Neighbourhood Media Balmain Magazine | November 2023

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ISSUE #1

OUR CHAT WITH KOBI SHETTY BEST LOCAL LIVE MUSIC + HEAPS MORE CO M M UNITY HIS TORY

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HOW CAN WE HELP? Do you need help with a local issue? Please don’t hesitate to reach out - I will help in any way I can.

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201-205 Glebe Point Road Glebe

Authorised by Kobi Shetty MP. Funded using Parliamentary entitlements

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HISTORY How did Balmain get its name?

HUMANS OF 2041 Watercolour by Cindy, memorialising Balmain on paper

COMMUNITY Our chat with Greens MP, Kobi Shetty

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LET us introduce ourselves- we are Neighbourhood Media, and we are here to create a heap of incredible content all about Balmain and its surrounds - welcome to our first ever 2041 Magazine!

In this issue, we learn about Balmain’s rich history and how it was named. We met an incredibly talented local commemorating Balmain on paper, she contributed our gorgeous Front Cover image. We caught up with local charity, Good in the Hood, to hear about what they do and how the community can get involved. We get festive with a roundup of local Xmas Events as well as the ultimate Xmas Seafood shopping guide. There’s a guide to the best local Live Music venues, Food, Shop, Pets content, Puzzles + More. Enjoy!

The Neighbourhood Media Team

COMMUNITY Find out what’s Good in the Hood

LETS GET FESTIVE Celebrate Xmas locally this year!

MUSIC Our ultimate local Live Music guide

EAT/DRINK The revamped D’Vine Ivy

SHOP Roaring Stories - Bringing the best books to locals since 1969

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PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media DESIGNER - Robert Everett CONTRIBUTORS - Rob Everett, Jamie Apps, Isabella Edwards, Alec Smart, Adeline Teoh, Adeline Chai, Tahney Edwards ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

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PETS Meet our Pets of 2041 - Issue 1

WELLNESS Getting fit, while still having fun

BUSINESS DIRECTORY There is no better time to shop local, make sure to show your support

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HISTORY

By Alec Smart

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The three-fingered peninsula at the southern entrance to Parramatta River, encompassing the suburbs of Balmain, Birchgrove and Rozelle, was known to the Indigenous Wangal as Baludarri.

BALUDARRI is the Dharug word for one of 20 species of an estuarine and coastal fish commonly found around rocky reefs, seagrass and sponge beds, which we know as the Leatherjacket. Many of them are characterised by a retractable head spine above the eyes.

There are wetlands on the edge of Rangihou Reserve on the north bank of the upper Parramatta River called Baludarri. However, these are named after the Burramatta teenager Baludarri, whom, aged 17, was employed by Governor Phillip as a guide and translator on an expedition to the Hawkesbury district in April 1791.

On 26 April 1800, Governor John Hunter gifted 550 acres (2.2km2) of the south-eastern section of the Baludarri headland – west of Cockle Bay - to a British doctor by the name of William Balmain, who arrived on the First Fleet ship Alexander in January 1788 as the assistant to SurgeonGeneral John White.

Balmain ultimately fell out with White, the enmity resulting in a duel with pistols in Aug 1788, during which Balmain received a minor flesh wound when he was shot in the right thigh.

However, Balmain’s status was elevated in September 1790 when he was credited with saving Governor Arthur Phillip’s life, following a near-fatal punishment spearing by Aboriginal elder Willemering in Manly Cove.

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After a two-hour boat row back to Sydney Cove, Balmain skilfully extracted the spear, the broken shaft of which was protruding from Phillip’s shoulder blade, and treated the wound until Phillip made a full recovery. Phillip promoted Balmain to Head Surgeon of the newly settled Norfolk Island penal colony, where he operated from Nov 1791 – Aug 1795, then returned to Sydney as acting Principal Surgeon while John White returned to England on leave.

Balmain was subsequently appointed Principal Surgeon of the Colony following White’s resignation in May 1797, however, it was a formidable task administering to 1600 settlers and several thousand convicts with only one surgical assistant.

Back to the Baludarri land grant: As was typical of many of the land grants given to marines, magistrates, pastoralists and emancipated convicts who distinguished themselves in the first decades of the Sydney penal colony, the allotments quickly changed ownership, often without the original recipient ever setting foot on it.

In 1801, scarcely a year after the prime real estate came into his possession, William Balmain transferred his entire holding for a mere 5 shillings (about $22 in current exchange rates) to settle a debt to Scottish surgeon and linguist John Borthwick Gilchrist. William Balmain then returned to his native Scotland.

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Gilchrist is known for his studies of the Hindi and Urdu languages whilst he was based in India, which culminated in a dictionary of Hindustani – effectively amalgamating the two tongues. Colonial administrators then adopted Hindustani as the new official language for British India, to enable them to communicate with their subjects. This ultimately led to Hindustani being chosen as the lingua franca of Northern India and Pakistan.

Oddly, whilst he was based in India from 1782-1804, Gilchrist somehow gained custody of Balmain’s Sydney land grant on the Baladurri peninsula for virtually nothing, yet he never set foot in Australia. The value of the property rose as the Sydney colony expanded, leading the descendants of William Balmain (who died of liver disease in 1803) to challenge the legality of his land transfer for so paltry a sum as 5 shillings.

After William Balmain’s passing, his former land grant became known as Gilchrist’s Place, and history might have adopted that name, in which case the region today would likely have been called the less likeable Gilchrist.

However, court documents continued to refer to the area as the Balmain Estate while the challengers blocked housing developments, so it was only leased for agriculture and cattle farming whilst litigation continued.

In 1812, Lieutenant John Birch, paymaster of the 73rd regiment, built his homestead, Birchgrove House, on YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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neighbouring land, and after it was sold in 1814 to Roland Loane, 100 acres of Gilchrist/Balmain’s 550 acre estate was leased to Loane.

In 1833, Gilchrist transferred power of attorney on the disputed land to Frederick Parbury, and three years later, when Roland Loane’s long lease expired in 1836, Parbury sub-divided the Balmain estate into six separate sections. Three of these were purchased by property developer Thomas Hyndes in 1837, who in turn subdivided them into residential homes and streets.

And so the rapid suburbanisation of Balmain began.

The district’s first industries – metalwork, engineering and boilermaking – established around Mort Bay to service the expanding shipbuilding operation there, run by Mort’s Dock & Engineering Co., which launched in 1855.

Meanwhile, Loane sold the neighbouring Birchgrove estate in 1838, and it went through a succession of owners until 1856, when the first ten subdivisions started the development of Birchgrove into a suburb.

Balmain West, which extended west to the gates of Callan Park estate (subsequently purchased by the Colonial Government as a site for a lunatic asylum in 1878) was also subdivided with infrastructure and housing and in December 1892, the suburb formally adopted the new name Rozelle, after the bay to the south-east.

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HUMANS OF 2041

By Adeline Chai

Cindy Scheule is Balmain’s resident watercolour artist, preserving iconic Balmain landmarks on paper. When she’s not creating art, she loves spending her time near or in the water. Cindy chats with us about following your passions and believing in yourself.

