More on Lane Cove During the COVID lockdowns, a lot of people took up hobbies. For some it was a way to fill in the hours, but for others like Frosene Agathokleous that hobby became a new business. The Secret Ingredients of Tipsy Jam When you first taste Tipsy Jam you are delighted and intrigued. It’s delicious, but there’s something else, a special zing. The mystery ends when you read the ingredients. Take the Strawberry Margarita Jam, for instance: strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, pectin, tequila…say what? Yes, that’s right - these jams are alcohol infused. “I have always loved being in the kitchen and experimenting with different flavours,” explains Frosene. “I wanted to add a quirky twist to regular jams, so I started experimenting with alcohol infusions!” Frosene had already been making jams and preserves as a hobby before the pandemic hit. Being in lockdown with lots of time and creativity on her hands with gave her the opportunity to turn her home-made jam into a viable product. Tipsy Jam comes in a number of tantalising flavours and is perfect for grazing platters. Frosene also makes up gorgeous gift boxes that may include jam, wine, chocolates, candles, and… another jar of jam? It’s still a home-based start-up but you can order via Instagram: www.instagram.com/tipsyjam

Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre More on Lane Cove It’s been a fairly sedentary few months for many of us, but what better inspiration to get active again than a shiny new, state of the art fitness facility. The recently opened Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre offers an excuse-beating program of activities that will help get you back to pre-pandemic condition. You may be carrying a little bit of extra chub or feeling stiff in the joints or just want to be able to exercise without knocking over family photos and scaring the cat. Thanks to the stunningly refurbished Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre, locals can now start pursuing their fitness goals in comfort, with expert help, and among friendly faces. The centre, owned by Lane Cove Council and operated by BlueFit leisure management, is an all-in-one complex incorporating four pools: a 50m outdoor lane pool, 25m indoor lane pool, leisure pool, and a warm water pool. It has a sauna, steam rooms, and spa; large, fully equipped gym; a cafe serving energy boosting healthy treats; and a creche. They offer a great range of services and programs. Swimming lessons cater for kids and adults at all levels. Learn how to keep your head above water; face your fear; improve your technique; join a squad. The BlueFit Health Club provides access to a full complement of gym and fitness equipment and programs. Weights, machines, aerobics, yoga, bootcamp and much more, all with qualified, friendly professionals. They also offer allied health services with a chiropractor and massage therapist with sessions being claimable on Medicare or through your private health provider. What’s best about the centre is that there is a feeling of community. After a year of isolation, it’s nice to be able to get among people (still observing COVID-safe measures) and get encouragement, without the distraction of pets, pantry, or flashing ads on a computer screen. lanecoveaquatic.com.au Read about fitness for the later years, chair yoga for seniors here.

More on Lane Cove Little Red Robin is a stylish establishment setting the tone for what is destined to be premium dining destination on the north shore. Setting Up Little Red Robin Michelle Warren is the General Manager Marketing & Operations & Co-Owner of Little Red Robin Restaurant & Wine Bar which has been a key dining venue since it opened in November 2018. Though she and partner, Alessandro, don’t live in Lane Cove they feel very much a part of the community. “Since having the business in Lane Cove, we have become somewhat like locals,” says Michelle. “We love the village atmosphere, the buzz of lots of families around, lots of small businesses and we love that it is a growing foodie hub too. I also LOVE my coffee from Birdwood Café!” They chose to locate their restaurant in Lane Cove because they wanted to be surrounded by other restaurants. “We are super excited about the dining precinct at The Canopy. When we found the site, we were opposite the old car park, but we knew in time it would be a great spot being opposite other restaurants on Birdwood Lane,” Michelle explains. “We are eager for them to open and know that the businesses that are coming are going to enhance the area even more.” Little Red Robin offers a beautifully presented degustation menu. “The degustation dining experience allows us to take patrons on a journey, where they leave the decisions up to us,” says Michelle. The timing and order in which menu items are served (with matching wines if selected) reflect the expertise of the chef and contribute to a more sophisticated dining experience. There is a formal dining room as well as the wine bar and each has its own consummate new menu. “This new degustation menu has allowed our head chef, Alberto Ranalli, to be very creative. He has enjoyed this process very much. The flavours, produce and presentation of dishes are all amazing and some dishes really surprise – such as the Jerusalem Artichoke / White Chocolate / Almond dessert,” says Michelle. “Food presentation is critical to our style of dining – it’s the attention to detail that sets one apart. However it is also the produce that is critical.” Poor produce, no matter how well presented, will lead to a disappointing dish. “We believe we achieve both presentation & produce quality. I also believe that quality images are critical, as they have to tell the story. I have a brand and marketing background and have always valued the quality of brand presentation,” says Michelle. This is reflected in our branding, marketing and our images. For the latest shoot, we engaged Kitti Gould, a well-known Sydney food photographer and I was thrilled when she took us on as a client. The latest images are just brilliant.” They’ve just launched a brand new degustation menu with both a short & long options, plus a casual wine bar menu. Michelle has some recommendations: “Right now, my favourite picks are the Chicken Liver Parfait on the Wine Bar Menu and the O’Connor Angus & Hereford / Koji / Silverbeet and the 3yo Gouda / Sherry Caramel / Grapefruit Tart on the Long Degustation… (plus a nice glass of red of course!)” The wine menu is its own gustatory journey. “We have a stunning all European wine list available which has been carefully developed by Alessandro Nelli. We like to take customers on a journey with the wines, and we love to see them try something they have never heard of before. We have drops from places like Turkey, Greece, Austria and from the favourite areas of Italy, Spain & France too! We are now offering a range of SAKE as well and we will soon broaden our range to include some really special Australian wines from boutique and bespoke wineries.”

