The Art of Storytelling and OxKing's Mural that Captured Marrickville's Heart More on Marrickville For OxKing, art was always part of life, but it wasn’t until he began painting murals that his passion truly clicked. “I’ve been interested in art all my life, after high school, I studied film and animation at the Sydney College of the Arts, but I moved into painting and illustration after graduation.” Hestia’s Migration Despite dabbling in different mediums, his love for painting murals blossomed when he started working on walls with friends. “Nothing really clicked until I started painting walls. Since then, I’ve been in love with it.” The name OxKing has its own unique origins, drawn from a desire for something simple, yet symbolic. “It mainly comes from wanting to go by something straightforward, so I landed on OX. When I started painting letters, I needed a longer name, so I took it from a character in the Dragon Ball cartoon I watched as a kid.” One of OxKing’s most iconic works is Hestia’s Migration, a mural he completed in 2021 to commemorate the renaming of the area around Marrickville’s Alex Trevallion Plaza as “Little Greece.” Situated on the corner of Silver Street and Marrickville Lane, the mural celebrates the anniversary of Greek independence and the migrant story. Commissioned as part of the Inner West Council’s Perfect Match program, OxKing collaborated with the local Greek community to understand their history and incorporate their stories into the mural. Greek community celebrate with Hestia “Hestia, the goddess of Hearth and Home, is the central figure. In my fictional interpretation, she steps down from Mount Olympus and emigrates to Australia, becoming the goddess of Little Greece and watching over the families of Marrickville.” Surrounding Hestia are elements inspired by local stories, representing the broader Australian migrant experience. The reaction from the local community was overwhelming. “People came up to me to talk about the elements they recognised in the mural and what it meant to them, many older residents, especially those who immigrated in the 1960s, were deeply moved by the representation of their culture in a community they helped build.” Creating a mural of this size came with its challenges. Spanning an entire wall, Hestia’s Migration took three weeks to complete. Luckily, the weather gods were on his side for the duration. Using a traditional grid system, he transferred the design from his concept drawing (which can now be seen on bins along Marrickville Road) to the massive wall. When talking about taking on a project of this size, his advice - “It’s all about sticking to the plan and painting section by section. It’s a lot of boring math.” Greek community posing with Hestia's Migration Despite some logistical hurdles, such as operating a boom lift in a narrow laneway bustling with delivery trucks and garbage pickups, OxKing found the experience rewarding. “You just have to be patient when you’re working in the streets.” One prominent detail of the mural is the phrase "Freedom (1821) or Death," a reference to the Greek War of Independence. “It was the 200th anniversary of the war when I painted the mural, and that motto became a symbol of the revolution.” For OxKing, the project wasn’t just a commission; it was deeply personal. Having lived in Marrickville for many years, the area holds special meaning to him. “A lot of the artists I knew had studios there, and it was a great environment to be creative.” Now based in Wolli Creek, just a short drive away, he remains connected to the vibrant Marrickville community. Looking ahead, OxKing has several exciting projects on the horizon. “I’m working with the new GREENWAY development near Stanmore later this year, and I’m always on the lookout for more walls to paint.” His passion for mural art continues to thrive, and he invites anyone with a blank wall in need of colour to reach out. For more information, you can contact OxKing through his website at www.oxking.com.au or email him directly at ox@oxking.com

How Sydney Confronted the Black Death and the Unsung Hero who Oversaw the Quarantine and Disinfection Program By Alec Smart More on Marrickville In January 1900, bubonic plague came ashore in Sydney and ravaged its way  through the harbourside dwellings and inner city suburbs.  Rat catchers. Photo by John Degotardi - State Library NSW The contagion, carried by rats, arrived after a slow but deadly transmission through Southeast Asia, following an 1894 resurgence of the dreaded ‘Black Death’ in Hong Kong. (Now categorised as The Third Plague Pandemic , it actually began earlier in Yunnan, China, in 1855).  After initial public panic and reports of xenophobic attacks on the Chinese community, authorities implemented stern measures to counter the spread of the deadly disease, which reduced its impact. Bubonic plague is known historically as ‘ Black Death ’ due to the characteristic blackened extremities of victims, caused by blood seeping from the veins into the flesh, particularly around the nose, fingers and toes - and its catastrophic effect on humanity.  The Second Plague Pandemic  that spread across Europe between 1346-1353 killed an estimated 50 million people, half of Europe’s 14th-century population, as well as a third of the population of the Middle East. "The Triumph of Death", a depiction of the Black Death. Painted by Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1562). Grim effects of the Sydney Plague It’s a grim disease with a mortality rate between 30% to 90%, depending on how soon it is detected and treated (10% with prompt antibiotic treatment, which was not widely available until the 1940s). Those infected are afflicted with swollen, painful lymph nodes (‘buboes’ – hence the name ‘bubonic’) in the groin, armpits or neck, and experience fevers, headaches and chills.  Lymph nodes  are small organs of fatty tissue that are an essential part of the body's immune system. The nodes/glands contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) that aid the body in combating infections and diseases. The nodes filter and trap harmful agents in the blood, including bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, which are then attacked and neutralised by the lymphocytes. However, when the lymph nodes are overwhelmed by a harmful bacteria and cease to function, toxins spread throughout the body, causing massive haemorrhaging and failure of internal organs - a painful death. Victims of the 1721 Black Plague in Marseilles being gathered for burial. Painting by Michel Serre In an interview published  in the 8 March 1902 edition of the Sydney Mail, a ‘medical officer’ described the horrors of contracting bubonic plague. “This medical gentleman said plague was a blood disease, and it attacked a person like a stroke of lightning. A man might be quite well at 6 in the morning and three hours later be very seriously ill with plague. The disease lay dormant in the system from three to ten days, and then suddenly showed itself by bubonic swellings in different parts of the body. This was accompanied by a violent illness comprising high fever and severe pains.  “Plague, unlike many other diseases, did not work in regular stages by the patient first commencing with a slight illness and gradually growing worse. It attacked a man at once, and often in a few hours after the disease had first made itself felt the patient was in a very critical condition. It continued to increase in violence for two or three days, and if death did not take place before the end of the fourth day there was a better chance of recovery. The chief organ affected was the heart. "The cause of death was generally failure of the heart consequent upon poisoning of the blood.” Brown rat ( Rattus Norvegicus ) - photo: Alec Smart Rats carry contagion The 1900 bubonic plague entered Sydney via Darling Harbour on fleas carried by ship rats ( black rats  of the species Rattus rattus). Once in the community, it spread quickly, primarily via brown rats (aka sewer rats of the genus Rattus norvegicus) that were rife in the overcrowded harbourside slums, attributable to poor management of garbage disposal.  