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HEY CINDY, Thanks so much for talking with us. How did you get to where you are now?

“I have been an accountant all my career. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was pregnant with my third child, and that’s when I decided to stop working for a while. I started to do watercolour as a hobby and it carried on during lockdown.

During our lockdown neighbourhood walks, I once saw a house with a big bear sitting on the balcony. I just loved it! It was a whole atmosphere. I painted it after we went home. When I finished, I realised I had not much use for the painting, but thought the owner may appreciate it. Just like that, I put it in an envelope and left it on their balcony.

I was very shy to meet the owner or to mention my name, so I just anonymously left it there. [A couple of weeks later I passed the house and there was a little envelope on the balcony, and it said, “To the painter”. I opened it, and it was a handwritten card saying, “Thank you for this gift, it has been so uplifting. But your painting has made me feel that I have a sweet home.

So that was really nice.

Weeks later, a post in the Balmain Facebook said, “I went to my friend’s house and saw this painting that was a present. Does anyone know who painted this? I want that person to paint my house too.” And it started from there - that was the first moment someone had called me ‘talented’. I

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have been painting ever since!”

Do you have a memorable encounter with a commissioner that you remember?

“I have met more lovely people than I can count. One memory that stands out, a lady picked up a house painting from me for her parents in Kangaroo Valley. Their house in the valley is magical, surrounded by trees. When she picked up the painting, she cried, saying, “Oh my God! I can feel the love in the house portrayed.” And I thought, “Wow, you can feel the love?” I put a lot of love in there. I was looking at every flower and every plant and every vine. And she said, “I can feel it, Cindy.” That gave me goosebumps, we both cried, and she hugged me, saying, “You know, keep going.” This was a magical moment for me”.

You’ve been doing this for quite a few years now, how have you grown as an artist and person?

“When I first started, one of my friends in the art world encouraged me and said, “Cindy, you can have an exhibition one day.” And I thought, “Exhibition? Me?”. Now I have more than enough portraits for an exhibition, almost 200 of them.

During the last 3 years, I have had 4 shows with a group of artists and this will be my third year releasing the Calendar, which includes a painting collection of Balmain’s pubs, landscapes, and houses. I’ve also learnt to switch my mindset from being ‘just’ a hobby artist, to being a business

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“I love Balmain. I have lived here for 8 or 9 years now. It’s a suburb with a lot of history”.

owner. With marketing and doing social media and emails – just talking to people and connecting with them – every day I’m learning so much”.

How would you describe Balmain?

“I love Balmain. I have lived here for 8 or 9 years now.

It’s a suburb with a lot of history. It used to be a workingclass area with docks, a lot of sandstone and heritage-listed houses, and pubs. I feel I’ve gotten a lot of my inspiration from this area. It’s also surrounded by water, and walking around the bay clears my mind like nothing else.

My kids go to school here so we got to know a lot of people, and it’s a great community. People are very supportive of each other. It feels like a village because it’s on a peninsula. It’s kind of like a dead end. It’s not as young as Newtown or Surry Hills but it’s sophisticated, and it’s a great place for a family”.

What advice would you give to emerging artists?

“My number one piece of advice would be - keep painting. Actually no, I would say, number one is to believe in yourself. I still have so much to learn and so much more I want to achieve. There are some artists out there I really look up to, but just through my journey, I know to start with you will have a lot of doubt. You don’t believe you are good enough because you’re not professionally or academically trained, or you don’t believe people will like your work, but really, what you need to do is just keep doing it. Keep painting, keep doing it for yourself. Just like anything, if you keep doing it, you get better”.

I love how you share the lessons you learn as you go on Instagram. Why did you decide to be so honest about your journey?

“Firstly, it is still something I’m learning. Before I painted, I did not have an Instagram, I wasn’t someone who posted on social media. But because of my work, I need to let people know what I’m doing, otherwise how can they know me? I was once told that I needed to be honest and share my feelings. But the problem was I wasn’t confident enough and I was scared of saying something and having people judge me. Or I thought, why would people even care about my feelings?

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But now, even if I feel I don’t really value what I think, it may be valuable to someone else. One of my recent posts is about my identity in art. My mentor told me, “Cindy, I hope you find your identity in art,” and it was an awakening for me. I would think about what he said and I thought this is a significant point of view and I should let people know about it. So I am learning to raise my voice and share more about what I think. I want to develop myself not just in art but also as a person. It’s not separate. I can’t be a bad person but a good artist. It’s combined”.

Finally, what do you wish to accomplish?

“This is my first time telling the world about my dream. So in the next 5 years, I want to have my own gallery! I don’t know how or where. It could be, maybe part of the house. It could be a commercial space. It could be a combination of a gallery and coffee place. I’m going to make it happen. I’m starting small, getting there step by step - watch this space!

My journey of becoming an artist is very inspiring. People have never thought, even my parents, that I would become an artist one day so this was not planned. I was someone who didn’t really have a big purpose, and I did not really know what I wanted to do. I just had a career that I thought ‘would do’ for the rest of my life. But finally, in my forties, I accidentally found my purpose and I found my talent. Since then, I have just been so inspired while doing that. [If there’s something everyone can learn - if you really have a passion and are lucky enough to find something you love to do, just do it. You’re going to have so much power and motivation to make it big and make it happen. You will be so happy”.

Cindy’s 2024 calendar, featuring her artwork of Balmain and Rozelle’s local landmarks and houses, is available for purchase now. You can grab your copy at : watercolourbycindy.com

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COMMUNITY

By Jamie Apps

Australian politics has undergone a raft of changes over the past year. From a new Prime Minister at the Federal level to a new Premier at the State level, and a plethora of new Parliamentary Members across NSW. One such new representative at the State level is Balmain’s own Kobi Shetty, who was elected as the Green representative in the place of the departing Jamie Parker.

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NOW that Kobi has had a few months to settle into the swing of things in State politics Neighbourhood Media took some time to chat with Kobi, so that we could all get to know her a little better.

WHO IS KOBI SHETTY We started off our conversation with Kobi by trying to understand who she is away from the crazy world of politics.

“I’m not spending too much time away from politics at the moment, to be honest, but I’ve got three little kids who are in primary school,” explained Kobi. “I’m just trying to spend time with my family.”

Family has always been an important part of Kobi’s life, so much so that her Father was one of her biggest inspirations to get involved in politics.

“I always knew that I wanted to do some sort of community service,” Kobi told Neighbourhood Media. “My dad was a firefighter for over 30 years and I thought he was amazing. He loved his job and I think the thing he loved the most about it was just that sort of community service element. So I always felt like I wanted to do something to give back to

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my community.”

Ultimately it was the arrival of her children that influenced Kobi to give up a successful career in fraud protection & embark on a political campaign.

“When I had my kids I just got concerned about the urgency of the climate crisis and felt like there wasn’t enough happening. So I wanted to try and get involved and make a difference.”

Now that Kobi is entrenched in the day-to-day of politics she’s a very busy woman. However, she maintains a clear focus on some key areas that her constituency considers to be of high priority.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT On the topic of public transport Kobi explained to Neighbourhood Media that this is an issue that needs to be tackled on multiple fronts. First & foremost Kobi says our vision for city planning needs to evolve.

