Ku-ring-gai Council celebrates 100 year milestone, not with candles, with trees. By Rita Bratovich On Sunday May 3, volunteers joined Ku-ring-gai Council to plant 100 native trees and an additional 100 groundcover plants, marking the centenary of one of the region’s most beloved community spaces. The initiative was both a celebration and an investment in the future, restoring habitat, strengthening biodiversity and enhancing the Showground’s unique bushland environment. Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay praised the community effort, noting the significance of the site’s natural setting. “St Ives Showground has a magnificent bushland setting and is home to the Duffys Forest Endangered Ecological Community,” she said. The symbolic planting of “100 trees for 100 years” reflects the remarkable journey of a site that has continually evolved while remaining at the heart of community life. The story of St Ives Showground begins long before playgrounds, adventure courses and farmers markets arrived. In the early twentieth century, the district was a thriving agricultural area, dotted with orchards and market gardens supplying produce to Sydney families and businesses. In 1920, local growers formed the St Ives Agricultural and Horticultural Association and began showcasing their produce at Hassall Park on Mona Vale Road. As the event grew in popularity, the need for a permanent venue became clear. That opportunity arrived in 1926 when the Association was granted 53 hectares of Crown land to establish the Northern Suburbs Showground, now known as St Ives Showground. At the time, the surrounding bushland was known locally as Paddy’s Forest. Nearby rocky outcrops earned the name First Rocks from timber workers harvesting the area’s trees. The landscape also held deep Aboriginal heritage significance, with reports of numerous engravings in the vicinity before suburban development transformed the district. What began as a gathering place for farmers quickly became a focal point for the wider community. Like many public spaces across Australia, the Showground took on a very different role during World War II. Between 1941 and 1944, the site was occupied by the Australian Army, primarily the 18th Battalion of the Ku-ring-gai Regiment. The arenas that once hosted agricultural displays were transformed into military training grounds. Soldiers marched across the open fields, practised bayonet drills using sandbag targets suspended from wooden frames and conducted shooting exercises among the surrounding sandstone escarpments. The military presence was deliberately understated to avoid attracting attention from potential Japanese aerial reconnaissance. Nevertheless, the army constructed workshops, mess halls, a bar and essential infrastructure including sewage channels. Rows of tents housed troops in camps north and west of the main arena. Today, traces of that wartime chapter remain hidden among the trees. Visitors can still find remnants of building foundations, former mess huts and a brick ablution block slowly being reclaimed by the bush. One of the most intriguing relics is a large concrete three-dimensional map built in 1943. Depicting Broken Bay and Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it was used to familiarise soldiers with local geography and identify potential landing points for an invading force. More than 80 years later, the map survives, though exposure to the elements has left it vulnerable to deterioration. When peace returned, the Showground gradually resumed its original purpose. Military buildings were sold, relocated or repurposed, and in 1949 the St Ives Show returned after a wartime hiatus. Agricultural shows continued until 1968, celebrating rural traditions even as suburban development accelerated around them. In 1975, the newly formed Northern Suburbs Agricultural and Horticultural Society revived the event, establishing what remains a popular annual tradition. The Showground’s versatility has always been one of its defining features. Over the decades it has hosted equestrian events, community gatherings, dog shows and outdoor recreation. It has even welcomed rock music history. On 4 March 1984, the grounds became the venue for the Rock ’n’ Roll Fair, a major outdoor music festival featuring an impressive line-up including New Zealand legends Split Enz, alongside Australian favourites The Church, Hoodoo Gurus, Sandii & The Sunsetz, QED and The Johnnys. The event demonstrated the site’s ability to adapt and remain relevant to each new generation. Recognition of the Showground’s cultural and environmental significance continued to grow, culminating in its inclusion on the National Trust (NSW) heritage register in 2001. Today, the site balances recreation, conservation and community activity in a way few urban bushland destinations can match. Visitors come for a variety of reasons: to explore Ku-ring-gai’s largest inclusive playground, tackle the treetop challenges at Treetops Adventure, browse the popular farmers market or enjoy a coffee among the trees. The grounds are also home to horse-riding groups, dog-training clubs, model aircraft enthusiasts and remote-control car clubs. Yet beneath these activities lies an ecological sanctuary. The surrounding bushland provides habitat for a number of threatened species, including the Eastern Pygmy-possum, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Large Bent-winged Bat and Rosenberg’s Goanna. From its origins as a gathering place for orchardists and market gardeners to its role as a military training ground, music venue, recreation hub and environmental haven, St Ives Showground has continually evolved alongside the community it serves. One hundred years on, it remains one of Ku-ring-gai’s most cherished destinations—and its story is still growing. Ku-ring-gai Council will be hosting centenary celebration events throughout the year. For more information visit: www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do Read more about St Ives HERE.