Authorities oversaw a massive extermination of an estimated 100,000 rats throughout the city, which also included eradication of native bush rats Rattus fuscipes. The city’s bush rat population has never recovered  to return to the harbour foreshore environs, which are now completely colonised by the two invasive species. Rat catchers. Photo by John Degotardi - State Library NSW Within eight months, the 1900 plague claimed over 100 fatalities across Sydney, many of whom were buried in the Third Quarantine Cemetery on North Head (which was established in 1881 for victims of a smallpox epidemic). First casualties of the Sydney Plague outbreak The first confirmed case of the 1900 bubonic plague epidemic in Australia was  reported  on 15 January in Adelaide. A sailor named W. Eppstein ‘absconded’ from the Royal Navy ship Formosa at Port Adelaide in late December 1899. Upon admission to the hospital on 1 January, he revealed he had been ‘lying ill under a tree at Gawler for a fortnight without food before he was sent to Adelaide’. He died within the fortnight. The first reported  case in Sydney, on 19 January, was Dawes Point resident and Central Wharf delivery worker Arthur Paine, who resided at 10 Ferry Lane overlooking the Walsh Bay docks. He, his wife and three children, a servant girl and a female friend who was visiting, were quickly isolated from the community.  They were taken to the Quarantine Station  infectious diseases institution on North Head (established 1832, although the remote bushland site was utilised to control the spread of diseases from the 1820s).  Quarantine Station, North Head, Sydney. Photo: Alec Smart Paine, who only showed ‘mild’ symptoms, made a full recovery and was released on 18 February, however, just four days later, the first recorded fatality from the dreaded plague in Sydney was that of sailmaker Captain Thomas Dudley. The Herald  reported  he was probably infected whilst removing five dead rats clogging the toilet of his first-floor dwelling, which they’d enteredby climbing up defective sewerage pipes. He died on February 22 at his home in Cambridge Street, Drummoyne, and was buried at the Third Quarantine Cemetery on February 24, with the body wrapped like an Egyptian mummy to alleviate public fears over whether the corpse was contagious.  The Herald  revealed  that “the removal and interment of the body of Captain Dudley were attended with every precaution that was necessary to prevent the corpse becoming a source of infection. It was considered a fortunate circumstance that his residence was accessible by water...  “The space in the coffin not occupied by the body was filled with a very strong disinfectant. Next, the coffin was enveloped in a succession of sheets, which were saturated with disinfectant. Then a jacket of sailcloth was wrapped around the chest. The coffin was removed on Saturday evening to North Head, being towed in a skiff by a launch.... The grave, which is officially known as No 48, was of unusual depth. The coffin was committed to the earth with all its numerous wrappings undisturbed.” Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis . Photo Olha Schedrina - The Natural History Museum Fleas a vector The anxiety concerning the enshrouding, removal and burial of Captain Dudley’s corpse was misplaced. The primary vector of bubonic plague is bites from fleas,  Xenopsylla cheopis , which transmit it from infected rats.  ( Xenopsylla cheopis aka the Oriental rat flea, is distinct from the common flea found on dogs or cats Ctenocephalides canis or Ctenocephalides felis , although there are three other species of rodent fleas that transmit bubonic plague: Northern rat flea Nosopsyllus fasciatus , Ethiopian rat flea Xenopsylla brasiliensis , and European mouse flea Leptopsylla segnis .) In contrast, pneumonic plague is spread by inhaling droplets of the same bacteria, Yersinia pestis , from infected people and animals, typically spread through their coughing.  However, world medical experts in 1900 were still uncertain of the transmission of the deadly contagion, which authorities realised had little impact on family pets, and thus encouraged dog owners to utilise their canines to kill rats.  Engravings of Plague Doctors wearing beak masks. Engravings: Philippe Planche (1721) and Paulus Fürst (1656) In earlier eras, this ignorance saw inspectors, medics and corpse gatherers wear face masks  with circular glass eye ports and long bird-like beaks filled with aromatic herbs when handling the victims. This was because they feared inhaling the contagion whilst being in close proximity to the deceased, not realising transmission was via flea bites or coughing. Thankfully, Dr Ashburton Thompson , President of the Board of Health in charge of countering the plague, was influenced by French physician Paul-Louis Simond , a distinguished scientist at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Simond, whilst testing a new antiserum in Karachi combatting a plague outbreak in India, observed and reported that fleas transmitted bubonic plague between rats and also on to humans.  However, Simond’s 1898 report, La Propagation de la Peste , was not widely accepted by the scientific community until 1907. Doctor Simond injecting Indian plague victim in Karachi 1897 - Photo R Jalbhoy In a January 1900 interview , Dr Thompson said, "The popular notion regarding the bubonic plague is that it is dangerous to come within a stone's throw of a patient, but this is an absolute mistake…. Nurses or doctors who take the disease are few in number, and mostly contagion is received because of wounds in the hands when making a post-mortem examination of the body of some person who has died of the disease.” Rat reduction to combat the spread of the plague in Sydney The new realisation that fleas were responsible affected how Australian health authorities, supervised by Dr Ashburton Thompson, dealt with the outbreak, ultimately resulting in relatively few fatalities. These measures , utilising the Public Health Act of 1896 , included: intensive cleaning and disinfection of neighbourhoods; the demolition of unsanitary buildings, such as temporary shelters; restrictions on the movement of vessels around the harbour and along the coast; compulsory quarantine of the infected and those whom they came into contact with; closures of libraries and public buildings; and the aforementioned mass extermination of rats. Disinfecting Drains in Sydney. Photo by John Degotardi - State Library NSW In a report  dated 26 February 1900, the Herald revealed, “The health authorities urge, with a view to preventing the spread of the bubonic plague, that an active campaign should be prosecuted in order to destroy as many rats as possible.” In March 1900, squads of rat-catchers were formed from a team of 3,000 recruits, and by August an official figure of 44,000 rats were killed and incinerated in an attempt to stop the plague’s spread. Councils paid six pence per corpse, so vermin extermination became a lucrative enterprise, especially among children, who took the rodent corpses to an incinerator in Bathurst St. or dedicated disposal points.  Disinfection and inoculation Under the newly formed Plague Dept, specific neighbourhoods were targeted for disinfecting and waste removal, including Millers Point, around Darling Harbour, and sectors of Glebe and Chippendale. Beginning 23 March 1900 and under the authority  of George McCredie , houses, streets and drains were scrubbed with a mixture of noxious fluids: lime chloride, carbolic water (diluted phenol), sulphuric acid and calcium hypochlorite.  