More on St Ives Paula O'Connell shares her passion for keeping our seniors fit and healthy with chair yoga. We could all do with a bit of help staying on top of our health and wellness, particularly as we age. Thankfully, there are people like Paula O’Connell, founder and operator of Chair Yoga for Seniors, helping seniors maintain their fitness as they age with accessible, low-impact workouts. Paula’s “Chair Yoga for Seniors” opened in 2018 and operates out of their St Ives Studio. As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chair Yoga for Seniors also offers Zoom classes so that seniors can engage from home and all around the country. We caught up with Paula to learn more about her amazing local business and the service she provides for our seniors. What was the inspiration behind chair yoga for seniors? Yoga for Seniors originated from a personal need when my father, in search of gentle exercises, couldn't find suitable options locally. Drawing from my 30 years of dedicated yoga practice, I recognised the potential of adapting yoga to meet the needs of seniors who don’t want to get on the floor. After obtaining the necessary qualifications, I established Chair Yoga classes in St Ives, offering two classes a week. The program has since expanded onto Zoom, connecting with seniors all across Australia. What kind of yoga classes do you offer? I offer both in-person classes conducted in my home yoga studio and virtual classes through Zoom. How is yoga for seniors different from traditional yoga? Chair Yoga for Seniors is a modified practice primarily utilising chairs. While most poses are performed seated, I introduce challenges with standing and balance poses. I recognise individual needs and provide seated alternatives for those with stability issues or knee concerns. Paula O'Connell's tips to stay fit and healthy in their later years? I emphasise the importance of staying active to prevent physical decline, reminding my seniors that "you'll lose it if you don't use it." Beyond physical exercise, yoga introduces mindfulness, benefiting individuals navigating significant life challenges. Chair Yoga also helps calm the mind and encourages being present in the moment. You offer face-to-face and Zoom classes. How do the two compare? Convenience is a key factor in regular class attendance. Zoom provides a solution for those with busy schedules, eliminating travel time. It also accommodates participants who have relocated, ensuring continuity in their practice and for those who live remotely. However, face-to-face classes remain crucial for those who are not tech-savvy, relying on the personal interaction inherent in in-person sessions. Who are your typical participants? My diverse group of students includes individuals ranging from 60 to 95 years old. Some, like a 60-year-old working professional, integrate chair yoga as a refreshing break in their day. The majority, however, are independent men and women in their 70s, with varying levels of physical ability. A few have medical challenges such as Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis but find particular benefits in the classes for slowing the progression of their conditions. Paula O'Connell talks about inclusivity Certainly! In addition to the core aspects of Chair Yoga for Seniors, it's worth noting the supportive community that has naturally evolved within the classes. Beyond the physical benefits, the students often form connections, sharing experiences and encouragement. The inclusivity of the program ensures that regardless of age, fitness level or location, everyone can find a place in our virtual or in-person sessions. Moreover, the adaptability of Chair Yoga makes it accessible to individuals with various health conditions, promoting a holistic approach to well-being. The journey of Chair Yoga for Seniors extends beyond the mat, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mindfulness that resonates with our students across Australia. For those looking to book a class or to find out more head to the Chair Yoga for Seniors website: www.yogaforseniors.com.au You can also visit their studio at 1 Ikara Place, St Ives – for opening hours and class schedules, see the website

More on St Ives Not only are they famous for their rotisserie chicken, but Chargrill Charlie’s are home to an iconic range of salads that are fresh, colourful and abundant! Getting your serve of greens should be just as enjoyable as digging into a hearty roast chicken - and Chargrill Charlie’s definitely makes choosing healthy easy, and delicious. The secret to Charlie’s salads has always been using fresh, good quality ingredients - made with love, every single day. Each morning, the team slices, dices and prepares everything in-house from the crispy bacon to the golden croutons on their classic Caesar salad. You can’t get any fresher than that! Whilst the seasonal menu changes all the time, specials like the Charlie Chop and Roast Cauliflower & Walnut salads come and go throughout the year. The neighbourhood classics and local favourites menus are here to stay. At St Ives, locals love the famous Avocado Vinaigrette Salad. A generous portion of ripe avocado, fresh green beans, diced capsicum, red onion, and parsley all topped with poppy seeds. Served ready to drizzle with a vibrant vinaigrette – it’s known by many, eaten by all, myself included! With the silly season coming up, entertainers will want to pay close attention because Chargrill Charlie’s offers catering of their luscious salads in all forms with their popular Sharing Boxes, Entertaining Menu, and Office Catering. Perfect for your next family picnic, office function or simply inviting friends and family for dinner. Charlie’s has you covered. Next time you’re in the neighbourhood, make sure to stop by and check out what’s on the menu! Enjoy a homestyle meal with mouthwatering chargrilled chicken, salad of your choice and Charlie’s crispy chips – famously salted in their original Chicken Salt. Or, if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, why not build your own Coogee Salad Bowl, the perfect on-the-go meal, by choosing any 2 x salads or rice, protein and dressing, to top it all off! Exclusive for Neighbourhood Media readers, pick up a feed the whole family will love with Chargrill Charlie’s Family Pack meal for just $35! Usually, $44.90! Simply present the Family Pack voucher in this magazine and enjoy a homestyle meal paired with their mouth-watering chargrilled chicken, veggies or salad of your choice and Charlie’s crispy chips – famously salted in their original Chicken Salt (redeemable at St Ives only).

