Meet artist James Powditch and discover how found objects, collage, portraiture and the Inner West have shaped his creative journey. More on Marrickville James Powditch has been creating art for 30 years, predominantly using the technique of assembling found objects into a 3-dimensional, hung artwork, but also occasionally venturing into painting. A successful and popular artist, Powditch, has been awarded the Mosman and Blake art prizes and been a finalist in the Archibald Wynne and Sulman prizes 28 times, including this year with his portrait of the Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn (an Annandale local). Notable among Powditch’s previous works is one he entered in the 2020 Archibald Prize titled Once Upon a Time In Marrickville — it is a portrait of Anthony Albanese. As well as being the current Prime Minister, Albanese is and has been the federal member for Grayndler since 1996. Powditch has lived in the Inner West since he was 16. This literal common ground was one reason Powditch wanted to paint Albo. Another, perhaps more compelling reason was that he felt an affinity with Albo’s taste in and passion for music. The portrait is styled to resemble an album cover. James Powditch's Creative Process When Powditch began painting portraits, he incorporated objects on the canvas, giving them a 3D element. “I’ve only done 22 portraits in all over 25 years, and the early ones incorporated a lot of found materials and then were painted. I’ve kind of refined it now to them being pure paintings, but the black is painted over a collage of different paper based materials — old book pages, prints, etc,” explains Powditch. “In the Albo portrait, I included some old wall paper that I thought might have been in a ’70s housing commission home like the one he grew up in.” Powditch uses a painstaking methodology to create his portraits, working initially with a photo taken of his subject with strong side-lighting. These are converted to black and white, printed out, combined with other elements and then photographed again, forming the basis for the final image. “The photos are digital, but the process is very analogue. It’s all a much slower and more controlled process than my assemblage work, with a lot of thought and manipulation of pix to get the right image,” he explains. “That part and collaging is a lot of fun, and then there is just hours and hours of methodically painting the black with very small brushes for the detail… I kind of just get into a groove, zen-like state with music playing and just work my way through it.” Powditch also knows what it’s like to be on a canvas, having had his own portrait painted several times over the years. It’s given him an interesting insight into how his subjects might feel when he paints their portrait. “Sitting for someone is eye-opening, what they hone in on, what grabs their interest, because ultimately a portrait is as much a portrait of someone as it is a reflection of the artists aesthetic, interests and preoccupations. Hopefully they converge to showcase both subject and artist and say something new in the process.” He had another realisation: “Portraits are hard to find a home for… I don’t want a pic of me hanging at home! And many of my subjects also don’t.” He is going to give the portraits to his kids in the hope they might like to hand his picture in their homes. “I know I would love a pic of my dad, for example, who was painted multiple times including for the Archibald.” Why the Inner West Is Great For Creativity In his earlier years, Powditch travelled across the globe, residing in several European countries, but he happily cites the Inner West as his creative North. “I’ve lived in the Inner West for pretty much my entire life: Alexandria, Enmore, Rozelle, Newtown, Marrickville, Camperdown and now Annandale. When I moved to Marrickville in 2001 from Newtown, me and my ex partner were looking for a big warehouse-type building to live and work in, and it was cheap! It was a big building on Addison road next to Vic On The Park. That part was a seriously industrial area, grungy, dirty hot as in summer and nothing like it is today. No, apartments, cafes, bars etc,” says Powditch, describing some of the changes he has seen over the years. “For example, the Vic was a lingerie pub that closed early once the early knock-off tradies had gone home, and now it’s this amazing multipurpose venue and community hub. But the Addison Road markets were just down the road, and Reverse Garbage as well, where I sourced vast amounts of materials in the 2000’s…and there were chickens roaming around the back of the buildings.” So what does he like about being in the Inner West? “I love everything about the inner west. Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in Sydney. Still love Newtown, especially south King St and lower Enmore Road with the bars and nightlife and the Enmore Theatre, it’s got a great energy… And everything is so close, my gallery’s in Chippendale [Nanda/Hobbs], 10 mins away. And we have the best harbour pool in Sydney, Dawn Fraser baths, “Dawnies”, in Balmain.” Powditch enjoys the cheap and cheerful local fare including Thai on Glebe Point Road, and the Sri Lankan curries and great steaks at the Vic Hotel in Annandale, and coffee and treats from Booth Street Bakery. “Rozelle Markets, fantastic for vintage finds and materials, Egg Records up in Newtown and King Street in general. Also love Callan Park over in Rozelle. Kind of like a deserted theme park and great to walk the dogs and explore,” he adds. “And then there’s the people, they feel like my people — a certain sensibility, same wavelength. Just a lot of thought and empathy; inclusive.” instagram.com/james_powditch nandahobbs.com/artists/james-powditch/

Discover the heritage buildings, forgotten landmarks and remarkable stories that shaped the history of Glebe. By Alec Smart Glebe has a fascinating development history. Among its leafy streets and along the harbour foreshore are buildings that tell stories of the past; mansions built by wealthy residents, and remnants of early industry. Glebe is so called because it is a ‘glebe’ – a Medieval French word for an area of land tied to a church to support the priest. In Glebe’s case the land was a grant given in 1790 by Governor Arthur Philip to Reverend Richard Johnson, Chaplain of the First Fleet. The land remained undeveloped until 1828, and was, until then, an important confluence shared between the Gomorrigal and Wangal peoples. The region was dominated by black wattle forest, used for furniture and house building, and several creeks that fed into a swampy tidal inlet – later renamed Blackwattle Bay. In 1828 the Church of England subdivided the area into 28 allotments, retaining three for church use as the Glebe Estate, around Glebe Street, where many Victorian terrace houses have been preserved. Bidura, 357 Glebe Point Road In 1858 architect Edmund Blackett, best known for his designs for Sydney University and St Andrews Cathedral, built his family home, Bidura, at 357 Glebe Point Road. The cream-coloured three-storey Victorian Regency-style homestead features rectangular green window shutters and a striped two-toned corrugated iron shade over the front porch. Between 1920-1977 it was integral to the NSW Govt’s child welfare system, as the primary holding centre for girls up to 18 years of age, and boys up to six, who moved between government institutions and foster care. This included the children of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who were forcibly taken from their families by government agencies and church missions to be re-homed. Bidura Children’s Court, 357 Glebe Point Road Built behind heritage-listed Bidura House, the large courthouse complex was inspired by neo-Brutalist architecture (think of Soviet-style square concrete blocks) and opened in 1983, replacing the Children’s Court in Surry Hills. In 2014 NSW Govt announced the site had been sold for housing development and was facing demolition. However, the still-empty premises has become a cause-célèbre for lovers of Brutalist architecture. Campaigners want it protected, like the recently-saved Sirius Apartments in The Rocks, because both are among the few surviving examples in Sydney. In May 2019, the City of Sydney lost its bid to save the building and developers are progressing with plans for an apartment complex. Valhalla Cinema, 166 Glebe Point Road Always independently-operated, the original Art Deco-designed Astor Cinema opened in 1937 with a 992 seating capacity - 722 downstairs in stalls and 270 in the upper circle tier. Closed in November 1959 due to the impact of television, and converted to theatre storage, the cinema reopened in 1968 and thereafter relaunched a few times under new management and names, whilst also doubling as a live theatre venue. In December 1979 it began its long run as the Valhalla, known for revival and art house films. However, the opening of a 10-screen Hoyts multiplex nearby on Broadway in November 1998 contributed to its demise. Valhalla Cinema closed 31 January 1999, and although a few attempts were made to relaunch the venue, it was no longer financially viable. On 3 August 2005 it finally closed its doors to cinema-goers. National Trust was approached to heritage-list the building but it was too late - the interior was gutted back to