Vision Personal Training St Ives have launched StrongHER - a campaign to support women through perimenopause and menopause with tailored training and nutrition. More on St Ives For many women, the transition through perimenopause and menopause can feel overwhelming. It’s a stage of life that often arrives with more questions than answers. Everything from bone health and metabolism to sleep, mood, and even how your body responds to exercise can shift dramatically. And now, thanks to Vision PT St Ives, you don’t have to face it alone. Too often, women are left piecing together advice without knowing what truly works. We’ll change that by giving you clarity, structure, and confidence that every step is designed for you. Introducing the StrongHER Program Meet StrongHER. Created by Vision Personal Training, Australia’s leading personal training network with over 25 years of experience, StrongHER is a program designed specifically for women navigating this chapter of life. Backed by research and tailored to the needs of women, StrongHER is about more than just exercise—it’s about empowerment, clarity, and reclaiming confidence. At Vision PT St Ives, the team has already supported thousands of local women to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through every stage of their lives. What makes StrongHER different is that Vision’s trainers are specially educated in menopause support. They understand the unique challenges women face, from sudden shifts in metabolism to stubborn weight gain, disrupted sleep, mood swings, or even the frustration of workouts that once worked but no longer deliver results. With StrongHER, the approach adapts with you. The program is built on three key pillars designed to address the most pressing needs during perimenopause and menopause: Strength training to protect bone density and preserve muscle mass. Tailored nutrition that boosts energy, reduces cravings, and supports clearer thinking. Cardio training adapted to work with hormonal changes rather than against them, creating balance and sustainable fitness. Many women describe feeling foggy, flat, or frustrated during this stage of life. StrongHER is designed to flip the script—helping women rediscover strength, energy, and mental clarity. Instead of seeing this transition as something to simply endure, StrongHER reframes it as a powerful opportunity to invest in long-term health and vitality. Community-Driven Approach To Training What sets Vision St Ives apart is its community-driven approach. Women taking part in StrongHER aren’t just given a program—they’re given support. Whether it’s one-on-one sessions with a trainer who genuinely understands, or the encouragement of being surrounded by others on the same journey, members are guided every step of the way. Menopause may be a natural part of life, but with StrongHER, it doesn’t have to feel like a struggle. Instead, it can be a time to build resilience, protect your future health, and embrace the strength you already have - inside and out. There’s never been a better time to start. Whether changes are new or ongoing, StrongHER gives you tools and support to take control today—your first step begins here. New Client Offer: Get your first 3 x weeks FREE! (Value: Over $550)! Vision Personal Training St Ives 164A Mona Vale Rd, St Ives 02 9440 3910 visionpersonaltraining.com/our-studios/st-ives

From bushwalks to birdsong, Karen Fourie transforms St Ives’ natural beauty into vibrant art. More on St Ives Artist, Karen Fourie, was born and raised in South Africa surrounded by unique natural beauty and a vibrant culture. When she and her family moved to St Ives, she discovered a whole new world of marvels. “When I first did a walk around the Wildflower Garden in St Ives, I noticed the Scribbly Gum markings and thought people had vandalised the tree bark. I later learned these marks are left from larvae hatching into moths and moving in zig-zag directions under the bark leaving unique markings on the tree bark. I find this so life affirming and joyful,” says Fourie, revealing an instinctive creative eye and near child-like sense of wonder. Moving to Australia & St Ives Describing her family as adventurous, Fourie, her husband and two young boys moved to Australia in 2011. They wanted a lifestyle that was similar to what they had, but safe and inclusive with more opportunities to thrive. They found that in St Ives. “A few streets away from the main road, it feels very calm and peaceful. You can hear the bird song. On occasion you can see a wallaby hop down the road… in the evening the possums, bats and bandicoots come out. I love living so close to the bush with an abundance of birdlife. It reminds me of my childhood in South Africa.” Fourie and her family love exploring the many bushwalks and nature trails in the area. Her sons play soccer, so they’ve also visited lots of local parks and ovals. “The St Ives Showgrounds have a lovely fenced off park for younger kids and my boys have enjoyed the treetops adventure experience. There is a lovely little coffee shop there too.” The Fourie’s prefer to shop local, too. “My family and I love Silk, a Chinese restaurant at the Village. We enjoy Thai at Charmed and Bangkok Bites. Graces’s Bakery have the best Vietnamese pork buns. The South African shop is a good stop for melktert, it’s a yummy South African custard tart… and biltong of course.” Artistic Inspiration Fourie paints in the fauvist tradition, and her artwork reflects her personality: bold, bright, spontaneous, energetic. “I would say my art is very dynamic and reflects being very resilient and always looking towards the light.” Her inspiration can come from anywhere: the contrast of grey sky with white clouds on an autumn day; changing leaves; cockatoos feasting on seeds; a song lyric; meeting someone new; being outdoors with her family. Karen Fourie Art Workshops As well as creating works herself, Fourie runs art workshops, Art With Kari (her nickname), for adults and children. The workshops are not so much instructive as empowering, encouraging freedom of ideas and expression. She especially enjoys working with kids because they are uninhibited and adventurous. “I love the younger children’s courage, they’re fearless with their creativity. They’re willing to take risks and learn and grow so fast. It's very rewarding to see kids gaining confidence by taking a concept and running with it in their own way.” Fourie frequently discovers child prodigies who are amazingly talented. She encourages them to try different things and find their unique voice. Adults tend to be more self-critical and self-conscious, so Fourie focuses on creating a relaxed environment. “The adult paint and sip events are fun, where it’s more about connecting with friends and having a shared experience. Alcohol can help the adults relax, but too much and things tend to get very festive and not much art gets done.” Workshops, kid’s birthday parties, art and design courses and other events are hosted at Fourie’s St Ives studio. Kids can also complete an arts and design course online. And, of course, keep an eye out for Fourie’s gorgeous artwork — or for the lady herself who sounds like she might stick around for a while. “My little family and I love living in Australia. The local community embraced us from day one and we’re thriving here.” You can find Karen’s latest works online: www.karenfourie.com

Ku-ring-gai Celebrates 25 Years of the Aboriginal Heritage Office Partnership More on St Ives Ku-ring-gai Council has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Aboriginal culture and heritage through its ongoing partnership with the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO), a unique collaboration between five Northern Sydney councils. Established in 2000, the AHO works with Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney, Lane Cove, Northern Beaches and Willoughby councils to deliver Aboriginal site management, education, training and advisory services. This shared approach is one of the only models of its kind in Australia, bringing together local councils, the NSW Government and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to care for Country. Ku-ring-gai plays an important role in this partnership, with the area home to some of Sydney’s most significant Aboriginal sites. Local council staff and volunteers are trained to help monitor over 800 Aboriginal sites across the region, including those within Ku-ring-gai’s bushland reserves. Aboriginal Culture Education at Aboriginal Heritage Office Education is central to the AHO’s mission. Through cultural walks, talks, and school programs, Ku-ring-gai residents have had opportunities to connect with Country and learn about the area’s deep Indigenous history. Tens of thousands of people have participated in these initiatives, with the AHO Museum in Freshwater further strengthening public awareness. Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said: “Ku-ring-gai has some outstanding items of cultural heritage and our Council is very committed to working with the Aboriginal Heritage Office to protect them and raise community awareness of our Indigenous history.” Among the AHO’s achievements are the protection of the ‘Whale Rock’ engraving at Balls Head, the museum’s development, and a logo symbolising its mission — a shield for protection, shellfish hook for connection to Country, boomerang for education, and circle of dots for community. For Ku-ring-gai, this partnership is more than heritage management; it’s a living commitment to keeping Aboriginal voices and stories at the heart of the community.