Over the last 20 years, the world has witnessed a mercurial rise in the popularity of digital advertising. They say every action has a reaction, and in its wake, various community newspapers and magazines were left in the dust with many businesses overlooking the benefits of physical, local advertising. However, as the world continues to adapt to new ways of working and living, refreshed forms of hyperlocal advertising platforms are making their long-awaited comeback. Why have these local platforms started to make a comeback and how will it benefit businesses and neighbourhoods alike? Consumers Spending More Time At Home One major factor driving the resurgence of local publications is the shift towards remote work. According to a survey by FlexJobs, the number of people working from home has increased by 115% since 2005. Another recent study has shown more than 40% of the US workforce is now working remotely. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend, with many companies now offering more flexible work arrangements. This has given rise to a "Tuesday to Thursday" in-office week. As a result, employees are spending more time in their local neighbourhoods and communities. They're grabbing lunch at local restaurants, running errands at local shops, and taking advantage of local services that are now more accessible to them. This presents an opportunity for local businesses to reach this new customer market through targeted, hyperlocal advertising. This local advertising provides a public service for the neighbourhood. It helps residents learn more about what is available nearby, and more often than not, readers of hyperlocal media are amazed at the depth of service available to them locally. Residents Want To Buy Local Consumers are becoming more educated and aware of the importance and value of supporting local businesses. An American Express survey found that 72% of consumers want to support small businesses, and believe that small businesses are the heart of their community. This suggests that consumers are actively seeking out local businesses to support, which creates a prime opportunity for businesses. By highlighting the fact that they are a local business, companies can tap into this desire to support small businesses and appeal to local consumers. Local advertising can help showcase a business's connection to the community and highlight the unique products or services that they offer. Advertisers Can Target Timely Promotions or Events Local advertising allows businesses to target their message to a specific audience in a way that just does not work in media that addresses a larger market. For example, a restaurant might advertise their lunch specials to people who work in the local area. By targeting their message in this way, they can increase the likelihood that potential customers will take action. Another benefit of local advertising is that it allows businesses to build relationships with their customers. By advertising in a hyperlocal magazine or newspaper, businesses can showcase the fact they are a part of their local community. They can showcase their commitment to the local area and demonstrate their willingness to support local causes. This can help to build trust with potential customers and increase the likelihood that they'll choose to do business with the company. As more people spend time in their local neighbourhoods, they're more interested in local services and businesses that cater to their needs, and hyperlocal media is creating an opportunity to make the most of this trend. Neighbourhood Media Is lucky enough to have magazine titles that are widely recognised by everyone in the local community - each simply titled by the relevant Postcode. This has driven an authentic connection between our magazines, and the communities they are written for. Creating a trusted, and reliable platform for local businesses to reach their communities.