bare brick in 2007 and converted into private apartments. Burley Griffin Incinerator, 53 Forsyth St, Glebe Walter Burley Griffin, the talented American architect who won the competition to design Australia’s capital, Canberra, was also involved in multiple other architectural projects around Australia. Between 1930-38, Burley Griffin was responsible for designing 12 incinerators, of which seven still survive - two in NSW: Willoughby (now an art gallery) and the Glebe incinerator on the shore of Blackwattle Bay. The Pyrmont incinerator, inspired by ancient Mayan architecture and modern Cubist forms, and Glebe incinerator were essential in managing the tonnes of garbage piling up in rat-infested 1930s Sydney, much of which was dumped at sea. Both closed in 1971. The Pyrmont incinerator was left to the elements and demolished in 1992. Lyndhurst, 61 Darghan St, Glebe Built between 1834 and 1837 for Dr James Bowman, Sydney Hospital’s principal surgeon, the Regency-styled Lyndhurst was designed by architect John Verge. It later served as St Mary's College Roman Catholic School, then Lyndhurst Private School, during which time it was altered, extended and subdivided. However, it fell into decline over the next century, successively utilised as a broom manufacturer, soap factory, ice cream shop and joinery before reverting to private ownership. Plans to demolish it for a freeway in 1972 galvanised public support, and Lyndhurst was saved by a Builders Labourers Federation green ban and followed by restoration. In 1983 the building was transferred to the Historic Houses Trust of NSW. Rozelle Tram Sheds, Forest Lodge Opened in 1904, Rozelle Tram Depot was a tram terminus and reparations centre that was part of the Sydney Tram Network. In 1918 the depot was expanded to accommodate 200 trams. The depot ceased operations on 22 November 1958 upon closure of the Glebe line, and was cleared of all trams the following day with the surrounding tram lines ripped up to facilitate vehicular traffic. The sheds stored historic trams and buses, however, from 2000 the trams were repeatedly graffitied and looted. The last vandalised tram was removed in 2015. Proposals to demolish the historic tram depot for apartments were rebuffed by public opposition. On 22 September 2016 the site was reopened as Tramsheds, a European-style food hall. One of the original trams was restored and now features in the complex. Photos by Alec Smart

Flight Club is a new social darts venue now open in Newtown, combining drinks, competition and a little bit of organised chaos. More on Newtown King Street just got a little more fun with the opening of Flight Club Newtown, an interactive darts venue bringing a different kind of group experience to Sydney’s Inner West. A place where drinks, darts and a touch of debauchery come together, Flight Club reimagines the traditional pub game as a fast-paced social experience designed for everyone - whether you’re a seasoned darts champion or someone whose only strategy is hoping the dart lands somewhere near the board. At its core, Flight Club transforms darts into something built for group play. Guests are assigned their own dart-playing space, complete with automated scoring and a series of short, high-energy games that keep everyone involved. No prior skills are required - and we’re pretty sure the idea that “drinking more improves your aim” remains an old pub myth. A New Kind of Night Out in Newtown The format is designed to keep the night moving. Each round is quick, competitive and reactive, with players rotating through turns in a way that feels more like a shared activity than a traditional sport. It’s less about perfect accuracy and more about pace, laughs and a healthy dose of competition. The result is an experience that works equally well for birthday celebrations, work catch-ups, date nights or spontaneous plans where sitting quietly at a table isn’t really the goal. Away from the dartboards, Flight Club Newtown offers a full bar and kitchen designed to keep the games going. The menu focuses on share-style food and easy drinking options, with cocktails, spritzes, beers and wine helping groups settle in from the first round to the last. A Playful Addition to King Street The interiors lean into Flight Club’s theatrical personality, blending old-world pub references with bold, playful details. Warm lighting, layered textures and carefully considered design create a space that feels like an occasion - without taking itself too seriously. Flight Club brings something different to Newtown’s nightlife scene: a venue built around participation rather than passive drinking. It’s the kind of place where one game quickly turns into a few more, and the night naturally builds from there. So whether you’re chasing a competitive edge, looking for a unique Inner West activity, or simply searching for somewhere new to gather with friends, Flight Club offers a fresh take on a classic pub pastime. Flight Club Newtown 📍 387 King St, Newtown 📞 02 8072 3300 🌐 flightclubdarts.com.au Opening Hours Monday – Wednesday: 11:30am – 12am Thursday – Saturday: 11:30am – 1am Sunday: 11:30am – 12am

Addison Road Community Organisation marks five decades of history, connection and social justice in Sydney's Inner West. By Rita Bratovich This year, Addison Road Community Organisation (Addi Road) celebrates 50 years of supporting, connecting and advocating for people across Marrickville and Sydney's Inner West. For half a century, Addi Road has been a place where community comes to life, with a remarkable journey from former army barracks to one of Australia's longest-standing and most respected community hubs. Since opening its gates in 1976, Addi Road has become much more than a physical space. It has served as a meeting ground for activists, artists, migrants, volunteers and local residents, united by a shared commitment to fairness, inclusion and social justice. Through changing political landscapes, economic challenges and even a global pandemic, the organisation has remained a constant source of support and connection for the Inner West community. A Historic Site with Deep Community Roots The site itself has a rich and layered history. Long before European settlement, the land formed part of a seasonal wetland and forest cared for by the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. A freshwater creek once flowed through the area into the Gumbramorra swamp and on to the Cooks River, sustaining both people and wildlife. Following colonisation, the land was cleared for farming before becoming an army depot in the early 20th century. During World War I, it served as a recruitment centre for soldiers heading to the Western Front. Several original military buildings still stand today, including two drill halls dating back more than a century. The barracks continued to play an important role through World War II and the post-war years, welcoming thousands of service personnel. During the Vietnam War era, however, the site became associated with a different kind of service: protest. Anti-conscription demonstrations outside the depot gates reflected growing public opposition to the war and foreshadowed the social justice values that would later define Addi Road. From Army Barracks to Community Hub When the army vacated the site in 1975, local residents, welfare groups, artists and community activists saw an opportunity. Backed by widespread community support, they successfully campaigned for the former military land to be transformed into a community centre. The vision reflected the optimism of the era, embracing multiculturalism, arts and culture as foundations for a healthy and connected society. Hundreds of volunteers helped breathe new life into the ageing buildings, creating welcoming spaces for community organisations, creative projects and social programs. The result was a vibrant centre that reflected the diversity of Marrickville and the wider Inner West. Today, Addi Road occupies a unique place in Sydney's social and cultural landscape. The nine-acre site is home to more than 20 community organisations, artist studios, theatres, galleries, gardens and open green spaces. It also manages a Living Museum program that preserves and shares the site's extraordinary history through exhibitions, oral histories, events and a self-guided heritage trail. Supporting the Inner West for 50 Years At the heart of Addi Road's work is its commitment to supporting those in need. Its food justice programs, including food pantries, community meals, school breakfast initiatives and community cook-ups, have become increasingly important as families grapple with rising living costs. Equally important is the sense of belonging these programs create in an era when many people report feeling isolated and disconnected. As Addison Road Community Organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary, it invites everyone from Marrickville, the Inner West and beyond to be part of the celebrations. A special program of events, community gatherings, storytelling sessions and exhibitions will honour the people, movements and memories that have shaped Addi Road over the past five decades. Visit addiroad.org.au and follow @addiroad on Instagram for anniversary events, updates and ways to get involved. Read more Marrickville community stories on our Marrickville Homepage HERE.

