses and education are the big scores on Rockdale’s report card Rated fifth for liveability in Sydney’s south Rockdale also performs well for telecommunications trains and access to the beach which is one suburb away at Brighton-Le-sands Though Sutherland doesn’t get top marks for any category the suburb north of the Royal National Park achieves solid results in most areas Its strongest scores are for telecommunications The only below-average areas shops and crime With houses on both sides of the Woronora River this southern Sydney suburb scores brilliantly for tree cover It also does well on measures of main road congestion water views and telecommunications coverage The study revealed below-average scores for proximity to employment hubs Rated eighth for liveability in Sydney’s south, Kogarah performs solidly for culture Education is its strongest suite though there is room for improvement in its results for tree cover Bonnet Bay cafes and restaurants drag down the overall score and the suburb is about average for Sydney in terms of education and main road congestion One of southern Sydney’s retail hotspots, the home of a Westfield, Miranda gets top marks for shopping It is rated above average for proximity to employment hubs while its lowest scores are for crime and open space Just outside the top 10 most liveable suburbs in the south, Jannali earns decent scores for open space It is rated average for Sydney in all other other categories except for culture Caringbah is one of the better places in south Sydney for shopping It also receives great scores for its cafes and restaurants There’s room for improvement on crime and open spaces telecommunications coverage and main road congestion are all about average by Sydney standards Burraneer on the north shore of the Port Hacking estuary is well inside the south’s top 20 most liveable suburbs and it also performs admirably on measures of leafiness The only below-average scores are for education This suburb on the north-eastern edge of the Royal National Park is (almost) off the charts for topographic variation and open space residents of Engadine enjoy relatively less congestion on their main roads and a low crime rate The only below-average score is for proximity to employment hubs Gymea scores well for proximity to schools and its train access It’s safety first at Loftus which scores top marks for its low crime rate Also impressive are the results for telecommunications coverage Its scores are well below the Sydney average for retail proximity to employment hubs and education achieves its highest marks for telecommunications coverage and trains The only area in which the study found it is underdeveloped is retail Full bars on your mobile phone and you live close to a bus stop? You’re probably in Bexley North The suburb also gets solid scores for trains crime and education received average ratings and its cafe scene isn’t as developed as some of its neighbours First, the bad news: Heathcote scores very low for proximity to employment hubs and retail That doesn’t stop it appearing relatively high on the list of south Sydney suburbs It has relatively less main road congestion a low crime rate and decent access to buses and trains Caringbah South gets average or above average results for everything but open space Its best marks are for cafes and restaurants Education and main road congestion receive average scores and it is not as well serviced by buses as Caringbah Though Hurstville doesn’t get top marks in any area it has very good scores in more than half the categories studied and it is rated below average for main road congestion If only the study awarded extra points for windmills. Yarrawarrah has one – it is also rated brilliantly for open space The hilly suburb near the Royal National Park isn’t well rated for proximity to employment hubs It receives average ratings in all the other areas studied With plenty of schools and a train station, Allawah appears in the top half of south Sydney’s liveability league table it’s relatively close to beaches and above average for Sydney in terms of telecommunications coverage and proximity to employment hubs The suburb’s lowest scores are for main road congestion The Southgate Shopping Centre means Sylvania performs very well in the retail space cafes and restaurants and proximity to beaches The suburb’s nearest rail link is Gymea and it has average ratings for buses and open space Near Gymea Bay on the Port Hacking River, the suburb of Yowie Bay is rated well for topographic variation tree cover and telecommunications coverage The only categories in which it is below average are culture Bangor scores home runs on the liveability chart for open space and topographic variation Other strong suits are relatively low congestion on its main roads Just west of Sydney Airport, Wolli Creek has outstanding rail links and educational offerings proximity to employment hubs and shops are above average for Sydney Most of the streets in Woronora Heights are named after birds so it’s only fitting that the suburb should perform well in the tree cover category It also receives strong scores for topographic variety and open space Barden Ridge rates well for for telecommunications coverage though is below average for public transport