The unsolved Killara cold case that shocked Ku-ring-gai: the murder of Leopoldine Hacker By Elliot Lindsay On the warm Friday evening of December 14, 1951, the tyres of a black sedan screeched into the driveway of a grand home at 36 Northcote Avenue, Killara. Neighbours looked up from their dinners. Something was wrong, and to this day, this Killara murder case remains unsolved. The driver, wealthy motor dealer Arthur Abraham Hacker, leapt from the car and hurried toward the house. Inside, hidden behind the elegant brick façade and manicured gardens of one of Killara’s finest homes, a scene of shocking violence awaited him. His wife, Leopoldine Hacker, lay dead in the sunroom. She had been battered savagely about the head and strangled with a cord torn from her husband’s pyjamas. More than seventy years later, the murderer has never been identified. The crime remains one of Sydney’s great unsolved mysteries. A Viennese Couple in Sydney’s North Shore In the years after World War II, Killara was one of Sydney’s most desirable suburbs. The broad leafy avenues around the Pacific Highway were lined with substantial homes hidden behind hedges and flowering gardens. Northcote Avenue, running quietly west from the highway toward Gordon Golf Course, was a world away from the grime and congestion of inner Sydney. Arthur and Leopoldine Hacker had arrived in Australia from Vienna in 1939. By 1951, Arthur Hacker had become managing director of Century Motors, one of Sydney’s biggest used-car firms, with premises in William Street and Broadway. The couple lived in luxury at the corner of Northcote Avenue and Arthur Street. Their large two-storey home sat on extensive grounds complete with a tennis court, landscaped gardens, stone patios, and expensive furnishings gathered carefully over years. Neighbours remembered crystal chandeliers, polished timber interiors, wall-to-wall carpets, and Leopoldine’s collection of dresses, jewellery, and furs. Yet despite their wealth, the Hackers remained somewhat isolated. Neighbour Helen Rankin later observed that many locals still regarded them as “foreigners.” Leopoldine, described repeatedly by newspapers as an “attractive Viennese brunette,” spent much of her time alone in the house while Arthur worked long hours in the city. In December 1951, the couple were searching for domestic help. Advertisements had been placed for a housekeeper-cook and gardener. That detail would become one of the enduring mysteries of the case. The Last Morning On the morning of Friday, December 14, Arthur Hacker left the house shortly before 8 a.m. Before leaving, he arranged to meet Leopoldine at the Moccador Café in Market Street that evening. They were to dine later with relatives at Cammeray. Arthur planned to surprise his wife with an expensive diamond bracelet he had purchased only the day before. As he drove away from 36 Northcote Avenue, Leopoldine stood in the garden and waved goodbye. It was the last time he saw her alive. That morning, an electrical contractor visited the house around 9 a.m. and spoke with Leopoldine in the garden. Later, neighbours saw her watering the lawns and tennis court. At around 11.15 a.m., a woman living nearby noticed Leopoldine talking to a heavily built middle-aged man outside the property. The man wore light-coloured trousers. He was never identified. At approximately 2.30 p.m., two local girls walked past the Hacker residence and noticed water pouring from a detached garden hose. They turned off the tap and knocked at the back door and sunroom. Nobody answered. Inside the house, Leopoldine Hacker was already dead. The Discovery At 5.30 p.m., Arthur Hacker waited outside the Moccador Café in Market Street. Leopoldine never arrived. By 6.15 p.m., he was alarmed. He attempted to ring the house from a nearby hotel at the corner of Pitt and Market Streets, but there was no answer. Driving north across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, he stopped again at North Sydney Post Office to make another call. Still no answer. He sped toward Killara. Neighbouring children later remembered hearing the tyres of his car screech as he turned into Northcote Avenue shortly after 6.30 p.m. Something immediately struck him as wrong. The garden sprinklers were still running. One garage door stood open. Inside the kitchen, furniture was overturned and blood splashed across the floor and walls. A chair lay on its side. Screws had been ripped from the kitchen table during a violent struggle. Bloodstained curling pins, a packet of cornflakes, and a salt shaker littered the floor. Leopoldine’s body lay in the adjoining sunroom beside a bloodstained couch. She had fought desperately for her life. Her head was covered in congealed blood. Around her neck was a doubled pyjama cord twisted tightly into a strangler’s noose. Arthur ran from the house screaming for help. “One of the Most Brutal Murders in Sydney History” Within hours, Northcote Avenue was swarming with police cars, detectives, reporters, and photographers. The quiet North Shore suburb became the centre of one of the biggest murder investigations in Sydney history. The crime scene horrified even experienced detectives. Police believed Leopoldine had been attacked in the kitchen, possibly by someone she willingly admitted into the house. The killer battered her repeatedly with what investigators believed was a .25 calibre Browning automatic pistol. A pistol magazine containing four live cartridges and strands of hair was found on the kitchen floor. Bleeding heavily, Leopoldine staggered into the sunroom. There, investigators believed, the killer strangled her after realising she was still alive. The upstairs bedrooms had been ransacked. Jewellery, cash, mink coats, and furs valued at more than £5000 were missing. Detectives interviewed hundreds of people. A mysterious woman who answered the Hackers’ advertisement for domestic help vanished before a scheduled interview with Arthur Hacker at Century Motors. Two young men seen near the property that morning were never identified. Nor was the middle-aged man seen speaking to Leopoldine in the garden shortly before the murder. Police searched migrant hostels, questioned former employees, travelled to Katoomba and Newcastle chasing leads, and circulated photographs of stolen jewellery internationally. Scotland Yard joined the investigation. So did the FBI. Yet every promising clue collapsed. The Coroner’s Verdict On July 15, 1952, an inquest opened at Central Court. Arthur Hacker sat grim-faced as detectives and forensic experts reconstructed the killing. Scientific Bureau detective Norman Merchant described the bloodstained