Darling Magazine | Autumn 2022 | Edition 5 by balmainrozelle

Rozelle | Balmain | Balmain East | Birchgrove | White Bay

Autumn 2022 | Issue 5

Proudly supported by McGrath - Cindy Kennedy | White Bay Beer Co | Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce

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Welcome to the autumn edition of Darling. As our community are getting out and about again, supporting local businesses, we’re feeling positive things are going back to normal (whatever that means). In this issue we bring you a special Heritage Pub Trail – a celebration of one of the greatest things about Balmain and Rozelle. We take you on a pub crawl through time and highlight what our pubs have on offer – live music, cold beer, boutique wines and fine food. Thank you to our generous sponsors McGrath | Cindy Kennedy, White Bay Beer Co, and all our members and advertisers who support the chamber and Darling. We can’t do it without you! Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee

Publisher: Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce Front Cover: Watercolour by Cindy All material is protected by the Copyright Act. No part of this publication may be produced without permission. Whilst every care has been taken in producing this information, it does not guarantee accuracy. All prices and information are correct at time of print. To enquire about future issues, please contact us on balmainrozelle@gmail.com

Thank you to our sponsors

Inside

Autumn 2022

Wangal Country history

Shop local

Heritage pub trail

High street guide

Around the hood

Cindy Kennedy | 0404 000 570

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work, the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora nation, and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

balmainrozelle.org.au balmainrozelle darling.stay.local

Team Darling

Our sponsors A special thank you to our supporters and contributors who have donated their time and services.

Darling is a labour of love and a celebration of our beautiful area. In this edition we explore the rich history of our heritage pubs. With eased restrictions we encourage you to shop, dine and drink locally! Annelie and Belinda

Watercolour by Cindy Guest Writers: Marc Bennie, Mina Iacono Inner West Council historian Amie Zar Balmain Association Avocado Communications Signarama Sydney CBD City North Our volunteer letterbox walkers Thank you to our Creative Team at The Gallery for bringing this issue to life.

As local residents, we’re really proud to support Darling, Small Business Month and the initiatives of the chamber. It’s still a tough time for businesses so we encourage you to shop and dine locally, and support businesses on the peninsula. We look forward to joining in the fun of the Heritage Pub Trail and having a drink at our favourite local pub! Cindy Kennedy | McGrath

thegallery.design

Join us for the next winter edition Contact the team today balmainrozelle@gmail.com

The past months have been very tough, particularly for the hospitality industry, but with eased restrictions it’s great to see locals flock to our pubs again. It’s a privilege for us to be included in this amazing community and to support the Heritage Pub Trail. Our pubs are rich in history and play such an important role in our community. We all have our favourites, but now is the time to get out and explore local pubs beyond your regular. White Bay Beer Co

Australia’s Finest Optometry Practice Now open in Balmain Shop 1, 340 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041 Scan to book an appointment or call us at (02) 8705 6488 Connect with us @theeyepiecesyd theeyepiece.com.au

HISTORY

You’re on Wangal Country Guest writer Marc Bennie explores the deep history of Wangal Country and invites you to explore our local area, dating back more than 20,000 years.

One of my favourite things to do is leave the mobile phone at home, jump on my pushy and roll through the neighbourhood soaking up the sights and sounds of modern-day life. Beyond the delights of the colonial heritage, there’s a deeper history that’s easy to find if you take the time to slow down and have a look around. As you amble through your favourite parks, backstreets or sit by the harbour to watch the world go by; beyond the sandstone terraces and shipyard history are the Aboriginal stories. Wangal people lived, cared for, and thrived in this area for thousands of years before colonisation, and a lot can be gained from connecting with their history. As a non-Indigenous person I have come to appreciate Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history later in life. Unfortunately, the education system didn’t include much, if any, acknowledgement of First Peoples. It wasn’t until I started working as a tour guide that I learned that Aboriginal people and culture has been continuously practiced across the area known as Australia for over 60,000 years. Australians love to travel around the globe, but you can often find incredible, deep history right here on our doorstep. Before colonisation, there were over 250 language groups with more than 700 dialects spoken across Australia. Balmain and Rozelle are home to Wangal people whom were among the very first to interact with and be impacted by the arrival of the First Fleet. Prior to colonisation, Wangal Country extended from Darling Harbour (home of Gadigal

“Australians love to travel around the globe, but you can often find incredible, deep history right here on our doorstep.” people), around the Balmain Peninsula including Me-Mel (Goat Island) to Burramattagal (Parramatta) in the west. Wangal people are known to have occupied the area for over 20,000 years and lived on a healthy diet of fish, oysters, and cockles as shown by the middens that adorn

the coves in many places around the area. Unfortunately, due to the infiltration of smallpox that came with early colonisers, 90% of the estimated 8,000-9,000 Gadigal/Wangal population were almost wiped out in this area. There is a growing movement to revitalise, recognise and share culture through arts, events, historical signage, and dual language naming. An example of culture that’s living locally is the use of Darug language place names for our local council wards. Balmain is known as Baludarri or Leather Jacket Fish in English which is a great way to recognise and respect Aboriginal history and culture. Furthermore, there’s descriptive signage throughout parks in the area which share people, historic events or traditional names for trees in local language.

Wangal Country was home to well-known Aboriginal leader Wolarwaree Bennelong. Bennelong was one of the first Aboriginal people to interact with Captain John Hunter and Arthur Phillip who captured and ‘civilised’ him into the European way of life. Bennelong learned how to speak English and took on settler customs before being the first Aboriginal person to travel to England in 1792 where he met King George III. To commemorate and thank him for his services, Phillip built a brick hut for Bennelong at Tubowgule which is now known as Bennelong Point, home to the Sydney Opera House. There are many more interesting pieces of history, language and customs practiced around our local area, so take the time to connect with the unique history and culture that has been present in this area for thousands of years.