The world-renowned melanoma researcher leaves an extraordinary legacy of courage, compassion and life-saving medical breakthroughs. Professor Richard Scolyer was a world-renowned melanoma pathologist whose groundbreaking work saved countless lives. A proud member of the Marrickville community, Scolyer's remarkable career was defined not only by scientific excellence but also by extraordinary courage during his own battle with an aggressive brain cancer. Born in Tasmania, Scolyer studied medicine before embarking on a career in pathology. He eventually became a leading figure at the Melanoma Institute Australia and a professor at the University of Sydney. Over more than two decades, he helped reshape the global understanding of melanoma, one of Australia's most common and deadly cancers. His research played a pivotal role in the development of immunotherapy treatments that have dramatically improved survival rates for patients with advanced melanoma. Once considered almost untreatable after spreading through the body, advanced melanoma is now a disease from which many patients can recover and live long, healthy lives. Alongside colleague and friend Professor Georgina Long, Scolyer led research that revolutionised cancer treatment. Their achievements earned them joint recognition as the 2024 Australian of the Year recipients, recognising both their scientific contributions and their unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes. In 2023, Scolyer's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Rather than accepting the grim prognosis, he chose to become the first patient to undergo a world-first treatment based on the very immunotherapy principles he had helped pioneer for melanoma. Working closely with Long and fellow researchers, he underwent an experimental approach that had never before been attempted in a human brain cancer patient. The treatment extended his life well beyond initial expectations and generated invaluable data that may help future patients facing the disease. Throughout his illness, Scolyer shared his journey publicly with remarkable honesty, optimism and generosity. He continued to advocate for medical research, support cancer patients and participate in community events, inspiring Australians with his resilience and determination. Friends, colleagues and patients admired not only his brilliance but also his humility, kindness and compassion. Professor Richard Scolyer passed away in June 2026 at the age of 59. His legacy endures in laboratories, hospitals and research centres around the world. More importantly, it lives on in the thousands of people whose lives have been extended or saved through treatments he helped develop. Brave and committed to the very last, Professor Richard Scolyer leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary medical breakthroughs and an enduring example of how to live with dignity, grace and humanity. In his honour, Inner West Council recently announced that the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre will be renamed the Richard Scolyer Aquatic Centre, ensuring his contribution to both the local community and global medicine will never be forgotten. 16 December 1966 – 7 June 2026 Read more on Marrickville HERE.

The St Ives studio has made history within the Vision Personal Training network, becoming the first in Australia to claim all three major trainer awards in a single year. In a highly competitive fitness industry, Vision Personal Training St Ives has managed to excel. In 2025, the studio became the first and only studio in the franchise network’s history to have all three major trainer awards won by coaches from the same location in the same year. The accolades included the National Rising Star Award, recognising the top-performing new trainer in the network; the NSW Personal Trainer of the Year Award; and the National Personal Trainer of the Year Award, the highest individual coaching honour within Vision PT. These achievements reflect not only the talent and dedication of the trainers themselves, but also the collaborative culture that exists within the St Ives studio. Clients benefit from a team of coaches who combine experience, expertise and genuine care, creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged and motivated to reach their goals. Whether clients are looking to lose weight, improve strength, boost fitness or simply live a healthier lifestyle, Vision PT St Ives has proven that excellence in coaching delivers exceptional results. At first glance, Luther Poier’s career path might seem unexpected. Before stepping into the fitness industry, he spent 17 years serving in the Australian and Canadian navies, followed by 25 years working across corporate finance, venture capital and startup businesses. Yet the skills he developed throughout those decades—leadership, discipline and mentoring—have translated seamlessly into personal training. After leaving much of the corporate world behind, Luther has embraced a full-time career helping people improve their health and wellbeing, an area he says he is genuinely passionate about. His dedication to learning and professional development was recognised nationally when he was named the 2025 AusActive Student of the Year by Australia’s peak fitness body, a remarkable achievement after just over a year in the industry. Matt Briscoe has quickly become one of the most popular trainers at Vision PT St Ives. A keen runner and triathlete, he brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to every session, but it is his personality that often wins clients over. Known for his fun banter, caring nature and thoughtful coaching style, Matt has built a strong reputation for helping people achieve lasting results while enjoying the process. His impact has been so significant that he has become the fastest-growing trainer in the history of the St Ives studio. That success was recognised nationally in 2025 when he received Vision PT’s prestigious Rising Star Award, presented to the top-performing new trainer across the network. Kyle Philipp’s achievements speak for themselves. Over both 2024 and 2025, he delivered more personal training sessions than any other trainer across the entire Vision franchise network. More importantly, he has helped countless clients achieve life-changing results. Those who train with Kyle often describe him as someone who believes in them before they believe in themselves, inspiring them to reach goals they never thought possible. His outstanding coaching record earned him a remarkable double honour in 2025, taking home both the NSW Personal Trainer of the Year and the National Vision Personal Trainer of the Year awards. For many clients, Kyle is more than a trainer—he is a genuine catalyst for change. Vision PT St Ives Address: 164A Mona Vale Rd, St Ives NSW 2075 Phone: (02) 9440 3910 Website: www.visionpersonaltraining.com/our-studios/st-ives Hours: Friday 5:30 am–12 pm Saturday 6 am–12 pm Sunday Closed Monday 5:30 am–7:30 pm Tuesday 5:30 am–7:30 pm Wednesday 5:30 am–7:30 pm Thursday 5:30 am–7:30 pm

Celebrated Australian illustrator, Luke Player, shares the inspiration behind this year's iconic 10th anniversary artwork. With his vintage Australiana poster aesthetic, Luke Player couldn’t be more perfect as the designer for the Beer, Footy & Food Festival. Few artists capture the spirit, beauty, and unique character of Australian landscape and culture quite like Luke Player. Through bold colours, clean lines and a distinctly retro style, this multi-disciplined illustrator, graphic designer, screen printer, and musician has built a reputation as the go-to artist for anything that needs that authentic Aussie feel. Player lives and works in the coastal village of Stanwell Park, near Wollongong, which he describes as “a quiet place with lots of natural beauty. His distinctive style owes much to Australia's rich design history. Vintage travel posters, souvenir tea towels and mid-century screen prints all influence his work, along with the bold graphic design of the 1970s and 1980s. Limited colour palettes, striking typography and simplified shapes give each piece a timeless quality, while subtle contemporary touches ensure the artwork feels fresh rather than purely nostalgic. “It varies a bit. I guess I lean towards the older styles of art and design, particularly Australiana stuff,” says Player, describing his own work. “I try to keep my art hands-on and