Neighbourhood Media Marrickville Magazine | October 2023

PICK ME

UP I’M

FREE

ISSUE #6

WHAT STOOD BEFORE THE METRO? HUMANS OF 2204 LOCAL GIG GUIDE + HEAPS MORE SH O PPING WEL L NES S FAS HI ON C O M M U N IT Y L IV IN G H E A LT H P E T S

Up Close 2023 Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company 1 - 18 November World Premiere

by Rafael Bonachela

Indulge in the ultimate Spanish experience with our pop-up tapas bar available during Somos.

Including live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

sydneydancecompany.com Photo by: Pedro Greig

Join our community @

04 06 08 12 14 16 18 20

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

WE are back with our final 2204 Magazine for 2023, and what a year it’s been!

HISTORY The Site of Marrickville Metro, Vicars Mills

COVER ARTIST Meet Shelley Watters, Featured Cover Artist

HUMANS OF 2065 Chloe Smith, Inner West Councils’ Youngest Ever Deputy Mayor

HEALTH BodySpace Studios, Poles & Pilates

ARTS Sydney Dance Company presents SOMOS

MUSIC Marrickville Gig Guide, Oct - Dec 2023

EAT The D’s Bar & Dining

PETS Meet the Pets of Marrickville!

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

What stood before Marrickville Metro? Find out in our History piece about Vicars Mills. We meet Human of 2065, Shelley Watters, an incredible emerging artist and marvellous Marrickville local. Her work is featured on our Front Cover.

We also caught up with Chloe Smith, the Inner West Council’s youngest-ever Deputy Mayor.

We went inside BodySpace studios, where we found Poles and Pilates, and we looked at some local ways to get fit, while having fun. We take a glimpse into the art world with Rafael Bonachela, who spoke to us about his upcoming production, SOMOS: Up Close, and we have our fantastic Gig Guide for all of our live music buffs.

We look at the new D’s Bar and Dining and meet some Pets of 2204, plus we’ve got puzzles, our local directory, and a whole lot more!

The Neighbourhood Media Team PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media DESIGNER - Robert Everett CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney May, Adeline Teoh, Alec Smart, Rob Everett COVER IMAGE ARTIST: Jo Skipworth ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

22 24 30

PETS Adopt Don’t Shop with Maggie’s Rescue

PUZZLE Do You Have all the Answers?

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS There is no better time to shop local, make sure to show your support

03

HISTORY

A trip down memory lane to unveil the history of the site that is now home to Marrickville Metro

J

JOHN VICARS SENIOR was born in Scotland in 1821 and was apprenticed to a tweed manufacturer before emigrating to Australia with his wife Ann and their young family of seven in 1863. After trying his luck on the Queensland goldfields he moved to Sydney and returned to his former trade, becoming manager of a tweed mill in Sussex Street Sydney, before becoming owner of the mill in 1873.

In 1876 John Senior was employing over 100 people, half of which were children, some as young as 10. He was consequently requested to give his opinion to the colonial New South Wales parliament regarding the employment of children. He said that to his knowledge children were being paid a better hourly rate in the colony than in England but that he favoured the English model of only allowing children under eight to work no more than six hours a day instead of the full 12 hours which he believed affected their health and their education.

John Vicars retired in 1887, leaving the running of the business to his three sons, John Junior, Robert and William. While Robert and William had worked with their father, John Junior was more enterprising, setting up his own wool brokerage firm with offices in Circular Quay and Botany. Upon succeeding his father, John Junior sold his own business and, in 1893, moved the family’s woollen mill to a nine acre site on Victoria Road Marrickville to what the newspapers described as: ‘a picturesque part of the district contiguous to a well-improved public park. Its presence is denoted by a massively constructed chimney stack, which rises from a clump of some of the finest specimens

04

of Moreton Bay fig tree that are to be seen in New South Wales’. John Vicars Senior died at his Ashfield home in 1894.

By the beginning of the twentieth century John Vicars and Co boasted they were the biggest woollen mill in Australia with over 200 employees and 27 modern electric looms that were capable of producing a greater output than the 40 looms they replaced.

At the outbreak of World War I, Vicars won the tender to produce uniforms for military training and consequently boosted their number of employees to over 400 in 1911.

The company continued to be allied with the Australian military during World War II, boosting their employees by a further 1000.