kitchen and the violent struggle that had moved into the sunroom. Police admitted they had traced leads “into almost every part of the world.” But they were no closer to solving the murder. Coroner F. G. Pocock delivered the inevitable verdict: “Murder by a person or persons unknown.” A Mystery That Never Died As the years passed, the Leopoldine Hacker murder became woven into Sydney’s folklore of unsolved crime. Rewards were offered. Rumours flourished. Suspects came and went. Nothing stuck. Today, motorists pass quietly along Northcote Avenue beneath the shade of old trees and past elegant homes hidden behind trimmed hedges, unaware that one of Sydney’s most savage and baffling murders unfolded there on a warm summer afternoon in 1951. The witnesses are now gone. The detectives, neighbours, reporters, and schoolgirls who once watched the drama unfold have all passed into history. Only the old Hacker mansion remains. Though decades of renovations and redecoration have altered its appearance, the house still stands as the last silent witness to the crime, like a traumatised survivor desperately attempting to conceal its scars and begin life anew. Yet unlike the people connected to the tragedy, the house cannot escape into death or forget what happened within its walls. Generation after generation has passed through its rooms, many unaware that beneath the polished floors and modern interiors lies the memory of terrible violence. Somewhere inside that house, Leopoldine Hacker took her final breath. The killer was never caught. Perhaps he walked those quiet streets again in later years. Perhaps he even returned to Northcote Avenue and stood once more before the scene of his crime. If he did, the old house could say nothing. It could only remain there in silence, holding forever the secret of who murdered Leopoldine Hacker. -------------------- This article was written in memory of Jo Harris, born Joan Helene Law at Killara in 1934, who lived opposite the Hacker residence and witnessed the events surrounding the murder of Leopoldine Hacker in December 1951. Her mother was among the first people to enter the house after Arthur Hacker discovered his wife’s body. In later life, Jo became a devoted member of the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society and contributed greatly to the preservation of local history and community life. She passed away in August 2025 and is greatly missed. Read more St Ives True Crime Stories HERE.

Cash in on your cans as Ku-ring-gai Council rolls out Return and Earn baskets as part of a new recycling trial. North Shore residents can now cash in on cans and bottles a little easier, with Ku-Ring-Gai Council rolling out new Return and Earn baskets across the area as part of a six-month recycling trial. Installed on public bins in busy locations including St Ives, Gordon, Lindfield, Turramurra and Wahroonga, the baskets are designed to encourage people to separate eligible drink containers from general rubbish. Instead of throwing bottles and cans into landfill, residents can leave them in the baskets for others to collect and redeem through the NSW Return and Earn scheme. The initiative has been introduced through Exchange for Change’s Return and Earn Bin Baskets for Councils program and aims to improve recycling rates while helping reduce litter across the Ku-ring-gai area. Similar programs trialled elsewhere in NSW have shown strong results, with some councils reporting significant reductions in recyclable containers ending up in landfill. Mayor Christine Kay said the baskets provide a simple but effective reminder for residents to recycle while giving containers “a second life.” She also encouraged community members to collect eligible containers from the baskets and redeem them at local Return and Earn stations for the 10 cent refund. According to Council, Ku-ring-gai residents deposited more than three million containers through the Return and Earn scheme between June and December 2025 alone — an impressive 173 tonnes of recyclable material. In St Ives, the baskets can now be found near St Ives Shopping Village, Hassall Park and St Ives Showground, making it easier than ever for locals to recycle on the go while supporting a cleaner and more sustainable community. You can find other local baskets at: Gordon Station and St Johns Avenue Pymble Station and shops, Grandview Street Turramurra Station and shops, Rohini Street North Turramurra shops, Bobbin Head Road and Normurra Road Lindfield Oval, Tyron Road Wahroonga Park and shops, Railway Avenue and Redleaf Avenue Roseville Park, Clanville Road Golden Jubilee Field, Esk Street, North Wahroonga

Ku-ring-gai Council recognised for planning excellence at the 2026 National Awards for Planning Excellence. Ku-ring-gai has once again been recognised on the national stage, earning acclaim at this year’s National Awards for Planning Excellence. Presented by the Planning Institute of Australia, the awards celebrate outstanding planning projects that help shape more liveable, sustainable and connected communities. This year’s ceremony recognised projects responding to housing affordability, climate resilience and urban growth challenges. Ku-ring-gai’s recognition follows earlier success at the NSW Planning Awards, where Council’s alternative Transport Oriented Development (TOD) planning scheme received the Strategic Planning Project Award. Developed in response to the NSW Government’s housing reforms around train stations including Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Roseville, the alternative scheme aimed to balance the need for additional housing with the preservation of Ku-ring-gai’s leafy character, heritage streetscapes and environmental assets. According to Council, the proposal was built around several planning principles, including the protection of environmentally sensitive land, improved transitions between existing homes and new developments, and the revitalisation of local village centres. Extensive community consultation, workshops and public submissions also played a key role in shaping the final strategy. Mayor Christine Kay said the award demonstrated the value of thoughtful, community-led planning. “We recently gained the State Government’s approval of our scheme and while opinions may differ, winning this award demonstrates that the Council’s alternative to the TOD is based on very sound planning principles,” she said. The recognition continues a long history of planning and environmental accolades for Ku-ring-gai, with previous honours awarded for projects including Lindfield Village Green, sustainability initiatives and urban renewal strategies.