embrace imperfection with whatever I do.” He learnt to screen print at National Art School and now finds the methodology continues to inform his style. “I start with laying out composition and try to execute my designs with the most limited colour palette possible.” Imagery of rugged coast, bushland, country towns and wildlife permeate Player’s work, and they sit alongside typical cultural references like surfboards, pubs, meat pies, caravans and even the iconic Hill’s Hoist. He cites the artwork of Mambo as well as classic pop culture an early inspirations. “I started by doing music posters for bands I was playing in and there’s a whole visual language and identity there which inspired me; everything from Martin Sharp and Reg Mombassa to old horror and sci-fi comic book covers. There’s a strong DIY sensibility in the music scene which I always find inspiring.” As his artistic practise developed, Player augmented his field of reference to almost everything that surrounded him that had some kind of quirky appeal, particularly focusing on promotional, commercial, and decorative style designs. “My visual palette expanded as I furthered my art and design and I began noticing a lot of inspiration in ephemeral and everyday items. I started looking at old travel posters, matchbooks, tea-towels, cartoons, paper bags, anything really; designs that are often overlooked and not particularly made to last but have a lot of charm and soul. I like things that are in most Aussie households rather than in art galleries, my Louvre is your grandma’s house!” With this background and taste, it’s a no-brainer that Player was selected as the designer for the Beer, Footy & Food Festival; the 2026 festival will be Player’s second year in this role. I initially met some of the crew behind it through gigs and music posters and I think we agreed it’d be fun to mix the styles of classic Aussie footy visuals with gig-poster sensibilities. They give me a lot of freedom and trust to explore ideas which always makes for a fun project, hopefully many more to come!” This year, the Beer, Footy & Food Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary, which adds a little more pressure, but also more scope for designing artwork. “We wanted something that felt celebratory and exciting,” says Player, “there’s always an aim for the art to feel iconically Henson Park and inner-west centric, so we keep that in mind.” The festival is inextricably connected to Henson Park and, therefore, the inner west and Newtown. Its associations with idiosyncratic Aussie culture, most notably, football (rugby league, that is), beer (especially local, independent brews), food (meat pies and beyond), but also big outdoor events, family friendly fun, and community spirit, as well as its inherent nostalgia, all helped feed into the brainstorming process. “We were looking at a bunch of old fair and community event posters that used almost a pastiche or collage to convey lots of elements, sort of a medley to represent all the elements of the festival, kind of like a stained glass window,” explains Player. The result is what will undoubtedly become a collectible poster. Asked what he is most looking forward to at this year’s BFFF at Henson Park, Player, a little predictably replies: “Beer, footy and food!… (and wrestling)”. Aren't we all Luke, aren't we all. Get your tickets to this year's Beer, Footy and Food Festival HERE. Beer Footy & Food Festival July 18th, 2026 Henson Park | 32 Centennial St, Marrickville

Pub Meals, Lunch Specials & Budget Dining in Balmain Looking for the best cheap eats in Balmain? While this waterfront suburb is known for its historic pubs and elevated dining scene, there are still plenty of places where you can enjoy a great meal without the premium price tag. From weekly pub specials and lunch deals to affordable local favourites and casual takeaway spots, this guide rounds up the best value eats in Balmain. 🧗‍♀️ The Bald Rock - 15 Mansfield St, Rozelle 🎳 Balmain Bowling - 156 Darling St, Balmain 😺 Cat & Fiddle Hotel - 456 Darling St, Balmain 🏏 The Cricketers Balmain - 255 Darling St, Balmain 🍆 Dick’s Hotel Balmain - 89 Beattie St, Balmain 💂🏻‍♀️The London - 456 Darling St, Balmain 🌊The Riverview Hotel - 29 Birchgrove Rd, Balmain 🌹 The Rose Pub - 68 Victoria Rd, Rozelle 👑 Royal Oak - 36 College St, Balmain Monday Cheap Eats 🌹 - 2 for 1 Pizza 🧗‍♀️ - $15 Schnitty + Fries from 5pm 😺 - Kids Eat Free (Cat & Fiddle) 🍆 - $15 Burger & Fries (Dick’s Hotel) 🏏 - $20 Burgers + Fries (The Cricketers) 👑 $25 Mussels + House Wine or Beer (Royal Oak) Tuesday Cheap Eats 🌊 - 2 for 1 Pizza Night (The Riverview Hotel) 🌹 - $5 Taco Night & $15 Margaritas (The Rose) 🍆 - $20 Gyros Plates (Dick’s Hotel) 🏏 - $22 Schnitty $25 Parmi (Cricketers) 💂🏻‍♀️ - $28 Surf + Turf (The London) The Riverview Hotel Wednesday Cheap Eats 🌹 - $1 Wings (The Rose) 💂🏻‍♀️ - $3 Oysters + Chef Seafood Specials (the London) 👑 - $7.50 Tacos + $12 Margaritas (Royal Oak) 😺 - $15 Schnitty (Cat & Fiddle) 🍆 - $20 Rump, Fries & Salad (Dick’s Hotel) 🧗‍♀️ - $22 Bangers + Mash (Bald Rock Hotel) 🏏 - $25 Steak with Choice of Sides (Cricketers) Thursday Cheap Eats 🍆 - $20 Schnitzel, Fries & Salad (Dick’s Hotel) 🌹 - $20 Burger & Beer (The Rose) Friday Cheap Eats 🧗‍♀️ - $20 Irish Spice Bag 12-6pm (Bald Rock) Saturday Cheap Eats 🧗‍♀️ - $20 Burgers + Fries (Bald Rock) Sunday Cheap Eats 🎳 - Sunday Roast only $19.90 (Balmain Bowling) More on Balmain

The Best Meal Deals, Lunch Specials & Budget Dining Spots Looking for the best cheap eats in Mosman? While the Lower North Shore is known for its premium dining scene, there are still plenty of great spots where you can enjoy a quality meal without spending a fortune. From weekday lunch specials and pub meal deals to family-friendly dining and affordable local favourites, Mosman has a surprising range of budget-friendly options if you know where to look. 🔥 Bistro Mosman (76 Middle Head Rd) ♣️ Club Mosman (719 Military Rd) 🍕 Giovanni’s Pizza (521 Military Rd) 🏨 Hotel Mosman (634 Military Rd) 🇯🇵 Kholl (255 Military Rd) 🍽️ Minksy’s (287 Military Rd) 🚣🏼‍♂️ Mosman Rowers Club (3 Centenary Dr) 🍺 The Buena (76 Middle Head Rd) Monday Cheap Eats in Mosman 🍺 Lunch Special: $20 - 12-3pm (Cheeseburger & Chips, Schnitzel & Chips, Caesar Salad, Bangers & Mash) 🚣🏼‍♂️ Fish & Chips w/a Middy of Stone & Wood Pacific Ale (Members $30 | Non-Members $35) 🚣🏼‍♂️ Kids Eat Free (Members $30 | Non-Members $35) 🍺 Kids Eat Free From 5pm 🍽️ Curry Night $18 - Rotating Options + Meat Raffle & Happy Hour (8pm - 12am) Tuesday Cheap Eats in Mosman 🍺 Lunch Special: $20 - 12-3pm (Cheeseburger & Chips, Schnitzel & Chips, Caesar Salad, Bangers & Mash) 🍕 Kid’s Pizza ($15) 🚣🏼‍♂️ Pasta Night - Rotating Specials w/a Glass of Wine (Members $30 | Non-Members $35) Wednesday Cheap Eats in Mosman 🇯🇵 Chargrilled Chicken Thigh, Roasted Jus, Black Onion, Preserved Lemon w/ Fries, Leaf Salad & Brussel Sprouts ($49) 🍺 Lunch Special: $20 - 12-3pm (Cheeseburger & Chips, Schnitzel & Chips, Caesar Salad, Bangers & Mash) 🔥 Lunch Special: Two Courses & Glass of Wine ($79) ♣️ Burger Special: Pulled Beef w/ Cheese, Slaw & Chips ($18 - Members Only) 🍕 Margherita Pizza ($16) 🍽️ Schnitzel or Steak Frites ($20) + Trivia From 7:30pm 🚣🏼‍♂️ Parmi, Chips & Salad w/ Middy of Super Dry (Members $30 | Non-Members $35) Thursday Cheap Eats in Mosman 🇯🇵 Hokkaido Scallops & Fremantle Octopus, Cassarecce Pasta w/ Fries, Leaf Salad & Fried Miso Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas & Sulatana ($49) 🍺 Lunch Special: $20 - 12-3pm (Cheeseburger & Chips, Schnitzel & Chips, Caesar Salad, Bangers & Mash) 🔥 Lunch Special: Two Courses & Glass of Wine ($79) ♣️ Lunch Special: Pasta & Wine - 12pm to 3pm. Choice of Linguini Boscaiola, Tagliatelle Beef Ragu or Chicken Penne ($30 - Members Only) 🍕 Free Garlic Bread (Any Order Over $25) 🍽️ $5 Tacos & $12 Margaritas + Poker Upstairs in Piano 🚣🏼‍♂️ Bangers & Mash w/a Middy of Guiness (Members $30 | Non-Members $35 ♣️ Rump Steak w/ Chips, Salad & Gravy ($20 - Members Only) Friday Cheap Eats in Mosman 🔥 Lunch Special: Two Courses & Glass of Wine ($79) Bistro Mosman ♣️ Butter Chick w/ Rice, Yoghurt & House-Made Naan ($20 - Members Only) 🚣🏼‍♂️ Steak Pie with Mash & Peas w/a Glass of Cab Sav (Members $30 | Non-Members $35) Saturday 🚣🏼‍♂️ Slow Cooked Pork Ribs with Slaw, Pickles, Onion Rings & Fries w/a Middy of Little Creatures (Members $30 | Non-Members $35) ♣️ Members Only: $1 Wings & $8 Schooners of Craft Beer Sunday Cheap Eats in Mosman 🇯🇵 Black Angus Sirloin (MB4-5), Truffle Ponzu, Jus, Smoked Garlic w/ Fries, Leaf Salad & Brussel Sprouts ($49) 🍽️ Sunday Roast ($27) + $12 Guinness pints all day 🚣🏼‍♂️ Sunday Roast (Members $32 | Non-Members $36) with Potatoes, Seasonal Veg, Gravy, Yorkshire Pudding w/a Middy of Resch's 🍺 Sunday Roast ($32) From 12pm - Pork Belly, Beef Striploin or Roast Lamb ♣️ Chicken Parmi w/ Chips & Salad ($19 - Members Only)

