The Day Of The Triffids is a thoughtful, immersive stage adaptation that finds new relevance in a world of AI and apocalyptic anxiety More on Newtown When you watch this 1950s sci-fi thriller you understand why the genre is now called “speculative fiction”. It feels cliched to talk about classic futuristic and science-disaster novels as prescient, yet time and again, it is proven true, at least, in terms of themes and behaviours. Set in a post-apocalyptic world (literally just after World War II) in London, The Day of The Triffids depicts sinister threat from an entity created by humans for servitude, but which becomes sentient and vengeful. AI anyone? John Wyndham wrote The Day of The Triffids in 1952. It was an enormous success and spawned several movies and TV series. Stage versions are rare; the New Theatre’s brave and inventive production, adapted by J. James Moody might illustrate why. It’s a complex and physically vast story which is served best by film or imagination. That isn’t to suggest that this production doesn’t work, it definitely does — in parts. The stage and visual designs are a good start. It is set in the round, with one or two rows of seating surrounding the stage in addition to the fixed tiered seating. This creates an immersive atmosphere and sense of immediacy. The lighting is mostly dim, the stage mostly bare, and costumes are a combination of cobalt blue overalls and military green shirts. The sound design features an interesting mix of 1950s music, in particular “Cry” by Johnny Ray, and requisite effects. There’s a clever use of vintage microphone for some news reel sections, and eerie incidental music. The best effect is the malevolent insect-like sound meant to represent the off-stage triffids. Performances are all very good, but Max Ryan’s “Clockwork Orange” portrayal of the nasty Torrence is especially riveting. Though a little uneven at times, this production of The Day of The Triffids is thoughtful and actually genuinely funny at times. Until July 25 New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown newtheatre.org.au/the-day-of-the-triffids

From Surry Hills to Newtown: The 20-Year Story of High Heels More on Newtown By Rita Bratovich High Heels started with a simple idea. Having emigrated from the UK in 1987, Richard spent years running a pool business before working as a tradie. Ready for a change, he spotted a gap in the market: supplying shoes to Sydney's strip clubs and brothels. With just $1,000 to his name, a small consignment of shoes from a friend in Adelaide, and plenty of determination, he began driving from venue to venue across Sydney. It was a grassroots business in every sense, built one customer at a time. "This was in 2003 just at the beginning of the internet age. Believe it or not online shopping didn't exist!” laughs Richard. The business quickly evolved. Customers weren't just asking for footwear—they wanted clothing, costumes and accessories too. Richard listened, expanding his range to meet demand. Within two years, he had saved enough to open the first High Heels store on Elizabeth Street in Surry Hills in 2005. What began as a specialist shoe retailer soon transformed into something much bigger. The shelves filled with lingerie, costumes, bikinis, hosiery, dresses, jewellery, wigs and performance wear. “That's what we sell today,” says Richard, “so many different but sexy items, but no adult products - and parents with children are welcome. We are not a sex shop - we are a sexy shop! After a decade on Elizabeth Street, High Heels relocated to Crown Street, where it spent another ten successful years. The proximity to Oxford Street put it in the hub of Sydney’s queer and adult industry scene. "The Surry Hills location created the perfect blend of the Sex Worker Community, the Pole Dance Community and the LGBTQI+ community," Richard says. "It became a place of inclusion, awareness, expression and love." The shop wasn't simply somewhere to browse clothing. Customers swapped styling tips, shared industry knowledge, discussed upcoming events and formed lasting friendships. Richard counts those relationships among his proudest achievements. While High Heels has sponsored countless adult industry and pole dancing competitions over the years—including Miss Nude and Miss Pole Dance Australia—Richard says one recent highlight was participating in Sydney WorldPride. Yet, for him, the greatest reward has never been the events themselves. "The lasting connections made and the laughter and fun we all have together in the store" remain his favourite memories. As redevelopment transformed Surry Hills, soaring rents made it increasingly difficult for small businesses like High Heels to survive. “It is a long standing issue in the area which can be seen in the many current empty shops across Oxford Street and surrounding streets. The Team at High Heels put a great deal of effort into illuminating these rental issues to the local community and government.” Rather than compromise the future of the business, High Heels made a fresh start, relocating in August last year to Enmore Road, Newtown. The move has proven to be a perfect fit. The larger premises offer more space, easier parking, better public transport connections and "an amazing landlord." "We love the openness and non-judgmental vibe that Newtown and Enmore have always had," Richard says. "We're honoured to contribute to that continual ethos of love, acceptance and radical expression." High Heels is a truly unique shopping experience. “There is nothing like our shop anywhere in Australia,” says Richard. “We sell so many different things that cannot be bought in any shop anywhere — and we have the best hosiery range in Australia! We sell a lot of one-off things also. Everything in our shop is sexy and we are your One-Stop Sexy Shop. We pride ourselves on great customer service — it’s fun to shop at High Heels! We hope to be here for years to come.” We hope so too. High Heels Newtown 3/80 Enmore Rd, Newtown highheels.com.au

In the depths of the Great Depression, Newtown residents took a stand on Union Street against forced evictions, creating a protest movement that changed NSW history. More on Newtown By Matt Murphy At the height of the Great Depression, many tenants, unable to pay their rent, were being forcibly evicted. While the government was supplying ‘sustenance’ to the unemployed, it offered no rent assistance. Many families including WWI veterans and men who fought at Gallipoli, once evicted, had nowhere to go. Consequently, it also meant that many houses remained vacant as landlords couldn’t find a paying tenant. During the 1930s, Newtown was very much a working-class suburb, putting it at the forefront of the crisis. Newtown resident Phyllis Ackland, in her submission to a parliamentary enquiry into the dilemma, wrote: My father was an invalid pensioner and things were desperate at home. We’d come from Lismore to bring my brother down for treatment. He had polio. My mother went up to Newtown one day shopping and when she came home they’d come in and taken all the furniture for the twenty-two pound she owed. It was the law. The Unemployed Workers Movement, disparagely labelled communists