The sultry Blanc de Blanc returns to The Grand Electric, and the season has been extended until December 17th! Once is not enough to take in the sumptuous, gloriously rich confection that is Blanc de Blanc. That’s why it needs an Encore. And even a second viewing leaves you wanting more. A sensation in its debut season, and the first show in the newly created The Grand Electric theatre, Blanc de Blanc Encore has clearly become a Sydney favourite and is likely to continue in more iterations. The bones of this reprise, including many of the routines, are pretty much the same as in the previous show, though the improv delivery and audience participation will always make each show unique. The cast is a mix of familiar faces and newcomers. Mischievous but loveable Canadian host, Félix Pouliot, is back and up to his devilish antics. His co-host this time is actor/singer/dancer/invertebrate Danny Collins from England. Collins plays the straight man to Pouliot’s larrikin, but also performs a solo routine in which he bends and contorts his body like he’s completely made of rubber. Australian theatre star Melanie Hawkins is back again, delivering more sass, sauce, and lots of skin. Another Aussie, Jess Mews returns with her hula hoops in a dazzling display of twirls, engaging every single muscle in her body to keep those hoops spinning. It defies belief. Even if you’ve seen Emma Philips perform in the show before, you will still be captivated by her foot juggling act. The New Zealander trained with an elite Chinese school and is one of the few artists who has choreographed an act where she juggles impressive items including tables and parasols using her feet. Caitlin Marion Tomson-Moylan previously performed with her aerial hoop partner, Spencer Craig, but in this show, she takes the stage alone, performing stunning aerial twists and turns on suspended ropes. Canadian performer, Charles-Éric Bouchard manoeuvres with ridiculous dexterity on a single suspended rope. Pouliot, apart from having a lewd sense of humour and excellent MCing talent, is also a skilled Chinese pole artist. On a flexible vertical pole he climbs as easily as a spider; holds himself perfectly horizontal; and free-falls from the top, stopping himself at the very last moment using his legs as brakes against the pole. And finally, Sasha-Lee Saunders steps in as the sexy chanteuse, slinking across the stage and singing steamy cabaret numbers and bawdy ditties with an attitude that can shatter glass. The entire ensemble performs together and in various groups, showing their vast skill set and versatility. Several of the routines require clockwork accuracy and are quite thrilling to watch. There’s an atmosphere of carefree, congenial celebration in the Spiegeltent-styled venue. It’s not a show for the sensitive or prissy, but if you’re up for some slightly blue humour and a wild, raucous night, then see Blanc de Blance Encore before it sells out yet again. Until December 17th Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland St, Surry Hills www.strutnfret.com/blancencore

For many of us, the Metaverse feels like science fiction or magic. Upcoming theatre show, Metaverse Of Magic, looks to take that feeling and concept to the next level when it brings world-renowned magicians from around the globe to Sydney for a show blending magic, illusions and theatrical storytelling. At the forefront of the show is an exceptional young magician named Lennox, portrayed by Sydney’s own Ash Hodgkinson (aka Ash Magic). To help us come to grips with what the Metaverse Of Magic entails, Ash spoke to Neighbourhood Media about his journey into the Metaverse Of Magic! When & how did you first discover a passion for magic? Well, I remember I was 11 years old and I was in the city, in Pitt Street Mall with my mum shopping or something. We were just walking around and saw a big crowd of people just gathered in the middle. We're like, well, what's going on? Just like any curious boy, I squeezed my way to the front of the crowd and there was this guy with a table set up and he was a magician doing tricks with people. He showed me this trick and it blew my mind. As soon as I saw that I went home and just Googled and YouTubed every card trick I could learn. Then I spent the next few weeks just obsessing over it and learning all I could and now here I am. Your following exploded very quickly with you gaining 1 million subscribers in just 2 weeks. How did that feel? Oh, it was crazy. It was definitely a weird mix of emotions because it was in the middle of my HSC and I’d sort of been stressing about that my whole life. School was never really my strong suit. I always felt so much more capable and preferred performing arts and creativity. So when it came to school exams and essays I was a bit in over my head. So during those two weeks, I was stressing about exams, but the following and the videos started exploding. People started following me for my magic and my videos and fun stuff. So it was a little bit all over the place, lots of ups and downs, but it was perfect the way it happened. I was able to leave school and go straight into making videos. You mentioned having a passion for the creative arts. Was magic always the path or were there other outlets that you were exploring as well? Magic was always the main thing. It wasn't until I was in Year 11, that I moved to a performing art school to pursue the magic and creative arts. But of course, most performing art schools don't have a magic class. So I went into the acting stream and it was from there that I just fell in love with acting as well and then started doing acting