You won’t believe what sparked a heated feud in this exclusive suburb’s quiet streets!
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It’s not every day that a footpath squabble in a leafy, upmarket suburb makes headlines—but that’s exactly what’s happened in Sydney’s ritzy Rose Bay, where a seemingly minor change has sparked a full-blown neighbourhood feud. And, as is often the case in Australia’s most exclusive postcodes, the drama is as much about pride and aesthetics as it is about practicality.
So, what’s got the locals in a lather? It’s not a new high-rise or a noisy pub—no, it’s the humble bus shelter. Or, more specifically, the 39 brand-new bus shelters recently installed by Woollahra Council, each sporting a 'giant advertising screen' that’s hard to miss.
For some, these new shelters are a welcome addition, providing much-needed shade and a dry spot to perch while waiting for the bus. For others, however, the shelters are nothing short of an eyesore, with their bold, money-spinning ads clashing with the natural beauty of Rose Bay’s famous promenade.
Local resident Deanna Mastellone has become the face of the anti-ad crusade, taking to Facebook to vent her frustration: ‘It is absolutely ridiculous. Woollahra Council placing this giant advertising screen outside the Wintergarden, blocking this very busy footpath which is enjoyed by so many.’ She’s not just upset about the look of the shelters—she’s also fuming about the lack of community consultation. ‘It is an absolute disgrace Woollahra Council has signed up for 39 advertising bus shelters with zero community consultation,’ she wrote. ‘Such an ugly blight on our magnificent Rose Bay Promenade. This will be corrected, this is so very wrong.’
Ms Mastellone even compared Rose Bay to other well-heeled suburbs like Balmoral Beach and Mosman, pointing out that Mosman Council at least consulted its residents before rolling out 22 similar shelters. She’s gone so far as to file a formal complaint with the council’s Audit, Risk and Innovation committee, determined to have the ads removed.
But not everyone in Rose Bay is up in arms. The debate has spilled onto social media, with some locals rolling their eyes at the outrage. ‘Rain protection and advertising revenue to keep your council rates lower. What’s the issue?’ one resident asked. Another pointed out the practical benefits: ‘Perhaps think of the seniors waiting for a bus who appreciate having somewhere to sit while they wait.’
Of course, there are those who side with Ms Mastellone, and they’ve raised additional concerns—like the lack of proper access for wheelchairs and mobility aids, and the absence of alerts for vision-impaired community members. ‘These are disgusting eyesores around Rose Bay, I agree,’ one commenter chimed in.
Woollahra Council, for its part, is standing firm. A spokesperson explained that the revenue from the ads helps fund vital community services, and that each shelter’s location was carefully assessed for safety and accessibility. ‘They provide excellent shelter and shade for commuters,’ the spokesperson said, adding that notifications were sent to nearby residents and businesses, giving them a chance to provide feedback.
So, what’s really at the heart of this kerfuffle? Is it about preserving the suburb’s charm, or is it a case of not-in-my-backyard syndrome? Perhaps it’s a bit of both. In a city where property values are sky-high and every inch of streetscape is fiercely protected, even a bus shelter can become a battleground.
For our Seniors Discount Club members, this story is a reminder that even the smallest changes in our neighbourhoods can spark big debates—especially when it comes to balancing progress, practicality, and preserving the character of our communities.
We’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you think advertising on bus shelters is a fair trade-off for better amenities and lower council rates? Or should councils do more to consult with locals before making changes to public spaces? Have you seen similar disputes in your own suburb? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below—let’s get the conversation started!
READ MORE: Young Aussie finds $380 treasure hidden in posh neighbourhood trash
So, what’s got the locals in a lather? It’s not a new high-rise or a noisy pub—no, it’s the humble bus shelter. Or, more specifically, the 39 brand-new bus shelters recently installed by Woollahra Council, each sporting a 'giant advertising screen' that’s hard to miss.
For some, these new shelters are a welcome addition, providing much-needed shade and a dry spot to perch while waiting for the bus. For others, however, the shelters are nothing short of an eyesore, with their bold, money-spinning ads clashing with the natural beauty of Rose Bay’s famous promenade.
A Rose Bay local has an issue with the 39 new bus shelters placed around the suburb. Credit: Deanna Mastellone / Facebook
Local resident Deanna Mastellone has become the face of the anti-ad crusade, taking to Facebook to vent her frustration: ‘It is absolutely ridiculous. Woollahra Council placing this giant advertising screen outside the Wintergarden, blocking this very busy footpath which is enjoyed by so many.’ She’s not just upset about the look of the shelters—she’s also fuming about the lack of community consultation. ‘It is an absolute disgrace Woollahra Council has signed up for 39 advertising bus shelters with zero community consultation,’ she wrote. ‘Such an ugly blight on our magnificent Rose Bay Promenade. This will be corrected, this is so very wrong.’
Ms Mastellone even compared Rose Bay to other well-heeled suburbs like Balmoral Beach and Mosman, pointing out that Mosman Council at least consulted its residents before rolling out 22 similar shelters. She’s gone so far as to file a formal complaint with the council’s Audit, Risk and Innovation committee, determined to have the ads removed.
But not everyone in Rose Bay is up in arms. The debate has spilled onto social media, with some locals rolling their eyes at the outrage. ‘Rain protection and advertising revenue to keep your council rates lower. What’s the issue?’ one resident asked. Another pointed out the practical benefits: ‘Perhaps think of the seniors waiting for a bus who appreciate having somewhere to sit while they wait.’
Of course, there are those who side with Ms Mastellone, and they’ve raised additional concerns—like the lack of proper access for wheelchairs and mobility aids, and the absence of alerts for vision-impaired community members. ‘These are disgusting eyesores around Rose Bay, I agree,’ one commenter chimed in.
Woollahra Council, for its part, is standing firm. A spokesperson explained that the revenue from the ads helps fund vital community services, and that each shelter’s location was carefully assessed for safety and accessibility. ‘They provide excellent shelter and shade for commuters,’ the spokesperson said, adding that notifications were sent to nearby residents and businesses, giving them a chance to provide feedback.
So, what’s really at the heart of this kerfuffle? Is it about preserving the suburb’s charm, or is it a case of not-in-my-backyard syndrome? Perhaps it’s a bit of both. In a city where property values are sky-high and every inch of streetscape is fiercely protected, even a bus shelter can become a battleground.
For our Seniors Discount Club members, this story is a reminder that even the smallest changes in our neighbourhoods can spark big debates—especially when it comes to balancing progress, practicality, and preserving the character of our communities.
We’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you think advertising on bus shelters is a fair trade-off for better amenities and lower council rates? Or should councils do more to consult with locals before making changes to public spaces? Have you seen similar disputes in your own suburb? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below—let’s get the conversation started!
READ MORE: Young Aussie finds $380 treasure hidden in posh neighbourhood trash
