Neighbourhood Media Marrickville Magazine | April 2024

Jazz & Soul fusion Restaurant/Bar

Serving up some of the best food and cocktails in Marrickville, with a side of Live Music Wednesday to Sunday. This gorgeous duo-level venue is perfect for a date night, to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion.

HISTORY

Thomas Holt and The Warren Hotel

HUMANS OF 2204

Meet Rueben Boughtwood

WE are back with our first issue for the year. Learn more about Thomas Holt & The Warren Hotel, first built in 1857. Meet local artist, Reuben Boughtwood, the genius behind our incredible front cover. We also caught up with head brewer Brayden, whose journey has taken him overseas and back again.

We meet the team cleaning up the Cooks River, and chat to Rosanna Barbero, CEO at Addi Road Community Centre. There’s a What’s on Guide, News from Inner West Drama, and we caught up with local business Luminous Body.

We answer the million dollar question - who does the best pork roll in Marrickville? There’s Pets of 2204, Puzzles, and the Local Directory. Enjoy!

The Neighbourhood Media Team

COMMUNITY

Brayden Lew, Head Brewer at Wildflower Brewing

COMMUNITY

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media

DESIGNER - Robert Everett

Cleaning up Cooks River with the Mudcrabs

Our chat with Rosanna Barbero, CEO at Addi Rd

ARTS

Budding Thespian? Learn More About Inner West Drama

HEALTH

Luminous Body - Helping You Glow From the Inside Out

HUMANS OF 2204 EAT

Marrickville’s Best Pork Roll

CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney May, Adeline Teoh, Alec Smart, Rob Everett

COVER IMAGE ARTIST: Alec Smart

ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

PETS

Meet our Pets of 2204

PUZZLE

Can you Solve It?

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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

HISTORY

By Matt Murphy

AThomas Holt was born in England in 1811 and entered his family’s wool merchant business upon leaving school. Knowing that the wool industry was booming in New South Wales, in 1842 he migrated with his wife and young family to Sydney and soon became a wealthy businessman investing in this prosperous trade.

Thomas Holt was born in England in 1811 and entered his family’s wool merchant business upon leaving school. Knowing that the wool industry was booming in New South Wales, in 1842 he migrated with his wife and young family to Sydney and soon became a wealthy businessman investing in this prosperous trade.

APART from wool, he invested in gold mines, insurance, railways and trams. He was made a magistrate and also a director of a bank. He also became a politician and in 1856, when New South Wales formed its first government, he became the colony’s first treasurer.

By 1880, he owned over 1.2 million acres of farmlandan area the size of greater Sydney. Much of this was in northern New South Wales and Queensland. He also owned a property that he called ‘Sylvania’ - the land on the southern side of Botany Bay where Captain Cook first set foot on the continent.

An obelisk Holt erected on the shore at Kurnell to commemorate this event is still in place. Here he started an oyster farm, although it proved unsuccessful. Due to his business interests elsewhere, he seldom saw these expansive properties. The property he lived in was in south Newtown, known as Camdenvilla, and his ‘pleasure estate’, Another, The Warren, was in present day south Marrickville.

The Warren was a castellated gothic mansion designed by architect George Mansfield and built in 1857. Holt named it owing to the amounts of rabbits he imported to roam the area for hunting. Although he wasn’t the first to introduce rabbits to Australia (that was in Victoria in 1859), he was the first in New South Wales, doing so a year later.

He also imported alpacas and peacocks to roam his property and had large aviaries of parrots and other exotic birds. The property also boasted stables made of stone,

impressive, landscaped garden of sculptures, topiary and watercourses, all overlooking the Cooks River. The inside of the building was similarly adorned with statues, murals and paintings. The property also boasted a Turkish bath house.

The Warren was certainly a landmark building. The Warren View Hotel in Enmore was named due to the impressive view it had.

Holt returned to England in 1881 and dedicated the rest of his life to helping London’s poor and working for the Salvation Army. He died in 1888.

The Warren estate was then subdivided and the Carmelite nuns used the main building as a convent until they were evicted for outstanding debts in 1903. The empty building then fell into disrepair and was fenced off for many years. At the start of World War 1, although the building itself was condemned, the grounds were used as an artillery training range.

In 1919, at the end of the war, the building was condemned by the government and in 1922 the once-grand building was demolished. The land was then used to build a housing estate for returned soldiers.

The location of the building at the centre of the estate was on the aptly named Mansion Street, opposite the corner of Day Street. The only part of the estate that remains are the magnificent gate posts that sat each side of the imposing entrance. They were relocated in 1968 to Peace Park, a few hundred metres from where they first stood.

