People of Bondi | Vivien Altman

People of Bondi | Vivien Altman

Vivien is currently working as a freelance journalist, after 15 years at the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent as journalist and producer. She recently set up a new program at SBS TV, “Stories from Home” a series of multi-cultural Australian stories.

When you ask a journalist about their Bondi experience, it’s best to let them speak for themselves:

“I’ve lived on Francis Street for 22 years but stayed with friends occasionally on trips back from Central America where I was based for 8 years working as a journalist from 1988 onwards. I love living near the sea; the light and buildings overlooking the beach are spectacular, and doing laps at the Icebergs and the coastal walk to Bronte always raises my spirits. Walking out the door for a coffee, a haircut or to browse in the bookshop Gertrude & Alice make living at Bondi Beach even more attractive. 

As a journalist and producer at ABC’s Foreign Correspondentfor so many years, frequent overseas travel to difficult environments made me even more appreciative about where I live . That said, those of us who have lived here for a long time don’t like the way the Beach is heading with its relentless development; but heartened by the strong core of residents fighting to save the integrity of the Bondi Pavillion. These dedicated locals demonstrate that there remains a strong permanent community. 

We have a fabulous herb and vegetable garden on our balcony on the sea side tendered by my husband Rafael and Jacqui our green fingered neighbour has transformed the nature strip into a glorious garden. There’s nothing better than a swim pre-work or after a long day sitting in front of the computer.”