Gridlock, ghosts and gore: the horrible history of one of Sydney’s most mysterious roadways, the Wakehurst Parkway. By ALEC SMART Wakehurst Parkway closed at Oxford Falls due to flooding around 'the bends' after heavy rains. Photo: Alec Smart Wakehurst Parkway is a 14km state-owned arterial road between Seaforth in the south and Narrabeen to the north on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that has a reputation for frequent congestion, its vulnerability to flooding, and also for being haunted. Named in honour of Lord Wakehurst (NSW Governor 1937-1946), construction began in October 1939 as an employment relief program. Timber felling and ground levelling works were repeatedly stalled due to World War II and also because of reported thefts of construction equipment. Department of Main Roads (DMR) purchased 6,000 cubic yards of stone from a nearby council-operated quarry at Oxford Falls to use for surfacing the road. Previously, the region was virgin bushland, with several pig and poultry farms in the Oxford Falls area, where an abattoir was established to cater to them (1940-80). The Parkway was officially opened on March 22, 1946. The majority of the route is forested as it traverses through the Garigal National Park. The Parkway twice crosses Middle Creek and this section, known as ‘The Bends’, is where it’s most vulnerable to flooding after heavy rains, and is often closed to motorists (Transport for NSW reveal it is closed on average 11 times a year). Workers widening Wakehurst Parkway near Deep Creek in 1949. Photo: Northern Beaches Council Library Aboriginal Camp An Aboriginal encampment - the last community Aboriginal town camp in northern Sydney - existed until the 1950s adjacent to what became the Wakehurst Parkway at the western edge of Narrabeen Lagoon. The camp was nestled in the dense bushland now bordering Middle Creek Reserve. Unlike similar settlements in Mosman and Brookvale, this camp survived into the mid-20th century because of its inaccessible location. Before European arrival, Narrabeen Lagoon environs were an important region for the Garigal clans of the Upper Northern Beaches (and probably the neighbouring Gayamaygal clans to the south) due to its abundant food sources and safe habitat. Five primary sub-catchment creeks feed into Narrabeen Lagoon: Middle, Deep, South, Mullet and Nareen hosting a wide variety of aquatic life and nearly 200 species of birds. The Garigal, a saltwater people (reliant on marine foods and coastal dwelling), traditionally ranged from Dee Why Lagoon north to Broken Bay and west to Terrey Hills, encompassing Pittwater, Cowan Creek and upper Middle Harbour Creek. Their clan totem is the whale. Aboriginals sailing Deep Creek c1894 - Illustrated Sydney News The Aboriginal camp near Narrabeen Lagoon was targeted for eviction by authorities when the Wakehurst Parkway opened in 1946. In the 1950s, under the assimilationist policies of the era, the residents’ humpies (dome-shaped dwellings made of branches, bark, and foliage, often relying on a standing tree for structural support) were destroyed. The Indigenous residents were forcibly relocated in trucks to Sydney's western suburbs. A 30-hectare site was then cleared for the National Fitness Centre, followed later by construction of the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, which was built in 1971. The latter campus features elite high-performance gyms and sports science units and is utilised for training by the Manly Sea Eagles rugby league team. Aboriginal Artwork There are several Aboriginal rock art sites within Garigal National Park close to the Wakehurst Parkway that feature ancient engravings on sandstone rocks. Moon Rock is a protected Aboriginal site with around 50 engravings located on a high rocky ridge near Middle Creek in Ingleside, accessed via the Slippery Dip Trail. According to Visit Sydney, “Moon Rock is a particularly significant site as it gives rare evidence of the Aborigines having astronomical knowledge, as it depicts eight lunar phases, along with Baiame the creator-spirit, local totems, food, weapons and whales and stingrays.” Lizard Rock (or Patyegarang) is a relatively small site with 7 distinct motifs, featuring a prominent engraving of a kangaroo and six mundoes (footprints). It is located on a sandstone platform near Morgan Road in Belrose, west of the Wakehurst Parkway. This area has been under threat of construction of a large 450-lot housing estate for several years, with the NSW Rural Fire Service repeatedly stating the 50-hectare zone is bushfire-prone with limited escape routes. A local campaign group is fighting the plans. Bantry Bay Aboriginal engravings site, adjacent to Wakehurst Parkway at Killarney Heights. Photo: Alec Smart Bantry Bay Aboriginal Site, situated on a ridge just above Bantry Bay, features over 110 recorded figures spread across five sandstone platforms. Motifs include mundoe (footprints), tools - axe, basket, boomerang, club, shield and spear - and wildlife - dingo, echidna, eel, fish, goanna, jellyfish, kangaroo, snake and a whale. (Dingoes inhabited the Northern Beaches and greater Sydney region for thousands of years and were kept as companion animals by Indigenous peoples. However, European settlers targeted dingoes for eradication to protect their livestock, driving them out of the coastal region.) However, the last time this reporter visited the site, the fencing surrounding the plateau had been knocked down and motorcycle tracks criss-crossed the ancient engravings. Historically, there were concerns raised about damage to Aboriginal carvings by European settlers when the Parkway was first opened. A Letter to the Editor from prominent conservationist Michael Sawtell in the June 14, 1952 edition of The Sydney Morning Herald stated: “Sir, I am told that motorists are destroying ancient aboriginal carvings by driving over them on Wakehurst Park Road in French's Forest. These carvings, I believe, come under the care of the Crown Lands Department, and this being so it is to be hoped that the Minister will see that these strange and interesting works are preserved.” Motorcycle tracks criss-cross ancient Aboriginal rock engravings at Killarney Heights. Photo: Alec Smart Murder at Deep Creek In August 1994, a man who parked at Deep Creek Reserve, adjacent to the Parkway, was randomly murdered by a psychopath, who shot him in the heart with an arrow from a compound bow (archery bow with pulleys to increase its power). Stephen Dempsey, 34, was killed by 22-year-old abattoir worker Richard Leonard, who lived in nearby Warriewood. The secluded Deep Creek Reserve was a known ‘gay beat’ (meeting spot for homosexuals) and this was why Leonard chose to target his victim. During this time there were several murders of gay men around Sydney and on the Northern Beaches, including a notorious killing at North Head that NSW Police dismissed for years as a ‘suicide’. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Leonard “dragged the body down to a creek bed and left it there for some hours while he attended his mother’s birthday party. When he returned, he dismembered the body with the precision of someone who’d once worked in an abattoir, and ferried the parts on his motorbike back to his flat in Warriewood, where he stored them in his refrigerator.” He kept Dempsey’s body parts frozen for three months, occasionally taking them out to “play” with them (as told to a cellmate) before dumping them in plastic bags in Pittwater, where they were later discovered. Kayaker on Deep Creek, Narrabeen. Photo: Alec Smart Leonard went on to kill another man, a taxi driver on Collaroy Plateau, whom he stabbed 37 times after disputing the fair. Leonard’s girlfriend, Denise Shipley, 19, who was with him in the taxi, aided him in covering up the murders, for which she only served three-and-a-half years in prison. Leonard was jailed for life without hope of parole. In a March 2008 Homicide Survivor’s Report, the victim’s friend, Peter Rolfe, outlined the horror of the incident: “On the 2nd August 1994 my best friend and business partner, Stephen Dempsey, was murdered at Deep Creek, Narrabeen by Richard Leonard. Stephen's body was cut up and taken to Leonard's flat at nearby North Narrabeen and stored in his fridge for approx 3 and a half months. “Leonard then murdered a taxi driver, Ezzedine Bahmad, at Collaroy Plateau. It was after this murder that he decided to remove Stephen's body, which he did and dumped it in Pittwater in 2 parcels wrapped in wire and loaded with large stones. Fortunately the torso floated and was found and later identified using DNA as being Stephen…” Wakehurst Parkway Sept 1946. Photo: NSW State Archives & Records Murder at Frenchs Forest In April 1995, the body of Frances Tizzone, 21, was discovered dumped off Wakehurst Parkway at Frenchs Forest. A post-mortem revealed the Macquarie University student had been strangled to death. Her former boyfriend, John Serratore, 22, was later convicted of murdering her because she had broken off their relationship. Forensic science was key to solving the crime – fibres from the carpet of Serratore’s car were matched to those on the soles of Tizzone’s shoes. The original 1998 conviction was overturned due to legal error, but Serratore was found guilty at a retrial in 2000 and sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison for Tizzone’s murder. He was released after serving 13 years of his sentence. Abductions of Hitch-Hikers Two female friends told me a shocking story about an attempted abduction while they were hitch-hiking home one night along the Northern Beaches. They were picked up by a creepy predator who diverted his vehicle into the Wakehurst Parkway. J*** and D*** (names withheld) were both very young, 16 and 18 respectively, and had been drinking in an Avalon club and were heading south to Collaroy to catch up with friends at the time of the incident. J*** recalled: “We hitched from Bips Disco in Avalon. We were going to Sweet Fanny Adams at Collaroy. D*** sat in the middle [of the front seat of the car]. He turned off at Wakehurst Parkway. Me, being so pissed, said, ‘He’s taking us to Wendy's!’ (A friend, M***’s aunt). “He keeps driving, pulls over at the Sports Centre. Quick-think D*** finds a fanbelt and starts hitting him. Then leans over and opens door, pushing me out of car. We roll down into a ditch and he's walking round, [saying] ‘I’m gonna' get you sluts!’ “We remain quiet, I piss on D***’s foot. He drives off. Leaving us to flag down a car. Unfortunately, we didn't go to police, but straight back to Bips.” D*** recalled: “I don't think Fanny's was there but we were going to Collaroy to see who was there... I don't think it was Tween [suspected murderer of Trudie Adams – see below]… “From what I can remember the guy was pretty straight-looking; small two-door car, nothing too seedy. I guess that’s why we thought it was ok. Lucky we weren't stupid enough to get in the back. “He didn't say much and we were babbling-on drunkenly. When he turned up Wakehurst Parkway he was silent, driving fast. At one stage I tried to grab the steering wheel. He was holding it so tight, white-knuckling. I think we dodged a massive bullet! “Thinking about it now, I would say that he was a psycho type. My mum always said it was one of Milat’s brothers [notorious serial killer Ivan Milat]. I wish we had gone to the police at the time. Some years back, when they [NSW Police] reopened the [Trudi Adams] case, I rang the number and told them what happened [to us]. “Didn't hear anything back. If we weren't drunk we might have been better witnesses. Also, if we weren't drunk we wouldn't have got in his car! It was a very lonely road back then!” Wakehurst Parkway adjacent to Narrabeen Lagoon, c1946 . Photo: NSW State Archives & Records Around the same time, on 25 June 1978, 18-year-old Trudie Adams vanished after leaving a dance at the Newport Surf Life Saving Club on Sydney's Northern Beaches. She was last witnessed hitchhiking home, getting into a light-coloured 1977 Holden panel van on Barrenjoey Road. The case is officially ‘unsolved’, although the most likely suspect was a serial rapist and career criminal named Neville Tween (also known as John Anderson), who lived in Terrey Hills. He was suspected of at least 14 rapes on the Northern Beaches. Throughout his long criminal career, he also served time for an aggravated sexual assault and abduction in 1975, as well as several other drug and property offenses. He was convicted in 2006 for conspiring to import 27 kilograms of cocaine and died in prison in 2013. NSW Police have since offered a $250,000 reward for “anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for Trudie's suspected death.” However, the principle suspect, Neville Tween, was a paid police informant who may have received up to $100,000 from NSW Police for snitching on fellow drug dealers. This is a probable reason why he avoided being arrested for interrogation after Adams’ disappearance. The police officer handling him, former NSW Crime Commission investigator Mark Standen, was a career law enforcement officer who previously served as a detective with the Australian Federal Police. Standen was later convicted in December 2011 of conspiring to import 300 kilograms of pseudoephedrine (a stimulant used in the production of ‘speed’ and ‘ice’) for which he was sentenced to a maximum of 22 years in jail, with a non-parole period of 16 years. Standen was released from prison on 1 June, 2024 Wakehurst Parkway closed near Middle Creek, Oxford Falls, due to flooding. Photo: Alec Smart Haunted Wakehurst Parkway also plays host to several ghost tales, centred around a woman in an early 1900s nurse’s uniform (or sometimes a nun’s habit), one of whom is known as ‘Kelly’. Close to Wakehurst Parkway there is a road named Kellys Way that runs north from the Oxford Falls Cascades (near the junction of Morgan and Oxford Falls roads). However, Kellys Way is not named after the infamous ghost of the Parkway. Local records show it was cleared and partially built by the earliest handful of families who purchased acreage and settled in the isolated valley during the mid-1950s. It is named after an ex-serviceman who bought a property there in 1956 with his soldier settlement following his service in WWII. He was employed on the construction crew building Wakehurst Parkway. The ghost sightings tend to centre on two apparitions who appear late at night: one a young woman named Kelly (for unknown reasons), sometimes seen in a white dress or pyjamas; the other an elderly woman wearing a nun’s habit. However, the descriptions overlap and Kelly is sometimes observed wearing the nun’s uniform. Furthermore, some reports state Kelly is a hitch-hiker, or, alarmingly, appears suddenly wandering in the middle of the road, apparently a dazed victim of a car crash. Then, if picked up, she refuses to get out of the car and grabs the steering wheel and turns the vehicle, causing it to run off the road and crash into trees. Others recall Kelly appearing to stand on the roadside near Middle Creek Bridge, then, after they drive past (or sometimes through her!), she reappears in the rear-view mirror as if sitting in the back seat of the driver’s car. Nurse Elizabeth McGregor, who died 5 Dec 1918 of Spanish Flu at the Quarantine Station on North Head, wears a uniform typical of the period. It has recently been suggested Kelly and the old woman are the same but confusion lies in the interpretation of her clothing. Instead of a nun, perhaps Kelly was a nurse, wearing a uniform typical of the medical staff working at the Quarantine Station in the early 1900s. A nun’s habit consists of an ankle-length black tunic, a white scapular (square-shaped cloth) covering the neck and shoulders, and a veil covering the head – white veil for novices, black for professed. Whereas an Australian nurse’s uniform from the early 20th century typically consisted of a navy blue ankle-length dress (black for trainees), white collars and a white starched apron, and a white veil for those senior in rank, white caps for juniors. Incidentally, Oxford Falls, gazetted as a suburb in 1902, was originally named ‘Bloodwood Gully’ by settler Alexander Bowen, who was granted 200 acres of land there in 1878. 2026 Upgrade Begun in June 2026, Transport for NSW is currently overseeing an upgrade to improve safety, increase vehicle capacity and bolster flood resilience. According to Northern Beaches Council, there are four key sections where improvements are being implemented which will result in flood mitigation measures, road widening, additional lanes and a new bridge crossing Oxford Falls Road (West). Construction firm Ertech secured the $85.1 million contract to deliver the long-awaited improvement scheme (which local politicians have repeatedly highlighted in past election campaigns and residents and commuters have lobbied for decades). Concerns have been raised by residents and community associations that the improvement works – principally the road widening - focus on the areas outside the central flood zone. Critics complain that the upgrade works don’t divert floodwaters away from The Bends, nor protect vulnerable wildlife crossing the Parkway. For the latest updates on construction impacts and staging, you can check the official Wakehurst Parkway Improvements project webpage. Wakehurst Parkway during construction, August 1941. Photo: Macleay Argus =========================================

