Young Henrys Faces Relocation as Newtown Brewery Site Set for Redevelopment By Tahney Fosdike More on Newtown Once a Newtown institution, always a Newtown institution - Young Henrys might need to relocate, but the iconic brewery remains committed to the local community. At the end of May, Sydney-based Loucas Architects lodged a development application (DA) with the Inner West Council to demolish Young Henrys’ existing site at Wilford Street and replace it with a six-storey, 40-apartment block. With the $20.9 million development now likely incoming, the popular Inner-West brewery is officially on the hunt for a new home. Fellow owners Richard Adamson and Dan Hampton always knew the day was coming when they’d need to move. The writing was on the wall: it’s an old building in a desirable high-density area. Plus, they support the need for more housing in the area they know and love and understand their landlord’s desire to redevelop. You Can Still Enjoy Young Henry's Original Space For now, the brewery is sticking around while the DA is under review, using the time to carefully consider the best course of action, especially given the significant costs of moving a fully operational brewery. “The best-case scenario is we find a very suitable, cost-effective alternate site, and the timing aligns perfectly between Young Henrys and our landlord. Everyone wins,” says Hampton. “Worst case would be we can't find somewhere, and we're stuck in limbo for too long.” It’s bittersweet to move on from the warehouse they’ve occupied since 2012. But they’re determined to keep the good times going wherever they end up. And while the brewery has some major tenancy logistics to figure out, they don’t want their relationship with the community to fracture, even for a moment. Remaining a fixture of the local hospitality scene is a top priority – they aren’t planning to leave the Inner West, just find a new home, hopefully within it. Plus, with or without their landmark warehouse, their trademark Newtowner pale ale will continue to symbolise their passion for the 2042 postcode. A Pillar Of The Inner West “We are already deeply rooted in our local community through pubs, bars, bottle shops, live music venues, art galleries, and charities we support. That will not stop,” says Hampton. “As the first brewery to be built in the Inner West (of which there are now 17 as of last count), we're proud to have kicked off a really positive trend that has turned into a cultural hub," he adds. "We've made a commitment to find a new location in the area so that our community can continue to support us, and we can supply them with good beer and fun times.” Likewise, the community can stand by the brewery during this transitional period, even if that’s just coming down for a pint while the Wilford Street space is still operating. “A lot of breweries, and a lot of businesses full stop, are doing it tough. The market really hasn't recovered since COVID, which feels crazy as it was so long ago, but we've been a country that's a bit ‘down in the dumps’ since then,” Hampton shares. “The best way for the community to support us, and any of our indie brothers and sisters, is to get into the tasting bars, try something new, savour the regular brews, eat from the food trucks, buy some merch, then go and have a few more at the local pubs and bars,” Hampton encourages, expressing that he’s grateful for the support they’ve received and hopeful for the next phase of the brewery’s journey. ​​ “We'll make the most of whatever the situation, and we'll always ensure a steady supply of tasty Young Henrys’ beers, ciders, and ginger beers!” Hampton promises.

Nature's Energy brand new Balmain Bathhouse has arrived! Featuring luxury facilities, mineral pools, saunas, medical grade red light therapy and cutting-edge wellness treatments More on Balmain Experience red light therapy as it was meant to be - in the peninsula’s most luxurious setting. When the doors of Nature’s Energy Balmain Bathhouse swing open again on 3 September 2025, visitors can expect more than just a fresh coat of paint and new facilities. The iconic Darling Street sanctuary, long known for its mineral pools, saunas, and holistic treatments, is unveiling an upgraded experience that brings cutting-edge wellness to Sydney’s Inner West. One of the most exciting new features is the installation of full-body, medical-grade red light therapy panels. This isn’t the kind of light therapy you might find in beauty gadgets or spa mood lighting - this is the real deal. Why Medical-Grade Matters While the term red light therapy has become something of a wellness buzzword, not all forms are created equal. LED Face Masks: These at-home devices target only the face and deliver lower-intensity light. They can produce gradual results, but they’re limited in both scope and strength. LED Lights in Saunas: These are often decorative, designed for ambience rather than therapeutic benefit. They rarely emit the precise wavelengths needed for cellular-level change. Red Light Beds: Covering more of the body, these vary greatly in quality. Many are designed for relaxation rather than delivering the clinical intensity proven in research studies. In contrast, Nature’s Energy’s medical-grade panels emit both red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) wavelengths. These are the gold standard for targeting deep into the skin and tissues, where they can: Stimulate cell regeneration Improve circulationReduce inflammation Accelerate muscle recovery Support skin health and healing It’s the same technology used in high-end physiotherapy clinics and elite sports recovery centres — now seamlessly integrated into the Balmain bathhouse ritual. The Bathhouse Ritual Every visit to Nature’s Energy Balmain is designed to be a journey through relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal. The new bathhouse experience includes: Australian Sea Salt Scrub & Shower – to gently exfoliate and prepare the skin for deeper therapeutic benefits. Magnesium Mineral Pool – rich in minerals to soothe muscles and