A new era of local luxury begins. Shaped by leading names in Australian design, Rozelle Village will redefine living with unsurpassed beauty and the rarest of vantage points.
Here, exquisitely composed residences are surrounded by never-before-seen vistas of the harbour, city and bays.
Outside, roof gardens and the village plaza below invite you to a lifestyle and a place like no other.
258 Darling St Balmain - NSW 2041
to the autumn edition of Darling! This edition celebrates the Balmain Rozelle Food and Art Festival, a collaboration with the Inner West Council. We encourage you to attend an event, visit a venue or gallery, experience new food and enjoy an afternoon at Jazz in the Park.
Thank you to our generous sponsor McGrath Balmain and all the businesses and people that are behind Darling. It’s made by locals for locals.
We hope you enjoy this edition, and don’t forget Easter and Mother’s Day are just around the corner - another opportunity to shop local.
Autumn 2023
10 For the love of Balmain
22 Local finds
Publisher: Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce
Front cover: Yellow River Cruising (detail) by Lara Scolari
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 sponsor
30 Festival guide
40 Gourmet trail
52 A Certain Mother
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.
Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce Executive CommitteeThis edition celebrates our local love of food and art. Attend a special event or try a new restaurant at the Balmain Rozelle Food and Art Festival.
Annelie and Belinda
A special thank you to our supporters and contributors who have donated their time and services:
French Baker
Watercolour by Cindy Guest Writers: Mina Iacono, Marc Bennie
Our volunteer letterbox walkers
Thank you to our Creative Team at The Gallery for bringing this issue to life.
@thegallery.design thegallery.design
We are very excited to continue our support of the Darling magazine this year. The Darling magazine has become a wellknown read in our community. It celebrates all the great things we have in our area.
Like many locals, we are foodies and we’re spoilt with the amount of choice of restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs right on our doorstep, so we’re very proud again to sponsor the Balmain Rozelle Food and Art Festival. We urge you to take this opportunity to experience an event, explore some local art or try a new restaurant. We’re thrilled that Jazz in the Park will return after a two-year break. We hope to see you all out and about supporting our local businesses.
Cindy, Kate, Richard and Scott | McGrath Balmain
The Inner West is proud to be partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to help deliver the upcoming Balmain Rozelle Food & Art Festival. Local galleries, pubs, bars, restaurants and other businesses are all coming together with a fantastic program of events that can help promote the peninsula as a destination.
Jazz in the Park is always a personal highlight for me in the festival schedule. Music lovers will flock to Gladstone Park on Saturday 29 April to be entertained by some of the country’s finest musicians.
Following the recent passing of Gary Walford, who led the Unity Hall Hotel jazz band for 50 years, this event will be a great way to bring the community of musicians in Balmain back together again.
I hope you will support as many local businesses as possible throughout the program.
Darcy Byrne | Inner West Mayor
Running a small business for 10 years is quite an achievement, but for Jonathan Fletcher, owner of Running Science in Rozelle, his passion to create a business that is best in class and purposeful has underpinned his success. A long time local, we asked ‘Fletch’ some questions about the peninsula.
What’s your business and how did it come about?
It came about because of a desire for connection, a thirst for control of my own destiny and a belief that communities of old shouldn’t be a thing of the past. I also have a bit of a love for what can happen during a shoeFIT process. We underpromise and over deliver all day long and it gives me and my team energy that even TESLA would be proud of.
How long have you lived in the area? 15 years, although have just recently moved to Mittagong.
What was it like when you first got here? Thriving and community driven.
What’s changed in the area?
Less togetherness, lack of time for important things and a gradual change in the relationship with our community leaders.
One thing that has stayed the same?
Running Science has not changed and we have been here for 20 years.
What do you love most about Balmain?
It’s potential.
Favourite peninsula spot?
The Bay Run – hands and feet down.
A piece of unsolicited advice you would offer locals?
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do in Balmain.
I own the business Running Science which I took over 10 years ago, however, I’ve been part of the peninsula community for over 15 years. Aside from working with the community, we have enjoyed engaging with schools such as Nicholson Street, Balmain and Orange Grove primary schools.
Walk or run together – it’s the best way to share a problem with someone – less eye contact, more time and fresh air. Getting physically fit is one of the easiest ways to love yourself again. Re-establish old habits of saying hello to everyone you pass. Check in on your neighbours.
How do you like your coffee?
Often. Not too bitter and never too sweet. Always served with a smile.
By Mina Iacono
teens. My experience then was how interesting it was, a magnificent piece of boho with a ferry to get you to town, and a long meandering high street filled with eclectic shops and people.
We love art and culture on the peninsula, and we’re lucky to have many great artists and creatives in our neighbourhood. The McGrath Balmain team spoke to some local legends.
What was Balmain like when you moved here? Back then, it was the height of the feminist movement, we chanted for equal pay and workers’ rights. This all seemed to emanate from this delightfully green, friendly community, with the feminists marching with their drums to reclaim the night and their rights. Greenpeace parked the rainbow warrior and had its headquarters here.
You’ve experienced the area’s art and social culture over the years. What’s it like?
I have extraordinary friendships with people I bump into when walking my dog. The people are what make this suburb so refreshing, someone will always take care of something and there’s the feeling of collaboration.
What has kept you here?
the Planet during Earth Hour in 2014. We had the Sydney Symphony Strings and arranged for other orchestras worldwide to join us in our live stream. We were in the Balmain Town Hall and it was really hot. The music was the Four Seasons by Vivaldi, and the musicians wore clothing for each season. The poor double bass player was in a full wool coat with a beanie.
Favourite spot?
Gladstone Store without a doubt. The owners grow what they use to create their delicious things. It’s a little hub for a gentle loving community.
How long have you lived in the area?
I’ve lived on and off in Balmain for over 30 years. I first came to Balmain in the 70’s when I was in my late
I have my studio in the Waterview Workshops. It’s one of the most instagrammable spots in Australia. This office was used by my old mate Bryan Brown, the Gyoto Monks and now me as a composer. Being by the water is part of the reason I love it so much. I sail around its shores and I write music here. I am inspired by the landscape, the people and the sounds.
What is your favourite Balmain memory?
One of my greatest moments was running The Concert for
How long have you been living in the area?
I’ve lived in the area for 38 years – wow!
What was Balmain like when you moved here?
When we bought our house, there was only one straggly sapling on the street. Now there are 20 trees on the street. Berlin was the only café! Maybe I’m wrong, it sounds astounding. And Pete’s 50’s style ice-cream parlour on the corner of Darling and Rowntree streets, was a great spot to go. What has kept you here?
I love Balmain. We’re lucky to live on a peninsula with
beautiful parks and water. It is a village where most people get to know each other. The sense of belonging is so comforting.
What is your favourite Balmain memory?
In 2005, I just picked my parents up from the airport. Both being a bit deaf, they didn’t seem to notice the rising roar from the Dicks Hotel. My father said “Oh you’ll love it! Such a nice sleepy village.” Well, by the time we got to the lights, there were people everywhere all over the streets yelling and hugging as The Tigers had just won the grand final!