“I’d like to see governments create different cities… to try and get people out of their cars and just move away from that car-centric design of cities,” explained Kobi. “I think

Join our community @ there’s so much work that we can do as a government to make our cities safer for people who want to ride or walk or improve the public transport connections so that we can have that city of the future instead of just continuing to build these toll roads.”

Improving the public transport options in the Inner West is in itself a two-fold conundrum. Buses in the Inner West continue to be a major concern, as does the new Glebe Ferry according to Kobi.

“With the buses, there’s clearly a lot of work that needs to be done,” said Kobi. “Right now my focus is really on pushing the government to bring the buses back into public ownership in 2026 when the contracts expire for this region. But in the interim, I’m working with them to try and fix some of those service issues.”

In regards to the Glebe Ferry Kobi is also very ambitious in her plans.

“The Glebe ferry is fantastic and it’s been really popular, but we need to get it onto the Opal network… If you’ve got clunky services that make people pay twice or people don’t understand how they work, then it’s just going to undermine it and make fewer people likely to use it… I’m also working with the government to get additional stops in Annandale and Pyrmont.”

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY & DEVELOPMENT To tackle the housing affordability crisis Kobi envisions a two-pronged approach as a solution.

In the shorter term, Kobi believes NSW needs to intro-

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duce a system of rent control to prevent exorbitant rent increases.

“We need to see rent control so that rent increases can be capped at a reasonable level. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for people to have their rent increased a little bit, but we’re seeing people in this electorate who are emailing me saying that their rent is jumping up $200 a week… So it’s just out of control and something needs to be done.”

Then in the longer term, Kobi would like to see a greater focus from the Government on building affordable housing, while also adding a requirement for all private developments to include a proportion of long-term affordable housing.

WESTCONNEX EXHAUST STACK FILTRATION Lastly, Westconnex remains a major talking point & point of contention for Inner West residents. The last sticking point being, the decision to not include any filtration in the exhaust stacks attached to the tunnel.

As Kobi told Neighbourhood Media, while she has received some new commitments from the Government on this front it’s still a work in progress.

“What we have managed to secure from the government is a commitment that they’ll undertake a review by the chief scientist… Frustratingly though, the government has been dragging their feet on actually coming through with it. So I’ve been pushing them to try and get a commitment about the scope of that review, the timelines and how the community can feed into that process.”

COMMUNITY

By Tahney Fosdike

“Good In the Hood is unlike most charities,” says its Founder, Marco De Angelis.

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THE volunteer organisation has a circular support system at its heart: the community supports the community. Based in the Balmain and Rozelle areas, they focus on decreasing loneliness with free-of-charge meals for locals. It’s all in an effort to “unlock the kindness and power of our neighbourhood.”

De Angelis began the meal-prep charity in early 2020.

The community’s generosity toward small businesses during COVID lockdowns had inspired him to “find a way to give back.”

Good In the Hood quickly expanded thanks to the support of volunteers and businesses. In particular, De Angelis expresses gratitude to Together2, Vinnies, OzHarvest, Bertoni and Fruitologist, saying, “They have been with us from the start, are always happy to help when asked for more, and show us endless love and support.”

Over the last few years, Good In the Hood has continued to grow in focus and size, with, according to De Angelis, “the same love and passion, but with more clarity about our mission, the future, and how to get there.”

Today, as always, they seek to serve the “whole community.” Over the last two years, they have delivered “30,000+ moments of connection” with an accumulated 17,000

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volunteering hours. Each week, they provide nearly 300 meals, plus hampers and snacks, made possible by over 100 supporters.

“To be frank, it’s quite humbling,” he says, “Some give time, others knowledge, many contribute financially, they spread the word, bake food, help at events. The list goes on. So many people give what they can, and more, to help those within our community.”

He shares a story of one of their early and ongoing meal recipients, who has experienced mental illness and social isolation.

“Now, he regularly volunteers for us at our BBQs, comes in and does jobs around the garden and has recommenced piano lessons that he hasn’t done for decades,” De Angelis says. “The effect that Good In the Hood can have is the beginning of a small upward cycle of life choices that can have incredible impact on the individual and those around them.”

While signs of loneliness are unique to the person, De Angelis says they can include social withdrawal, feelings of isolation and difficulty forming meaningful relationships, which can lead to a decline in mental and physical health.

De Angelis encourages everyone to do their part to com-

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“Loneliness is a big issue that affects 1 in 3 people,” shares De Angelis. “One of the most effective methods of addressing it is through increased personal connection.

And this is where we step in.”

For those wanting to support the work of Good In the Hood, volunteering includes meal preparation, event support, and program development. However, De Angelis emphasises that volunteering is also for “filling your cup” and connecting with the community.

“The program is really about creating more moments of human connection and reminders that our recipients are supported and loved by their community. It gives people within the community the opportunity to give back to their community.”

In 2024, they look forward to furthering their impact. This includes developing their Cooking for Good program which organises volunteer cooking sessions to produce meals and provide another opportunity for people to gather together. They are also planning to grow programs that include walks, community BBQs, student volunteering, and events focused on raising awareness around loneliness.

“Everything we do is focused on creating more positive impact and greater human connection. We’re very excited about the next 12 months and beyond.”

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“Many of the sex workers who knew Vera said she was “of a different class” to them, a “cultured dame”.”

Would you like to get involved? Head to: goodinthehood.com.au/contact

LET’S GET FESTIVE It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Balmain!

The days are warming up, and the smell of BBQs wafts through the air in the evenings. If you’re still making Christmas plans, check out some of these events and why not celebrate locally this year.

SACKVILLE LOCALS CHRISTMAS PARTY Dec 19th | 599 Darling St, Balmain

The Sackville team are sharing the festive joy this year with a big Christmas Bash, hosted especially for the Balmain locals! Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, December 19th. Plenty of cold drinks will be poured with an extended happy hour - 4pm to 7pm. The Christmas spirit will really take over with a live band from 5pm. There are also free kids meals on offer all afternoon!

Book your table online - sackville.com.au/localchristmas

SANTA PHOTOS AT WHITE BAY BREWERY Fri, Sat, Sun Dec 1st - 17th & Dec 21st 26C Mansfield St, Rozelle

Head down to White Bay Brewery this December for the funnest Santa Photos around! Families, friends and most importantly, fur babies are welcome for a picture with Santa. Bookings are only $70 per family, including 10 digital images, fun props and a chat with Santa!

Book online via calendly.com/alyshadawn_photo/santa

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THE CAT & FIDDLE CHRISTMAS PARTY Dec 16th | 452-456 Darling St, Balmain

After a stellar year, the Cat & Fiddle team are amped up to celebrate - and this year, the local community are invited! Head over to Cat & Fiddle on December 16th for a Christmas Party complete with fantastic food, flowing drinks - and live music with the incredible Dan Mullins performing at this year’s event!