by the scaremongering press, had been haphazardly formed as a means of solidarity, primarily against forcible removal of premises of unemployed tenants. In early 1931 the UWM’s first protest was at Douglas Street in Redfern, soon followed by another in Starling Street, Leichhardt. A much larger protest occurred in Brancourt Avenue in Bankstown where 16 members of the UWM barricaded themselves in a house for three weeks to support a WWI veteran facing eviction. The stand-off only ended when the police lost patience and stormed the house, arresting the picketers who were then charged and convicted, receiving token jail terms. It was this drawn-out battle that caught the public’s attention, particularly in and around Newtown where the rate of evictions was the highest in the city. Consequently, the UWM’s membership, again particularly around Newtown, swelled. Whether it was by chance, or a deliberate tactic, the next UWM protest was to be held in Newtown – and it was big. In June 1931, 18 men barricaded themselves in a house at 143 Union Street Newtown and, on the 19th of that month, the police moved in to turf them out. However, the local constabulary, who knew many of the protesters and sympathised with their plight, refused to be involved and police officers from Manly had to be transported in to complete the task. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that it was ‘the most sensational eviction battle Sydney has ever known’. The number of combatants was similar to that of Bankstown – approximately 40 police versus 18 heavily barricaded protesters. The difference here was that an estimated 400 people, hostile to the police, had filled the streets in support of the squatters and started attacking the police before they reached the small terrace. Police opened fire to disperse the crowd and shot at the balcony where protesters, armed with building rubble, were standing behind crudely built barricades. Once the protesters retreated from the balcony the police moved in from both the front and the rear and rounded them up. All 18 protesters were heavily wounded and needed hospitalisation. One picketer received a wound from a bullet that skimmed his head and another was shot in the arm; another two were reported to have fractured skulls, someone a fractured jaw, and a further two were concussed. Fifteen police were also wounded. There was also one death; a supporter collapsed in the street and died of a suspected heart attack. While there were many rallies during the depression years, the crowd that turned up in support of the evictees in Union Street was by far the greatest demonstration of the era. The Union Street eviction riot, in no small measure due to the press it received, proved to be the UWM’s greatest triumph. Within a fortnight of the Newtown riot, new branches of the Unemployed Workers Movement were established, and other anti-eviction conflicts were fought throughout Sydney and also in Newcastle. The rioting paid off. The 18 evicted and arrested at Union Street were released without charge as it was proven that the police had fired upon them before they retaliated. The police insisted they only commenced shooting to get the men off the balcony but this was criticised in the subsequent enquiry owing to the plethora of submissions from witnesses – both those inside the house and those in the street – who expressed alarm and shock at the police’s use of gunfire so soon after they had arrived. Within two months the Ejectments Postponement Bill was pushed through state parliament, which granted evictees who could prove their impoverished circumstances up to six months to find alternative accommodation. With growing support, the UWM not only reached its zenith at Newtown but thanks to people power it no longer found the need to function and soon after subsided and never posed a threat to police or the government again. The barricades, the police, the resistance against an inequitable situation and the fact that the insurrection actually brought about a change in legislation, meant that the Union Street anti-eviction riot is often favourably compared to the Eureka Stockade. The 1984 YA novel, The House that was Eureka, by Nadia Wheatley, also draws a link between the two events. Read More About Newtown HERE.

Discover how transport, population growth and changing community needs led to the relocation of Marrickville’s historic Town Hall. By Matt Murphy The hub of Marrickville is traversed by Marrickville Road — but that was not always the case. Early Marrickville had its epicentre further north, in the vicinity of Chapel Street. Marrickville’s first public school, established in 1865, is still on that street. Every town featured a town hall, which was typically centrally located, and Marrickville was no different. Built in 1879, Marrickville Town Hall originally stood at 96 Illawarra Road, near the junction of Chapel St. The population of the area grew so quickly that a second storey was added to it only four years later. When trams came to Marrickville in 1881, they ran down Gannon’s Road (later renamed Marrickville Road), and this quickly became the new centre of Marrickville. It was after this, in 1893, that the first suggestion was made by Marrickville’s aldermen to relocate the town hall. A motion was put forward to purchase land on Marrickville Road before the village inevitably started to grow and land values escalated, even if a new town hall could not immediately be built. Within two years there were more reasons to relocate. Firstly, the completion of the Bankstown rail line in 1895, with a new station further down Illawarra Road which was named Marrickville (the old Marrickville station being then renamed Sydenham). In the same year a post office was established on Marrickville Road and the area’s first police station was around the corner, closer to the new rail station, in Gladstone Street. Arguments against the relocation of Marrickville Town Hall However, there were many arguments against relocating the town hall. The first was from the area’s ratepayers who insisted that there was nothing wrong with the current one and that it was only the aldermen who believed the building should be more centralised. The second was that the roads and footpaths had been in poor condition for some time and that surely fixing them was a priority. Others who lived near the town hall believed there was a conspiracy to relocate it and that their property values would be eroded in favour of those further south, where, they insisted, many of the aldermen resided. As an added incentive, the aldermen noted that Marrickville needed a public library and suggested that the one building could accommodate both. This provided little impetus, and for the time being the notion was shelved, although the council did advertise their desire to find a suitable site in the local press. The prospect of relocating the town hall was raised again in 1898, but it received little attention. Alternative Locations By 1903 attitudes towards relocation had shifted. Marrickville was now a fully established and densely populated suburb. Its town hall in a quiet and relatively narrow back street was considered both