What’s your favourite cafe?
My favourite was always The Canteen, a little bit of New York, Now it’s Mr on Darling Street. Favourite spot?
Elkington Park looking out to Cockatoo Island and Peacock Park. I love the dogs madly. Even Paris doesn’t have so many.
You’ve experienced the area’s art and social culture over the years. What was it like?
The poets were more on the surface in the 70’s. They’ve gone back underground for now. Balmain was always more literary than artistic. That’s why my Balmain Traffic Poem in Robert Street worked so well for so long. Apart from the Marbrite Building at White Bay, studios for artists are scarce in Balmain now.
What has kept you here? Balmain is The Little Apple. It holds you and won’t let you go. It’s the last urban outpost before you escape to the country.
What is your funniest Balmain memory?
Neville lived across the road. He was the local anti-mayor, Santa Claus and procurer of all things. The first thing he said to us when we moved in was anything you need, knock on the door. Second thing was, can you look after this? It was a 75mm diameter of rolled money. Neville always complained if I stopped making noise while making sculptures. I do miss that a bit Does the area influence your creativity?
How long have you been living in area?
I grew up in and around Balmain. I attended Rozelle Public School and Balmain High School before moving to Brisbane in 2008. After 10 years, I moved back and live in Balmain East. I have always had a deep connection to the area, my first job was at Baker’s Delight in Rozelle.
You’ve experienced the area’s art and social culture over the years. What was it like?
With its countless art galleries and support from local businesses, Balmain has always had a strong arts and social culture community and it’s been wonderful to be a part of that over the years. I’ve been fortunate to meet and collaborate with many talented artists in the area.
What has kept you here?
Michael SnapeSculptor and artist
What was Balmain like when you moved here?
Balmain was the revolutionary headquarters in 1976. It remains so, except thinking is collectively guided now. That revolutionary thinking permeates everything. The revolution lives long.
I am where I am. I am a product of what I encounter. I live on a ridge that points into the harbour. We are alone together here, at the edge and in the middle of everything.
Favourite café?
Ciao Thyme. Sorry Courtney. I know you don’t like too many customers, but I just can’t go anywhere else for a transcendent experience and the best coffee. For parks, Mort Bay. We are so crazy lucky here.
I love the sense of community. I have made great friendships with neighbours and business owners since moving here.
How does the area influence your creativity?
One of my favourite paintings is a landscape I painted of the Balmain East ferry wharf.
Favourite spot?
I’m a big fan of the Balmain Hotel, the staff are super friendly and it has a great outdoor beer garden.
Kamilaroi woman and Inner West resident Cheree Toka recently sat down with guest writer Marc Bennie to share insights on how she successfully lobbied the NSW Government to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and subsequently at every town square throughout the Inner West Council. It’s a fascinating story of determination, perseverance and people power.
Despite rejections from the NSW Government, Cheree understood the significance of the Aboriginal and Australian flags flying equally on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and never gave up on the idea of having this as an everyday reminder for her people and others. It was a five year battle, but the love for her family, people and future generations kept her going.
Cheree puts her success down to determination and collaboration with local community members, Council and help from major media outlets who covered the story and made the campaign mainstream news. The campaign raised more than $300,000 to cover the costs of the flag installation.
For her efforts, Cheree was awarded Inner West Citizen of the Year in 2022 and acknowledges the incredible support of more than 200,000 Australians who believed in her journey and knew it was the right thing to do.
Never being one to tire, Cheree continues to support major campaigns that enable further awareness, connection and success with First Nations Peoples.
When asked about how all Australians can get involved in reconciliation activities, Cheree says “We need to have the tough conversations and get involved in local community activities”. The best opportunity she’s seen locally is Inner West Council’s initiative to recruit and train 1,000 people in a civic education program to build awareness about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the upcoming Referendum on the Voice to Parliament.
Cheree’s message is one of appreciation for everyone fighting injustice, in their personal and professional lives and encourages more people to come on this journey with her.
Cheree says, “We have slowly progressed as a nation and I’m thankful for that, though there is still so much to do. Big and small businesses have the power to influence major change by pushing conversations.”
By Marc Bennie
Tinnitus can come on suddenly, or creep up gradually over time. An estimated 10–20% of people in Australia experience tinnitus. In fact, one study found that 95% of people with normal hearing heard ‘tinnitus’ after being left in a quiet room! Dr Annemarie Lindner AuD share expert advice on how to address this common symptom.
The extent of the difficulties people experience with tinnitus varies from person to person. One thing that may help explain these differences is the level of stress you are under. If you have a high level of stress there is a greater chance that you will be troubled by your tinnitus.
Do’s
• See an ENT specialist in order to assess and treat the underlying cause of your tinnitus
• Wear hearing protection. Exposure to loud noise can damage your ears and cause tinnitus.
• Minimise your stress levels. Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate tinnitus. Practicing good self-care by doing things like meditating, getting enough exercise and sleep, and speaking with a counsellor can help you keep your stress levels down and reduce your symptoms.
• If your tinnitus impacts on your mood or your day-to-day activities, then seek help from a specialist audiologist for therapy.
Don’ts
• Don’t avoid getting help. If tinnitus is interfering with your daily life or preventing you from taking part in normal activities, it’s important to seek help and find ways to improve your quality of life.
• Don’t believe the myths. Tinnitus is commonly misunderstood. Some people are concerned that tinnitus is a disease and can lead to further consequences such as hearing loss. Other people may believe that tinnitus is harmless and “all in your head” and should just be ignored. Neither belief is true.
Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, one that changes over time in response to many factors, including our health. Working with your audiologist you can slowly understand the things that make your tinnitus better, or worse, as you work towards management. The more we understand our tinnitus, the more we can regain control and actively work towards reducing its impact on our life.
372 Darling St, Balmain hearlix.com.au
We have moved! New clinic location: 372 Darling St, Balmain
The 24/7 solution for tinnitus
Reduces bothersome tinnitus faster than daily wear hearing aids.
Provides greater relief from tinnitus than daily wear hering aids.
A new store opening in our neighbourhood is exciting, and is another reason to stay local and enjoy something new.
After 5 years of being online only, Mecque have opened their first concept store in Balmain. Bringing a truly unique retail experience to the High Street, Mecque presents a beautifully curated collection of homewares from local designers and leading international brands. From hand-painted ceramics to scented candles that will ignite your senses, their store has everything a design lover wants.
MECQUE
346 Darling St, Balmain | mecque.com.au
This new store is a cheese lover’s paradise! Your one-stop-shop for all things cheesy and gourmet goodies. Owner Ramona travels far and wide to bring locals the finest artisan cheeses in the world along with mouth-watering accompaniments. Their expertise in selecting and pairing cheeses means you’ll always have the perfect cheese for your special occasion.