Almost 53,000 tons of garbage was collected and either incinerated or dumped at sea. Garbage punt moored in Blackwattle Bay, Pyrmont. Photo: City of Sydney Archives Widespread vaccinations were also introduced. On 24 March 1900, the Herald  reported : “About 2500 persons were inoculated with prophylactic yesterday in order to be protected against infection from the plague. A staff of 14 medical men was engaged throughout the day… Dr. Armstrong, of the Board of Health, attended at the Town Hall yesterday and inoculated a number of the officials with prophylactic serum. The remainder of the council's employees will be inoculated in a few days…” Cross-harbour ferries were strictly monitored. The 24 March Herald article stated, “The ferry steamers plying between Darling Harbour and the suburbs are being disinfected under the direction of the health authorities. “A proclamation has been issued prohibiting masters of vessels from Sydney to local ports from making fast or landing goods or passengers at such ports unless they hold a certificate from the Board of Health declaring that their vessels have been properly fumigated.” Demolition of Exeter Place Surry Hills. Photo: John Degotardi, State Library NSW Compulsory purchase of properties The NSW Govt compulsorily reclaimed ownership of almost the entire peninsula west of Sydney Cove, from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, including The Rocks, Dawes Point and Millers Point. This was formalised through the Darling Harbour Wharves Resumption Act 1900 .  Approximately 900 privately-owned residential houses were purchased, in addition to wharves, workshops, warehouses, inns, offices and factories, costing around £2,000,000. Controversially, containment of the plague was also used as justification to evict and destroy temporary dwellings all over the peninsula, from The Rocks and around the wharves to Pyrmont as well as east of the city in Paddington. These ranged from shanty-town slums consisting of corrugated iron sheets and timber, to converted horse stables and backyard sheds.  Slum dwellers in corrugated iron shacks, Oxford St Paddington, 1900. Photo: John Degotardi, State Library NSW The impoverished occupants, many of whom were unemployed or low-income dockworkers and labourers, had no legal right of appeal.  Authorities also demolished many small private jetties where ships were docking, sometimes covertly to evade customs and excise duties, in order to better consolidate and regulate the main wharves. Sydney free from plague infection? In September 1900, Health Authorities declared Sydney was free from infection, and the yellow flag indicating Sydney was a plague city was furled from the Quarantine Station on North Head, at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. 1,759 people were quarantined in the eight months of the epidemic, of which 263 tested positive to the plague.  During that time, a total of 303 cases were reported to authorities; ultimately, 103 people succumbed to the contagion – a 33% mortality rate, which was significantly lower than the 82% peak mortality rate reported during the 1896-97 Indian plague. 1904 Plague warning Although Dr Thompson oversaw the successful control of the 1900 bubonic plague contagion in Sydney, he was never rewarded for his research and skills, despite being acknowledged in the international scientific community. The Indian Plague Commission of 1905 praised his reports as 'models of cogent reasoning'.  His calm management also took place during the Boer War, the 1899-1902 conflict in South Africa fought between the British Empire and the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, in which 16,000 Australian troops participated. Dr Thompson retired in 1913 and died in his home city of London in 1915. A ‘second wave’ of the plague was recorded in both Brisbane and Sydney in 1902, then a third outbreak  in Sydney was dealt with between May and August 1903. Dr. Thompson, as Chief Medical Officer of the NSW Board of Health, continued to play a key role in managing the successive outbreaks and implementing strategies to control the spread of the disease. His team’s successful disinfection, quarantine and rat elimination tactics were again deployed. These included lockdowns, closures of public libraries and the disinfection of wharves, houses and public transport vehicles and vessels.  Garbage removalists working behind 276 Sussex St in the City. Photo by John Degotardi - State Library NSW On 8 March 1902, the Sydney Advertiser  revealed , “a combined attack on the rats was made by the various governing and health authorities of the city and suburbs. Many thousands of packets of poison were distributed to private people beforehand by the City Council, and elaborate preparations were made. Refuse was destroyed so that the rats would be starved into taking the poison…  “Shipmasters are being fined for failing to attach metal discs to the mooring lines of their vessels, so as to prevent rats going along them….” Smaller outbreaks of plague return to Sydney Between 1900 and 1925, there were 12 major plague outbreaks across Australia. The primary sources of contagion were ships bringing infected sailors, new immigrants and of course, rats. During that era, the first quarter century of Australia’s federation as an independent nation, official health archives recorded 1371 plague cases resulting in 535 deaths, the majority in Sydney (although there were smaller outbreaks in Melbourne and Adelaide and remote regions too, including northern Queensland and Fremantle in Western Australia). In total, 1,371 cases were reported across Australia, with 535 fatalities. The official Bubonic Plague Register  for Sydney, covering the years 1900-1908 when the city was repeatedly impacted, was subjected to a 110-year embargo preventing its publication. This was enacted so as not to stigmatise those infected – 608 cases. That embargo expired in February 2019 and the data on the individuals  affected - who, where, when and their occupation - is now publicly accessible. Third Quarantine Cemetery on North Head, where many victims of the 1900 plague are buried. Photo: Alec Smart Marrickville infections Beyond the crowded dockside slums of central Sydney and The Rocks region, plague was reported further afield, including Marrickville, 11km from the epicentre of the harbour wharves. On Saturday 24 March 1900, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported  that a Marrickville resident was infected with the bubonic plague. “William Hayden, 21, living at Marrickville, was found to be suffering from bubonic plague yesterday, and was, with nine other residents of the house, removed to the Quarantine Station.” Two years later, another Marrickville resident who caught the disease during the ‘second wave’ of the plague was afflicted while working in an affected zone. An 8 March 1902 report  in the Sydney Advertiser, said, “Minnie Boardman, tailoress, aged 21, residing at Petersham road, Marrickville, but working in the infected area in Pitt street, near Market street, one of the areas being cleaned by the council were reported.” A victim of one of the later plague outbreaks, Ethel Williams, was only 21 years of age when she died  on 31 December 1907. Her occupation was not listed in the official Plague Register  archive, but she resided at 35 Thomas St Marrickville. Another six years later, in a single paragraph dated 8 January 1908, The Dubbo Despatch  reported  on a case of Plague Rats found in Marrickville. “Seventy six dead rats have been found under the floors of the Marrickville produce store to which the two cases of plague were traced – nineteen being poison-infected.” Great Plague London 1665 with mourners and death cart (behind, collecting corpses). Engraving: Edmund Evans =================================