Here’s a few tips to get you started: Learn Google Wangal or Bennelong to read more history. Experience Take a walk through Yurulbin Park in Balmain or visit Balmain West Wharf to find historical signage with Wangal cultural information. See Boomalli in Leichhardt, the first Aboriginal owned and run Art Gallery in Australia and visit Kate Owen Gallery in Rozelle. Buy products from Indigenous artists. Visit Bits of Australia in Balmain East and follow @blakbusiness and @tradingblack on Instagram. Experience Attend local events during National Reconciliation Week (27 May 3 June) or NAIDOC Week (4-11 July). Autumn 2022

LOCAL LEGENDS

For the love of Balmain

Cindy Kennedy McGrath

One of the great things about our local area are the creatives and characters who reside here. In this Darling history edition, Cindy Kennedy of McGrath Balmain interviews significant locals on why they love the area and reminisce about yesteryears.

Lyn Tranter Australian Literary Agent How long have you been living in Balmain/Birchgrove? 26 years What was Balmain like when you moved here? When I was young, which is a very long time ago, I used to come to Balmain as I knew a number of friends who lived here. It actually was a cheap place to live. We would meet at various pubs including The London Hotel and The Riverview. By the time we finally moved here many people had left because it had become a sought after area.

“I’m a dog tragic and Balmain has some of the best dog friendly parks in Sydney, especially Mort Bay.”

As an Australian Literary Agent, you have experienced Balmain’s art and social culture over the years. What was it like? There always seemed to be something happening. We would go to a pub and someone would say there is a party over at someone’s house and we’d turn up, with a bottle, and talk the night away. It was very relaxed and fun. Why have you stayed, what has kept you here? I’m a dog tragic and Balmain has some of the best dog friendly parks in Sydney, especially Mort Bay. And the closeness to the city is a big plus. Also for a small suburb to have two excellent bookshops is simply terrific. What is your favourite or funniest memory from your time in Balmain? Many years ago when we would go to The London, there was often an elderly chap there who busked. He always sang “Hit me with your rhythm stick”, which I found hilarious. I now think this suburb must have some of the best kept nails in Sydney as at last count there were about four nail shops!

Balmain Hospital, 1928

Proudly brought to you by 8

Ken Unsworth Sculptor

Kathleen Plummer Born and bred in Balmain

Nigel Roberts Poet

How long have you been living in Balmain/Birchgrove? 30 odd years.

How long have you been living in Balmain/Rozelle? I have lived in Balmain/ Rozelle for 68 years. I was born in Balmain hospital.

How long have you been living in Balmain? Too long.

What was Balmain like when you moved here ? Less traffic, smaller population. It seemed a more genuine small village atmosphere but we still have that now, with a variety of quality businesses. As a renowned Australian sculptor, you have experienced Balmain’s art and social culture over the years. What was it like? The art world exists in many different spheres, my interactions are often with other leading artists, musicians, writers and filmmakers who live locally. Why have you stayed, what has kept you here? Balmain and Birchgrove is still an ‘Eden’ with easy access to the outside world. It is convivial, creative with the comfort of easy interactions with locals. What is your favourite memory from your time in Balmain? The pleasure of the company of friends or neighbours, the water and walkways and hidden waterside parks.

What was Balmain like when you moved here? When I was growing up in Balmain it was a working class industrial area. Kathleen, you worked at the local pubs, what was it like? I started working in the hotels in Balmain when I was 21. I worked at the Dry Dock Hotel, The Exchange, Dick’s Hotel and The Cricketers Arms. Back then, the pubs were very rough but the local atmosphere and characters were always in abundance. Why have you stayed, what has kept you here? My friends and family have kept me living in Balmain, and I still have my friends from school around me today, that’s really special. What is your favourite memory from your time in Balmain? One of my favourite memories is going to see the Bee Gees and Johnny O’Keefe concerts at a hall near Darling Street.

What was Balmain like when you moved here? In 1968, it had a raffish unrenovated charm. I rented a waterfront house for $20 per week. As an Australian poet, you would have been part of Balmain’s art culture. What was it like? Poetry was a blood sport! However with the coming of the Whitlam Government a Balmain address was said to be essential in applying for an arts grant. Why have you stayed, what has kept you here? Life and a string of unfortunate coincidences. What is your favourite or funniest memory from your time here? The Nicholson Street ferry to and from home to work was definitely a positive. Graffiti on a Merton Street warehouse called “Bored with the USA “, a nod to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”.

The Kennedy Team at Cindy Kennedy 0404 000 570

Scott Bunnell 0451 151 171

Active and empowered Evidence shows that fathers who are actively engaged with their daughters create positive physical and mental health outcomes including higher levels of self-esteem, resilience, and physical wellbeing. Fathers also have a critical role in helping their daughters form a healthy view of their body, which is important given that selfesteem and body image are major concerns facing girls, particularly in teenage years. Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is a worldfirst, research-led program to get fathers involved in their daughters’ physical activity levels, sport skills and social-

emotional wellbeing. Newly opened Le Ray Gymnastics in Birchgrove is one of just five gymnastics clubs in NSW to be selected to participate in the program. “We feel very privileged to be selected for this amazing opportunity” says Dani Le Ray, local mum and owner of Le Ray Gymnastics. “It’s wonderful when dads get involved and this program is the perfect opportunity to do so.” LE RAY GYMNASTICS

84 Phillip Street, Birchgrove

leraygymnastics.com.au

HOLIDAY CAMPS

NEW KINDERGYM

ALL AGES

NEW BIRCHGROVE STUDIO HOME OF OLYMPIANS & LITTLE RASCALS. OVER 20 YEARS DEDICATED TO HAPPY & HEALTHY BODIES.

Fall into a fantastic read There’s nothing quite like finding a patch of sun or curling up on the couch as the weather starts to turn, taking comfort in a good book. Roaring Stories, who always have their eyes firmly on the publishing world’s horizon, have found some excellent titles with Hachette, which we think you’ll like too.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL Jonathan Biggins | Humour $24.99 Almost the autobiography Keating said he would never write, writer and satirist Jonathan Biggins shows us the evolution of Paul John Keating, from Bankstown to the Lodge and beyond.

