Community input sought for nature-based playground upgrade at Rosherville Reserve with bushland play features Mosman Council is planning a low-impact upgrade of the Rosherville Reserve playground, with construction scheduled from August to December 2026. The playground will remain in its current location while introducing nature-based play, bush regeneration and improved pathways. The design includes small-scale play elements, natural timber equipment, sandstone edging and sand softfall, all aimed at maintaining the playground’s relaxed, bushland character. The upgrades will create an immersive outdoor experience where children can play, explore and connect with nature while preserving the reserve’s natural environment. The project is funded by $250,000 from the Metropolitan Greenspace Program, a NSW Government scheme that helps councils create vibrant neighbourhoods and sustainable communities, matched by Council.  It aligns with the Rosherville Reserve and Chinamans Beach Plan of Management and the Greater Sydney Green Grid, a long-term vision linking national parks, bushland corridors, and open spaces across the city. Council is seeking community feedback to help shape the final play design, ensuring it reflects local values and complements the natural setting. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions so the upgraded playground meets the needs of the community while enhancing the reserve’s bushland charm. For more information and to provide feedback, visit the Council website or attend the upcoming consultation sessions. Your input will help create a space where children can play, explore, and connect with nature for years to come.

Remembering Dame Marie Bashir, the first female Governor of NSW, whose decades in Mosman and tireless community work left an enduring legacy. Dame Marie Bashir, the first female Governor of New South Wales and a highly respected public servant, has died at the age of 95. She passed away on 20 January 2026, leaving a legacy of service, compassion and leadership across medicine, community advocacy and public life. Born in Narrandera in 1930, Marie Roslyn Bashir graduated from the University of Sydney with degrees in medicine and surgery in 1956. She built a distinguished career in psychiatry, focusing on children’s health, mental health and Indigenous health. In 2001, she became Governor of NSW - the first woman and first person of Lebanese descent in the role - serving with dignity and empathy until 2014. Dame Marie and her late husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, were long‑time residents of Mosman, living in their family home overlooking Middle Harbour for over five decades. She was also active in the local community, supporting cultural events, arts initiatives and schools, reflecting her commitment to the area beyond her official duties. Political leaders and community figures have paid tribute to her. NSW Premier Chris Minns described her as “an extraordinary Australian,” while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia was “poorer for her passing and richer for her life.” Beyond vice‑regal duties, Dame Marie was Chancellor of the University of Sydney and a passionate advocate for social inclusion, education and health. She is survived by her three children and six grandchildren. Dame Marie Bashir will be honoured with a state funeral, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to New South Wales and the Mosman community.

Many locals are turning purple over Mosman’s proposed multi-level developments, with Mosman Matters shining a spotlight on what residents say truly matters. By Rita Bratovich Bob Clark and his wife, Carmel, have lived in Balmoral for four decades and feel very much a part of the community. Over the years, they’ve seen subtle changes to the surrounding landscape, but the character and heritage of Mosman LGA has mostly remained intact. Until now. The NSW Government’s recently introduced Transport Oriented Development (TOD) policy, aimed at increasing housing density around transport hubs, is threatening seismic and somewhat chaotic change to the area. With Spit Junction having been identified by the State Government as a transport hub that would benefit from the TOD policy, major development projects are being proposed around Mosman. This is being done without input or consultation with residents and local council. The revised housing policy includes eased restrictions on the location and height of low to mid-rise apartment towers. Each new building may include a number of apartments set aside for affordable housing. For Bob, whose professional background is in architecture and town planning, this new scheme is hasty and ill-considered. It’s not that he is unwilling to accept change, it’s how the government is going about it. “It’s not this NIMBY thing which is bandied about. What is happening with TOD is that the government is imposing it without any planning,” says Bob. In particular, Bob says there appears to be no thought with regard to infrastructure. “Wherever you are in Sydney that development happens, you've got to look at the schools, the playing fields, you know, the parklands where people can get out of their apartments and wander around and breathe fresh air. These are basic things that you expect if you're going to try and raise the density in an area,” says Bob. He is part of a community action group called Mosman Matters, founded by 89-year-old Judith Pearson and recognisable by their purple polo shirts. Pearson has brought a lawsuit against the NSW Government over the new policy. Locals are dismayed with the generic