Bookings recommended but not essential catandfiddle.com.au/whats-on

Bistro spaces available for Function Hire

happy hour pm mon - fri 4 - 6

drag bingo live music

wed/fri & sun

Furry family members welcome

COMMUNITY

By Isabella Edwards

Nothing says Christmas in Sydney quite like the fresh produce of the Sydney Fish Market. Read on to learn how to go about shopping for fresh and quality seafood this Christmas.

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FRESH seafood is a Christmas staple guaranteed at Fish Market this Christmas? Don’t be! Sydney Fish many Sydneysiders’ tables come the festive season. Market is embarking on yet another 36-hour Seafood From beautiful lobsters to fresh oysters and the ever- Marathon. Retailers will be open from 5 a.m. on popular juicy prawns, seafood and Christmas Day December 23rd to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, leaving just go hand-in-hand. With over 350 tonnes of fresh you plenty of time to pick up your produce. seafood expected to be sold on-site this Christmas, Sydney Fish Market is your ultimate Christmas food Sydney Fish Market is the perfect place to pick up shopping destination. With not only seafood on offer, some tasty, fresh produce. you’ll also find fresh fruit and vegetables as well as Christmas seafood shopping can be fresh bread, quality meat, cheese, wine, a daunting task. A common fixture of dry goods and more! Even Santa Claus Christmas television broadcasting is “Sydney Fish Market recommends will be making a couple of appearances the incredibly long lines and hordes of from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the 23rd and that you make a list of what you people flowing through fish markets, 24th of December. Be sure to bring the with the busiest day being Christmas kids and come and say hello! need and how you’re going to Eve. That being said, the hectically For those who can’t make it to prepare your festive feast before Sydney Fish Market this Christmas, busy shopping bonanza is all part of the festive experience. you don’t need to miss out on the you reach Sydney Fish Market.”

What’s more, we’ve got a few helpful goods many of their retailers deliver, tips to make the seafood shopping including Claudio’s Seafoods, Christie’s experience go a bit smoother. For example, Sydney Seafoods, and Get Fish. Make sure to keep an eye on Fish Market recommends that you make a list of your chosen retailer for Christmas delivery times and what you need and how you’re going to prepare your cut-offs. festive feast before you reach Sydney Fish Market. Are you barbecuing prawns? Roasting snapper? Boiling To start planning your trip to Sydney Fish Market this Christmas lobster? Make sure you’ve got your game plan set and for more information, head to: before you head in.

Don’t forget to ask the Fishmonger questions – the sydneyfishmarket.com.au staff at Sydney Fish Market are professionals with and search for “Christmas Seafood” for their Beginners superb seafood-preparing skills. Ask them to help Shopping Guide, a full list of delivery options and other prepare your produce by cleaning your squid, pinboning your fillets, or even slicing your sashimi! If helpful hints. you’re not sure about what to cook for Christmas, You can also stay up-to-date with them on: check out the Sydney Fish Market website for their @sydneyfishmarket. recommendations and tasty recipes.

Worried about finding the time to get to the Sydney

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If you are craving a creamy carbonara or a perfect puttanesca - look no further! Enjoy mouthwatering, homemade pasta dishes in a gorgeous open air courtyard.

Fur babies welcome! dvineivybalmain

LIVE MUSIC

BALMAIN BOWLING CLUB 156 Darling St | (02) 9810 1070 balmainbowls.com.au The Balmain Bowling Club might fly under the radar of local music lovers sometimes, but you’re in luck, as we have got the down low on this hidden gem! Join the team at the Bowlo every Saturday (from 5 pm-8 pm) and Sunday (from 3 pm-6 pm) for free live Blues at Bowlo - featuring an incredible lineup of homegrown musicians.

Coming up: Sunday, Dec 17th - Cletis Carr Saturday, Dec 23rd - Dave McMaster Sunday, Dec 31st - Shane Flew

It wouldn’t be the Inner West without live music and Balmain is, perhaps, its epicentre.

With a long history of hosting some of the biggest names in Australia and overseas, a weekend in Balmain is sound-tracked by incredible gigs emanating from almost every pub! Have you discovered the vibrant live music scene in Balmain? From weekday jazz nights to full-blown outdoor gigs - there’s something for everyone. Check out what’s coming up over the next few months.

THE LONDON HOTEL 234 Darling St | (02) 9810 1128 thelondonhotel.com.au THE CAT & FIDDLE 456 Darling St | (02) 9973 6757 catandfiddle.com.au Head down to the Cat & Fiddle Hotel for Live Music every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to see local icons like the Grateful Dads, Casey Burgess and Dan Mullins. On Friday, live music kicks off at 6 pm. On Sunday, you can head in around lunchtime for the $89pp Sunday Lunch, an Italianinspired feast and free-flowing carafes of wine, cocktails, and tap beers - followed by the Sunday Sunset Sessions.

For the local foodies, there is also a free-flowing lunch package every Saturday ($79 pp) - Bottomless Negroni, Margaritas, House Beer and wine accompanied by Italianinspired snacks.

Coming up: Friday, Dec 8th - Casey Burgess Sunday, Dec 10th - Dan Spillane Friday, Dec 22nd - Casey Burgess

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Every single Saturday, between 3-6 pm, you’ll find a live acoustic duo performing in The London’s gorgeous front bar. See well-known locals like Ange Tsoltouis and Kevin Bennett. Lineups are announced monthly at thelondonhotel.com.au/livemusic.

THE UNITY HALL 292 Darling Street | 02 9810 1331 unityhallhotel.com.au The self-proclaimed “heart of Balmain”, The Unity Hall is a regular host to some of the best live music in the area.

From live Jazz by Dan Barnet and the Big Band on the first Sunday of each month to a variety of bands and genres, The Unity Hall caters to all. On Saturday nights, it’s always with heading upstairs to the Worker’s Bar from 9 pm to catch some excellent DJing and tear up the dance floor into the early hours!

- Party Inc - December 1 - Shott Boys - December 2 - Toxic Dolls - December 8 - INXSIVE - December 9

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THE RIVERVIEW HOTEL 29 Birchgrove Rd | (02) 9810 1151 theriverviewhotel.com.au Another staple venue The Riverview Hotel presents live music from 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm during Summer Sunday Sessions. In addition to live music, The Riverview Hotel also host a regular Comedy Club. Hosting new faces and seasoned professionals alike, the Comedy Club is a night of guaranteed laughter.

Head to their website to secure your tickets.

- Scott Day - December 1 - Pete Raven - December 3 - Comedy Club - December 14

THE BRIDGE HOTEL 119 Victoria Road | 02 9810 1260 bridgehotel.com.au THE SACKVILLE HOTEL 599 Darling St | (02) 9555 7555 sackvillehotel.com.au With a premise dating back to 1876, The Sackville is an old reliable when it comes to live music. Every Saturday night, The Sacky is serving up fantastic live entertainment from 10 pm until late in their Public Bar. During Sacky Saturdays, you’ll also find $12 margaritas from 9 pm to 10 pm. Also be sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday December 19th for their Locals Christmas Party. There, you’ll find extended happy hour, live music and free meals for kids.

Ham it up

STARTS FRI 1 DEC 2 x ½ Legs of Hams will be added to every Raffle leading up to Christmas!