HOVERING Rhett Davis | Fiction | $32.99 The city was in the same place. But was it the same city? A powerful and kaleidoscopic story about three people struggling to find connection in a chaotic and impermanent world.

MOTHER’S BOY Patrick Gale | Fiction | $32.99

268 Darling Street, Balmain roaringstories.com.au 9810 5613

With thanks to

From the bestselling author of A Place Called Winter, a superb historical novel of Cornwall, class, desire and two world wars – and of a young man and a dauntless mother.

DINNER WITH THE SCHNABELS Toni Jordan | Fiction | $32.99 You can marry into them, but can you ever really be one of them? A novel about marriage, love and family, as heart-warming as it is outrageously funny.

THE OPERA HOUSE Peter FitzSimons | History $39.99 Epic and engaging, the story of the building that symbolises Australia. The people, the secrets, the scandals and the sheer genius, as told by Australia’s greatest storyteller.

Autumn 2022

HOME

Made local

The Wood Cave has four generations of sawdust running through its veins, but it was the arrival of his firstborn that inspired Gordon Scoullar to set up shop. “Growing up in Scotland, my grandfather used to teach me woodworking. Once I had my own child, it became important to carry on this family tradition here in Australia.” The Wood Cave prides itself on quality craftsmanship and all pieces are handmade. Gordon says, “We specialise in bespoke handmade furniture and work closely with clients to deliver pieces that will transform any space. We only use sustainably sourced local hardwoods and Australian made epoxy resin.” THE WOOD CAVE

thewoodcave.com.au

HOME

How to get your DA through council Getting your DA through council can be tricky. Here, the team from Ballast Point Design and Build share their tips. 1. Patience and perseverance

4. Quality documentation

7. Know your rights

The DA process can take anywhere from three months to over a year, with many roadblocks along the way, so it’s important to be patient. Think of it as if you’re building a brick wall, and just add one brick at a time, solving each problem as it comes up.

Quality drawings matter. Legendary heritage specialist James Phillips, who heads up Wier Phillips Architects and is a trusted consultant, once told us in a meeting: “Make the drawings beautiful. Show natural colours, make them look real.”

When a DA is knocked back unreasonably you can apply for a formal review or lodge an appeal in the Land and Environment Court.

2. Be proactive

5. Understanding heritage

While patience IS a virtue, don’t sit around waiting! Ballast Point Design and Build get results through timely and strategic follow ups, responding quickly to requests, and engaging positively with council and stakeholders.

Heritage compliance can be a tricky element to deal with. You’ll always be more successful if you are respectful of a home’s history and deal sympathetically with the streetscape from the outset.

3. Precision Mistakes on drawings give the council planners an easy way to shoot down the proposed DA before it can get a proper look in. It’s crucial that all documentation, such as drawings and supporting compliances, are accurate. Autumn 2022

6. Enlist quality consultants and advisors Small properties rarely fit neatly within tick-a-box planning controls. A good team of consultants can help craft a clever solution that fits within, or works around, planning constraints.

BALLAST POINT DESIGN AND BUILD 46 Beattie St, Balmain ballastpoint.com.au Ballast Point is a Pathzero Carbon Neutral Company

WELLNESS

Put down the cotton bud! You wash your face and brush your teeth, so it seems perfectly reasonable to clean your ears too. But unlike your face and teeth, our ears are selfcleaning and don’t need a lot of assistance. Annemarie Lindner, Doctor of Audiology at Hearlix shares her dos and don’ts of ear cleaning.

Don’t use cotton buds Cotton buds are not made to go into the ear canal - even if it says so on the package! First and foremost, a cotton bud pushes most of the earwax back toward the eardrum, causing a blockage. Secondly, cotton buds irritate the sensitive skin in the ear canal, which can lead to pain, irritation and sometimes infection. Lastly, some earwax is a good thing - if you regularly use cotton buds to clean your ears, it messes with the natural process of ear wax production, resulting in not enough wax and leaving your ears itchy and uncomfortable. Do practice good ear hygiene Generally, your ears require very little care when it comes to cleaning because earwax naturally migrates from the ear canal to the outer ear. For most people, a simple wipe with a tissue a few times a week will remove any earwax that’s in the outer ear. Earwax is actually pretty useful stuff - in small amounts. It’s a natural cleanser as it moves from inside the ear canal outward, gathering dead skin cells, hair, and dirt along the way. Tests have shown that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

“Cotton buds irritate the sensitive skin in the ear canal, which can lead to pain, irritation and sometimes infection.” Don’t fall for gimmicks Most people don’t need complex ear cleaning equipment and in fact, some ear wax drop from the chemist actually make it worse. Another method to avoid is ear candling. It doesn’t work and is dangerous. Do see your audiologist if you have any concerns If your hearing seems muffled and you think you have a wax blockage, your audiologist has the equipment to safely fix the problem. They can examine your ears and determine how best to remove excess wax via either a curette or with micro-suction.

HEARLIX Level 1, 3 Montague Street, Balmain hearlix.com.au

AROUND THE HOOD

An artist’s dream When Lara Scolari was leaving country NSW for Sydney to be closer to her three boys, she knew Balmain was where she wanted to settle down. “I grew up here and the area has such amazing energy.” Looking for a house that would serve as a home, gallery and studio, Lara and husband Peter soon found their dream space on Beattie Street. “Originally a haberdashery store, we could see the potential in this 1860’s timber terrace. When we purchased the home, it’d been converted into unrenovated flats, still had an outdoor bathroom and was in dire need of TLC.”

Today the front of the house is a gallery where visitors can view the latest works and share Lara’s love for art. The light filled studio is also open to visitors, but be warned, it’s messy! “This is my creative space filled with collected supplies, mediums and found objects – all at the ready when I’m in that creative moment. You’ll also be greeted by my two pugs (aka the kids).”

