For the love of Balmain

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 Snape

Sculptor 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.