More on Sydney CBD In the late nineteenth century, the people of Sydney were terrorised by the urban street gangs that dwelt in the gritty alleys and laneways that crisscrossed the old industrial inner suburbs. In those days, the Sydney urban gangs were known as ‘pushes’ and every street corner had one. By ELLIOT LINDSAY The doors to the old Victoria Barracks on Oxford Street violently swung open, letting in the chilled air of a late Autumn night. In charged a soldier of the permanent artillery, dishevelled in appearance, his clothing stained with blood. “Those bastards from Engine Street attacked Johnson! He is in the hospital and in a terrible state.” It was a Saturday night; the artillerymen had been celebrating a decisive victory for the Empire in its war against the Boer in South Africa. Most men had already returned to the barracks, sleepy from the schooners of ale swilled down in the city’s many hotels. Nonetheless, the soldier's call aroused the men from their quarters. “You're bloody joking! I saw those scoundrels scurrying around the streets,” replied one comrade. “And on this night of celebration,” responded another. “Come on! Let’s go get the bastards, once and for all.” Brought to anger by the news of their injured comrade, the artillerymen threw on their boots and tunics. They armed themselves with clubs and stormed out of the barracks and towards the city. Sydney Urban Gangs Called "Pushes" A push was made up of ‘larrikins’, young males from blue-collar communities that congregated in large groups smoking, drinking, spitting and yelling abuse at pedestrians. By 1900, the people were in a state of hysteria after several pushes had committed a series of blood-curdling atrocities that included rape and murder. The most notorious push of the time was found in Haymarket, called the Engine Street Push. If you are wondering where Engine street is today, you would have to look under the concrete floor of Paddy’s Markets. However, a tiny bit of Engine Street still exists: it is now the part of Ultimo Road between George Street and Thomas Street that leads to the entrance of the market building. It was to Engine Street that the enraged artillerymen of the Victoria Barracks came to seek their revenge against the Engine Street Push. Typically, the pushes of Sydney spent most of their time battling against each other for control of various neighbourhoods. The Engine Street Push would clash with the Bathurst Street Boys, the Abercrombie Boys of Chippendale or the Gipps Street Push of Surry Hills. However, the thing they enjoyed most was beating up the cops. Yet, since the NSW Police Force had been armed with pistols in the late 1890s, fewer larrikins were willing to tangle with the cops. Nevertheless, they quickly discovered that sailors and military men were just as ready to brawl. Rumbles with drunk artillerymen from Victoria Barracks were commonplace and typically had no repercussions for the young larrikins. Although they didn't know it yet, they had gone too far this time. The Battle of Market Street When the riled up artillerymen arrived at Haymarket, the push was nowhere to be seen. But the soldiers were not surprised; they knew the push would hide in the slums until the opportunity to attack their outnumbered victims arose. Revenge was not to be had this evening, but the soldiers weren’t willing to let it go as they had done before. Just like Lord Roberts planned his attacks against the Boer guerillas in South Africa, they too would plan their attack against the Engine Street Push. Back at the barracks, the soldiers strategised their attack. They knew the push would not face them if they believed they were outnumbered. So, the soldiers would need to break up into groups. Furthermore, the ‘captain’ of the push and his cronies could be found anywhere between Belmore Park and Market Street. This meant the small groups of soldiers would have to act as scouting parties with runners to coordinate and communicate. If one group found the push, runners would notify other groups of their location. The push would then be surrounded in a pincer movement and beaten mercilessly. The following Thursday, reports came back that the enemy was loitering around Market Street between George Street and Pitt Street. The excited artillerymen advanced to the location where they successfully located their target. Armed with lead pipes and heavy iron belt buckles, they surprised the Engine Street Push at Market Street and Pitt Street, where the fashion retailer Zara stands today. Sixty artillerymen surrounded and attacked the push with a ferocity unseen on the streets of Sydney before. At first, the push was only a few dozen and significantly outnumbered, taking a severe beating. However, more larrikins began to arrive and join the ranks of their push comrades. Pretty soon, the push numbers were in the hundreds. The battle waged up and down the streets. The police tried to break it up; however, there were not enough of them to have any influence. The word spread and approximately one thousand pedestrian onlookers appeared to spectate. Many of them were cheering on the artillerymen. After several hours of hard fighting, the wounded began to tally up. Soldiers, pushites and even several non-combatants were found battered and bruised with split heads on the ground. Market Street and what is today Pitt Street Mall was covered in blood. A battalion of NSW Police officers then arrived at the scene and joined the melee. They eventually took control of the situation and rounded up the ringleaders from both sides of the battle. The Battle of Market Street was a significant shock to the people of Sydney. The press provided extensive coverage of it and the events that followed. The press reported that thousands of larrikins descended upon the city the following Saturday, anticipating another clash. They behaved poorly and beat up several people, including a six-year-old boy and an elderly man. Then, in July, several members of the Engine Street Push and NSW Permanent Artillery were charged with assault and committed to stand trial. By this point, the authorities were well aware that they needed to crackdown on larrikinism, pushism and the anti-social behaviour found on the streets of Sydney. But it wasn't the police that brought an end to the push. In 1900, the bubonic plague broke out across the slums of Sydney, and the city council decided the slums needed to be cleared. Engine Street was marked for demolition, and by 1909, it was buried under the new markets. Without the winding laneways and dark alleys to hide in, the old push gangs of the nineteenth century began to wither away. The streets of Sydney would not see similar gang violence until the Roaring Twenties and the rise of the razor gangs, but that is a story for another day.

