Not so neighbourly: Complaint triggers unruly behaviour in high-end neighbourhood
- Replies 41
When you think of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, especially the exclusive enclave of Manly, you probably picture peaceful streets, ocean breezes, and neighbours who nod politely as they pass.
But for one family, this idyllic image was shattered by a saga that sounds more like a crime drama than real life.
Let’s set the scene: Pittwater Road, Manly. A place where million-dollar homes rub shoulders with social housing, and where, until recently, the biggest complaint might have been about parking or the odd noisy party.
But in early May, things took a dark turn when a noise complaint set off a chain of events that would leave an entire neighbourhood on edge.
It all started with Andrew Cambouris, a 56-year-old tenant of Bridge Housing, who had lived quietly in the area for a decade.
After a neighbour complained about his loud music, Cambouris became convinced he knew who was responsible—and decided to retaliate in the most terrifying way imaginable.
According to the neighbour (who understandably wishes to remain anonymous), Cambouris began shouting threats at the family as they left their home. ‘I’m gonna get you, I’m gonna stab youse,’ he allegedly yelled, sending chills down their spines.
The intimidation didn’t stop there. The neighbour’s wife, returning home alone that night, was met with more threats. The family, fearing escalation, initially hesitated to involve the police.
But things only got worse. On May 16, as the neighbour and his son installed a CCTV camera for their own safety, Cambouris appeared brandishing what looked like a shotgun (later revealed to be a replica) and unleashed a torrent of abuse.
The incident was caught on camera, and police were finally called. Cambouris was arrested and charged with weapons offences—because in NSW, even imitation firearms can land you in serious trouble, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
Despite the arrest, Cambouris was released on bail with strict conditions: regular breathalyser checks and a ban on approaching the neighbour’s family. But the sense of safety was short-lived.
Just days later, Cambouris’s behaviour escalated to a disturbing new level. From his balcony, he began shouting anti-Semitic abuse and playing Hitler speeches at full volume, even though his neighbour wasn’t Jewish.
‘Heil Hitler! Kill all the Jews!’ he screamed, as horrified residents listened on.
Police were called again, but Cambouris barricaded himself inside his flat, and officers were unable to intervene. This apparent lack of action only emboldened him.
He continued his rants, declaring himself the ‘Antichrist’ and bizarrely promoting methamphetamine as a ‘cure’ for all ills. ‘Paranoia will destroy ya!’ he shouted, as if the neighbourhood needed any more reason to feel on edge.
The situation became so dire that the neighbour sought help from criminal barrister Peter Lavac.
After Cambouris breached his bail by crossing the street towards the family, he was arrested again and charged with further offences, including intimidating and assaulting police. He’s now in custody, awaiting sentencing in August.
But for the neighbour and his family, the ordeal isn’t over. ‘My daughter was too terrified to come over. I had a cricket bat inside the door, we left the house as a family unit—we were genuinely in fear of our lives,’ he said.
The family’s sense of security has been shattered, and they’re left wondering what will happen when Cambouris is eventually released.
Meanwhile, Bridge Housing has begun proceedings to evict Cambouris, but the process is far from straightforward. The charity must apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, with a hearing scheduled for July 30.
Until then, the community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution that will restore peace to their once-tranquil street.
Also read: Controversial artist loses Australia visa over offensive release: 'We have enough problems in this country already'
Have you ever had a run-in with a difficult neighbour? How did you handle it? Do you think authorities and housing providers are doing enough to protect residents? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and thoughts in the comments below!
But for one family, this idyllic image was shattered by a saga that sounds more like a crime drama than real life.
Let’s set the scene: Pittwater Road, Manly. A place where million-dollar homes rub shoulders with social housing, and where, until recently, the biggest complaint might have been about parking or the odd noisy party.
But in early May, things took a dark turn when a noise complaint set off a chain of events that would leave an entire neighbourhood on edge.
It all started with Andrew Cambouris, a 56-year-old tenant of Bridge Housing, who had lived quietly in the area for a decade.
After a neighbour complained about his loud music, Cambouris became convinced he knew who was responsible—and decided to retaliate in the most terrifying way imaginable.
A social housing tenant in Manly terrorised his neighbours with threats, anti-Semitic rants, and by brandishing a replica shotgun after a noise complaint was made against him. Image source: Andrew Cambouris / Facebook (left) and Google Maps (right).
According to the neighbour (who understandably wishes to remain anonymous), Cambouris began shouting threats at the family as they left their home. ‘I’m gonna get you, I’m gonna stab youse,’ he allegedly yelled, sending chills down their spines.
The intimidation didn’t stop there. The neighbour’s wife, returning home alone that night, was met with more threats. The family, fearing escalation, initially hesitated to involve the police.
But things only got worse. On May 16, as the neighbour and his son installed a CCTV camera for their own safety, Cambouris appeared brandishing what looked like a shotgun (later revealed to be a replica) and unleashed a torrent of abuse.
The incident was caught on camera, and police were finally called. Cambouris was arrested and charged with weapons offences—because in NSW, even imitation firearms can land you in serious trouble, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
Despite the arrest, Cambouris was released on bail with strict conditions: regular breathalyser checks and a ban on approaching the neighbour’s family. But the sense of safety was short-lived.
Just days later, Cambouris’s behaviour escalated to a disturbing new level. From his balcony, he began shouting anti-Semitic abuse and playing Hitler speeches at full volume, even though his neighbour wasn’t Jewish.
‘Heil Hitler! Kill all the Jews!’ he screamed, as horrified residents listened on.
Police were called again, but Cambouris barricaded himself inside his flat, and officers were unable to intervene. This apparent lack of action only emboldened him.
He continued his rants, declaring himself the ‘Antichrist’ and bizarrely promoting methamphetamine as a ‘cure’ for all ills. ‘Paranoia will destroy ya!’ he shouted, as if the neighbourhood needed any more reason to feel on edge.
The situation became so dire that the neighbour sought help from criminal barrister Peter Lavac.
After Cambouris breached his bail by crossing the street towards the family, he was arrested again and charged with further offences, including intimidating and assaulting police. He’s now in custody, awaiting sentencing in August.
But for the neighbour and his family, the ordeal isn’t over. ‘My daughter was too terrified to come over. I had a cricket bat inside the door, we left the house as a family unit—we were genuinely in fear of our lives,’ he said.
The family’s sense of security has been shattered, and they’re left wondering what will happen when Cambouris is eventually released.
Meanwhile, Bridge Housing has begun proceedings to evict Cambouris, but the process is far from straightforward. The charity must apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, with a hearing scheduled for July 30.
Until then, the community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution that will restore peace to their once-tranquil street.
Also read: Controversial artist loses Australia visa over offensive release: 'We have enough problems in this country already'
Have you ever had a run-in with a difficult neighbour? How did you handle it? Do you think authorities and housing providers are doing enough to protect residents? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and thoughts in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
