Jemma Wlasichuk of Shed Eleven discusses restoration and upcycling More on St Ives Your background in fine arts and furniture restoration is unique - how did your journey into furniture restoration begin, and how has your fine arts training influenced your approach to this craft? As a young woman, I was fortunate to work at a furniture restoration business in Leichhardt, where I learned traditional antique restoration skills. My fine arts studies naturally blended with these skills as I painted roadside finds to furnish my home. I loved how easily furniture could be altered to create atmosphere, and I continued doing this for myself for decades. In 2017, I discovered chalk paint, a specialist water-based decorative paint, and entered the world of professional upcycling. It encompassed my passions: art, design, sustainability, and working with my hands. The creative possibilities of chalk paint are endless, and I began experimenting with fine art techniques on furniture. I love functional art and believe art doesn’t belong only on walls. Shed Eleven has gained recognition for its creative, award-winning work. What’s one project that stands out to you? Shed Eleven was established with my sister-in-law in 2017, and we were fortunate to be chosen as Annie Sloan Painters in Residence. Annie Sloan, a UK-based artist and global name in sustainable interior design, created chalk paint 35 years ago. Each year, she selects an artist using her paint skilfully to take part in her prestigious program. We were asked to produce a body of work showcasing our creativity, which was then shared across her international media network. This experience introduced me to the global upcycling industry and the realization that this could be a legitimate career. Though my sister-in-law has moved on, I continue to share a wonderful relationship with Annie, with whom I share a love of creativity and sustainability. Can you share an example of how you've integrated vintage pieces into modern interiors? My work revolves around this concept. Both interior designers and the public now embrace sourcing second hand furniture or altering sentimental pieces to suit new interiors. One memorable project involved a St Ives couple who relocated to a stunning property on the Central Coast Hinterland.  Their home was also a shop and events space, and they wanted spectacular vintage pieces to complement their modern country/semi-industrial aesthetic. After collaborative discussions, I was given creative free rein to transform several stunning pieces, which worked beautifully in the commercial space. I believe my more creative pieces suit commercial settings, and I plan to explore this further. Besides furniture restoration, you work on other creative projects. How do you stay inspired across different mediums? Running my own business allows me the freedom to explore new projects. Inspiration comes from people I meet, like painting a local bakery’s front step or creating photography backdrops for a local potter. Sometimes, it’s driven by interesting second-hand finds, like printing eco-wrapping on unwanted textiles. Having this creative flexibility is a privilege I truly relish. Can you tell us about a community initiative you’ve worked on? Many people contact me with furniture they no longer need, but charities often refuse these items due to wear. In 2023, I launched Paint to Donate Australia with Annie Sloan to address this issue. Throughout July, upcyclers rescued furniture from landfill, refurbished it, and donated it to a nonprofit. For my project, I facilitated a community effort for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. After determining their needs, I called for specific furniture donations. The response was overwhelming, and within four weeks, volunteers and I upcycled 98 items, including furniture, homewares, and garden pieces, transforming the shelter into a home. The most rewarding aspect was the community support. Individuals and organisations stepped up: St Ives Rotary funded our materials, Ku-ring-gai Council hosted a working bee, Plant Rescue Ku-ring-gai donated plants, and Design for Hope provided trauma-informed design guidance.  Seeing so many people come together for a cause was life-changing. Paint to Donate Australia will return this July to help reduce Sydney’s 30,000 tonnes of annual furniture waste and get useful items to those in need. Sustainability is a core part of your work. How do you incorporate it into your projects? Sustainability drives my business. I use water-based, low-VOC paints, minimal power and water, and source tools and materials second-hand. My creative reuse workshops also use second-hand materials, often free. For transporting large items, I use a local GoGet van. For businesses interested in sustainability, I highly recommend the council-run Better Business Partnership, which offers free sustainability programs. There is a thriving sustainability network within our local community, and everyone is welcome. What are the biggest challenges in your work, and how do you overcome them? As a sole trader, managing all aspects of the business is challenging. I’ve learned to utilize free small business resources, including NSW Business Connect and Ku-ring-gai Council’s Business Connections program. Personal connections have also been invaluable, including support from St Ives Rotary, Annie Sloan, and my family. The biggest challenge, however, is time. As a mother of two teenagers, balancing family and business has been difficult, especially in the early days. Working from my garage helped, as I could paint whenever I had a spare moment. Now, as I restore our 1966 St Ives home, I often feel frustrated that I can only do one thing at a time! This past year, I’ve had to be more selective about projects, which, in retrospect, has allowed me to catch my breath and plan the future of Shed Eleven. While I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet, it will certainly involve creativity, teaching, and deeper involvement in social enterprise work.