approach to proposed new developments, with no consideration being given to the needs and character of individual precincts. The Mosman LGA is unique for its geographic shape and location, its historic homes and landmarks, and the fact that it is skirted by one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. “Our harbour is special because of its scale, its topography, the bays and headlands and the numerous glimpses which come and go and change. It’s special, very special,” says Bob. “Mosman is an area which has slopes that go down to the water, with views of the water that have become extremely valuable. So [developers] want to go as high as they possibly can to get those views.” Bob cites one development underway in Balmoral. It is an eight-storey building going up on a site previously occupied by two houses. “It blocks the view of just about everybody going back almost to Military Road. So, people are upset,” he says. “The council and Mosman community have spent years defending the harbour foreshore from overdevelopment.” Bob has been front and centre for many of those battles. His lengthy resume includes roles with State Planning Authority, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, and Mosman Council. He is not opposed to development or increased housing per se, but he believes it should be done in partnership with local council. They have a better idea where to allocate money and resources to better serve the community. Instead, the State Government is seemingly giving free rein to developers and real estate agents who are buying up adjacent houses and amalgamating the blocks so they can build multi-storey buildings. “Some of the people aren't happy, they're being forced to sell because the people around them are selling,” says Bob. “There's some who are older residents who are really distraught.” Mosman’s demographic is mixed and ever-changing, however there is a large population of older people and retirees who expected to live out their days here. They have established friends, belong to groups and clubs, have routines. Their doctors and other professionals are in the area. Many of the properties in the cross-hairs of developers are beautiful, heritage homes that have been well preserved and have established, landscaped gardens; they will be demolished to make way for buildings that do not harmonise with the surroundings. Bob cites the project at 48 - 50 Almora Street as an example. Two houses were purchased with the intention of demolishing them. In their place will be an eight-storey modern residential tower with 14 three-bedroom apartments, car park and pool. Of the 14 apartments, three will be designated affordable housing. “For the place in Almora Street, developers have supplied — as they're required to do — a visual assessment of the view from the harbour. And it is horrific! You see this thing, it just stands out like a sore tooth,” says Bob. The NSW Government says this initiative is needed to help increase housing overall and provide more affordable housing. However, in a number of cases, the implementation of the policy negates that intention. “There is a perfectly good brick apartment building, probably built in the 1980s, with six apartments in it and it’s going to turn into four luxury, one unit per floor apartments,” says Bob. There are also issues regarding the affordable housing provision. Apartments only need to be offered at a discounted rate for 15 years, after which they can return to market value. In some larger developments, tenants in affordable housing units will have a separate entrance to the main building and they may not have access to facilities such as a pool or gym. Their area will not have the level of trimmings and finishes as the main building. This is purported to be a cost-saving measure. It isn’t all bad, though, says Bob. “There are some really pleasant four storey apartment buildings being built…There's one going up at the moment, quite close to the Mosman Council Chamber. I mean, there's some lovely houses that were demolished there, but having said that, this is a good spot for the new building and it'll fit in very well. You know, a hop, skip and a jump to the shops.” So what is the solution? Bob says the NSW Government can achieve its objectives with a degree of mutual satisfaction if they work in tandem with local council. Ku-ring-gai and Bankstown Councils were able to negotiate just such an agreement. “They've produced plans — and they've been given planning awards for their plans,” says Bob. “They've obviously sat down and talked through it with the state representatives and got these plans in place, and the government has said ‘that's good, it’s fulfilling our requests’.” Unfortunately, Mosman Council was acquiescent in the beginning and is only now realising the full impact of the policy and the level of disquiet it is causing residents. “So they're now going away and getting a plan in place, which is, you know, too late for a lot of things,” says Bob. Interestingly, when Bob worked with Mosman Council in the 1980s, he was involved in getting a development assessment done of the entire LGA. It laid out building options for particular areas based on the topography and character of the area. It also took into account the affect on Sydney Harbour overall. With relevant updates, Bob believes those plans could be used to inform decisions about developments now. At the moment, a lot of residents are worried; plans are being implemented that can’t be undone. And, of course, there are also locals who welcome the new policy. Nobody denies the need for more housing or that increased development should be shared among LGAs, however, it should be done with detailed planning that includes infrastructure and aesthetics and in consultation with those who have the best local knowledge and will be the most impacted. You can join the community action group at mosmanmatters.com.au