The much-loved St Ives Show ends after more than 100 years at the St Ives Showground. The St Ives Agriculture Show, a much-loved fixture on the annual Upper North Shore events calendar, will not be returning as of 2026, with organisers confirming the difficult decision following ongoing financial and operational pressures. With the first show recorded in the early 1900s, the event had become a long-standing tradition uniting the entire community - families, schools, local groups, volunteers and visitors - and built around connection, country spirit and good old-fashioned fun. From livestock displays and produce competitions through to rides, performances and local vendors, the show has played an important role in shaping the community identity of St Ives and surrounding suburbs. For many, it has been a yearly tradition passed down through generations. In a recent social media post, organisers said the decision was not made lightly, and came after careful consideration of a range of challenges; rising costs, increasing operational demands, and the growing difficulty of sustaining the level of volunteer support required to run an event of this size. They also acknowledged the incredible contribution of the many volunteers, families and supporters who have given their time and energy over the years, helping to make the show what it was. The decision reflects wider pressures being felt across the sector, with AgShows NSW noting that many shows across the state are facing similar challenges. While the news will be deeply felt across the North Shore community, organisers thanked residents for their long-standing support and the many memories created over the show’s long history - a legacy that will continue to live on in St Ives long after the gates have closed.

We meet St Ives local and talented artist, Elizabeth Kelly to talk about nature, art, food, and family. How would you describe your artistic style? My artistic style is delicate and organic, I love working with the natural textures of the watercolour paper and the different effects that the watercolour paints create. I am mostly inspired by the botanical world around me, painting flowers, leaves and animals. I also like painting architecture, the geometry, history and linework interest me… I prefer painting with watercolours though I also enjoy experimenting with traditional Japanese and Chinese style methods of ink painting. Talk about your business and how you created it. I studied a Bachelor of Design which was a multi-disciplinary course…When I graduated I ended up in graphic design working on publication design and then corporate design, so I gained a lot of experience in those fields. When I had my first child, Aiden, who is now 12, I was on maternity leave and then chose not to return to the 9 to 5 job and focus on freelancing. As a freelancer I had a lot more freedom to take on jobs that fitted with my experience but also experiment with more creative things and spend time painting which I loved. So that is how I ended up designing for kids parties and then moving into creating wedding invitations and event decor. Designing invitations suited me really well as I can match my print design skills with my painting skills and respond to the different style of each event. Coming from that graphic design background meant I am most comfortable doing custom work, identifying what’s important to convey or to tell a story through the design. Some of the briefs can be challenging in a good way where you need to try and combine two different personalities together into one cohesive whole. Each brief allows me to create something new, explore a different style or colour palette. In the past when I was only doing corporate design it got very monotonous and dull, now when I do something for a business I’m often picking up my pencils as a starting point, sketching out ideas and rough drafts before I work on the polished final piece on the computer — its a more enjoyable process than it used to be. How long have you lived in St Ives? We moved to St Ives mid-way through 2022 so we’ve been living here for 4 years now. What do you like about the area? I love that we’re surrounded by bushland so it’s very leafy. It’s easy to get to the city, or across to the beaches, up north or inland to where I have other friends and family living. So it’s very convenient for someone who likes to get out and explore or meet up with others. Our house has a beautiful treetop view, it’s very restful watching the birds play and being nestled amongst nature. What are some of your favourite places to eat, drink, or visit for whatever reason. My favourite cafes in the area would be Somewhere North and the Wyatt in Gordon, I like the creativity of their menus. The whole family really love Sushi Village at Gordon as it’s very authentic and you can get some Japanese dishes that are hard to find elsewhere, like the cold spicy Maze Udon. Our other favourite is the Indian Accent — we love sitting out amongst the fairy lights enjoying a cold drink, a curry and some dahi puri. When we had just bought our house and were in the process of moving, they had the annual orchid show on at the St Ives Showground. I bought a few and they did really well in my garden, so now it’s become an annual tradition for me. I love flowers. Before my daughter started school I took her a few times to the wild play sessions at the Wildflower garden, which was nice. we’ve taken the kids out boating on Lane Cove River which is another good outdoor activity to experience. What's good about bringing up a family in St Ives? We chose to move to St Ives because the public schools here are so good and with the age gap between my two children I liked the fact that the primary school is right next to the high school. We can walk to school each morning, which I think is important, to get that fresh air and exercise instead of crawling through traffic on a long commute. I also liked the fact that the shopping centre was big enough to have a good variety of stores and a wide selection of fresh food options without it being too big like the massive Westfield type shopping centres are. There are places open in the afternoon for cake or ice-cream as a post-school treat, and with the park and library there too it’s quite social, which is appealing. See Elizabeth Kelly’s art and engage her services at: elkprints.com