Serving the community for over 100 years More on St Ives Founded in 1913, the St Ives Progress Association Inc. (SIPA) has been a vital community organisation dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the natural and built environment of St Ives, in Sydney’s Upper North Shore.  Over the past century, SIPA has maintained an unbroken record of advocacy, striving to preserve the character of St Ives while addressing the concerns of local residents. SIPA’s main objective is to inform and engage the community on issues affecting St Ives and the wider Ku-ring-gai area. The association works to raise awareness, encourage public participation in local affairs, and advocate for the best outcomes for the community.  This includes making submissions to local councils and state government bodies, ensuring democratic processes are upheld and public authorities are held accountable. Additionally, SIPA collaborates with other community groups to further its goals and strengthen its impact. As a voluntary organisation, SIPA relies heavily on the support of local residents and community organisations. It is funded by donations and membership fees, which cover operational costs and enable the association to continue its work. SIPA’s efforts focus on preserving St Ives’ unique character, particularly its natural environment and historical landmarks, while promoting the development of community assets that align with the values of Ku-ring-gai and St Ives. One of SIPA’s core initiatives is supporting and preserving the environment. This involves advocating for the conservation of endangered ecological communities, such as the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, Blue Gum High Forest, and Duffy’s Forest.  St Ives Progress Association: documenting history SIPA also works to document and preserve the history of St Ives, ensuring the community remains connected to its past while adapting to new challenges brought by urban development. In recent years, SIPA has been vocal in campaigns against developments that threaten to disrupt the suburb’s character. The association provides essential guidance to residents, helping them navigate development issues and engage with council and state government bodies. SIPA has become a trusted resource for those looking to protect St Ives’ heritage and environment. The legacy of SIPA includes notable past members who have made significant contributions to the community. Among them was J. Maunder, a World War I veteran and promoter of the St Ives Village Green, and Annie Wyatt, the founder and first president of the National Trust Australia.  Her son, Ivor Wyatt, contributed to the area’s development, with the Ivor Wyatt Reserve serving as a lasting tribute. Creswell O’Reilly, known as the "Tree Mayor," was another key figure who advocated for the preservation of St Ives’ green spaces. St Ives itself has a rich history, with European exploration beginning in the late 18th century. Early settlers were timber getters and market gardeners, and much of the land was used for agriculture. By the mid-20th century, St Ives was still a semi-rural community with only around 350 residents, and it wasn’t until the 1960s that rapid development began.  The area transitioned from orchards and market gardens to residential housing, yet it maintained its leafy charm. The introduction of urban consolidation policies in the 1990s led to greater development pressures, but SIPA remained a strong advocate for responsible growth. Today, St Ives is a thriving suburb known for its excellent schools, open spaces, and vibrant community life. The Village Green continues to serve as a central gathering place, and residents enjoy the area’s natural beauty. SIPA continues to work to ensure that St Ives retains its unique character, advocating for responsible development that aligns with the community’s values.