Support Local Stages in Marrickville, Newtown, and Beyond More on Marrickville The Inner West is Sydney’s Bohemia; an exciting microcosm of diversity, creativity, and innovative thought and pursuit. However, this artistic vibrancy is under threat. Where once there were dozens of performance spaces in the area, only a handful remain.  Grace Barr It isn’t easy to keep a small, independent theatre running. Many of them rely on a team of dedicated volunteers and art-loving financial donors, and of course, regular ticket sales.  With big commercial shows playing at Sydney’s multitude of large, well-funded venues, the competition for audience interest and audience dollar is tough. Those big theatres have big marketing budgets, so it’s hard for the little guys to even get seen or heard.  Yet, it is imperative that independent theatres, and their shows, do get seen and heard. They provide a whole lot more than just quirky, avant-garde entertainment.  Indie theatres are spaces where new works and new writers can be trialled. Students and amateur performers, directors, and crew can gain experience and develop their craft.  Why Independent Theatre is Vital for the Inner West Indie theatres are great for people who don’t necessarily want a career in the industry, but would like to explore their creativity or just be part of a community. Most of these theatres make use of otherwise defunct or impractical spaces such as old warehouses, sheds, and disused industrial buildings.  Independent theatres tend to be in urban areas, so they are great for locals who don’t want to or can’t travel, and the tickets are much more affordable, which means low-income people can enjoy the arts too.  Where larger theatres tend to play it safe with their shows, independent theatres can take risks and experiment. They provide an important creative outlet for marginal communities, including LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, Indigenous, cultural, religious, and subcultural groups. They also allow edgy, political, and subversive works to get seen, which is especially vital in a world that is becoming increasingly oppressive.  So what can you do?  Birdland at New Theatre Kate Bookalil from Inner West Drama/Flight Path Theatre offered some words of advice that are applicable to any independent theatre.  “Community support for independent theatre can be the difference between your local theatre surviving or closing down.  We understand that times are tough economically and that is why we have a policy of keeping ticket prices as affordable as possible. (We would also never turn someone away who really wants to see a show at Flight Path Theatre and cannot afford it.)  Flight Path Theatre does not have any ongoing funding at this stage, so having our community book tickets, leave us reviews, drop in and say hi, spread the news about upcoming productions and make sure all their friends know we’re here has a huge impact on our viability as a performance space.  The best advertising for a production is always word of mouth. A personal recommendation is worth so much, so the two best things you can do to help support Flight Path Theatre are book tickets to see a show and if you love it, tell everyone about it.” Your Local Independent Inner West Theatres: Flight Path Theatre: 9b/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville - flightpaththeatre.org Red Rattler: 6 Faverhsam St, Marrickville - Redrattler.org Hellenic Art Theatre: 36/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville - hellenicarttheatre.com.au New Theatre: 542 King St, Newtown - newtheatre.org.au

New City Architect Role and Development Panel Aim to Speed Up Housing Supply in Inner West More on Marrickville In a decisive move to tackle the growing housing supply crisis, Inner West Council has endorsed sweeping planning reforms aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes across Marrickville and the broader Inner West.  Spearheaded by Ashfield Ward Councillor Jess D’Arienzo, these measures mark a significant shift in the way the council approaches housing development, moving from bureaucratic red tape to proactive facilitation. Marrickville, like much of Sydney’s Inner West, is grappling with soaring demand for housing, outpaced by sluggish planning processes and outdated frameworks. Councillor D’Arienzo’s reforms are a direct response to mounting frustration from the housing sector, with developers and community members alike citing an exhausting “game of bureaucratic pinball” when navigating the development application process. “These are big reforms because we have a big problem,” said D’Arienzo. “The housing crisis is here now, and we’re taking action to accelerate the delivery of new homes. Our council is pulling all available levers to fix the supply crisis in our own backyard.” Proposed Marrickville Housing Reforms The reform package is built on three major pillars: the creation of a City Architect role, the establishment of a Significant Residential Development Panel, and the introduction of a Post-Development Application (DA) Survey to improve customer service. At the heart of the reform agenda is the creation of a new City Architect role, tasked with guiding architectural and urban design initiatives across the Inner West. Set to be included in the 2025/26 Budget, the position will sit within the Planning Directorate and focus on ensuring developments are not only high-quality but also sustainable and reflective of the area’s unique character. Key responsibilities will include advising on the design of public spaces, collaborating with architects and planners, and setting design guidelines that balance innovation with preservation.  Crucially, the City Architect will engage directly with the community, ensuring local voices help shape the built environment. Streamlining Development To further streamline the development pipeline, Council has also approved the formation of a new Residential Development Panel. Composed of senior council officials, including the General Manager, Director of Planning, General Counsel, and the City Architect (once recruited), the panel will assess major residential developments under the revised Inner West Local Environment Plan (LEP). This panel will serve as a one-stop shop for the assessment of significant applications, with the aim of providing consistency, transparency, and speed in the decision-making process. By focusing on large-scale, high-value projects, the panel is expected to drive the timely delivery of much-needed housing stock. Understanding that planning reform must be responsive and accountable, Council also voted to implement a Post-Development Application Survey. This initiative will collect feedback from applicants about their experience with the DA process - evaluating communication, decision-making transparency, and the overall quality and impact of approved developments. The survey will serve as an important feedback loop, identifying areas for improvement and helping to shape a more efficient, user-friendly planning system going forward. Inner West Rezoning On The Horizon These reforms come at a pivotal moment, with new rezonings on the horizon that will increase housing density around major transport hubs and main roads. By implementing these measures now, the Inner West Council is positioning itself to respond swiftly and effectively to future development pressures. As Councillor D’Arienzo put it, “We’ve looked at best practice from other regions and crafted reforms that will not only address the housing crisis but also enhance the quality of our public spaces and urban design.” In a region often defined by its resistance to overdevelopment, Marrickville’s new direction reflects a bold commitment to meeting the housing needs of a growing population, while preserving the character and livability that makes the Inner West unique.