“The Warren was a castellated gothic mansion designed by architect George Mansfield and built in 1857. Holt named it owing to the amounts of rabbits he imported to roam the area for hunting.”

HUMANS OF 2204

By Lucy Pearson

GIt was in the eerie depths of winter 2021 that artist Shelley Watters conceived of Surveillance, a series of photographs taken in and around Marrickville during lockdown (“the Delta variant,” she prompts). Walking around the empty streets late at night, Watters mulled over the concept of privilege, art and the nature of confinement.

GROWING up in New Zealand, in a bustling family of five children, artist Reuben Boughtwood – when left to his own devices - often found himself exploring and creating his own worlds. Those were simpler times – there no internet distractions, just the freedom of playing outdoors and letting imagination run wild. This independent spirit led him to develop a deep love for art from a young age. Now settled in Sydney’s innerwest – a place whose vibrant community and support have been instrumental in his artistic journey - we caught up with Reuben to find out a bit more about how art has shaped his life, and how he found himself living in Marrickville.

“My earliest memories of art are filled with halffinished projects and sketches. While I often began

with grand plans to study animals or interesting topics, I would usually find myself absorbed in the act of drawing or painting, losing track of time. This introverted nature became even more pronounced after a serious shoulder injury at age 17. During the six months I spent recovering at home, art became my sanctuary. It was during this period that I truly committed myself to the craft.”

Art, for Reuben, has been a constantly evolving journey, “while my style has undergone transformations over the years, it currently blends elements of realism and surrealism. My work often serves as a reflection of my life’s experiences, with emotions and events seeping into each piece. Looking back, I often recognize these themes only after the fact.”

Throughout his career, he’s had the privilege of working on numerous projects that he’s immensely proud of, and explained that one highlight was creating murals for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The opportunity to meet patients’ families and interpret their stories into art was incredibly rewarding.”

He moved to Australia over a decade ago with his wife, and - after trying various jobs - discovered his passion for wall painting during an aerosol company-sponsored festival. From that moment onwards, he knew that this was what he wanted to pursue professionally. He says of Marrickville, “I love the inner-west! It has such a forward-thinking approach to public art and culture, which is really reflected in the people who live there. People are always excited to see you out painting and to speak with you.” He also explains that one of the area’s main allures is that the inner-west council funds “more public art than any place I’ve seen round the world. They have several different programs that support Artists and commission works.”

Reuben says that he finds inspiration everywhere,

“while social media, particularly Instagram, serves as a contemporary source of inspiration, I draw inspiration from a myriad of places. Films, natural patterns in stone, and other artists like Vesod, Case McClaim, Adnate, and Fintan Magee, among many others, inspire me daily.”

Like many artists, Rueben’s goals for the future are constantly evolving, but painting a silo remains a dream project. “I’m eager to delve into smaller communities and create art that resonates with their stories and culture.” And while he says that the hardest thing about being an artist is wearing so many hats when working for yourself, he explains that getting to paint every day never feels like work.

As for the future, it’s simple – Reuben wants to continue painting. With several large-scale projects on the horizon, including a trip to Griffith for a 12day painting session, he’s excited about what lies ahead. “I cherish commissions that allow me to explore my conceptual ideas and incorporate my own photographs,” he says.

COMMUNITY

By Izzy Edwards

The Mudcrabs began as a small community river clean-up group in 2004, and has now grown into a massive collective of over 530 passionate volunteers. We caught up with long-time Mudcrab Peter Munro to learn more.

MMANY locals will recognise The Mudcrabs from their scurrying around on the Cooks River foreshore, performing important river clean-ups and environmental surveys. You might even recognise their logo and t-shirts, which have become quite a local icon.

For those not in the know, the return of actual mudcrabs (as in the small marine creatures) to the Cooks River is a sign of ecological improvement in the area and their namesake is certainly living up to the claim. Their work includes removal of garbage and weeds from the Cooks River and the planting of restorative native trees and shrubs at bush restoration sites.

“The Mudcrabs have removed tens of thousands of bags of litter from the Cooks River and have established 13 bush regeneration sites along the river that are maintained at monthly working bees,” Peter told Neighbourhood Media. “We have planted and nurtured thousands of native plants into the riparian zone of the river.”

This includes sites around the Inner West, such as Marrickville Golf Club and the Thornley St Children’s Garden.

The Mudcrabs have received support for their work from local councils, including Canterbury-Bankstown Council (pre and post amalgamation) and the Inner West Council, by way of providing equipment and funds for morning tea and t-shirts.