eating out and proximity to employment hubs Gymea Bay performs very well for tree cover The suburb is around the middle of the pack for culture The buses and beach are the biggest liveability drawcards in Kyeemagh The suburb on the western shore of Botany Bay also rates well for open space and telecommunications coverage The downsides are a lack of topographic variation and tree cover It’s not at the top, but it’s also nowhere near the bottom of the table for southern Sydney. The study gives Bexley decent marks for telecommunications coverage tree cover and open spaces there is room for improvement Peakhurst Heights is a relatively high number of bus stops and plenty of open space It is middle of the road when it comes to education The study gives it below-average scores for cafes Narwee about 18 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD on the East Hills line The suburb also receives solid scores for education Close to the middle of the pack for liveability in the south, Arncliffe rates highly for train access and very well for telecommunications coverage and nearby schools It is an average performer for main road congestion Oatley is another middle performer in the south scoring slightly better than the overall Sydney average telecommunications coverage and views of the Georges River The suburb’s lowest scores are for culture Carss Park is smack in the middle of the south’s liveability table It excels in terms of its proximity to schools and is above average for telecommunications The suburb is not as highly rated as some of its neighbours for shopping First, the good news: Como has fabulous views of the Georges and Woronora rivers topographic variation and rail links are significant drawcards Como receives average ratings for open space Port Hacking achieves stellar results for its watery vistas The suburb is let down by its proximity to employment hubs has a similar liveability profile to its neighbour with killer views and respectable bus links culture and proximity to employment hubs aren’t highly rated shopping and main road congestion are rated average for Sydney something those taking off and landing at Sydney Airport will be grateful for there’s excellent mobile and internet coverage it has good access to nearby employment hubs cafes and restaurants as well as above average cultural options Hurstville Grove is slightly below the middle of the group for liveability in Sydney’s south train links and proximity to schools all receive average scores and it is less strong in terms of retail and dining options enjoy outstanding tree cover and much more open space than most places in Sydney The main roads are less congested than suburbs closer to the city there are great shops and very good telecommunications coverage The suburb does not rate as well for buses Blakehurst connected to the Sutherland Shire by Tom Uglys Bridge receives very good marks for telecommunications coverage It is rated around average for its culture With its own train station on the Illawarra line, Carlton gets top marks for its rail links water views and beach access are above average The only areas in which Carlton scores well below average are open space South Hurstville’s score for main road congestion is lower than most in Sydney and performs quite well for education and telecommunications coverage It is let down by relatively low open space and tree cover Low crime and out-of-this-world views: they’re the best bits of Oyster Bay telecommunications coverage and topographic variation Lilli Pilli just scrapes into the top two thirds of southern Sydney for overall liveability This small suburb west of Port Hacking has outstanding water views and very good tree cover It is rated average for telecommunications coverage Proximity to employment and rail links were its lowest scores Peakhurst’s standout features for liveability are bus connections and relatively clear roads during peak hour It receives average scores for most other categories Beverley Park is more liveable than a third of south Sydney’s suburbs beach access and telecommunications coverage Riverwood straddles the M5 between Narwee and Padstow It has a train station on the East Hills Line elevating its liveability score on the rail front Main road congestion is better than most places in south Sydney and it also scores well for shopping and bus services The only below-average scores are for culture Sylvania Waters isn’t the place to be if you’re into frolicking in open spaces shopping or checking out some mighty fine water views eating out and telecommunications coverage are average Kangaroo Point is a tiny suburb on the southern side of the Georges River It gets top marks for its water views and also performs admirably in its results for shopping with Southgate Shopping Centre nearby it’s rated around about the Sydney average but it is dragged down by proximity to employment hubs Turrella’s strong suits are trains telecommunications coverage and proximity to schools In the other liveability rankings it performs about average for Sydney Like Kyeemagh a few suburbs north on the shores of Botany Bay, Ramsgate Beach is onto a good thing with its beach and bus services There are shops nearby and the main roads typically aren’t as congested as in other parts