FRIDAY

Tickets on sale from 5pm Drawn from 6pm

SUNDAY

Tickets on sale from 2pm Drawn from 2.45pm

BALMAIN BOWLING CLUB YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

Perhaps the area’s most famous hot spot for live music, there is always something happening at The Bridge Hotel.

As Sydney’s longest continuous-running pub and live music/entertainment venue, The Bridge Hotel has hosted prolific amounts of famous Aussie and international acts, including Midnight Oil, Mick Taylor, Men at Work, Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Barnes and many many more.

Upcoming acts include beatboxer Joel Turner, Pseudo Echo and Dragon all taking the stage in the coming weeks.

To get tickets or for more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

- Joel Turner - December 6 - Dragon - December 22 - Pseudo Echo - January 14

Join us for

FRIDAY NI G HT

Barefoot Bowls, Beer & Bubbles!

Enjoy a game of bowls, schooner of beer or glass of bubbles for just $10!

Catering is also available upon request

156 Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041 | P: (02) 9810 1071 | www.balmainbowls.com.au

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EAT/DRINK

By Isabella Edwards Owner, manager and chef Angela Camardi does it all at Balmain’s newest Italian hot spot D’Vine Ivy. With a gorgeous courtyard, excellent homestyle cooking and a relaxed atmosphere, Angela has created the perfect space for patrons to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal. Specialising in fresh pasta dishes, pizzas, steaks, chicken, seafood, vegetarian and gluten-free food, there is something for everyone!

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WE caught up with Angela Camardi to learn more about D’Vine Ivy and her experience opening a new business in Balmain.

What was the inspiration for D’Vine Ivy, and what prompted your love of cooking?

Growing up in an Italian home, my parents always made fresh, hearty meals that tasted amazing. So, I followed in their footsteps and started cooking from the age of 13 at my uncle’s Italian restaurant, and now I decided to open up my very own restaurant.

What prompted the decision to revamp the menu so soon after opening?

My decision to change the menu was inspired by my passion of cooking pasta, so I decided to focus on my strength and make the most amazing pasta dishes Balmain have ever tasted.

What are you most excited about for the restaurant?

I’m most excited to let people experience my new pasta menu, which has unique flavours and original recipes.

D’Vine Ivy seems to be a family affair with you, Angela, cooking up incredible pasta and your daughter on desserts. How have you found blending family and business?

Opening up any restaurant is always a challenge, but being able to come together as a family makes it so worth it.

You’ve shared online that you enjoy experimenting with new flavours in your pasta creations. What are some of the unique flavour combinations you’re most proud of, and what is a favourite amongst your customers?

I’ve created “Angie’s Special Sauce” which is packed with flavour and one of my main recommendations I

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recommend to customers, and everyone who has tried it loved it. It’s definitely Balmain’s best-kept secret.

What sets D’Vine ivy apart from other local eateries?

The overall atmosphere of the cafe has a beautiful front eating area followed by a D’Vine outdoor courtyard with a lot of greenery. We are also dog friendly, and our place is somewhere where people can come and relax and take their minds off things.

How has the response to D’Vine Ivy been from locals so far?

Very supportive; everyone is very patient and encouraging. The Balmain community is made up of beautiful, inspiring people.

What’s next for D’Vine Ivy? Would love to expand or franchise into different areas so that other people can experience my delicious pasta creations.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

We also do delicious homemade pizzas and amazing sides, and that our staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. You won’t be disappointed if you eat here, we are also for breakfast seven days a week!

Having only opened in July, D’Vine Ivy is already a local success. To make a booking or find out more, head to: dvineivy.com.au Be sure to visit D’Vine Ivy at 354 Darling Street, Balmain and check it out for yourself!

Experience solutions!

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GET IN TOUCH FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE TODAY!

Call Rob on 0415 438 469 or email info@reddiebuilding.com Check us out on instagram

@reddiebuilding

How you resolve your divorce will impact every aspect of your life Discrete & compassionate legal support throughout the Inner West of Sydney

Call Us at (02) 89994364

Book Your Free Appointment

SHOP

By Adeline Teoh

Fifty years of age is prime time for a midlife crisis but instead of turning angst into odd behaviour, Balmain’s independent bookshop underwent a glow-up instead. The shop formerly known as Brays Books opened in Darling Street in 1969 and stayed in the Brays family for a couple of generations.

In 2019, Daniel Jordon and Claire Gorman purchased the business with a long-term goal in mind: to make it a community space. Roaring Stories is the result.

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FAR from being naïve dreamers, Jordon says they deliberately sought the store because of its independence and its relationship with the neighbourhood. “From a retail perspective, one of the strongest elements of a vibrant community is for the high street to have a vibrant independent bookstore, and we saw that,” he explains.

“While the bookshop had a wonderful heritage, we could also see there were opportunities for us to bring in new initiatives. A bookstore is not just a retail business but is genuinely contributing to the social fabric or the cultural fabric of the community. And that really goes to the core of what we do.”

Before Roaring Stories, Jordon “had various roles in and out of the book industry both in retail and on the publishing side”, plus worked for the commercial arm of the ABC, which gave him a perspective that encompasses both the arts and culture side and the retail business view.

While he doesn’t live in Balmain, he has family in the area and knew the people here would understand their vision. “Balmain is a unique community, not only in Sydney, but I think it’s unique in Australia. I think there’s a greater appreciation for independent businesses that are vibrant

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and different as opposed to chains that are everywhere,” he notes.

The shop underwent some significant changes: a rebrand to Roaring Stories, an improved store design and layout, and an overhaul of the stock mix and range. But there was one element the pair didn’t want to change – the people.

“The main thing we retained were the staff – one member’s been there for nearly 25 years,” Jordon remarks. “There’s that sense of continuity and deep personal relationships between staff and the community.”

These team members, most of whom are voracious readers with broad interests, often have a say in the books they bring in, which in turn has a connection to what does well in the store. And you may also have noticed a fresh website and the Roaring Stories events program, which regularly sells out.

Events are core to community engagement and exemplify the interpersonal aspects of what the pair are building in Balmain. One memorable evening was when author Heather Rose came to Balmain to talk about her memoir, Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here, with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans, Jordon recounts. “She’s a very highly credentialled,

Join our community @ well-established author, but the powerful nature of the conversation that she had with the host interviewer was quite possibly one of the most powerful exchanges with an author that I’ve ever witnessed. The impact that it had on the audience that night was quite profound. It was very special.”

While running a bookshop has been challenging – not least since their first few years were interrupted with Covid lockdowns and they’re now contending with economic uncertainty as they cross their fingers for a strong giftgiving season – Jordon confirms there have been plenty of moments to celebrate.

“It’s a very creative thing to run a bookstore. We put a lot of effort and attention and focus on how we’re curating the range, how we bring authors into the community, run an events program. We’re very cognisant of the role that this bookshop has played in the community for such a long period of time under the one owner; we’re very mindful of the foundations, and what we’ve sought to do is try and build on that and improve the bookshop – not to take away from what is already established,” he says.