Discover painting, ceramics, calligraphy, sculpture and more at Ku-ring-gai Art Centre’s weekly adult classes. More on St Ives The Art Centre is Ku-ring-gai’s very own vibrant hub of creativity, learning and community. The Art Centre offers a diverse range of adult classes that cater to burgeoning artists and seasoned practitioners alike. The centre cultivates a welcoming and supportive environment where you can explore your artistic potential, learn new skills, and connect with a like-minded community. The classes are led by experienced and passionate instructors who possess a deep understanding of their craft and genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Their guidance helps students overcome creative blocks, develop technical proficiency, and find their unique artistic voice.  Beyond the technical skills, classes give participants a chance to step away from daily routines, de-stress, and engage in a truly enriching activity. All classes are taught within the Art Centre’s light and airy studio, providing a stimulating atmosphere in which to work.  And worried about fitting a class into your busy schedule? Don't be. There are classes on offer at different times, every day of the week. With everything from oil/acrylic painting, all kinds of drawing and calligraphy classes to clay/sculpture, botanical painting, ceramics and more on offer. A Collaborative & Encouraging Community The collaborative and encouraging atmosphere within the studios allows for shared learning, inspiration and the formation of new friendships, where you’ll find laughter and lively discussions echoing through the halls. So, if you're looking to rekindle a forgotten talent or discover a new one, look no further than the adult art classes at Ku-ring-gai Council's Art Centre. It's more than just learning to paint or sculpt; it's about unlocking creativity, fostering well-being, and connecting with the vibrant artistic pulse of the community. Why not unleash your inner artist and see where the colours take you? Ku-Ring-Gai Art Centre 3 Recreation Ave, Roseville Full Class schedule: www.krg.nsw.gov.au

Joanna’s 7-Year Snap Fitness Journey in Gordon & St Ives More on St Ives When Joanna joined Snap Fitness Gordon seven years ago, her goal wasn’t about chasing big weights or records. She simply wanted to make everyday life easier. Tasks like doing the washing up, climbing stairs, or even getting into bed felt difficult. “I used to take the lift everywhere,” she recalls. “Now I walk faster, walk further, and everything feels less of a struggle.” One of Joanna’s biggest challenges was learning to stretch more and keep good posture during exercises. But just as important has been the mental side - something the gym has helped her manage. “If I was doing it on my own, I wouldn’t be training. The gym keeps me motivated and moving forward.” Motivation & Guidance of a Personal Trainer Her personal trainer, Luke, has been a key part of that progress. “Luke always helps me improve. At first, Martin and I trained together, but once we started individual sessions, it made a huge difference. The training is tailored and the results speak for themselves.” Joanna’s initial focus was functional strength - walking easier, moving without pain, and maintaining independence. She’s now well beyond those goals. She no longer needs help getting up from the floor, can handle resistance bands that once felt impossible, and presses 40kg on the leg press - something she couldn’t even attempt with no weight at the start. For Joanna, Snap Fitness has the right atmosphere: respectful members, spacious equipment, and a welcoming feel. Unlike other gyms she tried, it’s never aggressive or intimidating. Consitency & Accountability What keeps her consistent is accountability. “Luke expects me to show up, and seeing progress makes me want to keep going.” Her favourite exercise? The lat pull-down is a reminder of how much her strength and mobility have grown. Joanna’s journey shows how small, steady steps lead to big change. “Training has changed everything. I’m stronger, more mobile, and more confident in everyday life. I never thought I could do this much.” Start your own fitness journey today. Snap Fitness | snapfitness.com St Ives: 186 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives Gordon: Shop B1/776 Pacific Hwy, Gordon

25 New EV Chargers & $3,000 Rebates for Sustainable Living allow Ku-ring-gai to Power Up More on St Ives Ku-ring-gai will receive 25 new kerbside electric vehicle charge points to help residents power up and make the switch to electric vehicles easier.  Ku-ring-gai residents now have more reason to embrace clean energy, with the Council unveiling new rebates to make sustainable living more accessible. The Electrify Everything initiative, part of Ku-ring-gai’s Net Zero Communities program, builds on the Energy Smart scheme and offers eligible households up to $3,000 in rebates. The goal is simple: help households reduce emissions and energy costs while driving the community toward net zero. Rebates cover upgrades like induction cooktops, solar panels, insulation, energy-efficient windows, hot water heat pumps, and pool pumps. Apartment buildings can also claim for solar installations, EV chargers, and energy audits. Residents can even “try before they buy” — Ku-ring-gai Libraries lend out single and double-hob induction cooktops for a week, with a $500 rebate for those who make the switch. Mayor Christine Kay said the program empowers residents to take practical steps toward a cleaner future. “Switching from gas to electric is one of the quickest ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. Electric transport is another key focus. The NSW Government has allocated $2.8 million in EV Kerbside Charging Grants to install chargers across 22 LGAs, including Ku-ring-gai. The area leads the state in EV adoption, with registrations rising 150% between June 2023 and June 2025. EVs now make up 5.1% of local vehicles — more than triple the state average. CSIRO forecasts up to 21,404 EVs on Ku-ring-gai roads by 2030, making charging infrastructure crucial. With generous home rebates, growing EV access, and a clear sustainability strategy, Ku-ring-gai Council is helping residents electrify their homes and lives — and setting a strong example for greener, cleaner communities across NSW. Your neighbourhood charging stations: Ampol Petrol Station (x 1): 164 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives St Ives Shopping Village (x 1): 135/166 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives

A Day in the Life of Christine Kay, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai More on St Ives Name : Christine Kay Occupation : Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Council 4 words to describe a typical day ? Purposeful, challenging, rewarding, ever-changing Morning: Every day is different, and the activities within each part of the day vary, depending on the diary. Mornings often start with catching up on emails, reviewing Council reports, and preparing Mayoral Minutes, but could just as easily involve chairing a committee or meeting with staff and councillors. Midday: During the day, I’m often out at s chool visits, local community events, or lunches that double as fundraisers or business meetings. Afternoon: As the day progresses, I can be involved in site inspections, policy discussions, or responding to resident concerns — whether about trees, traffic, footpaths, or potholes. There may also be time for media interviews, community group meetings, or stakeholder engagement.  Evening:   Evenings frequently see Christine Kay attending Ku-ring-gai Council meetings, committees, civic receptions, forums, or local cultural and sporting events — often with opportunities to speak and connect directly with residents. Outside of an ‘average day’, what can your other duties include? Advocating for infrastructure upgrades (roads, footpaths, sporting fields). Balancing budgets and ensuring responsible financial management. Supporting community organisations, sporting clubs, and cultural groups. Championing environmental initiatives and green space preservation. Ensuring transparency and good governance in Council decision-making. Representing the community at official functions and regional bodies. Driving long-term strategic planning and policy development. Acting as a first point of contact for residents and community groups. Wow, that is a decent workload! What keeps you motivated? The variety. Some days are filled with policy making, others are about being out in the community. At the heart of it all is connecting with residents, engaging with councillors, and supporting community groups — making sure their voices shape the decisions that guide Ku-ring-gai’s future. What’s something people might not expect about being Mayor? Most people think it’s all about ceremonies and community events, which are definitely a crucial part of the role. But behind the scenes, there’s so much more: chairing meetings, briefings with staff, sitting on committees, building relationships with stakeholders — including State MPs — and dealing with the very real day-to-day issues residents raise. From trees and traffic to potholes, footpaths and planning, the role is always about finding practical solutions.  Local government is often summed up as “roads, rates and rubbish,” but in reality it’s far broader — shaping liveability, supporting community groups, protecting the environment, and planning for the future. A big part of the work is also ongoing collaboration and engagement with fellow C ouncillors, ensuring that ideas are filtered into practical outcomes for the community.