For the first time in 6 years, Killer Whales (Orcas) have been sighted off Curl Curl in Sydney's Northern Beaches. It turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some lucky whale watchers who joined Whale Watching Sydney for the morning cruise on August 29th. Every year, from May to November, Australia's East Coast becomes the stage for the majestic migration of humpback whales. These remarkable creatures undertake a long journey, traveling thousands of kilometers from the warm, tropical waters of the north, where they give birth and nurture their young, to the cooler, nutrient-rich southern waters, which serve as their primary feeding grounds. This migration is one of nature’s most impressive events, with over 30,000 humpback whales making the journey along Australia's coastline, often treating observers to spectacular displays of breaching, tail-slapping, and playful behaviour. On the morning cruise of August 29th, a burst of excitement unfolded as crew members and whale watchers were astonished to spot a pod of killer whales several miles off Curl Curl Beach—an incredibly rare sighting that hasn't been documented off Sydney's East Coast since 2018, when a pod of around 100 killer whales was spotted off Botany Bay. A crew member from Whale Watching Sydney recounted the sighting: "There was a frenzy of activity, and the orcas buzzed past the boat in formation while chasing the humpbacks. The humpbacks were closing in together, and we assume they may have been protecting a calf, but it's hard to tell with such a flurry of excitement!" Killer whales, or orcas, are apex predators renowned for their sophisticated hunting techniques, which vary depending on their prey and environment. These highly intelligent mammals hunt in coordinated pods, often using strategies that resemble those of a wolf pack. When targeting larger prey like seals or even whales, orcas use a combination of speed, stealth, and teamwork. They may create waves to wash seals off ice floes or work together to separate a calf from its mother. Their ability to communicate and adapt their tactics makes them one of the ocean’s most efficient and formidable hunters. While witnessing this display of nature, the food chain, and the remarkable intelligence and teamwork of killer whales is incredible, we sincerely hope all the humpbacks—mothers, calves, and companions—made it out of this pursuit safely. If you want to try you luck Whale Watching, you can check out our suggestions for land based Whale Watching HERE . To get up close and personal, we recommend: Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching Whale Watching Sydney By Georgina Pengelly

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best markets around Marrickville and the Inner West. More on Marrickville Calling all market mavens! If you get a thrill from wandering through stalls, finding hidden gems, and sampling delicious goodies, Marrickville and the Inner West are a treasure trove for market lovers. Whether it's food, fashion, or funky finds, grab your reusable bags and let's check out the best markets in your neck of the woods! Inner West Night Markets Inner West Night Markets Fraser Park, Marrickville First Friday of the Month, 5pm - 9:30pm The Inner West Night Markets at Fraser Park are a vibrant monthly event held on the first Friday of each month from 5-9:30 pm. Located in the heart of Marrickville, the markets showcase a diverse range of local food vendors, handmade crafts, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can explore an array of cuisines, discover unique artisan goods, and enjoy the relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal, one-of-a-kind products, or simply a fun evening out, the Inner West Night Markets offer something for everyone in a lively, welcoming setting. Marrickville Organic Food Markets Addi Rd Community Centre Every Sunday, 9am - 3pm Marrickville Organic Food Markets bring together a wide range of stallholders offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, dairy products, and artisanal bread, to homemade jams, honey, and gourmet foods. This market is dedicated to promoting organic farming practices and supporting local producers. In addition to fresh produce, the market also features stalls selling handmade crafts, clothing, flowers, and eco-friendly products, making it a well-rounded destination for locals and visitors alike. Makersville Market Trail Makersville Market Trail Multiple Locations Saturday Dec 14th Discover the Marrickville Market Trail, where local creative businesses open their doors to showcase makers and creators selling their handmade goods in a pop-up market. From affordable Secret Santa finds to unique artworks, it’s the perfect place to pick up thoughtful Christmas gifts while supporting independent artisans. Located just a short walk from Sydenham Station, it's also a great opportunity to take the new Sydney Metro for a festive day out. Don’t miss this celebration of local creativity! More information at www.artistmade.org/makersville or Instagram: @Makersville.market.trail The Finders Keepers Market Carriageworks, Nov 15 - 17 Friday 15th: 4pm - 9pm Saturday 16th + Sunday 17th: 10am - 5pm The Finders Keepers Market Visit Australia’s most loved design market as The Finders Keepers returns to Carriageworks for the second and final time in 2024. The Finders Keepers Market 2024 will be bringing more than 150 of Australia's best designers, makers, artists and foodies to their old stomping grounds, Carriageworks. This is your place to connect and celebrate creativity. The Finders Keepers Market is more than Australia’s favourite design market - they’re growing the mindfully-made, thoughtfully-bought revolution, with you. Take a break from scrolling and start strolling the market aisles, boogie to live local DJs, eat fresh food, sample the bars and support Australia’s creative best. A low sensory hour will be hosted on Sunday from 9am - 10am (tickets available), the ticket also includes general admission so you can stay after the hour if you wish. During the low sensory hour, lights will be dimmed, music off, and noise and crowd levels kept low during this hour for those who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation. Tickets are available online and on the door all weekend, and kids under 13 are free! Your standard ticket is valid for single-day entry on any of the market dates. By purchasing tickets online, you'll go in the draw to WIN one of five Peppermint Magazine subscriptions. Single day standard tickets: $6 + booking fee - come any day! Multi day tickets: $10 + booking fee - come back any time! Low sensory hour tickets, Sunday 9am-10am: $6 + booking fee, includes general admission Kids under 13 are still free!

More on Cronulla Tom Uglys Bridge is a NSW Heritage-listed dual crossing spanning the Georges River in Sydney’s south. Here is the story of the Tom Uglys Bridge planning, construction and current use. Do you know when it was first erected? By ALEC SMART Tom Uglys Bridge (1929 original, left, 1987 southbound bridge, right). Photo: Alec Smart Tom Uglys Bridge is a NSW Heritage-listed dual crossing spanning the Georges River in Sydney’s south, and most probably named after an Aboriginal man (details below). Historically it was the first road bridge constructed over the 96km Georges River estuary (after a rail bridge at Como), replacing a 65-year-old punt service. When Tom Uglys Bridge (no apostrophe between the Y and the S) was opened to traffic on 26 April 1929 (although formally opened by the NSW Governor on 11 May 1929), it was the longest bridge in Australia at 499 metres in length. Linking Tom Uglys Point, Blakehurst (north) and Horse Rock Point, Sylvania (south), and carrying the Princes Highway from St George to Sutherland, it is one of seven major road crossings along the tidal river flowing into Botany Bay. It was designed by Percy Allan (July 1861 - May 1930) a civil engineer who planned many public works in New South Wales, including 583 bridges. Among these were the Pyrmont Bridge and its twin sister, Glebe Island Bridge (both built between 1899 and 1903), the last remaining swing bridges of their type in the world (although the latter has been left in a ruinous state by successive NSW Governments). However, Allan died one year after Tom Uglys Bridge was opened. Tom Uglys Bridge under construction 1929. Photo: Sutherland Shire Library Balmy King and a crazy pilot The Georges River, known as Tucoerah (aka Tuggerah) to the Indigenous Dharawal and Dharug clans that fished its waters, was renamed by Arthur Phillip, the First Fleet Captain and thereafter first Governor of Australia, in honour of King George III. King George III was the loquacious and manic British king infamously known as ‘mad’ – as portrayed in a 1994 film – a condition politely attributed to the blood disorder porphyria, but more likely caused by bipolar disorder. Aerial antics under Tom Uglys Bridge In the midst of World War II, Tom Uglys Bridge was used in an aerial antic. On Thursday 28 May 1942, Hurstville community newspaper The Propeller reported a “Daring Plane Stunt” when an unidentified fighter pilot flew beneath the bridge. Apparently it was not the first time, and air force pilots were already flying underneath Sydney Harbour Bridge on training exercises. “Last Sunday afternoon, and on previous occasions, it has been stated, a ‘plane of the fighter type’ flew under the George's River Bridge, between the deck and the surface of the water,” The Propeller said. “The pilot then continued his course for some distance, almost skimming the waves before rising to normal altitude. One official, on duty near the bridge, seemed to -believe, oddly enough, that the stunt was not so very daring. He remarked: ‘There's plenty of room under the bridge. It's about thirty-five feet from the deck to the water.’ Another said: ‘The next thing they'll have to do is to put grates over the street culverts to stop them flying under them.’ Nevertheless, this is a fair sample of the skill and cool daring of our pilots, whether they are Australians :or Americans. “It is more-or-less common knowledge that pilots have chosen flying under Sydney Harbour Bridge as good practise, particularly for wartime conditions. But, even that was once regarded as a daring stunt. There is a considerable difference, however, between the harbour bridge and George's River Bridge. There's no knowing what these ‘captains of the clouds’ will be up to next.” Tom Uglys Punt crossing Georges River from Tom Ugly's Point c1909. Photo: Charles Kerry Take a punt Prior to Tom Uglys Bridge construction, Sutherland and St George residents and tradespeople needing to cross Georges River had a choice of three punt services linking six suburbs. These cable-drawn car transporters traversed between six points on either side of the river: Illawong and Lugarno (1843-1976), which was replaced by the Alfords Point Bridge (opened Sept 1973); Taren Point and Sans Souci (1916-1965), which was replaced by Captain Cook Bridge (opened May 1965); and Sylvania and Blakehurst (1869-1929), which was replaced by Tom Uglys Bridge. The first vehicle-carrying punt between Tom Uglys Point and Horse Rock Point, a hand-winched vessel, was launched in 1864, financed by property tycoon and Newtown politician Thomas Holt. At this time, most of the Sutherland region, around 4,856 hectares (12,000 acres), was under the ownership of Holt, who tried unsuccessfully to graze stock and operate commercial oyster farms. The only profit he turned on his 11 Sutherland estates was timber from the forests that were clear-felled of native blackbutt, cedar, ironbark and mahogany and sold to lumber merchants in Sydney for fencing and furniture. In 1878, acknowledging that the forests he denuded to sandy pastures were unsuitable for raising stock, Holt sub-divided his failed farmlands and offered 21-year leases to tenants. As the district opened up to new settlers, larger and faster punts replaced previous vessels to fulfil public demand for their service. Tom Uglys Punt crossing Georges River from Horse Rock Point c1904. In 1882, a steam-powered punt began operating. At 16m long with a 3.4m wide parking platform, it was capable of carrying six horse-drawn carriages and was guided by steel cables attached to both banks. In 1898, it was replaced by a larger steam-driven ferry that could transport 100 passengers and 15 vehicles. This, in turn, was superseded in 1922 by a punt capable of carrying 28 vehicles and crossing the river in three minutes. By 1929, when the bridge was completed, there were two cable-winched ferries operating side by side. According to the Georges River Story website: “There were occasional mishaps. In July 1919, the punt driver fell into the water, and the punt continued on its way unattended. He swam after it, and caught up with it just in time to bring it to a halt. In March 1921, a car accidentally reversed at speed onto the punt and straight through the safety gate at the back, into ten metres of water, with a mother and child still in the car. The punt’s engineer immediately dived in to rescue them.” Further upstream, a rail line to Sutherland was opened in 1885, crossing the Georges River at Como, with steam trains giving way to electric in 1939. However, it was a single track rail bridge, which led to bottlenecks in train movements on either side within five years of its opening. In Nov 1972, a dual-track rail bridge opened alongside Como Bridge and in Dec 1985 the original was repurposed as a cycling/walking bridge. It supports two pipelines, one carrying mains water from Woronora Dam, the other sewage. Tom Uglys Punt crossing Georges River some time between 1910-20. Photo: Sutherland Shire Library Traffic delays in 1910 However, the punts created major traffic bottlenecks. At the time the bridge was built, public pressure was mounting for a solution to the long waits for punts (25,000 vehicles reportedly crossed the bridge in its first fortnight of operation, giving an idea of the heavy traffic building up either side of the riverbank each day). In an archived edition of the Sydney Morning Herald, dated 22 Aug 1910, it described the unavoidable delays during holidays and peak periods as “scandalous” and “a horror” and emphasised the necessity of a bridge. “The reason for the punt being a hindrance to public convenience instead of a blessing at week-ends and on holidays is its utter inadequacy for the conveyance of the traffic… The distance from point to point is only about 300 yards, and under favourable conditions - if one is so fortunate as to drive up just in time to catch it - the crossing takes three and a half minutes. “When there is a heavy load on the time is extended to about five minutes, and when a cross-wind blows strongly it lengthens out amazingly. A southerly helps the ungainly craft one way and retards it the other, but it is the cross-winds that cause the longest delays, and there are times when the punt cannot work at all on account of the wind pressure… “Some idea of the traffic across the river is afforded by figures taken during four weeks in September, 1908. Then 3200 passengers, 758 cycles, 980 horses, 881 vehicles, and 99 motor-cars were conveyed on the punt.” Tom Uglys Bridge 2023. Photo: Alec Smart Tolls and a second bridge The punt fare in 1906 was 6 pence per vehicle, 3 pence a horse, 2 pence for a horse and rider, and a penny for foot travellers. According to the Georges River Story website, “at an enquiry into the ferry service in 1908, it emerged that it could take up to two or three hours for some vehicles to cross at busy times. Weekly earnings from the ferry were £14, but it cost £1000 a year to run.” Sutherland Shire Council borrowed a significant sum of money - £305,000 - from the NSW Govt to finance the construction of the first bridge, so a toll of sixpence was imposed to repay the loan. For a period after Tom Uglys Bridge was opened, the punt continued a free car ferry service alongside, for commuters who wished to avoid the new bridge toll. The toll was collected on the Sylvania side by staff on foot who intercepted vehicles on the road. After 23 years the bridge loan was eventually repaid and on 31 May 1952 the toll was abolished. Originally known as the George’s River Bridge, Tom Uglys Bridge wasn’t formally named until May 1965, when Captain Cook Bridge, 2300 metres downstream and linking Sans Souci to Taren Point, was opened, to avoid confusion. Initially, Tom Uglys Bridge consisted of two lanes, one in each direction; then, from the 1950s, was converted to three lanes, with the central lane direction altered in morning and afternoon rush hours to accommodate peak flow. Today, Tom Uglys consists of two bridges side by side, one northbound, the other southbound. A second bridge (opened 17 Oct 1987) was deemed necessary after traffic increased to around 60,000 vehicles a day in the 1980s. Dual bridges like these are typically parallel, however, the Tom Uglys’ pair diverge significantly, like a feuding couple. At their northern end there is approximately 5 metres separating them, but the newer bridge was set on a tangent to end up 62 metres apart at the southern end, thus making it 71 metres longer. The newer bridge, nearest Botany Bay to the east, is of concrete box girder design; the older original to the west is a truss design made of steel. Distinction between Pratt and Howe trusses - Tom Uglys Bridge utilises the Pratt design. Trussed issues in the bridge construction The northbound iron bridge utilises an engineering design known as the Pratt truss with alternating vertical and diagonal support beams. This distinct style of latticework, invented in 1844 by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, supports and reinforces bridges in all weather conditions and is in use all over the world. Truss bridges, either a series of independent sections or one long span, are supported by pillars at both ends of the truss. Both of the Tom Ugly bridges consist of nine spans . Pratt became a common configuration during the Industrial Revolution as truss bridges worldwide moved from wood to metal. Notable examples of Pratt truss designs are the Iron Cove Bridge linking Drummoyne to Rozelle in Sydney (opened 1955, to replace the 1882 original), and the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge (aka Brooklyn Bridge) linking Brooklyn to Mooney Mooney (opened 1946, replacing the earlier 1889 construction). There are variations on this basic design, including the Baltimore, Bowstring, Parker, Pennsylvania, Whipple, but the Pratt truss is reportedly better suited for bridges with longer spans. This might explain why Tom Uglys Bridge designer Percy Allan chose it, instead of the Allan truss, his own invention, which was a variant of the similar-looking Howe truss and was adopted for many NSW and ACT bridges between 1894 and 1929. Tow Wa, aka Tom Ugly, 1810. Painting: John William Lewin What’s in a name? Who was Tom Ugly? Several theories have been offered since Tom Uglys Point was first named in the mid-19th century. Wikipedia website suggests four alternatives: “One is that it was named after a local resident Tom Huxley and the name was a mispronunciation by local Aboriginal people. Descendants of Thomas Huxley have concluded that he lived and owned land in the area but official records do not exist to verify this. “Another theory is that it was derived from the name of a local Aboriginal man, Tow-weiry, who lived in the area and died about 1846. Another theory is that there was a local fisherman resident in the area by the name of Tom Illigley. “Yet another is that there was a one-legged man, possibly an army deserter or a boat operator, called either ‘Tom Woggleg’ or ‘Wogul Leg Tom’, either because of a mispronunciation of wooden leg, or from the local Aboriginal dialect word for ‘one’.” However, the Eora People website dismisses three of these versions as “spurious” and opines their own explanation: “The real Tom Ugly was an Aboriginal man from the south coast of New South Wales who later lived, died and was buried under a gibber gunyah (rock shelter) on the point of the Georges River that bears his name.” They detail the shocking pursuit of Tom’s skeleton by Karl von Scherzer, an explorer, natural scientist, author and diplomat, who wished to dig up his body for the purpose of study. “Hoping to acquire the skeletal remains of an Australian Aborigine for his collection, Dr. Karl Scherzer (1821-1903), an Austrian scientist who visited Sydney on the ship Novara, went to ‘Coggera Cove’ (now Kogarah Bay) on the 1 December 1858, where he met an Aboriginal man named Johnny, described as ‘the last of the Sydney tribe’… “A translation of Scherzer’s German language journal, now in the Mitchell Library, Sydney, states that ‘Tom Weiry, or Tom Ugly, as the English named him, was a very athletic man, whose skeleton was a real prize for the purposes of comparative anatomy.’ “Johnny guided Scherzer to a burial ground in a shell midden, but after much digging unearthed only a few decayed bones from Tom Ugly’s skeleton, which were reburied. “An Aboriginal man called Tom Ugly received government issue blankets at Broulee near Batemans Bay in 1837-43. In August 1844, George Augustus Robinson, at that time the Port Phillip (Melbourne) Protector of Aborigines, recorded Tow.wy.er as the name of the Twofold Bay Aboriginal people.” So, in conclusion, the dual bridges that that carry the Princes Highway over Tucoerah/Georges River, were named after an Indigenous man whose remains are buried on the north bank at the point from where the two bridges, and before them the punts, originate. ==============================================

More on St Ives By ALEC SMART The Aboriginal clans of Sydney’s Upper North Shore were driven out by Europeans and their history and culture ignored. But worst of all, their tribal name was invented for them. Origins of Ku-ring-gai Name The original inhabitants of Ku-ring-gai area, the Aboriginal people from whom the name was derived, are recorded as the Kuringgai or Guringgai peoples. This name has been given to the local government area, libraries, government institutions, schools, a suburb, Australia’s third-oldest national park and countless clubs and sporting venues. And yet the Kuringgai tribes probably never existed. Certainly, prior to late-19th century musings by European academics, the word was not in use by the last remaining Indigenous occupants of what is now Ku-ring-gai area: the Darramurragal clan (aka Terramerragal, from which Turramurra – meaning ‘big hill’ - is derived) and neighbouring Garigal people (encompassing the upper Northern Beaches, including Pittwater and Broken Bay. Garigal mans ‘meeting place’). ‘Kuringgai/Guringai’ (spellings are varied) was coined in 1892 by a poorly-researched and plagiarising anthropologist named John Fraser (1834-1904), who, by his own admission, relied on “ten years thought” rather than verifiable data from Indigenous sources to create his fictitious ‘tribe’. Fictitious Name Fraser was aware of the Guringay peoples north of Newcastle, who spoke their own language and whose traditional lands stretch between the Hunter and Manning rivers. But he made a giant leap of logic and claimed they were one super-tribe that stretched all the way to Sydney Harbour. Successive colonial academics further expanded on Fraser’s poor research and theorised the Kuringgai super-tribe occupied a region that encompassed the whole of Sydney’s upper north shore, including the northern beaches. However, they couldn’t agree if the Kuringgai’s territory stretched as far northwards as Port Stephens near Newcastle, or only to the lower Hawkesbury River. A 2015 report by the Aboriginal Heritage Office, titled Filling a Void: A Review of the Historical Context for the use of the Word ‘Guringai’ - much of it sourced from Australian Museum archaeologist Val Attenbrow’s excellent and thoroughly-researched book Sydney’s Aboriginal Past (second edition 2010) - concluded “it seems clear from the available evidence that the early Europeans did not record a discrete and widely understood name for the language or tribe of the area nor for other parts of the region. “The first use of the word ‘Guringai’ is over a hundred years after the arrival of the First Fleet… it is based on a nineteenth century fiction… It is not authentic to the area, it was coined by a non-Aboriginal person and it gives a misleading impression of the connectivity of some original clan boundaries..” Ku-Ring-Gai Legacy Although most of the Indigenous Darramurragal and Garigal hunter-gatherer peoples of, respectively, Sydney’s upper North Shore and upper Northern Beaches, were either driven from the area by European settlers or succumbed to the deadly smallpox epidemic of 1789, they left behind incredible examples of their culture. These include petroglyph communications – engravings of animals and figures in sandstone rocks - to other important remnants that reveal how they lived, interacted and sourced food. Shell middens, stone and ochre quarries, campsites, rocks adapted for seed-grinding and tool-sharpening, ceremonial sites and scarred trees from which bark and wood were removed for boomerangs, woomeras (spear launchers), shields, canoes, coolamons (carrying vessels) and gunyas (temporary shelters). If you know where to look, they make for fascinating glimpses into an ages-old culture that was pushed aside, but whose timeless presence remains all around us.. (See Indigenous Bushwalking article that follows..) Photos: Alec Smart More on St Ives ---------------------------- Ku-Ring-Gai Council Council is a member of the Aboriginal Heritage Office, which preserves and protects over 1000 Aboriginal heritage sites across the North Shore. Address: 818 Pacific Hwy, Gordon NSW 2072 Phone: (02) 9424 0000 Email: kmc@kmc.nsw.gov.au Website: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/History-and-heritage/Aboriginal-heritage The Aboriginal Heritage Office Address: 29 Lawrence St, Freshwater NSW 2096 Phone: (02) 9976 1682 Email: info@aboriginalheritage.org Website: https://www.aboriginalheritage.org/

By Elliot Lindsay More on Cronulla The Wanda Beach Murders remain one of Australia's most haunting and unsolved cases. The tragedy unfolded on a warm summer day when two teenage girls, Marianne Schmidt and Christine Sharrock, were found brutally murdered on the secluded dunes of Wanda Beach in Sydney, Australia. The events leading up to the deaths of Marianne and Christine, the investigation, and the subsequent decades of mystery create a chilling narrative that has gripped the public's imagination for years. Marianne Schmidt had moved to Australia from West Germany, living in a migrant camp, but by 1965, she and her family lived in a typical suburban home in West Ryde. Her best friend, Christine Sharrock, was her next-door neighbour who lived with her grandparents. The two 15-year-old girls were typical 1960s teenagers. They were inseparable, sharing secrets, laughter, and the innocent dreams of youth. On that fateful day, they decided to venture to the beach with Marianne's younger siblings, a decision that would forever alter their lives. A Day At Wanda Beach Turns Grisly The day began like any other summer outing. The girls and Marianne's siblings took the train to Cronulla Beach. Cronulla was a favourite with the girls who had already visited it several times that month. They even met with local boys who kissed them on one particular occasion. On January 11, 1965, they spent the morning at the Cronulla Surf Club, enjoying the sun and surf. As the afternoon heat intensified, they decided to walk towards the more secluded Wanda Beach, hoping for privacy and a respite from the crowded main beach. The dunes of Wanda Beach were a stark contrast to the bustling shoreline of Cronulla. The area was quiet, almost eerily so, with the wind whipping through the grasses that grew sporadically on the dunes. The children played while Marianne and Christine wandered off, seeking a private spot to relax and talk. They had no idea they were being watched. Marianne Schmidt and Christine Sharrock Witnesses later reported seeing the girls talking to a man in the distance, but no one could clearly describe him. The man’s presence was shadowy, almost spectral, blending into the unsettling atmosphere of the desolate beach. As the sun descended, the wind picked up, and the sky took on an ominous hue. Hours passed, and when Marianne's siblings could not find the girls, they raised the alarm. Panic set in as the reality of the situation began to dawn on the family. The police were called, and a search party was quickly assembled. It