Anger over wild Bondi private parties as COVID-19 second wave fears grow 

Footage of more than 100 revellers in close proximity at a party in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has sparked anger as the threat of a COVID-19 second wave spreading outside of Victoria continues to grow.

New South Wales Police said they had to shut down multiple private parties in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Saturday. 

Video at one of the events – showing an in-house DJ and guests dancing in close quarters – prompted outrage after it was shared on social media.

Despite the party exceeding the state’s limit of 20 people permitted inside a home, no fines were issued by police.

‘A number of private parties were shut down due to non-compliance with social distancing guidelines, with attendees moved on from the area,’ a police spokeswoman said.

The large gatherings come as Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned NSW was ‘on high alert’ for a resurgence in cases – with nine now linked to The Crossroads Hotel in Sydney’s south-west.

Ms Berejiklian hit out at rule breakers in her press conference on Sunday, while social media commenters branded those gathered at the party ‘selfish morons’.

Police are also investigating if a gathering of supporters watching a trial rugby match in Bellevue Hill on the same day broke social distancing rules.

Photos emerged online of the gathering, but the game’s host Easts Rugby Club has denied any coronavirus restrictions were being flouted. 

Residents near Cooper Park in Woollahra Sydney’s eastern suburbs meanwhile woke on Sunday morning to find the popular leisure spot’s picnic area had been the site of a mass gathering the night before.  

‘So much for social distancing,’ one person wrote on Twitter as they shared photos of the littered park. ‘Used condoms, pill bags, bottles, all next to a kids playground.’

Ms Berejikilan said on Sunday the coming weeks were pivotal in her state’s fight against COVID-19.

Pictured: A large crowd of revellers filmed congregating in Sydney’s eastern suburbs over the weekend

Residents near Cooper Park in Woollahra Sydney’s eastern suburbs meanwhile woke on Sunday morning to find the popular leisure spot’s picnic area had been the site of a mass gathering the night before

‘We have literally the next few weeks to continue on the strong path we’ve been on, otherwise we will go down the path of Victoria,’ she said. ‘It’s up to us now.’ 

‘I get extremely concerned and upset when we see people flouting the rules that are in place because that will take us down the path of Victoria,’ she said.

‘If you wake up with a scratchy throat, don’t go to work. Get tested and stay home.’

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned NSW was ‘on high alert’ for a resurgence in cases after an outbreak linked to a pub in Sydney’s south-west

Last week, a popular Sydney pub was issued a $5,500 fine after hundreds of students were caught ignoring social distancing measures.  

An investigation was launched into the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay after pictures emerged of a crowded line outside the venue on Wednesday night. 

Liquor & Gaming NSW believed up to 250 customers failed to comply with social distancing rules in front of the popular bar.  

Pictured: The Golden Sheaf in Double Bay was fined $5,500 after large groups of university students were seen crammed together outside the pub last week

Pictured: Testing at Bondi Beach last week. Ms Berejikilan said on Sunday the coming weeks were pivotal in her state’s fight against COVID-19

A statement from Solotel Group CEO Justine Baker, who runs The Golden Sheaf, said the venue understood and accepted the fine.    

‘Wednesday night showed us that we need to pay more attention to our guests and the queues outside the venue as well.’

Mr Baker said the venue had employed more security and staff to assist with managing queues and introduced a bookings only policy from 8pm on Wednesdays.     

‘We will continue to practice social distancing and COVID-Safe measures within the Golden Sheaf and all of our venues,’ the statement read.