More on Lane Cove A new restaurant with an old-fashioned feel. Sunset Diner will take you back to the Art Deco, sun-filled, ice-cream coloured world of Miami Beach. Already popular in Avalon after being open for a mere couple of years, Sunset Diner is bringing its American style diner to Lane Cove. With warm pastel tones, simple, clean lines, and vintage-styled fittings and furniture, Sunset Diner offers a tweaked traditional diner menu with a side of nostalgia. Their burgers are bulky and filled with good stuff. They offer a wide selection of classic burgers including their own “The Burger” with truffle parmesan fries; and their Chicken Katsu burger with a side of broccoli bites. Or you can opt for a fresh salad with optional extras like seared tuna or crispy chicken. Delicious griddle dogs, tasty sides and snacks, and desserts that’ll stick to your bones. Any day is perfect for a delicious sundae or big frothing shakes - you gotta get whipped cream and a cherry on top! Easy kids menu with all their favourites. Meanwhile, the grown-ups can sit on a stool at the bar and sip beer, wine, or one the amazing Sunset cocktails. Good food and great vibe. https://www.sunsetdiner.com.au

More on Lane Cove Four Frogs Crêperie on Longueville Rd, the distinctive red-fronted premises in central Lane Cove, make all their crêpes, sauces and milkshakes fresh to order and in-house from the finest ingredients and free-range eggs. By Alec Smart Four Frogs use traditional recipes and techniques created by the skilled crêpiers of Bretagne (Brittany) in north-western France, where crêpes originated. With over 50 crêpes and galettes – the savoury version, made with gluten-free buckwheat flour – the choices range from decadent desserts to traditional combinations to vegetarian options, and there’s even a special menu for kids called ‘Little Froggies’. Four Frogs also serve a variety of traditional French and Australian aperitifs, beers, ciders, wines, milkshakes and hot beverages to accompany your meal. Current Lockdown rules inhibit in-doors social dining, however, you can still enjoy a slice of France at home with Four Frogs’ take-away and home-delivery options. With that in mind, Four Frogs launched a new takeaway box, Let’s Get Gooey, to compliment the Raclette Time, Let’s Get Creative (add your own ingredients!) and Become A French Chef options. Let’s Get Gooey features all the ingredients you need to make a Complete Galette (1 Galette, 1 Egg, Ham & Swiss Cheese), a Tartiflette Galette (1 Galette, Bacon, Swiss Cheese, Raclette Cheese, Potatoes, Onions cooked in Cider) plus 2 dessert crêpes with a 340ml sauce (choice of Nutella, homemade Caramel, or homemade Chocolate sauce). You can either pick up the box from any Four Frogs crêperies or order it via Uber Eats. Find out more on https://www.fourfrogs.com.au/special-take-away-boxes/ Plus: if you subscribe to their newsletter you get a free birthday crêpe or galette on your birthday! Four Frogs Crêperie 115-117 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove FB: www.facebook.com/fourfrogscreperie Insta: @fourfrogscreperie Ph: 9420 3944 Web: https://www.fourfrogs.com.au/

More on Lane Cove The Greengate murder, a crime buried for 120 years, rediscovered by our resident historian Elliot Lindsay. The original Greengate Hotel in what was then the district of Lane Cove (renamed Killara) The bottom of a well On the morning of Monday the 22nd of September, 1862, on the Greengate estate located in colonial Killara (although all the North Shore was known as Lane Cove in those days), a lifeless male body was found at the bottom of a deep, dark well. The throat of the man had a gaping wound, his arm lacerated. A folded-up pruning knife was found in his pocket with traces of blood on the blade. The man’s name was Andrew Bromley, a local 43 years old timber cutter. Initially, it was thought Bromley had committed suicide. Perhaps attempting with the blade and then finishing the job by throwing himself in the well to drown. He had been depressed the days before due to a quarrel with his son. The city press, always hungry for a story, didn’t wait for the Coroner’s verdict and printed this unproven detail as fact. The City Coroner finally arrived and held a routine inquest at the local inn to determine the cause of death. However, the Coroner, perhaps assuming he was only attending the scene of an apparent suicide, came unprepared for a murder investigation. In the absence of a suicide note and having observed the neck wounds, the Coroner became doubtful that Bromley had taken his own life. He suspected foul play. The body had to be professionally examined by a medical practitioner. Time was of the essence as the body was in decomposition. He ordered the body be transferred to the North Shore Police Station. Unusual circumstances of Greengate murder The two doctors conducted a thorough investigation of the body. Mr Bromley was found to have had three cuts to his throat, making a wound five inches in length. The first two cuts only penetrated the skin. However, the third cut was fatal, severing the lingual artery, the windpipe and the bone joining the tongue and larynx. The Coroner next undertook a post mortem examination. From the appearance of the internal organs, it was believed the death took place before Mr Bromley’s immersion in the water. When Andrew Bromley was not working in the timber yards, he was employed as a labourer. On Friday the 19th of September, he was working for Mr Thomas Waterhouse, the publican of the Greengate Inn and owner of the Greengate estate. However, a