Colourful characters of Maroubra, by Greg Tingle - February 2018

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R.I.P 'The Maroubra Jesus'. Maroubra Beach, Sydney, Australia

Maroubra, and in particular, Maroubra Junction, has more than its fair share of colourful characters.

What is a colourful character? Could I be one of these characters that seem to stand out more than most, and if so, why? I would be a self admitted chameleon, adapting to the environment, be it playing the part at a high powered technology conference or being in beach-bum mode blending in with the rest of the sun club in McKeon St at the beach.

This morning I'm sitting here at Il Cafe Marocchino aka 'Nesto's Cafe' on Anzac Parade surrounded by the colourful characters of Maroubra. Nesto's Nest offers the most beautiful cappuccinos and scrambled eggs, but also some of the very best and personal service of any cafe in Sydney. The service, the groovy music, following by hip retro decor and good vibes and community spirit make all the difference. Then there's the world class coffees on offer.

Nesto's as well as a number of cafes and espresso bars in the region also act as community news (and gossip) hubs. I've always got news and frequently share my opinion and experiences from in and around the technology, sports and news media biz. Many of my news forecasts and predictions have come true, as dozens of Nesto's customers could attest to.

Every morning you get the same regular customers, people and their dogs (no cat's in sight here). I think Max' bark is the in house warning alarm for cats and their owners to stay clear of this Anzac Day hangout. 'Artful John' often provides a political analysis and commentary to the days news reports in The Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald. He's probably more of a Green Left Weekly type, but he will have to get that somewhere else like the library down the road. Often a Tanya pops past with her "Hello love. Any chance of a coffee today"? (She means a free one). I think so can only remember one time over the years when she got her free request for a free cuppa. She's good at taking the polite decline from Nesto's and the other cafes. Oh, once in a while when Nesto's was either so busy or closed I pop into DARE a few doors down. It's known for its delicious and responsible eating. See the acronym -; get it. Usually much quieter than Nesto's, and general not as many colourful characters, but there is one fellow who stands out. He calls himself 'The Spy', but his real name in Harold. He's ex military from South Africa. He"s actually a very nice chap and I sometimes talk to him about my 3 years in the Australian Army Reserve. He's the general of the local South African Contingent. I don't think General Harold has a whole lot in common with 'Artful John', but there's been no fights I'm pleased to report, despite considerable differences in their political views and philosophies.

Maroubra and the general region has lost a few characters over the past few weeks, and here's as good as a place (probably better), than anywhere else to document them.

Vale and rest in peace to the late Frankie Neumann. I first encountered Franky back in 2003 when I was looking out of the window of my old place on Marine Parade at Maroubra Beach. Here's this 50 year old bloke jogging in a costume that said "The Maroubra Jesus". He looked like a WWE pro wrestling superstar! I asked him his story and he told me it was about being happy and healthy. Fortunately I took Frankies photograph, recognizing a colourful character when I encounter one outside my humble abode. He'd emigrated from Hungry and just loved living down under. Such a beautiful heart. I'm not aware if Frankie had any family in Australia but I thought remembering this character and sharing his photo would be pretty cool. I even conducted a brief interview with Frankie back in 2003 which you can check out here

Frankie shares some stories outside the old Mr Big Stuff cafe in McKeon St.

I suspect that when we have gone to the place in the sky that we would like to be remembered for the brightness, love and colour that we brought to others lives. I've lost many friends over the past number of years and remembered and documenting some of their exploits and adventures can be somewhat therapeutic.

As they say, life is short so treasure it. Enjoy life - family, friends, your hobbies, nature, the beach, good coffee and good food. Whatever does it for you.

Thinking about the character of Maroubra here's a couple of songs you might want to look up on YouTube if you're feeling reflective: 'These Are The People In Your Neighbourhood', 'Dancing In The Street' and Little Pattie's 'Stompin At Maroubra'.

I guess writing this community banter has further cemented myself as one of the colourful characters of Maroubra. How do you see yourself in the community? How do others perceive you? Something to ponder about over coffee. The more of yourself that you share to others about your life's adventures will likely add more colour depth and will make you stand out from the pack, as I have also covered in my business scribblings, but you will have to find that particular story somewhere else. Oh, I'm searching for the right title for what may be a regular column with some luck... 'The Colourful Characters Of Maroubra' seems to fit the bill. If you enjoyed today's banter tell the Ed, and we might keep this community news type installment going for a while, unless it's destined to be a one hit wonder.

My next installment will cover some of the aspects that help keep my happy, healthy and alive. Much of it revolves around beach culture, cafe culture, swimming, exercising and seeing the bright side of life, despite the challenges the modern word can throw us. I've been close to the brink a few times. One of my friends Neal 'Cammo' Cameron, a Maroubra identity once told me "Success is waking up in the morning still alive". Many high achievers have been though some rough patches in their lives. Much revolves around family and finances, but it can come in many shape and forms - often a combination of factors, and sometimes elements that are outside our control. Trust me, you won't want to miss that article either. Scoop: my doctor ran her set of eyes past the draft and loves it. She went to uni, I didn't. The doc reckons it could form part of my future book, but local readers can give us a heads up on that too. Real community consultation (not the type you may hear about at the council meetings where proposals get railwayed through). Our council is a good one. You wouldn't want a bad one hey!

Have a great week everyone and see you on the friendly and not so mean streets of Maroubra.

*Greg Tingle is the organiser or Maroubra Business Media MeetUp
https://www.facebook.com/maroubrabusinessmedia

Il Cafe Marocchino aka 'Nesto's Cafe'

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