The North Shore District Softball Association’s U15 Team Among World’s Best Softball Players. More on St Ives The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has announced that the 2025 WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup is set to be held in Italy, an exciting competition amongst some of the world’s best young players. The U-15 team list has recently been released, and the North Shore District Softball Association (NSDSA) , New South Wales, celebrates the athletes selected from their team to represent Australia.  The North Shore District Softball Association has a strong representation in Australian Softball, evidenced by four of their players making up part of the twenty-person squad for the Tokyo Olympics.  After speaking with a member of the Association, they highlighted that the club also currently has four players in the Australian Spirit Squad, three players in the Australian Spirit Futures Program, and three players in the Under-18 Squad. North Shore coach, Kerrie Porter, has recently been appointed to Head Coach of the Australian Spirit Team, and coach Neridah Wearne is part of the GEN32 AIS program – a two-year intensive coach development program – demonstrating the club’s success.  The St Ives Softball girls selected for the U-15s Women’s World Cup have all been coached by Kerrie and Neridah, gaining invaluable support and coaching to grow their potential.   U25 WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup The 2025 WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup in Italy will be the second edition of the tournament, following the 2023 competition hosted by Japan. From the NSDSA, the players selected to represent Australia in the 2025 World Cup are: Lola Joffee, Eva Kunce, and Gabriella Nutman. Additionally, Josie Bogle and Kaylee Russo have been selected as the U-15s reserves, who will train alongside the team in preparation for the World Cup.  All of these girls have played softball since T-Ball, under 10a, except Gabi who moved across from baseball just last year! Eva, Josie, and Gabi all competed in the NSW team that took out the U-16 Nationals in Perth in January 2025, whilst Lola competed in the U-14 Regionals in Melbourne, evidencing the incredible skill and ability of these young players. A member of the North District Association said, “this is the first time Australia has sent a team to compete at the U-15s World Cup, so this is an exciting step towards providing experience and development for high performance players who might eventually be the ones representing as an open age group and at the Olympics.”  Throughout the World Cup, Amanda ‘Reggie’ Fairley (SA) will lead the team as Head Coach, providing support and coaching, with Stacey McManus (NSW) as Assistant Coach, Michelle Waller as Battery Coach, and Bec Ireland as Team Manager. Fairley commented “I am both excited and deeply committed to helping these young athletes reach their fullest potential” (WBSC, 2025). The competition will occur between June 27 – July 6, meaning the players will leave for Italy late June 2025. As a member of the Association said, “this 15s program is a great launching pad for these girls to progress through to eventually be part of the Aussie Spirit program,” which is Australia’s Open Women’s Team. Softball Australia has the team’s full support and cannot wait to follow their journey through the competition! If you'd like to get involved with St Ives Softball, head HERE

Sydney Charity Hands and Feet Adds St. Ives Community Church to its Food Distribution Network More on St Ives The well-worn Biblical chestnut “Man shall not live on bread alone” still carries considerable heft centuries after King James first committed it to paper. But in a cost-of-living crisis, global turmoil and ever-widening inequality, figuring out where your next meal is coming from can really give the cosmic considerations a run for their money. After more than 25 years of outreach, St. Ives Community Church is expanding its abilities to tend the mortal needs of its flock, partnering with Sydney Christian charity Hands and Feet to provide food relief for those in need.   Whilst a fresh undertaking for St. Ives, Hands and Feet are seasoned campaigners, having operated an Oz Harvest-style food collection network for over a decade. Repurposing unused food from local businesses into care packages and food boxes, the organisation is best known for its forays into Sydney’s CBD on a Friday night, where they distribute meals and blankets. Stats on their website claim they’re collecting and redistributing over 27 tons of food a week to provide aid to over three thousand families. As well as partnering with churches to provision those in need, the last few years have seen Hands and Feet begin providing disability services, elderly assistance and other community care programs. As always, an operation like this lives and dies on community volunteers. Hands and Feet haul the supplies out to churches weekly, but they need volunteers at the other end to receive and oversee distribution. They’re also on the lookout for local businesses able to regularly donate unused food. St. Ives Community Church's food assistance program is currently running on Tuesdays 12:30-2:30PM. They encourage any and all in the area to drop in. During these hours, there will also be folks on hand to share a cuppa and have a conversation with.     