Fire rips through luxury yachts at Mosman Marina, causing millions in damage By Lucy Pearson Fire tore through a row of luxury yachts at one of Sydney Harbour’s most prestigious marinas in the early hours of Friday 9 th  January, destroying three vessels, badly damaging a fourth and forcing residents to flee as thick smoke filled the air. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) was called to the blaze at The Spit Marina in Mosman ,  on Sydney’s lower North Shore, shortly before 3.30am. More than 40 firefighters rushed to the scene alongside a firefighting vessel from the NSW Port Authority, as flames rapidly spread across multiple super yachts moored along the dock. It took crews approximately two and a half hours to bring the fire under control. By the time it was extinguished, three large yachts had been completely destroyed and sunk, while a fourth sustained significant damage and remained afloat. Authorities estimate the damage to be in the millions of dollars. FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the scale of the response reflected the serious risk posed by the blaze, which could easily have spread further through the tightly packed marina. “There’s dozens of boats and yachts here, and a lot of money, but also people living aboard some of these vessels,” Dewberry said. “This could have been far more destructive.” Four people escaped the fire, while NSW Ambulance paramedics treated several individuals for smoke inhalation. One woman was taken to hospital in a stable condition. No serious injuries were reported. Boat owner Andrew Carr, who lives aboard his vessel at the marina, said he was woken by police shortly after 4am as officers worked urgently to evacuate residents from surrounding boats. “There was a loud bang at the door, which is unusual when you’re sleeping on a boat,” Carr told Nine News. “I opened it and there was a police officer saying, ‘You need to get off the boat, there’s been a fire on the dock.’” Carr said police went door to door, waking people and ensuring they moved to safety as the fire raged nearby. “They knocked on every boat,” he said. “You could see clouds of smoke everywhere.” He described watching in shock as the flames leapt between vessels. “It burnt really, really quickly,” Carr said. “I was really surprised. They just couldn’t put them out.” Vision from the scene showed one of the charred yachts slipping beneath the surface of the harbour as firefighters continued to battle the blaze, with plumes of dark smoke rising above the marina. In addition to extinguishing the fire, emergency crews worked to prevent environmental damage. Fire and Rescue NSW, in coordination with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the NSW Port Authority, deployed containment booms around the affected area to capture debris and prevent oil, fuel and other hazardous materials from contaminating the water. A Port Authority firefighting vessel, Girawaa , played a key role in dousing the flames from the water and assisting with the removal of fuel and oils from the damaged and sunken yachts. Dewberry confirmed the clean-up effort was a priority alongside the firefighting response. “We’re working closely with the EPA and Port Authority to make sure any materials that could impact the harbour are contained,” he said. The Spit Marina, operated by d’Albora, is home to a range of marine services, brokerage businesses, a boat club and waterfront restaurants, and is widely described as one of Sydney Harbour’s most exclusive boating precincts, with dedicated superyacht berths. David Joyce, d’Albora’s head of marketing, said the company’s focus was on safety, supporting authorities and restoring operations as quickly as possible. “Our priority is ensuring safety on site, supporting authorities with their investigation and clean-up, and restoring safe operations as soon as possible,” Joyce said. “We have deployed significant resources to assist with these tasks and to minimise disruption to our customers.” Joyce said normal marina operations were expected to resume on Friday afternoon, although large sections of the site remained inaccessible during the morning. Traffic was also affected during the emergency response, with one lane of the Spit Bridge closed while firefighters worked to control the blaze. The bridge has since reopened. Investigators are now working to determine what caused the fire. Authorities have confirmed it is not currently being treated as suspicious. FRNSW has made footage of the incident available, showing the scale of the response and the intensity of the blaze as crews fought to stop it spreading further through the marina. Operations concluded at approximately 8.30am, leaving behind a scene of charred wreckage, sunken vessels and floating debris — a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike in densely packed waterfront precincts. As investigations continue, residents and boat owners are being supported while authorities assess the structural integrity of surrounding vessels and the environmental impact of the fire. For many who were forced to flee in the darkness, the shock of the night’s events is still sinking in. “You don’t expect to wake up to that,” Carr said. “One minute you’re asleep, the next you’re being told to get out because the boats next to you are on fire.”