was not until the next morning that the grim discovery was made. The bodies of Marianne and Christine were found partially buried in the sand, concealed by the shifting dunes. A Horrifying Murder Mystery Crime Scene The crime scene was horrifying. The girls had been savagely attacked. Marianne's body bore signs of a brutal struggle, with multiple stab wounds, while Christine had also been viciously assaulted. The brutality of the murders shocked even the most seasoned investigators. The girls’ clothing was dishevelled, and personal items were strewn around, indicating a violent confrontation. Several factors hampered the initial investigation. With its constantly shifting sands and tides, the beach had washed away much of the physical evidence. The sparse number of witnesses provided vague and conflicting accounts. However, one thing was clear: the killer was someone with a deep-seated rage, possibly someone who had stalked the girls from afar before seizing the opportunity to strike. The police interviewed hundreds of people, following numerous leads, but every promising avenue led to a dead end. Even the disturbing reports of a man spotted behind a dune with a corrugated iron mask over his face, or the weirdo asking people on the beach to look at porn magazines with him, lead nowhere. The lack of concrete evidence frustrated the investigators, and as days turned into weeks, the case began to grow cold. Public fear and outrage intensified, and the media coverage kept the story in the national spotlight, but the murderer remained elusive. The Community Fallout Of The Wanda Beach Murder Mystery The community was gripped by fear. Parents kept a tighter grip on their children, and the once carefree beaches now held an aura of menace. Rumours and theories abounded, ranging from a random drifter to a calculated serial killer. The brutality of the crime suggested a person capable of extreme violence, someone who could be living among them, blending in with the fabric of everyday life. As years turned into decades, the Wanda Beach Murders became one of Australia's most infamous cold cases. Advances in forensic science, including DNA technology, offered hope of a breakthrough, but time had eroded much of the physical evidence. The case file remained open, and detectives reviewed the evidence periodically, hoping for a new lead or a stroke of luck. Wanda Beach Murder Mystery Cold Case In 2012, a cold case review brought renewed attention to the murders. New techniques were applied to the old evidence, and investigators re-interviewed witnesses and suspects. However, despite these efforts, the case remained unsolved. The elusive nature of the killer, coupled with the passage of nearly five decades, made it increasingly difficult to find closure. The Wanda Beach Murders stand as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary events. Marianne Schmidt and Christine Sharrock were two innocent girls whose lives were brutally cut short, leaving behind grieving families and a community forever haunted by their loss. The dunes of Wanda Beach, once a place of carefree joy, symbolised unresolved tragedy. In the years that followed, this deranged killer lived among us undetected. He may have been your accountant, mechanic, or teacher. Behind his eyes, he hid a dark secret; you were none the wiser.

More on Marrickville Prime Minister Albanese share with us what life is line in the top job in an interview at the Marrickville library. A little over a year ago Australia elected Inner West local Anthony Albanese as our country’s 31st Prime Minister. After winning the election, his first public appearance was at Marrickville library in his own electorate of Grayndler, where he was greeted with tooting horns, applause, and cheers of excitement. In that time a lot has changed politically and economically. But despite these challenges, Albanese, who is warmly known as ‘Albo’, remains a humble man who epitomises the rags-to-riches story. A year on, speaking to Neighbourhood Media he reflected on how becoming Prime Minister has impacted his day-to-day life as Anthony Albanese the Marrickville local. We also spoke about his past year in Australia’s top job and, the biggest challenges he and Australia have yet to conquer. How has becoming Prime Minister changed Anthony Albanese? Given his background, Albanese emphasised that “being Prime Minister is such an honour”. An honour that he “will never take for granted.” When we reflect upon the Prime Minister’s past as a local Marrickville boy raised in public housing, by a single mother - who received a disability pension - it is clear that his childhood was far from luxurious. It was this upbringing that played a major part in moulding him into the man he is today as a Prime Minister doing his best to look out for those of us doing it tough, in ever increasingly difficult times. When asked how life has changed since election night 2022 Albo said; “Some normal day-to-day things are a bit more difficult now that I am Prime Minister.” “It’s hard to pop into the local shops or go for a drink at the Henson… I still need to get used to the fact that people call me ‘Prime Minister’ when I go for a walk with Toto… But I still do my best to do the sort of activities that help me feel grounded and keep things real. And my son Nathan is pretty good at keeping me down to earth.” Reflecting on the first year as PM Albanese reflected on his first year as PM; “Last year, Australia voted for change. On election night, I promised to lead a government worthy of the people of Australia. A government as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves. My team and I have worked every day since to keep that promise,” he continued, “We’ve set about delivering on the commitments we took to the election, including cheaper medicines and cheaper child care, which I know will make a big difference to inner west families.” While plans are currently underway to deliver on these promises the Prime Minister understands that year one is only just the beginning. “In our first year, we’ve set a strong foundation for a better future, and we’re focused on the work ahead – and on building to last.” Biggest challenges facing Australia Looking around at the economic environment he is faced with Albanese understands just how difficult the past 12-18 months have been for everybody. As a government, Albanese told Neighbourhood Media; “Our biggest challenge has been dealing with the immediate issues we inherited, the biggest being global inflation… So we’ve been focused on cleaning up that mess while working hard to take pressure off families.” Vision for the future As we discussed his vision for Australia’s future, the conversation circled back to the issue of inflation, which has been at the forefront of most people’s minds over the past 12 months. As such, Anthony explained that inflation was a key factor in forming the core of his government’s 2023 budget as we look ahead. “I know a lot of people in Grayndler, and around the country, are feeling under pressure from rising costs. That’s why my Government is focused on taking pressure off people, while making sure that we don’t put more pressure on inflation. “The centrepiece of our recent Budget was our biggest ever investment in bulk-billing - tripling the bulk billing incentive, which would help 11 million Australians, and many from the Grayndler community, to see a GP for free.” He further explained, “We’ve implemented our cheaper medicines policy – which we expanded in our recent budget - and cheaper child care kicks in on July 1… we’re increasing Jobseeker and Rent Assistance, and expanding the Single Parent Payment to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community. “We’ve passed our Energy Price Relief Plan and soon eligible households and small businesses will start seeing rebates on their energy bills.” To execute this vision Mr Alabanese understands that he will need to work with his State & Local counterparts. “I want to provide Australians with stability in an uncertain time. But I also know we must build for the future,” said Albanese. “I’ve said before the election that Australians had ‘conflict fatigue’. What they want is a government that gets on with the job. That’s what I am committed to: being a responsible, mature government that gets things done.” Anthony Albanese on NSW State Changes As our interview came to a close, we reflected upon the changes that have taken place at a State level, with NSW switching from a Liberal to a Labor-led government. We asked the Prime Minister how he feels about the prospect of working with New South Wales’ new Premier, Chris Minns. “Chris Minns will be an outstanding Premier of New South Wales. We’ve had great discussions so far and I look forward to a productive relationship. But I want to be clear: I work constructively with Premiers from both sides of the political spectrum. I look for solutions rather than divisions. Finally, as a resident of Marrickville, changes to the Local government, particularly the proposed de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council, could have a bearing on Albanese’s life both politically & personally. “I will always work with my local government – whichever form it ends up taking – to provide essential services to the people of Grayndler and the Inner West. I value the work that they do, and Darcy Byrne has been a great Mayor.” On behalf of small, independent publishers, Neighbourhood Media would like to thank the Prime Minister for taking the time to speak with us in Marrickville.