bushfire raging through the surrounding Lane Cove forest had finally reached the local area during the day. Waterhouse required all hands to subdue the fire before it overtook the local properties; already, it had devastated some neighbouring estates. Bromley joined in battling the blazes. At approximately 3 pm that afternoon, Bromley was noticed missing. Still, he had not been seen that evening, and he did not come home to his wife and nine children. Saturday, morning came, and he was still missing. This was out of character for Bromley. By Sunday, the community was alarmed and searched the estate where he was seen last. Mr Waterhouse’s son found the hat he wore, and then dried splatters of blood were discovered next. That trailed off some 240 yards towards a deep water well. Although no sign of Mr Bromley’s body was observed, the men decided to drag it. Their suspicions proved to be correct as emerging from the depths came the waterlogged corpse of Andrew Bromley. Poor Andrew Bromley's body was found at the base of a deep well. Murder was the case The doctors presented their evidence at the Coroner’s court held at North Shore Police Station. They testified that the wounds would have resulted in death within minutes. Hence, the ability of Mr Bromley to cut his own throat, close the knife, place it into his pocket, and then stumble 270 yards to the water well was near impossible. The jury finally returned the verdict: – “We have no evidence before us to show how his body got into the well, and that great suspicion and mystery attaches to this man’s death.” Thus, the inquest ruled out suicide. With the community in a state of panic and confusion, the fires provided the perfect opportunity for a person to commit murder, primarily as no investigation into Bromley’s whereabouts was undertaken until the Sunday when presumably the fires had occurred subsided in the area. Suspects On Friday 26th of September, law enforcement had a suspect brought before the Water Police Court on Phillip Street, Sydney. Joseph Bromley, Andrew’s seventeen-year-old son, was arrested on suspicion of murdering his father. Andrew and Joseph had been quarrelling over a disagreement in the weeks prior. The police decided to investigate him. Upon inspecting the property where Joseph was employed, they found clothes he had allegedly worn when his father went missing. Suspicious bloodstains were found on the clothes, prompting the police to presume the worst. They arrested Joseph, and the court held him on remand until Thursday 10th of October, when he was finally cleared and discharged. Witnesses gave evidence that Joseph and Andrew had reconciled soon after the quarrel and were on good terms when Andrew went missing. The blood-stained clothing was accounted for by corroborating evidence; Joseph had been bleeding from the nose, the blood staining the garments. He was later released. However, another suspect was identified. A mysterious individual the records only refer to by the name ‘Leal’. When Andrew Bromley did not return home on the night of the fires, his wife, Sarah, went to the Greengate Inn to inquire about him. This man ‘Leal’ was drinking at the inn and told Sarah, “I don’t think you will ever see him again alive; perhaps he’s got in the fire.” The drunk Leal later says, “mind your own business; your husband is dead!” The Sydney Morning Herald reported this encounter. Leal was questioned and stated, ‘he had not the slightest recollection of ever having made any remarks about the deceased to that effect’. Unfortunately, there is no reference to Leal again. Historic map of Greengate Estate. The hotel is on the corner of Green Gate St and Lane Cove Rd (now Pacific Hwy). The well, now covered, would have been nearby. Disturbing In more ways than one, the people of Lane Cove were disturbed by the events surrounding Bromley’s death. First and foremost is the grief surrounding the murder of a prominent member of the small community. But what also disturbed the residents was how authorities treated the case - errors from beginning to end. The Coroner choosing to hold the court nine miles away from the crime scene was considered unusual. Typically, the inquest would be held in the closest hotel because there were no morgues until the 1880s. The Coroner could have introduced Sarah Bromley’s evidence sooner had this occurred. The mysterious Leal could have been called to account for his whereabouts on the day. And Joseph Bromley would have been cleared of suspicion immediately. However, the government did offer a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the murderer. Unfortunately, the law never apprehended the murderer, and almost 160 years later, it remains a cold case. We will never know what happened on that strange day in 1862 when fire raged through the village that came to be known as Killara. Presuming murder was the case, the incredible chain of events that led to the opportunity for someone to seize and murder Andrew Bromley in such a cold-blooded manner is quite unbelievable. Then the question arises, who was this mysterious man known as Leal? What did he know? Was he the murderer? We will never know the answer. The old inn was demolished in 1942 and rebuilt as The Killara Greengate Hotel. The orchards are long gone, the wells since buried, but locals still visit for a glass of ale. So, if you are ever driving by, consider pulling in and having a drink in memory of poor Andrew Bromley. The Greengate Hotel, Killara, on Sydney's Upper North Shore, after it was rebuilt in 1942 ========================================