If you’d like to offer your time to volunteer with this program, you can contact St. Ives at info@stivescommunitychurch.org.au  or call 0435 035 916 If you’re a business looking to donate, Hands and Feet can be reached at 02 8814 9061 or info@handsandfeet.com.au

Meet the faces behind Prime Your Pooch, a local grooming service with heart More on St Ives After noticing how difficult it was to book regular dog grooming appointments - and inspired by their lifelong love for animals - St Ives locals Jody Rudlin and Liv decided to launch Prime Your Pooch, a mobile grooming service offering one-on-one care tailored to each pup’s needs.  With a background in tech, a certification in canine behaviour, and a genuine passion for helping dogs feel their best, Jody shares what sets their business apart, why a positive grooming experience matters, and how they’re creating calm, custom experiences for dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and fluff levels. 1. Are you St Ives locals? Tell us more about your connection to the area. Yes! Both Liv and I are proud to call St Ives home. I’ve had the pleasure of living here for the past year since we got engaged, while Liv has deep roots in the area—she’s been here since preschool and went to school locally. It’s such a beautiful, tight-knit community, and we feel really lucky to be building our business here. 2. What inspired the creation of Prime Your Pooch? Prime Your Pooch came from a place of pure passion. We’ve both always loved dogs and knew we wanted to work with animals in some way. At the same time, we kept hearing from friends and family how hard it was to book regular grooming appointments, especially after the pandemic, when so many more people became dog owners. I had recently left my job in tech, and Liv was ready for a project she could pour her heart into. It all just naturally came together, and Prime Your Pooch was born. 3. Have animals always played a big role in your life? Absolutely—they’ve always been a huge part of our lives. Even when we were living in London for a couple of years and couldn’t have a dog of our own, we signed up for dog-walking and dog-sitting services just to stay connected to the canine world. My love for animals actually goes way back. When I was eight years old and living in South Africa, I worked in a reptile shop. We had everything - spiders, frogs, even Burmese pythons! Liv’s just as animal-obsessed. Her family has two Mini Foxies, Timmy and Macy, who just turned 15! 4. What sets Prime Your Pooch apart from other mobile groomers? We’re really focused on providing a tailored, one-on-one experience for every dog, regardless of their size, breed, or temperament. It’s not just about making dogs look good - it’s about helping them feel their best too. For dogs that are nervous or anxious, my canine behaviour certification comes in handy. We work hard to create a calm, low-stress environment, so even the most apprehensive pups feel safe and cared for. And it’s not just about the dogs - we want to make life easier for their humans too. Whether that’s fitting in with a busy schedule or offering reassurance about your pet’s wellbeing, we’re here to support both ends of the leash. 5. How important is it for dogs to have a positive grooming experience? It’s incredibly important. Grooming isn’t just about appearance - it plays a big role in a dog’s overall health and well-being. A negative grooming experience can cause long-term anxiety, making future sessions more stressful for everyone involved. On the other hand, when a dog has a positive experience, they begin to associate grooming with safety, comfort, and even enjoyment. It makes the whole process smoother for both the dog and the groomer. 6. What would you recommend for owners of dogs who are anxious or fearful around grooming? Do you work with those kinds of dogs? We definitely do! Grooming can feel overwhelming for some dogs, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we offer “Introduction to Grooming” sessions - these help dogs get used to the space, sounds, tools, and to us as groomers. For particularly nervous dogs or puppies, shorter grooms can be a great way to build confidence gradually. The benefit of mobile grooming is huge in these cases. There’s no stressful car ride or unfamiliar salon. We come to them, so they’re in a familiar environment. Dogs are incredibly intuitive - they pick up on our energy. If we’re calm, they feel calm. We always use positive reinforcement (including plenty of treats!) and make sure each dog gets our full attention. One dog at a time, no rushing. 