as well as magic. Now I'm just sort of in love with any kind of performing arts in general. Metaverse Of Magic is such a perfect show for me because it's a mix of acting, magic and theatre on a cool, big stage. It’s spectacular stuff so, yeah it's pretty perfect. How has that been sort of developing all of those skills now to the point where you're in a show featuring renowned magicians from around the world? It's great and it's such a full-circle moment. Honestly, every few weeks I'll be like oh my god I can't believe this is happening. For example, the guy who's helping behind the scenes, Adam Mada, who's helping consult and create the magic for the show. We've been working together for years and he was one of the first magicians I ever met when I was young. And even the show, the producers who are making the show, used to make magic shows that I used to watch as a kid. So it was just so many different things that were all coming together with a mix of acting and magic to form the show. And so it definitely feels like the stars have aligned. Transitioning over to the Metaverse Of Magic show, can you describe the show for our audience? Metaverse of Magic is a world-first stage spectacular magic show. It's a mix of some breathtaking magic, unlike anything you've ever seen before, mixed with high-tech illusions and cutting-edge technology. It's a brand new show of its kind, especially with the interactivity. Usually with magic shows people might come up on stage and they might help out with a magic trick or two. But with this show, it's a sort of tailored experience for every audience member, they get to choose how much they interact using their smartphones, which I'm so excited for. Audience members can use their smartphones to help interact with the show. They get to control what's happening on stage. For example, there's a moment in the show where the audience gets to choose which trick the magician does by taking a poll. But also if you want to just sit back, relax and watch the show you can still do that too and have an amazing experience. What has it been like preparing for this show alongside a raft of other magicians? It's been awesome because I mean with all the TikTok stuff I'm working alone a lot of the time. Occasionally I'll film videos with my parents, who are so supportive behind the scenes. To be in a full ensemble with all these other amazing magicians and people I've looked up to my whole life and magicians I've seen on TV and America's Got Talent is so cool. To be in the same room, working and jamming with these people is what I love about it the most. Do you share tricks with each other? We definitely do. There's that whole magician's code being we're not supposed to reveal the secrets to non-magicians but I think within magicians we're always thinking of random ideas together. I remember we were doing some of the press during our first block of rehearsals and we're like ‘oh what trick should we do’ and we were sort of giving each other tricks like, ‘oh you should try this’ or ‘you should make this appear’. So everyone just wants to help each other out to make things even better. Has that further fuelled your passion? Definitely! I mean, there's this opening part of the show that we put a lot of effort into which is Lennox's sort of opening magic segment where there's a bunch of tricks all jam-packed together. Lennox is just in his world and in love with all the magic tricks that he's doing. So that’s been a big collaborative effort to pick all of the specific magic tricks for that segment. A bit of everybody's brain has gone into that one two-minute segment which is great. Do you have a favourite or signature magic trick? I think a lot of the stuff that Lennox is doing at the start of the show is a lot of my own personal things. That's what I think is so great about the show. It's not just a bunch of magicians who are acting on stage trying to be different characters. Everyone's characters are so embedded within our natural selves, which is so great. It's cool to take a lot of my own personal material that I love doing, and that I've been practicing waiting to bust out on stage. During Metaverse Of Magic, there’s a lot of this thing called cardistry, which is the artistic manipulation of playing cards, which Lennox loves. And so a lot of that stuff is going to be really cool for audiences to see. Now that the show is fast approaching, how are you feeling ahead of the first performance? Feeling great. I mean, I'm just excited to start and get it happening. With all of these big productions, there's so much going on in your head so it's not until you actually get on stage and do it with an audience sitting there watching the show that you go, ‘oh my God, this is real. This is happening.’ Following the Australian tour the show is set to tour the globe. How does that feel? It's great. I’m still a little bit lost for words in terms of the world tour stuff. I've travelled and seen the world with different magic shows here and there but to be part of a full production that's doing a full world tour is great. A lot of times you put so much effort into a show but you only do one or two performances for a very specific event. So to be able to take the same show on tour and work at it to make it as amazing as possible is gonna be so cool. Nov 7-19. Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill. $49-$149+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.metaverseofmagic.com.au By Jamie Apps