CHEESE CELEBRATION
Shop 2/595 Darling St, Rozelle cheesecelebration.com.au
Lily Fields Distilling Co is created by Lilyfield locals Jennifer and Shannon Hunt. Jen is the scientist who makes sure the ‘serious’ is carried out with extreme care. Shan is the creative who adds imagination and energy to get things done. Their Sydney Dry Gin placed 36th in the Hottest 100 Aussie gins in January, just two months after launching.
LILY FIELDS DISTILLING CO
lilyfieldsgin.com.au
After four years of operating inner west gem Dirty Red Glebe, the team have finally opened their long-awaited new cafe in the heart of Rozelle. Located across the road from Red Lion Hotel, owners Dylan and Paul have transformed the space into a bright and bustling neighbourhood café. With a strong focus on specialty coffee and seasonal brunch, the team is all about providing a welcoming experience.
DIRTY RED
711 Darling St, Rozelle | dirtyred.com.au
Collaborative teams are the backbone to business success. But how do you get everyone to rally behind a common goal? And how do you get the best performance out of everyone in a team. We spoke to Adrian Searle of Decision Health to learn more.
No matter how large or small your business is, your team remains one of the most important elements of success and investing in your team is a guaranteed strategy to increase your business’ success.
If you’re going to have meetings, it’s imperative to make them meaningful and effective. Meetings give team members an opportunity to share updates, exchange ideas and discuss challenges and opportunities. When conducted effectively, team meetings can help build trust and foster a sense of unity.
However, the effectiveness of team meetings depends on several factors, such as the frequency and duration of the meetings, the quality of the agenda and facilitation, the engagement of team members, and of course, the follow-up actions.
Adrian says, “At Decision Health, we support our clients with these crucial team meetings by guiding the decisions on which topics to
3/7 Rosebery Pl, Balmain decisionhealth.com.au
cover, structuring the flow of the session, and most importantly the individual session design.”
In today’s fast paced world, getting alignment on critical issues has never been more crucial, or more challenging. Decision Health work with business leaders to ensure all team members are aligned and deeply understand the problems and tasks they face. This leads, not only to more effective decision making, but to a united commitment to the cause.
“Strong bonds between individual members are crucial for great team performance and we support our clients to develop these bonds through the design and facilitation of different team building activities.”
The most significant, yet most overlooked decision
in planning a meeting is the meeting space itself. The meeting environment often has a direct impact on the success of achieving meaningful outcomes. Finding a venue that meets all the technical requirements and supports participation can be a tall order.
Adrian explains that the ideal setting should provide the space to think, to dialogue and effectively capture insights, decisions, and action planning. “At Decision Health we have designed our meeting space with all this in mind, and it’s why our clients regularly choose to hire it out for their important team sessions.” The purpose designed workshop space is located in the heritage Sunlight Factory in White Bay giving participants easy access to public transport and green outdoor breakout space.
A f a m i l y - o w n e d p r a c t i c e d e d i c a t e d t o b r i n g i n g q u a l i t y e y e c a r e a n d e y e w e a r
C a r r y i n g t h e s t a t e o f t h e a r t t e c h n o l o g y t o e n s u r e e a r l y d i a g n o s i s a n d t r e a t m e n t
D r y e y e t r e a t m e n t s M y o p i a p r e v e n t i o n i n c h i l d r e n
A c u r a t e d s e l e c t i o n o f d e s i g n e r e y e w e a r
contact@balmainvision.com.au
www.balmainvision.com.au
Book online or call 1300 12 12 88
Since 2018, Dave and his team have been creating memories with bespoke, private charters to celebrate special events, entertain guests, or just to enjoy the best harbour in the world.
Dave has over 20 years experience as a Skipper, including 10 years as a Police Boat Coxswain (captain). Dave also provides learn-to-sail training and ‘skipper for hire’ services.
The Too Up catamaran is a luxuriously appointed, 40-foot French designed and built yacht. Specialising in small group charters of up to 20 guests, or up to 4 for overnight staycations, the team love nothing better than showing guests around the stunning Sydney harbour or further afield.
Enjoy exquisite catering from local chefs and suppliers (and Too Up is also fully licensed),
or you can choose to self-cater and BYO. Either way, you’ll get to experience the renowned service from their skilful and attentive crew.
Dave says, “By far the best view of the harbour is from the water. Coming up is my favourite Sydney event - the Vivid festival from 26 May until 17 June where we provide front-row seats to enjoy the spectacular illuminations of the Sydney icons”.
dave@tooupsailing.com.au tooupsailing.com.au
It’s been three years since White Bay Beer Co. released its first brew to the community and in that time the brewery has become an iconic part of peninsula life. To thank locals for the incredible support they’ve received, the team are now gearing up for a big birthday bash.
In 2018 local mates, Adam Trippe Smith and publican Tim Condon, decided that Balmain needed, and deserved, its very own brewery. Tim says, “We were watching friends travelling to other suburbs in the inner west to enjoy an afternoon at a brewery and thought why doesn’t Balmain have its own?”
After settling on a former steelworks site in White Bay (hence the name) and partnering with young brewing wünderkinds, Dennis de Boer and Jess Walker, Adam and Tim set about raising capital from a mix of local and institutional investors, before sourcing a stateof-the-art brewing facility from the US, gaining council approval, and fitting out the brewery.
In March 2020, after putting their first beer in the tank, White Bay Beer Co. would lose its most important customer due to Covid –the hotel industry. With a business model of putting beer in kegs to sell in pubs that were now closed, they turned to canning their product and providing free delivery on the peninsula. Releasing their first cans in April 2020, the beer found instant success with locals.
Fast forward to today and the brewery is thriving post-pandemic. Their core range
continues to be supported by new release beers every two weeks, with a focus on bringing lager back to the forefront for craft beer drinkers. With a growing on-premise presence, a bustling taproom and a bunch of prestigious industry awards (their Lager just won Champion Lager and Champion Independent Overall Beer at The Australian Independent Beer Awards - the beer equivalent of the Logies) the brewery shows no sign of slowing down.
The taproom is both family and dog friendly and weekends draw a crowd from well beyond the peninsula. Live music and rotating food trucks have turned White Bay Beer Co. into a beer pilgrimage destination. The 1,000 square metre space is available for private functions and corporate events and it’s perfect for large group get togethers.
Whether you enjoy their brews at the pub, bring a few tinnies to a picnic or spend the afternoon at the taproom trying a selection of new release beers, White Bay Beer Co. is firmly embedded in the Balmain and Rozelle community.
26 Mansfield St, Rozelle
whitebay.beer
WHITE BAY BEER CO.Enjoyed an ice-cold White Bay Lager
Devoured a praline from Belle Fleur Chocolates
Picked up a baguette from the Victoire van
Tasted the chai at Euforia
Tried the Negroni at Local Bar
Enjoyed the Sunday roast at Royal Oak Balmain
Had a Tiger Roll at Hungry Bull Co
Volunteered at a local community garden
Enjoyed a Guinness at Bald Rock Hotel
Picked up a sourdough from Bonfire Bread
Had the Balmain pizza from Tipo “00”
Sipped a cocktail or two at The Lodge Bar
Hill of Content
Bookshop
Wendy Milton Books
Bars
Corner Bar
The Local Bar
The Lodge Bar
Wilhelmina’s
Bertoni
Hungry Bull Co.