More about Lane Cove There is something about Lando Rossi that makes him believable, and when he talks to you about photography you just want to hand over your money and say ‘go for it’! In fact, I have been doing exactly that for many years and Lando has documented a number of significant family milestones as well as numerous events for me during that time. Now it's my turn to showcase this talented photographer for everyone in his community of Lane Cove to share. Photographer Lando Rossi Interview Lando, can you introduce us to where you are from and how you came to be a photographer? I’m from Florence, Italy. Like many photographers, I’ve always been passionate about taking photos, but it was only after 7 years spent developing my career as a financial advisor in one of the major banks in Italy that I decided to transform this passion into a profession. That was 21 years ago, and I still love every moment of being a photographer. When did you move to Lane Cove, and what do you like most about the area? I came to Australia 11 years ago, and moved to Lane Cove shortly thereafter, in 2014. Initially, I chose Lane Cove because it’s strategically located close to the CBD (where many of my clients are located). Over the years, however, I fell in love with the people and the sense of community here. What area of photography do you specialise in? Nowadays at Lando Photo (my company) we are a team of creators, designers, photographers and editors that assist clients across Australia with the production of high-end online content ranging from photography, videography, 360° Virtual Tours for marketing purposes & internal communications. We produce outstanding high-end Event photography, Interior Photography, Food Photography, Product Photography, not to mention our famous Corporate Portrait designs that allow our clients to stand out from the crowd on LinkedIn. What was your favourite photoshoot and why? I’ve always loved working with people. Capturing that moment, that instant when the client is showing a glimpse of their true selves, is the reason why I’m doing this. Has COVID affected your business as a photographer? Unfortunately, yes. All the events I had booked were cancelled or postponed, and after a couple of weeks the projects, such as corporate headshots, followed. Nowadays, the only photographic activities left are product photography, and online tutorials for groups or individuals that want to know how to improve their photographic skills. The latest has been a 2-day course designed for restaurants, in order to teach them how to take some great food photos using just their mobile phones. What’s on the horizon for your work, and what would you like to photograph most? Technology advancements have massively changed the world of photography over the last 20 years, and with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and more powerful processors, I expect to see even more changes over the next 10 years. However, despite any technological advancement, people will remain the same, and being able to get the best from them while they are standing in front of a camera will remain a skill in high demand even in the future. I hope to keep working with corporate clients, providing them with outstanding portraits and branding photos, as well as capture their events’ more engaging moments. If you would like to see more of Lando’s work follow the links below. Photographic Portfolio https://bit.ly/Portfolio_LandoPhoto 360 Portfolio: https://bit.ly/Showreel360_LandoPhoto Lando Rossi – Lando Photo M: 0415 316994 E: Link Facebook: @LandoRossiItalianPhotographer

More on Crows Nest Visitors to St Thomas’ Rest Park in West St, Crows Nest, will be familiar with the 4.5 metre high pyramid in a low-walled compound at the centre of the park, which commemorates Edward Wollstonecraft. By Alec Smart This is the marker of the final resting place of Edward Wollstonecraft, successful businessman in the early years of British settlement of Sydney, from whom the Lower North Shore suburb Wollstonecraft is named. Edward’s sister Elizabeth, for whom the pyramid was originally built in 1845, is also buried there. The pyramid memorial in St Thomas' Rest Park, Crows Nest. Photo: Alec Smart Edward Wollstonecraft History The Wollstonecrafts were the nephew and niece, respectively, of feminist author and avowed advocate of women’s rights, Mary Wollstonecraft, and also the cousins of her daughter, Mary Shelly author of Frankenstein (published 1818). Edward Wollstonecraft’s business partner Alexander Berry, from whom Berrys Bay and Berry Island Reserve in Waverton are named, as well as the NSW town of Berry, is also interred below the stone pyramid. Alexander married Elizabeth Wollstonecraft in Sept 1827. Alexander Berry had the pyramid built as a memorial to her, during a time when Egyptian-themed architecture, including pyramids and obelisks, often featured throughout the British Empire. Egyptian Revivalism, as it has come to be known, was triggered by the Napoleonic Wars (1803-15), when France and Britain fought to control Egypt and the North African continent. Origins of Crows Nest Edward Wollstonecraft died in December 1832, aged just 49, in a cottage he built in 1821 on his 524 acres estate he called Crows Nest – the origin of the suburb’s name. Crows Nest was part of a greater land grant of 2000 acres that Edward was given by Lachlan Macquarie (the 5th NSW Governor from 1810-1821). The Crows Nest estate extended from present-day St Leonards down to the harbour at Berrys Bay, where ships brought timber and merchant goods