restore balance. Traditional Finnish Sauna – for deep, penetrating heat and detoxification. Infrared Sauna – delivering a gentler heat while supporting circulation and skin health. Steam Room – to open pores and promote relaxation. Ice Baths – to invigorate and energise the body after heat therapy. Red Light Therapy – the pinnacle of the experience, delivering cellular benefits that linger long after you leave. Recovery Lounge – complete with herbal tea and Celtic hydration salts for the perfect wind-down. All sessions include use of lockers, toiletries, hair dryers, and a fresh towel. Prices start from $60 Monday–Thursday or $70 Friday–Sunday for a 90-minute session. Beyond Recovery For those wanting to make a day of it, Nature’s Energy offers a full menu of treatments and packages that complement the bathhouse experience: Massage – from remedial deep tissue to pure relaxationFacials – holistic treatments for radiant skin Spiritual Healing – to rebalance energy and restore emotional wellbeing Wellness Packages – thoughtfully curated combinations for ultimate indulgence A Local Favourite, Reimagined Nature’s Energy has long been part of Balmain’s wellness culture — and now it’s back, offering an even more elevated experience without the need to travel far. Whether you’re winding down after a busy week, supporting recovery after a workout, or simply craving some quiet, the newly reopened bathhouse offers the perfect blend of luxury, community, and proven therapeutic benefits. The doors reopen 3 September 2025. Book early — and get ready to experience red light therapy done right, right here in Balmain. Nature’s Energy Balmain 312 Darling Street, Balmain From $60 for 90 minutes naturesenergy.com.au

Being Principal of Brigidine College isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. More on St Ives For Mr Shane Hogan, each day is a tapestry of leadership, connection, and purpose. From the quiet of early morning reflection to the energy of school assemblies, classroom walk-throughs, family interviews and after-hours events, every moment is centred around supporting students, empowering staff, and building a vibrant school community. “There’s no doubt it’s a role of responsibility,” says Mr Hogan, “but above all, it’s a role of immense privilege.” As he leads Brigidine College with clarity and commitment, no two days are ever the same. What does a typical day look like in the life of the Brigidine Principal? 6.00am – A morning walk which is the opportunity to clear the mind, plan and discern on important matters. 7.00am – Breakfast with the family, including discussion of family matters and some of the big decisions such as ‘what should we have for dinner tonight?’ 8.00am – Students Arriving on Campus. Whether it’s greeting students or catching up with staff, the morning ritual sets the tone for the day ahead. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Mr Hogan plays trumpet in the before-school band rehearsals. 9.00am – Meeting with his Executive Assistant setting the objectives for the day which includes various interviews, correspondence and issue that may arise. 9.30am – Walking the Campus. A walk-through the classrooms, checking in on lessons, engaging with students and experiencing firsthand the dynamic learning environment. 10.00am - Meeting with various members of the Executive team, depending on the cycle, it could be to do with employment, teaching and learning progress, building projects or student matters. 12.30am – Lunchtime. No day is complete without a moment to connect informally with staff or students, hearing about their day and celebrating their successes and checking to see who has the most interesting lunch! 1.30pm – Community and Partnerships. Many afternoons of the week is time spent holding interviews for new students and families. The door is also open for the opportunity for staff to call in and tell me about their day. 3.30pm – The end of the school day sees the students off home or on their way training or rehearsals. This is also the opportunity to visit staff rooms for a friendly chat and debrief with staff. 4.30pm – After school presents more opportunity for engagement. On any given day there are staff meeting meetings, professional development sessions, parent/teacher meetings, musical evenings, presentation with guest speakers, Board meetings or Committee meetings. The work of a Principal extends well beyond the school day, all in the pursuit of continuous growth and excellence in teaching at the College. 8.00pm – Reflecting and Preparing for Tomorrow. Mr Hogan typically spends this time with his wife where he catches up on her day and shares his day. Later, when all is said and done, Mr Hogan might even just find some time for himself to relax and unwind in front of weekend replays of St George, St Kilda or an Arsenal game!

Sydney's Boxing & Gambling Roots were built on Feuds and Frontier Life in 19th-Century Ku-ring-gai More on St Ives By Elliot Lindsay Picture today’s Killara, Gordon, Pymble and St Ives: a serene, upscale haven on Sydney’s North Shore, with elegant estates and tree-lined streets. But rewind to the nineteenth century and this slice of Ku-ring-gai — then referred to as the Parish of Gordon — was a rugged frontier pulsing with vice and violence. It was an “honour society” akin to the antebellum South, where reputations were forged in blood, bets, and bare knuckles. At the epicentre of Sydney's Boxing & Gambling roots stood the pubs, dens of hard drinking, cockfighting, gambling, and brutal brawls. Leading the charge was the Waterhouse clan, a dynasty of frontier sportsmen whose Green Gate Inn became legendary for hosting world-famous boxing matches and fuelling decades-long rivalries. None burned hotter than their feud with the McMahon family, owners of the rival Travellers Rest Inn. And the pinnacle? The epic 1861 clash between Tommy Waterhouse and “Flash” Bourke — a blood-soaked showdown that put this part of Sydney on the sportsman’s map. Into this wild Parish of Gordon stepped the Waterhouses, further elevating its reputation