Council slams 'completely disrespectful' illegal rave on famous Aussie beach
Hundreds of revellers descended on Bondi Beach to see out the weekend with a bang.
Most Aussies will agree that there’s no better way to see out the weekend than watching the sun go down by the ocean. But hundreds of revellers at one of Australia’s most famous beaches took things a bit too far when an ‘unauthorised’ rave broke out, with the local council slamming the "complete disrespect" for those who live nearby.
A sea of partygoers can be seen standing on rocks and dancing at Ben Buckler, at the north end of Bondi Beach in Sydney. Videos show a DJ playing music out of a speaker and hundreds dancing on the cliffs.
Cops were called at around 4.20 pm Sunday, November 26 to assist council rangers with the event, breaking up the popular event organised by “outdoor party” organisers Insomnia Sydney.
“About 4:20pm yesterday (Sunday 26 November) officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were called Ben Buckler Reserve, North Bondi to assist council rangers with an unauthorised event," a police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
“A large number of people were in attendance and with the assistance of additional police from nearby commands, officers enforced the alcohol prohibited area.
“The crowd complied and had dispersed by 9pm with no arrests made.”
Safety risk of illegal gatherings
Waverley Council, who was tipped off about the rave at Ben Buckler Point, warned that gatherings near rocks and cliffs can pose “serious” safety risks.
“Waverley Council has a permit system in place for large gatherings on land owned or managed by Council. Last night's party was an illegal gathering," a spokesperson told Yahoo.
“We appreciate that it's party season, but a gathering of this nature near the rocks and cliffs can pose serious safety risks both for attendees and for police, rangers and lifeguards. It also shows complete disrespect for the environment and residents who live nearby."
Locals divided over the event
The act has divided local residents, with some “glad” the event was cut short, while others argued that a DJ should “surely” be able to play music on a Sunday afternoon.
“Surely we should be able to put some DJs on in a public space on a Sunday arvo. Shocker,” said Bondi Lines on Tiktok.
“The fun police on it again,” fumed another reveller.
While another called it a “pure cringe fest,” adding “glad it was shutdown my eyes couldn’t handle it anymore,” said one person.
Insomnia vows to continue putting on beachside raves
Posting to their Instagram account, Insomnia Sydney vowed to continue putting on the raves.
“This was tremendous and it makes me understand that I have to find a way to do this party without the police throwing us out,” they said.
“The next party will be in another spot so be aware that this does not end, this will be massive, see you next time,” they said.
It’s not the first time that revellers have descended on North Bondi. Insomnia has organised two other beach raves, one in October and another on November 12. As word spread, the parties have gotten bigger and bigger.
In 2021, hundreds of revellers were filmed flouting Covid restrictions to join a drum party on a Sunday afternoon organised by Bondi Sunset Music.
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