Sandy Bake Shop
The Old Rosebud
ART Gallery on Darling
Artspark Studio
Kirana Haag artist
Lara Scolari Gallery
Paper Rock Scissors
Art Studios
Pinot & Picasso
Balmain
Wright Gallery
Fine Art
Alena Smith
Interior Design
Ballast Point
Bumph and Scumble Design
Furniture Noir
Global Conduct
Heater Man
Home Industry
M2 Styling + Interiors
Mecque
That Plant Shop
The Wood Cave
3 Weeds
Bald Rock Hotel
Cat & Fiddle Hotel
Cricketers Arms Hotel
Dicks Hotel Balmain
East Village Hotel
Sackville Hotel
The Bridge Hotel
The London Hotel
The Merton Hotel
The Royal Oak Balmain
The Welcome Hotel
Unity Hall Hotel
Angel Aromatics
Bits of Australia
Punch Gallery
Pure Objective
Rozelle Collectors Market
Two Baskets
Food & Drink
Bonfire Bread
Cheese Celebration
Lily Fields Distilling Co
The Balmain Barmaid
The Dinner Co.
White Bay Beer Co.
Willowbrae Cheese
Wong She & Co
1947 Brasserie
Atticus Hospitality
L’Auberge
The Reverie Cat
Tipo “00” Balmain
Balmain Vision
Beattie Street
Health Studio
Body Ethos
City Cave Balmain
CryoCare Clinic
Hearlix
Health & Home Balmain
Home Thai
Massage Rozelle
Lilyfield
Physiotherapy
PT Vision Balmain
RedoHealth
Running Science
Sydney Spine & Sports Centre
The Eye Piece
The Well Store
Wall’s Pharmacy
White Waratah Boutique
Thai Massage & Infrared Sauna
Blue Illusion
Embellish Atelier
Hester Fleming Vintage
Husk
Venla
Lin & Barrett Lingerie
Shoes in the Attic
Sportscraft
Vie Vie S
Accura Lending
Avocado Communications
Bespoke Investment Group
Computer Troubleshooters
Rozelle
Decision Health
Finance Broking Studio
GW E-marketing
Inner West ActionCOACH
Marzy Management
MEK Consulting
Morgan + English
Commercial Lawyers
Other Side of the Table
Spectrum Wealth Partners
Speer Finance
Syrinx Corp
The Marketing Edit
Xperienced
Brads Bike Services
Milk & Honey
Photography
Rozelle Plumbing
Sydney Community College
Together2
TooUp Sailing
McGrath Balmain
Belinda Cassano Real Estate Services
Laing + Simmons Balmain
Parker Hadley
Buyers Agent
Ray White Rozelle
Rozelle Village
Bark Busters Inner West Sydney
Ziippup
Brown Sugar Rozelle
Emma Dean Salon
Hairlab by George Maxx Cosmetica
Oaks Hair Salon
To learn more about these local businesses visit balmainrozelle.org.au
Food and art bring people together, spark creativity and inspire us in many different ways. Here in Balmain Rozelle, it sits deep in our culture with a pub at every corner, our love of weekend brunches, a drink with mates, craft with kids and art appreciation.
The Balmain Rozelle Food and Art Festival will return 22-30 April, and is designed to explore your interest in food and art. The festival is filled with workshops, offers and events. Explore the schedule and show your support for local businesses. There’s no better time to visit a local venue, try a new restaurant taste a local brew or buy some art. The possibilities are endless, so we encourage you to explore your passions and have fun along the way.
on Saturday 29 April, from 2pm to 5pm. This year’s line-up is sure to please both jazz lovers and lovers of fine music in general.
Purchase a picnic hamper from a Darling Street business, take advantage of the local offers, and bring the family along to experience an afternoon in the park with the very best of Inner West jazz. This year’s event will include EK and the Extraordinaires, combining jazz with music from around the world such as Balkan, Ethiopian and Latin American. Greasy Chicken Orchestra will bring their repertoire of swinging 20’s and 30’s jazz, while multi-award-winning jazz pianist Matt McMahon is set to deliver a memorable collaboration as the Matt McMahon Trio.
Visit balmainrozelle.org.au for all the details
After a two-year break, Inner West Council will once again present the ever-popular Jazz in the Park at Gladstone Park, Balmain. This free outdoor event will feature as part of the Balmain Rozelle Food and Art Festival. Balmain will come alive to the sounds of jazz
JAZZ IN THE PARK
Gladstone Park, Balmain
Saturday 29 April, from 2–5pm
For the full line up visit innerwest.nsw.gov.au/jazzinthepark
APRIL 22–30
ARTY PARTY
22 April, 2-4pm
FAMILY SEWING WORKSHOP
29 April, 1-4pm
Make your Hot Air Balloon & Weaving Basket.
FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT
20 April, 6-9pm
Join us for the opening night of Balmain Rozelle Food and Art Festival. Meet and mingle with local business owners and residents and get into the festival spirit over a beer or two.
WHITE BAY BEER CO
26 Mansfield St, Rozelle
Celebrate the opening of a unique collective exhibition of female artists’ work featuring Tara Eales, Elizabeth Langreiter, Dilara Niriella, Marisabel Gonzalez, Joi Murugavell and Lara Scolari.
LARA SCOLARI
ART GALLERY
46 Beattie St, Balmain
ARTSPARK
43 Merton St, Rozelle; Book at artspark-studio.com.au, $75 per family, 8+ years
BREWERY BIRTHDAY BASH
29 April, from 4pm
Pop by for a beer and say cheers to three years as White Bay Beer Co. celebrates their 3rd birthday!
WHITE BAY BEER CO.
26 Mansfield St, Rozelle
OZHARVEST
22 Apr, 8am-1pm
OzHarvest’s mission is to feed people in need, stop food waste and protect our planet. Find their stall at the local markets to find out about what work they do and learn about food waste.
OZHARVEST
Orange Grove Markets, Lilyfield
VOICES AND PICTURES FROM THE PAST
11 April to 6 May, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11.30am-3pm
As part of the National Trust Heritage Festival, the Balmain Association will be sharing stories from the donated collection of family history books and presenting a photographic display of where these stories evolved from. Included is Gourlies Corner, which depicts growing up in Balmain and all the activities that occurred in a corner grocery store during the 1950’s.
BALMAIN WATCH HOUSE
179 Darling St, Balmain
MUSIC ON THE STREETS
22 April, 10am-3pm
Enjoy your favourite local music at Loyalty Square Balmain and along Darling Street in Rozelle and Balmain. 343 Brass Band, Batucada Funk, Oompah Loompah Band and The Marble Circus Band plus more will feature.