of Sydney Penshurst’s numerous schools give it a high score in the education category and it also gets excellent reviews for its telecommunications coverage and train links Illawong doesn’t do things by halves But the study doesn’t award many points for culture Like Ramsgate Beach, Ramsgate’s highlights are water views It doesn’t perform particularly well on measures of topographic variation or crime it receives scores around the city’s average Brighton-Le-Sands gets top marks for its beach – especially if you’re not too keen on waves It also has strong telecommunications coverage public transport and education are all rated average by Sydney standards Though it’s in the bottom third of the liveability table for south Sydney Mortdale is very well rated for its train connections and telecommunications coverage It receives average scores for proximity to employment hubs cafes and restaurants and tree cover and its main roads can get jam-packed Sandringham receives excellent scores for its open space the views often watery and there’s relatively less traffic than other parts of town the suburb is not rated highly for education tree cover or proximity to employment hubs Hit a mobile phone black spot? You’re probably not in Kingsgrove which scores well for mobile and internet coverage trains and schools are other liveability highlights It is an average performer across all the other categories except for open space and tree cover Captain Cook picked a smashing beach as his landing place in 1770 It is rated well below the Sydney average for proximity to employment hubs Lugarno gets top marks for its low crime rate and excellent topographic variation It’s also a great performer in the areas of open space education and all forms of public transport For a suburb close to the bottom of the liveability rankings in south Sydney, Grays Point has a surprising number of excellent scores The areas which drag down its overall rating are proximity to employment hubs Bardwell Valley has strong mobile coverage varied topography and is walking distance to a few different train stations It’s reasonably close to Brighton-Le-Sands Beach and gets average scores for culture The only below-average scores are for shops Other suburbs in the south may have more open space, tree cover and buses, but Banksia has its own train station giving it a strong rating for the rail category It’s relatively close to the beach and has good mobile coverage Connells Point achieves excellent scores for telecommunications coverage but it lags behind most of Sydney in the areas of culture Kogarah Bay is in the bottom 10 suburbs in south Sydney for liveability but still manages some robust scores in the areas of telecommunications coverage It is rated as average across the other categories Monterey gets top marks for its beach and very good scores for low crime Taren Point receives its strongest scores for proximity to the beach The least impressive results are for topographic variation while it is rated as average for education The study identifies Kyle Bay as one of the least liveable neighbourhoods in south Sydney However it is better than most for telecommunications coverage cafe and restaurants and its proximity to employment hubs What Alfords Point lacks in shops The crime rate is impressively low and it is near the middle of the liveability road for water views First to the positives for Dolls Point: it’s close to the beach the crime rate is low and the traffic easy The suburb gets average scores for culture water views and open space and low scores for education and jobs The beach, cafes and water views are the biggest drawcards for Sans Souci. It is middle of the road for culture and proximity to employment hubs but is not ranked highly for shops, tree cover, topographic variation or rail. Auctioneer Andrew Cooley at a Sylvania Waters home sold for $3.6m It was a bumper week for auctions across Sydney – close to 900 homes went under the hammer – and sellers of “family friendly” houses or larger blocks with development potential pocketed the best results Among the top sales was a deceased estate in Stanmore with a mysterious pit in the backyard. It sold under the hammer for $1.76m. The price for the Cavendish St property was $260,000 above the reserve LJ Hooker-Newtown agent George Milionis said most of the buyer interest was from renovators as the home offered scope for improvement MORE: Unit sellers ‘emotional’ after defying odds The western suburbs on brink of $1m prices It also offered 10.6m of frontage – considered large for Stanmore who was under instructions from NSW Trustee and Guardian said it was not known why the backyard was excavated a dated house in Caringbah South with water glimpses changed hands for the first time in 32 years for just shy of $1.7m The price for the Yowie Ave home with four bedrooms was $296,000 above the reserve It was also nearly $1.53m higher than the $162,000 the vendors paid back in 1988 The other bidders were families hoping to renovate the property to create their “ever after” Bidding kicked off at $1.3m and three of the bidders submitted offers The buyer was a young family and the gavel dropped after nearly 60 bids were placed Mr Cooley takes bids for the Yowie Ave home in Caringbah South Mr Cooley said