1920s

The lopsided Balconies building was a defining feature of Bondi’s southern ridge in the early years of beach tourism in the 1920s.

By the 1950s, its rooms overlooking the beach housed society’s outcasts. It was known locally that many of the occupants were newly released from gaol.

Above the derelict rooms was a tea house, which later became the Java Indonesian restaurant. The glassed café, which appeared lopsided, was popular for its spicy delights, which were foreign to many locals. The views were spectacular, but the windows were often covered in salt spray.

Standing next to the Java, facing Campbell Parade, was a milk bar serving people waiting for trams and, later, buses. The proprietor in the 1950s was simply known as Jack because his surname was difficult to pronounce - as was the case with many of the migrant shop keepers who moved into Bondi post-war.

Jack was tall with black, brushed-back hair held in place with Brylcreem. It was said Jack lived in Francis Street with his wife and daughter, having moved to Australia after the war. His pride and joy, apart from his business, was his daughter Bella, who changed her name to Betty to fit in.

One afternoon, two Balconies residents thought they could supplement their finances by affecting an old-fashioned “stand over” in Jack’s shop. They walked in and demanded Jack empty his till.

Jack hurdled his counter and kicked one would-be robber in the groin. The second felt Jack’s massive hand around his throat before landing on the footpath.  They staggered down Campbell Parade, never to be seen again. Jack turned to the onlookers, smiled, adjusted his cardigan, then returned to his counter.

Word spread like wildfire and it became known that Jack was a war hero and had been a leader in the European Resistance operating behind Nazi lines before migrating to Australia with his family.

It is not known what happened to Jack and his family following the demolition of the Balconies in the late 1950s.

Images courtesy State Library of New South Wales, Sam Hood collection.