6 Bayside EASTERN SUBURBS
EASTERN SUBURBS
NEWS
Ed 77, June, 2025
PADDINGTON MARKETS Still going strong after 52 years
For over half a century, Paddington Markets has been a vibrant showcase of creativity, culture, and community spirit in the heart of Sydney.
First launched in 1973 by the Paddington Uniting Church as a fundraising initiative and a platform for local artisans, the markets have grown into an iconic weekly event that draws thousands of locals and tourists every Saturday. The founding vision was simple yet powerful: provide a space where emerging designers, artists, and craftspeople could sell their creations directly to the public. Over the decades, that mission has remained intact, and the market continues to be a launchpad for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. Australian fashion designer Lisa Ho and renowned milliner Neil Grigg are just a few of the many success stories that started beneath Paddington's market umbrellas. Today, Paddington Markets features over 150 stalls each week, offering a carefully curated selection of handmade goods. Visitors can browse through unique fashion, jewellery, ceramics, homewares, and art ―all crafted by local hands. The food stalls are just as enticing, dishing up a global array of gourmet street food, baked goods, and fresh produce that cater to all tastes and dietary needs. Beyond shopping, the markets are a hub of community activity. Live music sets a lively
tone throughout the day, performed by local buskers and musicians. Special themed events, like the recent “Paddington’s World Market” and the upcoming Vinyl Records Fair, offer something extra for regulars and newcomers alike. Whether it’s discovering a new favourite record or sampling an international delicacy, there’s always something new to experience. The benefits of Paddington Markets ripple through many parts of the community. For stallholders, it’s a crucial opportunity to connect with customers and test products in a real-world environment. For visitors, it’s a chance to support local artisans and ethical businesses. The markets also provide volunteering opportunities and help fund local community initiatives through Paddington Uniting Church.
Perhaps most importantly, Paddington Markets fosters a sense of belonging and creativity. It brings together people from all walks of life ― designers, students, retirees, families, and tourists ― in a shared celebration of originality and local culture. In a fast-changing world, its continued popularity proves that authenticity and community spirit never go out of style. Still going strong after 52 years, Paddington Markets remains a beloved Sydney tradition ― a place where the city’s creative heart beats loud and proud every Saturday.
PADDINGTON MARKETS WHEN: EVERY SAT 10AM ONWARDS WHERE: 395 OXFORD ST, PADDINGTON
IS OXFORD STREET IMPORTANT TO YOU? Oxford St is more than just a street — it’s a vital corridor that connects diverse communities, rich histories, and dynamic economies across Sydney’s inner and eastern suburbs.
Despite this density, many of these groups operate in isolation, unaware of neighbouring opportunities, needs, and initiatives.
That’s where Oxford Street News ― www.oxfordstreetnews.au ― steps in. This new digital platform has been designed to bring the Oxford St corridor together. It features a community directory, an online publishing platform, and dedicated coverage in Eastern Suburbs Life, a well-known local hard-copy newspaper.
Stretching from Hyde Park in the city to Bondi Junction, Oxford St runs through three unique local government areas (LGAs): the City of Sydney, Woollahra, and Waverley. In the City of Sydney, Oxford St pulses with life. From Taylor Square to Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, the area blends heritage with innovation. It's home to a thriving LGBTQIA+ community, creative industries, co-working hubs, and the National Art School. With its rich cultural history and contemporary energy, this section of Oxford St remains one of Sydney’s most iconic precincts. In Woollahra LGA, Oxford St continues through Paddington — known for its Victorian terraces, bustling markets, and art galleries. This leafy enclave champions local enterprise, independent retailers, and community events. Highlights include; Paddington Reservoir Gardens; galleries, cafés and the much-loved Paddington Markets and Chauvel Cinema. As Oxford St approaches Waverley, it transitions into a busy motorway, linking into the heart of Bondi Junction.
THE GOAL?
To help individuals, businesses, and organisations share what they’re doing, discover local services, promote events, and connect meaningfully across LGA boundaries. Oxford Street News offers the infrastructure we’ve long needed ― a central place where stories, services, and updates can be accessed by all. It’s a vital step toward building a more cohesive, informed, and collaborative Oxford Street community.
SO, IS OXFORD STREET IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Despite the change in form, the connection remains strong. Bondi Junction is a hub for transport, shopping, services, and highdensity living, acting as a gateway to the beaches and a centre of commerce for the eastern suburbs.
Within a 1km radius, Oxford St captures an extraordinary concentration of life; tens of thousands of residents, countless small businesses, community organisations, schools, cultural institutions, and government agencies.
If you live, work, create, trade, or play anywhere along this vibrant stretch, the answer is certainly YES. Now, there's finally a way for all of us to stay connected. For information on how we can help you call ROSE 0493 499 264 and visit the website www.oxfordstreetnews.au