7. How often should dogs be groomed, depending on their coat type? It varies depending on the dog’s breed, coat type, skin health, and lifestyle, but here’s a general guide: Short-coated dogs like Staffies, Beagles, and French Bulldogs benefit from a wash, dry, nail trim, and ear clean every 4–6 weeks. Medium to long-coated dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Cavoodles, and Border Collies typically need a full groom every 4–6 weeks to keep their coats clean and manageable. Curly or high-maintenance coats - think Poodles, Doodles, and Spaniels - require more frequent brushing at home between professional grooms to prevent matting and painful knots. Even dogs that aren’t considered “high maintenance” should still be groomed regularly. It helps prevent skin issues, keeps their coat healthy, and lets us spot any lumps or bumps early on. We’re always happy to assess and advise on what grooming schedule works best for your dog. 8. Is there anything else you'd like readers to know? We’re just so excited to be doing this together, and even more excited to be meeting other dog lovers in the local community. Prime Your Pooch is all about connection, care, and creating a positive experience for both pups and their people.

St Ives to welcome a brand new indoor sports centre More on St Ives The St Ives Indoor Sports Centre is set to expand, thanks to joint funding from the NSW Government and Ku-ring-gai Council. Stage 1 of the centre was completed in early 2021 by School Infrastructure NSW, and included two multi-use sports courts, a new school canteen, two modern classrooms, a fitness lab, and a seminar room. Now, Stage 2 of the project is moving ahead, supported by a $3.5 million NSW Government grant and funding from Ku-ring-gai Council. The project is being delivered by School Infrastructure NSW on behalf of the Council. The second stage will see the construction of a two-storey sports complex built next to the existing facilities. It will include two additional sports courts, a multipurpose room, male and female amenities, and a café. The aim is to create an integrated complex with a total of four sports courts. Additional features include basement car parking with stair and lift access, new vehicle entry from Horace Street, a landscaped entry area, and pedestrian access with stairs and a ramp. The centre will be jointly managed by the NSW Department of Education and Ku-ring-gai Council, making it a shared facility for both the school and the wider community. This expansion is part of the NSW Government’s 2024–25 Budget, which includes a record $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools to support growing communities and ensure access to high-quality public education. Construction of the new facilities is expected to significantly enhance the sporting and recreational opportunities available to both students and local residents.

Plans for Expansion and Improvement at Bedes Forest More on St Ives Ku-ring-gai Council is developing a new park at the corner of Yarrabung Road and Stanley Street in St Ives to provide more open space for local residents. The park is designed to meet the needs of the growing number of young families in the area and will offer a variety of spaces for relaxation, play, and community connection. The project is part of the Council’s award-winning Open Space Acquisition Program, which aims to increase access to local parks and green spaces across the area. The program is focused on providing much-needed parkland in neighbourhoods where demand for open space is high. Extensive community consultation was carried out across 2021 and 2022 to ensure the park meets local needs. Following this consultation, Council has adopted a preferred concept plan for the new park, which will be known as Bedes Forest. Once completed, Bedes Forest will offer a wide range of features. These include open grassed areas for informal play and gatherings, a traditional playground, a large nature play area, and a community garden. The design focuses on encouraging outdoor activity and providing a welcoming space for people of all ages. Construction is planned to begin in late 2025, pending the outcome of Council’s tendering process. The park will be a valuable addition to the local area and is expected to become a much-loved destination for residents. Through projects like Bedes Forest, Council is committed to delivering high-quality public spaces that support healthy, active lifestyles and strengthen community connections. Further updates on the project timeline and construction details will be provided as planning progresses.