as a hotbed of sport and strife (see 2075 Issue #11, Nov 24). Thomas Waterhouse, great-great-grandfather of the famous bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse, acquired the Green Gate Inn in 1853. It sat on a sprawling estate along the old Lane Cove Road (today the Pacific Highway, Killara), serving timber workers, farmers, and travellers. Thomas, a charismatic father of 13, embodied the frontier spirit: a lover of horse racing, rowing, cockfighting, and boxing. His inn was not just a watering hole; it was the stage for vice-fuelled spectacles that drew crowds from across the colony. Not just boxing, gambling was everywhere Horse racing kicked up dust on the Lane Cove Road outside the Green Gate, with families like the McIntoshes and McMahons entering steeds in high-stakes gambles. But boxing was the clan’s true claim to fame. Bare-knuckle prize fights — illegal yet irresistible — turned the inn into one of Australia’s premier pugilistic establishments, known by sporting men across the colony and as far as London and San Francisco. Thomas Waterhouse Jr., or Tommy, emerged as a star: intelligent, gentle off the canvas, but a demon with his fists. In 1857, Waterhouse’s licence was nearly revoked after a brawl involving his sons, but glowing references saved the day. That year, Tommy’s legend ignited when toughs from The Rocks crossed the harbour and refused to pay their tab at the Green Gate. The Rocks larrikins got heavy, but Tommy taught them a painful lesson and sent them running for the next ferry back to Dawes Point, banning them from the North Shore forever. The Waterhouse clan became legendary in barrooms, billiards saloons, and gymnasiums far and wide as Tommy’s boxing prowess shone in a string of infamous bouts in reserves along the Lane Cove River. In April 1857, Tommy faced Bill McMahon — son of rival publican Owen McMahon — in a gruelling 117-round epic, winning on a technical knockout for a £15 prize. It was a taste of the family feud to come. In May 1858, he drew with Walter “The Oysterman” Kimber after five rounds, the bout marred when Kimber struck Tommy while he was down. Later came the 1866 clash with James Kelly, ending in a sunset draw; Kelly’s crew then stormed the ring, but were repelled by locals. As they fled by boat, Lane Cove lads pelted them with rocks and bottles. The rivalry that captured the community But no fight captured the era’s wild essence like Tommy Waterhouse vs “Flash” Bourke in 1861 — the “Championship of the Colony,” with £100 on the line. Bourke, a one-eyed Irish brawler from Victoria, challenged Sydney’s best. Tommy accepted, locals wagering 100 guineas on their champ. Prize-fighting was banned, so secrecy shrouded the event—until it didn’t. Hundreds chartered steamers across the harbour, converging on the Green Gate Inn. Bourke’s team was based at Owen McMahon’s Travellers Rest Inn in Gordon, a deliberate jab amid the raging Waterhouse–McMahon feud. Sparked by a £5 horse bet in 1852 (McMahon’s Pretty Boy vs Waterhouse’s Jack), the rivalry had exploded into violence. On 7 April 1855, Thomas Sr and Owen brawled on Lane Cove Road. The McMahons, allied against the Waterhouse–McIntosh bloc, hosted Bourke to spite their foes — Owen’s son Bill had already fallen to Tommy in the ring. The initial ring went up in a bush clearing—now genteel Killara Park. At 3:30 p.m., as Bourke strutted in, police stormed the scene. Inspector Ryland, pistol cocked, vowed to “blow out the brains” of any who resisted, and seized the ropes. Undaunted, the mob trekked six miles through scrub to Pearce’s Corner in Wahroonga. Bourke entered flashy; Tommy, humble. For two hours, they traded savage blows — Bourke swinging wild, Tommy agile and precise. Blood soaked the ground; Tommy slipped in the gore, lacking studded boots. Bourke gasped, “You’re a lot better than I thought.” As sunset loomed, Bourke went blind in his good eye; Tommy was too spent for a knockout. They postponed till dawn. Bourke retreated to the Travellers Rest for leech treatments; Tommy to the Green Gate. Morning came, but the referee vanished — so a draw was declared. The saga elevated the Waterhouses and their inn to legendary status, with tales spreading worldwide. Fights proliferated in Killara Park, cementing Sydney as a global boxing hub alongside London and San Francisco. The McMahon feud simmered on, part of Gordon’s honour-bound vendettas. Other clans had clashed—McIntoshes vs Cooks in 1836 over a seduction, settled for £500; Matthews attempted to shoot his brother-in-law in 1846. But Waterhouse vs McMahon divided the community for decades—brawls, beatings, duels. One McMahon even assaulted Peter Jackson — a boxer mentored by the Waterhouses and the son of a Caribbean slave. Hired as a sawyer in 1880, Jackson trained under Tommy at the Green Gate Inn, going unbeaten locally before claiming the British Empire heavyweight title. Racism denied him the world crown, though he is considered by some to be the greatest boxer to have lived. The Kelly rivalry added fuel: after the 1866 draw, the Kellys ambushed the Waterhouses at Dearing’s Wharf in 1867, knocking Tommy out with a rock. Pubs amplified these clashes—the Green Gate vs the Travellers Rest. Even the 1862 Green Gate murder reeked of feud: Pymble resident Andrew Bromley, a Waterhouse ally fighting a massive bushfire, was stabbed, his throat slit, and his body dumped in a well. Suspicions pointed to McMahon ties, but the case went cold. By the century’s end, railways and suburbanisation civilised the Parish, rebranding Killara, Gordon, and St Ives as a “gentleman’s suburb.” Yet the Waterhouse clan—pioneers in hospitality, fruit, horse racing, and fighting—shaped Australian culture. They challenged racism through Jackson, built boxing’s legacy, and embodied the wild larrikin spirit. Amid feuds like the McMahon saga, they turned frontier chaos into enduring foundations. The Greengate Hotel, as it would later be known, has not been in Waterhouse's possession for almost 120 years, though the 193-year-old establishment still stands strong.