Vicars was popularly an employer of women in the local area. The company claimed that this was because women were more akin to the textile industry and also had smaller hands which were more suitable for the intricate work of spinning and weaving. In all likelihood however, women were primarily employed at Vicars as their pay was half that of men.

John Vicars Junior was knighted in 1924 and retired in 1929. He died of a heart attack while driving across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on 28th February 1936, aged 78.

Vicars Woollen Mills merged with Australian Woollen Mills in 1967 and continued to operate until being unable to compete with imports in 1976. The site became the Marrickville Metro shopping centre, which opened in 1987.

Join our community @

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

“Upon succeeding his father, John Junior sold his own business and, in 1893, moved the family’s woollen mill to a nine acre site on Victoria Road Marrickville to what the newspapers described as: ‘a picturesque part of the district.”

WWW.AT137HEALTHCLUB.COM.AU INFO@137HEALTHCLUB.COM.AU 9569 1469 137 VICTORIA RD MARRICKVILLE 2204

AT 137 HEALTH CLUB 137HEALTH.CLUB

COVER FEATURE

By Adeline Teoh

It 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.

T

THE Marrickville local was then employed at the Sydney Opera House and drew a salary, a very comfortable position compared to other artists whose incomes had dried up. While walking along the Cooks River, the border between Marrickville in the Inner West Council area and Earlwood in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA, she realised that the neighbouring suburbs had very different experiences of the pandemic. “We were in lockdown but they were in ultra-lockdown. I was very aware of the position of privilege I had,” she notes.

The fruits of that time became images of buildings overlaid with coloured acrylic. “I was voyeuristically looking and wondering, thinking about these homes, imagining the lives [within]. How were they experiencing this lockdown? And there’s no figures at all in those images either. So they really do feel quite lonely and alien,” Watters explains.

The different colours change the mood of the image, helping viewers engage with “how our perception changes when we look at something time and time again, when we see it afresh with new eyes,” she adds.

It certainly shifted her view of Marrickville.

“Surveillance was very much about place,” she states.

“Place has a big influence on my work as an alternative way of connecting time and place with the bigger issues that we are experiencing.”

06

It’s fitting that Surveillance, her first solo show, ran at Marrickville’s Scratch Art Space earlier this year in the neighbourhood it depicts and where she still lives.

Much has changed since the project began, Watters is now a full-time artist, having given up her ‘day job’ in arts marketing and communication. It’s the culmination of almost 10 years of deepening her artistic pursuits, one that began in 2015 after the birth of her second child when she embarked upon a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Visual Culture at Curtin University via Open Universities.

Now, she’s transferred from online to an in-person program at the Sydney College of the Arts where she intends to finish her degree in 2024, and then consider honours. “I have the opportunity to work with Joyce Hinterding and Vicky Browne and Julie Rrap – some really incredible artists in their own right who continue with their own practice in addition to fostering the kind of creativity and rigour to develop art practices of students,” says Watters. “It’s really wonderful to be inperson and to feel much more connected to the Sydney art world.”

That art world is now expanding beyond her house, which is a new challenge. While there’ll be fewer interruptions (“I was playing around with ideas in my backyard and in the video you can hear my kids asking,

Join our community @

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

‘what are you doing, mummy?’”) and more space (“there was the time I filled our toilet with light blue balloons to create an installation in the smallest space we had”), there’s also the reality that art materials are now dearer. Watters intends to focus on procuring found objects – hat tip to the Marrickville Pay it Forward group – and other sustainable matter she can work with conceptually.

As for her next move, she has secured an exhibition at Redfern’s 107 Projects for her new show, Safe Space, which explores gendered violence (50 per cent of the profits will go to the nearby Women’s & Girls’ Emergency Centre). She’s also currently looking at the council food and organic waste program for inspiration.

“Something else that is really close to my heart is compost, so keep an eye out next year for the compost project.”

Find out more about Shelley Watters at: shelleywatters.com ; her new exhibition Safe Space will show at 107 Projects in Redfern from 30 November to 10 December 2023.

Supported by City of Sydneyand 107.

Artist Shelley Watters on her favourite parts of the suburb: “We’re so blessed to have this amazing library. It’s such a great meeting hub for Marrickville. I also really love Gelato Franco, and Gasoline Pony would be another place that I would definitely call out, plus the galleries Scratch, AIRspace Projects and Sydenham International.”