But the most encouraging support has been from the local communities, living along the river.

“The community response has been fantastic,” Peter said. “We have an active group of volunteers that work at the various bushcare sites every month and many Mudcrabs who focus their energy on removing litter from the River.”

Local Businesses have even backed the cause with The

Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre hosting the Marrickville Mudcrab Raffle on Wednesday nights, where locals can win prizes like meat and prawn trays with the funds being donated to The Mudcrabs.

But it’s not just rubbish removal and bushcare for the Mudcrabs; thanks to their growing list of volunteers, the group has been able to broaden their ecological research in the area.

“We also run a bird survey every month,” Peter revealed, “and we’ve built up 5 years of valuable data about bird numbers and habitat.” The data collected by the Mudcrabs will help monitor bird health and populations in the area, all important factors to improving the Cooks River ecosystem.

At their heart, The Mudcrabs are a grassroots environmental group passionate about cleaning up Cooks River, a notion that benefits everyone in our local communities and greater Sydney. This incredible organisation will be celebrating their 20th anniversary later this year, with a booklet to be released documenting their fantastic work in the Cooks River area over the last two decades.

To get involved with The Mudcrabs head to their website: mudcrabs.net.au and click the “Subscribe” to join their email list, or simply choose an event on their event calendar and turn-up! No need to RSVP. You can also keep up-to-date with what The Mudcrabs are up to by following their socials @the.mudcrabs on Instagram and “The Mudcrabs” on Facebook.

“The community response has been fantastic,” Peter said. “We have an active group of volunteers that work at the various bushcare sites every month and many Mudcrabs who focus their energy on removing litter from the River.”

COMMUNITY

RROSANNA BARBERO

Addi Rd CEO: 2024 NSW Human Rights Medal winner

By Alec Smart

Rosanna Barbero is the Chief Executive Officer of Addison Road Communit y Organisation (Addi Road) in Marrickville. Based in a former military barracks, Addi Road facilitates a number of human rights and community organisations and hosts cultural gatherings, film nights, youth live music events, a public schools arts program and an annual writers festival. In addition they provide food relief and support for the disadvantaged and those escaping domestic violence.

Rosanna Barbero is the Chief Executive Officer of Addison Road Communit y Organisation (Addi Road) in Marrickville. Based in a former military barracks, Addi Road facilitates a number of human rights and community organisations and hosts cultural gatherings, film nights, youth live music events, a public schools arts program and an annual writers festival. In addition they provide food relief and support for the disadvantaged and those escaping domestic violence.

ROSANNA, a veteran activist and campaigner who for years worked for international aid agencies, is also the winner of the 2024 NSW Human Rights Medal. The medal, overseen by Multicultural NSW, recognises an individual who has made a lasting and meaningful contribution to advancing human rights in NSW.

Rosanna, the daughter of Italian immigrants – her father is from Asti in Piedmont, her mother from Salerno in Campania – also speaks three languages.

Prior to taking on administration of Addi Road, she worked in international welfare and aid distribution and travelled globally on a variety of campaigns. During that time she was based in Cambodia, where she founded the Womyn’s Agenda for Change (WAC) and the Women’s Network for Unity (WNU).

How did she go about establishing these campaign groups?

“I started the Womyns Agenda for Change, a regional feminist Aid Agency, after working for International Aid agencies and seeing the gaps. Until then the approach was very neo-imperialist, always making the local feel they did not have the capacity and that the ‘white man’ needed to be there always to teach them in the ways of the west.”

She continued, “Our agenda was to build women’s democratic movements that could critique, analyse and understand the dangers of World Bank and IMF policies that imposed neo-liberal economics on impoverished nations.

“Furthermore, it was critical that NGO’s that received

funds from western governments were not working in their service but rather for the interests of their people.”

Another area of interest for Rosanna was empowering sex workers in Cambodia, whom had little rights in a country still recovering from decades of political and social turmoil, including the genocidal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge.

“Sex workers want their human rights and labour rights respected,” Rosanna insisted. “They reject the argument that if you ban sex work it makes sex workers safe, it puts them into further danger. Instead, they campaign for decriminalisation of sex work and putting the power in their hands.

“Put simply just because the carpet making industry is exploitative to child labour it does not mean you abolish the carpet industry.”

Rosanna was also behind the Racism Not Welcome Here signs that have popped-up around Sydney and further afield.