Clifton Gardens - Mosman’s idyllic harbour-side haven   By Alec Smart Clifton Gardens is a grassed harbour-side reserve tucked along the Middle Head Walk, offering a relaxed and versatile space for families, swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features barbecues, shaded children’s play areas, an enclosed soft-sand playground for younger kids, and a basketball court, making it an easy choice for everything from weekend picnics to after-school catch-ups. Toilets and swimmer changing facilities are also available on site. Set beside Chowder Bay — known to the Borogegal clans as Gooree — Clifton Gardens enjoys a naturally sheltered position on Sydney Harbour. A timber jetty extends into the bay and remains popular with local fisher-folk, while the netted harbour swimming pool provides a calm and safe option for swimmers of all ages. The pool is accessible via a wheelchair ramp, reinforcing the reserve’s inclusive design. The surrounding paths are well used by joggers and walkers, particularly those tackling sections of the Middle Head Walk. At the northern end of the reserve sits the historic Submarine Miners Depot. Established by the Submarine Mining Corps, the site was not a submarine base, but rather a facility used to prepare and deploy marine harbour defence mines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the buildings are managed by the Harbour Trust and have been repurposed into a dining precinct overlooking the water. Café La Mer offers a relaxed daytime option for coffee or brunch, while Ripples restaurant provides a more formal dining experience with sweeping harbour views. Clifton Gardens has a rich social history and was once a major tourist destination in the early 20th century, complete with a luxury hotel, dance pavilion, leisure boat hire and frequent ferry services from Circular Quay. The bay even featured a vast swimming arena surrounded by a two-tiered timber walkway, with diving platforms built into the lower level. Over time, these attractions fell into disrepair and were ultimately demolished by Mosman Council in November 1967. Today, Clifton Gardens has evolved into a quieter, community-focused reserve, popular with picnickers, families, dog walkers and fitness enthusiasts. Open lawns and shaded areas make it ideal for spending long afternoons outdoors, while the proximity to the water continues to be a major drawcard year-round. Dogs are permitted off-leash on the beach and in the water east of the Clifton Gardens jetty at designated times, provided they remain under the control of a competent person. During winter, off-leash access is allowed before 9am and after 4pm on weekdays. In daylight savings months (October to March), off-leash hours are before 9am and after 6pm on weekdays. The car park gate at the Morella Road entrance opens daily at 6am and is locked overnight at 9.30pm. Clifton Gardens is also accessible via local bus routes, making it an easy destination for those travelling without a car. Blending natural beauty, accessible facilities and layers of history, Clifton Gardens remains one of Mosman’s most enduring harbourside spaces — valued as much for how it’s used today as for what it once was. Clifton Gardens Reserve Morella Rd, Mosman

Inside Happy Decay’s creative practices and mission to bring colour, joy and meaning to public spaces right across Sydney. By Gerii Pleitez Happy Decay’s work transforms everyday spaces into places of imagination and connection. Known for creating playful, immersive murals that invite viewers to slow down and look closer.  Their practice is driven by curiosity, humour and a deep respect for community. From large-scale public artworks in local neighbourhoods to collaborations with global brands, Happy Decay's work celebrates the power of art to shift they way people experience the spaces around them. In this interview, we chat to Happy Decay about their creative journey, community engagement and the ideas behind their recent Mosman mural project. What inspired your Mosman community piece? How are you connected/involved with the local community currently? I was inspired by the natural surroundings of Mosman, particularly the trees and landscape, as well as the vibrancy and warmth of the local community. The stairwell itself was originally very dull, and I felt it was important to transform the journey through the space into something positive and uplifting. The work is designed to enhance the experience of moving through the stairwell and create a sense of joy and curiosity. The mural artworks are intended to connect with everyone, from kids to grandparents, sparking imagination across all ages. They also function as a pathfinding tool, helping visitors identify which floor they are on through distinct imagery and mural features. Whenever I paint on site, I make a point of chatting with locals. If the artwork allows, I sometimes incorporate snippets of people’s stories into the work. For example, you will find a whale included as a direct request from someone in the community. How did your passion for art first develop? My earliest memory of being drawn to art goes back to primary school. We were asked to create an artwork based on a story our teacher had read, and I remember loving the freedom of using imagination rather than having to be exact, like in maths. That sense of creating something unexpected has stayed with me and continues to flow through my work today. Can you tell us about your artistic journey over the years? After finishing Year 12, I took what was meant to be a year off, which turned into two years of travelling. I always had a sketchbook with me, and while most of my friends had gone to university, I was constantly drawing. A friend eventually suggested I look into art school. During my travels, I was exposed to a lot of street art and the culture around it. I was particularly drawn to work that made public spaces more interesting and engaging for people. At art school, I refined my practice while still using imagination as the driving force behind my imagery. I experimented across photography, letterpress, etching and drawing. After graduating, I struggled to make a living from my art. It wasn’t until years later, after learning graphic design, that I began to understand the broader systems involved in sustaining a full-time art practice. There are definitely a few key elements that need to be in place to support and promote your work. These days, I am fortunate that through persistence and consistent work, clients and brands now approach me directly. What inspires you, and how has that inspiration evolved over time? I have always been interested in creating artwork that is quirky and playful. Over time, that focus has evolved into making more immersive public artworks and murals. I am especially drawn to transforming neglected or mundane spaces into something enjoyable and uplifting, creating work that invites viewers to engage their imagination. That intention has grown significantly from my early days of practice. Are there any career highlights you would like to share? It might sound funny, but bringing new life to the Mosman car park genuinely feels like a highlight. At the same time, working with global brands such as Prada, Porsche and Meta has been an incredible experience. After finishing art school, I was invited to spend three months in New York creating a limited-edition artist book using letterpress and etching, which was a major milestone. Working with schools is another highlight. Contributing to environments that become more inviting and inspiring for students and staff is incredibly rewarding. Do you have any upcoming projects, events or exhibitions? This year is shaping up to be a big one. A major project involves creating over 20 wall murals for a new health facility for young people. I am also collaborating with a UK brand that will launch later in the year, focusing on my illustration work. Alongside client projects, I am developing a few personal side projects, including a joint exhibition in Canberra and releasing my artwork across a series of different products.

