Speaker Event - Jan Carmody

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement/

We were fortunate enough to welcome the radiant Jan Carmody to the Astra, where she captivated us with stories from her extraordinary life. From small-town beginnings to glittering Hollywood parties, Jan has truly seen and done it all! Her journey took off in 1957 when she won the Miss Riverina beauty contest, launching her modelling career. In 1960, she posed as one of the iconic Bondi mermaids and went on to be crowned Miss Australian Surf. The title earned her a world press tour alongside June Dally-Watkins and Mr Australian Surf, promoting Australia as a must-see destination.

Movie Day

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One stormy Friday, we spontaneously decided to dig out an old DVD player and enjoy an impromptu movie day! Residents enjoyed popcorn and a screening of The Devil Wears Prada in the comfort of the Astra lounge.

Day out at the Chinese Garden of Friendship

/ Chinese Garden of Friendship /

Imagine walking along beautifully sculpted stone paths and bridges through tranquil gardens and ponds brimming with koi, all while cascading waterfalls drown out any noise from the surrounding city. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a true oasis in the heart of Darling Harbour, offering a peaceful escape unlike any other. A group of us were lucky enough to wander through the gardens under glorious sunshine, soaking up the peace and serenity. We even had the chance to join in the koi feeding!

Melbourne Cup Lunch

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement/

It was off to the races for our Melbourne Cup lunch! Guests gathered for an afternoon of excitement, laughter, and great company as we celebrated the race that stops the nation. Everyone enjoyed a delicious spread of food and bubbly drinks, while cheering on their favourites and soaking up the lively atmosphere. The room was buzzing with energy, with fabulous fashions on display and plenty of friendly competition in our sweeps. From the stylish outfits to the thrilling race moments, it was a fun-filled afternoon enjoyed by all. Congratulations to Half Yours and all the winners on the day (Nellie, Jo, and Eva took out first place in the $5 & $2 sweeps). We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Spooktacular Halloween Afternoon Tea

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement/

The Astra Lounge was magically transformed into a delightfully eerie venue for our Halloween Afternoon Tea. Guests indulged in a haunting array of sweet and savory treats.

The tables were adorned with bones, a severed hand, and flickering candles, creating the ideal atmosphere for a ghoulishly enjoyable experience. Everyone embraced the festive spirit, sharing laughter as we sipped tea and a little bubbly among friends. A frightfully fun afternoon was enjoyed by all!

Oktoberfest 2025

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement/

The Astra courtyard was transformed into a traditional Bavarian bier hall for our annual Oktoberfest lunch. The residents feasted on Bier, Bratwurst, Schnitzels, Kransky, Sauerkraut, Pretzels, and a German potato salad, made by Nellie, which was quickly gobbled up!

Rob amped up the fun with his giant speaker, filling the air with lively Alpine tunes that had everyone tapping their feet and raising a glass. A huge thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and made the afternoon such a hit! Special shoutout to Rob for manning the BBQ, to all who dressed up in true Oktoberfest style, and to those who lent a hand with the cleanup. Prost to a wunderbar day!

Cleo’s Tales of Humour and Heart

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On a bright and cheerful spring afternoon, Cleo once again took us on a journey through the wonderfully colourful chapters of her life. With her trademark blend of humour and heart, she painted vivid pictures that had the audience smiling, laughing, and even pausing to reflect. From the playful giggles and unforgettable mishaps of gym class to the touching and often comical antics of her beloved dog, Kelly, each story carried a spark of joy and authenticity. Residents and guests alike leaned in, completely captivated by her every word, as Cleo wove together moments of everyday life with the kind of wit and warmth that makes her storytelling so memorable. The talk was followed up by a delightful afternoon tea, with Nellie’s now-famous asparagus and ricotta tart!

A Slice of Capri in the Garden

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement/

There are parties, and then there are experiences that whisk you away, and last week's garden soirée, was a lemon-themed party to remember! Set in the courtyard bathed in golden sunlight with a light breeze, the scene was an instant escape to Capri or somewhere else in Southern Italy.