“All 537 councils in Australia voted to adopt the campaign in 2021 at the annual meeting,” she revealed. “However, to date only around 40 have installed the signs. They are very effective and start conversations. Australia is a racist country with a racist past and to mature and create a better society we must have these conversations and, as the Aboriginal people say, ‘truth telling’.”

What is Addi Road?

“Addi Road inherited a stunning but not always easy to

manage 9-acre site that is heritage listed, full of old (and not especially hardy) buildings that were built way back when the place was used an Australian Army facility in World War One,” Rosanna explained.

“It’s a rabbit warren of creative and community organisations and amazing individuals,” she revealed, “their work and activities are supported by us through subsidised rents.

“The 9-acre grounds all include green areas, community gardens and 170 trees. We’re a park and a green space where people come to picnic and sustain themselves and use the space in an open community way. It’s a massive task to manage while we engage with all our programs…”

“Programs range from our highly visible Addi Road Food Pantry, a low-cost food-rescue grocery service, to the annual Public Schools Arts Festival held in our StirrUp Gallery, to Community.a.Fair, that connects individuals with local services….”

The Addi Road Pantry (plus another in Camperdown) retails nutritious ready-meals and ingredients at a discount, which for many was an essential lifeline during the 2020 social lockdowns to combat the Coronavirus Pandemic.

What changes has she seen and helped implement at Addi Rd under her direction as CEO?

“Restoring it back to its purpose,” she considered, “which is to provide community development and sustainable environmental programs that are relevant and serve the needs of the community…

“Albo [Prime Minister Anthony Albanese] has described us as ‘the heart of the inner west’ a few times. It’s a good description. We keep everything alive and moving.”

HEALTH

FFOUNDED by practitioners Jaxson and Hilary – who have over two decades of combined experience in health and wellness - they recognised a gap in traditional healthcare: a lack of consideration for the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. Thus, Luminous Body was born, with a mission to provide comprehensive, multifaceted care that addresses the root causes of symptoms in both the body and the mind.

“At Luminous Body, we delve into the complete health story of each individual,” explains Jaxson, a seasoned chiropractor and kinesiologist. “We believe that true healing begins when we understand the interplay between physical, biochemical, and emotional factors.”

Their approach is as dynamic as it is effective, incorporating a diverse range of modalities such as applied kinesiology, neuro emotional technique, massage therapy, naturopathy, and psychotherapy. Each modality complements the others, forming a cohesive treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of every client.

“We’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in our clients,” says Hilary. “Many have sought relief from chronic conditions and through our specialised protocols, we help individuals heal from trauma, both physical and emotional, unlocking their innate capacity for growth and resilience.”

Central to Luminous Body’s ethos is inclusivity and accessibility. Jaxson, a proud transgender man, and Hilary, a member of the LGBTQIA community, are committed to creating a safe space where all individuals feel welcomed. Their team undergoes regular training in trauma-informed and gender-affirming care, ensuring that every visitor feels respected and supported.

“Our goal is to empower individuals to reclaim their health and vitality,” affirms Jaxson. “We’ve seen firsthand the profound impact of holistic healing - not just alleviating symptoms but restoring a sense of wholeness and connection to oneself.”

Nestled in the heart of Marrickville, you’ll find Luminous Body, and it’s much more than just a clinic, it’s a centre of holistic care.

The success stories at Luminous Body are plentiful. Clients who have exhausted every avenue of treatment find relief and renewal after just a few sessions. But beyond physical healing, they report feeling more grounded, motivated, and connected—a testament to the transformative power of the holistic care on offer at Luminous Body.

Looking ahead, Jaxson and Hilary remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence. They plan on continuing to expand their expertise, with a focus on specialized care for pregnancy, trauma, neurodevelopment, and personal growth. Additionally, they offer workshops and seminars, providing opportunities for deeper healing and selfdiscovery within the community.

As you step into Luminous Body, you’re not just entering a clinic; you’re embarking on a journey of holistic wellness and self-discovery. Join Luminous Body and begin your journey of illuminating your path to vibrant health and vitality. (02) 8094 9992 luminousbody.co

WHAT’S ON IN MARRICKVILLE ARTS

Looking to let your hair down and take your dancing shoes for a spin? We’ve got you covered.

COCK | May 8 - 18

Flight Path Theatre | Addison Rd Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville

When John takes a break from his boyfriend he accidentally meets the girl of his dreams. Filled with guilt and indecision he decides there is only one way to straighten this out…. Mike Bartlett’s metrosexual play about love and longing provides us a blueprint of who we are and who we want to be. John’s refusal to fix his identity disturbs and disrupts the lives of those around him in this contemporary tale of sex without nudity and struggle without violence.

