Read the Latest Content

Support The Girls & Boys Brigade, providing a safe, nurturing space for Surry Hills children and teens for over 140 years. Programs include education, recreation, life skills, and trauma-informed care. Donate or get involved today.

Nel Restaurant’s indulgent new menu - The Story of Christmas  - is here to kick off the merriest season of them all. Acclaimed Chef Nelly Robinson’s ambitions know no bounds. From experimental chef’s table evenings alongside a rotating lineup of guest chefs to flying abroad to curate exclusive dinners at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, he’s constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity. And on top of all this, Nelly still manages to unveil a brand-new seasonal

Explore the newest bars, restaurants and rooftop venues in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and nearby neighbourhoods.

Discover how ESCA Hospitality partnered with The Girls & Boys Brigade to support vulnerable youth in Surry Hills, launching fundraising initiatives, family dinners and a hands-on hospitality program that led to life-changing career opportunities.

Experience the Just For Laughs All Star Gala, a high-energy night at the Sydney Opera House featuring Shaun Micallef, top international acts and Australia’s best homegrown comedians.

A notorious 1945 murder at 428 Crown Street left gangster Donald “the Duck” Day dead and wartime Sydney shaken. From jealousy and sly-grog rivalries to a courtroom battle filled with contradictions, this is the true story of one of Surry Hills’ most dramatic underworld killings.

After 43 years as a safe haven for Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community, The Bookshop on Oxford Street will close on December 24, 2025. From its origins in the early 80s to its role as a cultural anchor through crisis and celebration, the store’s legacy still looms large.

After almost 30 years, the Statue of Joy has finally returned to East Sydney. The bronze replica celebrates the legacy of sex workers and the community campaign that pushed for her homecoming, tracing her journey from controversy to cultural recognition.

Cleveland House, one of Sydney’s oldest surviving colonial mansions, is sliding deeper into disrepair after years of stalled approvals and delayed restoration. Discover the building’s remarkable history, its architectural significance and why locals are calling for urgent action to save this rare heritage landmark.

Baz Luhrmann’s former Darlinghurst mansion, the grand 1880s estate known as Iona, has sold for $37.5 million after a tense four-hour private bidding battle. Discover the property’s rich history, lavish features and the upgrades made by its most recent owners.

Step inside a real day in the life of MP Tanya Plibersek, from early-morning dog walks to community visits, constituent support and family time. Discover her favourite local spots and what drives her after 27 years serving Sydney.

Discover the final season of Sydney Dance Company’s New Breed, showcasing four world premieres and celebrating 12 years of groundbreaking Australian choreography.

With ten years under his belt, chef Nelly Robinson reflects on building NEL from scratch, feeding David Attenborough, and the joy of a good curry on a cold night. By Melissa Mantle Ten years ago, British-born chef Nelly Robinson opened NEL  on a stretch of Surry Hills’ Wentworth Avenue that needed some love. A decade later, the chic bunker-esque restaurant is a cult favourite, known for its theatrical tasting menus and events and its inventive takes on modern cuisine.   Nelly

The Fur Salon & Dental is here to raise the standard and removing the stress of pet dental care & grooming. The Fur Salon Step inside The Fur Salon in Queens Park and you’ll notice something different, there’s no mad barking or chaos in the atmosphere. The air smells fresh, the space is calm, and the interior fit-out makes it feel more like a day spa than a grooming salon.  That’s because The Fur Salon was designed with one mission: to raise the standard of pet care.  Founded

The festive season has officially arrived as Nelly Robinson's "Story of Christmas” menu starts at NEL. This November, acclaimed chef Nelly Robinson and the team invite diners to unwrap the magic of the festive season through food with the return of The Story of Christmas, a dazzling, 12-course degustation menu at NEL restaurant. This year’s iteration brings together nostalgic flavours, reimagined classics, and forgotten traditions from across the globe. Menu highlights inclu

SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) is back for its 11th year, bigger, bolder, and on the iconic Sydney Opera House Stage. This 11th installment of the festival attracted more than 450 entries (!) from over 60 countries, reflecting SF3’s truly global reach.. Submissions came from filmmakers aged four to 79, including creators living with disability, neuro-diverse school groups, and Indigenous filmmakers supported through SF3’s workshops. The festival kicks off on Friday 23 January , w

Intimate yet spectacular, La Ronde Is brimming with talent and charisma By Rita Bratovich Scott Maidment and the Strut & Fret team have curated a beautiful selection of theatrical sweets and presented them as delicacies on a plate that is La Ronde . This production feels more intimate and pure in the way it allows the performers to be the central focus.  The La Ronde performers have enough personality to fill the spacious theatre tenfold. Expertise, sexiness, humour, and char

Three masters come together for Sydney Dance Company’s stunning new triple bill, Continuum . Continuum  is the perfect title for this trio of works. Rafael Bonachela’s Spell , Tra Mi Dinh’s Somewhere between ten and fourteen, and Stephen Page’s Unungkati Yantatja – one with the other , are each completely distinct pieces, yet there is a flow and feeling of connection between them.  First, Spell, which opens auspiciously with a solo dancer and no music. The sole figure moves o

Strut & Fret present another mind-blowing spectacular, La Ronde , featuring a stunning troupe of international stars. By Rita Bratovich If you have never seen a Strut & Fret show, then you have never seen just how magnificent humans can be. This company brings together acts from around the world, artists who are at the pinnacle of their craft, performers who can make you gasp, cheer, laugh and even cry.  When creators, Scott Maidment and Sarah Stewart, met some 25 years ago,

Reflecting on a season of resilience and renewal for Sydney’s beloved AFL team - The Sydney Swans. As the 2025 AFL season draws to a close, the Sydney Swans find themselves at a pivotal juncture. Emerging from the shadow of a disappointing Grand Final loss in 2024, the 2025 season was a journey of introspection and rejuvenation. Under the guidance of new head coach Dean Cox, the Swans aimed to recalibrate and rebuild. A Season of Challenges & Triumphs The season began with ca