“The most rewarding thing is connection to community and being valued by the community.”

Roaring Stories ( roaringstories.com.au) is located at 268 Darling Street, Balmain.

book now v ia p hon e or online

02 97 99 9 678 fo rli.com .au

3 79 D arling St, Ba lm a in info@forli.com.a u forliitalian

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

LOCAL FAVOURITE If you’re planning a day out in Balmain, Daniel Jordon of Roaring Stories Bookshop says you can’t go wrong with a morning dip. “I think an absolute must start of the day would be a swim at Dawn Fraser pool. I’d suggest also then having breakfast at Bertoni and just watch the world go by.”

Later on, pop in at the Royal Oak “who do a great pub lunch” and “wind up the afternoon down at White Bay brewery,” he recommends.

• Dawn Fraser Baths, Elkington Park Balmain • Bertoni, 281 Darling Street, Balmain • Royal Oak, 36 College Street, Balmain • White Bay Beer Co, 26C Mansfield St, Rozelle

PETS A community is made so special thanks to local people, businesses, and of course, their pets! Meet some Pets of 2041:

ARNIE ARNIE - An 8-year-old Balmain native, has spent his entire life in this charming neighborhood. He finds pure delight in a leisurely saunter down Darling Street, where he’s known and loved by the various cafes and shops that never hesitate to spoil him with treats. Bertoni’s, in particular, is his go-to coffee spot, and on the sly, he’s been known to snag a snack or two from the counter when his mum’s not watching. His heart belongs to his daily walks and playful rolls in Callan Park, and if the opportunity arises, a refreshing swim is never out of the question..But Arnie’s story goes beyond lazy afternoons and snack-time excitement. He’s also on a cancer journey. Arnie faced his diagnosis with his signature gentleness and determination, inspiring everyone around him. Keep fighting Arnie - what a good boy!

PANDORA PANDORA - This 10 month old pocket sized American bully is a showstopper due to her unique coat, not a walk goes by without an adoring community telling her how pretty and unique her coat is. Her owners often refer to her as an Oreo milkshake or cookies and cream ice cream - the correct name is merle! She is a super lucky girl because her mum works at a doggy day school as a dog trainer - she of course gets to attend school multiple times a week and rumble with her school friends all day as well as have a training session at the beach! She’s smart, loyal and has an amazing temperament.

DAPHNE

DAPHNE - Meet Daphne! A gorgeous 2.5 year old Basset Hound who calls Balmain home. She really is all ears, all the better to hear her owner’s with - unless they are calling her to go home, then it’s like she has no ears at all! Daphne is the sweetest hound you could ever meet, full of character and the best cuddler in the world.

She has a supersonic nose and can sniff food out in any situation. SHe loves the beach (as long as her paws stay dry), eating sticks, hoarding socks and playing with her friends at the dog park.

Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page 22

MAX

MAX - For 5 long years, Max lived life tough on the streets as a stray cat.

He arrived at the RSCPA severely sunburnt, riddled with worms and fleas, extremely underweight, with battle scars on his nose - and after 3 long months, he finally found his forever home. It was love at first sight and Max now enjoys a pampered life as an indoor/outdoor cat - he ‘fiercely’ guards his territory and you can often spot him playfully pouncing out of bushes at dogs and passers by.

He loves spending time outdoors, and is often greeted by members of his fan club that walk past and say hello regularly.

Join our community @ ODIE

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

REUBEN

ODIE - This long dog left his high speed career early to join his new family at the age of two. At almost six years old now, Odie is an ambassador for the Greyhound breed, loving other dogs, cats and humans of all shapes/ sizes. He can often be seen cruising Darling street or at local parks looking for pats. At home he is the epitome of chill, snoozing on his own comfy bed but always there to share some love. His favourite things are his humans, his bed, and eggs in his kibble - in that order.

POWER FLOW

MELLOW FLOW SLOW FLOW

SOUND & RELAX YIN

HOT HIIT PILATES PRENATAL YOGA

PARENTS & BUBS QIGONG

SOUL BROTHERS MEDITAION

WARM 26+2

soulagenda.com.au

REUBEN - At nearly 3 years old, this Cavoodle is a pro swimmer, and can even bark while swimming!

He chases balls and is intensely protective over the ‘stick of the day’, and his mum! Reuben is a regular at Balmain parks, his favourite park is Bridgewater. When he sees his doggy friends, he will lay as flat as he can to show them it’s ok to approach him and then pounce on them to show how excited he is to see them! They don’t always share the same enthusiasm! Reuben loves human food, particularly toast, crumpets, and chips. He prefers to be hand fed like the king! He is allergic to bees but still likes to sniff flowers that have them to keep his mum on her toes.

WELLNESS The days are getting longer, temperatures are starting to rise, and there’s excitement in the air summer is just around the corner

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FOR some, fitness is a lifestyle, “a choice they make every morning” (an actual quote overheard from a hardcore gym goer). They can spring out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning to run an absurd amount of kilometres, fueled by nothing but the kale inside their ‘pre-workout’ skinny juice - and honestly, all power to them! The leadup to summer, with its more frequent beach visits and the wearing of fewer layers, is generally when fitness, or lack thereof, comes into sharp focus for everyone.

While some chomp at the bit to get started, others ponder trepidatiously on how they will get beyond the first step.

All of the experts say consistency is key, and we know it’s much easier to stay consistent at something you have fun doing! So, we’ve found some ways you can get cracking on your fitness journey in a fun way. Even better, you can do them all super close to home!

INDOOR CYCLING Indoor cycling has become increasingly popular over the past few years. With benefits like improved cardiovascular health, better endurance and effective calorie burning, it’s no wonder so many people are hopping in the saddle.

Not only are classes fun, you can really challenge yourself as well with workout options to accommodate people of all fitness levels, and ambitions! Everyone is welcome, whether you want to improve your performance, or just zone out and escape. If you love great music and surrounding yourself with a supportive community, this is probably the fitness activity for you!

Your local: Balmain Fitness | 32 Robert St, Rozelle Classes $25 | Weekly membership $21 - $29 | balmainfitness.com.au

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Soul Agenda, Balmain.

BALLET Ballet is not just a captivating art form; it’s also a fantastic way to stay fit. While it has evolved over time, ballet’s origins can be traced to the Italian courts during the 16th and 17th centuries. The term «ballet» itself comes from the Italian word «balletto», which means a dance or a piece of music for dance. Ballet engages both major muscle groups and smaller stabilising muscles, resulting in improved posture and a toned physique. Through precise movements and controlled breathing, it enhances body awareness and mindfulness. Enjoy ballet on the harbour at Sydney Dance Company, with more than 75 classes each week in a variety of styles, from beginner to advanced!