“A

journalist is a cross between a bootlegger and a whore.”

THE FRONT PAGE | April 23 - May 18

New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown

by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur

Adapted by Nicholas Papademetriou

Late at night, in the crowded press room at Chicago’s Criminal Courts, a group of reporters is waiting to cover a controversial execution the next morning. Then an unexpected event breaks through the banter and bravura, the cynicism and ennui, and suddenly a scoop is on the cards.

This landmark comedy from 1928 introduced the nowfamiliar trope of the hard-living, hard-drinking reporter determined to get to the truth at any cost. Though computers have replaced typewriters, and the internet has changed the way news is reported, this satire on systemic corruption, manipulation and scandal in politics, journalism and justice still hits a nerve. The plot twists and turns as much as its the ethically elastic characters, and the laugh-a-minute, rapidpaced script will get the adrenaline rushing.

“One of the funniest and most exciting of American plays” New York Times

MARRICKVILLE PAUSE FESTIVAL | May 5

Gerald Street, Marrickville 185 Marrickville Rd

Head down to the Marrickville Pause festival to experience a street full of music and art! The festival will be taking over Gerald Street in Marrickville and featuring a lineup of local bands on an outdoor stage (full lineup TBA soon). Explore a pop-up gallery to discover upcoming artists, get hands-on and print your own tote bag with Carizza Designs, which you can take home! Save the date and get involved in your local arts and music community, and stay tuned on the instagram page for announcements closer to the date. Marrickville Pause is a free, inclusive and all-ages event. Please email marrickvillepause@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.

| May 12, 2024

After his sold out event last year, internationally acclaimed and one of Australia’s most recognised celebrity chefs, Nelly Robinson (NEL) is back on board The Jackson for one night only! Nelly will take over The Jackson’s kitchen this June (Saturday 8th) for what is shaping up to be THE most colourful culinary experiences of Vivid. Included in your exclusive ticket ($325pp) is up to 4 hours cruising one of the best vantage points of Vivid Lights in all of Sydney, from the Harbour, a bespoke 6-course menu curated by Nelly Robinson, free flowing bubbles upon arrival for the first hour and live entertainment. To enhance this culinary experience, we recommend adding a Tyrrell’s Wine Experience for just $65pp, to further enhance the overall flavours and experience. At the completion of this experience, The Jackson will return guests for disembarkment to King St Wharf (right in front of Bungalow 8) where guests can keep the celebratory spirit alive and explore the buzzing precinct of Barangaroo. Don’t miss the boat on this incredible opportunity!

NEL Chef is back onboard The Jackson for an unmissable, 6-course, ‘colourful’ culinary indulgence for 2024 VIVID Sydney. Book tickets online - thejackson.com.au/ticketed-events/ chefs-on-the-harbour-vivid-sydney

COCK

Wed May 8 2024 - Sat May 18 2024

When John takes a break from his boyfriend he accidentally meets the girl of his dreams. Filled with guilt & indecision he decides there is only one way to straighten this out...

DEATH IN THE PANTHEON

Thu June 13 2024 - Sat June 22 2024

When one of the Greek gods is murdered Athena must play detective & solve the mystery before the family tears itself apart.

FIn 2013, the vibrant drama scene of Sydney’s Inner West welcomed a new player, Inner West Drama.

FOUNDED by Siobhan Lawless and Kate Bookallil, both seasoned actors with decades industry experience, the Inner West Drama emerged from a shared vision to combine a passion for storytelling with the demands of parenthood. The School started with one class at the primary school their children attended, and has since grown to run regular lessons in six different locations around the Inner West.

Inner West Drama pride themselves on creating an environment that’s supportive, playful and inspiring. Founder, Kate, explains:

“We use positive approaches that are designed to relax, delight, encourage, instruct, and stimulate our students. We teach everything from improvisation skills, to characterisation, script analysis, team building, devising a play, stagecraft and empathy. Our aim is to empower people through performance skills and drama games.”

The School offers a comprehensive curriculum catering to students of all ages and experience levels. Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of performance or an adult looking to explore their creative side, the school provides a welcoming space for all.

Nurturing community is paramount at Inner West Drama. For locals curious about drama classes, there’s an invitation to experience the magic firsthand with a trial class. The School ensures everyone has the chance to explore their potential without the financial constraints - especially in this climate.

“We love locals and are very happy for people to come along for a trial class! We know how daunting it can be to try something new, so we actively encourage everyone to

come along for a trial if they’re feeling unsure. And please reach out if you are keen to join us and really can’t afford it.”