Senior Debating Team wins IGSA Archdale debate competition, marking a milestone in Brigidine College’s debating history. More on St Ives Brigidine College has much to celebrate after its Senior Debating Team secured a historic win in the Grand Final of the prestigious IGSA Archdale debating competition. Facing strong competition, the students delivered a superb performance that earned Brigidine its first Archdale title, a milestone achievement in the College’s debating history. The Archdale competition is regarded as the highest standard in interschool debating, with some of Sydney’s most accomplished schools contesting the title. To triumph in the final is not only a testament to the skill, intelligence and composure of the team but also reflects the strength of Brigidine’s debating program. Guiding the senior Debating team to success was Brigidine Alumni Courtney Wilkinson, who has returned to the College to coach the team. Having once stood where the current debaters stand, Courtney understands the traditions, spirit and standards of Brigidine debating. Her ability to mentor the students has not only sharpened their skills but also inspired them to see what is possible when passion and persistence combine. Adding to the celebrations, Year 12 student Josephine Crocker was also selected for the IGSA Representative Debating Team, which will see her compete against GPS, CAS and CHS representative teams. At Brigidine, debating is more than a co-curricular activity, it is a program that fosters confidence, critical thinking and articulate young leaders. From Year 7 through to the senior years, students are supported to develop their skills and compete at many interschool competitions. Brigidine is committed to nurturing the next generation of outstanding speakers and thinkers. Applications open in November for the College’s 2027 Excellence Scholarship in Debating, which recognises exceptional ability and potential in this field. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Brigidine website for details. www.brigidine.nsw.edu.au

How Marrickville became Sydney’s vibrant home for live music, craft beer, and creative culture. More on Marrickville By Alec Smart Marrickville as a thriving live music hub goes from strength to strength, rivalling neighbouring Newtown (long considered Sydney’s beating heart of rock ‘n’ roll and a training college for new bands) for the number of venues and its musical diversity. Amyl & The Sniffers at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville. Unlike Newtown, Marrickville didn’t evolve from a student nexus (Sydney University campus is at the northern end of Newtown), nor an LGBTQI+ safe-spot (Newtown Hotel + Kuletto’s Cocktail Bar nearby). Instead, multicultural Marrickville is affordable and well-served by public transport, and in addition to the lure of creative industries, small galleries and a multitude of restaurants, has an added attraction of flavoursome craft beers served in at least 10 breweries, all within proximity, in a district known as the ‘Golden Triangle’. There are also six distilleries. Neptune Power Federation at the Marrickville Bowlo. Quick history Marrickville developed as a suburb in the late 19th century when tycoon Thomas Holt’s original ‘Warren’ estate was subdivided in 1884. Dominated for decades by market gardeners and small-scale brickmakers, after the claypits of Henson Park were depleted (1886-1914), more houses were built to provide living quarters for workers in an expanding network of factories and mills. According to the Dictionary of Sydney, by 1935 there were more than 130 manufacturing businesses in Marrickville. They employed a largely immigrant community, predominantly Greeks, most of whom arrived in the post-WWII era. Marrickville became known across Sydney as ‘Athens of the West’ as restaurants and social clubs opened to cater to the predominantly Hellenic community. Soon, other waves of foreigners arrived and settled, including many Vietnamese (after the Vietnam War ended in 1975). Black Flag at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville. In time, the major employers – the large factories and mills - closed or moved elsewhere and smaller businesses opened in their wake. The population shifted and younger people settled in the aging, more affordable houses. Over the turn of the new Millenium, a network of creatives, small businesses and arts & crafts makers transformed the abandoned former factories into vibrant small industries. And on the back of that resurgence, new community centres and entertainment venues inevitably emerged, hosting live music and a variety of performances – which Marrickville and Leichardt Municipal Councils, followed by the newly amalgamated Inner West Council – took care to nurture. Railplane at the Gasoline Pony, Marrickville. Vibrant venues Some of the current venues have long been popular focal points, including the mighty Factory Theatre (founded 1982), Vic on the Park (1990s) and Lazybones Lounge (which took over from the Pantheon Night Club after it burned down in 1982). In the 21st century we’ve seen the development of the Camelot Lounge (2009) Red Rattler Theatre (2009), Gasoline Pony (2014), Marrickville Bowlo (2015), and Kiss My Brass (2025) plus numerous restaurants that host occasional live music events. And of course, we have the annual, one-day Marrickville Music Festival (founded 2006), which showcases diverse talent from across the region, on several stages. Hard-Ons at the Great Club, Marrickville. Sadly, we lost one venue; the Great Club (launched 2021, after taking over from ‘Alexander the Great’ Greek Macedonian community centre, which operated from 1952-2010). Unfortunately, the club was reportedly hounded by NIMBYs – despite it hosting 72 years of live music - and the new owner resigned and closed the venue in June 2024. The cough cometh In mid 2020, the Covid pandemic breezed into Sydney, with Health Authorities nervous that we had the equivalent of another Spanish Flu, the 1918-1920 influenza contagion that killed at least 50 million people and remains the deadliest pandemic in history. Preparations were made for mass infections as authorities proposed methods to limit casualties, including enforced social isolation. Rust at the Marrickville Bowlo. Despite this anxiety, on March 19, the notorious cruise ship Ruby Princess disembarked 2647 passengers into the heart of Sydney at Circular Quay – all but 12 of whom were allowed to disperse into the general population without tests or quarantine. The floating petri dish brought ashore over 560 cases of Covid-19, eight of whom later died, in addition to three crew members requiring hospital treatment. Psychotic Turnbuckles at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville. Covid also spread through other vectors, but the resulting panic saw Sydney and other