Local mum of 2 Kerry McCarthy has been happily calling the Eastern Suburbs home for more than 20 years since relocating from the UK in 2005. As founder and senior counsellor at Working Well Counselling, Kerry specialises in supporting female clients navigate tricky life transitions such as fertility, parenting, relationships and health challenges.
Having lived in Coogee, Randwick and Maroubra, Kerry has made the Eastern Suburbs her home and the ideal place to raise her two young children. Passionate about the outdoors, Kerry spends her family time walking, hiking, playing pickleball or tennis or simply beach gazing as she and her little crew soak up everything our local area has to offer.
From sharing her best mum advice and favourite places, Kerry reveals why she’ll never live anywhere else.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I moved to Coogee in 2005 and never left. After meeting my husband, we lived in Maroubra in our first home together, moved back to Coogee when we were pregnant with our first, and then to Randwick for number 2. I never want to move again!
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Clean, safe, idyllic
How many children?
2 – a boy and girl. Jackpot!
Favourite Park?
Bangor Park. I used to take my babies when they were little and it holds so many good memories.
Favourite Beach?
Coogee because we can walk from home, but you can’t beat Maroubra for space and lots of parking.
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
Courtyard Café on Coogee Bay Road was always very understanding when it came to babies making a lot of mess.
Favourite Coffee Spot?
Coogee Bay Hotel – although it might be more about the free chocolate brownie with every coffee…
Favourite date night place?
Maybe Franks in the Spot for a great Negroni and the world’s best pizza
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
During COVID we would take the kids to Cape Banks to get outside and into some fresh air, but we haven’t been for ages. I need to go back. So much to see and some great walks.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
More great restaurants and nice bars for an older crowd.
Favourite Local Shop?
Lived In Coogee for great gifts and local designers.
Favourite wet weather location?
The Ritz cinema in the Spot.
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
Tennis at Baker Park followed by seafood lunch at the Boatshed in La Perouse.
Work or SAHM?
I run my own counselling business from home that specialises in supporting female clients navigate tricky life transitions. I deliberately created a business that worked alongside me being a busy, involved parent. I can work and go to the sports games and assemblies.
Motherly advice?
Be the person you want your kids to be. The way you treat people in shops and restaurants, the way you show gratitude and patience in tricky situations – that’s what your kids will see and mirror as they grow up.