From Aboriginal pathway to modern thoroughfare: this is the St Ives story of Mona Vale Road. By ALEC SMART Mona Vale Road is the 20 km east-west arterial connecting Sydney's Northern Beaches to the Pacific Highway (A1), from Mona Vale in the east, to Pymble to the south-west. Passing through the suburbs of Ingleside, Terrey Hills and St Ives, it most likely followed an earlier path utilised by the Indigenous Garigal peoples. In the early 19th century, timber workers adopted that route to transport lumber from the heights of what is now Ku-Ring-Gai, around Gordon, Pymble and St Ives, to water craft moored in Pittwater and Middle Harbour Creek. European settlers began felling timber in the present-day St Ives and Gordon region in the early 1820s, several relocating from the lower North Shore, after extracting most of the best timber from the harbour foreshores. Daniel Mathew, a key figure in the region's logging industry, received an 800-acre land grant in 1823 in the St Ives area – which he called Rosedale. Mathew oversaw the initial construction of a dirt track down to the coast (on what is now Mona Vale Rd) to transport timber to his sawmill in central Sydney. Originally, the eastern stretch of Mona Vale Rd from the coast to Telegraph Rd in central St Ives was called Pittwater Rd, and the western section to Lane Cove Rd (now the Pacific Highway in Pymble) was called Stoney Creek Road. The seaward, heavily forested route that was chosen and widened by the timber merchants would have adapted an ancient Aboriginal track, as was the habit of the European settlers. Many of Sydney's major thoroughfares and arterial roads, such as George and Oxford streets in the city, Botany Rd in the south, Parramatta Rd to the west, and Pennant Hills Rd and Pacific Highway to the north, were built over ancient Aboriginal walking tracks and trading routes. These established paths were essential for navigating the local terrain, as they traced the easiest ridges and linked vital fresh-water sources. The Stoney Creek Rd/Pittwater Rd conduit between forested and marine environments was situated on the traditional lands of the Garigal clan (also spelled Carigal). It would undoubtedly have been traversed by the Garigal and their neighbouring clans, the Darramuragal to the west (who inhabited the Turramurra, upper Lane Cove River and St Ives region) and the Gayamaygal to the south-east (Manly and the Lower Northern Beaches) as they traded, intermarried, trekked to communal social gatherings and otherwise moved between food and water sources. In 1824, Daniel Mathew imported steam-driven milling machinery from Britain and set up a sawmill near the intersection of Cowan and Mona Vale Roads, Rosedale (now St Ives). A water trough for horses was also installed at this junction. The sawmill made it easier to transport wood to the burgeoning settlement in Sydney Cove and other settlements, including the Windsor and Richmond farming district on the upper Hawkesbury River, which was occupied by Europeans from 1794 onwards. In the early 1800s, the European population expanded outwards from Sydney Cove to Parramatta, Toongabbie, and the Hawkesbury River. Timber was essential for housing and the construction of wharves and warehouses to facilitate the shipping of foodstuffs and provisions. Ship construction was minimised, however, to limit the possibility of escaping convicts to flee to sea. Another early settler in the St Ives district was John Ayres, who, in 1836, was granted a 320-acre (129.5-hectare) grant of land, which he named Rosedale Farm. Ayres Rd, which crosses Mona Vale Rd in north St Ives where his property was based, was named after him. In the 1850s-60s, when most of the timber in the district was felled for furniture, houses, wharves, bridges, fence posts and rail and tram sleepers, Ayres and Mathew sub-divided and sold off their vast holdings in very profitable land plots. A small forest called Dalrymple Hay on the Mona Vale Rd between St Ives and Pymble was preserved, which is dominated by several species of the endangered ‘blue’ gum eucalyptus trees, one of which, Eucalyptus saligna, can live for over 200 years and was highly prized. It yields a dense, durable hardwood that is visually striking (dark honey to reddish-brown in colouring) and naturally resistant to decay, making it a premium choice for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Historically covering large areas of the shale-capped ridge-tops of Sydney’s northern districts, less than 5 per cent of the estimated 3700 hectares of blue gum high forest that was prevalent throughout the Sydney basin, prior to Europeans’ arrival in 1788, is still standing. The area then became synonymous with orchards and market gardeners. The St Ives Showground to the north of the suburb on Mona Vale Rd was founded in 1926 as an arena for the Northern Suburbs Agricultural and Horticultural Association. (They were formerly known as St Ives Fruit Growers, a coalition of orchard and market gardeners who previously exhibited at Hassall Park, to the south of the Showground.) The district was not officially named St Ives until around 1900 – likely after councillor Isaac Ellis Ives, and not the Cornish fishing village as is commonly claimed. Ives was instrumental in providing two key facilities for new arrivals. He successfully petitioned the Postmaster General to approve construction of the post office (1885), followed by the St Ives Central Public School (1889), so settler families could educate their children. The original school headmaster’s cottage still stands at the corner of Rosedale Rd and Porter’s Lane, now a restaurant. In 1921, there were serious proposals to construct a railway line through St Ives, which would have followed the Mona Vale Rd east to the coast. A Sydney Morning Herald article titled ‘Proposed New Railway’ (13 June 1921), reported that the NSW Minister for Works, John Estell, visited St Ives two days earlier to inspect the proposed route of a Gordon to Narrabeen rail line. It never eventuated. However, in 1954, when Brigidine Convent (girls) and Sydney Grammar (boys) schools began teaching from their newly-opened premises on the Mona Vale Rd, it was still widely accepted that a railway spur from Gordon Station would eventuate. This line would have facilitated the access of pupils from outside the immediate area to travel to those respective schools. It wasn’t until the mid 1950s that St Ives rapidly transitioned from orchards and market gardens into a residential suburb, when it was officially rezoned from ‘rural’ to ‘residential’ and new roads and houses constructed. Along a short stretch of Mona Vale Road, between Ayres Rd and the St Ives General Medical Practice (opposite Sydney Grammar School), sits a row of 18 nashi pear trees that are the last remnants of the orchard age (1890s – 1930s). These pear trees may be between 70 to 120 years old. Mona Vale Road is now part of the 51km long A3 road, transitioning in succession into Ryde Road, Lane Cove Rd, Concord Rd, etc, as it bears south. The A3 eventually rejoins the A1, albeit the Princes Highway, not the Pacific, north of Tom Ugly’s Bridge by the George’s River in Blakehurst. Read more about St Ives HERE.