Discover must-read books and new releases at Roaring Stories, Balmain’s local book haven. The Spring Book Reading Guide for 2025 is a curated collection of must-read new titles chosen to inspire and delight local book lovers. Visit instore at Roaring Stories on to explore the shelves, discover new favourites, and find the perfect gift for friends and family. Happy reading, Balmain! The Revisionists ($34.99) Michelle Johnston When Christine Campbell, once a lauded journalist, is confronted by her oldest—and estranged— childhood friend about her coverage of unrest in the North Caucasus over 20 years ago, her story unfurls across three different timelines. Exploring ideas of identity, self-making, the elasticity of memory and truth, this compelling and thought-provoking novel will have you hooked. Better Things Are Possible ($34.99) Jack Toohey In a 24/7 news cycle perpetuated by social media, Jack Toohey is a voice of hope in a sea of grim headlines and unjust systems. With a positive mission to rebuild broken systems, Toohey provides a rallying cry of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, because if we’re going to fix issues like climate, inequality and housing, we have to replace defeatism and channel our energy to solutions and innovation. Broke Road ($34.99) Matthew Spencer Homicide Detective Rose Riley and newspaper man/ true crime author Adam Bowman are back together solving crime. This time they are in the Hunter Valley wine region where a woman has been found dead in her home. Lots of suspects, mining companies and plenty of intrigue all make for a thoroughly satisfying murder mystery Snake Talk ($36.99) Tyson Yunkaporta and Megan Kelleher The serpent in Australian Aboriginal stories is both a creator and destroyer, dwelling in the liminal spaces between physical and spiritual worlds, between story and history. Tyson Yunkaporta and Megan Kelleher speak to keepers of lore across the world to discover if stories such as those of the Basilisk, Wyvern, Naga, and Quetzalcoatl work similarly to resolve global issues of existential crisis. Grab your copies at Roaring Stories, 268 Darling St, Balmain

From Australia's first dry dock to today's modern parklands, Balmain's iconic Mort Bay tells Balmain’s maritime history. More on Balmain By Alec Smart Historic postcard of Mort's Dock, Balmain, 1900. Photo: Graeme Andrews, City of Sydney Archives Mort Bay, the inlet on the north-eastern edge of the Balmain Peninsula, is enclosed by Simmons Point to the south-west and Ballast Point to the north-west. Mort Bay was the site of Australia’s first and largest dry dock, constructed for the building, maintenance and repair of ships, which opened in 1855. The company that oversaw the operation, Mort's Dock and Engineering Company, for which the bay was named, utilised the site for over a century. Prior to the arrival of Britons in 1788, the Balmain peninsula, at the southern entrance to Parramatta River, was known to the Indigenous Wangal clans as ‘Baludarri’, the Dharug Aboriginal name for a type of leatherjacket fish (Family: Monacanthidae). Leatherjacket fish. Photo: NSW Dept Primary Industries As well as fishing from nowie (bark canoes) and gathering shellfish from the foreshores, the Wangal reportedly herded kangaroos through the bushland to the eastern tip of the peninsula, where the harbour prevented the hopping marsupials’ escape. Mort Bay was initially known to British settlers as Grose Bay, after Major Francis Grose, the second Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales (1792-1794). His name appeared on the 1794 land grant of 100 acres to Deputy Judge-Advocate Captain David Collins, whose tenure lapsed after he failed to develop the site. In 1800, William Balmain, whose name was preserved for history despite his never setting foot on the peninsula, was gifted 550 acres of Baludarri by Governor John Hunter. Balmain (the man) gave Balmain (the land) away to Scottish surgeon John Gilchrist the following year for a mere 5 shillings to repay a debt. Waterview Bay, Balmain, 1853. Sketch by JW Hardwick Waterview Bay From 1830, Mort Bay was known as Waterview Bay, after the house ‘Waterview’ was constructed overlooking the bay by landowner Roland Walpole Loane. The bay remained Waterview Bay from 1830 until 1878, when it was renamed Mort Bay after the death of industrialist Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. Curtis Stream (which is still flowing, albeit mainly underground) once ran down from the hillside into Mort Bay, collecting in several rock pools known as the 'Curtis Waterholes' after then-landowner James Curtis. Curtis sold his land to developer James Reynolds in 1842. Reynolds built a stone house called 'Strathean Cottage' then dammed Curtis Stream and sold the fresh water to the sailors of the ships anchored in the bay below. Balmain Peninsula 1860s. Composite of two engravings by G Robertson - Strangers Guide To Sydney In 1853, master mariner and shipbuilder Captain Thomas Rowntree purchased part of the ‘Strathean’ waterside estate. He recognised the potential of the deepwater bay below for installing a dockyard to repair local and international ships. At that time there were no such facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. To finance his venture, Rowntree sold his own ship, the twin-masted Lizzie Webber, a coastal trader and importer of British immigrants to the goldfields, and as a result met auctioneer and industrialist, Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. Excavating + building the dry dock at Waterview Bay, finished 1856. Engraving: JV Hall / National Library Australia In 1854, Rowntree and Mort, in partnership with James Mitchell, formed the Waterview Bay Dry Dock Company and built Australia's first dry dock and adjacent slipway on the edge of the Balmain Peninsula, which opened on 1 January 1855. (The first steamer to enter the dry dock berthed on 12 February 1855). Rowntree withdrew from the operation in 1861, vexed that nearby Fitzroy Dock (on Cockatoo Island) began to accept non-governmental vessels, in direct competition. Mort took over the operation, renaming the venture Mort's Dock & Engineering Company, and leased the facilities to other maritime companies, but eventually took control of the dock in 1866. Mort's Dry Dock, Waterview Bay, Balmain, 1862. Engraving: SL Peyton, Strangers Guide to Sydney Mort Dock peak production During its peak in the latter half of the 1850s (when they were