Neighbourhood Media CBD Magazine | October 2025

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FOR LAUGHS SYDNEY

NOV 10 - 22

NOV 10 - 22

REGGIE WATTS RETURNS

REGGIE WATTS RETURNS

SYDNEY SWANS IN 2025

WHAT’S ON GUIDE + HEAPS MORE

SYDNEY SWANS IN 2025 WHAT’S ON GUIDE + HEAPS MORE

FREE LIVE MUSIC IN SYDNEY

Free Concerts at the Metro Theatre

Every Wednesday

Metro Artist in Residence brings free concerts to Sydney, with Australia’s favourite artists, labels & collectives!

Mid-week magic is back in Sydney City!

RSVP to make sure you don’t miss out!

What’s In Store This Year.

Exclusive Interview: Reggie Watts.

Must-See Show Guide.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Sydney Swans.

Out In The Cold: Search For Elaine Johnson.

Circus, Cabaret Spectacular - La Ronde.

Hello Reader,

THE weather is warming up, the end of the year is fast approaching, and we’re signing off with one last edition of the 2000 Magazine - filled with the people, performances, and perspectives that keep the CBD on everyone’s radar.

In this issue, we’ve got a deep dive into this year’s Just For Laughs Festival, we find out what’s in store for this year’s event, chat with headline act Reggie Watts and there’s a must-see events guide. The party continues with a big Spring/Summer arts + entertainment guide, we go behind the scenes at La Ronde (playing at the Grand Electric in Surry Hills) and review Sydney Dance Company’s Continuum.

Travel back in time to explore the eventful life of Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge. Then, we catch up with Kate Kachor - the Sydney journalist and podcaster behind Out In The Cold - as she continues the search for missing teen Elaine Johnson. We also look back on the year of our beloved Sydney Swans.

Foodies, we’re bringing stacks of flavour. There’s a rundown of the newest bars and restaurants lighting up the CBD, plus a review of Nelly Robinson’s inventive new menu at Nel - where fast food meets fine dining. This is our final issue for the year, so if you love what you see - please let us and our advertisers know! Your support keeps this magazine free and thriving.

Wishing you a very safe & happy end of year, and we’ll see you in March 2026 for Issue #10.

The Neighbourhood Media Team

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media

CONTRIBUTORS - Rob Everett, Jen Keates, Lisa Ferron, Rita Bratovich, Alec Smart, Jamie Apps, Lucy Pearson, Melissa Mantle, Isabelle Edwards

COVER STAR - Reggie Watts

ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

If you have any thoughts, feedback or questions about the 2000 Magazine, please reach out to info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

Fine, Fast, Food at Nel.

A Day In The Life: Principal, International Grammar School.

Spring + Summer What’s On Guide. Do You Have All The Answers?

Now Open: Sydney CBD.

Shop local!

JUST FOR LAUGHS

BIG LINEUP AT THIS YEAR’S

JUST FOR LAUGHS

WThe only thing unlucky about the 13th Just For Laughs Sydney comedy festival will be missing out on tickets!

WITH a massive line-up that includes A-list local and international headliners, incredible variety shows, live podcasts, and improv in venues across the city, this year’s

Just For Laughs Sydney might be the best ever.

In its thirteen years, Just For Laughs Sydney has garnered a reputation for presenting an exciting and diverse comedy festival with a program that caters to every sense of humour.

Performances will take place in a range of spaces, from the low-key vibes of The Factory Theatre (Marrickville) and Comedy Store (Moore Park), to the slightly more upmarket The Concourse (Chatswood) and Playhouse (Sydney Opera House), to the prestigious State Theatre (CBD) and The Concert Hall (Sydney Opera House).

Just For Laughs Sydney sees the return of irrepressible comic genius, Eddie Izzard, whose cutting wit and acute observations are delivered with sharp, eloquent, perfectly timed banter. Festival highlights also include popular stand-up and TV comedian, Jimmy O. Yang who brings his acclaimed show, The Big & Tall Tour to Darling Harbour; First Nations local favourites Kevin Kropinyeri, Sean Choolburra, Andy Saunders, Steph Tisdell, Elaine Crombie, Dane Simpson, Jay Wymarra and Janty Blair appear in Aboriginal Comedy Allstars at The Factory, Marrickville; Abbie Chatfield hosts a line-up of hilarious women — He Huang, Elouise Eftos, Concetta Caristo, Emma Holland, Danielle Walker and Frankie Rowsthorn — to disprove the show title, Women Aren’t Funny. Our cover star, Reggie Watts, performs his absolutely mustsee show and you will want to buy your tickets now. True to his name, Watts is bright and disruptive as a flickering lightbulb. His performances bring together beatboxing, singing, storytelling and wild riffing in a spontaneous blend

that makes each show unique.

Preacher Lawson has proved he’s got talent many times over. Getting a fan-favourite call back for both Britain’s and America’s Got Talent Championships, he has gone on to host AGT in Las Vegas, appeared in several TV shows and has amassed a big, enthusiastic following. See him at the Sydney Opera House.

At the top of your ticket-buying list should be these three one-night-only shows that are selling fast.

Rhys Nicholson presents a line-up of queer and quirky LGBTQI+ talent in Gay Panic Showcase. Nina Oyama, Tarsh Jago, Annie Boyle, Aves Robins and Chris Parker bend gender, genre and all the rules in this rainbow of comedy at the Sydney Opera House.

If you enjoy your humour a little bit weird, you’ll enjoy The Alternative Show hosted by Demi Lardner and featuring Dan Rath, Sez, Tom Walker, and Neel Kolhatkar. You won’t see the punchlines coming and sometimes you won’t know that they’ve been.

And finally, the grand finale. The Just For Laughs All Star Gala has been the hottest ticket in comedy for thirteen years, and the 2025 show will be scorching. Australia’s king of comedy, Shaun Micallef hosts a night of true comic royalty: Reggie Watts, Melanie Bracewell, Wil Anderson, Joel Creasey, Celia Pacquola and Preacher Lawson. It’s a spectacular event in the Opera House’s Concert Hall and one you definitely will have FOMO over if you don’t get tickets now.

There are loads more shows in the program. Check them out and buy tickets at justforlaughs.sydney | November 10 - 22, 2025

JUST FOR LAUGHS

REGGIE WATTS LIVE

Expect the unexpected: We chat with Reggie Watts about comedy, chaos and his return to Sydney for Just For Laughs 2025.

RREGGIE Watts describes himself as a “playful trickster,” a label that fits an artist whose work defies easy categorisation. A comedian, musician and improviser, Watts has collaborated with names as varied as Michael Cera, Flight Facilities, and The Try Guys. He was the bandleader on The Late Late Show with James Corden, created a comedy troupe on YouTube with Michael Cera and Sarah Silverman, and delivered one of the most unusual TED Talks to ever go viral. His performances - part stand-up, part DJ set, part physical theatre - leave audiences stunned, often laughing at things they can’t quite explain.

reason he’s excited to headline Just for Laughs alongside Eddie Izzard.

“It’s just this perfect Fabergé egg of a show,” he says, “full of tension and nuanced dealings with evil and darkness.”