it was rare for property in the surrounding pocket of Caringbah South to come onto the market and strong competition had been expected Selling agent Wendy Samrani of Ray White-Caringbah said more than 80 groups inspected the property in the lead-up to the auction and 20 buyers requested contracts In Sylvania Waters, a waterfront property on Barcoo Island sold for $3.6m — pipping the reserve by $100,000 It was the first time the four-bedroom house was on the market in half a century and the interior had scope to be improved through a renovation The home was listed with DJW Property agent Dave Watkins All four of the registered bidders submitted offers and 16 bids were placed The property with direct water frontage offered “one of the best positions in Sylvania Waters” an architecturally designed house in Carnes Hill sold for $1.325m The house on Joseph Wild Rd attracted 12 registered bidders Auctioneer Rocky Bartolotto received an opening bid of $1.1m Carnes Hill sold for $125,000 over reserve designed for family living,” Mr Bartolotto said adding many Western Sydney houses have recently been selling prior to auction On the northern beaches, 16 buyers registered for the auction of a three-bedroom house on Stoddard Place in Dee Why “We weren’t expecting that,” said selling agent Giovanni Di Mauro of McGrath-Dee Why adding that few similar properties had been on the market in recent months “There isn’t a lot of stock but a lot of buyers More than 200 people came through the inspections.” Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad and Southern Region Enforcement Squad have charged six people over their alleged involvement in the supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney and the Monaro region an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the Monaro region A joint operation commenced earlier this year with the Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (South) who established Strike Force Watson to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs between Sutherland Shire and Monaro regions Officers seized 4000 MDMA pills and 1.1kg of cocaine 27 and 29 - and were arrested by the Tactical Operations Unit on Castenau Street Investigators seized 5000 MDMA pills and about 280g of cocaine The total estimated potential street value of the MDMA and cocaine seized throughout the investigation is more than $750,000 The men were taken to Sutherland Police Station assisted by Central Metropolitan Region's ODIN executed search warrants at homes at Caringbah South and Loftus A 32-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested at the Caringbah South property and also taken to Sutherland Police Station A child from the home was placed into the care of a relative The 32-year-old Caringbah South man was charged with 10 counts of suppling a prohibited drug three counts of taking part in supplying prohibited drug knowingly directing activities of criminal group The 26-year-old Caringbah South woman was charged with six counts of supplying a prohibited drug six counts of taking part in supplying a prohibited drug participating in criminal group contribute criminal activity Police will allege in court that the group were involved in large commercial-scale supply of prohibited drugs They have all been refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on November 25 Anyone with information relating to the supply of prohibited drugs in their community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has spent $2.3 million on a contemporary five-bedroom house in Caringbah South The architecturally designed property overlooking Burraneer Bay was built on a 977 square metre block that traded for $1 million in 2008 with auctioneer Damien Cooley taking a $2.2 opening bid last Monday Title Tattle recalls the house had been initially listed for 2011 auction without success then relisted in March last year with $2 million plus hopes who also signed on with the club this week for another three years has been suspended by the NRL following the ASADA investigation for its part in the 2011 supplements scandal Flanagan took over the lead coaching role from Ricky Stuart who after quitting the Parramatta Eels is now with the Canberra Raiders We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home Median house prices have topped the $2 million mark in more than a quarter of Sydney suburbs Matraville and Caringbah South among the latest to join the club Buoyed by Sydney’s booming property market prices across dozens of suburbs hit and surpassed a $2 million median house price last year Median house prices in Croydon and more than a dozen other suburbs topped the $2 million mark late last year Cherrybrook and Glenhaven in the city’s north-west and Croydon and Five Dock in the inner west were among the suburbs that made it into the growing cohort last quarter after their median prices increased by hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2021 where typical house prices crossed the $2 million threshold earlier last year “It’s quite stark,” Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell said of the growing club noting the median price tag once limited to premium suburbs had rippled out A decade ago it was suburbs such as Mosman – with a 2011 median of $2,225,000 – that ranked among the once prestigious club Woollahra and Rose Bay had yet to hit the $2 million mark Medians across such suburbs now range from $4.25 million in Woollahra to $5.45 million in Bronte 26 per cent of analysed Sydney suburbs had a typical house price of more than $2 million with the concentration largely on the north shore Suburbs needed a minimum of 50 sales over the year to record a median About 60 per cent of suburbs had a typical house price above $1 million – a milestone Greater Sydney’s median first reached back in 2015 “The dynamics of what we deem as an elite price point for a suburb has absolutely changed because we’ve seen Sydney’s median price lift to $1.6 million,” Dr Powell said Rapidly rising prices meant house hunters with $2 million to spend are increasingly looking at entry-level homes in suburbs such as North Ryde and Ryde which also passed that price point last quarter set to be knocked down to make way for a new home The sale was close to the suburb median of $2.095 million Those after a freestanding house would need to look to an older home said selling agent Michael Dowling of McGrath Ryde Homes on odd-shaped blocks and main roads were also hitting the $2 million mark but entry-level houses on larger blocks with development potential were now going for $2.4 to $2.5 million Buyers were typically young families looking to upgrade from a townhouse or apartment with first-home buyers largely now limited to the unit market there were also more priced-out buyers coming from the inner west and north shore for better value for money Prices in both suburbs climbed more than $500,000 last year to medians of $2.2 million in North Ryde and $2,095,000 in Ryde as were suburbs such as MacMasters Beach on the Central Coast ($1,987,500) Oatley in the city’s south ($1,982,000) and Forest Lodge in the inner west ($1,976,500) A two-bedroom Caringbah South home on about 600 square metres sold for close to the $2.05 million suburb median in December Woolooware just scraped into the club with a median of $2 million while the typical house price in neighbouring Caringbah South climbed to $2.05 million such as knockdowns on blocks with development potential managing director of Gibson Partners Real Estate While some homes on smaller blocks were still in reach for those with a $2 million budget “There is still a severe shortage of anything in the high $1 million to low $2 million [range]; that market is still growing because of that,” Mr Lampret said Steep price gains had left some house hunters shocked at asking prices now seen for typical homes in the two suburbs – which had median sales prices below $1.5 million back in 2019 “Once they’re starting to put their toes in the water they are going ‘oh my god’,” Mr Lampret said the median sale price in neighbouring Burraneer lifted almost $900,000 last year pushing the peninsula suburb’s median price past $3 million North Balgowlah and Avalon Beach on the northern beaches and Camerray and Chatswood on the north shore were also among the suburbs where median house prices surpassed $3 million last quarter North Bondi and Woollahra joined the ranks of the $4 million club Dr Powell said steam was starting to come out of the property market with stronger levels of new listings and a slowdown in demand resulting in a build-up of total stock that was giving buyers more choice she still expected more suburbs push into a higher price bracket in the months to come “We are going to see that weakness first in our high-priced markets What you see in terms of price growth is that ripple effect you see premium suburbs lead in terms of price growth and then they also typically lead the downturn,” she added Buoyed by Sydney\\u2019s booming property market Cherrybrook and Glenhaven in the city\\u2019s north-west \\u201CIt\\u2019s quite stark,\\u201D Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell said of the growing club A decade ago it was suburbs such as Mosman \\u2013 with a 2011 median of $2,225,000 \\u2013 that ranked among the once prestigious club About 60 per cent of suburbs had a typical house price above $1 million \\u2013 a milestone Greater Sydney\\u2019s median first reached back in 2015 \\u201CThe dynamics of what we deem as an elite price point for a suburb has absolutely changed because we\\u2019ve seen Sydney\\u2019s median price lift to $1.6 million,\\u201D Dr Powell said Oatley in the city\\u2019s south ($1,982,000) and Forest Lodge in the inner west ($1,976,500) \\u201CThere is still a severe shortage of anything in the high $1 million to low $2 million [range]; that market is still growing because of that,\\u201D Mr Lampret said shocked at asking prices now seen for typical homes in the two suburbs \\u2013 which had median sales prices below $1.5 million back in 2019 \\u201COnce they\\u2019re starting to put their toes in the water they are going \\u2018oh my god\\u2019,\\u201D Mr Lampret said pushing the peninsula suburb\\u2019s median price past $3 million \\u201CWe are going to see that weakness first in our high-priced markets you see premium suburbs lead in terms of price growth and then they also typically lead the downturn,\\u201D she added A 52-YEAR-OLD dual-level brick-veneer home with commanding water views of Georges River