LARA SCOLARI GALLERY 48 Beattie St, Balmain larascolari.com

www.embellish-hats.com 1300 HATTER Hats, Workshops, Supplies

128 Victoria Rd, Rozelle NSW 2039 @embellish_atelier

Image: Nicole Anderson

WE READ, WE RECOMMEND AND WE’RE HERE 7 DAYS A WEEK!

245 Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041 +612 9555 6055

hillofcontentbalmain.com.au @hillofcontentbalmain

Lest we forget ANZAC Day dates back to World War One and the landing at Gallipoli. The brave soldiers who served here created a legend, adding the word ‘ANZAC’ to our vocabulary and establishing the notion of the ANZAC spirit. The first anniversary of the landing was observed in 1916 when the day was officially named by acting Prime Minister, George Pearce. The Balmain Memorial at Loyalty Square was erected in 1915, it was paid for by the citizens of Balmain and carries the names of the local soldiers who died at Gallipoli. Although flowers have been brought here in remembrance for generations, it wasn’t until 2015 during the ‘Centenary of ANZAC’ that the Balmain Dawn Service was established. Since then, it has developed into the main Dawn Service in the inner west, attracting more than 3,000 people.

April 25 carries great significance for veterans here in Australia, New Zealand and wherever our troops are serving around the world. The Balmain Dawn Service is an opportunity for our community to come together and pay our respects to those who’ve fallen. Every year, the Balmain Dawn Service carries its own theme of remembrance and this years’ service will pay tribute to Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheehan VC whose ship, HMAS Armidale, was built in the Mort Bay docks. Sheehan served aboard HMAS Armidale during World War Two. Tragically, the ship was attacked in the Arafura Sea on December 1, 1942 and sunk. Instead of abandoning ship, Sheehan returned to his machine gun to fire on the Japanese aircraft that was attacking his shipmates. In true ANZAC spirit, Sheehan chose certain death to save his mates. He was 18 years old. On August 12, 2020, Sheehan was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest award for valour, by her Majesty The Queen. Sheehan’s service and sacrifice gives us the opportunity to reflect on the nature of military

Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheehan VC service in the time of war, a theme that unfortunately continues to reverberate around the world today. The ANZAC Day Dawn Service is organised by the BalmainRozelle RSL sub-branch with the assistance of the Inner West Council.

Balmain Dawn Service Monday 25 April From 5.45am Loyalty Square, Balmain HMAS Armidale Autumn 2022

Gift guide Spoil your mum this Mother’s Day

TWO BASKETS FROM $19.90 Cotton scarves and shawls, handmade in Indonesia

HESTER FLEMING VINTAGE | $350 1960’s Trifari Necklace TWOFACE LABEL | $360 Mother’s Day pink cardi, comes with a tfl washbag and gift wrapped

EMBELLISH ATELIER | $575 “Bruce” Fur Felt Fedora, Unisex

FURNITURE NOIR | $990 1950’s Art Deco Brush Box Hardwood Buffet Console

WELLNESS

Get your core on With eased restrictions and cooler weather, now is a great time to establish a new self-care routine including nourishment for the body, mind, and soul. As we step into a new pace of life with kids back at school and office commutes back on, it’s important to maintain mood balancing and body energising practices. Through mindful movement and regular exercise we empower ourselves by taking charge of our own wellbeing.

body through movement. BodyEthos has been offering yoga, meditation and Pilates classes to the Balmain community for 20 years. Owner Kylie Morello says, “Pilates is suitable for any age and fitness level. We offer gentle mat classes, more advanced reformer classes and Pilates HIIT classes if you really want to get your sweat on.”

Pilates is fantastic for both mind and body as it lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in your body in a balanced fashion and it requires concentration as you control your

BODYETHOS 1B Booth St, Balmain body-ethos.com

Open Air Food Market

Featuring in-season farm fresh fruit and vegies and local produce rozellecollectorsmarket.com.au

Saturday Sydney’s favourite antique, bric-a-brac and second hand market.

MAYOR, DARCY BYRNE

Darling spoke with the Baludarri (Balmain) ward councillors Darcy Byrne and Kobi Shetty about how they’ll serve the community in the coming years.

“The Council, which includes ten first-time Councillors, has a real opportunity to take the Inner West to the next level. There’s been a real changing of the guard,” says newly reelected Mayor Darcy Byrne. “Our new, youthful team brings enthusiasm, experience and passion to the task of making Inner West Council work for local people. We’re determined

to work collaboratively with all elected representatives, from all parties and groups, to make sure the organisation is focused on serving local people.” After a very difficult two years through the pandemic, Inner West Council is working closely with local businesses on economic recovery and revitalising main streets, especially Darling Street.

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“The Balmain Rozelle heritage pub trail the Inner West is sponsoring is one example of how we need to help reinvigorate the entertainment, live musicand hospitality scene here in our neighbourhood.” “There will also be a concerted effort from us to make the Council more responsive to the needs of local residents and businesses and to lift the standard of customer service.” “Our program of investment in local infrastructure will also continue. The Dawn Fraser Baths refurbishment, the new Ashfield Aquatic Centre and magnificent Marrickville Library have set a high standard for the quality of local facilities that we must deliver.”

CLR KOBI SHETTY

New Greens Councillor Kobi Shetty is passionate about enhancing the village feel of the area by improving safety for people walking and cycling, and making sure we have beautiful, clean streets with plenty of shade and greenery. Kobi says a big part of her role is to be an advocate for residents, ensuring council is getting the basics right and responding quickly when people need something. “There’s also a lot of work to be done

to keep supporting both local businesses and artists through this very challenging covid era and to keep our communities connected.” Kobi says that the Balmain Town Hall is crying out for restoration works, so that’s a big priority. “Council has some funding in their capital works budget that should see work starting this year, and I’m keen to see that enough is done to protect this important part of Balmain’s local history and to enable the surrounding area to be used to it’s full potential as a thriving community hub.” Climate action is another huge focus area. ”Finding solutions for electric vehicle charging, trialling electric garbage trucks, and moving away from gas heating at out local pools are some of the things I’m working towards.”

see you on the

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Darling St.