Capturing Sydney’s Vanishing Industrial Heritage in Art More on Balmain Sydney artist Jane Bennett has spent over four decades capturing the gritty, evolving character of Pyrmont, Ultimo, and other inner-city industrial precincts. Her en plein air paintings, created on-site amid demolition zones and construction sites, serve as both artworks and historical documents, recording the city’s relentless transformation. Anzac Bridge panorama 2016 oil on canvas 100 x 195cm Neighbourhood Media sat down with Jane to hear about her work, her process, and the stories behind the sites she paints. Your work captures the changing face of Pyrmont and Ultimo with incredible detail. What first drew you to these inner-city industrial landscapes? In the early 1980s, while searching for a studio, I spent hours wandering through the inner city. As soon as I saw the Pyrmont Goods Yard and Fingerwharves, I felt inexplicably drawn to the area. I seem to have an instinct for choosing places right on the brink of disappearance. It was frustrating trying to paint under that invisible but looming deadline, as entire suburbs vanished faster than I could capture them. Yet the poignancy of that impermanence was part of the attraction. I try to paint landscapes caught at a moment of transition — just as the bulldozer takes its first bite — capturing the tension between past and future. Jane Bennett at Pyrmont Festival Documenting Pyrmont You’ve been painting this area for decades. How have you seen the neighbourhood transform, and how has that influenced your work? Almost everything I’ve painted has either been demolished or radically altered. Pubs have been gentrified, workers’ cottages replaced by apartment towers, and derelict wharves converted into glass-fronted offices. In recent years, I’ve begun revisiting sites I painted decades ago, creating “Then and Now” pairings. For example, a painting I made in 1995 of the high-pressure boilerhouse at the old CSR Refinery now hangs alongside new works depicting the Jackson’s Landing apartments built on that same site. This series isn’t just about visual changes — it’s a narrative of dismantling. An industrial memento mori. My paintings aim to express the conflict between hope for the future and regret for the past. What’s your process when approaching a new site? Do you paint on location or back in the studio? Painting the White Bay Power Station All my work — even the largest canvases — is painted entirely on location. I’m a plein air painter, setting up my easel on demolition sites, rooftops, or by the roadside. It’s not always easy, contending with unpredictable weather, heavy equipment, and curious onlookers, but it’s worth it for the authenticity. Spending hours in a space lets you observe the subtle changes in light, atmosphere, and community rhythms. Often, I won’t even know why a viewpoint matters to me until I’ve sat with it for a while, then it reveals itself. Your work holds a strong sense of memory and documentation. Do you see yourself more as a chronicler or storyteller? 'White Bay Power Station' 2003 acrylic on paper 112 x 75 cm Both. My paintings act as visual testimony to the passing of an era but also hold narrative threads of place, memory, and unexpected connections. I’ve painted old industrial sites only to find, years later, their remnants scattered elsewhere. Discovering a steel ladder from the old Ballast Point fuel tanks rusting at the back of White Bay Power Station felt like bumping into an old friend. Jane Bennett: Historian Storyteller In a rapidly gentrifying city, do you feel a responsibility to capture these sites before they vanish? Absolutely. There’s always a sense of urgency. In 2023, I painted a series documenting the Hunter Street Metro demolition. Some canvases stretched nearly two metres wide, painted six days a week in the CBD. Strangers would watch over my gear or haul paintings undercover in the rain. Those spontaneous connections often lead to new works — someone tips you off about a site, a hidden viewpoint, or a building days from demolition. Sydney Harbour from roof of White Bay Power Station 2011 oil on canvas 153 x 101cm Painting on location embeds you in a place’s daily rhythm. It invites conversation, and over time, you feel adopted by these communities. They shape my work and how I see this ever-changing city.