sold $200,000 above reserve at Illawong Lene Mitchell of Ray White Menai said the $1,405,000 result for the four-bedroom 645-square-metre property at 31 Fowler Road was well above her expectations There were seven registered parties including builders and families from Illawong Families loved the in ground pool and yard The opening bid was $1 million and it went up in $50,000 and $20,000 bids alfresco entertaining area and having multiple living spaces It wasn’t the same success at an auction for a four-bedrom contemporary home at Caringbah South The single-level home on a 550-square metre block at 336 Willarong Road passed in on a vendor’s bid of $1.68 million Summer fun with in ground pool and manicured yard All three registered parties from the Shire are now out of contention: two other interested parties who did not register for the auction are now negotiating with agent Justin Ressler of Ressler Property Caringbah The property was low-maintenance and had an alfresco entertaining area with private landscaped yard and pool SYDNEY model Tahyna Tozzi and her professional dancer husband have bought a family home in her beloved Sutherland Shire a former dancer on the popular BBC program Strictly Come Dancing renovated three bedroom house in Caringbah South along with her younger sister Cheyenne and Lara Bingle Tozzi’s new property purchase features a swimming pool and cabana Abode Property selling agent Suzanne Hibberd said that the home has a “Hamptons beach house feel” and marketed it as being suited to young families and entertainers The price the couple paid sits on the $1.5 million Caringbah South median price and they have the potential to add a second storey to allow them to take advantage of waters views over Port Hacking The 1950s home last traded for $670,000 in 2008 Tozzi and MacManus returned from Ireland in February last year two months before the arrival of their first child having dated for five years with much of their time together spent in Tristan’s native Ireland and LA The pair met in 2011 at a Thai restaurant in LA through mutual friends Tozzi didn’t believe MacManus was a ballroom dancer because he was Irish and had tattoos The Tozzi name is synonymous with the Sutherland Shire although the family’s ­arrival on the Sydney scene came in the 1980s when they set up in Kings Cross Tozzi embarked on her modelling career when she was eight alongside her sister Cheyenne Tahyna hit television screens in 2005 playing the role of Perri Lawe on the ABC drama Blue Water High which was filmed on Sydney’s northern beaches followed by a bit-part in X-Men Origins: Wolverine where she played a mutant rescued by Logan In 2011 Tahyna starred in the film Trophy Kids alongside David Gallagher and Ryan Eggold with the film winning Best Ensemble Cast at the Breckenridge Festival of Film In the same year Tozzi also starred in the psychological thriller Needle there has been no progress update in recent times write and star in the 1990s-era road movie which they describe as a hybrid of The Wackness and Thelma & Louise Tristan joined BBC’s Strictly come Dancing in 2014 from US show Dancing With The Stars where he partnered celebrities including Gladys Knight and Pamela Anderson He’s performed on seven seasons across the two shows Brown has owned the Caringbah South home for almost 13 years purchasing it for $1.62 million back in 2009 according to Domain's Pricefinder data It was then damaged by fire in 2010 with Brown rebuilding more recently The sale listing comes not long after Brown announced he would be calling time on his 20-year-long head coaching career stating that his family has made too many sacrifices for him to continue to maintain the demanding role "There comes a time in life where my family's got to be more important than my coaching career I make no apologies for that," he told 9News in June READ MORE: Kyle Sandilands buys $3m mansion in Sydney's Glenorie State of Origin Blues and Sydney Roosters Captain James Tedesco also made a big buy in Hunters Hill And Tedesco isn't the only NRL star to relocate to Hunters Hill this year, with Benji Marshall and wife Zoe quietly buying a $4.75 million home in March NRL stars have been busy on the property market in 2022 Here's their latest real estate plays Brown's Caringbah South pad is set on a sloping 932 square-metre lot with direct access and sweeping views over picturesque Dolans Bay The newly built home features five bedrooms three bathrooms and a lift to make easy work of the steep block Brown attempted to list the property in 2019 for $3.75 million as a renovator's blank canvas READ MORE: Holly Valance to kiss mansion goodbye for $126 million While he won't be head coach of a club again Brown isn't leaving the game altogether "I'd like to work with younger players, and help with list management," he told 9News "Help coach younger players and help younger coaches.. help put a list together for a (NRL) top 30 State of Origin Blues and Sydney Roosters Captain James Tedesco has, together with fiancée Maria Glinellis, snapped up a modern mansion in Sydney's affluent Hunters Hill The pair spent $5.06 million on the 'resort-style' digs in May The purchase will see the couple moving in a few doors down from Glinellis' family who co-own a bustling cafe