Tr u n k i s a y o g a & p i l a t e s s t u d i o t h a t challenges the norm, questions the nonsense, and provides a thriving community for people who want to d o t h i n g s t h e i r w a y. W e b e l i e v e t h a t pushing boundaries & sweaty friendships help you become the real you. studios Camperdown Dulwich Hill Mascot contact 02 9138 0652

trunkstudios.com.au

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

07

HUMANS OF 2204

By Adeline Teoh

From Ashfield to Petersham, Chloe Smith has spent her whole life in and around the Inner West. At just 29 years old, Smith is the area’s youngest Deputy Mayor – and she has a vision to lead the community into the future.

“

“I WANT our community to grow and change with the times, not be stuck in a time capsule,” says the Stanmore-Damun Ward councillor. “I’m particularly passionate about engaging more young people in politics and ensuring that our voices, concerns and ambitions for our community are being represented.”

When not reading through council documents, listening to stakeholders, or attending meetings or events, Smith enjoys Pilates, podcasts and pooch-walking. And, despite her age, her tastes are rather vintage. “The way to my heart is through ‘80s pop and expensive cheese,” she says.

We find out what motivates her to make local government relevant, and why she has a hyper-local focus.

What attracted you to local government?

My parents instilled in me an understanding and respect for the role of government and political leadership in improving social outcomes, particularly for marginalised communities. I’ve always felt driven to make a contribution and drive the change I want to see, rather than sitting on the sidelines complaining.

I really appreciate the power of local government to deliver real change quickly and locally. Things that might seem small can have a real impact on people’s lives – I’ve seen that in action and it’s powerful. Good local services, community facilities, and public infrastructure is important to make our community fairer and more accessible.

Why is it important to engage young people in government?

Local government, or perhaps all levels of government, can often seem stuffy and dull. But they touch almost every aspect of our lives and have a real influence over our

08

community. It’s critical that young people are engaged with politics and have their interests represented. Losing them means losing the vibrancy, diversity, and fun that make the Inner West the best place to live. Ultimately, if young people aren’t engaged, things don’t change. It can be intimidating to get involved at first, but it’s also an excellent way to challenge yourself, gain new skills, and learn how to effect real change.

Living in the Inner West my whole life, I know and love this community and feel that local government is a wonderful way to give back. I also want to continue living here, which means I have an investment in its future.

What does your role entail?

Being an Inner West councillor comes with a busy schedule of responsibilities, mostly meetings and event commitments. Our council is very active and engages with a lot of community and stakeholder groups, so there’s often at least one or two events every week that I try to attend. It’s also pretty cool having our local member, the Prime Minister, regularly attend our community events like the opening of Pride Square!

As the recently elected Deputy Mayor, my new responsibilities include representing the Mayor at functions and meetings. This usually includes a public speaking role or chairing a meeting.

What are you most proud of as a councillor?

My top three achievements so far: • Supporting live music and the arts: including convening the Arts and Music Recovery Summit; establishing the state’s first Special Entertainment Precinct on Enmore Road; and opening up our town halls for use as creative

Join our community @

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

and cultural venues.

• Combating climate change: expanding our food and garden organics recycling program; introducing our electric vehicle charging stations pilot; and establishing a trial energy efficiency service targeted at low-income households to be rolled out next year.

• Putting renters’ rights and affordable housing on the agenda: convening our roundtable to be held later this year and commencing work with the state and federal governments to identify sites for affordable and social housing development.

What are your favourite parts of the Inner West?

It’s hard to beat the amazing Portuguese food around Audley Street (especially the tarts!), a swim at Fanny Durack in the summer, and a quiet bevvy at the White Cockatoo. Otherwise you can catch me watching the Jets on a sunny winter arvo at Henson Park.

If a visitor had one day in the Inner West, what would you recommend they do?

Kick off with an excellent coffee and brunch at one of our several hundred Inner West cafes. If the weather’s right, head to Dawnies or Fanny Durack for a swim. Grab Vietnamese for lunch in Marrickville, then arvo drinks at a brewery or in one of our world’s-best beer gardens. Or, if you feel like taking a walk, wander down south King Street to explore the unique shopping. Head to Enmore Road for dinner, a gig and a drink – and don’t forget to grab a kebab on the way home! *Some answers have been edited for brevity

HERITAGE IMPACT STATEMENTS

HERITAGE CONSERVATION WORKS

i nf o@be he rita ge .c om.a u +61 4 2 2 4 1 1 4 6 6

HERITAGE EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS

COMMUNITY

R

Theodora Gianniotis Is on a Mission to Gracefully Restore Popular Inner West Heritage Sites

RENOVATING heritage listed sites is often perceived as a challenge too difficult to tackle. However, Theodora Gianniotis, Director of Built Environmental Heritage Group (BE Heritage), is out to disrupt this misconception. Instead of viewing the constraints that can emerge from working with these buildings, Gianniotis only sees opportunities.