Sydney’s iconic LGBTQ+ bookstore, The Bookshop, to close after more than four decades. More on Surry Hills Since it first opened its queer friendly doors in 1982, The Bookshop has been a sanctuary, a hub, and a veritable treasure chest for the LGBTQ+ community and book-lovers as a whole. It began after founders Les McDonald and his partner, Wayne Harrison, took a trip to the US and saw enough demand for LGBTQ+ literature to create a viable business venture back on Australian shores.  They began importing books and selling through mail order, operating from their home, but the business grew so rapidly that within a short time they opened a bricks and mortar store on Crown Street in 1982. Two years later, they moved to their location at 207 Oxford Street, establishing the store as a landmark for locals and tourists.  The early 1980s was a volatile time for Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community: homosexuality was still illegal until 1984; the Sydney Gay Mardi Gras was in its infancy after a tumultuous start; gay hate crimes were rampant; and of course, the AIDS pandemic had descended like a toxic black cloud. It was a challenging time for queer people to come out, be out, or find enough information to help them make that decision.  In a time before the internet, The Bookshop has always been a rare, safe place to ask questions and seek answers, to explore possibilities and imbibe a new culture. One of the few places that sold books, magazines, and other paraphernalia that catered to the queer community. Throughout its tenure, The Bookshop has hosted countless book launches and signings with both talented locals and well-known international authors.  However, recent developments along Oxford Street have made life and a viable future impossible for The Bookshop, and despite best efforts, it will be closing its doors on December 24 this year. Until then, you can visit the store, buy incredible books, and celebrate this incredible part of the Surry Hills community while it’s still there! 207 Oxford St, Darlinghurst www.thebookshop.com.au Closing Dec 24th

Cheer, cheer the black & gold! We look back on the glory days of the once great, Balmain tigers. More on Balmain Balmain’s city views and harbour-front terrain are a far cry from the savannas of South East Asia, and yet the tiger has become synonymous with the area for many Australians.  After the emergence of England’s Northern Rugby Football League in 1895 and with the spread of the game to Australia, a group of players and supporters - disillusioned with the NSW Rugby Union’s reluctance to compensate players for injuries and lost wages - resolved. to establish the New South Wales Rugby League on 8 August 1907.  Leading this charge were the likes of entrepreneurs James Joseph Giltinan, George Brackenreg and Jack Feneley, as well as Labor politician Henry Hoyle, c ricketer Victor Trumper, and players Alex Burdon and Peter Moir.  The beginning of the Balmain Tigers Balmain would become one of nine foundation clubs in the premier season in 1908 – where they would remain until their merger with the Western Suburbs Magpies in 1999, re- entering as the Wests Tigers in the 2000 NRL season.  January 23rd 1908 saw the formation of the Balmain  Rugby League Football Club at Balmain Town Hall, with one such founder being John Storey, future Premier of New South Wales. Birchgrove Oval would become their home ground and the site of their first official game, with a 24-0 victory over the Western Suburbs on Easter Monday, April 20th 1908, led by captain Robert Graves . Neither club suspected that they would join forces ninety-two years later! The club debuted in gold and black stripes, earning the moniker, “Tigers”. “Watersides” is also recorded as a nickname for the team in its earlier years. Of course, “Tigers” would ultimately be adopted by the club.  By 1909, the Tigers had secured their place in the Grand Final against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. However, this match was to be held before an exhibition game between the Kangaroos and Wallabies, scheduled for later that day.  While some suggest that both teams protested and agreed not to attend the game, South’s were ultimately awarded the victory when they kicked-off against an empty opposition on September 14th 1909. Many believe this to be the start of the enduring rivalry between the two clubs.   Balmain wouldn’t win a premiership until 1915, when they would ultimately prove themselves by championing each grade – premier, second and third. They defeated the Souths in the Grand Final, a practice they would repeat in 1916.  