Two Monthly Markets Now Anchor Maroubra Weekends, Blending Beachside Energy With Indoor Community Stalls More on Randwick Launched in May 2024, the Maroubra Beach Markets has quickly become a favourite with locals; fresh produce, handmade goods, great coffee, and more, all enjoyed in one of Sydney’s most beautiful locations. Now, due to strong local demand, Randwick City Council has added a second monthly market. Photo: Mark Bond Photography The new Heffron Park Markets runs on the third Sunday of each month at Heffron Park’s undercover netball stadium - the perfect location whether it’s rain, hail or shine. Running from 8am to 2pm, it brings the same mix of fresh produce, artisan stalls, vintage finds, fashion, homewares and street food, just with a cosy indoor setting. The Maroubra Beach Markets will continue to run on the first Saturday of each month, 8am to 2pm at Broadarrow Reserve, and continue to feature more than 100 stalls, live music and plenty of family-friendly energy. Together, the two markets give locals a simple rhythm: one Saturday by the beach, one Sunday at Heffron Park - both packed with the kinds of stalls and local makers that you genuinely look forward to seeing each month. It’s a small but meaningful shift that reflects something bigger happening across Randwick - a real appetite for local shopping, community connection, and supporting small businesses close to home. Heffron Park Markets - 3rd Sunday of the Month 441-445R Bunnerong Road, Maroubra Maroubra Beach Markets - 1st Saturday of the Month 292-310 Fitzgerald Avenue, Maroubra

Student Housing Boom Under Fire as Randwick Pushes for More Homes for Residents and Families More on Randwick Randwick Council halts new student accommodation developments. Randwick City councillors have voted to cease new student housing developments in an effort to protect and expand the residential community. History of Student Housing in Randwick Over the last 6 years, 5,000 new student living spaces have been approved along the 2.5 kilometre stretch of Anzac Parade between Kingsford and Kensington, easily surpassing the less than 500 approved residential developments during the same period. Companies like Scape and UniLodge are a saving grace for many students, allowing them to live close to their place of study without the burden of competing for affordable accommodation. However, many other people seeking housing in the area have been finding it increasingly hard. Student accommodation currently outnumbers standard housing at a ratio of 10:1, an excessive abundance that Randwick mayor, Dylan Parker calls “perverse”. As the new resolution comes into effect, Randwick should see a mass of cranes and scaffolding slowly fade from view, instead welcoming smaller building projects like houses and apartments. At the conclusion of the first meeting of 2026, council agreed to enforce stricter building scale controls, and called on Minister for Planning Paul Scully to disqualify the area from co-living development incentives endorsed by the State Government. Without these incentives, which include density bonuses and faster approval rates, councillors and locals hope large scale student accommodation will be discouraged, allowing opportunity for more residential developments. However, Minister Scully recently stated to the ABC that the State Government was "not considering blanket exemptions for any councils" regarding the aforementioned policies. The matter is highly contentious with both sides of the argument having merit. Housing approximately 70,000 students, including from the local University of New South Wales and other external Sydney institutions, the Randwick student accommodation network is a vital part of the city’s uni ecosystem. The thriving community of students contributes significantly to the local economy, and building designated flats for this demographic ensures they are able to continue living in the area over the course of their studies. Student housing is an especially valuable option to interstate and international students, who face added struggles when finding a rental amidst the already chaotic housing crisis. In opposition of the attempted ban, one local commented on social media, “Banning the building of student accommodation forces students to compete with everybody else in the regular housing market. That forces prices up across the board.” Community concerns Outside of the university community, many residents are relieved to hear that action is finally being taken against commercial development. With a vast 90% of the area’s housing being catered towards students, families and workers are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to house hunting. Following the decline of student-based developments, the council expects to see improvements in long term community stability, as well as an increase in diversity. By reducing the overpopulation of the university demographic, the local area will become better balanced and other social and cultural aspects of Randwick will be able to flourish. Mayor Parker supports these ideas, stating, "Everyone would agree that in the hierarchy of needs, housing should come before an export industry. Clearly, housing and shelter for the individuals who live in this community are the principal concern.” Randwick City Council 30 Frances Street, Randwick council@randwick.nsw.gov.au 1300 722 542

Legendary Australian Film Critics Immortalised Outside the Ritz Cinema in Historic Walk of Fame First More on Randwick Beloved film critics, David Stratton & Margaret Pomeranz, become the first non‑actors immortalised on Randwick’s Walk of Fame. When most Australians think of film culture, two names immediately come to mind: David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz. Their passion, wit, and insight transformed the way a generation experienced cinema, making them household names long before streaming and social media became the norm. In June 2025, they were immortalised on the Australian Film Walk of Fame outside the iconic Ritz Cinema in Randwick, becoming the first pair — and the first non-actors — to receive plaques on this celebrated cinematic footpath. For nearly three decades, Stratton and Pomeranz defined film criticism in Australia. Their television careers began with SBS’s The Movie Show in 1986 and continued with the nationally beloved At the Movies on ABC from 2004 to 2014. Their on-screen debates—sometimes heated, always engaging - were famous for their display of honesty, humour, and deep knowledge of film. Audiences across the country tuned in not just for recommendations, but for the joy of watching two passionate critics discuss cinema with both seriousness and levity. Honouring Iconic Careers The ceremony at the Ritz was a celebration of their extraordinary careers. Friends, colleagues, and film enthusiasts gathered to applaud the duo, with clips highlighting some of their most memorable moments — from Stratton’s incisive critiques to Pomeranz’s infectious enthusiasm for Australian filmmaking. The event underscored not only their longevity but the breadth of their influence on Australian cinema and audiences. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker praised the critics’ contributions: “David and Margaret didn’t just review films - they shaped how Australians think about and experience cinema. Their voices encouraged debate, discussion, and a greater appreciation for the art of film.” The induction also highlighted Randwick’s ongoing role as a hub of Australian film culture, anchored by the historic Ritz Cinema and vibrant local arts scene. The occasion carried particular poignancy as it marked one of David Stratton’s final public appearances before his passing in August 2025 at age 85. Stratton’s career spanned decades, encompassing film criticism, festival direction — including nearly 20 years as director of the Sydney Film Festival — and film education, making him one of the most influential figures in Australian screen history. Margaret Pomeranz, renowned for her incisive intellect, advocacy for Australian content, and love of cinema, spoke movingly about the honour, expressing gratitude for being recognised alongside actors and filmmakers she has admired throughout her career. Together, the pair’s plaques now sit alongside luminaries such as Leah Purcell, Sigrid Thornton, and David Wenham, a symbolic inclusion of the critics’ vital role in shaping Australian screen culture. For Randwick, already celebrated for its connection to cinema through the Ritz and The Spot precinct, this induction reinforces the suburb’s reputation as a cultural destination. Their plaques stand as permanent reminders that the world of film is shaped not only by the actors, directors, and producers we see on screen, but also by the voices that guide, inform, and inspire us to see it differently. As locals and visitors stroll past the Walk of Fame, they are reminded of the enduring legacy of Stratton and Pomeranz—a pair of critics who didn’t just review films, but changed the way Australia watches, talks about, and celebrates cinema. You can check out the Australian Film Walk of Fame at 39-47 St Pauls St, Randwick

For the first time in over 40 years, St Ives Shopping Village has changed ownership, selling for $450 million. By Lucy Pearson One of Australia’s most tightly held retail assets has officially changed hands, with St Ives Shopping Village selling for $450 million in a landmark deal that marks the largest neighbourhood shopping centre transaction in Australian history. The acquisition sees property group, Iris Capital, enter the retail ownership market for the first time, purchasing the prominent Sydney Upper North Shore centre along with 12 adjoining properties. The deal represents a major strategic move for the group, led by billionaire developer Sam Arnaout, as it looks to establish a large-scale retail platform focused on dominant metropolitan shopping centres. Located in one of Sydney’s wealthiest catchments, St Ives Shopping Village has long been regarded as one of the country’s highest-performing neighbourhood retail centres. The 17,475-square-metre asset is anchored by three supermarkets and home to more than 100 tenants, including retailers, restaurants and essential services. The centre generates an annual turnover of approximately $264 million and has ranked first nationally in Shopping Centre News’ Mini Guns performance report for 20 consecutive years. The sale also marks the end of an era for vendor EK Nominees, the Katz family-owned group that acquired the centre in 1986 before gradually expanding its footprint through neighbouring properties along Mona Vale Road and Denley Lane. The asset was first brought to market in 2022 and attracted significant investor interest amid continued demand for resilient retail assets. For Iris Capital, the acquisition is being positioned as a long-term play, with plans to enhance the centre’s retail offering while exploring future mixed-use opportunities. “We are pleased to complete the acquisition of St Ives Shopping Village, a generational asset of exceptional quality,” Iris Capital chief executive Sam Arnaout said. “With settlement now complete, our focus is on building on the legacy of the centre while continuing to evolve the precinct in line with the needs of its community.” Arnaout said the centre had long been viewed by the group as the ideal entry point into the Australian retail ownership sector, particularly given the undersupply of retail floorspace across the surrounding catchment and increasing demand for future residential development in the area. Industry analysts say the transaction reflects ongoing competition for high-performing retail assets, particularly supermarket-anchored centres with strong local demographics and consistent turnover growth. Despite broader economic uncertainty, investor appetite for premium retail property has remained resilient, supported by stable yields and expectations of future interest rate cuts. The deal was brokered by Colliers, which described the transaction as a “generational handover” between private ownership groups. “Assets of this quality are rarely traded,” said Lachlan MacGillivray, managing director of Asia Pacific retail capital markets at Colliers. “The sale of St Ives Shopping Village further reinforces strong market demand for irreplaceable retail assets.” The transaction adds to a wave of major retail property deals completed across Australia over the past year, including the sales of Westpoint Blacktown, Macquarie Centre and Northland Shopping Centre, as institutional and private investors continue to compete for large-format retail assets in key metropolitan markets. Iris Capital is now actively pursuing further acquisitions as it looks to expand its retail portfolio nationally.