inaccessible and too small. The aldermen voted on moving it but the motion was defeated. The mayor, Thomas England, lived in the north of Marrickville and as he was keen for the town hall to remain; it is believed he prejudiced the votes of other aldermen. Despite this, a site was strongly considered. What is now the site of St Brigid’s Church on the south-west corner of Marrickville and Livingstone Roads was offered to them for £600. Again, the mayor successfully stirred up sufficient opposition to the proposal. The issue again came to a head in early 1908. In February, coinciding with the municipal election, a referendum of ratepayers was held over the vexing issue. The results were 774 saying yes to a new centrally located town hall and 661 voting no. Confusingly, 104 people voted informally. However, many of those in favour of the town hall’s relocation were soon dismayed when it became known that the proposed site – the current St Brigids – was no longer available. The next site considered was the wedge on Marrickville Road between Fletcher Street and Petersham Road, but it was considered too small. It wasn’t until 1912 that the current site of the town hall was purchased. It was to be almost another decade until the ribbon was cut. A competition to design the town hall was held and won, but there was still the issue of how to pay the estimated £9,000 building cost. Again, other council initiatives were considered more important, including the municipality’s first garbage incinerator, which coincidently was also quoted at £9,000. Money also had to be found for promised footpath upgrades. For the time being, the town hall would have to wait. The commencement of WWI saw the council’s attention diverted, however, with the war having no end in sight, the issue was again raised with the notion that the new structure could also serve as a memorial to the local men lost in the war. Consequently, the locally famous ‘Winged Victory’ war memorial (originally named ‘Mourning Glory’), which was at the time of construction in 1919 the largest such memorial in Australia, was unveiled. Yet behind it still lay an empty block of land. Later that year it was finally resolved; after £15,000 was cleared to upgrade the town’s drainage system, £14,000 was set aside for the construction of the town hall. The foundation stone was laid in 1921 and the building was officially opened on 11 February 1922, 29 years after it was first proposed. Read More About Marrickville

Your guide to the best theatre, food, entertainment and live music happening in Marrickville and other nearby neighbourhoods. More on Marrickville Your Local Calendar 🎷 James Ryan Funktet ft Jo Fabro 📍 Kiss My Brass, 59 Sydenham Rd 📅 July 12, 2026 An unforgettable night of blues, jazz, soul and groove. Led by acclaimed saxophonist James Ryan, FunkTet brings together some of Australia’s finest musicians for a high-energy celebration of rhythm, improvisation and soulful sounds. With Jo Fabro’s distinctive vocals adding depth and flair, this free-entry performance is set to be a must-see for lovers of live music. You can catch the James Ryan Funktet with a new guest every single week. Details: kissmybrass.au 🎭 Disney’s A Little Mermaid (Junior) 📍 Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Rd 📅 July 15 - 18 An Inner West Drama production of Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. follows Ariel's unforgettable journey beneath the sea. Featuring a talented young cast, beloved songs and spectacular storytelling, this family-friendly production celebrates imagination, courage and finding your voice. Details: flightpaththeatre.org 🎭 A Very, Very, Very Dark Matter 📍 Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Rd 📅 July 23 - August 1 Australian premiere. From acclaimed writer Martin McDonagh comes a shocking, hilarious and darkly imaginative tale about Hans Christian Andersen and the secret behind his famous stories. A wildly theatrical exploration that promises to make audiences laugh, think and squirm. Details: flightpaththeatre.org 🎷 SIMA Jazz: NOW 📍 Red Rattler, 6 Faversham St 📅 July 25, 7pm - 11pm Watch as local favourite Red Rattler transforms into a high-energy live music experience where jazz meets improvisation, electronic textures and club-inspired beats. Presented in collaboration with CG Discs, this edition featured Manfredo Lament, Cracked Suzies ft LEVOS & Pattern Delay plus a DJ set from CENTA. Highlighting Sydney’s boundary-pushing artists and delivering spontaneous, genre-defying sets. Details: sima.org.au 💎 Sand-Cast Jewellery Design 📍 10 Junction St, Marrickville 📅 July 25, 9am - 4pm Discover the ancient art of sand casting and transform simple shapes, textures and found objects into unique sterling silver jewellery. Established in 2011, SquarePeg Studios will guide you through mould-making, metal pouring and finishing techniques, helping you create your very own handcrafted piece to take home. A creative introduction to one of jewellery design’s most fascinating processes. Details: squarepegstudios.com.au 🛍️ Sydney Artisans Makers Market 📍 Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Rd 📅 August 1 & 2, 10am - 3pm Browse more than 50 stalls featuring ceramics, jewellery, textiles, homewares, art, gifts and gourmet treats, while enjoying a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and connection. It’s the perfect opportunity to support independent makers, find something unique and enjoy a relaxed day out surrounded by locally crafted goods. Details: sydneyartisans.com.au 🍺 Bonsai & Brews 📍 Batch Brewing, 44 Sydenham Rd 📅 August 2, 1-3pm A combination of creativity, craft beer and a little mindfulness, this hands-on workshop brings the ancient art of bonsai into one of Marrickville’s best brewery settings. Learn how to style, prune and care for your own miniature tree, then take your creation home to nurture. Perfect for plant lovers or anyone looking for a unique weekend experience. Each 2-hour session includes your own bonsai tree, workshop materials and a complimentary drink. Details: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/bonsai-and-brews 🎭 People Inside Me 📍 Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Rd 📅 August 5 - 15 Sex. Death. Life. And bodies. Winner of the prestigious Rodney Seaborn Award and directed by the brilliant Anthony Skuse, Katie Pollock’s new play People Inside Me is an outrageously black comic look at grief and love and the ways we push the darkness away. Details: flightpaththeatre.org 🎭 Ride The Cyclone 📍 Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Rd 📅 August 20 - 22, 7:30pm After a freak rollercoaster accident, six teenagers find themselves suspended in limbo and offered one final chance to return to life. This cult-favourite musical is a hilariously dark, surprisingly moving and unforgettable celebration of what makes a life worth living. Details: flightpaththeatre.org Weekly Local Events 🎤 Live Music 📍 Kiss My Brass, 59 Sydenham Rd 📅 Monday - Sunday (Every Night!) The new go-to for music-loving Marrickville locals looking for live music any night of the week. This is not a once-in-a-while gig stop - this is Marrickville’s consistent home for