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Bondi
with Ben Lee - 18th October 2007
(Credit:
Network Nine 'Getaway')
A
few years ago when Catriona was filming a story
for Getaway in Hollywood, she was chuffed to see
Australian singer/song writer Ben Lee being pursued
by paparazzi. They recently caught up in the madly
popular Sydney suburb of Bondi — the one
with the beach every tourist wants to see.
Ben
was born in Sydney and broke into the music scene
as a 14-year-old with his band Noise Addict. He
had a monster hit in Australia with 'Catch My
Disease'. That single won him the Aria Single
of the Year award.
Ben
hasn't only been in the recording studio. He's
also tried his hand at acting, starring with Garry
McDonald, Miranda Richardson and Rose Byrne in
the Australian film The Rage In Placid Lake —
and the critics loved him.
With
all the fame, however, Ben is a Bondi boy at heart:
it's where he grew up and went to school, and
he was happy to show us his Bondi.
The
Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre dates
back to 1928 when the local council responded
to visitors' needs to built and promote it as
the Playground of the Pacific. It housed Turkish
baths, a ballroom, Palm Court and changing sheds.
It
is still a core part of the community and these
days has a theatre, gallery, rehearsal area, meeting
rooms, art workshop, pottery and studios. It is
the centre for festivals and performances throughout
the year. It holds classes for a huge range of
interests, and holds various workshops and school
holiday activities.
Martin
Smith's bookshop is a mecca for discerning book-lovers
(and the first drummer in Ben's band is Martin's
son). The small space houses a dynamic collection,
packed almost to the ceiling — as good bookshops
should be. It has books of literary fiction, art,
science, philosophy, biography, history, the classics,
cuisine and children's books. It also has a selection
of artistic cards.
Captain
Billy's Crab Shack sells clothing for skaters
and people who like cool clothes. They stock new-
and old-school skateboarding clothing, shoes and
accessories. They do have quite a bit of fun with
tourists who think the shop is a seafood restaurant!
The
owners are light years away from their previous
occupations — a plumber and a scientist.
They've decked their shop out in a tiki theme
with bamboo board walls, pufferfish lamps and
New Kids on the Block action figures. It just
brings a smile to your face, even if you went
there expecting a huge plate of blue swimmer crab!
Bondi
Beach is one big eating area. Choose from high
end restaurants to a simple meal of fish and chips
on the beach and lots in between.
One
of Ben's favourite food places is tucked away
in a side street and is a treasure known to locals:
the Earth Food Store. It has a huge range of fresh
organic fruits and vegetables and they stock organic
products such as yoghurt, noodles, breads and
cakes. They have a hearty take-away selection
and their fresh juices are second to none.
Location
Bondi, Sydney's most famous beach.
For
more information
Bondi
Pavilion Community Centre
Queen Elizabeth Drive
Bondi Beach 2026
Ph: (02) 8362 3400
Fax: (02) 8362 3420
Website: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au
Email: bondipav@waverley.nsw.gov.au
Martin
Smith Bookshop
3 Hall Street
Bondi Beach 2026
Ph: (02) 9365 1482
Fax: (02) 9365 5596
Website: www.martinsmithbooks.com
Email: mysmith@martinsmithbooks.com.au
Captain
Billy's Crab Shack
75a Gould Street
Bondi 2026
Ph: (02) 9130 4336
Email: lucienne_w@hotmail.com
The
Earth Food Store
81 Gould Street
Bondi 2026
Ph: (02) 9365 5098
Website: www.earthfoodstore.com.au
Email: info@earthfoodstore.com.au
Profiles
Bondi
Beach
Network
Nine 'Getaway'
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