As thousands of revellers spend Boxing Day recovering, council staff worked through the night to remove 20 tonnes of rubbish following a wild pop-up Christmas Day dance party at Coogee Beach.
Otherwise known as “Orphans Christmas” or “Backpacker Christmas”, the beach reserve became the scene of DJ tents and a sea of Santa hats and red swimwear.
Clean-up began at Coogee Beach on Thursday evening. (Supplied: Randwick City Council Facebook)
NSW Police said, despite the crowd numbers, everything ran smoothly with no arrests or fines.
Randwick City Council said workers began a clean-up of the area about 7pm last night and by Friday morning had removed more than four truck loads of rubbish.
“I would like to commend all of our rangers, lifeguards and waste and cleansing staff for the amazing work they’ve done,” said Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker.
“I would also like to thank Waverley Council who sent extra crews from nearby Bronte Beach to give us a hand.
Despite the crowd numbers, NSW Police says there are no arrests or fines. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
Mr Parker said while council was prepared for large crowds, he was disappointed some chose to litter heavily and urinate in public.
Randwick City Council went to extra lengths to communicate that beaches and nearby parks were alcohol-free zones, including extra signage targeting backpacker hostels.
Alcohol and garbage strewn across the beachside park. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
Litter in the aftermath of a massive ‘Orphans Christmas’ party. (ABC News)
“Council had prepared for large crowds as a precaution [at Coogie Beach], despite indications the gathering had been planned for Bronte Beach, deploying extra staff, bins and rubbish bags, and working closely with NSW Police,” Mr Parker said
Waverley Council warned people against celebrations at Bronte Beach, with half of the park cordoned off due to construction works at Bronte Surf Life Saving Club.
In June this year, it allocated an extra $220,000 on managing waste, security and toilets on Christmas Day after more than 15,000 people gathered at Bronte for celebrations in 2024.
Anti-social behaviour, excessive noise and a mammoth mess at last year’s gathering prompted Waverley Council to make the move.
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said council implemented a comprehensive strategic communications campaign to deter large crowds this year.
“Just in case, knowing we can’t ban people from public places and always keen to be prepared, Council devised a multi-pronged management plan to help cope with crowds, bad behaviour, traffic, noise and the clean-up task,” Mr Nemesh said.
“But our warnings were heard, and it was a peaceful day at Bronte. I am pleased we did not see a repeat of the chaotic scenes of 2024, and I am sure locals are relieved too.”
Locals return to help
Naoki, who lives nearby, arrived at Coogee’s beachside reserve this morning to help with the clean-up.
“I saw such a chaotic situation here yesterday,” he told the ABC.
“I pick up glasses because it’s important for dogs, cats and children to walk around here.”
Local John said one thing the suburb did well was put on a party.
“I think it’s amazing,” he said.
“They’ve got to go somewhere.
“We’re not stuck up like Bronte. We like having the young kids here. We saw all the footage last night and we thought it was great.”
Bruce seemed unbothered about the events that took place the night before as he played soccer on the patch of grass with his young children.
“I guess everyone in their 20s wanted to have some fun,” he said.
“I think they’re displaced from the other beaches”