This November, he’s bringing his one-man show back to Australia, including a stop in Sydney as part of this year’s Just For Laughs festival (Nov 10-22). We meet over video call after a few minor tech glitches on my end. “There’s always something with this technology,” he laughs. Watts eventually appears in a sunny kitchen, joking that he’s in “Lost Angeles.” As we chat, he wanders around his colourful home, relaxed and present. His stage work, though often described as “disorienting” and “pure presence,” has lately leaned into something more earnest. “The playful trickster” is how he describes himself, but there’s a seriousness underneath. Comedy, he says, can be a shortcut to “instant community.” In a fractured social landscape, those shared moments of laughter feel like an essential release valve. It’s one

What should Sydneysiders expect from his show? He laughs at the question. “I usually just feel out what the space needs,” he replies. His performances are famously improvised: no set list, no script, just instinct. When I joke he might riff on climate change if he catches a Sydney heatwave, he shrugs off the risk of controversy: “That’s the thing, it’s less what you talk about. It’s how you talk about it.” That skill - of playfully bringing the unsayable and the absurd to the stage - has defined his career. More recently, Watts has also become politically outspoken on social media, saying people need laughter more than ever, given current tensions.

Australia is hardly new ground for him. He’s performed at the Sydney Opera House “five or six times,” and says Sydney ranks among his favourite cities, though Melbourne wins out. “It’s the artist in me,” he admits, before conceding Sydney’s charms. “There’s a lot of natural beauty in Sydney,” he adds, naming Manly and Double Bay among his favourite spots. His tour this time also includes Melbourne, Perth, and Auckland. “I’m a good traveler, and I’m used to it by now. Getting to the airport is the worst part.”

When talk turns to influences, he describes them as “lego blocks” for improvisation. Musically, he grew up on bands like Depeche Mode – “I’m a child of the ’80s,” he jokes.

Comedically, Richard Pryor and Andy Kaufman stand out, with a tongue-in-cheek nod to Yahoo Serious: “I’m joking,” he quickly reassures.

But his longest riff is reserved for Andor, the Star Wars spin-off series. “It’s just this perfect Fabergé egg of a show,” he says, “full of tension and nuanced dealings with evil and darkness.”

Before arriving in Australia, Watts will launch a new podcast, bringing in friends and collaborators as guests.

Like his live performances, it will be entirely improvised.

“It’s my approach. I can’t really do it any other way. I never have a plan, and that doesn’t always work for producers. What I request is usually at the lower end of their capacities, but I feel it’s worth it.”

That commitment to spontaneity is precisely what makes his shows so singular. Whether switching between invented languages mid-sentence, looping his own voice into a musical crescendo, or throwing out surreal and off-kilter observations, Watts creates something unrepeatable each time.

If audience reactions are any measure, his insistence on creative sovereignty pays off. This November, Sydney audiences can expect exactly what they can never quite expect from the international treasure, Reggie Watts.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

W GET READY TO LOL

We’ve rounded up the standout shows you simply cannot miss at this year’s Just For Laughs Sydney Festival.

WITH so many incredible acts on offer, from side-splitting stand-up to boundary-pushing performances, this year’s Just For Laughs Sydney Festival is packed with unmissable comedy. We’ve rounded up the standout shows, headline acts, and hidden gems you won’t want to miss — whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a night of laughter and fun in Sydney. Get ready for a festival full of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments.

Book now at justforlaughs.sydney

PREACHER LAWSON: LIVE DOWN UNDER

NOV 11, 7:00PM

Sydney Opera House, Playhouse

Since his breakthrough on America’s Got Talent, Lawson has continued to rise as one of the most dynamic voices in comedy. His stand-up special Get to Know Me (2019) showcased his hilarious take on everyday life, delivered with his signature physicality and rapid pace. Beyond stand-up, Lawson has appeared on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, starred as a series regular on NBC’s Connecting, and co-hosted World’s Most Amazing Dogs on Facebook Watch alongside George Lopez and Lisa Vanderpump. Now a viral sensation, he’s heading to Australia for a special tour that promises big laughs, high energy, and a whole lot of heart. Don’t miss the chance to see one of comedy’s brightest stars live on stage.

JUST FOR LAUGHS: ALL STAR GALA

NOV 15, 7:00PM

Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

Prepare for an evening of world-class comedy and big laughs, all led by the quick wit and charm of one of Australia’s most beloved and brilliant comedy minds: Shaun Micallef. With a blockbuster lineup of comedy’s biggest names featuring Reggie Watts, Melanie Bracewell, Wil Anderson, Joel Creasey, Celia Pacquola and Preacher Lawson, this Gala remains the must-see event of the festival and always sells out fast. Don’t miss your chance to experience this Sydney-exclusive showcase of true comedic genius.

THE ALTERNATIVE SHOW

NOV 22 , 7:15PM

Sydney Opera House, Studio

Hosted by the brilliantly chaotic Demi Lardner, this cult comedy favourite assembles a knockout lineup of Australia’s most unconventional and inventive performers: Dan Rath, Sez, Tom Walker, and Neel Kolhatkar. This isn’t your average stand-up show. The Alternative Show champions the strange, the surreal, and the sidesplittingly unexpected. It’s a place where punchlines twist into absurdity, routines turn into rollercoasters, and nothing is quite what it seems.

Long loved by comedy die-hards, The Alternative Show is your chance to see a different side of the comedy festival - one that celebrates risk-taking, originality, and glorious nonsense. It’s only here for one night, and it will be strange in all the best ways.

RHYS NICHOLSON’S GAY PANIC SHOWCASE

NOV 21 , 7:15PM

Sydney Opera House, Studio

A celebration of queer voices, razor-sharp wit, and laughout-loud brilliance. Rhys, known for their stand-out appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under and sharp comedic timing, brings together an exceptional line-up of queer talent: Nina Oyama, Tarsh Jago, Annie Boyle, Aves Robins and Chris Parker. These are some of the most exciting names in comedy today - bold, original, and unapologetically hilarious. This is not just a night of stand-up; it’s a loud and proud showcase of the LGBTQIA+ community’s comedic brilliance.

From the canoes of the Eora people to an engineering marvel - this is the story of how Sydney learned to cross its harbour.

TTHE Sydney Harbour Bridge is approaching 100 years of age. Along with the Opera House, it is synonymous with Sydney and in fact it is hard to imagine Sydney without it.

More than a landmark, it is an important part of Sydney’s infrastructure; about 160,000 cars, trucks and buses, as well as 500 trains, traverse the bridge every day. Prior to 1788, the Eora people of Sydney had been crossing the harbour in their large canoes. Known as nawi, they were four metres long and wide enough that a fire was kept alight in the centre with enough room either side for people to walk around.

Not long after Sydney was colonised, the concept of a bridge linking to north of the harbour was discussed. The first of these was from a visitor when Sydney was only a year old. Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, visited in 1789 and wrote a poem in which he extolled the beauty of the harbour and that he envisioned a ‘proud arch, Colossus-like’ that would link the harbour’s north and south.

An emancipist named Billy Blue, after whom Blues Point was named, saw an opportunity in 1807 and started a ferry service. For a fee you were given access to his boat but you were also given an oar. Blue steered the vessel while the passengers rowed. By 1817 his fleet had grown to 11 vessels.