As a qualified lawyer with over 20 years of experience, she established this company to be a ‘one stop shop’ for all heritage-listed property work. The team guides their clients through the entire process – from buying to selling and completing development applications, working across residential and commercial properties. They’re expert in connecting you with all the relevant stakeholders. Their legal arm, BEH Legal Services, also does property transactions, such as conveyancing and leasing.

Sydney’s Inner West has an abundance of heritage listed properties. It adds to the charm of our neighbourhoods, and we should be proud of the history that lines our streets. If you have an upcoming heritage listed project, we’ve sat down with Gianniotis to ask some of the key questions you may want to know about this space and her company.

What made you get into this space and create this company?

I have always been involved in the heritage space, having completed a Master of Environmental Law with a focus on heritage. I saw a real gap in people’s understanding of heritage sites when it came to their own properties. My goal with starting BE Heritage was to work with these people and help them understand what they want from their property.

I also think having a legal background means I can offer more than just a historical overview. I am able to help guide them through any local government requirements and look for opportunities within their property.

Sustainability is a hot topic right now – what does BE Heritage do to place sustainability at the core of all projects?

I am incredibly passionate about sustainability when it comes to the company. The worst outcome for a heritage site is that it is not sustainable and, therefore, it is not viable for modern owners. Many houses were built when we were

10

not in a climate crisis. Our heritage buildings must evolve to meet these needs and adopt beautiful designs that align to our new way of living. Solar panel placements and designs that allow for natural light filtrations and cross-ventilation are just a few ways to achieve heritage and sustainability outcomes. Also, restoring a heritage property rather than demolishing it is an incredibly sustainable approach for our environment. In commercial venues, accessibility is the other hot topic. I enjoy working closely with designers and clients to ensure all our heritage buildings are accessible and everyone can enjoy them.

Which project are you most proud of to date?

That would have to be Tempe Hotel which was once an old, run-down venue. To be involved in the research, see the layers slowly coming back to life and to work with a client with the same passion for heritage buildings as myself, that was so rewarding.

How long does each project take?

This depends on the project and the amount of work. I have had projects go through within 6 months, but this needs strong project management and a team of consultants who can specialise in the area and are aware of the opportunities and constraints from the start.

What’s the most challenging part of a heritage project?

Residentially, kitchens are demanding because that area requires the most change but will have the most significant impact. In commercial buildings, it would be the installation of lifts. This is why a great team will always look for these as additions rather than alterations. However, working with a specialised team guided by heritage input will achieve an excellent outcome regardless of the difficulty.

Have you always been based in Marrickville?

The business has always been in Marrickville because I love working with the architectural diversity in the suburb and being able to complement historical layers with modern architecture. People or Developers should not fear working with Heritage Sites. By engaging with BE Heritage from the beginning of your project, you will see the opportunity a heritage property can offer.

UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER - DECEMBER

FEMMES TO THE FRONT Friday Nov 17th

7:30pm

SULTRY SOLSTICE Thursday Nov 23rd

7:00pm

6 INSTITUTO BANTU FUNDRAISER 7:00pm Friday Dec 1st

SYDNEY CRINGE FESTIVAL 3 5:00pm Saturday Dec 2nd

MAHESH RADHAKRISHNAN Thursday Dec 7th

‘YASMIN’ ALBUM LAUNCHBY MALAIKA MFALME 7:00pm Thursday Dec 14th

th

The Red Rattler Theatre Inc 6 Faversham St. Marrickville NSW 2204

7:00pm

redrattler.org

Follow Us $

COMMUNITY

By Clare O’Rourke

A

Marrickville’s New Boutique Workout Space.

A hybrid studio focused on community and cohesion.

WHEN asked to pick a song that describes her new Pole Dancing, Barre and Pilates studio, co-founder and CEO, Kimberley Mahoney, had to pick three – ‘We Are Family’

by Sister Sledge, ‘Spice Up Your Life’ by the Spice Girls and ‘Superstylin’’ by Groove Armada. Unified, energetic, and sexy; the most important emotions to experience whilst working out.