Community frustration grows as red tape stalls access to vital new playing fields More on Balmain More than a year after their completion, two newly built sporting fields at Rozelle Parklands remain off-limits to local clubs due to a bureaucratic standoff between Transport for NSW and Inner West Council over liability for future asbestos contamination and long-term maintenance costs. The parklands - created as part of the WestConnex motorway offset - were initially opened in December 2023 but closed just a month later following the discovery of asbestos in mulch. Though most areas reopened in April 2024, sporting clubs are still locked out of the purpose-built fields, including an oval with a cricket pitch and a rectangular multi-sport ground. Balmain District Football Club president Paul Avery called the hold-up “utter madness,” saying, “We’ve been looking with longing at these fields for over a year. They’re open to everyone except the people who need them most.” With over 3,100 players, the club faces an acute shortage of space, often forced to split single fields among multiple teams. Political management of Rozelle Parklands Inner West Council says it is willing to manage the parklands but refuses to accept long-term risk for soil contamination. Mayor Darcy Byrne accused Transport for NSW of trying to offload liability onto the community, calling the move “a rip-off.” Local MP Kobi Shetty echoed concerns, warning the council may be “biting off more than it can chew.” Her office revealed ratepayers could face an ongoing $650,000 annual maintenance bill, despite a one-off $20 million offer from the state government that would be spread across the council area, not reserved for the parklands. Despite repeated requests, the council has received no firm timeline for when the fields might become usable. With lighting and other infrastructure still incomplete, some clubs fear they won’t gain access until mid-2025. As participation in local sports continues to rise, especially among women and juniors, pressure is mounting to resolve the impasse—and finally open the gates.

Everything You Need to Know About Adopting a Cat More on Balmain Each year, literally thousands of lost, abandoned and otherwise homeless kittens and cats are taken in by shelters and councils around the country. Sadly, some never leave, but many find new homes with loving owners thanks to the dedication of hundreds of charities and volunteers.  Finding a new home for a pet is much more involved than merely having someone agree to take the animal. Potential owners and homes need to be vetted to ensure both cat and human will be able to live together harmoniously.  Some things to be considered include whether anyone in the household is allergic to cats or whether anyone is afraid of or simply dislikes cat, including people who might visit the household frequently.   If you have kids then you need to teach them how to behave around cats, especially rescue cats. While these creatures (the cats) can be very cuddly and affectionate, some may be temperamental or frightened and may object to certain types of physical attention (both cats and kids 😄 ). Cat scratches and bites can be nasty, so make sure your kids know how to be respectful and caring.  Try to be patient with your cats when you first bring them home. An adopted cat may take a while to feel comfortable in its new surroundings and with its new owners. Don’t be alarmed if kitty decides to stay under furniture or other hidey holes for the first few days or weeks. That’s normal. Don’t force them to socialise until they are ready. Your home should provide lots of room for your frisky feline/s to run safely around. If you’d like it to go outside as well, then it’s a good idea to build a cat enclosure in the backyard.  If you are considering adopting a cat, make sure you go to an organisation that is trusted and genuinely believes in cat welfare.  Kittie Kat Rescue is one such organisation. Registered as a charity in 2017, this volunteer-based team has helped find happy homes for over 1000 cats and kittens. Though primarily based in Sydney, Kittie Kat Rescue has helped felines all around the country. Their cats are all microchipped, desexed, with one or more vaccinations, and lifetime registration.  They will familiarise you with your potential new kitties, arranging a meet and greet and providing a full profile on personality and known background.  All adoptions come with an adoption pack that contains all their certificates and paperwork, information on preventative health care, diet, pet insurance and potential toxins/poisons around the home.  Kittie Kat Rescue has a catalogue (excuse the pun!) of available cats on their website with a photo and brief description of each one. They have volunteers in suburbs across the country.  Cats are wonderful companions. Consider adopting one…or two.  kittiekatrescueinc.com.au