Explore workshops, bush walks, sustainability events, hands-on activities and more at this year's Ku-ring-gai Eco Festival. More on St Ives As conversations about climate change and sustainability continue to grow, the Ku-ring-gai Eco Festival 2025 offers residents a hands-on, engaging way to explore the ways they can make a positive difference in their own backyard.  Running throughout September, the festival brings together local experts, community groups, and passionate residents to showcase practical, achievable ways to live more sustainably - from reducing waste and conserving energy to greening our gardens and supporting local ecosystems. This month-long celebration is designed for all ages. Families can get involved in interactive children’s workshops, while adults might attend informative talks, panel discussions, and practical demonstrations aimed at inspiring action in everyday life.  Ku-ring-gai Eco Festival Is More Than Eco Education Beyond education, the festival is a vibrant community hub, connecting locals who are already making strides toward sustainability with those just beginning their journey. It’s about building a community of solution-makers, sharing ideas, and demonstrating that even small changes - like switching to reusable products, planting native species, or installing energy-efficient systems - can have a meaningful impact. One of the festival’s strengths is its focus on practical, local solutions. Attendees can see sustainability in action through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and real-world examples that feel achievable for the average household, school, or workplace.  Additionally, the festival highlights Ku-ring-gai Council’s Net Zero initiatives, offering guidance on how to reduce emissions and create healthier, more liveable communities. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, the Ku-ring-gai Eco Festival is a chance to connect with like-minded locals, learn new skills, and discover innovative ways to protect our planet. It’s more than a festival — it’s an invitation to be part of a community actively shaping a cleaner, greener future. Don’t Miss: Guided Bushwalk Sept 6th, 9am-3pm Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Moderately challenging guided bushwalk to Bobbin Head taking in Sphinx Memorial. This walk is expected to take 6 hours, starting at 9am, lunch at midday and finishing at 3pm. It is very steep in some places with many steps so bushwalking experience is recommended. Australian Plant Society Native Plant Sale Sept 7th, 10am - 2pm Wildflower Gardens (Cayley’s Pavillion) Find an array of native plants at bargain prices, and experienced Australian Plant Society members are on hand to help you with your selections. Mend & Upcycle Workshop Sept 6th, 10am - 1pm Wildflower Gardens  A hands-on 3hr workshop where participants are guided through various mending techniques and take-home samples with a head of full ideas. You are invited to bring something that needs mending as well as fabric scraps to mend with. Native Plant Identification Sept 13th, 9am - 1pm Wildflower Gardens (Dampier’s Clearing) Perfect for Bushcare volunteers, this session covers plant anatomy, three common plant families, how to identify unknown plants, and key botanical terms and resources. Soap Making Workshop Sept 14th, 9:30 - 11:30am Wildflower Gardens Make soap from scratch with natural oils and herbal extracts using "cold soap making method". Everyone will take home a silicone mould with a bar of soap to cure, plus instructions to help you make soap at home. Spotlight Walk Sept 27th, 6:30 - 8:30pm Wildflower Gardens Your exclusive look into nature at night, where the bush really comes alive. Explore select areas of this important bushland with an experienced ranger, who will reveal the secrets of the local flora and fauna that call this habitat home. There are many nocturnal wonders waiting to be uncovered! You can find the full Eco Festival 2025 program at:  krg.nsw.gov.au

From a backyard in North Parramatta to a podium in Naples, meet the two brothers making the world's best pizza in Parramatta (399 Church St). Read more about Parramatta By Adeline Teoh I first heard about a secret Parramatta pizza place from a friend who’d found it by accident. He tried to describe it to me (“sorta near the stadium” was the best he could do) but without a venue name or an address I had no hope of finding it. Until one evening I too was walking “sorta near the stadium” and smelt telltale baking dough and cheese, saw a string of fairy lights and heard a low hubbub in a suburban backyard. My capricciosa came out on a cardboard tray and I ate it perched on a wooden folding chair that tilted on a slightly sloping bit of lawn. That backyard operation was catering business Fratelli Pulcinella, which is now a proper restaurant on Church Street. And an award-winning one at that. Brothers Alessio and Simone Zullo specialise in classic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a traditional woodfired oven. Earlier this year, Simone competed in the Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli Association’s World Pizza Championships and placed first in the Classical category, meaning that his pizza was considered the most authentically Neapolitan by judges in Naples. (He also placed a creditable fourth in both the Fried Pizza and Pinsa-style Pizza categories, and 13th in Gluten-Free.) However, it was not the first time Simone had been crowned champion. It was his 2010 win that kickstarted his move from Naples to Australia, where the title opened doors for the pizzaiolo to find work. “It was my grandfather’s dream to come to Australia,” explains Alessio, who initially stayed behind and learnt the basics at their uncle’s pizzeria. Alessio says he learnt everything else from Simone. “My brother called my uncle and asked if I was ready and my uncle said, ‘he’s ready’ and so I booked a ticket.” His first foray as a pizza chef in Australia was a bit of a disaster, though. When Alessio was tasked with helping out at a festival, Simone soon found out his brother was no good at stretching the dough, twirling the bases. “He said ‘how come uncle said you were ready?!’” recalls Alessio. “He was seriously mad.” The newly arrived brother crewed the oven instead and Simone “looked for a job where he was able to get me beside him,” to teach Alessio all the tricks. Eventually, the pair asked themselves, “’Why don't we open our own?’ So that's what we did,” Alessio says. The business began as a stall at Parklea Markets and also provided catering at festivals, weddings and parties. In 2022, the brothers opened their O’Connell Street location, with a hand-built woodfired oven, which was zoned as a takeaway joint (hence the pizza served on cardboard trays) but with the option to hang out in the backyard to eat. Today Fratelli Pulcinella is a restaurant three blocks east from that space, on the light rail route. Instead of a lawn, it’s a three-level affair – though a turfed outdoor area is a nod to their backyard roots. Forget the traditional Italian neighbourhoods of Sydney like Haberfield and Leichhardt, a true slice of Italy is found right here in Parramatta. Fratelli Pulcinella 399 Church Street North Parramatta NSW 2150 Ph: 0420 667296 https://fratellipulcinellaparramatta.yqme.com.au/Menu