for the Berry & Wollstonecraft mercantile company. Dilapidated jetty of the historic Coal Loader in Berrys Bay, Waverton, Sydney. Photo: Alec Smart According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography, “In its early years it dealt in rum and other spirits, supplied medicines to the hospital, employed convict tailors in making slop clothing, and … in 1823 the partners exported coal to Rio de Janeiro.” A sealing ship venture to Western Australia in 1824 foundered when the vessel, Belinda, was wrecked on the Archipelago of the Recherche, although the crew survived. Death of Edward Wollstonecraft After Edward’s early death, Alexander and Elizabeth built a larger stone house at Crows Nest, where the Berrys settled, leaving their Coolangatta estate in Shoalhaven. After Elizabeth’s passing, large sections of the Crows Nest estate were subdivided, and a section given to the NSW Government for construction of the Milsons Point to Hornsby railway (completed 1893). Alexander Berry became a recluse, and was eventually laid to rest beneath the pyramid tomb, in Sept 1873, aged 91. The Crows Nest house was demolished in 1933, although the original entrance gates to the Crows Nest estate are still in use – at the Pacific Highway entrance to North Sydney Demonstration School. The original gates to Edward Wollstonecraft’s “Crows Nest” estate, now occupied by North Sydney Demonstration School. Pacific Highway, Waverton. Photo: Alec Smart Edward Wollstonecraft was initially buried in the Brickfield Hill graveyard in the city – later known as Devonshire St Cemetery - which reached capacity in 1867 and from which bodies were exhumed and relocated elsewhere during the construction of Central Station in 1901. However, Wollstonecraft was disinterred and relocated to St Thomas Park in 1846, many years before the station construction. This was because in 1845, when Elizabeth Berry, who inherited her brother’s lands, passed away (aged 63), her husband Alexander donated a piece of land to St Thomas’ Anglican Church of North Sydney to repurpose as a graveyard. So, who were Alexander and Edward? The duo met whilst travelling to Spain, Edward Wollstonecraft, a merchant, Alexander Berry also a merchant trader and former ship’s surgeon, and lodged together in Cadiz, coincidentally while French forces were besieging the city. After forming a business partnership, they relocated to London, Edward first as Alexander’s agent of attorney, where they lived with Edward’s sister Elizabeth from 1815-1819. In January 1819, they set sail for New South Wales (albeit on separate ships), arriving in July, and established their mercantile partnership in a warehouse on George St in The Rocks. (The three-storey warehouse sat amidst a row of properties on what is now First Fleet Park, a vacant block of land between the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cahill Expressway.) George St, The Rocks, 1829, where the Berry & Wollstonecraft mercantile company traded. Photo: Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority In 1820, whilst Alexander was back in England, Edward received his land grant, whereupon Alexander chartered a ship and returned to Sydney in November 1821 with a range of merchandise to retail in their George St premises. In 1822, they made several sea voyages down the south coast looking for suitable land on which to set up a farming venture. The new NSW Governor, Thomas Brisbane (1821-25), issued Berry and Wollstonecraft a land grant of 10,000 acres, on condition they utilise 100 convicts. The land grant, near Shoalhaven Heads, was known as the Coolangatta Estate. To facilitate the movement of ships, the convicts, under the stewardship of explorer Hamilton Hume, were employed to dig a 191 metre canal with hand tools. Linking the Shoalhaven River to the Crookhaven River, the first navigable canal in Australia, the team dug the channel in twelve days. Berrys Bay, Shoalhaven, Coolangatta Mountain in the distance. NSW south coast. Photo: Alec Smart Edward Wollstonecraft remained in Sydney to oversee the business in George St, while Alexander secured two additional land grands of 4,000 acres apiece, eventually expanding the estate to 32,000 acres in the 1840s (after the early demise of Edward). Alexander Berry found Coolangatta unsuitable for sheep farming, so he drained the swampland and clear-felled the cedar and blue gum forests for timber before growing a variety of crops, chiefly tobacco. Edward suffered from ill health, which led to his retreat to Crows Nest and premature death, but in spite of this he was very influential in his lifetime. He became a magistrate, a director of the Bank of New South Wales and the Bank of Australia, and a chairman of the Chamber of Commerce from where he was instrumental in influencing economic decisions and directing international trade. He was also secretary of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and co-founder of the Philosophical Society of Australasia. However, he reportedly had 'a naturally defective temper', according to his long-term business partner, and the duo employed aggressive business practices that could be described as anti-competitive – which contributed to their success. They also exploited Aboriginal labour, providing food but no wages to the Indigenous residents of Coolangatta, whom Alexander’s brother David later evicted when he inherited custody of the estate. Alexander Berry 1856. Photo: Mitchell Library In June 2022, it was revealed in The Guardian that Alexander Berry sent the skulls of two Aboriginals - Yuin clan leader