CHEESE GALORE
Sit down cheese tasting on Wednesday 26th April from 6pm (90 minutes) includes: 4 cheeses + 4 matching condiments + 2 cured meats + crackers and bread, $90 per person.
22, 28 & 29 April, from 6pm
Shake and strain like a true mixologist during this hands-on cocktail making masterclass. You’ll learn how to make three Vietnamese inspired cocktails, before enjoying your creations paired with a modern Vietnamese platter.
THE REVERIE CAT
LILY FIELDS GIN SPECIAL
Try the newest local gin! Use the ‘festival’code at check out, and receive 10% off online purchases.
LILY FIELDS GIN lilyfieldsgin.com.au
Jazz in the Park Picnic Cheese Hamper ‘The Summer Picnic Cheese Platter’, $79 with free delivery on Saturday 29th April for all residents of Balmain, Birchgrove and Rozelle.
CHEESE CELEBRATION
2/595 Darling St, Rozelle
Book and order, cheesecelebration.com.au
576 Darlng St, Rozelle Bookings essential, $105 per ticket, 20% discount at restaurant after the class.
FREE COFFEE
22-29 April
Enjoy one FREE coffee with your meal when you spend $15. Available 11am-2pm daily.
BERTONI
281 Darling St, Balmain
BON APPETIT TUESDAY
25 March, lunch and dinner
Enjoy $25 meal + drink from the Bon Appetit Tuesday menu.
ROYAL OAK BALMAIN
36 College St, Balmain
JAZZ IN THE PARK
29 April, 2-5pm
Jazz in the Park is back! Pack a picnic rug and find a patch of grass in Gladstone Park. Suitable for the whole family and it’s free.
GLADSTONE PARK
Balmain
After the Jazz in the Park book your favourite restaurant or pub, and have a meal with family and friends. Support local!
Bottomless dumplings and Japanese beers for $65 (2 hours) Duck and Pinot, Choice of two sizes, 1/2 duck and 2 glasses $40 or whole duck and bottle $65
Join in the fun at Local Bar Palooza is a week-long event celebrating local talent and bringing the community together for a fun and entertaining experience. Featuring live music performances, stand-up comedy shows, DJ sets, a rt exhibits, workshops, and more.
729 Darling St, Rozelle Bookings essential localbar.com.au
Cocktail O’Clock 4-6pm, Mon to Fri. Delicious themed Cocktails on special and $5 Estrella Damm Lager
Tex Mex Tues - $20 Taco Boards including a complimentary Tecate Beer
Wed Tastes of Despana GlebeSpanish Tapas menu and a free glass of Despana’s famous Sangria
Thurs- Dumplings & Curries
Fri - Live Music
Weekends - Corner Bar
Famous Bottomless Brunch all weekend, 2 hours of Margarita Cocktails, Wines, Beer & Sangria, Paired with delicious Mexican dishes, $70 pp, Bookings essential
CORNER BAR
632 Darling St, Rozelle
29 April, 2-5pm
Craternoon, Saturdays 22 April and 29 April, 1-3.30pm BYO project, join the table and have a yarn FREE; Jazz in the Park special, 29 April, Festival picnic box to enjoy at Jazz in the Park featuring Sandy Bakeshop
Favourites, pre-order; Cookie marbling workshop Thurs 27 April, 4-4.45pm, a colourful cookie decorations workshop. Ages 5+ parents to stay with kids. $20 per child, limited spaces
SANDY
7/332 Darling St, Balmain
sandybakeshop.com.au
29 April, 10am-1.30pm
Meet local Artists Kirana and Julius Haag at their Open Studio. See a wide range of paintings and sculptures from this artistic family, enjoy a cup of tea and hear the stories behind the artworks.
KIRANA HAAG
202 Darling St, Balmain
FREE MEAL OFFER
Receive a free Mac & Cheese with any order. Use code N84677D5 at check out.
Limited to the first 20 orders.
THE DINNER CO. thedinnerco.com.au
JAZZ IN THE JUNGLE
29 April, noon–2pm
Enjoy the jazz vibes amongst the living plants and greenery.
THAT PLANT SHOP
661 Darling St, Rozelle
26 April, 6-9pm
Join us for another Women In Business dinner where you can meet and network over fine food and wine.
Limited tickets available so book early!
L’AUBERGE
358 Darling St, Balmain Bookings essential balmainrozelle.org.au
To enter: Post a photo of your pooch on Instagram and tag @darling.stay.local and @paperrockscissorsartstudios. Entries close on Thursday 20 April.
The prize: The lucky winners will join a 2-hour guided painting workshop at Paper Rock Scissors Art Studio on Sunday 23 April, 2-4pm. Each winner will also receive an all-inone Ziippup lead for their dog!
The best entries win! Winners must be available for the workshop on Sunday 23 April, 2-4pm.
PAPER ROCK SCISSORS
ART STUDIO
760 Darling St, Rozelle
With ANZAC Day around the corner, there’s no better time to head to the pub! At its peak, the Balmain peninsula had 55 pubs and hotels, and they formed a big part of our area’s history and culture. This area is still well known for its pub culture and with 18 pubs on your doorstep, now is the time to discover them all.
The Balmain Rozelle Heritage Pub Trail is available online so you can experience all that’s on offer - from fine food to local brews, live music and fun for the whole family, including our four legged friends.
Thanks to our sponsors
The 25th of April always carries great significance for Veterans communities, both here in Australia, in New Zealand and wherever our troops are serving around the world. The day commemorates ANZAC Day, whose origins stretch back to the original landing at ANZAC Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula in World War 1.
Each Dawn Service carries its own theme of remembrance, and this year will focus on those from within the Balmain community who made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial in Loyalty Square contains the names of some 38 service personnel who lost their lives on the shores of Gallipoli, but throughout the peninsula are records of others who also made the ultimate sacrifice.
Leading the commemoration will be Major Matt McFarland, CSM. Matt is a recently retired Infantry officer who served on
multiple deployments with the Australian Defence Force – notably in Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor and he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2019 Australia Day Honours List. Matt and his wife Carolyn trace their families back to Balmain.
Loyalty Square, Balmain
25 April, 5.45am
Secure the home you have been long searching for with a straightforward no-nonsense service that saves you time, stress, and money.
Uluru and Kakadu National Park are no doubt bucket list destinations. Lara Scolari’s recent trekking adventure through the top end and central Australia made such an impression on her it resulted in a new series of artworks – TERRETORIAN.
symbolizing the burning-off periods, red reminiscent of the rust centre, and blue of the waterways. By using organic colours, forms, and lines, Lara has created a visual representation of the cyclical life of the Northern Territory’s countryside.
The red earth, breathtaking landscape and Indigenous history make the Northern Territory and Central Australia unlike anywhere else in the world. Lara spent four weeks exploring Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, The Larapinta Trail, Uluru and Kata Tjuta and immediately felt the power of the land.