The menu was a celebration of simple, fresh flavours and the table was adorned with an array of homemade treats, including an asparagus and ricotta tart, which proved to be quite the hit.

If the goal was to bottle up the spirit of Capri and pour it into a perfect September afternoon, then this garden party was a resounding success. A beautiful blend of elegance, freshness, and festivity — proof that when life gives you lemons…you should throw a party!

Day trip to Sydney Zoo

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Sydney Zoo houses over 30 exhibits with more than 4,000 animals, including exotic and native species like lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, baboons, quokkas, Tasmanian devils, elephants and many more. It is the only combined zoo and aquarium in NSW and was thoughtfully designed to ensure the comfort of the animals and the guests. The zoo took us through Primate Boulevard, where we were greeted by baboons, chimpanzees, and ring-tailed lemurs. A leisurely stroll along the African Boardwalk allowed us to observe lions, hyenas, zebras, and picturesque savannah scenes within mixed-species habitats, including Sydney's only rhino!

One visitor was especially enchanted by the meerkats and their petite size. The zoo proudly features the world's largest reptile and nocturnal house, housing some of Australia's most venomous snakes. A standout moment of our visit was witnessing the adorable koalas and their charming joeys. We were able to explore the entire zoo in roughly two hours and returned to Bondi just as the weather began to shift for the worse. Overall, it was a fantastic day out and an absolute must-visit for animal lovers!

Infinity Rehab Presentation

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement Village /

Infinity Rehab is a well-renowned mobile rehabilitation service that brings physiotherapy right to your home (or in our case, village), ensuring comfort and ease. Jessica, the owner and head physiotherapist, visited the Astra recently to share her knowledge on exercises for seniors, focusing on balance, fall prevention, and general fitness. Jessica recommended being active for a minimum of 20 minutes a day to elevate the heart rate and breathing, but not so that you can't still hold a conversation. A nice walk along the promenade with friends is the perfect example of an activity for residents to enjoy!

Christmas in July

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Our annual Christmas in July party was a huge hit! The Bondi Tratt once again delivered a mouth-watering Christmas meal, which some residents dubbed the best one yet! We then headed back to the Astra lounge for dessert, drinks and a bit of a boogie. Our entertainment was Breakfast at Tiffany's, a delightful duo that played an array of tunes, packing the dance floor.

Overall, it was a fantastic evening filled with merriment and cheer. Thanks to the Tratt for hosting us again, and a big shout-out to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. We hope to have them back again in December for the Christmas Party.

Guest Speaker - Andrew Campbell

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According to The Lancet medical journal, hearing loss is the leading modifiable risk factor in the prevention of dementia. We were fortunate to have Andrew Campbell, an independent adult rehabilitation audiologist with a Master's degree and a trailblazer in the audio field, join us to discuss his research. He shared valuable insights on how improving hearing can lead to a more fulfilling life and explored the links between untreated hearing loss and brain health.

Andrew is also the author of the bestselling book, Hearing and Brain Health, available for purchase on Amazon. If you want to learn about Andrew and his fascinating work, head to his website Neuaudio. www.neuaudio.com.au

Dovida Information Session

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement Village /

The lovely Juliet and Isabelle from Dovida Home Care Provider visited the Astra to give a presentation on navigating My Aged Care and the changes that will take effect in November this year. Topics covered included what’s changing with the new home support system, new package levels, the My Aged Care process, and some helpful resources to keep residents living at home comfortably and safely.

The informative presentation was, of course, followed by one of our famous Astra morning teas! Check out the link below or ask the office to find out more about Dovida and the fantastic work they do. Thank you, Juliet and Isabelle, for your visit! www.dovida.com.au

Wine Tasting with Goran from Regional Wines of the World

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Goran from Regional Wines of the World came to the Astra this week and brought with him a fine selection of wines from boutique winemakers around the world. Our tasting took us to regions of France, Italy, Argentina, Germany, California and Chile. Goran was very knowledgeable about grape varieties and the history of the wines and regions they came from. We were lucky enough to try wines with grapes exclusive to their region and not available anywhere else in Australia to purchase or sample. Goran brought six whites, five reds, a rose, and ended the tasting with a delicious coffee & butterscotch schnapps.