Australian cities placed under ‘lockdown’, with authorities imposing severe restrictions on socialising and entertaining. Licensed venues and diners – especially those hosting live music - were among the most detrimentally affected. From March-July 2020, most of us were confined indoors, with limited permissions to travel within a five-kilometre radius of our homes, enforced wearing of face masks, obligatory vaccinations, whilst our workplaces were shuttered and public transport restricted. The Damned at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville. Post-COVID comeback After four months it appeared the fog of the ‘spicy cough’ had dissipated and authorities relaxed restrictions reinforcing this somewhat stifling social exclusion. Over the summer months we learned to live again as communities. Venues began reopening and Marrickville took its place at the heart of the revised rock ‘n’ roll revival. In June 2021, this reporter visited one of the most popular community establishments – the Marrickville Bowling Club – and spoke to Heather and Richard, the dynamic duo who book the bands that grace their stage, on their venue’s post-covid comeback. Steve Lucas (ex-X), at the Golden Barley Hotel, Marrickville. Alas, we spoke too soon – another wave of the dreaded contagion arrived and we were all confined to barracks again, with lockdowns imposed from June – October 2021. Again, our deserted town centres resembled a post-apocalyptic nightmare, seemingly awaiting the arrival of zombies, freshly unearthed from their graves, craving the nourishment of human flesh of those who dared stray outside without a valid travel permit. But Marrickville bounced back yet again and today is at the forefront of Sydney’s dynamic live music scene – as well as a great spot for comedy and theatre, food & drink. VeeBees at the Marrickville Bowlo. ======================================

From classic pub quizzes to quirky brewery sessions, here’s where to test your knowledge and have a laugh with trivia nights around Marrickville. More on Marrickville Looking to mix socialising with a little healthy competition? Trivia nights are the perfect excuse to round up your friends, grab a drink, and test your smarts. In Marrickville, the options are endless - from long-running pub staples to fresh new sessions at local breweries. Whether you’re a history buff, pop culture obsessive, or simply in it for the laughs, there’s a trivia night here for you. The Henson Park Hotel: “Bert’s Trivia” 📅 Wednesdays, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm 📍 91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville One of Marrickville’s best-known trivia nights is Bert’s Trivia at The Henson Park Hotel. Every Wednesday from 7:00 pm, the pub fills with locals ready to test their wits in a lively, good-humoured competition. Run by long-time host Bert, the quiz has such a following that it had to move to a larger space to accommodate growing crowds. Entry is free, with plenty of prizes and a buzzing atmosphere. Pickled Monkey Brewing: iQ Trivia 📅 Tuesdays, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 📍 127 Victoria Rd, Marrickville For an early-week brain workout, head to Pickled Monkey Brewing, 127 Victoria Road, Marrickville, on Tuesday nights. From 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, iQ Trivia hosts a fun, relaxed session where teams compete for bar tabs and bragging rights. There’s also a $25 schnitzel deal for anyone wanting to get a decent pub feed. There’s no entry fee, just order a drink and settle in for a couple of hours of questions spanning everything from history to pop culture. Mixtape Brewing & Bar: Trivia Night 📅 Wednesdays, from 7:00 pm 📍 142A Victoria Rd, Marrickville Over at Mixtape Brewing & Bar, Wednesdays are also trivia night. Kicking off at 7:00 pm, it’s a free-to-play event where teams can enjoy craft beers alongside a friendly test of knowledge. It’s a smaller, more intimate setting compared to the bigger pubs, which makes it ideal if you prefer a casual, community vibe. The Vic on the Park: Weekly Trivia 📅 Wednesdays, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm 📍 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville Trivia also makes a regular appearance at The Vic on the Park, Merivale’s popular inner west hangout. Every Wednesday from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, locals gather for a night of beer, burgers, and bad general knowledge. With classic pub food, a sprawling deck, live music, and even a basketball half-court, The Vic is as much about atmosphere as it is about the quiz. Entry is free, so all you need to bring is a team and your best guesswork. Would you like to list your trivia night? Send us an email: info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

More on Surry Hills By ALEC SMART The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras takes place annually in central Sydney at the end of summer (Feb-March) with a range of activities, performances, exhibitions, workshops and a public fair celebrating gender diversity. The Mardi Gras Parade The highlight is the Parade, which currently features over 12,500 entrants in a cavalcade of elaborate costumes, which flows from the CBD into Darlinghurst, the traditional epicentre of Sydney’s gay and lesbian culture. The participants accompany ornately-decorated floats, usually representing community groups and organisations, the spectacle enlightened by music and fireworks. The floats typically embrace an annual theme, or satirically poke fun at social issues or personalities hostile to the LGBTQI community. Each year a Chief of Parade is chosen to represent the spirit of Mardi Gras. In the past this has included gay actor Rupert Everett, Olympic gold medal winner Matthew Mitcham, and world-renowned gay rights activist Peter Tatchell. The post-parade party, which utilises Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park, is one of the largest party events in Australia, attracting international stars. Previous headliners have included Tina Arena, Boy George, Kylie Minogue, Jimmy Somerville, Village People, Sheena Easton, Courtney Act, Joan Rivers and George Michael. Mardi Gras is both an incredible public spectacle, social highlight and a multi-million dollar revenue earner for Sydney tourism. However, it was initially launched as a protest march and an opportunity for homosexuals to express pride in their identity, during a time when their activities were criminalised, they were targeted for violence and murder by gangs and police, and treated as mentally unwell. