Ranked 30-1: Bondi Local Loop’s biggest Headline Grabbing controversies of all time
For the uninitiated Bondi Local Loop is a local Facebook group that has become a treasure trove of stories that highlight the unique charm of our suburb. A blend of local banter and eccentricity that not only captivates our community but also frequently catches the eye of national and international media. This quirky group, with its penchant for the extraordinary, has given rise to some truly unforgettable moments. From the utterly mundane to the downright outrageous, we’ve delved deep to bring you the 30 most controversial and talked-about stories from the Bondi Local Loop. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the most sensational tales that our little corner of the world has to offer!
#30
Rapid Antigen Test Price Gouging Alleged
Reports surface of Eastern Suburbs retailers in Sydney illegally charging up to $100 for a single rapid antigen test. This was common practice in communities across Australia in the early lockdown days but the Loopers’ reaction to a local example catapulted our suburb to the top of the national news agenda.
Read the story here
#29
Bronte Beach Park Trashed Post-Party
Sydney residents are appalled by the mess left by backpackers in a park near Bronte Beach after a Christmas Day party. The level of outrage displayed in the group tends not to match the misdeed in question but on this occasion we would argue there was a proportionate response.
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#28
Alarming Discovery on Bondi Beach
A beach-goer is shocked to find a used syringe on Bondi Beach, raising safety concerns. We are pleased that this is such a rare discovery it made the news. Long may it stay that way.
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#27
Bondi Sun Room Rental Price Sparks Outrage
A sunroom in Bondi up for $200 per week rental causes a stir over its price and living conditions. Slumlords beware, the Loopers are out to get you!
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#26
Bus Seat Dispute Turns Tense in Sydney
A heated argument ensues on a crowded Sydney bus over a man's refusal to share his seat. This story generated a few days of talkback radio fodder and news headlines and delighted members of the group who love nothing more than showcasing their moral superiority.
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#25
Sydney Driver Stunned by $900 Parking Fines
A Sydney driver is shocked after receiving $900 in fines for a little-known parking rule violation.
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#24
Grim Reality of Sydney's Rental Crisis Captured
A photo shows desperate tenants queueing and offering extra money amid Sydney's rental crisis.
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#23
Bondi Police Presence Sparks Social Media Debate
A photo of police near Bondi Beach triggers heated discussions among the local community.
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#22
Mysterious 'Alien-Like' Creature Found at Bondi Beach
Beachgoers at Bondi Beach are baffled by the discovery of an 'alien-like' creature.
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#21
Debate Over 'Depressing' Sydney Rental Property
A $250 per week Sydney rental is criticized for its 'prison-like' features, sparking debate.
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#20
Bondi Beach Water Quality Assured by Council
Waverley Council dismisses rumors about poor water quality at Bondi Beach causing illness among swimmers. In a case of opinion over evidence the local council were forced to issue denials as media interest grew from a speculative post within the group.
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#19
Parking Job of Motorcycle Rider Divides Opinion
A photo shaming a motorcycle rider's parking in Sydney divides public opinion. Parking is a hot topic in the community. You’ve been warned.
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#18
'Selfish' Tesla Parking Sparks Anger in Sydney
A Sydney driver vents frustration over 'selfish' Tesla parking in a supermarket carpark. Parking and Tesla owners are a volatile mix on the Loop with reactions so strong the media turned this local kerfuffle into a national news story.
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#17
Viral Twist: Elderly Train Passenger's True Identity
A viral photo of an elderly train passenger leads to an unexpected revelation about her identity. This was a case of the community jumping to conclusions followed by a healthy amount of recrimination.
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#16
Sydney Woman Sells Everything Post-Divorce
A Sydney woman, tired of 'grown-up life,' sells all her possessions, including a $20,000 wedding ring, to travel the world after her marriage breakdown. This fell into the weird and wonderful category with questions asked and advice given by plenty of Bondi locals.