In the heart of Crows Nest, a suburb brimming with character, is top3 by design, a true design mecca that has captured the attention of global luminaries — including the legendary Rosita Missoni. For Rosita Missoni, her visit to Australia held a special highlight: an enchanting sojourn and lunch at top3 by design. She enthused that nowhere else on the planet did her fabulous fabrics and throws blend so seamlessly into everyday life. And she couldn't have been more accurate. At top3 by design, you'll find a confluence of the world's top design brands – names like Tom Dixon, Freifrau, Janua, Stelton, Audo, Norman Copenhagen, Northern, Muuto, and, of course, the iconic Missoni home collection. Here, they come together in a harmonious symphony, creating an ambiance of indoor-outdoor luxury and leisure that's second to none. But that's not all. The experience at top3 by design is elevated further by the inclusion of carefully chosen First Nation artworks and the likes of contributions from Australian celebrity interior designer and friend of the store, Greg Natale. This rich tapestry of design is rooted in a foundation of quality, showcased by a curated selection of rugs from the likes of Toulemonde in Paris, as well as Scandinavian classics such as Stelton, Audo and Muuto. Since its inception in 2001, top3 by design has set the standard for design-focused products in Australia. Terri and Bernd Winter, the visionary founders, embarked on this journey due to a glaring lack of accessible design products in the Australian market. Terri's expertise in this domain has earned her a prominent role as a chief judge for the Australian Design Awards and a presenter on the renowned Australia by Design TV series. According to Terri, their distinction lies in the fact that all their furniture is made in Europe, ensuring unparalleled materials, quality and craftsmanship. This commitment to excellence helps justify the sometimes higher-than-average prices as good design is often cherished by generations to follow, rather than end up by the side of the road. So, next time you find yourself wandering the 2065 neighbourhood, make it a point to drop by top3 and meet the welcoming team. Kristie, the manager (who also holds an interior design degree), along with design aficionados like Heidi, George and Tarek, who are genuinely passionate about helping you discover the design pieces and interior objects that will enhance your everyday life. If you're in the mood for a sneak peek or need a special gift delivered, simply visit www.top3.com.au

Bluey - This little pup is just under 12 months old and is a very happy and social boy. Being a Border Collie, he loves fetching balls and is already a pro. He also loves spending time with any and everybody. He is very friendly and greets new friends with a big tail wag. When he’s not being social, you can find him chewing a bone, and when he can find one - a shoe! George and Jenna - Two peas in a pod, these pussycats are the best of friends. Jenna is the sleek tabby, she is very bold and curious about her surroundings. George, the big fluffy boy, resides on the shyer, more reserved side. They are both very serious about the laundry, and will need to supervise any household ironing, from the ironing board. They are both inside cats to keep the local wildlife safe, but they have a great balcony where they spend lots of time watching the world go by. Sandy - Sandy is one of the newer members to St Ives, she is little sister to Echo, who we featured back in Issue #1 when he was just a puppy. They are quite a striking pair - both being tan and white border collies. Sandy is a lot more mischievous then her big brother, she loves wrestling, jumping, and chewing on his tail when he isn’t looking.

You’ve heard of pairing cheese with wine, but what about tea? The versatile beverage – consumed hot, cold, or even effervescent – can be paired with a surprising breadth of cuisines along the meal spectrum from snacks and appetisers right through to mains and desserts. It was the work of innovative chef Heston Blumenthal and the way he arrived at weird pairings that first prompted Matthew Tran, co-founder of Tea Angle with his wife Dawn Liang, to look into tea pairing. “He used a chromatograph that broke down what all the molecules are of each food, and so where they have matching molecules you find it's complementary.” Having grown up in a Cantonese household, Tran was no stranger to drinking tea with a meal. So, it’s no surprise the brand supplies to Jinja, a Cantonese restaurant in Macquarie Park, where the most popular orders are jasmine (“a classic”) and Serenity-aged white tea. But it was a chance meeting with Rhys Little from Simon Johnson Quality Foods that brought the idea of pairing with cheese to life. The aim, says Tran, is to make each ingredient “taste more like itself … whether it enhances the flavour of the cheese or the tea or the other thing that you're pairing”. The foundation of pairing is to complement, to contrast or to create a third new flavour. If you have specialty products, however, it can be difficult to know where to start. Tran says it’s a matter of coming up with a theory and then experimenting. “You might find that didn't really work but from that experience, you benchmark it and it leads you to think about something else. Well, what if we try the opposite? Surprising results happen. By the second or third time, you usually get something better.” His go-to teas are Chinese blacks and raw pu’ers (a fermented tea), “which are easy to pair with food, especially rich food”. These both have a long history in different regional cuisines within China, so it’s a good launching point. Tea Angle’s recent collaboration with Little saw five teas from China’s Yunnan province pair