BodySpace is Marrickville’s new hybrid studio and boasts all the components of a boutique fitness facility – complementary solo practice sessions, end of trip facilities with hair and body care products, hand-picked instructors, air conditioning and newly renovated interiors.

Located on Shepherd Street, the studio is a stone’s throw from the suburb’s most popular pubs and cafes (Two Chaps, Lox in a Box, Sauce Brewing), so you can curate the perfect weekend morning or weekday evening around your class. We sat down with Kimberley to learn more about her new studio: What makes your studio different to others in the area?

We have designed our studio to include Pole and Pilates together. This means that our members can enjoy all the benefits of Pole coupled with the remedial benefits of Reformer and Barre Pilates. We have a flexy membership and class booking system in place where members can design a package that suits their attendance frequency, and book in/out of the classes of their choosing each day/week.

Our Reformer studio also has a boutique offering with only five beds so our students can get a private class feel at group class pricing.

What do you look for when you hire each of your instructors?

First and foremost, we look for individuals that are passionate about what they do. Whether we are hiring a trainer with years under their belt, or someone who is just starting their journey – passion and a love for people is essential. You can be the best pole dancer out there, but this does not mean you will be the best teacher. As an instructor, you are not only someone’s fitness coach – you become their mentor, especially when it comes to pole. You

12

help people overcome barriers, physical and emotional.

The classroom is a safe space for people to come together, feel safe, be themselves, train, and have fun – and our instructors play a large role in this. Technical skills are also essential, so we do follow a rigorous syllabus and ensure all our coaches (experienced and new) are trained to studio standard and follow a consistent methodology.

What do you want people to feel like when they walk into the studio?

Happy, at ease, safe, and surrounded by positivity with people they love. We want people to walk into their second home and feel excited to train each day while catching up with their studio friends. Community is what we look for the most and in fact, a lot of our members have met their lifelong friends at the studio.

What do you want people to feel like when they walk out of the studio?

Happy, exhilarated, motivated, and full of love, but also sweaty and perhaps a little sore from a very good workout.

Can you step us through what the structure of a pole dancing class would look like at Bodyspace?

A pole dancing class (like all our other classes) starts with a 10-15-minute full body warm up. Our warm-ups are tailored to each level and gradually increase in difficulty as our students grow. These include elements of strength and flexibility. We’ll then tackle the pole tricks outlined in our syllabus and finish off with learning elements of the term choreography designed for the level. All our pole levels are eight weeks long, follow a bespoke syllabus, and students learn a new three minute choreography each term.

Students can feel at ease attending any class each week knowing that all classes will follow the same syllabus, and at the same rate.

3 Shepherd St, Marrickville NSW 2204 0423 488 897 bodyspacestudios.com

Join our community @

F

As the days get longer and temperatures start to rise, there’s excitement in the air with the promise that summer is just around the corner.

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

While some chomp at the bit to get started, others ponder trepidatiously on how they will get beyond the first step. All of the experts say consistency is key, and we know it’s much easier to stay consistent at something you have fun doing! So, we’ve found some ways you can get cracking on your fitness journey in a fun way. Even better, you can do them all super close to home!

POLE DANCING

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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

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

Your local: @137 Health Club | 137 Victoria Rd, Marrickville | at137healthclub.com.au Classes $30 | Weekly membership $42

BARRE CLASSES Barre refers to a body-weight lifting and toning workout combining elements of yoga, pilates and ballet. This lowimpact exercise focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance, with an emphasis on isometric movements and small, controlled motions. Participants often use a ballet barre (or a chair/other stable surface) for support while performing a series of exercises that target specific muscle groups. Barre is ideal for those in search of a more graceful approach to their fitness.

Your local: Trunk Studios | 424 New Canterbury Rd, Dulwich Hill Various memberships available starting at $38 p/week (2 x Mat classes)

There is nothing that delivers a full-body workout quite like pole dancing. Pole dancing has a complex and multifaceted history, with origins dating back to ancient civilisations. It was seen in travelling circuses right across the US in the 1920s and 1930s. The 70s/80s saw a transformation into more ‘adult’ performances with the emergence of burlesque and ‘club’ dancing. In the late 20th Century, a shift in perception recognised pole dancing as a legitimate form of exercise, leading to an explosion in popularity and the emergence of competitions and conventions worldwide. Pole Dancing is an opportunity to transform yourself, watching your muscles transform and your strength build, in a total judgement-free zone.