Artwork by Cindy Scheule |

Commissioned artist | watercolourbycindy.com

Here’s your guide to shop local.

Bald Rock Hotel White Bay Beer Co The Little Marionette

Embellish Atelier The Heater Man Rozelle Plumbing Sydney Community College

2 The Three Weeds Totti’s

Paper Rock Scissors Art Studios Oaks Hair The Local Bar Egg Of The Universe Gym 707

The Native Rose Hotel

Youngs Pharmacy

The Merton Hotel

XO Flower House

Laura & Co. Hairdressing

Cosmetic Care Clinic Chapel Hill Rozelle Presbyterian Church Rozelle Collectors and Farmers Markets Emma Dean Salon Lin & Barrett Lingerie Corner Bar Artspark Studio Infancy Chef and the Cook IGA X-press Rozelle Green Organics Sackville Hotel The Well Store Made to Wear Boutique Bendigo Bank

1947 Brasserie

5 The Bridge Hotel

The Lodge Bar Angel Aromatics Pinot & Picasso Melia Bakery

Willowbrae Cheese

Art of Bloom

Inside Traders & Co Shoes in the Attic Wright Gallery Fine Art Cat and Fiddle Hotel Bumph and Scumble Design

Contessa Balmain Hair Angel Global Conduct Fair Trade ANDIAMO Vision Personal Training The Eye Piece DOGUE Balmain Wall’s Pharmacy Strelitzia Acte 3 Lingerie Saltsoak Float Studio To learn more about these local businesses visit balmainrozelle.org.au

Dick’s Hotel Xperienced Balmain Vision Hearlix Sydney Allied Health

Lara Scolari Gallery Ballast Point Design and Build Blumette

Two Baskets

Le Ray Gymnastics

ART Gallery on Darling Stem Bertoni Balmain Community Pharmacy Blush Shoes

Bonfire Bread Balmain Compounding Pharmacy Little M Unity Hall Hotel

12 Royal Oak Balmain Dry Dock Hotel

Roaring Stories Bookshop Fundamental Maurice of Balmain The Source Bulk Foods Balmain Tara Dennis Store Body Ethos The Village Sport Hill of Content Bookshop Author - Wendy Milton

Locks Hair

The London Hotel McGrath | Cindy Kennedy Kirana Haag Art School & Commissions Papa Joe and Co Balmain Bowling Club

17 East Village Hotel Home Industry

Ray White Balmain

Balmain East Liquor and Deli

East Village Art House

Bits of Australia Euforia

Online businessadvicetax.com.au fleurstevenson.com furniturenoir.com.au hesterflemingvintage.com honeysuckleswimcompany.com.au linkt.ee/BarkBustersInnerWestSydney marshadvantage.com.au parkerhadley.com.au Autumn 2022

pureobjective.com.au reliancepartners.com.au renovva.com.au springsidebrewing.com.au thewoodcave.com.au twofacelabel.com whiskyenlightenment.com.au scandifrock

Next stop The Lodge Anthony Albanese has served the Inner West as Member for Grayndler since 1996, and now he wants to serve this community as Prime Minister and continue leading on the issues that matter. Anthony Albanese, or ‘Albo’ as his supporters lovingly call him, is an inner westie through and through. He chose Balmain’s Unity Hall Hotel, the birthplace of the New South Wales Labor Party, to announce his candidacy for the Leader of the Australian Labor Party. Balmain’s history is grounded in the trade union movement and its industrial roots, and Anthony has always been proud to represent Balmain Rozelle and uphold its Labor history. A key priority for Anthony since becoming leader of the Australian Labor Party has been the battle to preserve public ownership of the Sydney Harbour Trust which he successfully achieved in the Parliament last year. After more than 12 months of negotiation with the Morrison Government, a significant amendment to environmental legislation was unanimously supported in the House of Representatives. This was a massive win for the people of Sydney, particularly the people on the peninsula. Anthony’s mentor and longterm Balmain resident Tom Uren was a patron of the original Defenders of Sydney Harbour Foreshores and

instrumental in protecting the harbour. As Tom put it, “It really belongs to the people not only of Mosman or of Sydney but the nation as a whole.” Anthony first spoke on this Bill in 2001, noting that the great thing about Sydney Harbour and the foreshore isn’t just their beauty, but their accessibility to the community. As Member for Grayndler, Anthony will ensure the lands are protected and he’s proud of the bipartisan work that achieved these results.

“To kickstart the economy post pandemic and create job security, Labor is investing in new and growing industries like renewables, pharmaceuticals, advancement manufacturing and the care economy.” Tom’s commitment to fighting for social justice, civil liberties and the environment was honoured by the dedication of the Tom Uren Walking Trail in 2016, running from Balmain East to Propeller Park, near

to where Anthony’s friend and father-figure Tom Uren lived. Speaking at the launch Anthony said, “He would love it. His legacy in fighting for public spaces is so important.” With an election looming, Anthony is on the campaign trail. Among Labor’s commitments is the implementation of an ambitious, yet achievable plan to combat climate change. The share of renewables in the National Electricity Market will increase to 82% by 2030, keeping us on track for net zero by 2050. Labor’s ambition is to turn Australia into a renewable energy superpower by investing in the industries the world is demanding. The country’s abundant natural resources will be used to build and export batteries, solar panels and wind turbines, fuelling a new manufacturing boom. The rise of the gig economy has seen a sharp increase in casual, unreliable employment. Secure, well-paid work is an unshakeable principle for Anthony and Labor. To kickstart the economy post pandemic and create job security, Labor is investing in new and growing industries like renewables, pharmaceuticals, advancement manufacturing

and the care economy. Young people will be supported through apprenticeships, the funding of 465,000 free TAFE places and an additional 20,000 university places. Whether he makes it all the way to The Lodge or not, Anthony will continue to protect the heritage and history of Balmain and Rozelle, from the Dawn Fraser Baths to the iconic Unity Hall Hotel.