Through a range of classes tailored to different age groups, the school encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the thrill of performance.

The adults’ classes, divided into Act I, II, III, and IV, serve as a testament to the school’s inclusive approach, where participants are encouraged to embrace their creativity without the pressure of stardom. “Our adult classes are targeted to people who want to be brave and have a go, but don’t have plans to break Hollywood one day... although, who knows?!

Inner West Drama is also fortunate to be the resident company at Flight Path Theatre in Marrickville, this offers students ample opportunities to showcase their talents on stage. From casual performances in class to larger productions, the school provides a platform for students to shine and pursue their dreams beyond the classroom. The school hosts yearly ‘Show Offs’ for kids, teens perform twice a year and adults perform at the end of every ten week term. The kids’ classes also make room for a bit of a casual performance at the end of every class. In the school holidays, there’s a week-long programme at Flight Path Theatre, during which the kids perform on the Friday afternoon.

Interested in a trial class? Reach out to secure your spot today0419 405 659

EAT/DRINK

Marrickville is known for many things... breweries, live music and the mighty Vietnamese Bánh Mì, aka, Pork Rolls.

LLET’S be honest, when it comes to pork rolls it comes down to three main metrics:

1. Cost

2. Crunch

3. Filling

We’ve unearthed Marrickville’s best Pork Roll spots and hit the ground running, literally! If you’re looking to tantalise your taste buds and indulge in a pork roll, here’s where you should go and why. These are the top three spots in Marrickville. Let’s see how they ‘fess up!

MARRICKVILLE PORK ROLL

236 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville

The OG Sydney pork roll. You would have to travel far to find someone who doesn’t know and love Marrickville Pork Roll. The proof is in the seemingly endless queue that forms from the early hours until close, 7 days a week. Fear not food lovers - these guys have efficiency down to a fine art and you’ll be front of the line in no time.

If you know what you’re doing, you’ll go for the OG (traditional, aka mystery meat) pork roll or crispy pork. Some seasoned veterans get a meatball roll for a treat, but that is a rare sight. And if you’re going to Marrickville Pork Roll, you are most likely going traditional.

The French baguette itself is without doubt the crunchiest on the list, if not the crunchiest in Sydney. They are baked fresh daily, and when it comes to the filling, these guys fill it to the brim.

The standard pickled carrots, onion and daikon, a piece of spring roll, slice of cucumber and a huge bunch of coriander. For lubrication it’s a flavourless mayo, a generous spread of pateand that magical juice that makes everything it touches taste a million times better.

Honestly, if you are not getting coriander and paté, I think it’s time you started questioning your life choices.

Marrickville Pork Roll has become so popular they have started opening other locations, which, I’ll be honest, is a can of worms for anyone who lives in Marrickville.

I dub thee: The Everyday Pork Roll.

Cost 9/10

Crunch 10/10

Filling 10/10

ALEX N ROLLS

321 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville

Famously compared to the late great Anthony Bourdain’s favourite pork roll in Hoi An, Vietnam, Alex N Rolls offers a completely different pork roll situation to the OG Marrickville pork rolls.

First of all, Alex N Rolls go with a soft bun which has really

By

Sammy Blades-Moore (King of the pork roll)

Join our community @

caused me some issues with the rating system, however, this pork roll is an absolute gift to the culinary world, so we crack-le on.

There are no mystery meat (traditional) options here which surprisingly isn’t missed. You can choose from BBQ pork, roast pork, or the greatest thing to live between a piece of bread, possibly ever… caramelised pork. It melts in your mouth like nothing else and is bursting with flavour!

When it comes to the filling, all the regulars are on offer, with the addition of lettuce. Which, and I never thought I would say this, is welcome. It really adds something to the richness of the pork and makes it almost refreshing?

Hot tip - Join the Facebook group ‘Is ‘ALEX ’N’ ROLLS Open?!?!’ as the hours are.. to put it politely, ‘unique’.

I dub thee: The Special Occasion Pork Roll.

Cost 8/10

Crunch 0/10

Filling 10/10

DELISH

228 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville

Let’s be honest now... if you’re in Marrickville and hanging out for a Pork Roll, Delish probably isn’t the first destination to spring to mind. But it’s there, and I’m a man of the people, so let’s do this thing.

I mean, they aren’t bad pork rolls by any stretch of the

THE FRONT PAGE

imagination. I really like them and as a Marrickville local myself, I do frequent this spot regularly. But, they just don’t have the street cred that Marrickville Pork Roll has amassed. And they can’t match the uniqueness and flavour of Alex N Rolls (did I mention the caramelised pork at Alex n Rolls?).