Arrawarra and an unidentified woman - to Britain in 1827, probably to the Edinburgh Museum (which had a department that undertook scientific research on the skeletons of natives from around the world). Previously, in 1820, whilst based in Tasmania, Alexander had sent a Maori person’s head to Edinburgh Museum. Michael Organ, a former archivist at the University of Wollongong, and Marlene Longbottom, an associate professor at the university (whose family are the clan custodians of Coolangatta/Cullunghutti), uncovered this evidence from Alexander Berry’s historic correspondence. They revealed that in a letter dated 20 August 1827, Alexander detailed the dispatch of the Aboriginal body parts, which presumably he exhumed from their burial grounds on his Shoalhaven estate. Berrys Bay, Shoalhaven, Coolangatta Mountain in the distance. NSW south coast. Photo: Alec Smart ============================================================

More on Crows Nest A Sydney-based social enterprise that makes great art, and tackles the barriers artists with intellectual disability face in accessing conventional education, professional development pathways and opportunities needed to become successful and renowned visual artists. Studio A is driven to ensure artists with intellectual disabilities have a voice in contemporary Australian culture and to provide employment to their artists through sustainable creative industry careers. Supported by Studio A, their artists are exhibiting and selling work, receiving commissions, licensing their intellectual property and working with leading companies in the commercial and arts sectors. The Studio A program is structured to operate as a social enterprise, meaning revenue derived from the program’s activities is invested back into the program to increase its artistic and social outcomes. Income derived from the sale and exhibition of artwork directly benefits the artist. We sat down with Karla, Communications Manager, to learn more: How long have you guys been operating? Where did it all begin? Upon experiencing a recreational art program for adults with disability, Gabrielle Mordy (Studio A CEO/Artistic Director) and Emma Johnston (Studio A Principal Artist) were wowed by the artistic talents displayed by certain participants. Despite the high quality of art being produced, for even the most dedicated artists opportunities to professionalise their talents did not exist. Historically excluded from attending tertiary institutions and exhibiting in cultural institutions, the mainstream arts sector has been inaccessible terrain for artists with disability. Mordy and Johnston were motivated to change this. Inspired by supported studio models established in London, New York and San Francisco, they began to develop projects and initiatives to allow artists with disability to achieve their artistic and professional potential. Studio A is now a leading Australian supported studio, operating with a dedicated team of artists, staff, art facilitators and volunteers since 2016. Over the years, we have continued to grow our capacity to create wider social change by securing milestone projects and commissions, engaging wider audiences and challenging stereotypes associated with disability. What sort of support & programs do you offer? Studio A provides a full time professional development service to our stable of artists with a working studio space equipped with specialist materials and support-staff. We support the creative development of their artwork & the range of management services necessary to market their work. We match our artists strengths with contemporary artists/creatives who have complimentary skills. Along with the production of artwork Studio A delivers an exhibition series, public engagement program & manages the sale & delivery of a range of creative services including the lease, licensing & commission of artworks. Have you always been based around 2065? What is special about the Crows Nest community? We have been located in Crows Nest since 2018. Our artists have always felt welcome and part of the community - this friendly attitude and openness toward diversity makes it a very accessible postcode. The North Sydney Council along with Denise, Graham and their team at the Crows Nest Centre have provided a wonderful working environment for our artists and they have made lots of friends in and around the centre. The output of our studio has grown considerably over the years and so has the scale of the work we produce. This unfortunately means that we have outgrown the sunny top-level space of the Crows Nest Centre. The great news is that we are not moving far, we will still be in 2065, having found new premises in St. Leonards! So we are happy to say we will still be part of the lovely community that has embraced us over the past 5 years. How can the local community get involved and support Studio A? There are lots of ways! Purchase artwork and design products, commission an artist, license artwork, donate, volunteer, visit our exhibitions, follow us on Instagram and Facebook and join our mailing list! Studio A: Artist Showcase Damian Showyin, artist, and the incredible talent that created our Front Cover image. ● How long have you been an Artist, Damian? I’ve been an artist a long time. More than 20 years. I have been painting, drawing, weaving, and hand sewing. ● What do you like about working at Studio A? It’s lots of fun. Because I like my artwork so much, and painting. I have fun with everybody. I have lots of friends at Studio A that make me feel happy. I like painting in different