Kobi Shetty Leads Community Campaigns to Improve Balmain Public Transport and Cut Peninsula Congestion More on Balmain Kobi Shetty MP at Bus Stop Dear 2041 Locals, I’m Kobi Shetty , the Greens Member for Balmain and your local representative in NSW Parliament.  I feel so lucky to live in this vibrant, caring community with my family. I ran for Parliament to be a strong voice for our community and to create positive, meaningful change.  I know one of the most common pain points for our community here on the peninsula is increased traffic congestion – particularly after the opening of the disastrous Rozelle Interchange.  The government issued their response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Rozelle Interchange in November last year, and I’m continuing to push them to act quickly to implement the recommendations.  One important part of the recommendations from the inquiry was to significantly improve access to public transport here on the peninsula, to help reduce congestion. Living so close to the CBD, we should have access to world-class public transport that is frequent and reliable.  Working alongside you over the last year, we’ve successfully pushed for several key improvements to help increase the frequency and reliability of public transport – including securing the return of the Balmain West Ferry to Elliott Street Wharf, which is coming this year.  This huge win was only possible thanks to years of sustained public pressure from our community. Thank you to the thousands of people who signed petitions, wrote to Ministers, or otherwise joined the push to get this ferry back in service. The reinstated service will allow for a quicker, easier, and more sustainable way to travel to the city.  While this was a fantastic start, we know more work is needed to keep improving public transport, so I'm continuing to push for improved bus services for the Inner West.  Since the former government sold off our bus services to private operators, we’ve seen more late and cancelled buses than ever before. Unreliable bus services are forcing more people into their cars and onto an already congested Victoria Road. The private contracts are due to expire in 2026, and I’m working with community advocates to keep the pressure on the government to bring these services back into public hands.  We also need to make sure that we’re making public transport as easy as possible for everyone to use. That’s why this year I’m continuing to push the NSW Government to allow dogs on ferries.  With so many people in our community owning dogs, it’s time for transport rules to catch up. Global cities across the world allow pets on public transport so that people have a real alternative to jumping in their cars. Allowing people to bring their furry friends on the ferry is a simple step in the right direction.  Together, we can push for world-class public transport and genuine action to reduce congestion on the peninsula.  To stay in the loop on local issues and to get involved in our campaigns, including our push for world-class public transport, please visit our website: kobishetty.org/join_our_campaigns I look forward to seeing you out and about soon! Yours sincerely, Kobi Shetty, Member for Balmain

Locals back the transformation of Jazz In The Park into a vibrant community celebration on Darling Street More on Balmain The Inner West community has overwhelmingly embraced a proposed transformation of the long-running Jazz in the Park into a new street festival along Darling Street, Balmain. Following a month-long engagement period from 12 February to 12 March 2025, feedback showed 93% of survey participants supported the idea. The proposed festival aims to celebrate Balmain’s unique character by involving more local businesses and expanding beyond the traditional picnic-style event held at Gladstone Park. Over 2,400 people visited the project page, and 159 completed the online survey. Letters were sent to more than 21,000 residents, and social media outreach reached close to 15,000 people. The proposal was also supported by the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce. While 75% of respondents felt the new location was appropriate, some expressed concerns about traffic congestion and suggested alternative venues like Callan Park or Birchgrove Oval. Just over 60% supported the proposed timing, although feedback highlighted December as a potentially unsuitable month due to heat and end-of-year busyness. Suggestions included spring or autumn dates and extended festival hours into the evening. Local business participation is central to the vision, with 76% of business respondents indicating interest. However, most did not provide further details about how they’d participate. Other popular ideas included showcasing Balmain’s history, live music, food and licensed venues, and activities for families and dogs. Council is now considering adjustments based on community feedback and exploring funding opportunities such as the NSW Vibrant Streets Package. A final decision on timing, format, and budget will be addressed in the March 2025 Council meeting. What’s next for Balmain Festival? Council will report back on community feedback and funding options as it prepares the 2025/2026 budget. Further engagement may follow depending on final plans. Get involved Want to stay in the loop or have your say on future plans? Visit Your Say Inner West  to sign up for updates or email serena.chalker@innerwest.nsw.gov.au  for more details.