Adrian Newstead, a 77-year-old Indigenous art dealer, and Russell Cheek, a 73-year-old performer and quizmaster, have shared a unique friendship for nearly two decades, forged at the Bondi Icebergs swimming club. Meeting 17 years ago at the local swimming pool, their morning ritual of swimming has become a cornerstone of their lives, with only a brief interruption when Adrian faced a temporary ban.
Their story is one of camaraderie, resilience, and shared passions. Russell recalls their first meeting in 2008, facilitated by a mutual friend at the Icebergs cafe. “I thought he was a very cultured individual who could talk to anyone about anything,” Russell said. Their daily routine quickly evolved to include post-swim coffees, where they bonded over their mutual disregard for the cold water, often joking about the pool’s chilly 16-degree temperature.
A Friendship Beyond the Pool
Adrian’s zest for life and his deep ties to the art world have left a lasting impression on Russell. Adrian’s adventurous spirit takes him to remote areas like Balgo and Yuendumu, where he immerses himself in Indigenous culture, even hosting artists in his backyard around a fire pit. His dedication to promoting Indigenous art led to an invitation to Paris in 2016 to showcase a collection of Indigenous Art Brut. Russell, fluent in French, accompanied Adrian as an interpreter, marking a memorable chapter in their friendship.
Despite their strong bond, Russell admits Adrian’s penchant for complaining about ailments and his poor texting habits can be irksome. However, these minor annoyances pale in comparison to the joy they find in each other’s company. An incident at the Icebergs cafe, where Adrian’s use of a personal mug led to a temporary ban, is a testament to his fiery nature, yet it did little to dampen their spirits.
Shared Interests and Lifelong Commitments
The duo’s conversations span a wide range of topics, from sports and politics to art and the remarkable women in their lives. Their shared experiences include election night gatherings with friends like Dave Faulkner from the Hoodoo Gurus, where they celebrated political victories together. Swimming remains a central theme, with Adrian’s wife humorously critiquing his technique, yet both men maintain a similar pace in the pool.
Russell’s influence extends beyond swimming, encouraging Adrian to embrace the early morning swims as the sun rises. Adrian describes Russell as a “loper” with a distinctive swimming style, a result of a past skiing accident. Russell’s empathetic nature is evident in his care for friends like the late photographer Jon Lewis, whose ashes were spread in lane one of the pool, a place of significance for both men.
The Unbreakable Bond
Russell’s life story is as colorful as his personality. A former actor and founding member of the Castanet Club, he faced financial struggles before winning the $142,000 jackpot on “Sale of the Century” in 1993, which allowed him to secure his Bondi flat. Despite his success, Russell remains humble, often besting Adrian in golf but not in the Good Weekend Quiz, where Adrian’s agricultural science background gives him an edge.
Russell’s devotion to his dog, Miranda, highlights his caring nature. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Miranda’s accident and subsequent recovery became a testament to Russell’s dedication. Meanwhile, Adrian’s aversion to clowns contrasts with Russell’s love for clowning, a skill honed during his studies at the Lecoq School in Paris.
Their friendship is an anchor in their lives, with daily swims serving as a reminder of their shared commitment to health and companionship. “Can you ever imagine a time when we won’t be able to do this?” Russell once asked Adrian. The answer was a resounding “No,” as both men continue to inspire each other to embrace each day with vigor and enthusiasm.