colours it makes me feel happy. ● What has been your favourite work so far? I have made so many it is hard to remember. I’ve got lots of favourites. I love painting in acrylic and watercolour most at the moment. ● Where can the public see your art? You can see my art online on the Studio A website and Google Arts & Culture. My art is also part of a big Studio A mural at UTS Central. Next year I will have an exhibition at Mosman Art Gallery. ● Triangle Cards is a beautiful piece, what motivated you to create that? The colours of the paint inspired me. I have been painting lots on cardboard, it’s fun. I use brushes on the cardboard. I think it looks good. ● Was there a meaning behind the colours used? Dark blue and pink and orange. I just use what is there, what I like. ● Are you working on anything at the moment? Yes. Making artwork for Mosman Art Gallery. I have an exhibition there in May. I’ll be doing a painting there on the wall. I’m excited about it. I have been playing with the boxes. Trying different things. I can’t wait for next year. You can learn more about Studio A here: Website: www.studioa.org.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studioasydney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_studio_a_/

More on Crows Nest Meet Mari, this professional bodybuilder has been the face of FS8 Crows Nest ever since it opened in September 2022. When she’s not training for comps or spending time with her precious pup, Odin, she is committed to the FS8 Crows Nest community and teaches classes all week long! Mari is passionate about helping locals step out of their comfort zones to try new ways of working out and achieving their fitness goals. We had a chat with Mari to learn more. How would you describe FS8 to a new enquirer? FS8 is a 50-minute class that is a low-impact group fitness and high on results. The room is split into 2 or 3 sections, and we work through timed stations that are displayed on screens, as well as having an experienced instructor coach you through the moves. We combine Pilates, light weights and elements of yoga which results in better posture, core strength, mobility, flexibility, balance and coordination. We can also report a big increase in the quality of everyday life! Members say that they feel stronger, have more energy, are more mobile, experience better sleep and that FS8 is a great mood booster! It's also fantastic for injury rehab and injury prevention. FS8 is described as being a mix of Pilates, tone, and yoga. What about it makes it more beneficial than traditional Pilates? Because we combine the three different modalities, our bodies are constantly put under different forms of adaptation. It is a 3-dimensional workout, which means that no body part is left without being challenged, and hence, we start to move better through our kinetic chains Can you tell us a little bit about the training you do outside of FS8? I love lifting weights and resistance training, but I also love mobility training and mindful training, as well as CrossFit. I believe movement is medicine and that you should never stick to just one form. Also, I compete in bodybuilding and am currently in preparation for a show this November. This will be my 5th season competing and a new federation for me, so I’m very excited! How do you feel FS8’s unique approach to fitness benefits the Crows Nest community specifically? Firstly, we welcome anyone through our doors! We are non-intimidating, non-threatening or pretentious. We cater to every fitness level. Everyone in our studio knows everyone's names - there are amazing friendships being built in our studio! When you're not at FS8, what do you like to do with your spare time? I love spending my spare time with my dog Odin, taking him for walks and playing games with him. He's a 2-year-old Groodle with lots of energy! Over the last couple of years, I've gotten into surfing, which I'm terrible at, but its so much fun! It's a great community, and it's great to see more and more women learning to surf. I've also done some really cool surf retreats overseas where I've made lots of new friends. How has the response to FS8 from the Crows Nest Community been? The response has blown us away. We work in fitness to help people improve their lives, and with the reviews and feedback we have received about FS8, we are honoured that we are achieving our goal. What does FS8 Crows Nest do differently? Our attention to detail. Our genuine care factor of taking care of our community. And having fun! We immensely enjoy delivering the FS8 fitness experience- and you will too! Do you live locally? Any hot tips on the best coffee/food/date nights? I am a Crows Nest local through and through, being born here! The best coffee is at The Nest café, and best date night venues would have to be either Small Bar, The Hayberry or The Foxtrot What are the main goals of participants of FS8, and how is FS8 helping them meet their goals? Our participants have many different goals but the main ones are to improve core and full body strength, move better, relieve back pain, increase flexibility and know they get a great workout without any jolting or jarring impacts on the body. Is there anything additional that you would like our readers to know about FS8 Crows Nest? What our members say about us: "I cannot recommend FS8 enough! I joined at a time when ‘regular’ workouts were beginning to bore me. FS8 is the perfect mix of reformer and mat Pilates, incorporating weights to tone the body. The workouts are always different and have allowed me to become a lot stronger. The FS8 community at Crows Nest is very friendly, and the trainers are helpful and encouraging. Join, you won’t regret it!" To try your hand at FS8 head to https://fs8.com/crowsnest/home to register for a trial class. You can also stay keep up-to-date with Mari’s bodybuilding and to see all the fantastic things she gets up to at FS8 Crows Nest, by heading to Instagram and follow @fs8_crowsnest_pilates and @mgptfit