live music, with rotating local artists bringing everything from laid-back grooves to high-energy sets. If you’re in the Inner West and care about music culture, this is one to experience for yourself. Details: kissmybrass.au 🎨 Life Drawing 📍 Doodler, 9 Fitzroy St 📅 Wednesday to Sunday Since 2018, Nudenight has been creating a vibrant arts hub for life drawing, creativity and community. Sessions run every Wednesday to Sunday, each with its own unique personality - from Wednesday’s loud, music-filled nights with dumplings and ice cream, Thursday’s focused “Serious Session”, Friday’s fun beginner-friendly introduction, Saturday’s portrait and fast-drawing sessions, and Sunday’s relaxed BBQ life drawing. Details: doodler.com.au Events in Nearby Neighbourhoods ❄️ Snow Time in the Garden 📍 Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin 📅 June 27 - July 26, 9am - 5pm Escape to a winter wonderland without leaving NSW! Enjoy real ice skating, a giant ice toboggan, snow play zones, amusement rides and plenty of frosty fun for the whole family at this magical winter event. Details: huntervalleygardens.com.au 🗣️ Haydn’s Creation 📍 Sydney Opera House Concert Hall 📅 July 4, 1pm Haydn’s Creation oratorio depicts the creation story in luminous musical colours. It’s the perfect work for the 120 voices of our Symphony Chorus and the theatrical instincts of our three soloists, taking on the roles of archangels and the first humans. Voice, energy, joy? This music has all three in abundance. Details below or call 02 9874 6200. Details: sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/events/haydns-creation/ 🎭 A View From The Bridge 📍 New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown 📅 August 4 - September 5, 7:30pm (Sun 2pm) Arthur Miller’s gripping classic explores family, loyalty and betrayal as Eddie Carbone’s world begins to unravel when love, jealousy and long-held secrets collide. Set in 1950s Brooklyn, this powerful drama examines the devastating consequences of obsession and honour. Details: newtheatre.org.au 🎓 IGS Kindergarten Open Morning 📍 International Grammar School, Ultimo 📅 August 12, 9am - 10am Step inside IGS’s Kindergarten Centre, meet passionate educators and learn more about how we support children to flourish from their very first day of school. Places are limited, and registrations are open now. Details: igssyd.nsw.edu.au/open-mornings/ 🎪 La Ronde 📍 Grand Electric, Surry Hills 📅 Playing until August 30 Experience a night of circus, cabaret, live music, and comedy at The Grand Electric. Featuring breathtaking aerial feats, daring stunts, and world-class performers from around the globe, La Ronde delivers a sensual, electrifying spectacle. Intimate yet extravagant, it’s the perfect night out for friends, celebrations, or anyone craving a bold midweek escape. Tickets: larondetheshow.com/sydney/

From Rare Records to Local Legends, How RPM Records Became Marrickville’s Home for Music Lovers More on Marrickville By Alec Smart RPM Records – Records, Posters & Memorabilia, to use its full title – is based at 163 Marrickville Road, Marrickville. Open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm, they retail a massive collection of new and second-hand vinyl records (33s, 45s), CDs, cassettes, posters, music books, and hard-to-find memorabilia. RPM was established in 2015 adjacent to the Gasoline Pony live music bar, then moved a short distance along the road to its current location. The Couple Behind The Community RPM is run by owner-operators Lizzie French and Steve Wernick who launched the venture shortly after they began dating as a couple (they married two years later, in 2017). Lizzie revealed, “We opened originally in Aug 2015 and moved to the new location in Feb 2023. Our move to the new premises, 163 Marrickville Rd, was inspired by our love for the building we moved into. We loved the character of the new building with the vintage façade, the high decorative original ceilings and rounded windows and the extra space it gave us.” According to the RPM website, “the RPM name was Lizzie’s idea. That came partially from a mid 80/90’s famous warehouse club in Toronto’s Queens Quay East she loved before she moved to Sydney, partially from 33 and 45 ‘revolutions per minute’, (the speed Vinyl plays at) and mostly because it fit the business model of Records, Posters and Memorabilia.” Canadian Lizzie came from a background in administration and British immigrant Steve previously performed in a Sydney band and currently records as a solo artist. “Steve was in a band called The Cleanskins,” Lizzie revealed, “who played the Marrickville Festival in 2012 and several times at the Gasoline Pony and Lazybones. “After we opened the shop he released 2 albums on CD in 2016 and 2017 under the name of The Steve Wernick Band and he did both album launch gigs at the Gasoline Pony.” The Cleanskins were an alternative/urban/country/rock 5-piece band that performed original songs. Active from 2009 - 2013, they built a reputation for blending genres with poetic, blues-inspired storytelling and energetic live performances across NSW. Following the untimely death of bassist Shan Chard, the band sadly folded in 2014. The RPM record store also features a "Vinyl Resting Place" hang-out in the back garden. “The backyard has allowed us to host BBQ’s and community events while living above the shop,” Lizzie explained, “which means we’re completely immersed in the business. Being further up Marrickville Road has also given us greater visibility while keeping us in the heart of the community.” More than just a store Does RPM have solo artists or duos perform acoustically either in the shop or in their garden, or is space a bit restricted? “We have had a few solo artists play in the shop but space is an issue,” Lizzie replied. “One of the highlights was having Sons of the East host an album signing event on 28th June 2025 of their new album and they played 4 songs unplugged behind our counter. “Also Alex Smith from Moving Pictures launched his solo album with a performance at the old shop before Covid. Johnny Kannis from The Hitmen and Reg Mombassa and Pete O’Doherty of Dog Trumpet, (formerly Mental As Anything) were here to sign items as our special guests last Record Store Day.” She continued, “Locals Paul Hayward and Lionel Cole (nephew of Nat King Cole) have also played here in the last year. We have had Stuart Coupe do book signing several times and we had him and Glenn A. Baker here one Record Store Day, and Tex Perkins the next, back in the old shop. “Many artists drop in to visit or shop when they are in town. Dave Graney last week and Denis Tek a few months before that for example.” Vinyl Revival Vinyl has undergone a big and somewhat surprising revival and are now as popular as CDs and digital downloads. Does she foresee vinyl being dismissed and devalued again in the near future? “Streaming gives people incredible convenience, but for us it can never replace the experience of ownership. We know many people who don’t listen to any music on their phone and prefer to own the actual media, not rent it,” Lizzie elaborated. “CD’s have not gone anywhere,” she continued, “but because cars don’t have cd