“The energy of the area goes beyond the vivid colours and spectacular vistas – there’s such a strong connection to the native land, flora and fauna. As a contemporary visual artist, I wanted to capture this force and rhythm on canvas”.
Each piece in the TERRETORIAN series incorporates the prominent colours of the Northern Territory, with green representing new growth and the land’s ability to regenerate itself, dark charcoal grey
The TERRETORIAN exhibition is hosted in Lara Scolari’s brand new ‘Window Shop’ Gallery space. From 16 March until 16 April 2023 visitors can immerse themselves in the magnetic fields of the Northern Territory’s landscapes.
On Saturday 22 April 2-4pm, Lara Scolari, together with the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce, invites you to experience the Northern Territory through the eyes of Lara. The exhibition is a celebration of local female artists including Lara Scolari, Tara Eales, Elizabeth Langreiter, Dilara Niriella, Marisabel Gonzalez and Joi Murugavell.
Visit Balmain before 7am and you’ll see three types of people – runners, dog walkers and Bertoni customers. It’s one of the first cafés to open its doors every day, and the last one to close. Serving the community for over 15 years, Bertoni is still a local favourite and many customers have been coming here since day one.
7AM
9AM
Balmain and Rozelle aren’t short on pastries so finding a spot for morning tea won’t be difficult. If you’re visiting Balmain Thursday to Saturday a trip to Sandy in the old Institute Building is a must. Their apple and sage cake is divine! Down the road you’ll find Bonfire Bread who serves certified organic treats and bread all day.
How early is too early to have a beer? If you’ve spent the morning exploring the neighbourhood, 11am seems like a perfectly reasonable time. And with 19 pubs to choose from you don’t have to go too far to find one. For high street people watching you can’t go past The Sackville and Cricketer’s Arms.
11AM
1PM
With pubs come gourmet pub fare! Local foodie favourites include The Riverview, Royal Oak and East Village Hotel. If you’re after more of a café vibe – Kafeine and Hancock Lane never disappoint. The Reverie Cat in Rozelle serve up authentic Vietnamese food and their Banh Mi is a lunchtime favourite.
Cheese lovers now have three specialty shops on their doorstep. Field Blend has been around for a few years as has Willowbrae Cheese in Rozelle. Specialising in artisan goat milk cheeses and all their goodies are produced in Sydney. The latest edition to the cheese circuit is Cheese Celebration offering a wide array of cheeses alongside gift hampers and grazing platters.
3PM
4PM
If you visit Balmain on a Sunday, pop by The Unity Hall Hotel. It’s heaving with jazz tunes and swing dancers! 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.
Italian, French, Chinese or Australian? Fish, meat, vegetarian or vegan? It’s all here. Dine al fresco at one of the restaurants along Darling Street and take in the best of our village atmosphere. If you’re looking for something more quiet, explore the backstreets and find a new favourite.
6PM
8PM
For a cheeky cocktail or a nice glass of red visit the intimate Lodge Bar. If you’re after nibbles with your drinks head to Local Bar in Rozelle. Famous for their fabulous cocktails (come here on a Thursday and they’re only $12) and delicious dumplings Local Bar is a clear favourite in this part of the hood.
To say that restaurant L’Auberge has been off to a great start is an understatement. They’ve been booked out most weekends since opening in December. Darling met with owners Dimitri and Tamara to learn about their culinary journey and how they ended up in Balmain.
L’Auberge is a true family restaurant – Dimitri, chef and gastronomic mastermind works in the kitchen, while his partner Tamara, works front of house doing everything else.
Dimitri’s love of cooking comes from his aunt and grandmother. “I grew up in Salers, a beautiful village in the Auvergne region in central France and spent many hours in the kitchen learning traditional cooking.”
At 19, Dimitri landed in Sydney for a working holiday and fell in love with the city. He worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant in Circular Quay and amongst the pots and pans Dimitri’s dreams of owning his own restaurant grew. After the holiday, Dimitri went back to France and trained as a chef.
When working in the south of France Dimitri met Tamara and eventually, he introduced her to the idea of opening a restaurant in Sydney. Having worked in hospitality and holding a tourism degree, Tamara jumped at the idea.
“We arrived in January 2022 and searched all over Sydney for the perfect location. We were about to sign a lease in Glebe when we thought, let’s just think about it over lunch. We’d heard great things about Balmain so went there and I’m so glad we did – we loved the village vibe! When we walked past 358 Darling Street and saw the ‘For Lease’ sign we new we’d found our restaurant.”
Walking through the door at L’Auberge is like being transported to France. The moody antique décor, all French wine list and homemade dishes makes you forget you’re in Sydney.
Dimitri explains that the food is traditionally French and many of the recipes have been passed on to him by his aunt and grandmother. “You won’t find another L’Auberge in Sydney. We make guests feel good and give them a truly authentic experience. We give them a taste of the French countryside right in the heart of Balmain.”
L’AUBERGE
358 Darling St, Balmain @laubergeduboutdumonde
From our Balmain Peninsula based brewery we passionately make some of Australia’s best beer. The Australian Independent Beer Awards recently voted our Lager ‘Champion Independent Overall Beer’ as well as ‘Champion Lager’. Come and visit our dog-friendly taproom and brewery and see for yourself.
BREWERY & TAPROOM - 26 MANSFIELD STREET, ROZELLE
THU to FRI - 4pm to 10pm, SAT - 12pm to 10pm, SUN - 12pm to 8pm
According to the National Food Waste Baseline report (2019), Australian households throw away $3,800 worth of food each year. At the same time, 2 million households in Australia went hungry in the last twelve months due to lack of funds, (FoodBank Hunger Report,2022).
Mayor Darcy Bryne said, “We know that our community is committed to sustainability and this new food recycling service will be a practical way that we all contribute to reducing carbon emissions.”
Local shops like The Well Store and IGA Express Rozelle have many products in-store that help you store food at home and make it last longer. Places like The Source lets you buy what you need rather than over-buying.
The bottom line is that we all need to do better, and every household can make a difference to reduce food waste. With household budgets under pressure, putting a bit of thought into what is wasted and taking action can save your household thousands each year. The top five most wasted foods in Australia are vegetables, bread, fruit, bagged salad, and leftovers.
Australia has a national target to halve food waste by 2030, which leading food rescue organisation OzHarvest is committed to. Their website has downloadable resources including their nifty tool to cut food waste at home ‘Use It Up’ tape. Use it to mark out a space in your fridge or pantry, to place things that need using up first.
Locally, Together2 and Good in the Hood team up with organisations like OzHarvest to turn perfectly fine food into meals for people experiencing hardship. The team delivers more than 300 meals to people in need locally, and Together2’s Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre Breadnesday happens every Wednesday where anyone can access free bread.
The Inner West Council announced it will roll out food organics recycling to Inner West households later this year, following a successful trial in apartment buildings. Council will provide food organics and garden organics waste recycling (FOGO) to every home, and engage in an awareness campaign to engage with local residents and community organisations.