Autumn 2022

Democracy sausage sizzles! Election Day is a great excuse to support our local schools and businesses. Most local schools offer sausage sizzles and cake stalls including: • Orange Grove Public School • Rozelle Public School

• Balmain Public School • Nicholson Street Public School

• Birchgrove Public School

TRAVEL

Escape to the hinterland You can reach Hillview within a 30 minute drive of Ballina airport. And once you’re settled in, it’s just a short drive to nearby Bangalow and Clunes and less than 30 minutes to Byron and Lennox. But if you’re into breathtaking scenery, great food and wine, connecting with nature and the odd spot of retail therapy, there’s really no need to leave the hinterland.

Whether you’re looking forward to an Easter getaway or a cosy Autumn escape, Hillview House welcomes you. Nestled in the oh so ‘Wes Andersen-esque’ village of Eltham, this relaxed old farmhouse in the Byron Bay hinterland is just the place to take a break from city life, drink in the country air, relax and unwind. March 2022 half pg.pdf

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“We get so much pleasure from sharing Hillview with guests”, said the owners who live in Balmain. And if you’re a Balmain local, you’ll appreciate that one of the best country pubs, The Eltham Hotel, is just down the road. Mention Darling in your Airbnb booking to receive a 10% discount HILLVIEW HOUSE

airbnb.com/h/Hillview-housebyron-hinterland

9:28 am

ART STUDIOS C

CMY

After School Art

Holiday Workshops

Studios in Rozelle and Summer Hill

Birthday Parties

Mobile: 0423 206 090

Adult Wine/Cheese/Art Lorem ipsum www.paperrockscissors.com.au

A pub crawl through time

The Unity Hall Hotel, Balmain, 1937

At its peak, the Balmain peninsula had 55 pubs and hotels and a succession of colourful publicans. Many have disappeared over time, but the area still has a vibrant pub culture. Follow our historical pubs trail and learn how it all began. 34

Patrons then and now The first hotel, aptly named The Balmain Hotel, opened in 1842. It provided much needed refreshments for occupants of the recently subdivided land, and from then on, hotels formed the basis for the social and political life of the growing suburb. Many hotels didn’t survive the Great Depression and later a changing demographic. Of the original 55 hotels and pubs, 24 remained in the mid-1990s. Today the Balmain peninsula has 19 operating pubs. In the early days, licenced hotels were open from 4am to 6pm and were required to have two sitting rooms and two sleeping rooms fit for public accommodation. In 1849 the closing hour was extended to 10pm.

The term “pub” (short for Public House) was adopted from Britain and first used in the mid-1880s whilst “pub crawl” dates back to 1915. The term “pub crawl” had a resurgence in the 1970s thanks to the Sydney Push movement which spread to Balmain, attracting an intellectual subculture. The politics of this crowd were predominantly left-wing libertarianism and included artists, writers, students, academics, manual workers, musicians, lawyers, criminals, journalists, and public servants. The Push operated within a pub culture that regularly met and filled the bars. There’s been a long tradition in Balmain to preserve pub exteriors whilst internally modernise and renovate. This practice has kept the legacy of Balmain’s heritage pubs alive, and they continue to attract visitors well beyond the peninsula.

Town Hall Hotel, Balmain, 1970s

Colourful publicans Since 1842 to the present day, a range of interesting personalities have operated and owned the pubs that have shaped the hospitality industry in the Balmain area. Olympian and local state politician Dawn Fraser operated the Riverview Hotel between 1970 and 1983. One of the latest influential people to operate in the Balmain peninsula is media mogul John Singleton who co-owned Unity Hall Hotel with Qantas boss Geoff Dixon. They bought the pub in 2011 and in 2015 it became a part of the Australian Pub Fund. It sold again in 2019. Pre Covid, Unity Hall Hotel was the only venue in Balmain licensed to trade until 3am. With just over 30 years at the helm of Royal Oak, Maureen Thornett is the longest serving publican on the peninsula. When she started in the industry, women weren’t even allowed in the main bar!

Rose, Shamrock, Thistle Hotel (The 3 Weeds), Rozelle, 1949 Images: Courtesy of Inner West Library and History We’d like to thank Inner West Council historian Amie Zar for sharing her knowledge with us.

Want to learn more? Called to the Bar: 150 years of Pubs in Balmain and Rozelle, published by the Balmain Association in 1991 features the rich cultural history of hotels and pubs since 1842. The book compiled by three Balmain Association members is a deep dive into our local history. Extracts of the book have been used for this story. To order your copy visit balmainassociation.org.au

Autumn 2022

Balmain Rozelle Heritage Pub Trail

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Turn over for your guide 1.

The Merton Hotel

Native Rose Hotel

The Three Weeds

The Garry Owen Hotel

Red Lion Hotel

The Bridge Hotel

The Sackville

Cat and Fiddle Hotel

The Welcome Hotel

10. The Balmain 11. Dick’s Hotel 12. Unity Hall Hotel

13. The Riverview 14. Royal Oak Balmain 15. Dry Dock Hotel

16. Cricketers Arms 17. The London Hotel 18. East Village Hotel 19. The Bald Rock Hotel 20. White Bay Beer Co.

ONLINE MAP

Thanks to our sponsors

Artwork by Cindy Scheule | Commission artist | watercolourbycindy.com

Established in 1878, The Merton Hotel is a locally owned and managed pub with unique accommodation overlooking the harbour bridge and city skyline. The pub has been gambling free since 2010 and supports free live music three nights a week. In winter, you’ll find a cosy lounge with a real fireplace, a wine list from boutique vineyards and a fairy lit beer garden. Locals love the excellent bistro with delicious curries (famous for its goat curry), fresh seafood and pub staples. Friendly staff serve up ten beautiful beers on tap including the best pint of Guinness around.