In 1814 Francis Greenaway, an architect and convict who designed much of colonial Sydney, proposed to Governor Macquarie that a bridge be built to the north shore, but nothing came of it. A decade later Greenway again pushed for a bridge across the harbour noting not only the practicality

and need for such a structure but that it would ‘give an idea of strength and magnificence that would reflect credit and glory on the colony and the Mother Country’. With Sydney growing, proposals were put to the colonial New South Wales government in 1857,1878 and 1881; one of which suggesting a tunnel instead of a bridge. The 1881 model was formally accepted by the government, and while that caused some excitement it never left the drawing board. In 1890 a Royal Commission was established however as a depression hit Sydney shortly after, the idea again failed to gain momentum.

From the early 1860s, while all the talk of a bridge was being debated, steam powered ferries became popular yet couldn’t keep up with Sydney’s growing population. By 1900 both the ferries were overcrowded with people and the wharves overcrowded with ferries. On many occasions passengers were forced to alight from their ferry to another ferry and to a third or fourth before setting foot on the wharf. The need for a bridge was becoming increasingly dire. The first crossing of the harbour was to be further west. The original Gladesville Bridge was built in 1881. It provided only one lane of traffic each way, and a tram line. Being much lower than the current Gladesville Bridge, the southern half swung open to allow ships to access the Parramatta River. The old bridge was closed, and the current Gladesville Bridge was opened slightly to its east, in 1964.

In 1900 the New South Wales government held a competition to design a bridge and in 1902 granted prizes of £1000 to a London based entry of a suspension bridge and £500 to a Sydney-based engineer, Norman Selfe, for

“Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, visited in 1789 and wrote a poem in which he extolled the beauty of the harbour and that he envisioned a ‘proud arch, Colossus-like’ that would link the harbour’s north and south.”

primarily for financial reasons.

In 1914 John Bradfield was appointed the chief engineer for the Sydney Harbour Bridge project and like Selfe favoured a cantilever construction. A bill was passed by the government, however, like all previous proposals, it failed to get started. This time it was not just because of money, but because of World War I.. This was not only because much of Sydney’s manpower were involved in the war effort but also because the nation was also more focussed on the fight in Europe, especially after the slaughter and Gallipoli. However after the war, and with the state’s finances in good shape, the planning minds of Sydney were more focused and more determined.

Another international competition commenced in 1922, with the winning tender the English firm Dorman, Long and Co., which had built the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle (UK). It was much the same design and, at the time, nearing completion. The major difference is that the Sydney Harbour Bridge was

The ceremonial start of the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was on 28 July 1923 but this was mainly on the approaches to the bridge, not the structure itself. The concrete peers that would support the bridge were in place by September 1926 with work on the famous arch commencing in late 1928. The two halves touched in the middle on 19 August 1930 which understandably caused much jubilation for Sydneysiders and undoubtedly some satisfaction for the engineers.

The bridge was completed in early 1932 but before it was open to the public three weeks of tests were conducted to ascertain its strength. The most famous of these tests being when 96 steam trains were placed end-to-end on the tracks. The bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932 as a public event and celebration. It is curious that the reason the bridge was not built earlier was often blamed on economic restraints and yet it was completed during the Great Depression. 16 workers died during its construction.

11TH SEASON JAN 23Ð25, 2026

SCREENING & AWARDS

JAN 23, 8:30PM

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

SF3 KIDS SCREENING & AWARDS

JAN 24, 1:30PM

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

SF3 MINI & FEATURE FILM SCREENING JAN 25, 1:30PM

CHAUVEL CINEMA

LOCAL LEGENDS

EReflecting on a season of resilience and renewal for Sydney’s beloved AFL teamThe Sydney Swans. As the 2025 AFL season draws to a close, the Sydney Swans find themselves at a pivotal juncture.

EMERGING from the shadow of a disappointing Grand Final loss in 2024, the 2025 season was a journey of introspection and rejuvenation. Under the guidance of new head coach Dean Cox, the Swans aimed to recalibrate and rebuild.

A SEASON OF CHALLENGES & TRIUMPHS

The season began with cautious optimism, tempered by an awareness that consistency is key. Early rounds revealed both promise and areas needing improvement, with defensive lapses leaving the Swans vulnerable. A heavy loss to the Adelaide Crows in Round 12 served as a stark reminder that refinement was needed. Yet the Swans’ resilience shone through. In Round 13, Sydney delivered a commanding 44-point victory over Richmond at the MCG, keeping the Tigers goalless for over a half and demonstrating their ability to respond under pressure. This win not only built confidence, but reinforced the team’s ability to compete at the highest levels. Across the season, individual brilliance seemed to supersede collective effort. Midfield stalwarts Luke Parker and Callum Mills consistently drove the Swans’ engine, while young talents Errol Gulden and Chad Warner began cementing themselves as emerging stars with the skills and composure to shape the team’s future. The experience and stability of seasoned ruckman Brodie Grundy proved invaluable, anchoring contests and providing a steadying presence in key moments.

A New Chapter: Charlie Curnow’s Arrival

One of the season’s most talked-about developments was the acquisition of two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow (who left Carlton). Curnow’s move to Sydney

brought a potent scoring weapon to the Swans’ forward line, adding both depth and a new dimension to their attacking structures. His decision to join the club, seeking a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute to a side on the rise, reflects a broader culture shift within the team. Curnow’s integration was smooth, with his impact felt immediately. Paired with established forwards and supported by the creative midfield, Sydney’s forward structures became more dynamic and unpredictable, keeping opposition defenses on constant alert.

LOOKING AHEAD

As 2025 winds down, reflection is inevitable. While the Swans fell short of their ultimate goal - a premiership - the season provided encouraging signs that the club is on the right path. The blend of experience and youth, the guidance of head coach Dean Cox, and the lessons learned from both setbacks and triumphs have all contributed to a more cohesive, resilient unit.

The foundation laid this year bodes well for the future. Fans can be confident that the Swans are not only learning from 2025’s challenges but also building toward a stronger 2026 campaign. With emerging stars ready to step up, proven leaders providing direction, and exciting new additions like Curnow strengthening the squad, Sydney is poised to remain a force in the AFL for years to come.

For more insights and updates on the Sydney Swans, visit the official Swans website: sydneyswans.com.au

TRUE CRIME

Meet Kate Kachor, the Sydneysider digging into the 1980 disappearance of two local teens - and you can follow the story on her gripping new podcast.

IIN APRIL 2019, investigative journalist Kate Kachor happened upon a social media post that would play on her mind for years. The post, written by Helen Cooper, the youngest sister of missing teenager Elaine Johnson, revealed that Elaine had only received a missing persons post more than 30 years after her disappearance.

For Kachor, this staggering detail was just the beginning. “It was a shocking piece of information. It was just the tip of the iceberg, as they say,” Kachor recalls.

Elaine Johnson and her friend Kerry Anne Joel vanished from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire in early 1980. Kerry was seventeen years old and Elaine only sixteen.

“It probably sounds cliched, but Elaine’s case was something that stayed with me. I wanted to know more and when I heard more, I approached Helen about her interest in working on a podcast together.

“I have been working with Helen and her sister, Wendy Johnson, for the last two years. What was also important to Elaine’s sisters is making sure Kerry’s story was told, as best we could. They didn’t want their sister’s friend to be forgotten,” says Kachor.

Kachor hopes the podcast will do more than just tell a story - it’s a call to action.