Tigers also took out the premiership in 1917 with Souths awarded runner-up, despite no final being held that year The club would go on to experience repeated success, winning eleven premiership titles, however they would not claim another premiership win after 1969. The 1915 Premiership Team Finding success While an incredibly sore-spot for the club, the 1989 Grand Final against the Canberra Raiders is still regarded as one of the best matches in the game. Slated as the favourites, Balmain held a ten-point lead by the end of the first half.  Controversy struck in the dwindling minutes of the match when Warren Ryan (Coach) replaced Steve Roach and Paul Sironen. With one minute and thirty seven seconds left on the clock, Balmain leading 14-8, Canberra’s John Ferguson brought the game to 14-14 with his try, converted by Kangaroos’ current Head Coach, Mal Meninga.  In extra time, the Raiders would go on to score another try and a field goal, taking a 19-14 lead and securing their first ever premiership win, spelling devastation for Balmain. Paul Sironen would later recall of the game;  “It’s funny to have your best moment and your worst moment over a 14-year career in the one game, but to score a try before half-time was probably one of the greatest moments of my career and then 50 minutes later in extra time I just sat there and could feel the game slipping away,” he told NRL.com . Following decades without premiership success, looming financial threats and the rationalisation of the NRL for the 2000 season, the boards of both the Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies made the decision to merge. In the Club’s 1999 annual report, Balmain Chairman John Chalk stated, “1999 was a year when rugby league changed forever. We all have an opinion whether that was good or bad for the game, but it is a fact of life.  “We have to put our foot on the accelerator and continue to be at the forefront of rugby league in Australia. It is no good living in fear of the past or future, life goes on, so let's get behind our investment in the Wests Tigers’ football team with the same intensity as we have, and will continue to give the Balmain Tigers, for it is the members club, they own it.”  The Wests Tigers would debut on February 6th 2000 in a draw against the Brisbane Broncos.  Today, the club is survived by its junior members and development squads, fostering growth for local rugby league players, with the spirit of the Balmain Tigers alive and well in the community.  Up The Tigers ! The Balmain Leagues Club After their premises sat vacant for nearly a decade, Balmain Leagues Club went into voluntary administration in October of 2018. Later, on September 18 th  2019, ninety-eight of twelve thousand Balmain League Club members attended Balmain Town Hall to vote for a possible amalgamation with Wests Ashfield. Only eight of those voting voted against the resolution.   On September 20th, West's members also voted in favour of the amalgamation at a similar rate of one-hundred and fourteen to one, despite their thirty-six thousand strong membership. The amalgamation meant Balmain Leagues Club would no longer exist; however this event has secured the future of Balmain Tigers Rugby League Football Club and the Balmain Tigers Junior Rugby League Club, thanks to the financial support pledged by Wests, with plans for a Wests club to be built on the current Rozelle site.  In February 2024, the decision was made to delay the demolition of the site yet again when the Inner West Council was informed by Heworth that t hey will not be commencing their approved 12-storey mixed-use development and will instead apply to the NSW Government for a 30 per cent density bonus on the site.  In a media release dated February 12th, Mayor Darcy Byrne stated, “ …there’s no excuse for failing to demolish this dangerous derelict building right now. The transport agency is doing yet another disservice to our local community by failing to come to a settlement with Heworth.” Heworth, who own the site, are seeking compensation against the Transport for NSW for the former NSW Government’s decision to compulsorily acquire the site for the Metro Project, which never eventuated, resulting in years of delays. When ground will break on a new home for the Tigers, time will tell. By Isabella Edwards

The Girls & Boys Brigade has been providing a safe, nurturing space for local children and youths for more than 144 years.  In an ochre-brick, white-topped heritage building on the corner of Riley and Arthur Streets, Surry Hills, is an oasis. It’s a place where they can find reprieve from danger, boredom, and mischief and instead find friendship, creativity, and hope.  It began in 1882 when two influential newspaper executives recognised the vulnerability of young boys living on the streets of the inner city. They set up The Boys Brigade which provided a safe haven as well as entertainment and education in practical work skills. The Brigade evolved to include girls and offer many more services, helping thousands of children, youth, and families across the decades.  