More on Newtown Newtown is known across Sydney as a meeting point for creatives from all walks of life. It's no surprise that there’s a heap of live music venues in Newtown! We’ve rounded up some info and put together a little Newtown gig guide for you. Waywards @ Bank Hotel Nestled in the middle of Newtown, upstairs at the Bank Hotel, you’ll find Waywards. This lively venue fits approximately 250 patrons and hosts a heap of live music every Friday and Saturday - these ticketed events run until 10:30 pm, followed by free events until 3 am! Waywards is also home to Birdcage every Wednesday night, one of Sydney’s longest-running LGBTQI parties, first hosted in 2012. Looking for a laugh? Waywards also hosts ticketed comedy events every Monday and once a month on Tuesdays, they dedicate one of their comedy nights to a local charity each month. We can’t think of a better reason to get amongst it. Tokyo Sing Song @ Marly Bar Found underneath the Marly Bar, Tokyo Sing Song is home to a massive roster of monthly events every Friday and Saturday. Hosted by some of Sydney’s best promoters - whether you’re into techno, dubstep, trance, drum & bass - there is something for everyone each month! In the past year, Tokyo Sing Song has welcomed acts including Hoodzy, Dave Nunes (NL), Human Movement, Lucille Croft, Kilter, Latifa T, Jiqui, Sippy, and many, many more! But it’s not all about the big guns; Tokyo Sing Song pride itself on giving opportunities to local, up-and-coming talent - whether it’s hosting a DJ’s first gig or supporting live acts to put on their first show - they are all about supporting the local creative community. You’ll also be taking in all of this incredible sound through a Pioneer XY Series sound system which is second to none. Bootleggers @ Kelly’s on King Level 1, 285 King St, Newtown - bootleggersnewtown.com.au Past the Guinness drinking crowd, upstairs at Kelly’s on King, you’ll find Bootleggers - a live music venue small enough to make you feel like you’re part of the show but big enough to put on solid gigs (e.g., Horrowshow, Hayley Mary). Bootleggers run a mix of ticketed and free events throughout the week, with a rotating monthly roster of big names booked every Friday and Saturday. Set vs Set is a monthly band comp, with weekly Thursday night heats, that gives budding artists a chance to play to a crowd and fine-tune their craft under the direction of the in-house master sound engineer. Winners can receive cash prizes, secure ticketed gigs at Bootleggers, and gain access to mentorship and coaching opportunities by industry professionals. 5b5b (5 Bands 5 Bucks) is another format that showcases 5 bands on one night. Spots are reserved for up-and-coming bands that show promise but don’t yet get exposure to live crowds. Best of all? It’s only $5! Photo: Tom Wilkinson Lansdowne Hotel 2-6 City Rd, Chippendale - thelansdownepub.com.au While the main stage has been host to legends such as Amyl and The Sniffers, Wet Leg, and Billie Eilish, it’s events such as the weekly Graveyard shift that have seen the boots of local grunge, rock and punk bands stomp across the ground floor stage, cementing their place in the heart of Sydney’s music scene. It’s not all mullets and leather - our stages have seen it all, from thumping techno nights, all day queer parties to cabaret and everything in between, all are welcome to The Lansdowne Hotel.

How a Toxic Clay Pit Named After Earnest O'Dea Became One of Camperdown’s Popular Public Parks By ALEC SMART More on Newtown O’Dea Reserve in Camperdown was named after the long-serving community-focused career politician Ernest O’Dea (1889 - 1976). Earnest O'Dea - painted by Henry Hanke (City of Sydney Civic Collection) Sandwiched between Ross Street and Salisbury Lane, the small parkland with circular cycle track, barbecues, children’s playground and a fenced-in sandy off-leash dog area is (along with O’Dea Avenue in Zetland) a living memorial to the tireless civic leader. Viewed from above, the main arena of O'Dea Reserve in Camperdown is oval-shaped. This is not because it was once an Australian Rules football arena. Although organised Aussie Rules matches have been played in NSW since the 1880s (Erskineville Oval nearby, is one of Sydney’s first dedicated Aussie Rules fields), O'Dea Reserve is an oval because it was previously established as a velodrome for bicycle racing and training. Bike track Known as Camperdown Velodrome, in 1969 Marrickville Council employees and volunteers from Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club (DHBC) constructed the 250 metre-long concrete track, which opened in 1971. Motorcyclists would often tow the cyclists into racing position, then accompany them around the course as pacemakers. Previously, since 1931, cyclists had trained and raced at Henson Park In Marrickville, after it was converted from a deep clay pit for the surrounding brickmaking industries. Over time the pit had filled with rainwater and several boys had drowned, so there was strong community pressure to drain the water and level the ground for sports matches – cycling and rugby. (Henson Park was then utilised for cycling events at the 1938 British Empire Games, a precursor to the Commonwealth Games.) Newtown (Jets) Rugby League Club moved to Henson Park in 1936 and co-existed alongside the cyclists for 32 years (the bike track encircled the rugby field). However, in 1968 the cyclists were obliged to move. According to Sydney Track Cycling History: “Due to pressure from the rugby league club to install television-grade lighting towers (whose recommended location was in the cycling track), the track was removed in the late 1960s and replaced by a grass running track, which is now used in local school athletics carnivals. “However, in compensation for the loss to the cycling community, the Marrickville Council assisted the Dulwich Hill Cycling Club to find a new venue by providing land that would be suited to a steep-sided concrete velodrome in Ross Street, Camperdown.” Camperdown Velodrome 1971 - Photo Jack Conaty Camperdown Velodrome was the first Sydney cycle arena that featured a slope – 13 degrees – and during its 1970s-80s peak attracted hundreds of spectators to its Friday night races to watch Sydney cycling clubs compete – often featuring world-class athletes. Abandoned in 1992, by the late 1990s the decrepit former race track was fenced-off from the public, the concrete track overgrown with weeds, the timber seats and shelters rotted. Warning signs were then posted around the perimeter after toxic chemicals from its previous incarnation as a dumpsite were found to be leaching up from the ground. It wasn’t until 2001 that the site was remediated and converted to the public park, playground, and off-leash dog area that it remains today. As for those noxious carcinogenic chemicals leaching up through the soil? They were attributed to the park’s pre-velodrome existence as a dumpsite for the neighbouring Fowler Pottery factory. The aroma of a Caroma The Fowler Ware pottery business, established in 1837 by Enoch Fowler, began as a single kiln in Ultimo, on a site between what is now Harris and Wattle Streets on Broadway. In 1854, Fowler expanded the operation