players in them anymore, the perception is they are redundant, but many people are collecting them again and yes vinyl has continued to go up in the last 10 years. “We do not see vinyl ever being dismissed again as it seemed like a big error in judgement of the record labels in the late 80s to stop production. There was a nearly 20-year gap in production with the majors closing the pressing plants in 1991 in Sydney, and so the current rise in popularity has caused them not to be ready for higher demand.” She continued, “Plenty of people, although a smaller group, still loved vinyl and didn’t fall for it though, and kept their vinyl collection when the rest of the world bought CD’s and started downloading music - once computers and the invention of the internet made that possible. “Now the opposite is true, people want a digital detox or join the Stay Analogue movement. With vinyl records, CDs and cassettes, you know, the way that they're presented, as in condition, whether they're first pressings, how original, rare, you know, the provenance matters, the overall condition matters so much to collectors.” Do Lizzie and Steve have favourite genres of music? “Steve and I don’t like putting music into genres,” Lizzie explained, “but it does help people browse. We both like so many styles of music, but many people identify their tastes by saying they like a specific genre or two but many of us like multiple genres. “We don’t stock classical or Easy listening, but we do span across 15 different genres stocked in the shop. If it doesn’t fall into one of the obvious ones then it goes to General Rock and Pop Racks, otherwise known as ‘The I Don’t Know Genre’ because they are hard to pigeonhole to one. Some of Steve’s favourites are Dylan, Kristofferson, The Clash, Funk/Soul, Reggae and there is so much great Australian music.” Steve added, “Since neither one of us grew up here we have learned what a wealth of Australian music there is and we have a large section dedicated to just it. Lizzie loves all the hair metal and the hard rock. We both love each other's music, The Stones, The Beatles, Folk/Country and Disco. To us, it's just about the music. It doesn't need to be put into a genre. But yeah, I guess that's how we all categorize it. But we love, all music, as long as it's authentic.” Has operating a store enabled them to source rare recordings of favourite artists/bands for their personal collections? “I think when we first opened the shop we had to decide whether we were going to be sellers or buyers or collectors or whatever,” Steve considered. “We're sellers, so I get things for people. And of course, I've got my favourite records, but we've got close to 10,000 records in the shop, so it doesn't matter how long I live, I'll never be able to play them all! “If one of my favourite records goes out the shop, I guess I look to replace that. So in that sense, I'm also experiencing the hunt. But at the same time also, it gives me the opportunity to listen to music that I wouldn't necessarily and really broaden my taste. From that perspective, it's been fantastic!” Are online sales a major part of their business, or do most of RPM’s customers prefer the personal contact of visiting the store and exploring their stock? “Online versus shop is: we love the online, but we love the shop more!” Lizzie replied. “So we like to keep a lot of things in the shop that only personal shoppers can experience. “But we're also aware that some people can't get to the shop, so the web shop's good. Every night Steve is putting things online, every night we try and add at least 30 new items. But sometimes we sell more than 30 items, so it's hard to put up more new [items] than we actually sell. But it's a constant battle we enjoy.” How do they see the future of RPM and its role in preserving and encouraging support of local and international music? “Our role in preserving and encouraging support of local and international music: well, we love it to be a personal experience to people,” Lizzie enthused. “You know, it's very tangible, carefully touching the records, looking at the condition, talking to other people, discovering things that aren't online, chatting with the staff, meeting other collectors, having a browse through, listening to the tunes that we're playing. “Stepping back in time, really, connecting with your own memories of your own teenage years. We see ourselves as custodians of the music as much as retailers. We're preserving, and protecting it until we help collections find new homes, we're introducing music media to many who are new to it. “It makes sense that we who lived through that era of music try to show people what it was like before the internet changed music. When you listened to the whole album, as the artist wanted you to.” RPM Vinyl records, posters and memorabilia Website: https://www.rpmrecords.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpmrecordspostersmemorabilia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RPMMUSICMEMORABILIA/ Address: 163 Marrickville Road, Marrickville 2204 Phone: (02) 9569 3465 Email: sales@rpmrecords.com.au Steve Wernick on Bandcamp https://stevewernick.bandcamp.com/album/talent-to-burn

Discover how Kiss My Brass Marrickville is creating a welcoming live music venue for emerging artists, independent bands and the Inner West community. More on Marrickville By Isabella Edwards Tucked away on Sydenham Rd, Kiss My Brass is one of Marrickville’s newest live music venues - a place where the lights are on Wednesday to Sunday, the amps are plugged in, and there’s always something happening on stage. Opening in November 2025, the venue has quickly found its place in Marrickville’s thriving creative scene, offering a space for musicians, artists and music lovers to come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Rotating Events Every Week Open Wednesday to Sunday, Kiss My Brass brings a different flavour every night. Wednesdays are dedicated to SuperJam, an open mic-style night where musicians of all levels can jump on stage with a full backline and production support provided by the venue. “There are no restrictions on capability or genre — all are welcome to participate, no judgement, only support and respect,” says owner Josef Kiss. The rest of the week features a rotating mix of live entertainment, including themed ticketed events on Thursdays, emerging and established independent bands on Fridays and Saturdays, and laid-back jazz afternoons each Sunday. Whether you’re looking to discover a new local act, catch an established performer, or simply enjoy an afternoon surrounded by music, Kiss My Brass offers something for every kind of music lover. More than just a stage But Kiss My Brass is more than just a venue with a stage. It was created with a clear purpose: to support artists and provide a professional, welcoming environment where musicians can perform, collaborate and grow. Owner Josef Kiss brings more than four decades of experience as a touring musician. His vision for the venue has been shaped by years spent navigating the highs and lows of the live music industry. “As a touring musician for the last 40 years, I felt it was time to give back to the