by Maggie Mackenzie
What inspired me to write about my 1950s Bondi childhood now?
I’d joined a stimulating creative writers’ group in Blackheath, having to bring something new to read out every week. I’ve done a lot of therapy, finally freeing up ‘Little Deb’. Sensory memories of true events were crystallising.
I started to write about my world in our block of flats, the nice entrance and the grotty entrance, racing downstairs to save a fish that leapt out of the window, the smelly concrete tiny backyard. And about the beach and the surf – being dumped, and the thrill of catching my first wave.
Immediately I was writing in the voice of a child like I was on a wave. A Bondi life in 1950s and 60s. The Waverley local history librarian validated encouragingly the significance of my personal stories. I didn’t set out to write a book or memoir as such. It’s an immersive ride, all told in the present tense, like you are right there with me.
The title arrived with a flashback. I’d been made to feel ashamed of living not only in a flat, but in Bondi. Some privileged classmates recognised I was sensitive and bullyable. I worked hard academically to hold my own. It was an absolute shock when the new headmistress saw us sunbaking with no shoes and socks, but singled me out by name to “Get back to Bondi where you belong” I was 17, furious and silent. Until now.
Like Ruth Park’s trilogy Harp in the South that brought dignity to early days in working class Surry Hills, I wanted to bring dignity to the flats I lived in from 1952–1970.
Bondi then vs now
Everything revolves around the beach, sunbathing, surfing and views. Back then there were no street trees, just buildings and cockroaches.
In 1950s everyone was more equal. Most of the population were renters living in similar blocks of three storey flats, many art deco. Post war European refugees settled in Bondi. Daily in 1950s, flats burned their own rubbish, a coke man heated the hot water, the ice man came to fill the ice chest and horse and cart vendors brought fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks.
Big changes in Bondi’s attitude to property and wealth came with the new strata laws from 1961 which allowed flats to be bought and sold individually. This led to old blocks having penthouse conversions, a café culture and trendy bars and eateries. Now the streetscape is green with mature native species. After Covid and Costa (of Gardening Australia, who lives in Bondi) veggie growing on the verges is spreading.
As always, the Bondi and North Bondi Surf Life Saving clubs carry their continuous safety culture and opportunities for young Nippers to join. Bondi Icebergs members pride themselves on their egalitarianism membership.
What’s new are the many ‘learn
to surf’ schools especially for tourists. Visitors play ‘spot the celebrity’ sports star, actor, model – under the beach showers.
Ironically any girls attending my posh school would now be considered supercool to come from Bondi.
Characters and Community
Mrs Ross, the breakfast cook at the Raffles Hotel, was very kind and looked after me after school when Mum was working. She lived in the middle of our building and knew the goings on but never gossiped.
My wildest childhood memory is catching the bus by myself in my pinafore at age three to go to school, and getting off the bus at busy Edgecliff.
Family and belonging
The north end of the beach, the rock platforms, with its seaweeds and marine animals was my true home. An only child, my imagination blossomed.
Grandma joining us when we went to the beach with her old wigwam and teaching me to ride my surfoplane was the best. We hit the beach whenever we could – only after the housework was done.
What are your sensory memories
Smelling the sea’s salty tang, the sight and sound of the tide rushing in, foaming over rocks, brings me to tears.
That first wave – the speed of being out of control!
Which memories did you especially select?
Up to ‘coming of age’ into the 60s, and true stories that were hairy – flying out of my father’s car; getting stuck in the milk servery.
What do you hope senior readers will take away?
Be curious – write memories down. As you’re writing something can wake up in you. This book stirs memories. I don’t have children but I’m glad to leave a record of life in old Bondi for others to come.
What essence of old Bondi still lives in you today?
Attuning to Nature, noticing, listening, smelling all that’s around me. Still being a rascal!
Maggie Mackenzie www.cheekyparrotpress.com.au