in nearby Woolwich READ MORE: Dodgy tax deductions landlords are being warned not to claim Tedesco and Glinellis' new abode is a Philip Lance architect-designed residence which has been recently updated which includes new Travertine flooring throughout further enhanced by a lofty atrium to add scale and space with a covered alfresco dining area and outdoor kitchen The home has five bedrooms and five bathrooms with upstairs housing a family zone and four bedrooms and downstairs there's an elegant guest suite which could be used as a home office There's parking for three vehicles and a rear level lawn on the 655 square-metre lot with a glass-edge pool Tedesco still retains a number of long-time Western Sydney investments where he grew up Retired NRL champion turned Fox Sports commentator and independent director for Queensland Rugby League Cooper Cronk and his wife Tara Rushton recently splashed out $8.75 million on a Mosman mansion Designed by renowned architect Luigi Rosselli three-bathroom Mosman pad balances architectural flair with timeless simplicity The gourmet stone kitchen includes a butler's pantry and European appliances BBQ and outdoor dining space to host family and friends Cronk and Rushton sold their former Mosman home for $4.95 million last July Thurston sold the digs after three weeks on the market by private treaty for $1.92 million He originally purchased the home for $1.2216 million in 2013 READ MORE: NRL legend Johnathan Thurston lists former Townsville home 2.5 bathrooms and a large study or sixth bedroom Outside there's a pool and self-contained guest retreat with kitchenette plus a "child's wonderland," complete with a playground It's reported that Thurston and wife Samantha purchased their new seafront Rowes Bay house for $4.5 million in September last year The home also has its own sporting pedigree with the house formerly home to golfing superstar Greg Norman and Olympic swimming bronze medallist Glenn Buchanan NRL legend Benji Marshall and his wife Zoe quietly secured a new Sydney home for $4.75 million after selling their renovated cottage in Canada Bay The retired Kiwi great and Celebrity Apprentice star and Zoe, a writer who hosts her own podcast, settled on the Hunters Hill pad in March The property had been updated by the previous vendors the modernisation almost doubling the price in eight years from $2.48 million to $4.75 million READ MORE: Benji Marshall and Zoe secure $5 million Hunters Hill home The family of four won't be short on space in the home, with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a designer kitchen with huge island bench and walk-in pantry, a dedicated home cinema room plus a study retreat on each level. There is indoor-outdoor flow and entertaining areas, plus enough room to chuck a footy around in the back yard. March was a big month, with NRL veteran Paul Harragon, also known as The Chief, listing his swish Newcastle home for $7 million-plus. The sprawling oceanfront home sits on 2.15 acres, provides stunning panoramic coastal views and is expected to set a new price record for the Lake Macquarie region. Harragon has owned the unique home for 27 years. According to the listing: "The residence was built as two interconnecting pavilions, one housing the double garage, an office and a massive games' room with cocktail bar. A swimming pool forms the centrepiece of the property's resort facilities plus a steam room, indoor spa, and gymnasium. "Its sophisticated interiors showcase Australian coastal design with high ceilings, and extensive use of glass and louvres." What sets Harragon's property apart from other oceanfront estates in the area is the green corridor that runs along the sand and incredible coastal views stretching to Newcastle city, beyond to Port Stephens and the Glenrock State Conservation area. There were reports that the home was purchased by fellow NRL legend and ex-teammate Adam MacDougall in April for $7.5 million, but this is unconfirmed, according to Domain's Pricefinder records. Auto news: 'Not all hybrid vehicles deliver fuel savings compared to their petrol counterparts' Australian Chamber Orchestra violinist Maja Savnik at home in Caringbah South Maja Savnik wanted to play the trumpet like her father and brother But with two professional trumpeters in the family her mother encouraged her to learn another instrument “I didn’t play the violin until I was I was seven and I didn’t take it up seriously until I was almost 10,” Maja says Having performed with several orchestras in Slovenia including the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra and toured with Sting on his Symphonicity tour Maja applied to join the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) “It’s a very different beast to work in a chamber orchestra,” she says “You’re much more exposed and a more active part of what is happening on stage.” With no performances scheduled due to COVID-19 the ACO has been running a virtual Academy to mentor young musicians “It’s heartbreaking not to be able to perform on stage,” Maja says during her trial period in Sydney almost five years ago the couple have settled into Caringbah South “I love the Shire — and I especially love that I get woken up by kookaburras,” she says Cushions from Stalley Briton in