the primary private employer in the former penal colony), Mort's Dock, combining the dry dock, shipyard and slipway, was the largest maritime engineering operation in Australia. The history of Mort Bay's Dock helped to establish colonial-era Sydney as Australia's premier port. Imported and locally constructed railway locomotives were also assembled on the site. When Thomas Mort eventually passed away in 1878, the Mayor of Balmain persuaded the local council to honour him by renaming Waterview Bay, ‘Mort Bay’. Mort’s Dock at Waterview Bay, Balmain, 1887. Photo: NSW Govt Printing Office According to Engineering Heritage Australia, “by 1917 Mort’s Dock had built 39 steamships, 7 Manly ferries, pumping engines for the Waverley and Crown Street reservoirs and the ironwork for the Sydney GPO. In the interwar period an iron foundry was constructed, a slipway and floating dock purchased, and it had a virtual monopoly on local industry.” The docks were also active during both World Wars, building 14 corvettes (small warships utilised as minesweepers to remove or detonate naval bombs) and 4 frigates. Mort's Dock 1911. Photo c/o Leichhardt Council However, the firm went into liquidation in 1959 due to a decline in the maritime construction industry. Thereafter, the site was divided (between new owners Sims Metal and Australian National Line – ANL), historic buildings demolished (1967), the dry dock filled-in (1968), and the waterfront was adapted for the unloading and storage of shipping containers. In 1975, neighbouring residents called for a restructuring of the site (Sydney’s primary container ship handling companies relocated to Botany Bay), and the NSW Government responded and designated the waterfront area for parkland and housing (1980). Redevelopment began in 1985 and Mort Bay Park was opened to the public in 1989. Former wharves at Mort Bay dockyard, Balmain. Photo: Alec Smart Sydney's two other dockyards There were also two other major shipyards in colonial-era Sydney Harbour. King’s Dockyard (1800-1833) was located on the western shore of Circular Quay (approximately where the Museum of Contemporary Art is now situated), and was reportedly a major employer of convict labour. Cockatoo Island, which, in 1839, was established as a maximum security gaol for re-offending prisoners, in 1847 convict labour was utilised to create a dry dock for the servicing of international visiting ships and maintenance of Royal Navy vessels. However, due to a variety of bureaucratic blunders and the maltreatment of convicts, construction of the dry dock took a decade to complete, eventually opening in 1858, by which time Mort Bay dry dock was already operational. Two further docks, Fitzroy (launched 1857) and Sutherland (built 1889 for larger vessels) were also opened on Cockatoo Island and the gaol closed (1869) and converted to a reformatory school for girls (1871). Historic concrete ship wharfs in Mort Bay, Balmain. Photo: Alec Smart =============================

Long Reef and Dee Why beaches closed after a deadly shark attack More from Dee Why A man has died after being attacked by a shark near Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches, prompting the closure of several popular swimming and surfing spots on Saturday. Emergency services were called to Long Reef Beach shortly after 10am following reports that a man had suffered severe injuries in the water. Police said the victim, who has not yet been formally identified, was brought to shore but died at the scene despite the efforts of bystanders and paramedics. According to NSW Police, the man was bitten by “what is believed to have been a large shark”. Two broken sections of a surfboard were recovered and will be examined by experts from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to help determine the species involved. The attack triggered an immediate emergency response. Witnesses reported police and ambulance vehicles arriving at the beach carpark while the Westpac rescue helicopter circled overhead. Surf lifesavers raised the shark alarm and sounded a siren to clear swimmers from the water, while officers ran along the shoreline warning people to get out. A red flag was also raised to indicate the beach was closed. A tent was erected on the sand as paramedics and police worked at the scene. Surf lifesaving vessels patrolled offshore, scanning the area where dozens of surfers had been moments earlier. One nearby resident told local media she saw “at least four helicopters flying overhead in just 10 minutes”. Another witness, a surfer, said a group of board riders helped pull the injured man from the water. “Four or five surfers pulled him out of the water and it looked like a significant part of his lower half had been attacked,” he said. “They didn’t work on him when they got to the beach.” The incident occurred as Long Reef hosted the Wicks Northern Beaches Junior Teams Challenge surf competition. Organisers suspended the event as beaches across the region were closed as a precaution, stretching from Manly to Narrabeen. Surf Life Saving NSW confirmed Dee Why Beach would remain closed until further notice. Marine rescue vessels and DPI officers will continue to monitor the waters throughout the day. Police have urged beachgoers to follow instructions from authorities and stay away from the closed beaches until they are declared safe. First fatal shark attack in Sydney in years The man’s death is the first fatal shark attack in Sydney in more than three years. In February 2022, a swimmer was killed by a great white shark at Little Bay in the city’s east, an incident that shocked the community and prompted a review of safety measures. Shark attacks remain rare but often spark heightened concern during peak beachgoing seasons. Experts say warmer waters and an abundance of fish can bring sharks closer to shore. The identity of the man killed at Dee Why is yet to be confirmed, and police said a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Tracing two centuries of pubs along Ku-ring-gai’s Pacific Highway, from early sly-grog shanties to today’s iconic local watering holes. Read More St Ives History HERE The Pubs of the Pacific Highway: Past, Present and Forgotten Walk the Pacific Highway today and you will see leafy streets, schools, and cafes—but for most of the nineteenth century this whole ridge-and-valley country was not referred to as Ku-ring-gai at all. Locals simply called it Lane Cove, and official papers referred