Your local: Sydney Dance Company, Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct In-studio Memberships and Flexi-packs available

YOGA Yoga, with its roots tracing back to ancient India, has evolved into a global phenomenon that transcends the boundaries of exercise. It is a union of the physical, mental, and spiritual health, inviting practitioners to explore the art of self-discovery through intentional movement and breath. From the gentle flow of Hatha to the dynamic rhythm of Vinyasa, and the serene stillness of Yin, yoga presents a diverse spectrum of practices catering to varied preferences and needs. Beyond its physical benefits, yoga stands as a testament to the power of mindfulness and holistic well-being! Fortunately for the wonderful residents of Balmain, Soul Agenda provides a beautiful space to practise a myriad of different classes suited to all levels, as well as Pilates, Meditation and amazing weekly curated workshops! This studio has pushed its zen factor to the max with a luxe heated studio, fragrant candles and essential oil, sublime mood lighting, loads of props and super friendly instructors.

Your local: Soul Agenda | 383 Darling St, Balmain Casual visit $28 | Intro Offer $39 - 3 Weeks Unlimited Classes | souldagenda. com.au

ACROSS 3.

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Name: _____________________________________________________

Date: _______

2041 CROSSWORD - ISSUE #1

What is the Indigenous name of the three-fingered Peninsula encompassing the suburbs of Balmain, Rozelle, and Birchgrove?

Owner and Chef of Balmain’s newest Pasta hot spot?

Name of the local, watercolour artist who began her career by painting and gifting anonymous artworks Which local charity provides over 300 meals, snacks, and hampers each week?

The new Greens representative for Balmain?

Which local hotel is hosting a Xmas party this year with amazing food, drinks and live music from Dan Mullins?

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DOWN 1.

2.

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Sydney Dance Company offers over 75 classes a week of what type of dance?

Use your Family Voucher here to get a Whole Chicken, Large Chips + Large Salad for only $35 10 What was the original name of local independent bookshop, Roaring Stories?

Get your Santa pics taken at which local brewery? Fur babies welcome!

Local yoga studio that has taken Zen to 11 the max?

Across 3. What is the Indigenous name of the three-fingered Peninsula encompassing the suburbs of Balmain, Rozelle, and Birchgrove?

5. Owner and Chef of Balmain’s newest Pasta hot spot?

6. Name of the local, watercolour artist who began her career by painting and gifting anonymous artworks 9. Which local charity provides over 300 meals, snacks, and hampers each week?

10. The new Greens representative for Balmain?

EASY

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

11. Which local hotel is hosting a Xmas party this year with amazing food, drinks and live music from Dan Mullins?

Down 1. Sydney Dance Company offers over 75 classes a week of what type of dance?

2. Use your Family Voucher here to get a Whole Chicken, Large Chips + Large Salad fo only $35 4. What was the original name of local independent bookshop, Roaring Stories?

7. Get your Santa pics taken at which local brewery? Fur babies welcome!

8. Local yoga studio that has taken Zen to th max?

NOT EASY

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EAT & DRINK FORLI ITALIAN A place to eat, drink and share joy with your loved ones. Forli Italian Restaurant is the home to a huge selection of homemade Pizzas, Pastas, serving up authentic Italian dishes such as Ragu, Lasagna and Carne. Pair your meal with a smooth Vino Rosso, Crispy Bianco, and Perfect Rosata. To finish the night (or day) you can’t go past the lovely homemade tiramisu. You will also be treated to in-house Jazz every Thursday, Authentic Italian at its best!

379 Darling St, Balmain | 02 9799 9678 | forli.com.au

CAT AND FIDDLE HOTEL This iconic local pub has something for everyone, whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a destination diner. With a rich culture, heritage, and boutique offering, this charming establishment is widely regarded as one of the best pubs in Sydney! Drop in on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday to check out their incredible Live Music roster, and you can’t miss the food specials. Saturday is Aperitivo hour, 2 hour package of Bottomless Negroni and Margaritas, house wine, tap beer and Italian inspired snacks for only $79 pp. Sunday, settle in for a lazy long lunch with an Italian inspired feast and free flowing carafes of wine, cocktails, tap beers ($89 pp).

456 Darling St, Balmain | 02 9973 6757 | catandfiddle. com.au

BALMAIN BOWLING CLUB Balmain’s very own bowling club with a luxe bowling green, live music, excellent facilities and amazing member specials throughout the week! Head in on Friday for the Surf & Turf raffle, with over $300 in meat and seafood to give away, followed up by $10 barefoot bowls, beers and bubbles. The weekends feature Blues at the Bowlo - live music from 5pm Fri & Sat, and 3pm Sunday. Sunday you can also go in the draw for the $400 Meat raffle - you’ve gotta be in it to win it!

156 Darling St, Balmain | 02 9810 1071 | balmainbowls.com.au

THE JACKSON Sydney’s newest and most luxurious superyacht have partnered with Veuve Clicquot and opened their gangways to the public for an exclusive Summer event series, ‘In the Sun’ featuring Veuve Clicquot. Enjoy a few of the finer things in life while soaking up the panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.

Book now – thejackson.com.au

if you want your business listed - email: Info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

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D’VINE IVY The home of pasta, in the heart of Balmain. If you’re craving comforting, delish, home cooked Italian food - look no further. With indoor and outdoor seating options, D’Vine Ivy is the home of fresh, hand made Italian pasta - made with love, every day. You can enjoy your meal in the beautiful outdoor, pet friendly courtyard, or head inside for a more intimate dining experience. Balmain local, Angela, is at the helm in the kitchen and cooks every dish to perfection, using age-old family recipes.

354 Darling St, Balmain | 0403 767 046 | dvineivy.com. au

SYDNEY FISH MARKET Experience Australia’s Home of Seafood: an authentic working fish market on Sydney Harbour in Blackwattle Bay, Pyrmont. Sydney Fish Market is the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, they’ve got something for you to enjoy with a total of six seafood retailers and endless food options including Cafés, restaurants, a bakery, a butcher, a gourmet deli, a greengrocer, and a bottle shop (phew!).There’s a wholesale auction and behind the scenes tours, cooking classes at the Sydney Seafood School and a fully operational wharf! The best part? They are open every day of the year (except Christmas Day), from 7am4pm. Yes, public holidays too!

Corner of Pyrmont Bridge Rd & Bank St, Pyrmont | 02 9004 1100 | sydneyfishmarket.com.au

Join our community @ CHARGRILL CHARLIE’S DRUMMOYNE The best chicken in the neighbourhood! Charlie’s has been in the chicken game since 1989, gaining a cult following across its 19 stores. Not only famous for their rotisserie style of cooking chicken, but also the iconic salads, generous portions, and home style cooking. The secret has always been fresh, good quality ingredients. made with love daily. every day. Whilst the seasonal menu changes all the time, their neighbourhood classics and local favourites are here to stay. A store and customer favourite, Drummoyne’s Chicken Tenders, golden and crunchy on the outside, and tender and moist on the inside - great for the kids! With a hot summer coming up, you can even indulge in some delicious shakes and soft serves. Drummoyne has both indoor and outdoor dining, a car park on site as well as a private dining room. The venue is fully licensed, the perfect place to have your next party. To top it all off - the outdoor seating area is dog friendly! Come in and try something new and say hello to Brian, Tee and the team at Chargrill Charlie’s Drummoyne!