The suburb of Mosman derived its name from Archibald Mosman (15 October 1799 – 29 January 1863), a Scottish-born merchant. With his twin brother George, the duo presided over a successful, but short-lived, import-export business in Sydney before Archibald established a lucrative whaling operation in the cove that took his name.  More on Mosman Whaling Station Mosman Bay - 1840 painting by Conrad Martens - State Library NSW By Alec Smart Archibald’s whaling venture was established in Great Sirius Cove – now known as Mosman Bay – then a forested, tidal inlet, with upper reaches that ended in shallow sandflats, an easy place to drag massive leviathan carcasses ashore to dismember. The adjacent Sirius Cove was then known as Little Sirius Cove, both named after the flagship HMS Sirius  of the First Fleet, captained by Governor Arthur Philip. The Mosman brothers, originally from Lanarkshire in the Scottish Lowlands, arrived in Sydney aboard the chartered ship Civilian  on 24 August 1828 after a successful career in the West Indies growing and exporting sugarcane.  During this era, slavery was still rife in the French and Anglo-American-administered Caribbean islands, the latter centred in Jamaica. What probably motivated the Mosman brothers to abandon sugar and move into wool export in the rapidly expanding colony of Australia, was the impending end of slave labour, as the Caribbean sugar industry went into economic decline from the mid-1820s. In 1833 the Slavery Abolition Act made the purchase or ownership of slaves illegal within the British Empire. The British Caribbean sugar industry and its related rum distilleries were excluded from the original 1807 legislation due to their lucrative international trade.  Slavery in the American West Indies did not end until June 1866 after a bill for its abolition had been passed by Congress the previous January.  Shortly after their arrival in Sydney, the Mosman brothers utilised a warehouse on George St for the export of wool to their distributor in Liverpool, England. The 40-year-old British colony was then being administered by Governor Ralph Darling, a military disciplinarian who encouraged commerce whilst ruthlessly suppressing performing arts, even banning the construction of a theatre. (Ironically, Darling Harbour, now a major entertainment precinct, is named after this joyless tyrant.) Sirius venture The partnership between the brothers was dissolved in July 1829 – presumably a business arrangement, not a family fall-out – then in 1831, a 4-acre (16,000m2) land grant was obtained by Archibald Mosman to establish a whaling business on the foreshore of Great Sirius Cove.  American whaling ships had been anchoring at nearby Chowder Bay since the 1820s, and the Mosmans capitalised on what was then a flourishing industry, which also relied on Indigenous Australians to help locate and catch migrating whales. Merchant John Bell, a Director of the Bank of Van Diemen’s Land, also obtained an 1831 land grant on Great Sirius Cove to operate a whaling station.   Bell previously gained notoriety in December 1819 after commanding a convict transport to Australia from Ireland aboard the East India Company-chartered Minerva , which, upon landing, revealed many of the shackled human cargo were stricken with debilitating illnesses. This was attributed to their being poorly fed. However, Bell sought and was granted, an exoneration after a formal Inquiry. The Mosman brothers’ George St warehouse was sold in July 1832, while George Mosman moved into grazing. Archibald employed convict labour to construct a sandstone and timber house with a veranda on the eastern slopes of Great Sirius Cove overlooking the bay, which came to be known as ‘The Nest’.  The Nest was situated on 30 acres and included landscaped gardens, a vineyard and an orchard.  Archibald Mosman. Photo: J Thomson Demolished in 1921 during the subdivision of the estate, it was located at what today would be approximately 17 Badham Ave (due east of the Mosman Bay Marina). By 1833, Archibald and Bell had constructed a 600-foot (182m) wharf in Great Sirius Cove (the stonework has since been incorporated into modern seawall defences) and five sandstone buildings for their fledgling whaling enterprise.  Among the five, a barn built on the eastern foreshore is still in place – the oldest surviving building on Sydney’s North Shore – and today used as a meeting hall for the 1st Mosman Scout Troop. Archibald Mosman bought Bell’s whaling business and property and purchased adjacent land to eventually own 108 acres (43.7 hectares) across the cove. In 1835 the Mosman firm was operating two whaling ships – the 192 tons Tigress  and the 221 tons Jane  - and in that year they purchased a third vessel for import-export trading with New Zealand. Australian Whaleways Sydney and Hobart became the two main ports of the Australian whaling industry, which until the 1830s peak, provided the main income to the colonial economy before wool replaced it as whale populations plummeted. There were 42 whaling ships based in Sydney in 1837, employing around 1300 crew, one of whom, American Herman Melville, later wrote the classic whaling novel Moby Dick . Whale oil and baleen (filter teeth) were extracted by bay whalers in small boats who hunted southern right whales found breeding in sheltered coves during the winter months. Baleen was used for women’s corsets and hooped skirt frames and men’s shirt collars, as well as umbrella frames, hat brims and whip handles. Migrating sperm whales were the primary targets of ocean whalers because, in addition to their insulating blubber that was rendered into lamp oil and candle wax, they had a reservoir of ‘spermaceti’ oil in a cavity in their heads that was prized for engine lubrication, and ‘ambergris’, a substance produced in their stomachs that was added to perfume to preserve the exotic scent. In 1838, now a business leviathan with stakes and investments in a variety of companies, Archibald Mosman sold his whaling venture to investors and landholders Hughes & Hosking (business partners John Hosking Jnr and John Hughes), although he continued to receive an annual fee in dividends. The cove itself had diversified into a major ship careening and refitting operation and the inlet was renamed Mosman’s Bay. Bankruptcy John Hosking later became the first Mayor of Sydney and a magistrate. Unfortunately, in 1843 the Hughes & Hosking company was bankrupted in the Great Depression, simultaneously bringing down the Bank of Australia due to their being major shareholders.  In August 1844 Archibald Mosman was also bankrupted and had to sell assets to stay afloat, although the Great Sirius Cove whaling operation was already in decline.  Archibald Mosman left the forested bay he transformed into a thriving industry and purchased Furracabad Station, a ranch near Glen Innes in northern NSW – which is still operational as a cattle stud – and settled into life as a livestock farmer. There his fortunes recovered and improved. He had two families, to sisters, the first of whom, Charlotte Farquharson, a domestic servant of his brother George, he fathered three children. Their eldest son Hugh was born in The Nest in Mosman Bay in 1843, when she was aged just 15. Their youngest son, Archibald junior, was born in August 1846, when she was 18, and they separated shortly afterwards. Charlotte had four more children to her next partner, but died young at the age of 33. At the age of 48 Archibald married Charlotte’s elder sister, Harriet, aged 26, in December 1847 and fathered another 8 children, six of whom survived into adulthood. Archibald Mosman died at Byron Lodge, Randwick, in January 1863, aged 63. He is buried in Randwick Cemetery. His wife Harriet outlived him by another 20 years. Author Dimity Mortensen, in her biography Archibald Mosman: The Field of the Faithful Man  (Boolarong Press, published 1 Jan 2024) alleges Mosman was a member of The Black Association, a group of wealthy white landowners that funded a formidable legal defence team to represent those accused of murdering Aboriginals in the 1838 Myall Creek Massacre.  For a man who made substantial income from working slave plantations in the British West Indies early in his career, supporting racist killers isn’t too far a stretch of the imagination. The Myall Creek Massacre, which involved the killing of at least 28 unarmed Wirraayaraay Aboriginals by eight British settlers, took place 115km west of Glen Innes. Seven of those indicted were found guilty and hung, four were acquitted, while the ringleader, John Fleming, evaded arrest and lived freely until the age of 78 in Wilberforce, attributable to his brother Joseph being Chief Constable of Hawkesbury Region Police.