Top tips to reduce food waste in your home:
• Plan your shopping
• Only buy what you need
• Avoid bulk specials
• Don’t go shopping when you are hungry!
• Invest in storage solutions to keep your food longer
• Search recipes to use your nearly out of date food
• Love your leftovers!
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It is no secret that peninsula locals take their coffee seriously and we are spoiled for choice. A long way from its humble working-class beginnings, Balmain is an epicentre for Sydney’s coffee culture. Guest writer Mina Iacono unpicks the power of coffee and how it has shaped our community.
Australian coffee has certainly made a name for itself in the last decade or two, creating a coffee culture not seen anywhere else in the world. We largely owe thanks to the Italian immigrants for this, who first brought espresso coffee to the country in the 1930’s. Fast forward to the nineties when Balmain became a culturally diverse foodie destination to much of Sydney, bringing visitors from all over to dine at the restaurants and old school coffee shops. The coffee scene was still in its infancy and limited to basics like cappuccinos and lattes, offered with (gasp) full cream milk only.
Canteen Cafe in the iconic Institution Arcade opened on the cusp of the coffee culture evolution, emerging as Balmain’s accidental coffee mecca. Co-founder Juan, who still lives locally, says“There wasn’t much around at the time so we partnered, ironically, with The American Coffee Company to introduce the rich, nutty and caramel flavour of robusta that Sydney is now accustomed to.”
The proliferation of robusta and arabica speciality coffee was unfolding in the early 2000’s, with cafés stepping up their game by using higher quality and more flavourful beans.
One of the pioneers of the speciality coffee movement was Bertoni, who in 2004 became known as the café that ‘closed down Starbucks in Balmain’. This small family-owned business quickly gained a reputation for their unique house blend and their gingham-check milk crates, inspiring others to join the coffee culture evolution.
The hipster era took the art of brewing to the next level, igniting the modern day rise of signature coffees such as pour-overs, cold drip, turmeric healers or charcoal, made with small batch, single origin, ethically sourced, sustainable, or direct trade beans (just to name a few).
These complex shots were only out-numbered by the anything-but-milk milk added in. Gone are the days of full cream only and cafés now offer legume-based milk of soy or pea, nutbased (almond, coconut), seed-based (hemp, sesame), grain-based (oat, rice) and even breast milk (do not get me started).
This paradox of choice needs a scatter plot to help answer what used to be a simple question - What coffee would you like?
Despite the proliferation of foodie culture in Sydney, the peninsula remains a noteworthy coffee precinct. Darling Street alone has over 50 cafes, and new spots pop up alongside established institutions every year, each offering their own unique take on coffee.
Favourites include the Hungry Bull Co. where, for the past eight years, owner Steve has been roasting beans and serving a house blend sourced from four different regions around the world. Steve says that Balmain is the best community ever and that locals love a good coffee. “I’m from Turkey so of course our specialty cup is Turkish coffee. The flavour is much milder with no bitter aftertaste.”
At their roastery in Rozelle, The Little Marionette roast their own beans and delivers them across Sydney and beyond. Owner Ed has had a presence in the Sydney coffee scene for a long time and runs the business on a flavour-first philosophy, sourcing the best beans from around the world and producing small batch, single original and coffee blends.
Charlotte Café in Birchgrove and The Old Rosebud in Rozelle share some things in common – they both have a deep passion for the business they run, and both serve Campos as their coffee of choice. Charlotte’s owner, Jason, opened the Birchgrove store 16 years ago, and has since added another 13 cafes to his portfolio which are scattered all around Sydney. Michelle and Aaron took over the iconic Rosebud site almost three years ago after selling their home in Penrith to follow their dream of running a café. They are fully licenced too, so you can have your coffee by day and come back for a cocktail at night.
For starters, most of the cafés are run by owners who are passionate about coffee and want to give each customer a memorable experience. But it’s more than the speciality coffee they serve or the unique experience they offer – it’s the intangible sense of community these peninsula cafés create.
Our cafés bring people together, they’re a place where people come when they need to get away. It’s a communal table hoping to spark up a conversation or a table for one serving as a hot desk. It’s a meeting place where deals are closed and personal training sessions are inducted. It’s a place of toddler distraction so mum can enjoy a quiet latte. It’s a place where your day starts or ends, a place where love blooms and friendships form.
Beyond the bean and hot cup of however you like to drink it, our cafés are a place of connection, of belonging. And this is the true power of coffee culture.
By Mina IaconoHave a sleep-in so you wake up refreshed for a creative day. Look at the divine textiles, furnishings and precious finds in Home Industry. Pop in to Café d’Yvoire for a coffee and croque madame. Cross the road to the studio of Kirana Haag at 202 Darling Street. Break out of your comfort zone and book an art lesson with Kirana.
10AM
Thanks to the Inner West Council’s Perfect Match mural program, there are stunning murals dotted across the peninsula. Head to 95 Curtis Road, Balmain and find the newest mural by Thomas Jackson called White Plumbed Honeyeater. It highlights one of the artist’s favourite small honeyeaters. Now rare to spot in Balmain, the artist is introducing this special native back into an environment it once thrived in.
Take a relaxing wander through the historic sandstone building of the Balmain Watch House and see what you can discover with the latest art exhibition. Flick through the historical books, photos and resources by The Balmain Association.
11AM
Cross Darling Street to the Woolworths carpark and see another council
Perfect Match mural, The Embrace by Nastia Gladushchenko. This mural is a celebration of the way the urban environment interacts with nature and the way our inner and outer lives embrace each other in the public domain. Featuring plants found within nearby home gardens and plants from adjacent public areas, this merging of worlds mimics the community spirit of the Balmain area.
2PM
Get your steps up and head down to 497 Darling Street to find Wright Gallery Fine Art. Peter, the owner and art curator will take you through original fine art from antiquity to the 20th century. Go next door and visit Inside Traders for unique furniture and pieces that are guaranteed to add personality to your home.
4PM
Upstairs at Balmain Art Studio you’ll find an art class in full swing at 247 Darling Street. It’s time for a late lunch and a glass of wine. Pop into The Cottage or head to Wilhemina’s for great food and atmosphere. For a sweet treat select from the delights at Sandy’s. Across the way visit Fibre Art in Australia for handmade arts and crafts made by local artists.
3PM
Pick up a colourful pot and plant at That Plant Shop. Explore the pre-loved arts, crafts and treasures at Rozelle Collector’s Market. Talk to stall owners, try on some second-hand clothes and pick up a beautiful retro piece for your home.
6PM
You’re in Rozelle now so you must try the local’s favourite burger at Eat at Robs at Darling Meats. At Artspark Studio, children and adults can learn to sew, and after-school art classes keep young minds inspired.
5PM
Take a look at the abundance of creative art at Paper Rock Scissors Art Studios made by local school children. Across from the Callan Park entrance, you’ll find ONE+2 Artist Studios where local artists compose art in various artistic forms with passion and energy. Finally, stop at Local Press and see what local artist is currently featured on the walls.