172 Lyons Rd, Drummoyne NSW 2047 | 02 9719 8240 | chargrillcharlies.com

CHEZ BLUE A charming and relaxed neighbourhood French bistrot, now open in the heart of Rozelle. Former Bistro Moncur head chef, Mark Williamson, leads the kitchen with plenty of favourite French classics on the menu as well as a few riffs. The Chez Blue teams’ knowledge goes way beyond plate and glass, it spans across the local area; they know their neighbours and remember their orders.

Whether it’s dinner with friends, a birthday celebration, a quick drink to pass the time or a family meal - Chez Blue is just around the corner, and the team can’t wait to host you!

599 Darling St, Rozelle | 02 9192 4900 | chezblue.com.au

SERVICES KOBI SHETTY MP Kobi Shetty is here to support her local community - “We have a vibrant community here in Balmain. It’s such a privilege to live here with my husband and our three kids. As your local state MP, I’m here to represent you, and to advocate for our community in Parliament. Do you need help with a local issue? I’m here to help! Please don’t hesitate to contact my office and we will help in whatever way we can.”

02 9660 7586 | 201-205 Glebe Point Road, Glebe | balmain@parliament.nsw.gov.au

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

ALYSHA DAWN CREATIVE CO A local Balmain photography business focusing on authentic photo storytelling through beautiful and unique images for your family, brand or business. Ensuring everyone feels relaxed and supported in front of the camera, Alysha always captures the spontaneity and beautiful energy of families - putting magic into her images. When it comes to branding/business work, she seeks and showcases the inner essence that sets you apart from the competition. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure shoot, natural light home or business shoot or studio is more your jam, call Alysha today for tailored packages to suit your needs starting from $280.

Alysha - 0413 576 450

REDDIE BUILDING Experience solutions! At Reddie Building, you’ll find a team that is super passionate about providing high quality construction and maintenance solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Reddie will ensure exceptional results with second-to-none attention to detail.

From additions and maintenance, to bathroom and kitchen renovations, Reddie Building will provide a reliable and personable service to suit all budgets. Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote today!

Call Rob on 0415 438 469 | info@reddiebuilding.com | IG: @reddiebuilding

O’LOAN FAMILY LAW Are you looking for advice about separation and divorce? Perhaps your first concern is what’s going to O’LOAN F A M I LY L AW happen with your children and how much time you’ll be able to spend with them. Perhaps you’re recently retired and have made the decision to make a change and start a different life. Or perhaps you are concerned about how you’re going to afford to get through this transition in your life. O’Loan Family Law can help you sort out parenting issues, property settlements and child support, perhaps getting financial support from your ex and finalising your settlement. Have a conversation with the team today and explore solutions that are available to you in your unique circumstances.

02 8999 4364 | info@oloanfamilylaw.com.au | Suite 104/201 Miller, North Sydney

if you want your business listed - email Info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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SERVICES cont’d AUSSIE BALMAIN Balmain locals, David, James, Naima and the team at Aussie Balmain have been supporting Balmain and the greater community since 2016.

Aussie Balmain’s award-winning mortgage brokers boast more than 30 years collective industry experience. Aussie Balmain are well equipped to find and arrange the right home loan solution for your current and future needs - reach out for a no obligation chat today!

Shop 1, 335 Darling St, Balmain | 02 8123 8608 | aussie.com.au

ANTHONY ALBANESE MP “The Inner West is one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the nation. I have lived here all my life and am honoured to have represented Grayndler in the Parliament since 1996, as your local Member and now as your Prime Minister. As your MP I can help you to access federal government services as well as providing information to you.” If you need any assistance, or have a question - don’t hesitate to reach out.

334A Marrickville Rd, Marrickville | (02) 9564 3588 | pm.gov.au/contact-your-pm

WELLNESS SOUL AGENDA The Balmain yoga studio with its Zen factor turned to the max! This yoga studio feels like your own private ashram. It really takes relaxation and serenity to the next level with super luxe additions like a gently heated studio, fragrant candles and essential oil, sublime mood lighting, loads of props and super friendly instructors. But Soul Agenda doesn’t just offer yoga classes - you can also partake in Inferno Pilates; Qigong; Sound Healing; Meditation; Men’s Classes; Prenatal/postnatal; private classes and weekly workshops, your workouts will be as well balanced as a yogi doing headstands! For those of you wanting a little push but not too much sweat, there are also stretch classes (aka ‘lazy yoga’). This studio definitely ensures plenty of variety so that you focus on wellness, fun and being zen - beginners to advanced students welcome!

383 Darling St, Balmain | 0432 118 172 | soulagenda.com.au

RUNNING SCIENCE “At Running Science, our goal is to cultivate a lifelong passion for running”. This is achieved by offering the perfect footwear for each stage of your running journey, providing injury prevention and treatment services, and nurturing a community united by a shared love for running.

As a service-oriented company, Running Science have unwavering confidence in the shoes they recommend, firmly believing that anyone has the potential to become a dedicated and lifelong runner.

672 Darling St, Rozelle | 02 9810 0032 | runningscience.com.au

ROARING STORIES Balmain’s independent bookshop.

Formerly Bray’s Books, was first opened in 1969 under the ownership of Philip and Margaret Bray. Dan Jordon and Claire Gorman purchased Brays Books and undertook a complete store redesign and refurbishment and reopened for trading in October 2019 under the new brand, Roaring Stories. Jordon and Gorman set about maintaining the independent spirit of the bookshop and retained the bulk of the expert bookselling team from Brays. Roaring Stories is focused on providing its customers with a wide range of specifically curated titles to meet the interests of our local community supported by a passionate team of expert booksellers to help customers with their reading choices.

Roaring Stories also contributes to the cultural fabric of the local community via its extensive author events program which showcases the best in Australian writers joined in conversation with a stellar line up of host interviewers.

268 Darling St, Balmain | 02 9810 5613 | roaringstories.com.au

CITY CAVE BALMAIN Rediscover bliss, elevate your wellbeing, and embrace the experience that City Cave has to offer. As the year comes to an end, help combat the feelings of exhaustion and stress with our three wellness services; Infrared Sauna, Float Therapy and Massage Therapy. Dive into a deep state of relaxation, creating a meditative haven for your mind and body to rest - it’s the perfect investment in your and your loved ones’ health and well-being.

Unit 26/100 Reynolds St, Balmain | 0448 642 191 | citycave.com.au/balmain

if you want your business listed - email Info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

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MAKING A GRAMMAR EDUCATION POSSIBLE Scholarships and fee-assisted places available Is your boy an independent, creative thinker? Then Grammar may be the ideal school for him. There is no waiting list and entry is based on merit alone.

If families are worried about the fees, please note that Grammar offers a very extensive fee-assistance programme to help boys attend our School.

For more information about our Open Days and Scholarship Information Night, please visit www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au, or contact Tara Rennie at admissions@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

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Be yourself at International Grammar School

6/9/2023 10:06 am

Secular, co-educational, early learning to Year 12.

Unique Language Programs Central location near Sydney CBD Out of hours care Exciting music and STEAM opportunities Kangaroo Valley rural campus

Scan to enrol today

Find out more at igssyd.nsw.edu.au Contact us 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au

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