A long nosed fur seal appears, and then disappears in the Cooks River, Marrickville By ALEC SMART In early 2026, a seal was spotted swimming in the Cooks River. It was first reported on 22 February and witnesses raised concerns about its health due to its unusually slender physique, and the fact it was seen in the Cooks River! Long Nosed Fur Seal, also known as the New Zealand, Australasian or (in Māori) Kekeno. Photo: Alec Smart Observed 6-8km inland from the river mouth in Kyeemagh, in the mid-stream vicinity of Tempe - Marrickville, the seal was purported to be emaciated and perhaps stricken. Over the next week or so, it was spotted lazing on the sandy river bank around Muddy Creek at Kyeemagh and further upstream on a slab of concrete at the water’s edge in Marrickville. Observers posted photos on social media, stimulating debates about its apparently poor health. Fur seals are common in Sydney Harbour (one, a long-nosed fur seal named ‘Benny’, was first observed in 2014 lounging on the VIP steps leading down to the harbour at the Sydney Opera House, and returns frequently). However, they are exceptionally rare visitors to the heavily polluted, industrial environment of the Cooks River. ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia), the 1985-founded seal, dugong and cetacean rescue and response charity, dispatched volunteers to monitor the seal’s condition. They recorded that it was unusually thin, but didn’t appear terminally ill. Kekeno, the long nose Wildlife experts identified it as an Australasian fur seal, Arctocephalus forsteri, also known as a New Zealand fur seal – or kekeno in Māori. Distinguished from the Australian fur seal by its darker coat, pointed snout, and long, pale whiskers, the Australasian species is more commonly known as a long nosed fur seal. Long nosed fur seals are smaller than the larger Australian fur seal (males weigh up to 100kg, females up to 35kg). The long nosed fur seal is known for its incredible diving capabilities – longer and deeper than other seals – with males reaching depths of 380 metres for durations of up to 15 minutes. It is highly adapted to ocean life and feeds on cephalopods (squids and octopi), and schooling fishes, such as redbait and lanternfishes. According to the Tasmanian Government’s Department of Natural Resources, “unlike the Australian fur seal, it also consumes seabirds such as little penguins and shearwaters.” Long Nosed Fur Seal. Photo Pseudopanax / Wikipedia The species was nearly driven to extinction as a result of the commercial sealing era (late 1790s to late 1800s). For example, according to the Seal Conservation Society, “a single two-year period in 1814–1815 saw an estimated 400,000 skins taken from just the sub-Antarctic Antipodes Islands.” They were hunted for their thick, valuable pelts – used in the fickle fashion industry for coats, hats, and glove linings - and their blubber, which was rendered into oil. Their skins were also tanned to create various types of leather. However, it is now listed as of “least concern” on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) ‘Red List’ of threatened species. Tasmania’s Dept. Natural Resources estimate the Australia-wide population to be around 58,000, whereas the Australian Museum estimates it to be around 80,000 individuals. By contrast, the Seal Conservation Society consider the population to be over 100,000, and the combined Australasian population to be in excess of 200,000 and increasing. Harem habitué The species lives an average of 14-19 years, although they can reach a maximum age of around 25 years. Males tend to live a shorter life because they fight for breeding territories, which takes a massive toll on their energy and physical health. As a result they’re much more vulnerable to injury and disease. A single, dominant male will typically oversee a ‘harem’ of 5 to 9 females, although large, strong males may guard territories containing up to 40 females. Long-nosed fur seals are polygynous, meaning that the male will mate with multiple females, yet the females will only mate with that single male. Long Nosed Fur Seal. Photo Bernard Spragg / Wikipedia Another characteristic of the long nosed fur seal and its cousins (there are eight species of fur seals in the southern hemisphere and one in the northern), is that unlike the ‘true’ seals – family Phocidae – they have visible ear flaps instead of holes. Furthermore, they have reversible rear flippers for better movement on land. Fur seals are of the family Otariidae, along with sea lions. They can raise their body onto their front flippers to confront predators and rivals or propel themselves forward, instead of slithering along the ground like a slug. (Walruses can also rise up and shuffle on their front and rear flippers, but they are of the family odobenidae.) Although it’s unusual to see a seal in the Cooks River, they have been witnessed on several occasions. For example, a man named Michael reported on a Marrickville community Facebook page that a seal had been seen in the vicinity in January 2023. St George & Sutherland Leader reported one in the lower reaches of the Cooks River in Nov 2012. Departure debates On 2 March 2026, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Cooks River fur seal appeared ‘skeletal’. A Guardian article published the same day, quoting ORRCA spokesperson Craig Ryan, reported it to be in a “declining condition.” Ryan added, “Normally seals stray closer to the coast, they’re not regularly viewed in these locations… It might need to get some rest away from predators, and new places to find food.” Both articles featured photos by marine photographer Tim Gillard, one of which featured the creature sleeping on a slab with the Wolli Creek high-rise apartments behind on the opposite riverbank. However, on 3 March, a local named Julia posted a photo on the Wolli Creek Community Facebook page, revealing the seal had died. The photo showed what appeared to be a seal corpse resting on the muddy riverbank amidst oyster-encrusted rocks beneath the Wolli Creek Bridge, adjacent to the Cahill Park children’s playground. ORRCA countered with the comment: “This seal is resting and needs to be allowed space. There is an exclusion zone of 40m around seals when they haul out on land. Penalties apply for encroaching. We anticipate the seal to go back in the water to feed on around dusk.” ORRCA then replied directly to Julia: “ORRCA assessed this seal again this morning (Tuesday 3rd March) and it is alive, intermittently entering the water. We continue to ask members of the public to call in any sightings to the ORRCA 24/7 Hotline on (02) 9415 3333 so we can continue to assess its condition over the coming days.” While Julia insisted the seal was dead – her photo showed its lifeless head submerged in the river, its tail flippers on the muddy bank – ORRCA replied, “Julia this is the same seal. Thank you for your care and concern, we’ve been actively tracking and assessing him each day at various locations along the Cooks River. If spotted again, please call through to the ORRCA Rescue Hotline.” Resurrection On 5 March, a woman named Moya shared a video to a Marrickville community Facebook page showing a seal frolicking in the water adjacent to Wanstead Reserve Playground in Earlwood. This aroused speculation that there were in fact two seals in the same vicinity – improbable but not impossible. As the Sydney Morning Herald declared on 2 March, “Seals are frequent visitors to Sydney Harbour and occasionally Botany Bay, but they are not often seen in the highly urbanised and polluted Cooks River.” On 12 March ORRCA posted on its Instagram page revealing they had received multiple reports of long nosed and Australian fur seals spotted along the east coast, some troubled. “While both Australian and Long-Nosed fur seals are regular visitors to our coastline year-round, periods of wild weather can sometimes lead to more sightings and haul-outs. Seals may come ashore to rest, recover or shelter before heading back to sea. Our responders are currently actively monitoring several seals between Sydney and the far South Coast, including a number of individuals with known injuries or poor body condition.” ORRCA advice. If you come across a seal: 🔹Give it plenty of space to rest. You must remain at least 40m away (or 80m if it’s a pup) 🔹Keep dogs and other pets well away to avoid any disturbance 🔹Call the ORRCA 24/7 Rescue Hotline on (02) 9415 3333 to let us know it’s location