Today, The Girls and Boys Brigade continues to provide a range of services and programs free of charge to families in need in the City of Sydney catchment. They cater for young people aged 5 to 18, but can continue support in some instances beyond adulthood.  Programs are designed around educational support, recreation, life skills, vocational workshops and tailored assistance for family challenges.  The Riley Street building is a welcoming space for children and youth. Here, they can spend time with other people, play games and sports, be creative, or receive mental health support and specialised care. The Girls and Boys Brigade is not affiliated with any religious organisations, nor does it receive government funding. It relies on donors, corporate partners, trusts and foundations and most importantly, on the generosity of the wider community. From November to January, the organisation is running a special appeal to raise money to help children heal from trauma. "We are looking at the rise in cases of child maltreatment across Australia and how insurmountable the costs of healing from trauma can be for our families and communities" says Sarah from The Girls and Boys Brigade. “Through our service we are able to connect children with life-saving mental health support, trauma informed activities, and child psychologists and paediatricians to provide specialised care, especially during this time when children are particularly vulnerable. Please help this worthy cause by making a donation, especially during this time when children are particularly at risk. If you are unable to give money, there are other ways you can help. Visit the website for more information: girlsandboysbrigade.org.au

The Perfect Recipe For Hope: The Girls & Boys Brigade's Inspirational Partnership with ESCA Hospitality More on Surry Hills In the heart of Surry Hills, a community known for both its vibrancy and vulnerability, The Girls & Boys Brigade has long been a beacon of hope, caring for children, youth and families in need in the heart of Sydney for over 144 years. Recently, in pursuit of support for an upcoming event, the Girls & Boys Brigade found themselves at the front doors of Nour, a celebrated restaurant under the ESCA hospitality group. The initial request was simple: a prize donation for their event. However, after learning more about their impactful community work, ESCA was moved to contribute far beyond expectations. They introduced menu items where $1 from each sale would directly benefit the charity, and they have supported The Girls & Boys Brigade’s ‘family dinners’. These communal meals offer more than just sustenance; they provide an opportunity for the community to share stories, alleviate stress, and cultivate a sense of belonging. In another remarkable gesture of support, ESCA hosted a fundraising dinner for the Brigade's donors at the prestigious Aalia restaurant, raising tens of thousands of dollars. Yet, the most profound aspect of this partnership has been the ten-week hospitality course ESCA initiated for the youth of The Girls & Boys Brigade. During the course, youth learned from some of Sydney's most renowned chefs, who shared their own stories of struggle and triumph. The chefs, many of whom are migrants themselves, offered a glimpse into a world of possibility, inspiring the youth to envision brighter futures despite their current challenges. Among these youth, two stood out for their dedication and work ethic. Their commitment earned them the opportunity to participate in the charity event at Aalia, where they thrived in the bustling environment. For one of these young individuals, the experience was life changing. He was offered a position at an ESCA restaurant and a path away from hardship towards a promising culinary career. Through this partnership, The Girls & Boys Brigade and ESCA Hospitality have crafted a narrative of hope and transformation, proving that with community support, even the most vulnerable can rise to fulfil their potential. You can support and learn more about the Girls & Boys Bridge at: girlsandboysbrigade.org.au

Sip, savour and save during Happy Hour at Randwick’s favourite bars, pubs and restaurants. Happy Hour In Randwick is the perfect time to head out and unwind. With plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from, there’s no shortage of great spots to sip, savour and save. Whether it’s a midweek catch-up or Friday night drinks, make the most of the unbeatable Happy Hour deals across Randwick. The Avenue 📍 2 St Marks Rd, Randwick 🌐 theavenuerandwick.com.au ⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm $7 schooners and $9 pints of beer, $7 glasses of house wine. Clovelly Hotel 📍 381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly 🌐 batcountry.com.au ⏰ Locals Happy Hour - Mon - Fri, 5 - 7pm House winners and beers available at all bars for $7 (regular glass or schooner). Coach & Horses Hotel 📍 147 Avoca St, Randwick 🌐 