with cheeses as far-flung as England, Scotland, France, Italy and Spain. But even without connoisseur-level experience, don’t be shy about bringing it back to basics before trying spin-offs. A traditional tea pairing, like English breakfast tea with scones, jam and cream, works because the brisk simplicity of the tea cuts through the doughiness of the scone, the sweetness of the jam and the thick texture of the cream. If you add a berry flavour to your black tea to heighten a berry jam, then that element enhances taste complexity. Or why not sip Earl Grey instead, where the citrus note might harmonise with the cream? Put the kettle on An English breakfast: a versatile black tea designed for breakfast food, from egg dishes to yoghurt on muesli, or pancakes with syrup and berries. Works with many cakes, too. Malt teasers: malty Assam or dianhong (Yunnan) black teas are robust enough to match stronger savoury food such as soups and stews, meats and pastries. Also a nice complement to desserts that contain chocolate, where the malty flavour is enhanced. Big in Japan: sencha green tea’s flavour profile ranges from grassy to marine. Excellent with Japanese food such as sushi and savoury rice dishes, but also matches with tomato, basil and bocconcini and mildly sweetened desserts like mochi, carrot cake or cheesecake. Floral favourite: the fragrant flavour of jasmine, where the base tea is usually white or green, can enhance more subtle foods, from avocado on toast to brioche or custard tarts. Local legends: Tea Angle’s Serenity 2017 is a luscious aged white tea with herbal and floral notes, which matches the creamy softness of Vannella’s burrata. Visit Tea Angle (www.teaangle.com) at 88 Addison Road, Marrickville Vannella Cheese (www.vannellacheese.com.au) at 27/37 Cadogan St, Marrickville. By Adeline Teoh

If you’re an Inner West local with a love for ethical, colourful fashion, you can’t go past Ruby Raisin. We were lucky enough to catch up with the creative and driven mind behind the brand, Mia Penn. How would you describe Ruby Raisin? “Ruby Raisin is a slow fashion brand where everything is handmade ethically and locally as one-of-a-kinds and short, limited edition runs. I make everything in my Dulwich Hill studio or with professional makers in Marrickville, who are also sole traders and small businesses.” “The style is relaxed but polished with an emphasis on great fits and comfort, so whether you’re having a day at home, with kids, at work or out having fun, it’s easy to throw on a Ruby Raisin piece and feel great.” Where do you draw your inspiration from when coming up with your designs? “The designs usually derive from something I want to wear myself…and what I observe in my friendships, customers, and culture generally. Sometimes a movie or a woman I admire will inspire me, even if it’s just a feeling or small detail.” “The forms are simple and more traditional in the sense that I want unfussy shapes that let the fun prints or colours shine. Some of my dresses are a take on vintage ideas like a classic ‘fit n flare’ style but less cinched with more modern construction and detailing, so they never feel like a fancy dress/reproduction but something new and more practical for daily life.” “One of my best sellers is a jumpsuit because so many are such a bad fit! Sometimes, things are born from a design challenge I set for myself. My customers love my jumpsuits, and I haven’t stopped making them since.” Who are your designs for? “I’m designing for a woman for everyday life. I want my things enjoyed, never just saved for special occasions. The aim is to make a woman feel good about herself, so she can get on with her day, feeling comfortable and confident.” “I love it when women tell me they chose my garments for a job interview or a special presentation, and the highest praise is the personal notes I’ve received after someone has worn something to a funeral - that they felt safe and comforted by their outfit that day - sounds sombre - but I mostly want people to live life and have fun in my pieces! But in those challenging moments, what’s better than dressing for yourself and feeling good in yourself?” Your website states that you use vintage and new fabrics to make your designs. Where do you source your fabrics from? Is this to be more sustainable? All the prints are vintage fabric, so they can be pretty, elegant, bright, graphic, and everything in between. I also use new fabrics - all-natural fibres for the block-coloured pieces, which range from soft to bold to classic tones. My love of vintage fabric started as a child, influenced by my mum, who’s always been a collector and my dad, who’s always been a creative. I enjoy the creative challenge of using what’s around me first; finding a small piece of something special is more difficult and exciting than buying new off the roll. But of course, environmentally, that means respecting existing resources and giving them a new life. For example, I repurpose a lot of old bedding, some still in the original packets! They are of amazing quality, and the colours and patterns always evoke so much nostalgia. So, I guess it’s a blend of aesthetics and ethos. How did you get into designing? And what made you make the leap into starting your own clothing business? I realised that I’ve always been a maker in some way; I was always really into art and craft growing up. But I didn’t study fashion or design; I’m self-taught, and my business grew organically. I started selling out of interest from friends and for an income while my kids were little. Firstly, with kids wear, then women’s and men’s, a label called “the Raisin