As one of the oldest parts of Sydney, our Balmain peninsula is steeped in history. The Balmain Association has an important task to document and preserve our fascinating past. In this article they explain the original names of the peninsula.
The Balmain Peninsula has three suburbs, Balmain, Birchgrove and Rozelle, all with colonial names. Balmain was named after first fleet surgeon William Balmain, and Birchgrove was named after Lieutenant Thomas Birch, both of whom were given land grants on the peninsula.
Rozelle was known by settlers as Balmain West until it was renamed in 1892 after Rozelle Bay. The bay’s name has two possible derivations. The most popular, but least likely, is that the bay was named after flocks of Rosellas living in the area.
The more likely explanation is that it was named after Rozelle House in Ayrshire, Scotland. Major George Johnson who owned Annandale estate bordering the bay came from Annandale, near Ayrshire and he heavily influenced the name choice. Hence the area was named Rozelle.
In recent times the Inner West Council have adopted the original names that were used by the Wangal, Gadigal and Birrabirrigal people
of the Eora nation. Our ward of Balmain is Baludarri, meaning leather jacket.
William Dawes recorded some of the place names and the language of the area. In 1790 he sketched a map inside the cover of his book, Grammatical forms of the language of N.S. Wales, in the neighbourhood of Sydney. The sketch gives the coastal area of East Balmain the name Ku-Wang or Cowan which may mean ‘the other side’ or over there’. The spelling of these places varies depending on the colonist writing them down as there was no written form of the local Eora language. Whilst the names were recorded only in a few cases, their meanings are important to our history.
ANU’s book, Aboriginal Placenames, provides names for several of the islands surrounding the peninsula. Spectacle Island is Gong-ui, Snapper Island is Ar-ra-re-agon, and Cockatoo Island is Wa-rea-mah. It records that Iron Cove (also known as Long Cove) is Go-mo-ra and Long Nose Point is Yurulbin, the meeting of the waters. Yurulbin park now sits in Birchgrove alongside the harbour. Despite all this research we are still unsure what was the Gadigal people’s name for the peninsula. Learn more about local history in the Balmain Association’s Streets, Lanes and Places, available online or Roaring Stories.
Balmain Watch House
179 Darling St, Balmain balmainassociation.org.au
On International Women’s Day, the Darling team attended a special premiere screening of A Certain Mother, created and directed by Rozelle based filmmaker Mihaal Danziger. The documentary interweaves the stories of four women across Australia as they navigate the challenges of motherhood. All proceeds of the event went to local charity Good in the Hood.
you’re mostly just trying to keep them alive, to suddenly becoming this mum-of-three, raising actual little people whose needs become more complex by the day. I felt like everything my kids bring home - their struggles, their issues, their weaknesses - is a reflection of my own unresolved issues. I wanted to make a film about this. I wanted to find women whose own stories could offer clarity to mine. The work of raising children is huge and we mostly take it for granted, and we always add the word ’just’ when referring to it. This film is an invitation to pause and really consider this, with gratitude and respect.
How did you find the mothers to feature in the film?
A Certain Mother follows the lives of four Australian mothers and takes a deeply personal look at the experience of being a mother from the first moments of being pregnant through to the challenges of raising teenagers. The four mothers, Leticia, Barb, Louise, and Megan offer a captivating insight into their lives, the challenges they face and the fear that comes with societal pressures associated with motherhood. As the stories unfold, issues such as mental illness, body image, disability, prejudice and vulnerability are explored and leaves the audience emotionally connected to every character. Darling had the pleasure of speaking to Mihaal, and asking her a few questions about the film.
What inspired you to make this film?
I started developing the idea for this film when my third child was turning one, and my eldest was well into primary school. I felt at that point a dramatic shift from being a ’young mum’ with babies, those blurry years when
I knew that almost any mother, if I sat down with her for a few hours would have an interesting story to tell, and that their journey into motherhood would offer interesting insights. But I did spend a very long time researching to find these specific four mothers. I wanted women whose motherhood experiences highlight a specific issue. I wanted to talk of issues that I felt were relevant to most of us, in one way or another, and I also wanted women who are not shying away from their challenges - women who have taken time to really consider the issues they’ve been dealt with.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while making this film?
Oh, so many, where to begin? It has been a tremendous journey and a trying one. There were a lot of rejections along the way, a lot of unsuccessful applications for funding or support, a lot of doubts, and many moments in which I was either not sure I would ever manage to complete the film, or worse, not sure if anyone would ever get to watch it!! On the other hand, there were many generous people along the way, who gave their time
and counsel, and really helped push me past those breaking points.
How long did it take to make the film?
I started making this film almost 5 years ago! The stories were filmed separately and edited one at a time. In between, there was a lot of research, and a lot of work around trying to get support. I was working on mum-time so the film had to be made very slowly, with limited time, limited resources, and minimal travel.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment during the production of this film?
There were lots of little problems along the way that comes to mind. It started raining on us when we were in the middle of the forest walk with Leticia and Wade, and we had nothing to protect the camera with. We lost a drone when we were getting aerial shots of Megan’s rural property, and the birds in Leticia’s garden really were loud. There was also lockdown, with three kids at home being home schooled, and me trying to edit the film to a constant soundtrack of “mum”.
What’s one thing you would like the audience to take away from this film?
For anyone who’s a parent, it’s a chance to pause for a moment and consider this humble, yet colossal, work of raising children. For anyone who has ever confronted issues relating to mental health, or to their identity, body image or being different - it’s a chance to untangle and reconsider some of our beliefs and attitudes. And, I hope parents will watch it and feel a little bit less alone.
a-certain-mother.yolasite.com
Surviving a horrific crime is a traumatic experience. Healing takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to cope but many survivors find connecting with others who have experienced the same trauma has its benefits. Now, with MeetUps in Balmain, The Survivor Hub is a safe and inclusive space where survivors can connect.
The Survivor Hub is a survivor-led charity that supports people who have been impacted by sexual assault. The Survivor Hub is an informative, inclusive and supportive network created by survivors, for survivors.
Brenda Lin, one of the founders said “The hub is a place to find connection – a place to connect with others who can relate and understand.” By creating safe spaces to share lived experiences, the community unites allies and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their own circumstances.
One survivor said “Finding The Survivor Hub is exactly like finding your family, the place your heart and soul is safe. I refer to them as
my people! Always welcoming, honest, caring and supportive. Honestly, it’s like being given a hug. I recommend survivors to this group often.”
After successful MeetUps across Sydney, The Survivor Hub now hosts monthly in-person peer support groups in Balmain. At MeetUps, survivors can connect with each other to ask questions, express concerns, vent, learn and heal. Most importantly, these get togethers are safe spaces and intended to assure survivors that they are not alone, and that the pain and trauma they experience in everyday life as a result of their sexual assault, is shared and there is a way forward.
THE SURVIVOR HUB