Hobart inspired by native animals Maja likes to use this traditional Slovene coffee pot to make coffee A Slovene witch to keep the evil spirits away This book of Slovene folk songs reminds Maja of visits to her grandmother’s house Maja’s husband Michael made this coffee table for her This Ida Rebula painting that was a gift from Maja’s parents This blanket that was a wedding gift for Maja Maja loves these crocheted doilies from her mum This pendant holds pictures of Maja’s husband Michael on one side and her parents on the other Also known as Mahi Mahi it weighed in at 8kgs and was caught using live bait off the FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) an hour from Surfers Paradise It was only his second time ocean fishing in the school holidays and he went out with BKs Fishing Charters his grandpa using a birthday gift voucher given by his mum They were told that Joshua had caught their 2023 junior record - at 122cm which was only 7cm short of the adult record of 128cm He was fishing with light line with 8kg breaking strain and he used a live yellowtail for bait Josh's grandfather said he had lots to say at the time after he landed the fish and was very excited and so too were all the others on the charter Now whenever Joshua gets the opportunity he is fishing at Wally's wharf in Burraneer Bay with his mum Thirty five year photographer for Fairfax -former NSW Chief Photographer for FCN and now Photo Journalist for the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader in southern Sydney.Official photographer for Cycling Australia (20 years) Official photographer for Surf Life Saving Australia (30 years) Founding Life Member of Cronulla Boardriders Club and Life Member of Surfing Sutherland Shire among other things. a pet bat which grew to have a wing span of nearly a metre was one of the attractions in Ivy Alcott's private zoo at historic Fernleigh House in Caringbah South Children in the neighbourhood were able to visit the zoo and retain fond memories "Count Yorga was only two inches long when I got him and now he's grown into this little monstrosity" The Leader's archives also contain photos from a year earlier of a bat called Satan which was was only a few weeks old when he was found clinging to the body of his mother who used an eye dropper to feed it a mixture of milk When the photo of Mrs Alcott and the Shetland ponies was taken outside the house in 1972 The interior of the house was also a treat with a 100-year-old skeleton they called Billy Bones occupying the attic was discovered during excavation for a tennis court and is one of the oldest homes in the shire Ivy and her husband Errol bought the house in about 1948 and lived there for more than 35 years Ivy's godson Bob Piper revealed some fascinating insights "The Alcocks [the couple later changed their surname to Alcott] were often in the media and some episodes of the old television series Skippy were filmed there Ivy provided the kangaroos...while Errol drove the Rolls Royce in some episodes," Mr Piper wrote "Their animals also appeared on the cover of Women's Weekly on December 18 "Ivy would always carry spare pet food in her little Fiat car and stop whenever she saw a stray dog or cat On one occasion she was pulled up by the local police for driving around with her huge ex-circus Great Dane leaning far out an open side window and nearly tilting the mini vehicle over in the process "It is known that Ivy and Errol were also great friends of Rolf Harris and his famous song Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport was launched on their front lawn in 1960." Memories of Fernleigh House Ivy showed Leader reporter Kevin Killey over the property have retained much of its old world charm," Killey wrote "They have also added a few 'mod cons' - such as a miniature TV set hanging from the top of the Queen Anne four-poster in the master bedroom her large Dane Caesar and a miniature Dachshund "Our first stop was the 'rigor mortis' bar an oasis of a kind carved out of solid rock Mrs Alcock providing a running commentary on items of interest "A carved model of Will Shakespeare took pride of place on the side verandah "There was also a genuine skeleton in the attic "The Alcocks discovered it while excavating the site of their tennis court "We inspected the five bedrooms including the master bedroom once belonging to Margaret Connell [who lived there originally] "It included a magnificent antique cedar suite complete with four poster bed - and the TV set I was told the legs of the bed had secret panels "The panels were designed as a hiding place for jewellery if bushrangers raided the property In another room was the wedding gift given to Margaret Connell by her husband John - a set of delicately engraved silver knives and forks "Other antique pieces included a carved horn dated 1857 a 174-year-old sword and a rare Budapest set of fruit bowls and two vases utilised as lamps shire resident with a leaning for local history owe the Alcocks a considerable debt for their effort to preserve one of the few remaining 'pieces' of genuine Australia in the shire." Do you have any old photos taken at Fernleigh House in Caringbah South that you would like to share Feel free to send them in via email to leadernews@fairfaxmedia.com.au