Supporting Pregnancy, Birth, and Paediatric Wellness in Mosman More on Mosman Kristin Webb performing an adjustment We chat with Nomad Chiropractic owner Dr Lucy Bartlett on supporting her local Mosman community through pregnancy, birth and beyond.  What inspired you to focus on pregnancy and paediatric chiropractic care? Nomad Chiropractic has three female chiropractors who naturally gravitated towards pregnancy and paediatric care. For me, Lucy, it started unexpectedly while working in the Northern Territory. I was caring for babies with tongue ties for the first time and lacked the knowledge required so I immediately upskilled! Sandy Ghobrial, Kristin Webb, Lucy Bartlett Kristin finds both paediatrics and pregnancy fascinating as they are the two phases in our lives where our bodies change the most. She loves supporting both women and babies during these transformative times.  Sandy’s passion emerged from her own motherhood journey. Experiencing the benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy and seeing the impacts it had on her children, inspired her to bring the same support to other families. How can chiropractic care help babies with feeding difficulties? We co-manage feeding issues with IBCLCs, GPs, and dentists. Research and clinical experience show Paediatric Chiropractic (or Osteopathy) may be able to help babies with musculoskeletal symptoms that are contributing to feeding struggles - for example: torticollis, TMJ dysfunction, difficulty turning their head, tongue tie, strong gag etc. Position in utero, forces during delivery, and interventions like forceps can all impact a baby’s musculoskeletal system.  Sandy Ghobrial Adjusting Baby We gently assess the cranium, spine, TMJ, cranial nerves, and primitive reflexes. If a correction is required the smallest thing can make the biggest impact. We demonstrate on the parents first, and then to try and restore function we conduct a gentle age-appropriate adjustment where the force is likened to checking the ripeness of an avocado! What are common concerns expecting mothers have, and how do you address them? Expecting mothers often seek us out for discomforts like pubic symphysis dysfunction, low back pain, sciatica, and round ligament pain; or simply to optimize their health for birth, regardless of their birth plan.  As Webster Pregnancy and GrowCo Postpartum Rehabilitation Certified practitioners, we help balance the nervous system, spine, ligaments, and muscles to support a healthy pregnancy, birth and postpartum!  What has driven your clinic’s growth since 2018? The foundations of our ever growing little business are being personable, reliable, consistent, and delivering quality care with love. I started Nomad Chiro with two top of the range chiropractic tables, a vision of a beautiful, family-friendly space and little else!  Growth has been fueled by an incredible team in Kristin and Sandy and a genuine care for our clients. We build trust through our commitment to supporting our local community, building strong relationships with local practitioners and businesses.   What role does movement play in childhood development, and how does chiropractic support it? Movement is essential for neurodevelopment, as spinal motion stimulates brain activity. If a child’s strength, balance, or coordination is impaired, it may affect their ability to sit still, hold a pencil, play sports and more. We try to make our assessments fun as we check kids' vestibular systems, primitive reflexes, posture, strength and joint mobility. Age appropriate adjustments, home exercises, education, and intentional movement-based recommendations are how we support healthy development. What advice do you have for new parents considering chiropractic care for their baby? Give us a call! We offer a complimentary 10-minute discovery call to discuss concerns and determine if chiropractic is a good fit. If you’d like a consultation we’ll take things slowly allowing for feeding and breaks as needed.  Kristin Webb, Sandy Ghobrial, Lucy Bartlett Any recommended care we’ll talk you through and demonstrate first. If chiropractic isn’t the right fit then we have a network of allied health professionals we can connect you with who might be able to help! It takes a village. As a mother yourself, how has your personal experience influenced your practice and the way you support families? My journey with our midwives was so positive and supportive allowing for a smooth sailing transition into motherhood, which has highlighted the importance of nurturing and empowering women during this time.  It’s also been a reminder that even the most textbook birth can result in a baby born with slight musculoskeletal dysfunction. Both our boys had age-appropriate checks and adjustments within hours of being born and it made a world of difference. We believe in it so much that for any woman under pregnancy care with us, we gift a complimentary newborn check for their little ones.  Kristin Webb performing an adjustment For Sandy becoming a mother entirely changed her focus in practice so it has had a profound impact on her work and life. Her kids are all in primary school now so she brings another element of relatability and understanding to her practice.  What do you find most rewarding about helping families achieve better health and wellness through chiropractic care? Every chiropractor’s core toolkit is prepped for helping anyone with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and posture. Naturally, we work with all of that as well - and we love it!  All 3 of us have done extra education in paediatrics and pregnancy-focused chiropractic. What we especially love is getting to know and help entire families. When we help a baby or a child, we don't just help one person - it ends up impacting the whole family and it's such a privilege. We love caring for the whole family at Nomad Chiro!   Website:  www.nomadchiropractic.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/nomadchiropractic Instagram: www.instagram.com/nomad_chiro Address: Rear entry, Suite 1, 563 Military Rd Mosman Phone: 0491 064 117

Do you want to look, and more importantly, feel better?  More on Mosman AlmaYOGA Check out these local Mosman health and wellness centres and their membership options. If you’re lucky enough, you could even nab yourself a trial class! Alma Yoga 4/44a Avenue Road, Mosman Alma Yoga is a place where people come together to share the experience of movement-based practices. To bathe in Sound Healing. To relax and unwind in Yin , Restorative, Gentle Yoga and Yoga Nidra. To learn to sit quietly through meditation. To move fluidly and slowly in Soul Flow. To sweat, stretch and strengthen in Vinyasa and our Slow Burn classes. To activate the core, stabilize and strengthen in Mat Pilates and seek an effective post training stretch in our Saturday Stretch Studio. Alma Yoga teachers offer classes influenced by their own varied and diverse training, experiences and practices, allowing them to tap into their creativity and develop classes that they are truly passionate about. This gives students a broad range of styles to explore and encourages them to find and develop an authentic and meaningful practice. Practices tailored to you. Casual class: $30 ($26 concession) Fortnightly direct debit / unlimited classes: $80 ($40 p/week) Unlimited classes - Annual Membership: $1,700 ($32 p/week) Unlimited classes - 3 month Membership: $455 ($35 p/week) 10 class pass valid for 6 months: $240 ($220 concession) NEW CLIENT OFFER: 3 WEEKS UNLIMITED YOGA FOR $59 Mode Pilates1/115 Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge Located at Level 2, 1-3 Gurrigal Street Mode Pilates Mode Pilates Mosman offers a holistic wellness experience with two dynamic studios under one roof. At the heart of Mode Pilates are their signature Reformer, Barre, and Mat Pilates classes, all designed to deliver transformative results. Complementing these are yoga and breathwork sessions, creating a well-rounded approach to fitness and relaxation. The Mode Method seamlessly integrates the foundational principles of Pilates with functional movement, providing high-energy, low-impact workouts that leave you feeling incredible every time Open seven days a week, Mode Pilates Mosman offers something for everyone! 