and moved his pottery business to Bay Street, Glebe, behind what was then the site of the Lansdowne Inn. In 1861, Fowler purchased plots of land in the suburb of North Kingston (later renamed Camperdown), in order to be closer to the finest clay sourced from pits in the locale. With the business now diversifying into kitchen ware as well as chimney pots and pipes and pans for agricultural and septic systems, the operation had grown too large for Bay Street. Fowler established a large factory with several kilns on Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, (between Denison Street and Cardigan Lane), and expanded to cover five acres. Clay was extracted from a pit on land at the rear of the factory bounded by Ross St and Salisbury Lane. The whole Fowler Ware operation continued successfully in Camperdown until 1906 when it relocated to Marrickville (to be near the clay pits at what became Henson Park football field). Fowler’s Pottery, Camperdown October 1865 - photo Illustrated Sydney News When the Camperdown factory site was closed in 1919, the disused clay pit at the rear was utilised as a community garbage dump for the next 30 years. (Another community garbage dump was located nearby on Frederick Street, Camperdown, which was filled and levelled in 1956 and is now within the grounds of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children.) In 1949, Sydney City Council acquired the former Fowler claypit rubbish tip and covered over the obnoxious waste before redeveloping it as a public recreation area – named O’Dea Reserve – which opened in Oct 1952. After Enoch Fowler died in 1879, he was buried at Camperdown Cemetery alongside St Stephen’s Church, Newtown. Coincidentally, in 1946, Ernest O’Dea oversaw the conversion of Camperdown Cemetery into a public park, which led to the establishment of the Camperdown Memorial Rest Park. The Fowler Ware company was sold in 1968 and then subdivided in 1982. In 1987, Australian ceramics maker Caroma – known for their toilets and bathroom suites - bought part of the company. In 2017, manufacturing in Australia ceased and their toilet and bathroom products were made overseas and imported. Who was Ernest O’Dea? Nicknamed ‘The Bull’ for his commanding presence and forthright manner, Ernest Charles O’Dea was the son of a bootmaker and initially worked in the family footwear business before becoming active in union organisation. He joined the Labor Party in 1915. O’Dea was on the right of the left-leaning party, and while a dedicated union activist and staunch supporter of fair wages, he strongly resisted the infiltration of the trade unions by communists. Curiously, he also opposed retail premises opening on Thursday nights and Saturdays for extended trading. Burning rubbish at Fowler's Tip, Camperdown, 1922. Photo: Milton Kent Born in Armidale, but educated at Christian Brothers College, Newtown (after the family relocated to Sydney), he served as an elected member of the New South Wales Legislative Council for 24 years (April 1943 - April 1967). He also served as a Councillor on Sydney County Council from 1935 to 1960, having been elected six consecutive times. Furthermore, he was Council Alderman for two separate terms (1924 - 1927 then 1930 - 1965) and simultaneously served four yearly terms as Sydney Lord Mayor (1948 – 1951). His second wife Joanna was active with charitable organisations during her four stints as Mayoress and subsequently the Camperdown Housing Scheme high-rise apartments for low-income people was named The Joanna O’Dea Court in her honour. A plaque mounted on a rock remains in Camperdown Park, 100 metres from nearby O’Dea Reserve, which marks Joanna’s planting of a tree. Although the tree is gone, replaced with a much younger sapling, the plaque is captioned: “This tree was planted by Mrs EC Odea 14 March 1959.” She was named ‘Mrs E.C. O’Dea’ according to the then-tradition that women took not just their husband’s surname, but the initials of his first name too in official communiques. It was while Ernest O’Dea was President of Sydney Council (1958 – 1959) that he oversaw the upgrade of a toxic tip in the back streets of Camperdown into a community reserve, which then adopted his surname. Cyclist at Camperdown Velodrome. Photo: Ray Bowles According to Sydney Track Cycling History: “The new reserve was opened in October 1952 by then Lord Mayor Ernest O’Dea. At the council’s request it was named after him in recognition of his efforts to create it. At the opening ceremony, the Mayor said that it was the realisation of a 28-year old ambition of his to convert the clay pit (where he used to play as a child) into a playing reserve. “The former pit was turned into two women’s vigoro pitches surrounded by terraced lawns. It would be used by women at the weekends and children on weekdays….” Introduced to Australia in 1919, vigoro is a women and girl's sport that is played by two teams of 12 opposing players. Two bowlers take turns to bowl consecutively — one with a red ball, the other with a white ball. Played with a bat shaped like a kayak paddle, it combines elements of cricket and tennis. Popular in the early 19th century, Vigoro is now only played in a few regions in Queensland. “In July 1968, the management of O’Dea Reserve was transferred from Sydney City Council to Marrickville Council when parts of Camperdown and Newtown were added to the Marrickville municipality.” Soon after, Marrickville Council converted O’Dea Reserve to a velodrome. The Dulwich Hill Cycling Club relocated to Canterbury velodrome at Tempe (built 1982), where the riders remain. ==========================

A celebration for friends, family and neighbours running across 11 days, from October 23 to November 2. This biennial festival is more than just a date on the calendar - it’s a vibrant showcase of everything that makes Mosman so special. From the Mediterranean charm of Dinner on the Green, to the spectacle of the HMAS Penguin Freedom of Entry Parade, and festival favourites like Festival Street Party, Pet’s Day Out, and an open-air Halloween Cinema, the festival promises something for everyone. It’s a time when locals come together to celebrate, connect and enjoy the best of our beautiful suburb through a broad variety of events. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, the Festival of Mosman is your chance to experience the heart and soul of our community. “We are proud to be the Diamond Sponsor of the 2025 Festival of Mosman, a celebration that perfectly aligns with our values of innovation, community, and sustainability,” says Porsche Centre Willoughby General Manager, Sean Lygo. “As we continue to lead the way in electric mobility, we’re excited to showcase our electric vehicles that represent the future of environmental responsibility. Our shared vision with Mosman Council to support sustainable initiatives reflects a meaningful partnership focused on driving positive change in our local community and beyond.” Dinner on the Green (Friday 24 October.) is a magical Italian-themed evening of food and music catered by the renowned Fourth Village Providore. Set beneath the stars at Mosman Village Green, the event will feature a beautifully curated three-course meal served on 'a tavolo lungo' (the long table), and traditional live music. Sal Quattroville, whose family owns Fourth Village Providore, says event goers will be transported to Italy, without leaving the suburb: “The Mosman community can expect an Italian culinary dining experience like no other…diners will be treated to the absolute best in Italian food from our Fourth Village kitchen. Get ready to start swinging your napkins just like the Italians do!