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#15
Sarcastic Parking Note Stirs Sydney Debate
A sarcastic note about 'embarrassing' parking in Sydney ignites opinions among locals. Parking and snarkiness came together to create a news story of click bait proportions.
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#14
Prada vs. IKEA: Fashion Faux Pas?
An Australian businesswoman is mocked for trying to sell a $2,500 Prada bag that resembles an $8 IKEA string purse. The local loop excels at mockery and their performance in the comments section here was enough to generate blanket media coverage in Australia.
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#13
Bondi Beach's Flintstones-Style 'Jungle Gym' Criticized
A personal trainer's stone 'jungle gym' installation on Bondi Beach faces backlash for its unconventional design. The poor aspiring business owner’s dreams of a quick buck went up in smoke the moment the Loop got hold of this ad within the group.
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#12
Italian Backpacker's Outfit Controversy in Bondi
An Italian backpacker is asked to leave a Bondi restaurant due to her outfit, sparking a social media debate. When it comes to questions of morality it turns out the Bondi community have strong opinions.
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#10
Van Life Dream Meets Market Reality
Optimistic van lifers are struggling to sell their vehicles post-COVID, with one trying to sell theirs on Facebook for $89,000. There was a lesson to be learnt here: don’t try to take the piss with the Loopers.
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#9
Community Outrage Over Dog Left in Hot Car
Dog owners face community backlash for leaving their pet in a hot car while swimming. Based on a look at the comments section we are pretty certain keyboards were broken by the level of anger generated by this post.
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#8
Intimate Noise Complaint in Sydney Building
Residents of a Bondi building are publicly scolded for noise during intimate moments, following a neighbour's complaint. Groaners beware - if you have paper thin walls in your Bondi apartment you will be discussed on the local loop.
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#7
Rooting On A Rock: Controversial Bondi Coastal Walk Encounter
A couple's daring act on Bondi Coastal Walk during Sydney's lockdown grabs media attention. This story had it all and group members had questions. Who knows this couple? Are they breaking lockdown laws? Should we have lockdown laws? Isn’t that uncomfortable?
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#6
Gardening Tool Gripe in Sydney Suburbs
Sydney's eastern suburbs, including Bondi, are in an uproar over petrol-powered leaf blowers, citing noise and environmental issues. This kept the community enthralled for more than a week and over a year later continues to be a topic of discussion.
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#5
Huntsman Spider Removal Offer Goes Viral
A Bondi woman's Facebook plea offering $30 to remove a large huntsman spider from her apartment captures public attention. This story evoked deep understanding and hilarity in equal measure.
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#4
E-Bike Dog Parade Raises Safety Questions
A woman is confronted for riding an e-bike while pulling seven dogs, sparking concerns about safety. Do not mess with the dogs of Bondi! One poor dog walker learnt this lesson the hard way with the Loop’s pile-on creating international headlines that were seen as far away as New York.
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#3
Search for 'Egg': A Bondi Romance Mystery
A woman searches for an Irish man she met in a Sydney bar, known only as 'Egg.' A rare moment of solidarity within the group (except for the odd ‘maybe he doesn’t want to be found’ comments from the world’s most miserable people) where Loopers came together for a giant local egg hunt.
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#2
Reservation at Totti’s Bondi Sold for $600
In post-lockdown chaos, someone attempted to sell a reservation at Totti’s Bondi for a staggering $600. This story appeared during the Loop’s halcyon days when lockdown crazy was at its peak. It’s hard to know whether this story was made up but whatever the case the community’s reaction was comedy gold, providing you were able to laugh at just how personally attacked this made some people feel. This remains our favourite loop highlight but it was pipped at topped spot based on the fact that the controversy didn’t span 12 months as our number 1 did.
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#1
Bondi Beach Club Plan Faces Backlash
A proposal to rope off part of Bondi Beach is met with severe criticism from locals. We debated including this in the list because it’s sheer mention could make us a target. This proposal is the Voldemort of the Bondi local community - speak its name at your peril.
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