“Elaine Johnson disappeared from the Sutherland Shire in early 1980 at just sixteen. When she was hanging around the area in the late 1970s, she had scores of friends. The podcast is a great opportunity to help jog people’s memories. It’s early days, but new details have already surfaced,” Kachor shares.

True crime podcasts have certainly made an impact in the

search for long-term missing people. Perhaps most notable to Sydneysiders would be The Australian’s The Teacher’s Pet which investigated the disappearance of Lynette Simms and saw the subsequent trial and imprisonment of her husband, Chris Dawson, who was convicted for her murder in 2022.

When asked what sets her podcast apart from others in the Australian true crime landscape, Kachor has this to say: “I think what makes Out From the Cold: Searching for Elaine stand out is that so much of Helen and Wendy’s story is untold. Even the police did not have a missing persons file in their system.”

For many, Sydney, and particularly the Shire, of the 1970s and 80s conjures up images of an easy-going lifestyle by the beach with children and teenagers roaming freely, visiting friends and local hang-out spots. For those people it was a ‘better’ more ‘simple’ time.

But in 2025 it’s important to put the rose-coloured glasses down and acknowledge that “relaxed” can mean dismissive. For some, those memories are a reminder of a time when missing people, particularly young women, were not taken seriously. Missing teens were often regarded as rebellious runaways or missing women as bored housewives taking up with new partners, leaving behind husbands and children - the same story that was given to explain Lynette Simms’ disappearance from Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 1982.

“For many, Sydney, and particularly the Shire, of the wlifestyle by the beach with children and teenagers roaming freel.”

According to Kachor’s podcast, similar claims were made about Elaine and Kerry - police allegedly dismissed Elaine as a runaway when her father, Clifford, reported her missing to police.

A 2016 New South Wales state coroner’s report found that “That Elaine Johnson and Kerry Anne Joel, who were last seen together in the Cronulla area in 1979 or 1980, on the balance of probabilities are both deceased, having died soon after that sighting.” These findings were made some thirty-six years after the girls were reportedly last seen. When asked about her own theories, Kachor remains cautious. “There are many theories,” she admits. “If I’m honest, having to distill a 45-year search into an eightepisode podcast series was a little daunting. I was fortunate that given this series is about Helen and Wendy’s search, facts always led the way.”

That 45-year search would see Elaine’s family scour different areas of Sydney and New South Wales including

trips taken by Elaine’s parents to Kings Cross, canvassing locals for information about the missing girls.

On October 15 2025, a proposed inquiry into long-term missing people was referred to the NSW parliament. This inquiry would look into the Unsolved Murders and long-term missing persons cases in New South Wales between 1965 and 2010. The parliamentary support was secured by NSW MLC Jeremy Buckingham, as reported by the ABC.

“The proposed inquiry into long-term missing persons cases in NSW is crucial. Cases like Elaine and Kerry’s have remained dormant, in terms of the public consciousness, so knowing that potentially their cases and so many others will be reviewed by a new generation of trained police investigators is heartening.” Kachor says.

Recent speculation has linked the girls’ disappearance to notorious serial killer Ivan Milat. While Kachor acknowledges the connection, she urges restraint.

“It’s little surprise his name has surfaced in connection with Elaine and Kerry. However, for the sake of the families, facts should really be the focus, not speculation and rumour.”

Crimestoppers report that each year, police across Australia receive around 38,000 reports of missing persons. While the majority are located within a short timeframe, approximately 2,600 individuals remain missing for longer than three months.

Kate Kachor has reported on a number of unsolved cold cases, including that of Lois Roberts as detailed in the fourpart online series Dirty Little Secrets. She founded Happy Tuesday Productions in December 2021.

“The more people who know about Elaine and Kerry’s disappearance the more chance of people coming forward with information, so to get listeners to the podcast and share it with family and friends is a great help.

“As we’ve already experienced, even the smallest piece of information can be a huge help. Someone might remember one detail from back in the 1980s and another person could remember a separate piece. But together, it’s a crucial piece of information.”

You can follow Kachor’s investigation into Elaine and Kerry’s disappearance by searching “Out From the Cold: Searching for Elaine” wherever you get your podcasts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

THE SPECTACULAR LA RONDE!

Strut & Fret delivers yet another mind-blowing show featuring

Ia stunning troupe of international stars.

IF you have never seen a Strut & Fret show, then you have never seen just how magnificent humans can be. This company brings together acts from around the world, artists who are at the pinnacle of their craft, performers who can make you gasp, cheer, laugh and even cry.

When creators, Scott Maidment and Sarah Stewart, met some 25 years ago, it was like a collision of two meteors exploding into a supernova (okay, probably not scientifically correct but you get the picture). Combining their talent, energy and limitless imagination, Maidment and Stewart developed conceptual shows melding circus, cabaret, burlesque, comedy and fabulousness, resulting in a unique audience experience.

Strut & Fret have produced shows all over the world, in spiegeltents, theatres, big tops, little tops, festivals — basically anywhere with enough room to swing a gigantic mirror ball.

“ It is sexy, raunchy, amazing, ostentatious, hilarious and spellbinding. ”

In 2023, Strut & Fret took up residence in the newly refurbished The Grand Electric theatre in Surry Hills. Once the HQ for the Australian Railway Union, the building had been repurposed several times as a theatre before sitting abandoned and alone on Cleveland Street for several years.

But Scott Maidment saw its potential and rebuilt it in his image…that is, if his personality was a theatre it would be The Grand Electric: bold, flashy, elegant yet wild.

The interior summons the spirit and design of a classic spiegeltent. The courtyard entry features vintage-themed murals by preeminent artist, Max Elbourne.

The Grand Electric’s grand opening introduced Strut & Fret to a new, appreciative audience with the incredible Blanc de Blanc. The show was so successful it had repeated extended seasons. With follow-ups including Blanc de Blanc: Encore, Limbo, and the irreverent, Titanique, Strut & Fret has gathered a fanbase and reputation for delivering supreme entertainment. Enter, La Ronde.

A varied troupe of extraordinary artists from Australia and across the globe gather onto “the round”, the circular stage in the centre of the room. Here they sing, they swing, they defy gravity and etiquette.

La Ronde captures the essence of Blanc de Blanc and Limbo and distills it into a more refined, parred back, show concentrated onto a central platform.

As in previous shows, La Ronde is about individual fetes of wonder, but also about the synergetic group dynamic that invites the entire audience into a circle of magic and fun.

It is sexy, raunchy, amazing, ostentatious, hilarious and spellbinding.

Emergency Carers

Fostering does not have to be full-time. Make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children in your community.

As a Key Assets Australia emergency carer we’ll provide you with 24/7 support, a dedicated social worker and on-going training. If you’re looking to provide love, safety and care for a child we’d love to hear from you.

WHAT’S ON

SPRING & SUMMER Event Guide

JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL | NOV 10 - NOV 22

Various Venues

SUPERYACHT SATURDAYS

The Jackson, Sydney Harbour Saturday just became spectacular. Step aboard The Jackson for Superyacht Saturdays - Sydney’s best way to celebrate the weekend in style. This season, The Jackson plays host to two signature experiences: the indulgent Bottomless Chandon Harbour Long Lunch and the vibrant Veuve Clicquot in the Sun.

So, whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, planning the ultimate Hen’s, or just celebrating life - make it unforgettable on board The Jackson. Details and tickets: thejackson.com.au

LA RONDE | NOW TILL DEC 21

The Grand Electric, Surry Hills

Step into La Ronde - a daring new experience for the bold and the curious at The Grand Electric. From the creators of Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO, this lavish mix of circus, live music and twisted spectacle blurs boundaries between audience and performer in a glittering, intoxicating celebration of desire. Details and tickets: larondetheshow.com

Get ready to laugh out loud - the Sydney Just For Laughs Festival 2025 is back, bringing world-class comedy to venues across the city. This year’s lineup features international stars like Eddie Izzard, Reggie Watts, John Bishop and Ashley Gavin, alongside local favourites including Demi Lardner, the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, and viral duo We Mean Well. From stand-up and improv to live podcasts and gala shows, there’s something to keep everyone in stitches.

Full program and tickets: justforlaughs.sydney

SYDNEY STREETS (GLEBE) | NOV 15

Glebe Point Rd

Glebe comes alive in a vibrant, car-free celebration of community, culture, and local flavour. Wander the streets for live music, alfresco dining, pop-up markets, and family-friendly activities, all while supporting local businesses.

Details: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/programs/ sydney-streets

PIXIES | NOV 13 - NOV 14

Hordern Pavilion

Alt-rock icons Pixies return to Australia for a massive tour, performing two consecutive nights in each city. The first night will feature their fanfavourite albums Bossanova and Trompe Le Monde in full, followed by a second night of hits spanning their legendary catalogue - plus tracks from their acclaimed new album The Night The Zombies Came. Celebrating 35 years since Doolittle, Pixies continue to prove why they remain one of the most influential bands in modern rock.

Tickets: thehordern.com.au/ event/pixies/

THE FINDERS KEEPERS MARKET | NOV 14 - NOV 16

Carriageworks (245 Wilson St, Eveleigh)

Step into the world of creativity at Finders Keepers Sydney Design Market - returning to Carriageworks from 14–16 November. Browse over 200 stallholders showcasing handmade homewares, slow fashion, art, jewellery, ceramics and more. Enjoy live music, bars, meet local makers and check out the brand-new Dining Room - a perfect cure for your market munchies. There’s also a Low Sensory Hour on Sunday (9–10 am) for a gentler shopping experience. Kids under 13 are free - bring your market crew and support Australia’s designers.

Details and tickets: thefinderskeepers.com/sydneymarkets/

FREEKIN WEEKENDS |SAT & SUN

The Factory Theatre, Marrickville Free live music and free bar credit? Yes, please! The Factory Theatre’s FREEKIN WEEKENDS are your ticket to an epic (and affordable) weekend in Sydney. Throughout daylight saving enjoy free entry, live bands, and a bar credit to spend - when you RSVP. Details: factorytheatre.com.au/freekin-weekends

DOMINIC FIKE |DEC 2 - DEC 3

Hordern Pavilion

Presented by triple j, Dominic Fike returns to Australia for his biggest tour yet, kicking off with this solo headline date in Sydney. This follows the announcement of his new release Rocket Mixtape and new singles “All Hands On Deck,” “Aftermath,” and “Smile.”

Tickets: thehordern.com.au/ event/domfike/

CAROLS AT THE HOUSE SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIR

DEC

12 - 8 PM | DEC 13, 8PM | DEC 14, 2PM

Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs brings festive cheer with its family-friendly Carols at the House at the Sydney Opera House. Conducted by Brett Weymark, the event features singers, musical theatre stars, and an orchestra performing favourites like Joy to the World, Silent Night, and Jingle Bells, plus choral highlights from Bach, Whitacre, Franck, and contemporary Australian composers. Join in the singing or sit back and enjoy this much-loved seasonal tradition that makes Christmas truly magical.

Tickets: sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/events/carolsat-the-house

SF3 FILM FESTIVAL | JAN 23 - JAN 25

Experience the world’s most innovative smartphone film festival — SF3 — where creativity meets the big screen! Join us for three unmissable days of groundbreaking cinema: the Gala Finals Screening & Awards (Jan 23, 8:30pm) and SF3 Kids Screening & Awards (Jan 24, 1:30pm) at the Sydney Opera House, then the SF3 Mini & Feature Film Screening (Jan 25, 1:30pm) at Palace Chauvel Cinema. Bold stories. Limitless imagination. Only at SF3.

THE REVIEW ROOM

SCOTT MAIDMENT and the Strut & Fret team have curated a beautiful selection of theatrical sweets and presented them as delicacies on a plate that is La Ronde. This production feels more intimate and pure in the way it allows the performers to be the central focus.

Intimate yet spectacular, brimming with talent and charisma.

The La Ronde performers have enough personality to fill the spacious theatre tenfold. Expertise, sexiness, humour, and charm are paramount and present in spades. The mood is set with red-hued lighting and a giant mirror ball on stage. Then the spotlight hits powerhouse singer, Geniris (Dominican Republic) who enters like royalty, with a majestic voice to match.

Each act performs twice or more, with comic interludes and songs breaking up the heart-stopping action.

“An exciting and classy show that you’ll want to see with a bunch of friends.”
Three masters come together for Sydney Dance Company’s stunning new triple bill.

CONTINUUM is the perfect title for this trio of works. Rafael Bonachela’s Spell, Tra Mi Dinh’s Somewhere between ten and fourteen, and Stephen Page’s Unungkati Yantatja –one with the other, are each completely distinct pieces, yet there is a flow and feeling of connection between them. First, Spell, which opens auspiciously with a solo dancer and no music. The sole figure moves on the sparse stage, alone and silent before another dancer appears and we

hear the first strains of music. More dancers appear and the music flourishes.

Bonachela’s choreography is elegant and inventive. The dancers move like liquid, acutely in sync with each other, in expressions of phrases that are not definitive but allow the viewer to extrapolate a story. Spell’s costumes, designed by Kelsey Lee, are varied cuts in varied shades of burgundy and maroon. They give unison and individuality all at once.

Next, Dinh’s Somewhere between ten and fourteen bursts forth energetically. Aleisa Jelbart has designed costumes that are somewhat diaphanous but have an urban feel. The dance has discernible narrative beats, moving through dynamic changes in music and movement. It’s exciting and captivating.

The third work is performed after the intermission and takes up the whole second half. Stephen Page’s Unungkati Yantatja – one with the other, is a deeply affecting work, drawing on spirit, land and Indigenous culture. Page collaborated with William Barton, a preeminent player of the Yidaki (didgeridoo of the Yolngu people of North East Arnhem Land), who plays live and sings on stage, accompanied by the strings of the Omega Ensemble. Barton’s voice is robust and soulful, and the sounds he creates with the Yidaki are remarkable in quality and range. A very large, roughly hewn boomerang hangs overhead. The costumes designed by Jennifer Irwin which are as beautiful as they are meaningful; flowing pieces made up of strands of fabric resembling lizard skin. The entire work is utterly engaging, stirring visceral emotions and intelligent contemplation.