did it”. Then I consolidated to womenswear only and became “Ruby Raisin”. My mum taught me to sew, and I worked in retail and for a couple of small designers ages ago and kept developing my skill set and relationships to expand local production. What is it like being a local business in Marrickville? Do you feel supported by the community? I feel very supported by the community; I’m very grateful that my business survived and even thrived during covid when so many didn’t. People love to know they are supporting small businesses, and I always remind them that buying from me has a trickle-on effect to everyone else in my supply chain and working relationships, the majority of which are in Marrickville. Everything from cutting, sewing, and ironing to designing or printing a postcard happens in the inner west. Those jobs, skills, incomes, and relationships get nurtured and sustained right here. I am surrounded by an incredible network of fellow makers with whom we share the highs and lows together - beautiful family and friends who pitch in to support me in any and every way and a really committed customer base who have been wearing my work for years and years. The Ruby Raisin studio boutique is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 438 New Canterbury Rd Dulwich Hill. By appointment outside those times. The website is always open! www.rubyraisin.com.au Facebook: Ruby Raisin Instagram: @ruby_raisin_

Each issue, we meet some of the four-legged family members that call Surry Hills and Darlinghurst home, here's our new friends from Issue #6. Flash is the neighbourhood flirt and who always wants to be the centre of the fashion world. He is always ready for walks and snuggles and will be loyal – maybe too loyal as he can often be found in the bathroom with a family member. If a constantly wet nose is your thing, Flash can spend hours sticking his long snout into everything – as long as you are by his side. A true best friend. Pepper is a 3-year-old cattle dog. She is smart, happy and silly. She is known for her big smile and her giant ears. She enjoys chasing her ball at the park and going on adventures with her favourite humans. Pepper was born deaf and has been trained using hand signals. Because of this she has an extra special bond with her mum and is very attentive. Harper is a beautiful 3-year-old retriever with a golden personality! She’s very social and loves meeting new people, loves a good cuddle but probably loves food more!

King Street is a vibrant and bustling thoroughfare running through the heart of Newtown. For many years, King Street has played a critical role in the urban development of Newtown, shaping the area's character and identity and reflecting its unique mix of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. The street was first established in the 1830s, a dirt road that ran from the city centre through the rural outskirts of Newtown. Over time, the road was widened and improved, and new buildings began to spring up along the street, including homes, shops, and other commercial establishments. One of the earliest landmarks on King Street was the Newtown Bridge, which was built in 1885. It is one of the oldest surviving examples of a metal Truss bridge in Australia. The bridge provided easy access to the city centre and helped transform Newtown from a rural area into a bustling urban hub. As the area grew and developed, King Street became the main commercial and cultural artery of the neighbourhood, with a diverse mix of shops, pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues lining the street. One of the defining features of King Street is its eclectic mix of architectural styles and building types. From the grand Victorian-era terrace houses to the more modern and minimalist commercial buildings that have been added in recent years, King Street is a testament to the changing tastes and priorities of the people who have called Newtown home over the years. Perhaps the most iconic building that once called King Street Home is the Enmore Theatre, which opened in 1908 and is now considered one of the oldest operating theatres in Australia. Now found on Enmore Rd, the theatre has played host to countless musical acts, comedians, and other performers, cementing itself as a beloved institution for the local community. In addition to its commercial and cultural significance, King Street has played an important role in shaping the social and political identity of Newtown. The street has been the site of countless protests, rallies, and demonstrations over the years, with local residents coming together to advocate for a wide range of causes, including environmentalism, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice. One of the defining moments in King Street's history came in the late 1970s and early 1980s when the area became a centre for Sydney's punk and alternative music scene. Venues like the Newtown Theatre (1913-1984) and the Lansdowne Hotel hosted countless gigs by local and international bands, helping to secure Newtown's reputation as a hub of creativity and counterculture. Today, King Street continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and desires of the local community. New businesses and entertainment venues continue to open along the street, while long-standing institutions like the Enmore Theatre and Carriageworks remain popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. While the area has undergone significant changes over the years, King Street remains a vital and integral part of the Newtown community, reflecting the area's rich history and diverse cultural heritage.