A favourite among the residents was the Schloss Koblenz Dornfelder 2020 from Germany. Dornfelder is a very fruity German red grape with hints of cherries, blackcurrants, and blackberries, soft tannins and a long, pleasant finish.

Check out their website for more information on their fantastic wine selection or to make a purchase and sample some wines for yourself.

www.regionalwinesoftheworld.com.au

Australia's Biggest Afternoon Tea

/ Bondi Astra Retirement Village /

The annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (or Afternoon Tea) is a great way to support the Cancer Council. This year, we gathered in the lounge for a delightful spread, accompanied by Ces on the piano. A raffle was held with a grand prize of a $100 dinner voucher for the Tratt, won by Chris Harrison, who also won last year! Congratulations to Chris, Jo, and Alana, the other winners! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, and to the Bondi Trattoria, Chapter One, and Bondi Chemist for their generous prize donations. We managed to raise close to $500! Donations are still open, so please visit our Cancer Council page or stop by the office for more information.

www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/BondiAstra

Guest Speaker Gareth Robinson - Happiness Fly Wheel Part Two

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Gareth Robinson, the guru of communication, leadership, and good vibes, returned to the Astra for part two of the Happiness Flywheel, a four-step program designed to promote happiness and well-being. Gareth gave a wonderful presentation with residents taking away some useful tips and tricks on staying stress-free and happy. The session wrapped up again with a special happiness morning tea, featuring the most adorable “Bee Happy” cupcakes made with love, by Nellie.

Afternoon Tea with Piano

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Talented pianist Ces took centre stage at Astra, turning a traditional afternoon tea into a sing-along! Imagine sandwiches, scones piled high with jam and cream, and an array of pastries. Her setlist was a delightful mix, including hits from the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Elvis, with an encore of some classical favourites. Attendees couldn’t resist joining in, singing along joyfully while savouring the music and treats. Ces will return on 21st May for our annual Cancer Council afternoon tea.

Guest Speaker Gareth Robinson - Happiness Fly Wheel

/ Bondi Beach Astra Retirement Village/

Gareth Robinson is a coach specializing in communication, leadership, and well-being, and we were fortunate to have him visit Astra to share his insights on happiness. He is the creator of the Happiness Flywheel, a four-step program designed to enhance happiness and well-being. A group of residents gathered in the lounge for a presentation on the initial two steps, with Gareth planning to return to present the final two steps in early May. The presentation was of course, followed by a delightful happiness-themed morning tea.



St Patrick's Day Ploughman's Lunch

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The Astra lounge transformed into a shamrock wonderland, bursting with green to honour St. Patrick's Day. The residents, decked out in green attire, tucked into a scrumptious ploughman’s lunch. Imagine a feast of meats, cheeses, fruits, pork pies, and Judith’s now legendary beer bread! Some folks even indulged in a pint of Guinness or a splash of Irish Cream, dialling up the Irish charm. The vibe? Joy and laughter, turning the afternoon into a rollicking good time filled with great craic!

Live Music Bingo

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Live music bingo is an engaging, interactive, and unique twist on the traditional bingo game. It combines the excitement of a live music performance with the fun of bingo. Instead of numbers, players receive 4 x 4 cards featuring song titles from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The Astra welcomed Derek from Juxtaposse, who kept the good times rolling with his ukulele, guitar, and selection of hits that crossed generations. His performance captivated the audience and inspired one resident, Len, to show off his air guitar skills to the Rolling Stones’ classic “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.”

The first person to get four songs in a row or column won Bingo and got the first choice of prizes from the lucky dip bag! The next person had to get two rows or columns and so on until all the prizes had run out and Derek played all the tunes on our cards. It was a lot of fun and Derek even treated us to an encore!