Continuum is on now until November 2 �� Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay �� www.sydneydancecompany.com/performance/continuum

TANYA PLIBERSEK

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

Renewable energy

Since 2022, the Albanese Government has approved more than 100 renewable energy projects – enough to power every home in Australia

Australia’s record renewable energy generation means we’re on track to become a renewable energy superpower and includes a plan that empowers local communities

Our Capacity Investment Scheme is supporting 20 projects to deliver reliable, affordable renewable energy and more than $600 million in local community and First Nations benefits.

The projects include energy rebates for locals, financial support for biodiversity and revegetation projects, and partnerships with local TAFEs and schools

Three projects include First Nations revenue sharing agreements, while others have committed to First Nations subcontracting, training and workforce development

Twelve projects include delivery of large-scale batteries, enough to support the peak load of over 2 6 million households for four hours.

Combined, these projects will deliver more than 12,000 construction jobs and over 1,000 long-term maintenance roles during the 20-year life of the assets In total, they will generate enough power for three million additional households by the end of 2030.

Expanding the EV charging network

We’ve delivered more choice of cheaper-to-run electric vehicles and now we’re making it easier to charge in the suburbs and the regions

We’re kickstarting kerbside charging on poles to expand our EV charging network.

The Albanese Government is providing $40 million to help deliver nationwide public kerbside and fast EV charge points as part of its Net Zero Plan

More public charging capacity will support the growing adoption of EVs, especially among Australians without access to off-street parking

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Households and small businesses may be eligible for a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale solar battery

The discount will be based on the solar battery’s usable capacity and will gradually decrease until 2030

From just 17 batteries connected to solar in 2020, the Sydney electorate now has 147 businesses and homes with solar connected to batteries Nationally an additional 80,000 homes got batteries in just the last 2 months

Pay rise for aged care workers

The Albanese Labor Government has delivered a fourth increase in award wages to the dedicated workers who provide aged care services to older Australians

For example, for a registered nurse on the most common pay point it means an extra $60 20 per week When added to our previous increases that nurse will be more than $28,000 a year better off

Enrolled nurses and personal care workers will see similar increases

Bulk billing

GP practices around the country are preparing to sign up to deliver fully bulk billed services

On 1 November 2025 the Albanese Labor Government is rolling out its expanded eligibility for bulk billing incentives and additional incentive payments to GPs so that 9 out of 10 GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030

Baby Priya’s bill

Parents grieving the loss of a child will be able to access their employer-funded paid parental leave entitlements, under our Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Bill 2025

Named after Baby Priya who heartbreakingly died when she was just 42 days old, the Bill makes clear that without an explicit agreement, employer-funded paid parental leave cannot be cancelled when a child is stillborn or dies

This Bill delivers on our commitment to provide certainty for grieving parents in circumstances like those of Priya’s mum whose pre-approved paid parental leave was cancelled after the loss of her child

Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP, ALP, 1a Great Buckingham Street, Redfern NSW 2016

EAT & DRINK

I

Sydney chef, Nelly Robinson, is serving up fast food with a fine dining twist at NEL Restaurant.

IF YOU haven’t yet descended the stairs at 75 Wentworth St into the belly of NEL, you are truly missing out. Affectionately known as ‘The Bunker’, this underground dining room has long been one of Sydney’s most beloved fine-dining destinations. Chef Nelly Robinson, who we interviewed in 2010 Issue #11, has built his reputation on creating boundary-pushing menus that are as theatrical as they are delicious - and his newest concept, Fine Fast Food, is no exception.

The idea is simple but brilliant: take the world’s favourite takeaway classics and elevate them into exuberant finedining creations. The twelve course menu is meticulously crafted, divided into three playful chapters - snacks, mains and the sweet stuff - with each course designed to surprise, delight, and captivate the senses.

From the very first bite, it’s clear you’re in for something special. The Panipuri, a delicate, crisp sphere, arrives with a broth so rich and layered it might have been one of the most memorable spoonfuls of the evening. Later, the Biryani course delivers another broth masterclass — creamy, aromatic, and deeply comforting, with flavours that lingered long after I’d lifted the mug to my lips to savour the last drop. There is also a clever take on the Margarita Pizza that will leave you begging for another slice. As the meal unfolds, the dishes shift in tone, moving from whimsical bites to more substantial, indulgent creations. A standout moment comes in the form of a reimagined cheeseburger. Presented in two acts, the first is a single, bite-sized morsel - small in stature but bursting with the

flavours. The second course reveals butter-soft wagyu beef, paired with all the familiar trimmings of a burger, and executed with finesse and precision only NEL can deliver. It’s clever, nostalgic, and indulgent all at once.

Dessert is where the fun truly peaks. Starting with a seemingly simple glazed donut, but one bite reveals a filling that’s anything but ordinary. Then the grand finale which is delivered right to your table: the NEL Sweet Shop. Diners are invited to choose two indulgent treats to enjoy on the spot or take home in a signature NEL Sweet Shop bag.

The Menu is enhanced further by the wine pairing, with each drop thoughtfully matched and introduced by the attentive floor team. Or, indulge in one of the expertly crafted cocktails; The Spider was a favourite at our table. But it’s not just the food that leaves a lasting impression at NEL. The bunker-esque setting, the sense of theatre in every course, and the sheer imagination behind the menu all combine to make NEL one of Sydney’s most unforgettable degustation experiences. Fine Fast Food is playful, surprising, and exquisitely executed — a testament to Robinson’s knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

NEW CHINESE CLASSES ADDED EARLY LEARNING TO YEAR 3

ENROLLING NOW 2026

At IGS, Unity Through Diversity is our vision for an equitable, inclusive and regenerative world.

Through bilingual learning and a global outlook, we seek to provide a blueprint for a better future.

Early Learning to Year 12

Immersive Language Programs

Ultimo Campus, near Sydney CBD

Unique Music Programs

Diverse STEAM Opportunities

Kangaroo Valley Rural Campus

Careers and University Guidance

Out of School Hours Care

EAT & DRINK

SYour curated guide to the Sydney CBD’s newest bites, brews, and buzzworthy spots, recently opened or opening soon!

SYDNEY’S CBD is once again asserting itself as Sydney’s epicentre for dining, drinks and nightlife. The precinct’s energy is undeniable - where glittering rooftop bars meet cosy laneway wine rooms, and world-class chefs rub shoulders with bold newcomers. From sleek fine-dining experiences to hole-in-the-wall ramen joints, there’s something to discover in every corner. The recent wave of openings reflects a renewed

GRILL AMERICANO

�� No 1 Chifley Square, Sydney

�� Opened: November 2025

A Venetian-style grill house offering a menu inspired by Italian cuisine, featuring high-quality steaks and seafood in a glamorous setting.

confidence in the CBD - a sign that Sydney’s post-work crowds, weekend diners and late-night revellers are well and truly back. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up the most exciting new spots to open their doors this season. Whether you’re planning after-work drinks, a special occasion dinner, or a night out that stretches into the early hours, these venues promise something for every mood and moment.

GRANDFATHER’S RESTAURANT

�� Cnr Pitt St & Angel Pl, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: August 2025

LEE HO FOOK

�� Porter House Precinct, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: September 2025

Chef Victor Liong’s renowned Melbourne restaurant expands to Sydney, offering reimagined ChineseAustralian dishes with a focus on premium Australian seafood and beef.