1 x Off Casual Class: $39  Weekly Unlimited Pass: $68 p/week 10 Class Park: $299 Introductory Offer: 5 Classes for $50 FitnessLabSuite 3/685 Military Rd, Mosman Located in the heart of Mosman Village, FitnessLab is a boutique personal training studio dedicated to transforming clients into healthier, fitter individuals. Founded by Rod Navajas, a sports scientist, nutritionist, and sports therapist with over 20 years of experience, the studio offers a holistic approach that emphasises the importance of mindset and nutrition alongside physical exercise. Members benefit from personalised training programs, nutrition support, and a supportive community focused on overall well-being. For those interested in experiencing their services, FitnessLab offers a free goal-mapping session to help chart your fitness journey. Personal Training: Starting from $65 Per Session.  Small Group Classes: $30 Per Class New Client Offer: 2 Week Trial for $47. Mention the 2088 Magazine F45 Northbridge 1/115 Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge F45 Northbridge F45 Northbridge is more than just a gym. This is where you can find a health-conscious, supportive community. The F45 Northbridge Studio is a place where you can meet real people, and get real results, with your F45 Community behind you every step of the way. 1 x Off Casual Class: $30 ($26 Concession) Weekly Membership: From $50 Per Week 10 and 20 Class Packs Available Introductory Offer: 14 days for $49 New Client Offer: 20% Off Class Packs. Use code: MOSMAN115

All the world’s a stage for Jo Bloom More on Mosman Those immortal words by Shakespeare could not ring more true than they do for Jo Bloom and her partner in art and life, Charles Mayer.  The two co-founded independent theatre company, Come You Spirits , three years ago, performing reconstituted Shakespearean works in the most unlikely spaces. The phrase “come you spirits” is taken from Lady Macbeth’s famous speech, calling on the gods to give her strength and courage.  It is an apt name for the theatre company, whose repertoire is comprised solely of Shakespeare works, and who also have a strong focus on spirituality.  Bringing Shakespeare to Unlikely Spaces Bloom describes Come You Spirits as being a theatre in the old tradition — transformative and one with the audience.  “[To go]  beyond entertainment and into the realm of more what it used to be in the early days, which is: how can it be an opportunity to change the audience, to really move them, to give them an experience that is deeply uplifting by harnessing the magic that’s in Shakespeare’s plays — those moments of big redemption — and put that on stage and really have a lens that impacts on the audience,” explains Bloom.  Bloom and Mayer have recently moved to Mosman but have lived in the general area for around ten years. They have performed in outdoor spaces and mobile venues including in The Haven amphitheatre at Castlecrag; in the tunnels of the Coal Loader at Waverton; on the foreshores of Kirribilli; and on the tall ship, Southern Swan sailing through Sydney Harbour. Further afield, they’ve driven across the Nullarbor to perform in Esperance on the Western Australian coast. Recently, they had a truly unique experience: “[We] performed in Stonehenge last year for the Winter Solstice, inside the stone circle,” says Bloom.  Come You Spirits is comprised of a very small core troupe: Bloom, Mayer and two or three actors who stay for various lengths of time. They perform highly condensed versions of selected Shakespeare plays, preserving the central themes, principal characters, and focusing on the main narrative arc. Come Your Spirits presents Anthony & Cleopatra. Photo: Syl Marie Antony and Cleopatra at The Concourse Their latest production, Antony and Cleopatra , is being performed in, arguably, their most conventional setting yet — the Concourse in Chatswood. However, true to their nature, the Come You Spirits troupe are still providing an unconventional execution of Shakespeare’s work. The cast consists of Bloom (Cleopatra), Mayer (Antony), Charley Allanah (Charmian and others), and Nathan Meola (narrator), and the action moves between The Lounge, which is the lobby outside the theatre, and the auditorium itself.  Bloom and Mayer are thrilled that the Concourse has invited Come You Spirits to the resident theatre company.  “You know, for an independent theatre company just into our third year it’s pretty special to be launching into a venue like that…we’re so well supported by them,” says Bloom. Antony and Cleopatra is playing in February and will be followed by Romeo and Juliet  in May and Macbeth  in August.  Living and Creating in Mosman’s Green Oasis Meanwhile, Bloom and Mayer are settling into their new home in Mosman and enjoying the vibrant surroundings. They could not believe their luck when they found out who their neighbour was.  “We actually live next door to a chap who is an ex-actor himself and a university professor who used to specialise in Shakespeare, which is crazy good!” says Bloom.  Jo Bloom Their son, Mercutio (yes, they really do love Shakespeare!) has just started high school at Mosman High and younger son Harley goes to the local primary school.  When not reciting Shakespeare lines in the wilderness, Bloom and the family enjoy exploring the offerings around Mosman, including the great eateries.   “The Avenue, which is on our street, we really do like that one. And the French creperie on Military Road,” says Bloom. What does she love most about living in Mosman? “The greenery does feel like you’re in another pocket, like an oasis, it’s really beautiful,” says Bloom. “With the work we do, such big expanse of energy, it can be tiring on the spirit, especially when you’re playing characters who are dying all the time…so it’s really lovely to come home and feel like you’re in a sanctuary. I underestimated how important that is, to have this beautiful green outlook and smiling faces, and coming into a nice calm environment. It’s really special.” www.comeyouspirits.com

History, beauty and inspirational views More on Mosman One of the architectural treasures of Mosman is Balmoral House, sitting midway up the hill and only several blocks from Balmoral Beach, and wearing all the charm of its 117-year heritage.  This magnificent three-storey home was built in around 1908 from locally quarried sandstone, with timber-framed balconies, tiled gables, shingled trim, and large lead-light bay windows. Gorgeous landscaped gardens surround the building, with tall hedges and well-established trees helping to provide privacy as well as adding to the stunning outlook.  A generous north-east facing balcony provides near-panoramic views to Balmoral bay and across the harbour. These views were enough to attract the likes of renowned Australian artists Arthur Boyd and Sidney Nolan, who both set up easels on the balcony to capture the scenery.  The property has been owned by various notable people and has been renovated and maintained over its lifespan to help preserve its originality while allowing for modern upgrades and additional comfort.  Balmoral House Sales History It was last sold in 2017 when it achieved a record price of $10.3 million — the first property in the area to break the $10 million barrier.  The listing description at the time highlights the many impressive features of this grand old home.   Stately interiors, fine craftsmanship and a gracious in/outdoor flow Exceptional privacy and an intimate connection with the harbour vista Five large bedrooms, guest or au pair suite, enormous top floor retreat Master wing with a dressing room, limestone ensuite and balcony Grand formal rooms, soaring ornate ceilings, view-swept verandah High-spec custom kitchen, butler's pantry and casual dining room Family living and games room opens to lush level gardens with a pool Antique French wrought-iron staircase, stained glass, Oregon floors Home gym or office with arched windows, wine cellar, powder room 903sqm, gated driveway, double lock-up garage, ample visitor parking