A Surry Hills landmark by Berlin Wall artist Thierry Noir. By ALEC SMART Decorated with brightly-coloured rectangles like a rainbow quilt, it is owned by Australian entrepreneur, John Winning, head of the Appliances Online retail company. The Colourful House by Thierry Noir Known as The Colourful House and located at 625 South Dowling St, the two-storey brick building is illustrated on the front and rear facades with the profiles of side-facing heads, whilst the northside wall adjacent to the tramline features a cartoon of a musical quartet. The Colourful House at 625 South Dowling St, Surry Hills, painted by Thierry Noir. Photo: Alec Smart Most of the characters’ faces have big lips and prominent noses that to some degree resemble the Moai monolithic Easter Island statues – and that gives a clue to the creator. The signature themes are those of veteran French street artist Thierry Noir, who found international recognition over four decades of painting iconic murals, as well as his associations with pop culture and the Irish rock band U2. Northern wall of The Colourful House, by the light rail, painted by Thierry Noir. Photo: Alec Smart Noir was commissioned to paint the former jam factory (latterly a furniture warehouse) by American disc jockey and music producer Seth Troxler, a friend of the building’s owner. It reportedly took Noir three months to complete the project – the rectangles were initially painted by four helpers, two of them a travelling couple who post blogs of their worldly adventures under the name Snap, Travel and Pop. Noir then flew in from his Berlin home and painted the figures onto the coloured panels. Aerial view of The Colourful House at 625 South Dowling St, Surry Hills, Sydney Noir reveals on his website, “In 2015 the 1,100 cubic metre two-storey historic warehouse was converted into a single private residence. The owner is a close friend of NOIR collaborator, the US techno DJ Seth Troxler. Troxler extended the invite to Australia to paint the entire building. “Painting of all four sides took place between October 2017 and January 2018. One fresco on the south side of the building is a homage to Troxler himself.” This illustration, facing the neighbouring apartment block, features a DJ at his turntables. Berlin Baptism of Thierry Noir So who is Thierry Noir? Born in 1958, he moved to West Berlin, Germany, in January 1982, which was then divided between a massive wall, patrolled by soldiers who shot people attempting to climb over. The wall was built after a fracturing of the military alliance that defeated Germany in WWII and in 1949 the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin divided the country between communist East and democratic West. In April 1984, Noir, whilst living in a squat in West Berlin and loitering with the city’s eclectic community of artists and musicians, began painting the notorious wall that divided the city. This was done clandestinely, often under cover of darkness, to avoid the border patrols, because the wall was 3 metres within the official border of East Germany, and communist police could arrest anyone who came in close proximity. Because time was of the essence, Noir developed his distinctive ‘naïve art’ style comprising simple figures and bold colours – which he described as “two ideas, three colours” – quick and easy to create. Thierry Noir's murals along the Berlin Wall when Germany was still divided. Photo: Thierry Noir Initially, Noir was treated with suspicion by the West Germans – a foreigner who preferred art to the political slogans adopted by most agitators who braved painting the accursed three-metre-high barrier – but soon his iconic characters were themselves seen as uplifting and rebellious. In 1987, director Wim Wenders chose to film a scene of his existential fantasy Wings of Desire alongside a section of the wall featuring Noir’s artwork. For several minutes the angel, Damiel, who chooses to experience life as a human after he falls in love with a circus trapeze artist, strolls along the border and pauses to wave at Noir, stood atop a ladder painting the actual wall. The highly-rated film has become a cult classic. Noir reveals on his website, “In the .. film you can see me painting the Berlin Wall ... I wave to Bruno Ganz’s character as he walks by. We did it in one take. It was very cold that day. Sections of the Berlin Wall featured in Wings of Desire were sold at auction at the Metropole Hotel Monaco in 1991…” Thierry Noir (left) painting the Berlin Wall in 1987. Scene from Wim Wenders’ film Wings of Desire The Berlin Wall was dismantled in 1990 after German reunification. The 33 original painted sections of the wall featuring Noir’s artwork that were auctioned at the hotel brought him international attention. Thierry Noir and Attention, Achtung! Then, in 1991, a Dublin-based music band relocated to Berlin where David Bowie, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop had previously made influential albums, in the hope of tapping into that creative energy and moving away from the pop anthem sound that defined them. As they achieved success with the result – an album named Achtung Baby that brought huge international success and a string of accolades - the musicians, Irish quartet U2, sought out Noir for a collaboration. U2 commissioned Noir to paint six Trabants (notoriously inefficient and highly polluting East-German-made cars) for their 1992 Zoo TV world tour. The vehicles were incorporated into the stage lighting rigs for their live concerts, and one of them was featured in the centre of 16 photos that illustrate the cover of the Achtung Baby album. Irish rock band U2 alongside one of the Trabants Thierry Noir painted for the Zoo TV tour On the Phillips Auction House website Noir said, “The U2 collaboration came about through conversations with my friend Wim Wenders. I had worked with Wenders on his 1987 film Wings of Desire …. Wenders was also at the time working with U2 on music for his next feature film, Until the End of the World, and U2's song of the same name, inspired by Wenders, was the fourth track on Achtung Baby. When Wenders called me with the possibility of painting a series of Trabants for U2's ZOO TV tour, I said yes straight away….” He continued, “The Trabants that I painted for U2 in 1991 were truly a fusion of East and West Berlin … Over the past 30 years, 18 million copies of Achtung Baby have been sold worldwide. This legacy still links the visual identity of the album to the zeitgeist of that time in Berlin. To me, this is very important and meaningful.” Thierry Noir, 2021, with the Trabant he painted for the 30th anniversary of U2's Achtung Baby album In an interview with Chinese-English contemporary arts magazine Art.Zip, Noir revealed how U2 returned to enlist his service on the 30th-anniversary re-release of Achtung Baby. “Thirty years later, I was invited by U2 to create a new Trabant. It was exhibited inside the entrance of the renowned Hansa studio in Berlin which was where Achtung Baby was originally recorded.” Thierry Noir Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thierrynoir/ Website: https://thierrynoir.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoirThierry The Colourful House in Surry Hills, painted by French street artist Thierry Noir. Photo: Alec Smart ========================================