A moody, retro-style Chinese restaurant serving dishes from Guangdong and Sichuan regions, including Peking duck, prawn toast, and seafood specialties. The venue offers a late-night supper service and a creative cocktail list, making it a perfect spot for evening dining.

ROVOLLO RESTAURANT & WINE ROOM

�� 25 Martin Place, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: July 2025

Bringing the best of Italian cuisine to the Sydney CBD, Rovollo Restaurant and Wine Room combines the charm of old-world hospitality with modern-day opulence and theatre. Indulge in a seasonal menu featuring handmade pastas, premium steaks, and fresh seafood, with an extensive wine list to match.

24

YORK

�� 24 York St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: July 2025

A bold concept focusing solely on steak frites, 24 York serves a 220g MB2+ scotch fillet with fries and your choice of sauce for $48, inspired by Parisian bistros.

LOULOU BISTRO

�� 1 Elizabeth St, Martin Place

�� Opened: July 2025

Open from breakfast through to dinner, Loulou serves up a Parisian-inspired menu featuring classics like croissants, steak frites, and escargot, all served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

�� 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

�� Opened: June 2025

Akti, meaning "coast" in Greek, offers a modern take on Greek cuisine, featuring a menu crafted by Athens-based chef Ntinos Fotinakis, and dishes like charcoal-grilled kontosouvli skewers, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and sizzling saganaki. The interior boasts a feminine palette with coastal accents, and the alfresco terrace evokes the ambiance of a European beach club.

SHABUWAY

�� 1 Dixon St, Haymarket

�� Opened: June 2025

ETTE

�� 10 Bridge St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: July 2025

A brand new ‘fast’ fine-dining experience, delivering highquality dishes with precision and speed, ideal for those seeking gourmet meals on a tight schedule.

GINA PASTA BAR

�� 11/33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

�� Opened: July 2025

If you’re looking for sun-soaked Amalfi vibes, Gina is the spot for you! With a 170-seat waterfront setting, the menu features seasonal antipasti, premium cuts, and a rotating lineup of hand-rolled pastas. There’s also an extensive wine list featuring both Italian and Australian wines, spritzes, and signature cocktails.

KAHII AFTER DARK

�� 364 Kent St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: July 2025

A hidden gem offering a unique blend of tea and coffeebased cocktails, providing a cozy atmosphere for late-night gatherings.

TIVA

�� King St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: July 2025

Sydney’s first fully self-service,all-you-can-eat Japanese hot pot buffet with yin-yang hot pots that allow diners to

CONTE NEGRONI BAR

�� 151 Clarence St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: April 2025

A basement lounge offering a chic setting for cocktails and light bites, perfect for evening relaxation.

THE CHARLES GRAND BRASSERIE & BAR

�� King St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: July 2025

A two-in-one venue featuring a grand brasserie and a sophisticated bar, offering a diverse menu and an extensive drink selection.

A world first bar, completely dedicated to the Negronie, Conte combines classic Italian cuisine with expertly crafted Negronis in a stylish, multi-level setting.

ROCKPOOL LOUNGE

�� L1, 66 Hunter St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: April 2025

Situated above Rockpool Bar & Grill, this sophisticated lounge offers refined cocktails and South Americaninspired bites in an intimate setting.

THE MALAYA

�� Grosvenor Pl/George St, Sydney CBD

�� Opened: April 2025

The iconic Malaysian restaurant returns to the CBD, serving classic dishes like laksa and rendang in a sleek, contemporary space.

LEARN

With: Shauna Colnan, Principal of International Grammar School Sydney

NAME: Shauna Colnan

OCCUPATION: International Grammar School Principal

3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY? Diverse. Rewarding. Inspiring.

HSOMETHING PEOPLE WOULDN’T EXPECT? No two days are ever the same.

HAVE you ever wondered what it’s like to be a school Principal? For Shauna Colnan, leading the International Grammar School is a day-to-day adventure filled with surprises, challenges and moments that make it all worthwhile. From greeting enthusiastic students at the gate to teaching Year 12 English and steering exciting school projects, Shauna’s days are diverse, rewarding and truly inspiring.

6.00am – Wake up, have breakfast and listen to ABC Radio National for a head start on what’s happening in the world; by 7am I’m on the road, heading to work.

8.00am – I love greeting students at the gate, in the corridors and around the campus. Since the school opened

in 1984, our students have rushed in, enthusiastic about their day. I love that this still happens, and always love to be a part of it!

09.00am – My Assistant Jenny and I review the day and the week ahead so that we’re ready for assemblies, concerts, presentations, visitors and other meetings. I then dedicate time to correspondence and emails, to ‘clear the decks’ so I can engage with all the decisions and opportunities that come with leading a busy school. Visits from students are among my favourite surprises.

10.00am – Morning tea time: this is spent with colleagues. Sometimes in staff meetings, where we drive excellence in teaching and learning, other times, just taking a seat for an impromptu chat. Our multilingual community is rich with ideas and opportunities.

12:00pm – Lunchtime: my favourite kind of lunch is catching up with students, finding out how they’re going, hearing about their ideas and plans for the future. IGS kids are a creative and curious bunch and I never cease to be amazed at their ideas. Our job is to nurture them as we pave their way to becoming courageous, altruistic and adaptable students, whether in Early Learning, Year 12, or anywhere in between.

2:00pm – Throughout the day, I work with colleagues, students, parents, the Board, architects, project managers, suppliers and so many more individuals across our diverse community. We always have projects on the go and it’s exciting to collaborate with so many people to deliver the best educational outcomes we can. Not only for the benefit of our students, but the wider community. Among other goals, we are optimising our technologies, increasing sustainable practices, improving our campus grounds and expanding opportunities for our students inside and beyond the campus.

4.00pm – I am so glad to still be teaching, as I see one of the roles of the Principal as being Head Teacher. It’s important to roll up your sleeves and engage in the fundamental joys and challenges of the classroom. As one of the IGS Year 12 English Extension 2 teachers, I treasure the opportunity to supervise and support senior students as they create their original major works. Class often goes till 5pm as we explore literature and words and how to craft a narrative most effectively.

6:00pm – The Principal’s job often spans meetings and events that go on into the evening. On quieter nights, I head home and share the day’s events with my husband, Michael. We enjoy long walks in the neighbourhood or along the beach to unwind and recharge. Friday night is always family dinner in the Inner West.

10:00pm – In bed by 10pm. That’s the goal! Whether it’s sharing a laugh with students, collaborating on innovative projects, or unwinding with her family on a long walk, Shauna’s role as Principal is as much about inspiration as it is about leadership, a window into a world where every day brings something new.

We never forget the pets who share our lives and give us their unconditional love. The bond we share with them, and the love we feel, is like no other. Including a gift in your Will to RSPCA NSW allows you to give back and say thank you to the special pets who enrich your life. Find out how your love for all animals can live on through a gift in your Will to RSPCA NSW. Visit rspcansw.org/wills or call 02 9782 4419.

PUZZLES

Mov’In Bed is an outdoor cinema located on a _____.

This is used to capture films for SF3.

The Finders Keepers Markets are back in November - where?

Mov’In Bed features Australia’s largest outdoor what?

Bold new production mixing circus, music, and spectacle at The Grand Electric

Alt-rock band performing Bossanova and Trompe Le Monde at Hordern Pavilion.