arts community and provide an avenue for the next generation to emerge and flourish,” says Josef. Josef wanted to create a venue that addressed many of the challenges musicians often face - from sound quality and performance spaces to feeling comfortable and supported while doing what they love. The venue features a high-quality sound system, purpose-built performance spaces and sound-treated rooms upstairs for private teaching and rehearsals. Every detail has been designed with artists in mind, creating a space where musicians can focus on performing and developing their craft. “I think the main difference is that we are a live music and arts venue with a bar, not a bar or hotel with a stage,” says Josef. That artist-first approach has already resonated with the local community. Since opening, Kiss My Brass has hosted a range of events celebrating different cultures and creative communities; fundraising events for Sumatra, Indonesian music showcases, and Latin and Hip-Hop nights to name a few. As Marrickville continues to evolve as one of Sydney’s creative hubs, Kiss My Brass is adding another layer to the suburb’s already vibrant music culture. It’s a place where established musicians can share the stage, emerging artists can find their audience, and locals can enjoy a night out built around genuine connection and creativity. Check out Kiss My Brass @kissmy.brass – Instagram @kissmybrass.au - Facebook www.kissmybrass.au

From First Steps to Centre Stage, How Marrickville’s Inner West Drama Is Inspiring the Next Generation of Performers More on Marrickville Inner West Drama is the education arm of Flight Path Theatre and has been building creativity, confidence, and connection since 2013. For more than a decade, Inner West Drama has been helping people of all ages discover the confidence, creativity and connection that come from stepping into the spotlight. Based at Flight Path Theatre, which is located within The Addison Rd Community Centre, Marrickville, the not-for-profit arts organisation has become a much-loved part of the Inner West community since it was founded by performing arts professionals Kate Bookallil and Siobhan Lawless. Two Decades of Experience Drawing on more than 20 years of industry experience each, Bookallil and Lawless continue to guide the organisation’s creative vision, creating programs that welcome everyone from complete beginners to seasoned performers. Today, Inner West Drama offers classes for children, teenagers and adults, while also delivering after-school programs across 10 local primary schools. What sets Inner West Drama apart is its belief that drama is about much more than performance. While students learn acting techniques and stagecraft, they are also developing confidence, communication skills, empathy, resilience and creative thinking. The organisation’s professional teaching artists, who actively work across theatre, film and television, create supportive environments where students are encouraged to take creative risks, find their voice and build meaningful connections. For children, classes focus on imagination, storytelling, teamwork and self-expression. Young people learn to collaborate, solve problems and trust their ideas while having plenty of fun along the way. Teenagers can explore drama, improvisation, screen acting and musical theatre while building friendships and confidence during what can be a challenging stage of life. Many students begin as children and stay involved right through high school, growing alongside a supportive creative community. Some have even returned years later as members of the teaching team. Upcoming Shows A highlight of the year is The Annual Show Off, a large-scale community showcase held every September at Flight Path Theatre. Young performers take to the stage across multiple days, celebrating their achievements in front of family, friends and the wider community. Teen students also perform in the annual Teen Revue, while specialist screen acting and filmmaking courses provide opportunities to explore performance beyond the stage. The organisation’s Youth Musical program has quickly become another standout offering. Now in its second year, it gives aspiring performers aged 8 to 16 the chance to experience every aspect of creating a musical production, from auditions and rehearsals through to a fully staged season. This year’s production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR., opens in July and is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the 2026 season. Adults are equally encouraged to embrace their creativity. Progressive 10-week courses culminate in public performances at Flight Path Theatre, offering participants the chance to challenge themselves, build confidence and experience the thrill of live theatre. Many return term after term for the friendships, personal growth and joy of creative play. Making Theatre Accessible Committed to making theatre accessible to all, Inner West Drama also runs Worthy, a community drama program for adults with disability. Supported by Inner West Council, the initiative celebrates creative expression, social connection and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to tell their story. Asked what she is most proud of, co-founder Siobhan Lawless says: “Watching how drama, and the community that comes with it, can support kids, teens & adults through good & tough times and bring joy and confidence into their lives.” Thousands of local residents have participated in Inner West Drama’s programs over the years, creating a vibrant, intergenerational community where people feel welcome, supported and inspired. As a not-for-profit organisation, it continues to rely on community support, partnerships and funding to keep programs accessible and affordable—ensuring that creativity, confidence and connection remain at the heart of the Inner West for years to come. Find a class, enrol, partner with Inner West Drama or learn more:www.innerwestdrama.com

Addi Road Community Organisation Wins 2026 Rotary Peace Award for 50 Years of Social Justice Work More on Marrickville The Addison Road Community Organisation (Addi Road) has won the 2026 Rotary Club of Sydney's Community Peace Award. The award recognises their grassroots efforts in advancing peace with justice and promoting human rights during their 50th anniversary year. Programs that Earned Addi Road A Peace Award Addi Road operates extensive community and social justice programs across Sydney, including: Food Relief: Each year rescuing hundreds of thousands of kilograms of food to help feed thousands of people facing cost-of-living pressures. Social & Arts Programs: Running anti-racism school workshops, an on-site community gym, Addi Road Writers’ Festival, and affordable workspaces for NGOs and artists. Honour Roll for Peace: Managing a public monument on their 9-acre site that celebrates figures who have campaigned for human rights. The Rotary Club of Sydney Community Peace Award is awarded annually to a community organisation or an individual who have demonstrated working in the community at grass-roots level to create a culture of peace by combating racism, violence, discrimination, bullying, corruption or any other issue that creates disharmony. The Award is presented to an organisation or an individual whose life and work has demonstrated: Commitment to the advancement of peace with justice or the promotion of non-violence within the community, nationally or internationally. Contribution to the promotion and attainment of human rights The philosophy, language and practice of nonviolence Evidence of building bridges between different groups to work toward peaceful communities in an increasingly diverse society. Actions as a 'peacemaker' within the local community. Congratulations and well-deserved, Addi Road Community Organisation. More Info: addiroad.org.au