THE MERTON HOTEL 38 Victoria Road, Rozelle themertonhotel.com.au

When Native Rose Hotel first opened in 1878, the suburb of Rozelle didn’t even exist. A couple of decades later the suburb would be named Rozelle after the abundant Rosella parrots found in the area. The pub has seen a few name changes and transformations over the years and now is a much-loved pub by inner west patrons. The pub brings together friendly staff, live music, good food and most importantly cold beer. The vision today is to showcase a range of musical talent from the local inner west area and beyond, so you’ll find live entertainment there almost every day of the week.

NATIVE ROSE HOTEL 68 Victoria Rd, Rozelle nativerosehotel.com.au

This local institution has been a working pub since 1884, so it’s safe to say it’s seen many a good time by locals and Sydneysiders. The pub with its 130 heritage has now reopened serving cool beers, a friendly atmosphere and live music. A Merivale favourite - Totti’s now sits alongside the neighbourhood pub with executive chef Mike Eggert’s signature dishes including Totti’s famous wood-fired bread and antipasti, handmade pastas and fish dishes cooked in a Josper charcoal oven.

THE THREE WEEDS 197 Evans Street, Rozelle merivale.com/venues/3-weeds

Autumn 2022

THE BRIDGE HOTEL 119 Victoria Rd, Rozelle bridgehotel.com.au

At their prominent Victoria Road position, The Bridge Hotel is Sydney’s longest running live music and entertainment pub venue. This year the hotel celebrated 36 years of holding that crown! The Bridge Hotel has played host to a countless number of Australian and International acts, and now with covid restrictions lifted the venue will return to a full program of music, comedy acts and shows celebrating the best of the best in music. With many acts coming up including the Choirboys, check out the new four level beer garden rooftop bar and art deco bar.

The Sackville has been at the heart of the Rozelle community since 1876, first established as the Bellevue Hotel. James Kavanaugh took over the pub in 1900 and renamed it The Sackville after his not-so-local birthplace in Scotland. We’re not sure how the ‘Sacky’ story ends, but for now, the moral stays the same sharing stories over delicious food and drink is time well spent and every local and visitor to the Sacky has a story to tell. The drive-thru bottle shop is well known for its extensive range of delicious craft beers, spirits and wines from local and international wine-makers.

THE SACKVILLE 599 Darling Street, Rozelle sackvillehotel.com.au

CAT AND FIDDLE HOTEL 456 Darling Street, Balmain catandfiddle.com.au

Initially established in 1930 as the Star Hotel (making it the second last one to be built in Balmain), the Cat and Fiddle Hotel went on to become a neighbourhood icon in the 80’s and 90’s as one of the few live music venues in Sydney – with bands such as The Whitlams, The Waifs and Leonardo’s Bride kicking off their careers there. The pub, located in the heart of Balmain, has undergone numerous facelifts over the years and now is one of the most popular venues in Balmain. Rita’s Bar and Kitchen, serves classic pub meals as well as modern Australian cuisine which you can enjoy with a cocktail or cold beer with friends.

THE WELCOME HOTEL 91 Evans St, Rozelle thewelcomehotel.com.au

DICK’S HOTEL 89 Beattie St, Balmain dickshotelbalmain.com

UNITY HALL HOTEL 292 Darling St, Balmain unityhallhotel.com.au

Autumn 2022

In 1878, Winston, an English foxhound who’d lost his master, stumbled upon a friendly publican in his hotel on Evans Street. The publican welcomed the dog, giving it a new home. That day this Rozelle pub gained not only a new mascot but an inspired name. Today, The Welcome is known for seasonal gastro pub fare, including arguably the best English style Sunday roast in Sydney, and a cracking lineup of craft beers. Ten taps are reserved for local craft beer from around Sydney, including our very own White Bay Beer Co. You’ll also find pub classics such as Melbourne Bitter, Reschs Draught and Coopers Pale on tap. On a sunny day your favourite brew is best enjoyed in the leafy beer garden. And, staying true to its history, dogs are always welcome here.

Built in 1874 by local publican John Dick, Dick’s hosted many political and community meetings in the early days. It was here, in 1894 an unanimous decision was reached to establish an Australian Branch of the Life Saving Society of Great Britain, today known as Royal Life Saving Australia. Dick’s is still community focused and the iconic dome shaped beer garden is perfect for larger groups. Much loved for its laid back charm and live sport, Dick’s is the place to share the elation or deflation of the big game. With DJ’s playing in the beer garden on Friday and Saturday nights, Dick’s is a favourite for a night out in Balmain.

Located in the heart of Balmain since 1875, ‘The Unity’ is where people from all walks of life come together to share stories over a schooner or two. The hotel is steeped in history and is the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party, formed here in 1892. The Unity is also known as one of Sydney’s best venues for live jazz. Pop by on a Sunday and the place is heaving! The hotel even has its very own jazz band - The Unity Hall Jazz Band. They’ve been performing at the hotel for 52 years and are the longest running resident jazz band in Australia. The Unity, in the early stages of renovation, is eagerly awaiting final DA approvals. The plan is to bring a new era of entertainment and hospitality to the peninsula.

ROYAL OAK BALMAIN 36 College St, Balmain royaloakbalmain.com.au

DRY DOCK HOTEL 22 Cameron St, Birchgrove

CRICKETERS ARMS BALMAIN 255 Darling St, Balmain cricketersarmsbalmain.com.au

The heritage listed Royal Oak Balmain first opened its doors in 1878. From its early days until the late 50’s, the hotel was frequented by dock workers from nearby Mort’s Dock. Like many pubs, Royal Oak had a separate ladies lounge and the entrance on College Street is still visible today. Owner Maureen has been at the helm since 1988. With quality pub food served alongside daily specials, Royal Oak Balmain is a favourite for locals and foodies alike. With a number of private areas the pub lends itself to functions and can cater for up to 140 people. The outdoor tables are perfect for an afternoon cocktail, and your dog is welcome there too.