Reggie Watts’ live performances are famously this, with no script or set list.

Star Wars spin-off series Reggie Watts praised as a “perfect Fabergé egg of a show.”

Marrickville theatre hosting Just For Laugh’s Aboriginal Comedy Allstars

Hotline used to report information on missing persons in Australia.

A standout two-part main course from the Fine, Fast, Food menu.

Across

5. Mov'In Bed is an outdoor cinema located on a

Iconic Sydney harbour venue hosting Just For Laughs and Carols at the House - The _____ House.

6. This is used to capture films for SF3.

11 The Finders Keepers Markets are back in November - where?

First name of missing person investigated in the Out

12. Mov In Bed features Australia's largest outdoor what?

In The Cold podcast.

Steel used to construct the Sydney Harbour Bridge was mainly imported from this country.

16. Reggie Watts’ live performances are famously this, with no script or set list. Down

7. Iconic Sydney harbour venue hosting Just For Laughs and Carols at the House - The House.

Last name of Sydney Harbour Bridge Designer, John F _________.

1. Star Wars spin-off series Reggie Watts praised as a “perfect Fabergé egg of a show.”

8 First name of missing person investigated in the Out In The Cold podcast

Triple J-presented artist performing at Hordern Pavilion in December, Dominic ____.

9. Steel used to construct the Sydney Harbour Bridge was mainly imported from this country

EASY

13. Bold new production mixing circus, music, and spectacle at The Grand Electric.

2. Marrickville theatre hosting Just For Laugh's Aboriginal Comedy Allstars.

3 Hotline used to report information on missing persons in A

NOT EASY

10. Last name of Sydney Harbour Bridge Designer, John F . tist avilion in

Wet Your Whistle - Sydney

The Rawson Establishment Ship Inn

The Ivy Aurora Rooftop

Ship Inn

Civic Hotel Marble Bar

Courtyard

Sussex Hotel

Sweeneys

Courtyard

The

The Morrison

Fortune

Caterpillar Club Cargo Bar

Squire’s

The Ivy

The Glenmore The Palace Cruise Bar

The

Three Wise Monkeys

Aurora Rooftop

The Rook Cabana

Cheers

The

Sweeneys

Sussex Hotel

Royal George Duke of Clarence PJ O'Briens

Shelbourne

The Morrison

The Office Jackons on George El Camino

The Office

Civic Hotel

Fortune of War Squire's Landing

The Rook

Harbour View Glenmore

Jackons

The Orient

Opera Bar

Harbour View

Shelbourne

Glenmore

The Aussie

Opera

The Argyle

EDUCATION

INTERNATIONAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL SYDNEY

A unique independent, coeducational, secular school offering quality teaching for early learning, primary and high school students through to Year 12. IGS opened its doors in 1984 with a unique vision to provide its students with a globally-focused bilingual education, rich in the study of music and the arts

4-8 Kelly St, Ultimo - 9219 6700

A leading national university known for its personalised approach to education and strong community values.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s Broadway precinct, Notre Dame offers a vibrant campus life and a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across health, arts, business, law, and education. Discover everything the university has to offer at their upcoming Open Day on Saturday 30 August — a great opportunity to explore the campus and meet staff and students.

128/140 Broadway, Chippendale | (02) 8204 4400 Notredame.edu.au

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SENSE OF POWER PILATES

Sense of Power Pilates is a sanctuary for movement, offering personalised sessions led by highly qualified instructors who tailor every exercise to your individual goals. Known for its welcoming environment and client-focused approach, Sense of Power Pilates empowers individuals to move freely, confidently, and live to their fullest potential. Catering to clients from teens to seniors, including those managing injuries or conditions like MS, Parkinson’s, and scoliosis, as well as athletes and dancers seeking to enhance their performance. Whether new to Pilates or experienced, all clients are supported in their journey toward strength, balance, and well-being.

Suite 4, 181 Harris St, Pyrmont | 0409 722 018 Senseofpowerpilates.com

STUDIO PILATES

Offering high-energy 40 minute reformer classes, Studio Pilates delivers an exceptional workout, every time. The scientifically-based total body workouts, precisely sequenced by physiotherapists, deliver the results you want, fast! Work the body on all planes of movement - sitting, lying and standing - so that muscles are worked from many different directions, boosting the metabolism and producing a total body sculpting transformation: long, lean muscles and flexibility, dramatically flattened abs, increased muscle strength and tone, and improved body mechanics. Classes are suitable for everyone no matter your level of expertise

Level 2, 93 Bathurst St, Sydney | 0488 795 588 studiopilates.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ACON

NSW’s leading health promotion organisation specialising in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for sexuality and gender diverse people. Established in 1985, we’re here to provide support and resources for LGBTQ people in relation to HIV prevention and support, mental health, ageing, alcohol and other drugs, safety and inclusion, domestic and family violence, LGBTQ+ women’s health, cancer screening and prevention, and trans and gender diverse health.

02 9206 2000 | acon.org.au

CURE CANCER

A dedicated charity that funds early-career cancer researchers who are working across all cancers and all areas of cancer research. Over the past 54 years, Cure Cancer has raised $75.7m to support over 534 lifesaving research grants across all cancer types.

Keep up to date or make a donation at

SHOP

BYFREER

Founded in Sydney in 2014, byfreer. blends fashion and environmental responsibility with an elegant, local touch. Under the direction of designer Lesley Watson, the boutique offers timeless, feminine pieces crafted in luxurious fabrics and made locally with care. “I design for like-minded people who love fashion while caring about our impact on earth,” says Watson, whose sustainable ethos shines through every collection.

Shop 2, 14 Orwell St, Potts Point | 0419 983 286 byfreer.com

PETS

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY VET

Offering 24 Hour Emergency Care) - Acclaimed internationally for its exceptional health, care and welfare of animals. It is a general practice veterinary clinic, a referral centre for other vets to send complex cases and a teaching hospital for veterinary science students to learn the practical components of the veterinary profession.

65 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown - 9351 3437

THE WILD VET

Run by Dr Emma Hall, also known as ‘The Wild Vet’, this practice is experienced and equipped to deal with an extensive range of species. In addition to dogs and cats, they have a special focus on birds, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, and other pocket pets. They work with state of the art diagnostic, laboratory, surgical and clinical settings enabling them to provide the highest standard of care for your pet - every time. 22a Bridge Rd, Glebe - 1300 945 383

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA

KEY ASSETS

Founded in Australia in 2007, Key Assets has grown to be one of Australia’s leading non-government children and family services providers. Have you ever considered Foster Care? Key Assets will work with you to make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children in your community. If you can provide love, safety and care for a child we’d love to hear from you Keyassets.org.au | 1800 932 273

Led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Sydney Dance Company has become one of the world’s strongest forces in contemporary dance. Beyond performances both nationally and internationally, we offer the largest public dance class program in Australia and exceptional training opportunities for aspiring young dancers 15 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay Arts Precinctsydneydancecompany.com

PAPA GEDES BAR

A cosy cocktail bar hidden in the heritage-listed backstreets of the CBD, Papa Gede’s is friendly and unique. Dedicated to the spirit of lust and laughter, and specialising in fiery zombies, absinthes and many other concoctions, the team will get you grinning, whether you’re travelling solo, or with a group.

the Laneway at

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY

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