coachandhorsehotel.com.au ⏰ Mon - Fri: 5 - 7pm ⏰ Saturday: 12 - 4pm $6.90 schooners and house wines, pints at normal schooner prices. Dolce Fiori 📍 52 St Pails St, Randwick 🌐 dolcefiori.com.au ⏰ Everyday 3-6pm $10 drinks including: Aperol Spritz, Martini Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, Italian Wine, Italian Beer The Dog 📍 2 St Marks Rd, Randwick 🌐 merivale.com/venues/the-dog ⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm $7.50 schooners and $10 pints of select house beers, $7.50 house spirits, $7.50 house wine, $15 Aperol spritz and $18 cocktails. Jimmy’s Bar & Restaurant 📍 50 Frenchmans Rd, Randwick 🌐 facebook.com/JimmysInRandwick ⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm Jimmy’s chicken stack (butterfly breast on a bed of champ topped with bacon, cheese, peppered sauce & tabasco onions) and a schooner $30. Kalyx Lounge Bar & Club 📍 123 Avoca St, Randwick 🌐 kalyxculture.com.au ⏰ Wed, Fri & Sat, 7 - 8pm $15 Espresso martinis & margaritas, $7.50 tap beers and $16 cocktail of the week Moore Park View Hotel 📍 853 South Dowling St, Waterloo 🌐 mpvh.com.au ⏰ Mon - Fri, 3 - 5pm $7 schooners, $11 Guinness pints, $11 Magners. Randwick Club 📍 135 Alison Rd, Randwick 🌐 rlclub.com.au ⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm $6.50 schooners and $9 pints of select house beers, $6.50 glasses of select house wines. Robin Hood Hotel 📍 203 Bronte Rd, Waverley 🌐 robinhoodhotel.com.au ⏰ Mon - Fri, 4 - 6pm $7 schooners and $7 house wines. Royal Hotel Randwick 📍 2 Perouse Rd, Randwick 🌐 royalhotelrandwick.com.au ⏰ Mon - Fri, 3 - 6pm $7 house schooners and house wines. Sella Vinoteca 📍 162-164 Barker St, Randwick 🌐 sellavinoteca.com ⏰ Tues - Thurs, 5 - 6pm ⏰ Fri - Sun, 4 - 5:30pm $9 beers, $12 wines, $15 cocktails (Aperol Spritz, Negroni & Margarita) + snacks.

More on Crows Nest Looking for a mid-week tipple that’s not going to break the bank? We’ve rounded up the best deals for Crows Nest locals around - sure to satisfy you, your wallet and your appetite! Mac n G’s The Hayberry 97 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest 0412 438 140 | thehayberry.com.au It’s always Happy Hour at the Hayberry! Every day you can grab $5 wines, beers, spirits and snacks from 4 ‘til 5:30pm. Hungry for more? Head on a Wednesday for the $1 wing special. Mac n G’s 23 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest 02 8542 4292 | macngs.com Mac n G’s are for the people! With a heap of food and drink specials throughout the week and, of course, one of the best Happy Hours in Crows Nest. Tuesday to Friday - 4-6pm you can sink some $6 schooners + wines. Wednesday, 5-10 pm enjoy some ribs & wings. For $26 you’ll get half a rack, wings and some chips. All day Thursday you can grab a $18 chicken schnitty with chips, ‘slaw and gravy.- Friday, from 5-10pm you can get $12 cocktails and $10 pints. And the grand finale with Silly Saturdays: $6 schooners, $6 spirits and $10 vodka Redbulls - bargain! The Crows Nest Hotel 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest 02 9436 4887 | Crowsnesthotel.com.au Crows Nest landmark venue standing proudly on the corner of Willoughby Rd and Falcon St, the Crowie is all about their local community. Thursday - Saturday from 5 ‘til 7:30pm, pop in for Locals Hour with a heap of drink specials on offer. Friday & Saturday you can enjoy 2 x Cocktails for $20. Wednesday: head in to enjoy 50 cent wings from 5pm! The Belroy Hotel 77 Christie, St Leonards 02 9439 2213 | thebelroyhotel.com.au The new kid on the block! An incredible space proudly filling the shoes of an old favorite. This is a venue that needs to be checked out - offering indoor and outdoor dining spaces across two levels plus a heap of specials throughout the week. Firstly, Happy Hour is Monday-Friday, 4-6pm, when you can enjoy $7 schooners and $7 house wines. Monday from 6pm, enjoy $22 steak + frites. Did someone say Taco Tuesday? From 6pm, feast on $6 tacos, paired perfectly with a $12 margarita. Wednesday from 6pm, dig into a $22 burger + beer combo. Thursday from 6pm, it's schnitty night for only $20. The St Leonards Tavern The St Leonards Tavern 655 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards 02 9436 1933 | stleonardstavern.com.au Located in the heart of St Leonards and affectionately known by locals as ‘The Tav’, these guys know how to throw a weekly food special! Monday & Tuesday, head in for a selection of $17 lunches. Monday night: $17 schnitties are on offer. Tuesday & Thursday: $18 steak night. Wednesday: $17 burgers. Friday: $17 pizza night. Foxtrot Inn 28 Falcon St, Crows Nest 0448 890 470 | thefoxtrot.com.au This one is for the carnivores. Wednesday is Steak Night at the Foxtrot. For $22, indulge in a 250g porterhouse steak (Black Angus Reserve MS2+) with chippies and béarnaise sauce. Thursday, lasagne is on the menu and you can enjoy $16 Negroni's all night.