Dating back to 1857, Dry Dock Hotel is the oldest licensed hotel on the peninsula. Located across the road from Mort Bay Park, in the early days the hotel provided both refreshments and accommodation for wharfies at Mort Dock. In late 2021 the Dry Dock Hotel underwent a change of ownership and is currently closed awaiting a much needed reinvigoration and renovation. Work is yet to commence and the hotel is expected to reopen in late 2022. The heritage listed facade will remain, as will the character of the hotel but patrons can look forward to a refreshed vision delivering a high-quality food, beverage and hospitality experience aimed at the local community and beyond. The public bar will continue to offer sports, TAB and much more. Watch this space!

The Cricketers Arms Hotel was established in 1872, a time when Balmain was one of the premier industrial centre’s of Sydney. Traditionally blue collar, the ‘The Arms’ spent many years playing host to the many dockers and wharfies working nearby and had a reputation of being one of Balmain’s more colourful pubs known to people of questionable integrity. Today, the pub still represents Balmain’s working class history, but with a few twists. The Arms boasts 17 taps devoted to beer, cider and wine, the most on the peninsula. The pub is also home to Balmain Burger Co and One Ford Street, a favourite Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian food focusing on handmade pasta and seasonal produce.

THE LONDON HOTEL 234 Darling St, Balmain thelondonhotel.com.au

EAST VILLAGE HOTEL 82-84 Darling St, Balmain East eastvillagebalmain.com.au

THE BALD ROCK HOTEL 15 Mansfield Street, Rozelle baldrockhotel.com.au

Autumn 2022

For the best view in Balmain, you can’t go past The London. Perched up on Darling Street since 1870, the hotel is one of the longest operating pubs in Sydney. For over 140 years, locals and visitors alike have flocked here to catch up over a beer or two. The beverage selection has developed over the years and today patrons can enjoy a unique selection of draught beers and ales alongside an extensive selection of Australian and International wines. What has remained the same is the iconic Harbour Bridge view. Pull up a pew and watch the world go by from the heritage front balcony or join the locals and their dogs at the pop-up beer garden.

Lovingly referred to by locals as ‘The EVH’, this is the official watering hole of Balmain East. Perched on top of the hill towards the end of Darling Street, the pub has welcomed patrons since 1875. Today, the family-friendly pub offers gastro pub fare, thirteen beers on tap, over fifty beers in bottles and wines from small independent wineries. Only a short walk from Balmain East ferry wharf, it’s the perfect pitstop for an after work pint. The pub loves dogs and has a whole wall dedicated to the dogs of the EVH. Humans and dogs alike favour the lush beer garden out the back. The beautiful garden is the perfect setting for a Sunday session with friends or early dinner with the kids.

The Bald Rock Hotel is the oldest continually licensed venue on the peninsula. The hotel opened in 1876 and if the original sandstone walls could talk, they would tell you of the colourful history filled with a lot of stories. The family-owned pub has seen many changes, much like the formerly working class, industrial area which it calls home. The team behind the Bald Rock is dedicated to restoring the old girl to her original glory, with rustic charm. Known for excellent food and a cold beer, trivia on Thursdays and live music from local artists on weekends. The friendly bar staff are reminiscent of pub-days gone by, and its dog friendly.

Backing on to White Bay Power Station, this namesake brewery is steeped in history. Located inside a 100-year old steel mill, White Bay Beer Co. is the peninsula’s very own brewery. Original steel beams still crisscross the ceiling and the corrugated iron walls show rusty streaks of time but inside you’ll find a new brewhouse, fermenters and taproom.

WHITE BAY BEER CO 26C Mansfield Street, Rozelle whitebay.beer

The family and dog friendly taproom is popular with locals. It has fourteen taps dedicated to pouring White Bay beers and a selection of domestic and imported wines and ciders. The taproom is open Thursday to Sunday with catering supplied by a changing line up of food trucks. If you crave White Bay beer but the brewery is closed, head to one of the many local pubs serving the brew.

A big thank you to our generous sponsors White Bay Beer Co. and Inner West Council for supporting the Heritage Pubs Trail and to our local pubs for participating.

1 94 7 BRASSERIE

FRENCH CUISINE FINE FOOD

OPENING HOURS: WED - SAT 05:30 - 10:00 PM RESERVATIONS: 1947BRASSERIE.COM

9555 9964

ADDRESS: 679 DARLING STREET, ROZELLE 1947_ROZELLE @1947BRASSERIE

WELLNESS

Conquering anxiety Did you know that one in four people in Australia experiences challenging anxiety? It’s no wonder that many of us have started the year feeling exhausted, stressed and anxious as we continue to live through this uncertain time. Dr Jodie Lowinger is on a mission to help people change their relationship with anxiety and turn it into a superpower.

After decades of working with thousands of people and alongside her team of therapists at The Anxiety Clinic, Dr Jodie created the The Mind Strength Method - a four-step practical toolkit that adults, kids and teens can use to overcome fear-driven thoughts and behaviours and turn them into empowered action.

The method is based on neuroscience and employs the best evidence-based techniques - it’s like an incredible therapist wrapped up in the pages of a book (or audiobook for that matter)! The method helps you to challenge the stories you’ve been telling yourself and also helps you to move forward in your life with enhanced confidence, happiness and a greater sense of wellbeing. Parents, CEO’s and teachers are using this book as a go-to guide to getting out of fight-or-flight mode and into a more fulfilling, purposeful life. You can pick up your copy of Dr Jodie’s book, The Mind Strength Method at local Balmain bookstores Hill of Content and Roaring Stories.

Autumn 2022

The Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce presents

BUILDING RESILIENCE IN BUSINESS

Running a business in today’s changing and busy world presents many challenges. Hear Dr Jodie Lowinger, award-winning Clinical Psychologist, Global Keynote Speaker and High Performance Coach share tips on how to build resilience and reach your full potential with the Mind Strength Method.

THURSDAY 31 MARCH 7.00AM TO 9.00AM THE OLD ROSEBUD, ROZELLE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

$25 BRCC MEMBERS $50 NON-MEMBERS