A New Chapter for Mackey Park as Modern Facilities Create a Premium Community Sports Hub More on Marrickville With major upgrades to the grounds and facilities, Mackey Park is now a premium community sports venue. Mackey Park has long been one of Marrickville’s favourite places to play, watch sport and connect with the community. Now, thanks to a major investment by Inner West Council, the popular sporting precinct is entering an exciting new chapter. The completion of a $2.9 million amenities building, designed by Sam Crawford Architects, marks the latest stage in the transformation of Mackey Park, following the $2 million upgrade of the sporting grounds completed in 2025. Together, the projects have delivered a fully modernised facility that will serve local clubs, players and park users for years to come. Replacing the Old with New Replacing a tired 1970s-era amenities block, the new pavilion has been designed as both a practical sporting hub and an inviting gateway to the park. The L-shaped building brings together a range of much-needed facilities, including modern public toilets, an accessible toilet, baby change facilities, a new canteen, an enclosed barbecue area, change rooms for home and away teams, and dedicated office, meeting and storage spaces for local sporting clubs. Importantly, the design puts the action front and centre. The kiosk, club rooms and amenities all face the sporting fields, while a generous covered verandah stretches along the building, creating a comfortable, sheltered space for spectators to gather on game day. Architecturally, the pavilion strikes a balance between durability and playfulness. A pop-up skillion roof draws natural light into the change rooms while framing views of surrounding trees and sky. Carefully designed window hoods diffuse sunlight and encourage natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. The building’s earthy palette reflects local rock formations, with face brick, painted fibre cement panels and steel screening chosen for their resilience and low-maintenance qualities. Colourful awnings and angular brickwork add character, while patterned brick detailing along the street frontage provides visual interest and helps discourage anti-social behaviour. Sustainability Focus Sustainability has also been built into the project, with solar panels and rainwater capture systems helping reduce environmental impact. The structure has been designed to withstand occasional flooding, ensuring it remains functional and resilient into the future. Beyond the building itself, upgraded landscaping, pathways and a pocket park help knit the precinct into the surrounding neighbourhood. Set back from the road and nestled among mature trees, the pavilion enhances pedestrian access while preserving sightlines and the park’s welcoming atmosphere. For local sporting clubs and the wider community, Mackey Park is no longer just a place to play sport — it’s a vibrant community destination.

Inner West Ranked Australia's Fifth Densest Council Area as Population Continues to Grow More on Marrickville With roughly 5,483 residents per square kilometre, the Inner West LGA is among the most populated in New South Wales and across Australia, with roughly 5,483 residents per square kilometre. For comparison, the average population density for councils in the same metropolitan NSW grouping is about 3,441 residents per km², so the Inner West is substantially denser than the average metropolitan council area. The Inner West covers suburbs including Marrickville, Balmain, Leichhardt, Ashfield, Dulwich Hill, Petersham, Rozelle and Summer Hill, and has a relatively compact land area combined with a large residential population. Sub-regions like Marrickville South specifically sit at around 4,877 persons per square kilometre, placing them in the upper tier of densely populated urban areas. The broader suburb features a mix of medium and high-density housing alongside traditional low-density dwellings. Dense Selection of Inner West Census Data 2021 According to the 2021 Census, the Inner West had a population of 182,818 residents, with a median age of 38 years. Women make up 51.2% of the population and men 48.8%. There are approximately 85,000 private dwellings and an average household size of 2.3 people. The Inner West has a relatively young adult population compared with many Sydney councils: Strong concentration of residents aged 25–44 Significant student and young professional population Children aged 0–14 account for around 14.6% of residents Residents aged 65 and over account for around 14.1% of the population The area is highly multicultural and internationally connected. The most commonly reported ancestries include: English (29.9%) Australian (24.4%) Irish (13.7%) Scottish (9.6%) Chinese (8.5%) Almost 43% of households speak two or more languages, significantly higher than the Australian average. The Inner West has long been home to Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese and more recently South Asian communities, contributing to the area's strong multicultural character. The Inner West is relatively affluent: Median weekly household income: $2,340 Median monthly mortgage repayment: $3,000 Median weekly rent: $500 Housing consists of a mix of heritage terraces, apartments, semi-detached homes and increasing medium-density development around transport corridors. The Inner West has one of the highest proportions of university-educated residents in Australia. Many residents work in: Professional services Education and training Health care Creative industries Technology and digital sectors The area's proximity to Sydney CBD, major universities and hospitals supports a highly skilled workforce. Around 2,162 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in the Inner West, representing approximately 1.2% of the population. The median age of the Indigenous population is 30 years. The Inner West continues to experience: Ongoing urban densification around transport hubs Growth in apartment living Increasing housing costs A highly educated resident base Strong demand from young professionals and families Continued cultural diversity and migration-driven population growth With its rich heritage, well-developed transport system, thriving local economy, cultural diversity, established family-oriented neighbourhoods, and unique, artistic vibe, the Inner West will no doubt continue to be attractive to people looking for a great place to live. [Information obtained from Australian Bureau of Statistics.]