“ Pet's Day Out, another festival favourite, will be held on Sunday 2 November at Mosman Square and Village Green. It’ll be a ‘paw-some’ day, hosted by Farmer Dave Graham, with entertainment from Dr Katrina Warren and the Wonderdogs, plus a DOGA class by Rancan Sisters Fitness, animal-themed market stalls, a petting zoo, reptile display - and maybe even a unicorn! Local pet owners should come ready to participate in Dave’s Temptation Alley, an individual timed challenge where the dog is at one end of the course held by a handler while its owner is at the opposite end behind the finish line. The dog has to cross the course which is strewn with plush toys, treats, and other doggie favourites. “This year’s Temptation Alley is sure to be as hilarious and fun-filled as ever. Are the dogs going to race into their owners arms in three seconds flat or are we going to see them do more U-turns than a kid on an easter egg hunt?” Mosman fitness celebrities Adele and Lisa Rancan are looking forward to welcoming all DOGA (yoga with your dog) participants on the day. “Whether you're a pet owner or not, Mosman's Pet's Day Out is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. From adorable pets in costumes and talented trick-performing dogs to up-close encounters with native animals. It’s a true highlight of the Mosman community calendar, and one we’re proud to be part of each year. With lively entertainment, unique stalls, and a warm, village atmosphere, it’s a day that brings everyone together in celebration of our furry (and not-so-furry) friends,” Lisa and Adele Rancan said. October 23 to November 2, 2025 See full program: events.mosman.nsw.gov.au/hubs/2025-festival-mosman

Anne-Katrin Liebe explains how being around horses can have a powerful healing effect. Anne-Katrin is a true horse whisperer; the German-born sports scientist, international equestrian coach, and counsellor has a long history with these large yet gentle animals. She grew up in the picturesque, historically rich town of Potsdam, surrounded by lakes and forests.  At age 8, she had her first riding lesson at the renowned stud and riding school Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.  “I felt so much joy being with horses in a natural environment,” says Anne-Katrin. After having regular weekly lessons, she learned to care for and train her own young horse.  During these years, Anne-Katrin acquired riding and coaching expertise through the German Equestrian Sport system entering many competitions with great success.  However, it was the special connection she felt between herself and the horses which really informed her future path.  “I noticed that horses perceive the most subtle information, and I was intrigued by their emotional intelligence. I was eager to learn how I can create a bond and partnership with horses on the ground and in the saddle […] I dreamt of creating and operating my own business that involved German Riding Ponies, supporting people and being in nature.” Anne-Katrin moved to Australia in her mid-twenties, having fallen in love with the country during an earlier camper-vanning and work experience. On a property in the leafy suburb of Arcadia, she manifested her dream, setting up the International Boutique Riding School and Shine Bright Equine Human Services.  Shine Bright offers equine assisted therapy (EAT) for individuals and groups across a wide range of needs.  “I work with children with autism, trauma, ADHD, teens struggling with anxiety or depression, adults dealing with grief or major life transitions, recovering from trauma or PTSD,” explains Anne-Katrin. “Some people find it difficult to engage in traditional talk therapy. Equine assisted therapy allows for a unique holistic approach.” Sessions are tailored to an individual’s needs and Anne-Katrin tries to match clients with a horse that has a suitable temperament. The horses are generally smaller breeds with a calm, curious, sensitive disposition. Some have been bred at the Arcadia farm; others were bought at a young age. All have been trained to be riding and therapy horses by Anne-Katrin.  So, what is it about horses that makes them suitable for EAT?  “Horses are incredibly perceptive, respond authentically and don’t judge a person. They mirror people’s emotions and respond to people’s energy, subtle body language and facial expressions, enabling the person to become aware and present,” explains Anne-Katrin. “The calming presence of horses in a therapeutic, supportive and private setting offers a safe space for people of all ages to work through fear, trauma or limiting beliefs. Because equine assisted therapy offers a holistic approach, people can physically release tension and stress, aiding emotional processing.” Over the years, Anne-Katrin has worked with many, many clients and had wonderful success stories.   “One that always stands out is ‘Sam’, a 5-year-old boy with autism. He struggled to speak and rarely made eye contact. Towards the end of the second session, he was curious and keen to climb up onto the therapy horse, Sterntaler, and while he felt the horse’s body warmth, rhythmical breathing and realised he’s sitting up high, he loudly called out ‘mum’ and looked at her.  A few days later, his mother called and informed me that his speech therapist and OT were perplexed by her son’s sudden positive change in speech and behaviour.” Anne-Katrin also shares the story of Stacey, a woman in her mid-twenties processing grief after the sudden loss of her partner. Her therapy horse, Salukah, helped her explore emotions she couldn’t articulate in talk therapy. Stacey said the horse allowed her space to truly be herself.  Lucy was a 9-year-old girl with Down Syndrome who built up her sensory skills and core strength and developed co-ordination. Josh, a 17-year-old boy with ADHD and depression, struggled with isolation, but with horse assisted therapy, he built confidence, became self-aware and developed skills to regulate emotions. “I am passionate about horses and enjoy supporting people of all ages, with and without various needs. In sessions, I feel encouraged and fulfilled seeing people connect with the horse and themselves, overcome their fears and challenges, flourish into the truest version they can be and live more fulfilling lives.” shinebrightequine.com.au Address : 162 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia NSW 2159 Phone: 0422 279 657