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - Checkered History On 24 June 1978, a chilly mid-winter’s day in Sydney, a crowd of up to 500 people – eventually swelling to around 2000 by 9.30pm in the evening – gathered in Darlinghurst’s Taylor Square to campaign for gay rights and commemorate the infamous Stonewall Riots. The ‘riots’ they wished to remember began in the early hours of 28 June 1969 when New York Police raided the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Manhattan, and the locals stood up to them. Police harassment of venues that catered to the gay and lesbian community were not uncommon across USA, but the Stonewall bar invasion triggered a new resistance amidst a changing cultural climate of civil rights protests and opposition to the Vietnam War. It inspired a movement to stand up to the authorities’ systemic marginalising of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community – now collectively known by the umbrella acronym LGBTQI. Stonewall is considered one of the most important historic events leading to recognition, respect and ultimately human rights of the LGBTQI community worldwide. Previously, homosexuality was listed as a mental disorder in the USA and Australia. The Sydney rally in 1978, part of a worldwide ‘Gay Solidarity Day’, consisted of a protest march in the morning, a public demonstration in the afternoon, and then a festive parade from Taylor Square along Oxford Street to Hyde Park in the evening, to hear speakers and network. However, as the crowds attending the evening fiesta approached the south-eastern corner of Hyde Park, NSW Police officers suddenly halted the march and impounded the lead truck carrying the public address system. After demanding the participants disperse, the police then encountered unexpected resistance from the gathered revellers – most of whom had endured years of intimidation by Sydney officers. A reportedly ‘jubilant’ crowd, many of whom diverted towards Kings Cross, danced and sang in the main streets around Darlinghurst, until, enraged, police officers removed their identification numbers and waded into the throng, bashing and arresting. Fifty three people were taken into custody, including bystanders who joined the rebellion, incensed by police treatment of the marchers. Sydney Morning Herald printed the names and occupations of those arrested, causing some to lose their jobs. The subsequent trials (the first of which police refused to allow the public and media into the open courtroom), brought considerable embarrassment to the NSW Govt and Premier Wran, a lawyer who prided himself as a supporter of civil liberties. Further protests and arrests ensued, but ultimately, in May 1979, the Summary Offences Act – the hated law that effectively criminalised gay men with jail terms of up to 14 years (and allowed undercover police to entice homosexuals to flirt with them before they were arrested and charged with lewd conduct) - was repealed. In 1984, Premier Wran bypassed his own party and introduced a private members bill to decriminalise being gay – NSW Parliament’s first conscience vote – and on 15 May 1984 The 'Crimes (Amendment) Act 1984' would decriminalise homosexual acts between consenting males over the age of 18. In 1979 the Mardi Gras – derived from the French words for the Shrove Tuesday celebrations that take place prior to the abstinence of Lent (in the lead-up up to Easter) – was attended by 3000 participants, albeit watched by stern police. In 1980 a post-parade party was added to the festivities (amidst the first of several re-names), which attracted as many spectators as participants – around 10,000 – then in 1981, Mardi Gras moved from mid-winter to the end of summer. The parade was well on the way to becoming the world-renowned and beloved event that now attracts tens of thousands of revellers and spectators, is a massive boost to Sydney’s tourism, and draws international stars of music and popular culture to perform on its stages. These days, NSW Police have a more constructive relationship with Mardi Gras, and now enter a float in the annual parade featuring LGBTQI police officers. GLADD float, 2018 Sydney Mardis Gras. Photo: Anne-Marie Calilhanna (Facebook) -------------------------------------------------------- Timeline: highs (and a few lows) of Mardi Gras over the years 1978 – Newly-formed Gay Solidarity Group organise inaugural rally in June. Police halt march, bash revellers and arrest 53 for not dispersing, including members of the public who rush to marchers’ defence. 1979 – Rally renamed Mardi Gras, week-long festivities added plus fundraising dance in Balmain Town Hall. 1980 – Post-parade celebrations added at Paddington Town Hall, last winter rally. 1981 – First summer rally, but postponed from 21 Feb to 21 March due to torrential rain. 1982 – First post-parade party at Sydney Showgrounds. NSW Premier Wran’s Govt amended the Anti-Discrimination Act, making it illegal to discriminate against homosexuals. Roger McKay marched with an Aboriginal flag, the first appearance of an Indigenous flag. Introduction of the Sleaze Ball fundraiser at Paddington Town Hall. 1983 – Sydney City Council placed flags along Mardi Gras parade route. Australia Council provided $6000 funding. 1984 – First Mardi Gras program printed, Sleaze Ball held at the Sydney Showgrounds, homosexuality decriminalised in May. Film footage of the Mardi Gras parade featured in Cold Chisel music video Saturday Night. 1985 – Reverend Fred Nile suggested Mardi Gras be replaced by compulsory public lectures on AIDS prevention. 1986 – ACON (Aids Council NSW) entered their first float in the parade encouraging safe sex. 1987 – 10th anniversary Mardi Gras featured 35 events including a motorcycle rally. An estimated 100,000 attended. 1988 – First float Indigenous float featuring an Aboriginal activist dressed as Captain Cook. First involvement of Dykes on Bikes lesbian motorcycle riders. Channel 10 TV conducted a telephone poll asking if Mardi Gras should be banned, to which 57 per cent of 47,980 callers disagreed. Australian Tax Office (ATO) estimated a tax liability of $71,400, but later granted tax exemption to the Sydney Gay Mardi Gras association. 1989 – Event renamed Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Parade attendance up to 200,000. A lesbian woman took over the association presidency. 1990 – First Mardi Gras fair held in Glebe’s Jubilee Park. 1991 – Sydney Gay & lesbian Choir perform at parade opening parade. 1992 – Rainbow flag incorporated into Mardi Gras poster design. Economic Impact Study found Mardi Gras brought $38 million to local economy. Mardi Gras management worried about losing LGBTQI identity due to event’s popularity with mainstream revellers. 1993 – Mardi Gras rejected $33,000 condom advertisement that would have tied Playboy magazine’s bunny logo to the event. 500,000 spectators enjoyed the parade. 1994 – Kylie Minogue sings at post-parade party. Parade broadcast on TV for the first time, on ABC, and Cadbury Schweppes chocolate and beverage maker withdraws advertising in protest. 