This is the same as Pepsi. If you’re given the choice of Coca-Cola or Pepsi, what are you picking? Exactly. But, if you didn’t have a crisp cold Coke, then Pepsi is usually a pretty reasonable substitute.

I dub thee: The Pork Roll To Get When Everywhere Else Is Too Busy.

Cost 7.5/10

Crunch 6.10

Filling 7/10

As the results show - if you are in the market for an everyday pork roll, head straight to Marrickville Pork Roll. If you want something a little fancier, Alex N Rolls (and the caramelised pork) is your spot. And if both of those places are too busy, you’ve always got Delish.

If you think we’ve missed a spot - let us know! info@neighbourhoodmedia.com.au

TUE 23 APR - SAT 18 MAY

DRINK

By Lucy Pearson

Brayden Lew shares his journey to beer-making and his new position at the local brewery, Wildflower Brewing & Blending.

AFTER a uni-holiday trip to Germany in his early-twenties, Brayden Lew was inspired to take the leap from teaching to brewing. “In Germany I was introduced to greater concepts of beer” Brayden said. “I always had an interest in cooking and the more I looked into it, I saw the similarities”.

AAfter learning more about what beer can be, other than the “run-of-the-mill” pub favourites, Brayden was inspired to begin home-brewing upon his return to Australia. Having grown up regionally, Brayden had access to angle-grinders, welders and other equipment that would hep transform his two-bedroom flat into a makeshift brewery, to begin his foray into the industry.

venues and breweries around Sydney. Eventually TAFE NSW launched their Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing) in 2016 and Brayden which Brayden completed in the course’s first year. A representative from TAFE NSW has told Neighbourhood Media that there is a currently a surge in demand for brewers, with the food and drink manufacturing industry forecast to grow by almost 4,000 jobs by 2026.

“I did what everyone does when they start home-brewing which is force on to everyone around you” Brayden joked.”

“I looked into brewing as an option to study” Brayden told Neighbourhood Media, and while he had seen university courses on brewing in Germany, it wasn’t something he could find in Australia. “I was scouring the internet for blogposts and publications to help me learn more” as a result took to working in venues to continue learning the trade.

“I did what everyone does when they start home-brewing which is force on to everyone around you” Brayden joked. This included friends, family and eventually industry professionals he met at events while working in different

While boutique breweries are certainly on the rise in Sydney, there are still very few formal educational pathways for those interested in brewing. “Sits in a strange zone in-between factory production, food handling… it’s very much an artform” Brayden said. “it has creative elements like recipe design, so it can be a difficult thing to structure a course around. What TAFE did very well was bringing together both the theoretical side and the practical…you’re in a classroom but you’re also immediately going into the breweries throughout Sydney and solidifying that information”.

Brayden, who moved to the United Kingdom shortly after finishing his TAFE certificate, noted that many of the graduates with formal degrees from the likes of Heriot-Watt

University in Scotland, lacked the physical and practical knowledge of brewing.” You’re constantly climbing in and out of vessels and cleaning. It gets said a lot but your basically glorfied janitor that has to have knowledge in microbiology”. Brayden reflected that TAFE had equipped him with both the knowledge and practical skills necessary for brewery work.

Now returned to Sydney, Brayden has recently taken up post as the Head Brewer of Wildflower Brewing & Blending which opened in Marrickville in 2016, a full circle moment for Brayden who had previously worked at the Brewer during his TAFE studies.

For those unfamiliar with the local brewery, Wildflower is the brain-child of brothers-in-law Topher Boehm and Chris Allen, who had the revolutionary idea to ferment their ales with a diversity of yeasts and bacteria collected from native flowers throughout NSW. “Most breweries will buy and use traditional brewer’s yeast…whereas our cultures have hundreds of stands of yeast” Brayden explained, adding that this method and by maturing the beer in former wine barrels, helps give Wildflower ales’ their unique flavour.

In addition to brewing their beers in Marrickville, Wildflower is committed to using local ingredients; We work with organic and responsively sourced malt, hops and everything we use is from NSW”. Brayden also added

that Wildflower is “massively focused on environmental factors as production industries like brewing can be quite consumptive”, noting that Wildflower also in minimal singleuse plastic and chemical usage. Wildflower also build close connections with other local businesses including the farmers that supply their grain. “We’re committed to working responsibly so we are making something that tastes good but also feels good”.