to the Parish of Gordon. Convict timber cutters were here by 1805, felling the great blue gums, blackbutts, ironbarks and prized turpentines. Logs were dragged to Fiddens Wharf on the Lane Cove River, punted downstream, and turned into the wharves and warehouses of Sydney. From the 1820s Crown grants carved big estates out of the bush; by mid-century, as the ridges opened to sun, those estates broke into orchards and dairies. Lane Cove oranges and apples made the area famous—hard, repetitive work that created a thirst. And where there’s a thirst, there’s a pub. “Sly grog” and the thirst of a colony Early New South Wales was a spirits-drinking society. In the 1830s the colony averaged 3.6 litres of pure alcohol per person, per year. Licensed hotels were scarce—about 210 across all NSW in 1830, contrast with 1880 the number had exploded to 3,829. In the gaps, unlicensed “sly-grog” shops flourished, and up this way there was an extra twist: the river. Contemporary reports spoke of illegal stills hidden along quiet reaches of the Lane Cove, with product rowed to town by night. In February 1845, Captain Watson seized an active still in a remote pocket of the Parish of Gordon. Against that backdrop, it’s no surprise that the first local “pubs” were rough huts that doubled as grog shanties, then stepped–sometimes reluctantly–into the licensed world. Those early inns weren’t just taprooms; they were stables, paddocks, orchards, trading posts and newsrooms for a district where the track north was long and the neighbours few. Killara’s stalwart: from timber hut to the Greengate Hotel Local lore has it that a timber hut at today’s Killara traded sly grog as early as the 1810s. In 1832 it emerged into respectability when John Johnson obtained a licence and hung out the sign of The   Green Gate Inn  on old Lane Cove Road (the future Pacific Highway). Set on a productive Green Gate Estate with orchard and livestock, the inn serviced bullockies, timbermen and, increasingly, orchardists and travellers bound north. Johnson sold in 1836, and after several hands the place was bought in 1853 by Thomas Waterhouse, great-great grandfather of bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse.  Waterhouse and his sons were natural sportsmen and enthusiastic publicans. Under them, the Green Gate became synonymous with agrarian pastimes and frontier passions: drinking and dealing, racing and breeding, trading and fighting. It hosted matches and musters and, in a district proud of its horses, it was a social hub. The Waterhouse era ran until Thomas’s son John died in 1903; the estate was finally sold in 1906. The original inn, patched and extended over the decades, came down in 1942. In 1943 a handsome new building opened as The Killara Greengate Hotel , the spelling tidied, the reputation intact. With a licence dating to 1832, the Greengate ranks among Australia’s longest-licensed hotels—a living through-line from bullock track to commuter belt. A short-lived rival at Killara: Sawyers Arms / Grey Horse Inn After selling the Green Gate, John Johnson didn’t stray far. He opened the Sawyers Arms Inn a little down the road, near today’s Pacific Highway and Stanhope Road. In 1841 he sold to Owen McMahon, who renamed it the Grey Horse Inn in honour of his favourite racer. The Grey Horse flickered only briefly; records suggest it closed by 1844 and the site is now part of the garden of a grand house. But it planted a seed: the McMahon name would soon loom large up the road at Pymble. Pymble’s roadside houses of call: New Inn to Travellers’ Rest In 1842 Johnson reappeared again, this time on land that corresponds to 859 Pacific Highway, Pymble, near the junction with Ryde Road. He called his new venture the New Inn . In 1845 he sold to Owen McMahon, who rechristened it the  Travellers’ Home Inn , then the Travellers’ Rest Hotel . From the 1850s, a spirited rivalry brewed between the McMahons at the Travellers’ Rest and the Waterhouses at the Green Gate Inn—two dynasties, a few miles apart, each staking a claim to custom, sport and local influence. The Travellers’ Rest remained in McMahon hands until 1899, when Tooheys purchased it. Under brewery ownership it was known for a time as the Lane Cove Hotel (the highway was still “Lane Cove Road”). By 1913, the license had been cancelled, the next year the building was on the market as having 12 rooms, kitchen, cellar, verandahs, and balcony; suitable for boarding house or school.  Happily, the building endures. Look closely at 859 Pacific Highway and you will still find the bones of the nineteenth-century hotel behind later shopfronts. Pymble’s other early houses: the Orange Tree and the Gardeners’ Arms Licensing records hint that William Pymble opened an Orange Tree Inn  in 1846, almost certainly along Lane Cove Road and aptly named for the orange groves that once quilted these hillsides. Its life on paper is brief with just the one year is recorded.  More firmly anchored in memory is Richard Porter’s weatherboard Gardeners’ Arms Hotel , licensed in 1864 on Pymble Hill beside the district’s first Roman Catholic church. This cluster of church, pub and a scattering of shops became the early commercial centre at the top of the hill (near today’s Pacific Highway and Bannockburn Road). It was re-built prior to 1890 and in 1898 renamed to the Pymble Hotel . Then the railway arrived. Because the station could only sit at the foot of the hill, commerce slowly gravitated downhill. Sensing the future, John Toohey of Tooheys Brewery bought the Pymble Hotel, secured land closer to the station, and in the late 1930s opened a fresh two-storey Art Deco Pymble Hotel. The old hilltop house was demolished (between Grandview and the church), but the Pymble Hotel survives today still pouring drinks and offering rooms to travellers, just as its predecessors did up on the ridge. Why these pubs mattered—and still do These were not just places to wet a whistle. In a landscape that shifted from bush camp to sawyers’ village to orchard belt to suburb, the pubs anchored community life.  Today, the Greengate Hotel and Pymble Hotel carry those threads forward—two modern venues with deep roots. Next time you pass, pause a moment. Beneath the paint and glass lies a story that begins with timber huts and sly grog, winds through orchards and race meetings, and ends—so far—on a Friday night as locals swap news over a beer, just as their predecessors did, two centuries ago. By Elliot Lindsay