1995 – French artists Pierre and Gillies design main poster. Singer Boy George performs at after-show party. 1996 – Record number of 90 floats in parade. Telstra become major sponsor, first significant corporate investor. First Australian Defence Force float. Reverend Fred Nile threatens to sue after mock puppet of him in cage appears. 1997 – First gay NSW MP Paul O’Grady a guest speaker. Channel 10 TV takes over coverage of parade. Puppet head of Pauline Hanson MP carried along street. 1998 – 20th anniversary, 228 original marchers join parade. First time NSW Police also march in parade. Mardi Grass estimated to contribute $99 million to Sydney economy. Fair moves from Jubilee Park to Victoria Park, Broadway. First internet broadcast of parade attracts 20,000 online viewers. Kylie and Danni Minogue appear onstage together. Pauline Hanson loses seat in election and her puppet head explodes during public announcement. 1999 – AIDs memorial marchers carry over 1000 red flags. 2000 – Olympics-themed event. Centennial Park concert ended with Helen Reddy singing ‘I am Woman’ 2001 – Lead float features same-sex couple and their children. 2002 – Mardi Gras recognised as Hallmark Event, exempt from paying police, ambulance and Roads and Traffic Authority fees, but sharp increase in insurance sees festival post $500,000 loss and go into voluntary administration. 2003 – New administration rely heavily on donations. Ian Roberts, first high-profile gay rugby league player in the world is Chief of Parade. 2004 – Former nun Monica Hingston, cousin of Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell, leads the parade 2005 – First time parade led by an Indigenous float. 2006 – Gaydar provide $1.5million in sponsorship. 2007 – Flash mob of spontaneous dancers danced a conga line from Opera House to Customs House via Opera Quays. 2008 – NSW Govt fund Mardi Gras for first time with $400,000 donation after they were criticised for spending $142 million on World Youth Day, a comparable-sized event. Olivia Newtown-John performs ‘Xanadu’ 2009 – Mathew Mitcham, Australian Olympic gold medalist, was Chief of Parade. 2010 – 5,200 people stripped naked and lay down on the steps and forecourt of Sydney Opera House for an art installation by photographer Spencer Tunick. Parade and post-parade party mistakenly booked for separate Saturdays. 2011 – Debate over whether to drop ‘Gay and Lesbian’ from Mardi Gras and simply call it ‘Sydney’. Intersex formally accepted in LGBTQ acronym, changing it to LGBTQI. Eight Chiefs of Parade instead of one 2012 – Mardi Gras new logo revealed. Kylie Minogue appears with 140 dancers and performs medley of her best-known songs. Informal parties in back streets of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst amalgamated as Laneway Party. Chief of Parade is Shelley Argent, national spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays 2013 – Scissor Sisters close their Australian tour at parade after-party. NSW Police sign accord to work closer with Mardi Gras after video of an aggressive arrest of a teenager at the parade went viral. First time Australian armed forces march in uniform. City of Sydney Council paint giant rainbow crossing across Taylor Square, Darlinghurst, to celebrate the Mardi Gras. When it was painted over a few weeks later there was an international outcry. 2014 – NSW Premier Mike Baird’s unpopular LockOut Laws came into force over Mardi Gras weekend, restricting celebrations. Later in 2014, NSW Govt purged convictions of men previously prosecuted for sodomy. First appearance of People with Disabilities Australia in parade. SBS TV screened highlights of parade the following evening. 2015 – ‘Are You Ready For Freddy’ video, featuring dancers dressed as the late Queen singer and gay icon Freddie Mercury, filmed in Darling Harbour. Sydney Convicts LGBTQI rugby team lead parade. 2016 – NSW Govt, NSW Police and Fairfax Publishing make formal apologies to Mardi Gras participants for horrendous policing and media coverage of the first parade in 1978. Fair moved to Camperdown Memorial Park in Newtown. 2017 – 40th anniversary. Danni Minogue ends celebrations on the Opera House steps. Week-long Indigenous events, Koori Gras, added to Mardi Gras programme. City of Sydney sponsor a Say Yes To Love float to promote support for ‘yes’ vote in forthcoming national Plebiscite on Same-Sex Marriage. 2018 – Museum of Love and Protest at National Art School showcases forty years of parade costumes, photos, video and artefacts. 200 participants from original 1978 protest march join parade. Pop star Cher headlines Mardi Gras party. 2019 – Mardi Gras Party attracted over 12,000 people to Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park to celebrate. 2020 – Mardi Gras was held days before NSW’s Covid-19 lockdown placed severe restriction on socialising and entertainment venues. Gender Euphoria stage show brought together Australia’s biggest line-up of trans and gender-diverse performers to share a stage together. Gay and Lesbian Association of Doctors and Dentists, 2018 Mardis Gras. Photo: Jax Fong =======================================

A little outdoor play time is good for everyone, and in Surry Hills the combination of fabulous playgrounds and surrounding cafes is the perfect combo. While the kids learn to swing, balance and climb, you can sit back and enjoy a cuppa along with some well earnt outdoor time. Here’s our top 3 picks so you’re ready to go when you hear the words, “can we go to the park?” Disguised the first Saturday of each month by the Surry Hills Markets, Shannon Reserve is perfect for little ones and toddlers. It has a partially enclosed area as well as swings, a slide and climbing equipment. Being conveniently located on Crown Street, grabbing a coffee and snack on your way to the park is a breeze. You may even have time to check out the public library which is also nearby. Ward Park, conveniently located next to a light rail stop, has two playgrounds and is not only great for the little ones with swings and climbing equipment, but also the big ones with a skate bowl and outdoor Ping-Pong tables. Everyone loves a pastry or a sausage roll and you’ll be happy to know that Burke Street Bakery is directly across the road from this playground pleaser. By far the biggest and most extensive in Surry Hills, is the Prince Alfred Park Playground, on the Corner of Cleveland and Chalmers streets. This popular playground destination is home to seesaws, swings, a walking track and plenty of grass to run about on or have a picnic. For the bigger kids there are basketball and tennis courts, as well as the all-weather temperature regulated swimming pool right next door. With BBQ facilities and public toilets, it’s great if you are planning a day out as it’s truly an oasis in the city. So there you have it the Playground and Café combo, inexpensive entertainment where everyone’s a winner!