From lockdown sketches to iconic calendars, Jan Larsen captures the charm of Balmain life. “There’s always something that could be a painting” Painter Jan Larsen has long been sketching and strolling her way through the Balmain Peninsula, capturing local rooftops, shopfronts and harbourside views in delicate watercolours and bold acrylics.  This September, Roaring Stories Bookshop will launch a new exhibition of her paintings alongside the release of her 2026 Balmain Peninsula Calendar   – now in its third edition – and an expanded range of greeting cards. It’s a milestone moment for a late-blooming artist whose work has become quietly iconic in the area. We sat down with Jan to talk art beginnings, calendar favourites, and how a lockdown sketchbook turned into a local success story. When did you start making art? I started as a very young child in Perth, taking art lessons with other children from an artist who encouraged us to express our thoughts freely using poster paints on butcher’s paper. I loved it – through primary school I kept sketchbooks filled with horses, pets and other obsessions. But in secondary school, art classes clashed with French, which I also really wanted to pursue – so I gave up art, telling myself it was something I could always come back to later. When did you begin exhibiting? Not until much later, after I’d retired from full-time work. My first exhibition was in February 2021 with three old school friends. It was called City, Country and Creativity , held in Pyrmont, and each of us had very different styles – but we were encouraged by its success. Shortly after that, Daniel Jordon, manager of Roaring Stories in Balmain, saw some of the sketches I’d done during COVID lockdown – mostly local scenes, later coloured with watercolours. He suggested turning them into greeting cards to sell in the shop.  With the help of an ex-local design graduate, Genevieve French, I started with 12 designs. That range has grown to nearly 30 now. It was also Daniel who suggested we create a calendar featuring scenes from around the Balmain Peninsula. The first came out in 2024. Genevieve helped with the layout and design again, and now we’re about to release the third – the 2026 calendar – this September. What are your current artistic influences or exhibitions you’ve recently enjoyed? I’ve always loved visiting galleries, especially while travelling. A continuing education course at Sydney University reignited my interest in 20th-century art – I became fascinated by artists like Kandinsky, then Edward Hopper, and later Jeffrey Smart. Recently I was captivated by the Magritte exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. I also closely follow the evolution of Indigenous Australian art. Standouts for me are Rover Thomas and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. The current Yolŋu art exhibition from Yirrkala at the AGNSW is deeply powerful – it’s not to be missed. But even day to day, just looking at the world around me sparks ideas. There’s always something that could be a painting, or part of one. Tell us about your artistic process. Do you paint at home? I paint mostly at the Willoughby Arts Centre, where I’ve been taking classes for years. I don’t have a studio at home, so that space – and the support of my fellow students and our teacher, Brandt Lewis – has been incredibly important. For my local sketches, it’s more spontaneous. During COVID travel restrictions, walking around the Balmain Peninsula really made me appreciate how visually rich this area is. I’d sketch in pen or pencil while out walking, then add watercolour later at home. What does a typical day look like for you in Balmain? It’s quite varied, but most days start with coffee at one of our many local cafés. I have regular art classes and I also volunteer as a tour guide with the Sydney Heritage Fleet. I often meet friends for lunch – one favourite spot is the SH Ervin Gallery on Observatory Hill, where we’ll see an exhibition and then eat at the café next door. With my family based in New York and Darwin, I also make time to visit them – and my New York daughter recently bought a holiday home on a Greek island, which is a wonderful temptation for an artist! We were lucky to visit recently. It’s a beautiful place to paint. How did your collaboration with Daniel Jordon at Roaring Stories come about? He’s been a huge supporter – not just of my work, but of the local area. From those first greeting cards to the calendar idea, he’s been encouraging all along. The 2026 calendar will be our third release together, and it’s still a pleasure to work with him. What inspired the art in the 2026 calendar? Are they sketches, paintings — both? Both! As in previous years, it’s a mix of acrylic paintings and watercolour sketches. All are inspired by the neighbourhood — the cottages, chimneys, grand Victorian terraces, and of course the harbour views. There’s so much variety and charm here, it’s hard not to be inspired. Do you have a personal favourite from the 2026 calendar? For the sketches, the cover image –  a view from Ballast Point Park over Mort Bay toward the colourful Waterview Workshops and the Bridge – is a real favourite of mine. It had already been a popular card, so I thought it was the right choice for the cover. Among the acrylics, I love the June and July paintings – both evening scenes. One, interestingly, now reminds me of a Magritte painting I saw recently… although I actually painted it before the exhibition! You must be in the bookshop a lot. What are you reading at the moment? Yes, I’m often there. I really appreciate the author events Roaring Stories hosts – including at the Royal Oak Hotel (the August image in the calendar), the Red Mill Rum Distillery (December), and the White Bay Brewery. I recently read Broke Road  by Matthew Spencer – a gripping crime novel and great for a flight. I always turn to the staff at Roaring Stories for recommendations. They know their stuff. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists? Just give it a go! Try sketching somewhere peaceful – or wherever draws your interest. Join a class if you can – a good teacher and supportive group make a big difference. And most of all, go to art exhibitions! The Balmain Peninsula Calendar 2026 by Jan Larsen is available to purchase exclusively at Roaring Stories from Sept 1 st  (RRP$49.99) 268 Darling St, Balmain

By ALEC SMART More on Newton, more on Glebe, more on Surry Hills, more on Sydney CBD It’s an often-repeated claim that Aboriginal clans completely disappeared from Sydney not long after European colonists arrived in 1788, due to disease and displacement. Not true. "Native Camp Near Cockle Bay with a view of Parramatta River. Taken from Dawes Point." Probably Memel (Goat Island) in centre. 