Your guide to the best theatre, food, entertainment and live music happening in St Ives and other nearby neighbourhoods. Weekly Local Events 💰 Lunch Specials 📍 Pymble Hotel 📅 Mon to Fri | 12-3pm Dig into these great-value lunch specials just down the road at Pymble Hotel. Every day of the week from 12–3pm, enjoy serious bang for your buck with five delicious options on offer. Choose from a cheeseburger with chips ($16), Caesar salad ($16), fish and chips with salad ($16), or a rump steak with chips and salad ($18). Now that’s a tasty lunchtime bargain. ❓ Trivia 📍 The St Ives Club 📅 Thursday at 7pm Thursday nights are all about trivia at The St Ives Club, kicking off from 7pm. Gather your team and head down for a fun, fast-paced evening of general knowledge, great food and friendly competition. With a relaxed community atmosphere and questions to suit all skill levels, it’s the perfect midweek outing for locals looking to test their trivia and enjoy a night out close to home. Book your spot: thestivesclub.com.au/trivia-bookings.html St Ives Local Calendar: 🎹 Art Awards Exhibition 📍 St Ives Shopping Village 📅 July 20 - Aug 2 St Ives Village is hosting the Ku-ring-gai Art Society Art Awards Exhibition, showcasing a vibrant collection of works from local artists. Held along the ramp between The Living Room Café and Australia Post, the display features paintings across a range of styles and mediums, with pieces also available for purchase. Open daily during centre hours, the exhibition celebrates local talent while bringing a creative touch to the heart of St Ives. Events in Nearby Neighbourhoods 🧑‍🎤 The David Bowie Experience 📍 The Lounge (The Concourse) 📅 June 27 | 8pm Ashes to Ashes is a world-class tribute to David Bowie, arriving in NSW in June 2026 for an unforgettable celebration of his iconic five-decade career. Featuring an all-star lineup of seasoned musicians, the show brings Bowie’s legendary catalogue to life with authenticity and energy. More than a tribute, Ashes to Ashes is a powerful, immersive experience honouring one of rock’s greatest innovators. Details: theconcourse.com.au/event/ashes-to-ashes-david-bowie-experience 🗣️ Haydn’s Creation 📍 Sydney Opera House Concert Hall 📅 July 4 | 1pm Haydn’s Creation oratorio depicts the creation story in luminous musical colours. It’s the perfect work for the 120 voices of our Symphony Chorus and the theatrical instincts of our three soloists, taking on the roles of archangels and the first humans. Voice, energy, joy? This music has all three in abundance. Details below or call 02 9874 6200. Details: sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/events/haydns-creation/ 😂 Bron Lewis - Chaos 📍 The Lounge (The Concourse, Chatswood) 📅 July 24 | 8:15pm Bron Lewis turns total life chaos into comedy, from raising three kids and a new puppy to juggling motherhood, a career change and everything in between. A former high school teacher, she delivers sharp, self-deprecating humour about the messy reality of trying to keep it all together when nothing goes to plan. Details: theconcourse.com.au/event/bron-lewis-chaos-3/ 🎸 Best of the Bee Gees 📍 The Lounge (The Concourse, Chatswood) 📅 Aug 7 | 7:30pm Celebrate the Bee Gees by revisiting their iconic 1979 album, Greatest, featuring a high-energy set of disco classics, timeless ballads and chart-topping hits written for themselves and other legends. Endorsed by the Gibb family and original Bee Gees musicians, the show features Evan Webster, Russell Davey and Greg Wain, with special guest Debora McLane. Details: theconcourse.com.au/event/best-of-the-bee-gees 🎭 Macbeth - Come You Spirits 📍 The Lounge (The Concourse, Chatswood) 📅 Aug 19 - 22 | 7:30pmThis bold, stripped-back adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy explores ambition, power, fate and human duality through its talented central characters and timeless moral questions. Featuring Wiradjuri dancer Ella Havelka as the Second Witch, the production blends Shakespeare’s language with powerful movement and striking theatrical intensity. Details: theconcourse.com.au/event/come-you-spirits-macbeth-2 🥁 Blue Rhythm Band 📍 The Lounge (The Concourse, Chatswood) 📅 Aug 27 | 7:30pm The Duke Ellington Legacy by The Blue Rhythm Band celebrates the timeless swing of Duke Ellington in a high-energy tribute. Featuring a stellar lineup, this swinging quintet brings to life classics including Take the A Train, It Don’t Mean a Thing, and Caravan, alongside other Ellington favourites. Details: theconcourse.com.au/event/jazz-at-the-lounge-2026-blue-rhythm-band-the-duke-ellington-legacy 🎤 Emma Pask: High Standards 📍 The Lounge (The Concourse, Chatswood) 📅 Sept 17 | 7:30pm Award-winning jazz vocalist Emma Pask returns to The Lounge alongside her acclaimed Jazz Trio Band following a sellout 2025 performance. Blending timeless jazz standards, classic swing and heartfelt ballads, Emma’s warm stage presence and powerful vocals promise an unforgettable evening of world-class live music. Details: theconcourse.com.au/event/jazz-at-the-lounge-2026-emma-pask-high-standards/