John “Red Ted” Sullivan

The T Shirt was the give away. Not just anyone one can buy one. Do the young ones even know what Scum Valley means? Go HERE for a bit Bondi history.

Anyway we couldn’t resist tapping John on the shoulder to get the lowdown.

“I’m a Bondi born and bred boy. I was a former member of South Bondi Surfboard Riders Club, the first Boardriders club in Australia and my mentor was Barry “Magoo” McGuigan. I was also in WindanSea club and the Bondi Longboard Club. Injuries stopped my surfing. I’m also a member of Bondi Golf club and Bondi United.

I guess you could say that I’m a well known local identity. My nickname is Red Ted (Ed. He used to have red hair).

I start my mornings doing stretches before walking a couple of laps of the promenade then have coffee with mates at the Table of Knowledge (We asked – John and his mates take a table in the back of Surfish in the Pavilion courtyard where we imagine they solve global and other issues) . I usually have lunch at the Bikini Bar on Tuesdays and Gelbison on Wednesday.

In 2017 I had Bondi dedicated and gazetted as Native Surfing Reserve and prior to that arranged for Council to erect a sign in the shape of a surfboard containing the Surfer’s Code at the 2nd Ramp.

Importantly I’m proud of my contribution and being part of the local community. “

You might describe John as the very definition of community man.