1813 engraving by John Eyre “Welcome to Gadigal land, welcome to Gadigal country” veteran Oz-rockers Midnight Oil sing in their chart-topping 2020 song Gadigal Land, their first new music in 17 years. The lyrics criticise European justice and the unwelcome problems that were forced upon the Aboriginals when Warrane (Sydney Cove) was chosen for a British prison colony in 1788. But Where is Gadigal Land? Social anthropologists and historians have determined this historic region extended from the southern shores of Sydney Harbour south to Botany Bay – which Indigenous Dharug-speaking peoples called Gadi or Cadi (C and G were often interchangeable, as were the letters B and P). The Gadigal (‘gal’ meaning ‘men of’, ie: ‘men of Gadi’, women were described with the suffix ‘gal-yan’) gathered foods, hunted and lived in this forested region, east from the Pacific Ocean to an approximate north-south interface that would now run between Pirrama (Pyrmont) and Bulanaming (Marrickville). This area was enclosed by the waterways of Port Jackson in the north, Kamay (Botany Bay) to the south, where the Gadigal overlapped with the Kamaygal clans, and along the north-eastern banks of Goolay'yari (Cooks River – derived from the word for ‘pelican’) where the Gadigal overlapped with the Wangal clans from further west. "Aborigines At Night, Sydney" 1790 painting by Edward Dages King Street in Newtown reportedly follows an old Aboriginal track that led (and still leads, via Prince’s Highway) south to the western shores of Botany Bay, while Broadway and Parramatta Rd follow a historic path west. When Europeans established themselves in the bay known as Warrane (Sydney Cove), there were an estimated two dozen Indigenous clans of around 25-60 members each across the Sydney region - now known as the Eora peoples. Between them they spoke 7 dialects of the endemic Dharug language group - the Gadigal spoke Biyal-biyal. The Gadigal People Gadigal people of the coastal region were katungal (‘sea people’), primarily reliant on tidal river and harbour foods. These they gathered along the shoreline or hauled from the waters (Indigenous people inland who hunted and trapped animals were known as paienbera ‘tomahawk people’). The men skewered their prey with garrara (barbed-end spears) and the women caught them with narrami (nets) and burra (fish hooks made from shells). Fish were often caught from nowie (bark canoes) and cooked fresh in the boats on hot coals atop clay slabs. Prime fishing spots were typically marked with fish, whale and sea creature petroglyphs carved into sandstone on the shoreline, communicating favourable marine prey or tribal totems to others via ancient symbols, which were maintained by designated clan stewards. "Botany Bay 1812" engraving by John Eyre Indigenous people in nowie and along the shore. In April 1789, a smallpox epidemic had a catastrophic impact on the Aboriginal peoples of Sydney and beyond. There’s a high probability Indigenous peoples were deliberately infected, perhaps by rogue Marines. Witnesses later claimed that the Indigenous inhabitants at Balmoral Beach, from where the contagion began and spread, accepted blankets from the British printed with red stripes and a crown – the same as Royal Navy blankets of the era. With almost no immunity to European diseases, the majority of the Indigenous people living around the harbour foreshores succumbed to the deadly contagion or fled inland. First Governor Arthur Phillip estimated that approximately half the Aboriginal population dwelling around Sydney Harbour died, but historians have since revised the figure upwards to between 60 to 90 per cent. History of Gadigal People Interactions A common misconception is that Aboriginal peoples completely vanished from central Sydney in the wake of the smallpox epidemic. Despite the British colonists clearing forests and quarrying sandstone to build permanent dwellings, whilst expanding from a tent village into the neighbouring coves, west to establish farming in Rose Hill (Parramatta), and north to construct a military fort at Woodford Bay (Lane Cove), the latter built to suppress Indigenous resistance, surviving Aboriginal peoples from different clans regrouped. Thereafter they continued interacting with the European interlopers, albeit socially-distanced in communal campsites. These included The Domain, Woolloomooloo, Double Bay, Camp Cove and Bondi Beach, where Indigenous people remained until long after British land acquisitions encroached upon their habitat and neutered their way of life. "Cooks River At Botany Bay, 1830" painting by John Thompson Native habitat is relatively unscathed as British sandstone dwellings start to appear. Nevertheless, Sydney Aboriginals provided essential services to the British colonists that earned them respect and reliable incomes, and not just in labouring and domestic assistance. Many of them continued saltwater activities in which they specialised, like fishing, gathering seafood, sealing and whaling, and were utilised for other traditional skills, such as police trackers, game rangers and shooting guides. As the burgeoning colony built ships and docks around Cockle and Blackwattle Bays, Sydney became a major importer/exporter of goods. Until 1834, fisheries products – principally whale oil and sealskins - dominated the primary exports of NSW, which relied heavily upon Aboriginal knowledge and skill in sourcing the marine life. Thereafter wool (first exported to Britain in 1821) took over as the primary export, increasing to an annual 6.4 million kilograms in 1850. Agriculture supplanted marine industries, revealing the success of the pastoralist ‘squatters’ in their colonisation of Australia’s hinterland. The squatters literally occupied territory not yet surveyed or legally available to them, clearing forests to establish vast sheep and cattle farms. This frontier expansion came at the expense of the Indigenous inhabitants and the wildlife they relied upon for food and clothing, and led to clashes and massacres. When convict transportation ceased in 1840, Sydney’s population was recorded at 35,000, but the discovery of gold in Ophir, near Orange, in Feb 1851, triggered a gold rush. This brought a massive influx of tens of thousands of speculators and other opportunity seekers to Australia, swelling the national population to 75,000 by the 1870s, substantially increasing Indigenous Australians' risk of further attacks and displacement. "Cooks River, Tempe, 1840s" painting by James Clark Colonial land divisions for farming + timber have now completely displaced Indigenous clans. Attempts were made to safeguard Indigenous people from the mass expansion of the city by placing them under government supervision in various ‘protectorates’ and state-sponsored missions. However, Europeans encroached and built on their semi-permanent encampments (the aforementioned Domain, Woolloomooloo, Double Bay, Camp Cove and Bondi Beach). From the 1850s onward, most of Sydney’s city-dwelling Aboriginals were effectively subsumed into the British way of life. The first Indigenous boy to receive a Christian burial in a British cemetery was Tommy, an 11-year-old with no surname who died of bronchitis in Sydney Infirmary. That wasn’t until 18 March 1863. (Tommy is believed buried in an unmarked pauper’s grave in Camperdown Cemetery alongside bushranger Charles Ross, 57, who was hanged on 18 March at Darlinghurst Gaol for highway robbery and attempted murder). Tommy’s name was finally carved into a stone monument with three other deceased Aboriginals in 1944, commemorating “the whole Aboriginal race.” Burial record of an Indigenous boy named Tommy - the first Aboriginal to receive a Christian burial in a British cemetery in Australia - buried in an unmarked grave in Camperdown Cemetery alongside hanged bushranger Charles Ross in March 1863. A large exhibition of Aboriginal Sydney, including spears, throwing sticks, artefacts and artworks, was held in the Garden Palace in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens near Macquarie Street, which was built for the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879. Tragically, on 22 Sept 1882, a fire destroyed the building and its contents, taking with it assorted government records, the results of the 1881 Census, and disastrously, according to a plaque in the Botanic Gardens: “every publicly owned artefact of the Aboriginal tribe, Eora, who inhabited the area before European settlement.” "Newtown looking south to Botany Bay, Dec 1862" painting by HGM Loyd Illustration shows native habitat completely cleared as the Sydney settlement expands. Yet despite enduring decades of dislocation, racism, brutality and neglect, Aboriginal contribution to Australia’s culture, arts, sporting achievements and social outlook has been tremendous, and continues to this day.. Further reading Dharug dictionary https://dharug.dalang.com.au/language/dictionary Sydney Aboriginal History https://historyofaboriginalsydney.edu.au/ ========================