By ALEC SMART Although the campsites and social & spiritual gathering places of the Indigenous clans that inhabited Sydney basin for millennia have gone, there is plenty of evidence of their history all around us. Most of it is accessible – if you know where to look. From rock engravings to hand stencils to shell middens, here are some examples of Aboriginal Australia in close proximity to Lane Cove. These are all legally protected sites. Longueville Park, Longueville Engravings of a fish and an emu (the latter is thought to be a totemic animal of the Cammeraygal from this region, because emu carvings appear several times in the harbourside environs in which they resided, but are rare elsewhere across Sydney). [See photo below] Linley Point Several engravings on flat rocks on the west side of the point plus a number of shelters and middens nearby. Lane Cove National Park Over 40 Indigenous sites were recorded within the park, however, when the weir was built in 1938, separating the tidal river downstream from fresh water upstream, many of these were submerged and are now washed away. The following sites remain within the park. Commandment Rock Alongside modern carvings of a bow & arrow, cannon and sword (probably by local farmer Thomas Tunbridge, who carved the Fifth Commandment from the Bible in 1875 by which the rock is known), is a sunburst motif – the only known example in greater Sydney – and a crescent moon. Browns Waterhole Kangaroo/wallaby footprints, etched into a rock face above the waterhole - the only examples of animal track carvings remaining in greater Sydney. Carters Creek Axe grinding grooves in the rocks, plus engravings of a sea creature and a wombat near the headwaters. Fairylands Track, between River Rd and Lane Cove River, North Ryde Shell midden near the river close to former Fairyland Pleasure Grounds (in ruins). Glades Bay Park, Gladesville Accessed by Wulaba Track, 11 engravings of animals (all fading, but two kangaroos are identifiable). Axe sharpening grooves can be found on rocks along the cascades adjacent to the stairs leading down from Ross St. Balls Head (Yerroulbine), Waverton At the top of the peninsula is a large (6 metres) engraving of a whale shark, with fading remains of a man within its tail, plus two ‘spirit men’ with rays emanating from their heads, a (fading) school of fish and perhaps a horse (the latter suggests a 200-year-old engraving, more recent than the estimated 1000-year-old whale shark). Located near Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. Near the eastern and western tips of the headland, smaller engravings exist, plus six shell middens. One of two rock shelters on the waterfront features very faint stencils of a hand and several small fish. By the lookout at the eastern end of the car park is a rockpool used to collect drinking water, and axe grinding grooves beside it. In April 1964, remains of an Indigenous woman's skull, teeth, leg, arm, foot and hand bones were found in a cave on the foreshore. A forensic examination determined the find "was of considerable antiquity" (between 1,000-2,000 years old), after initial suspicion it was a modern murder victim. Some 450 artefacts, including stone tools, were also recovered in the cave. Berry Island, Wollstonecraft On Gadyan Track (named after the Dharug word for ‘cockle’) there is a large sea creature, likely a whale, etched into the flat rock surface above the cove, with the creature's head continuing over the end of the rock. Alongside is a crescent shape, once thought to be a boomerang or a shell, more likely a symbol associated with ceremonial or social gatherings. In addition, near the shoreline toward the less accessible eastern and western tips, there are two rock shelters (one with faint stencils of a hand and small fish) and six shell middens. Beside the south eastern lookout there is a waterhole and axe grinding grooves, plus more rock carvings at the northern end of the reserve. Joseph Bugler Playing Field, Waverton Traces of hand stencils appear in the overhangs and faint engravings are etched into the rocks above and around the path leading up from the reserve to Larkin Street. Further reading * https://hikingtheworld.blog/aboriginal-engravings-around-sydney/ * https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/land/guide-to-aboriginal-sites-and-places * http://www.visitsydneyaustralia.com.au/sites-lns.html * https://www.aboriginalheritage.org/sites/identification/ * http://www.australiaforeveryone.com.au/files/places_sydney_absites.html =========================== Photo captions: Above: Lane Cove River (Turranburra), where Indigenous clans of Cammeraigal, Wallumedegal and (further up-river) Durramurragal people fished, collected shellfish and gathered in sandstone caves. Photo: Alec Smart Below: An emu engraving at Longueville Park. Photo: Alec Smart