From a Council Flat to The Lodge, Why Marrickville Has Always Been Home for Anthony Albanese More on Marrickville By Lucy Pearson There is a particular kind of politician who speaks about where they come from as though it were a campaign prop - a useful origin story to be dusted off at election time and packed away when the bunting comes down. Anthony Albanese is not that politician. For Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Marrickville is not a backdrop. It is, in the most literal sense, home. Albanese was born in 1963 and raised a few suburbs away in Camperdown, in a council flat on Pyrmont Bridge Road, by his mother Maryanne, a single woman living on a disability pension and managing severe rheumatoid arthritis. The inner west of Sydney in those years was a gritty, working-class patchwork of fibro cottages, factory workers, migrants, and Catholic parishes. It was, by any measure, a hard place to grow up without money. But it was also a place with genuine community, and it gave the boy who would one day become Prime Minister a set of values - about fairness, solidarity, and the dignity of ordinary people - that have never left him. By the time Albanese was 26, he had already planted his flag in Marrickville. In early 1990, he appeared on property title records as a "political party official," buying a two-bedroom semi in Marrickville for $146,000. It was his first home, and it would not be his last in the suburb. After a brief stint in Newtown, he sold up and returned to Marrickville in 2006, purchasing a Federation bungalow with a contemporary rear extension and a swimming pool - about 200 metres up the road from his first buy - for $997,500. That house remains his primary residence. In a political class that has largely decamped to the harbourside or the hills, Albanese's loyalty to the inner west is striking. He has, by his own account, never lived anywhere else. The suburb to which he has remained so attached was recently voted one of the ‘coolest’ suburbs in the world. Marrickville sits roughly seven kilometres south-west of the CBD, a dense, diverse pocket of the Inner West whose main drag - Marrickville Road - has, over the decades, been shaped by successive waves of immigration: Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Portuguese, more recently Ethiopian and Bangladeshi. It is the kind of place where a souvlaki shop and a Vietnamese bakery share a block with a natural wine bar and a recording studio, where the terrace houses back onto light industrial lots, and where the local pub has, depending on the era, hosted everything from shearing union meetings to post-punk bands. Albanese understands this texture because he has lived inside it. He has spoken warmly of growing up in Marrickville and seeing bands - The Sunnyboys and New Order among them. His attachment to the suburb is cultural as much as political. That political dimension runs deep, however. Albanese has represented the seat of Grayndler - which includes Marrickville and surrounding inner-west suburbs - since 1996. It is, in parliamentary terms, an extraordinary tenure: that’s three decades representing the community he grew up beside. His electorate office on Marrickville Road was first opened by former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1993 as the office of Albanese's predecessor, Jeannette McHugh. That lineage - from Whitlam to McHugh to Albanese - tells a story about what kind of place Marrickville is and what kind of politics it has historically demanded: progressive, community-rooted, and fiercely protective of working people. The office became, in more recent years, a flashpoint. Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside it continuously for over a year, eventually leading Albanese to close the lease, citing disruption to a neighbouring church whose car park was shared with the office and whose parishioners were being harassed at funerals. It was an uncomfortable episode for a Prime Minister who had built his identity around being accessible and local - a man who could be found at the Henson Park Hotel or unpacking his dishwasher at home when a journalist came to call. But it also illustrated, in its way, the kind of suburb Marrickville is: politically engaged, vocal, and disinclined to be quiet when it has something to say. More Than Just A Marrickville Resident The connection between Albanese and Marrickville is not merely residential. His former wife, Carmel Tebbutt, was herself the state Member for Marrickville from 2005 to 2015, serving as NSW Deputy Premier from 2008 to 2011. For a period, husband and wife represented overlapping layers of the same community - federal and state, Grayndler and Marrickville - a remarkable double act that reflected just how thoroughly the suburb had become the Albanese family's political territory. When Albanese stood before the nation on election night in May 2022 and declared that a boy from a council flat in the inner west had just become Prime Minister of Australia, it was a genuinely moving moment - not because the story was unfamiliar, but because those who knew Marrickville understood exactly what he meant. He said that night: "It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mum who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown, can stand before you tonight as Australia's Prime Minister." He won again in 2025 with a significantly increased majority. The inner west made Anthony Albanese. And Albanese, in turn, has spent the better part of his adult life making the case - in Canberra and at home on Marrickville Road - that places like the inner west matter.