Regarding his new role Brayden said “everyone wants to make their mark on a new role” adding that he had always admired the work being done at Wildflower since his time as a trainee. “Our business is about quality so the idea between continuing to influence creativity and come up with the new ideas for beer and using native ingredients is what I’m really passionate about”.

To learn more about Wildflower’s ale production or to test out the goods for yourself, visit the brewery at 11-13 Brompton Street, Marrickville.

For cellar door opening hours and to place an order, head to: wildflowerbeer.com

PETS

LENNON - A well travelled pooch! Lennon has lived in New Zealand, Byron Bay and QLD before finally making her way to Marrickville. Her major interests include food that’s been dropped on the floor, bird watching, playing tug of war, chasing tennis balls and drinking out of the toilet. She loves hanging out at any park, and she’s always happy to join you for a bite to eat at a local dog friendly cafe. Fun fact: back in Queensland, she joined her dog walker and 54 other dogs to break the world record for most dogs walked at once. This also got her on TV (please form an orderly line for autographs).

TONY - This 2 year old Aussie Bulldog has character in spades. He joined his Dad during lockdown, right after he finished binge watching the Sopranos (three times)hence the name Tony! Tony started life as a lil’ chicken nugget, and has blossomed into a Chicken Kebab with the lot topping the scales at 40kg. His hobbies include farting in the living room and other inappropriate places, sleeping up to 16 hours a day, and walking on his Dad’s chest to get up onto the couch.

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

CHESTER - This guy did not have the easiest start to life, he spent his very early years locked away in a backyard yard with very little attention. So when he was adopted at 1, his new owners made sure to show him what life was really about. He toilet trained himself in two weeks, learnt to swim and hang in a sea kayak a few weeks later and is now completely leash free wherever he goes. He is now the most socialised dog you will ever meet with a long list of tricks including high-fives, speaking softly, and even taking selfies.

BINDI - This lovely lady has landed in the lap of luxury - and so she should! Bindi spent her early years on a puppy farm in rural NSW, as a breeding dog, she was in bad shape when she first arrived. She was also terrified of cats and planes, bikes were completely foreign, it was tough. But with a lot of love and patience, she became the pup she is today. She is a true Inner Westie now, not bothered by much. She loves lying around relaxing on her paw-rents bed, and trying to nick food from the baby. Her best friend, now, is the family cat Mia - they love chasing each other around the house.

CROSSWORD

This local food hub serves up the best Caramelised Pork in Marrickville

Anna Polyviou is hosting a Mother’s Day Tea Party on The Jackson May 12th. What is she famous for?

Last name of the architect who designed and built The Warren Estate in 1857?

There are two Addi Road Food Pantries in the Inner West - Marrickville, and which nearby suburb?

What is the last name of the famous physicist featured on our front cover?

Brayden Lew of Wildflower Brewing moved to where after his TAFE course completion?

Which local theatre is offering our Marrickville readers 10 Double Passes? Just mention the 2204 Magazine to claim!

What is the acronym for the Cat Rescue organisation featured in the Pet Section of our Local Directory?

What breed is Darby? The handsome pooch in our Pets of 2204 Feature

What type of cuisine is offered at the Marrickville Tennis Club?

This is a tasty crustacean, and also the name of a local organisation cleaning up the Cooks River

SERVING CHILDREN, FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES

Have you ever had a cup of tea with a foster carer? What does it even mean to provide foster care? Did you know that in Australia there are over *45, 000 kids in out-of-home care.

Fostering does not have to be full-time. Emergency Carers look after children and young people removed from unsafed situations for short period while a foster carer is being arranged. Being taken from home and family in these circumstances is traumatic for children and they are often distressed, frightened, and confused when they come to emergency foster care.

Emergency Foster Carers usually need to be available to take a child at any time though you can let us know when there are times you are not going to be available.

At Key Assets Australia, we provide our foster carers with ongoing training, 24/7 support, a dedicated social worker, and an allowance. We hold regular events and connect foster carers with each other for extra support. Are you thinking of becoming a foster carer?

Anyone can apply to become a foster carer. We celebrate diversity and welcome enquiries from people who are single or in a relationship, homeowners or renting. Your culture, religion or sexual orientation doesn’t affect your eligibility for foster care. We believe the diversity of our carers is vital when finding the best possible family for a foster child.

If you feel you have the love, space, and energy to provide a safe and happy home, then we would love to talk to you about the options of emergency care, respite care, short-term, or long-term care.

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD

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

Out of Hours Care

Limited 2024 Kindergarten and Years 1, 2, and 4 openings available.

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.