Bryan Hayhow is a volunteer with Australian School of Meditation and Yoga and believes this ancient practice can do much to encourage a healthier community. The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga (ASMY) is a non-profit organisation that shares principles and techniques of meditation, yoga, and kirtan at no or very low cost to participants. With branches throughout Australia as well as an abundant offering online, its services are easily accessible and generous. Bryan Hayhow has lived in Glebe for 15 years and been part of the ASMY studio in Chippendale for the last seven years. He is very supportive of the local community, using his skill and knowledge and the resources available through ASMY to encourage wellbeing and peace. “Our involvement with the studio is our main contribution, as we are a non profit organisation that offers yoga & meditation tuition for the benefit of the community,” he explains. “We also run associated Wellness workshops and teach Vedic philosophy in local schools such as Fort Street High (and across the Sydney basin). Our aim is to create the opportunity for residents to develop a more balanced and holistic lifestyle, catering for all of their physical, mental and spiritual needs.” The ASMY website includes a whole host of videos including yoga instruction, kirtan sing-a-longs, meditation guides, easy healthy recipes, philosophy and more. You will also find their timetable of workshops and sessions here. asmy.org.au ASMY Broadway 154-160 Broadway Chippendale 0414 672 709 sydney@asmy.org.au

More on Turramurra We look at the life of Grace Cossington Smith, the beloved Australian artist who captured the colour, shape and magic of the North Shore. Cossington, at 43 Ku-ring-gai Avenue, is a heritage-listed property with a delightful garden. It was home to one of Turramurra’s most famous residents and one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, Grace Cossington Smith. Cossington Smith was born Grace Smith in 1892 in Neutral Bay. Her mother, also called Grace, was the daughter of the rector in Cossington, Leicestershire, England and grew up in Cossington Hall. It obviously held fond memories for her because she named the house at Neutral Bay “Cossington”. When the family moved to the house in Turramurra, they also called it “Cossington”. The younger Grace later adopted Cossington as part of her name. Cossington Smith attended Abbotsleigh School for Girls in Wahroonga from 1905 to 1909 before studying drawing with the Italian born artist, Antonio Dattilo Rubbo, in Sydney for two years. She and her sister were then sent to England to live with an aunt from 1912 to 1914. There, Cossington Smith furthered her artistic studies, travelling to Germany for a short period. When she returned to Sydney, Cossington Smith resumed her tutelage with Rubbo. Also studying with him was noted painter, Norah Simpson, who had spent time in France where she was exposed to the new modernist movement. Simpson and modernism had a distinct influence on Cossington Smith who adopted the style and became, arguably, the first Australian modernist painter. The landscapes and daily life of Sydney and its surrounding (especially northern) suburbs feature prominently in Cossington Smith’s work. She has depicted her own home, garden and the streets of Turramurra in many of her works. The Eastern Road, painted in 1926, typifies the artist’s painting style with its bold shapes and colours and almost cartoonishly distorted dimensions. It shows an undulating road with a lone horse and cart on it. The rural setting is broken by conspicuous telegraph poles along the perimeter of the road, capturing the melding worlds of country life and city which Cossington Smith would have experienced. Grace Cossington Smith died in 1984, aged 92.

Newtown High School of Performing Arts; the school that always performs well. If Newtown is a hub of creative expression then it’s only natural that one of Australia’s leading performing arts schools is located right in the heart of the suburb. Newtown High School of Performing Arts Back Story Newtown High School of Performing Arts (NHSPA) championed a spirit of individualism right from the get go - it was the first performing arts school of its kind in New South Wales. Founded in 1990, it was a merger of Petersham Girls High and Newtown Boys High. Located near the top end of King Street, the campus has received several upgrades since the inception of the school. It now includes a hard-surface playground, a grass oval, a gymnasium, dance studios, drama rooms, music practice rooms, visual arts studios, a photography room, and the Studio Theatre which is used for student productions and concerts as well as practical training. The school also manages the large, historic St Georges Hall adjacent to it, which is used for larger productions. NHSPA is a selective school and enrolment for a majority of students includes an audition in one or more skills in dance, music, drama, or creative arts. Local students receive priority for enrolment, however talented students from outside the catchment may also apply and audition. The school has a rich, creative environment and is an incubator for talent. Students are encouraged to both explore their individual expression as well as work collaboratively. Students from all disciplines work jointly - just like in the rea l world - to produce a larger work, for instance, a stage production. NHSPA Graduates Many of the school’s graduates have gone on to be successful and well-known in industries such as music, fashion, film, stage, photography, art, and writing. In the December, 2016, a group of lucky students were given the surprise of their lives and the school garnered massive kudos when they received a visit from non-other than Justin Timberlake. The mega-star was in town to promote Trolls, and popped into a class to critique some student performances - and he was very impressed with what he saw and heard. There’s a video of his visit on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfYaXc2UbP8 (or search Newtown High School of the Performing Arts masterclass with Justin Timberlake). www.facebook.com/newtownhspa/