The first peoples of the Parramatta district, from whom the name was derived, were the Burramattagal. By Alec Smart Read more on Parramatta In Dharug, the native language of the Aboriginal clans of the Sydney basin, burra means 'place', matta means 'eels' and gal means ‘people’, so the Indigenous caretakers of the region were effectively known as the people of the eels. Aboriginal People Spearing Eels. Engraving by Joseph Lycett Eels are the totem animal of the clans that historically inhabited the estuary, swamps and foreshores of the upper Parramatta River – and have subsequently been embraced by the Parramatta Eels rugby league team as their official sporting symbol. Indigenous Australians often didn’t eat their totem – be it plant, bird, marine creature or land animal. However, for important occasions, such as seasonal migrations of prey when neighbouring clans socialised to hunt, share resources and host ceremonies, feasting on a totem species was permitted. Totems played a vital role in Aboriginal societies, linking them to their ancestral lands and identifying them when it came to kinship and marriage. Sydney eel - Photo: Klaus Stiefel / Flickr Eels – despite their long snake-like appearance – are elongated fish, and there are around 900 species worldwide, although Sydney’s waters host four: Conger, Freshwater (short and long-finned), Moray, and the rare Giant Snake or Worm eels. As ambush predators that prefer nocturnal hunting, eels hide between rocks or in holes in coral reefs, and burrow into mud and sand. They often prefer murky waters in which to catch their meal – from small fish to crustaceans, shrimp, crabs and sea urchins – like the mangroves and swamps of the upper Parramatta River. Eels begin life as flat, transparent larvae that drift on ocean currents, feeding on scraps of organic matter. As they mature into elvers, they make their way into tidal estuaries, and as adults they inhabit brackish areas close to the shore. As mature adults they eventually return to the ocean to breed and die. Replica Gunditjmara eel trap from Lake Condah, Victoria, by Yvonne Koolmatrie. Australian National Maritime Museum Aboriginals of the Sydney region used a variety of methods of catching eels and other marine creatures, including: hooks made of shells or animal bones and baited with chewed shellfish; barbed spears; herding them into shallow channels as the tide receded; and catching them in funnel-shaped nets made from woven grasses set in weirs that were dug for the purpose. After catching them, Indigenous Australians typically rolled the eel in pieces of bark, then smoked them on the coals of a fire, the bark preventing the flesh from burning. Bark was also utilised for making canoes, shelters, shields and containers. The Burramattagal fished the waters of the upper Parramatta River from these shallow canoes (which featured clay tablets in the centre on which small fires were lit to cook fish as soon as they were caught), gathered shellfish along the foreshores, and hunted larger animals like kangaroos and possums, often utilising fire-stick farming. The latter involved both flushing larger prey out of the bush by setting fires, or burning sections of undergrowth to encourage the growth of new seedlings, which attracted hungry birds and animals. Aboriginals fishing, 1813. Engraving by Matthew Dubourg Large shell middens (refuse piles) consisting of the shells of mussels, oysters, yabbies and other shellfish, are still prevalent in many coastal zones of Australia on beaches and amidst mangroves, where, for generations, Aboriginal clans gathered to feast. In January 1788, with the arrival of the First Fleet of British colonisers to Botany Bay, and their subsequent relocation to Sydney Cove for a more trustworthy supply of fresh water, life was irreversibly changed for all the Aboriginal clans of the greater Sydney region. The Smallpox Epidemic of April 1789, 15 months after the arrival of the First Fleet, had devastating effects on the Burramattagal and neighbouring clans. From its suspicious origins in Balmoral, with anecdotal evidence it was deliberately introduced to the Indigenous population via infected blankets gifted by Royal Marines, the contagion rapidly spread. Up to 80 per cent of the Indigenous clans around the new British penal colony perished, having little immune resistance to the disease. After headaches, backaches and a severe skin rash, victims usually perished within 48 hours. Parramatta 1811: Burramattagal hunting, the expanding British colony in the distance Unfortunately, the Burramattagal were already being forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands. After determining the Sydney Cove soils were too poor in nutrients to sustain the European agriculture required to feed the new penal colony, British Governor Arthur Philip searched for appropriate farming lands. In November 1788 he identified Rose Hill on the southern shore of the upper Parramatta River as an ideal location to establish a farm and military outpost. British settlers soon followed. Burramattagal elder Maugoran formally complained about the hostile Britons displacing the Indigenous inhabitants, to which Governor Philip replied, “..wherever our colonists fix themselves, the natives are obliged to leave that part of the country." Suspecting Aboriginal resistance, Philip reinforced the military troops stationed at Rose Hill. Maugoran, his family and clan members, were forced to migrate east to what is now the Ryde region, and take refuge with the neighbouring Wallemettagal, who were, in turn, also forcibly evicted. Pemulwuy (the only known portrait of the resistance leader). Engraving: Samuel Neele (State Library NSW) From 1790, Aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy led a fierce rebellion utilising guerrilla tactics to try and drive the British colonisers from the Sydney basin – with limited success. Primarily burning crops and killing livestock, several of their most notable uprisings occurred around Parramatta. At the Battle of Parramatta on 21-22 March 1797, an estimated 100 warriors of the Bidjigal clan (from the district around present-day Carlingford) attacked British soldiers with spears, sustaining over 30 casualties but killing 13 members of the NSW Corps. Pemulwuy was shot seven times and taken into custody – but he later escaped and returned to leading the Indigenous resistance, inspiring legends he was immune to British bullets. ===============================