The simple t-shirt has to be one of the most basic and ubiquitous items of clothing — everyone has at least one. And they are easy to get on and off, right? Well, not if you have mobility issues or a whole range of other factors that can make raising your arms or wearing off-the-shelf clothing a bit of a challenge. Flex-A-Tee is a solution. Introducing Flex-A-Tee After observing that some of their own older family members were having trouble putting on a plain t-shirt, the innovative designers at Care & Style came up with a solution: the Flex-A-Tee. It’s a t-shirt-style top that features easy-to-press studs along both shoulder lines. By undoing the studs, the neck of the t-shirt can be widened or completely opened up, allowing the user to step into the garment and pull it up over the hips. The studs can then be closed to allow as much freedom around the neck or arms as is desired. The t-shirt is unisex and designed so that there is no defined front or back, which means it can’t be put on the wrong way around. It has a classic, comfortable cut and is available in five different sizes, two lengths, and choice of basic black or white, making it very versatile. The Flex-A-Tee is ideal for people with shoulder, neck or head injuries, limited mobility or other difficulties or accessibility needs, including: post-surgery (sometimes known as medi-wear), upper body range of movement restrictions, easy accessibility for breastfeeding, comfortable elderly clothing, during chemotherapy, sensory issues, the ability to change clothing without dislodging a cannula, and ease of dressing for carers. Care & Style is an Australian-owned company and Flex-A-Tee is made locally, without using plastics and is carbon neutral wherever possible. You can order Flex-A-Tee garments from their website or from selected stockists. Flex-A-Tee is a registered NDIS provider. For more information and to order a Flex-A-Tee t-shirt, visit: www.flexatee.com

More on Dee Why For local Shopping Centre Manager Will, the journey for him and his partner, Karl, to become foster carers was challenging but it has been the most rewarding experience of their lives. In whatever form they take and in all their marvellous diversity, families need nurturing, respect, and support. Will shared his story of becoming a parent and changing his career to find a better workplace support network that allows him to balance the needs of work and family. “Losing my dad to leukaemia in 2018 was really tough and it made me question my career, the life balance I wasn’t getting and what was really important to me. My Dad left an amazing legacy and I was left questioning mine, I felt that my life needed a greater purpose and I had so much to give as a Dad. Karl and I have been together for ten years and we always wanted to have children together but being a same sex couple, we thought it would never happen. During a holiday in Tasmania at the start of 2019, Karl and I started to discuss the option of becoming foster carers and this was the beginning of our unexpected journey to being the family we are today. We chose to foster with Key Assets Australia, who supported same sex couples to become foster carers. For the next twelve months we went through the complicated and at times difficult process of completing all the necessary documentation, interviews and training on how to parent children who can have multiple physical and/or mental health issues or who have suffered abuse or other traumatic circumstances. There is little notice given of when a child will be placed with you and a month after starting my new role, we had a call asking us if we would take in two children, Amy, 11 years old, and Tyler, 7 years old, on a long-term basis. We said yes to the opportunity of a long-term placement and we began planning and preparing to ensure the children’s transition to us was smooth and that they had a connection with us. The week before the children arrived, we received another call from our social worker explaining that the children’s biological mum had another six-month-old baby boy called Noah and asked if we would take him to keep all the siblings together. Of course, we agreed and overnight we went from just the two of us to being a family of five — our dream had come true. Chaos ensued as we moved to a bigger house, bought a pram and car seat, set up the nursery and stocked up on all the things a family of five needs — it was so exciting but overwhelming at the same time. It’s been over three years now and we have three beautiful children who have changed our life for the better. We are in the process of applying for guardianship of the children to give them a forever home and I’m so lucky to work with a supportive agency like Key Assets Australia who support my family and the LGBTIQ+ community. Being a parent is the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it’s also the most rewarding. Key Assets has made this journey so much easier for me and my family and continues to support my journey of being a father.” To learn more about how you can make a difference and become a foster carer, visit www.canifoster.com.au or contact Key Assets on 1800 932 273