Luckily for you - Marrickville has its very own studio. Book a trial class and try it out for yourself today, no experience necessary to start.

A high-intensity fitness program that has taken the exercise world by storm. It combines weightlifting, aerobic exercises, and bodyweight movements into a diverse and inclusive workout regimen. The emphasis is on functional fitness, aiming to improve overall strength, endurance, and agility.

CrossFit workouts are typically performed in a group setting, fostering a strong sense of community and support. It is universally scalable and modifiable for all fitness levels, so it can be tailored to meet everyone’s goals and fitness levels. It’s a fun, challenging and motivating way to reach your health and fitness goals. Your local, CrossFit Marrickville, is offering a FREE trial class!

Your local: BodySpace Studios - 3 Shepherd St, Marrickville Classes $38 | Weekly membership $35

Your local: CrossFit Marrickville - 72/74 Shepherd St, Marrickville Classes $30 | Monthly membership starts at $225 (2 x classes per week)

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

CROSSFIT

13

ARTS

Missed out on a Euro summer this year? No worries – Sydney Dance Company is bringing Spain to you in Sydney.

The world premiere and inaugural season of Up Close: Somos draws from its Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela’s cultural roots as a project with “a distinct Spanish flavour.”

H

HELD in the Neilson Studio at the Wharf, the performance features music by iconic Latin musicians such as Rosalía, Silvia Pérez Cruz, Buika, Arca, Diego Carrasco and Las Migas to accompany its dance performances. Before and after the show, audiences can visit BAR BOCA – Sydney Dance Company’s café space transformed for the performance – for an extended Spanish experience. From home, if they still want more, Sydney Dance Company offers a dedicated playlist to prolong the show’s atmosphere.

Bonachela shared, “Somos is possibly my most intensely personal work yet. This is the very first time in my career that I have returned to my Spanish roots, digging deep and exploring how my home country has helped to shape me as an artist and as a person, honouring my family and the traditions of my place of birth.”

Neighbourhood Media caught up with him to learn more about what we can expect from this deeply personal and cultural project.

NM: If this is our first encounter with your work, what should we know about you?

Rafael Bonachela: I work as a Choreographer, Artistic Director and Curator, spanning both high art and popular culture. Somos is no different, with its passionate yet highly technical movement blending modernity and

14

By Tahney Fosdike

tradition.

How will you incorporate your Spanish heritage into the show?

In my fifteenth year as Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company, Somos is my most intensely personal work yet. Meaning ‘we are’ in Spanish, in Somos, I reclaim the traditions of my place of birth and explore how they’ve moulded me as a person and artist. Somos revisits traditional forms with a modern sensitivity, exploring tragedy, aggression and passion.

How else does Somos reflect your journey?

I was born in the small Spanish town of La Garriga just outside of Barcelona in the 1970s at the end of Francoist Spain, when the country moved back to democratic rule.

When I was born in La Garriga, a society which was going through 36 years of dictatorship, the country had experienced a lot of hardship and pain. I was born at a time of hope and change, and that change happened quickly.

Somos captures an awakening after such a painful and turbulent time and a celebration of heritage and identity.

How can we get into the mood of Somos?

For the duration of the season, our pop-up tapas bar, BAR BOCCA, offers wining and dining, BAR BOCA offers wining and dining before and after performances,

Join our community @ complete with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Up Close: Somos playlist is a curation of iconic Latin artists, including Rosalia, Silvia Perez Cruz, Buika, Arca, Chavela Vargas and Estrella Morente. Each imbued with different flavours and feelings, they are the canvas upon which I’ve choreographed a cascade of solos, duets and trios. You can listen to the playlist on Sydney Dance Company’s Spotify account.

What do you hope we’ll take away from Somos?

Somos is performed in the round, allowing the audience to witness the Company’s extraordinary artistry closer than ever before. So close you can see every breath, every muscle movement, every emotion.

It’s this intensity of connection, collectiveness and communal experience that I hope will linger long after the lights are out.

Tickets for Up Close: Somos are available from $35 for performances between 1 – 18 November in the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company. An audio-described performance and tactile tour will also be available on Saturday, 11 November. For tickets, call 02 9221 4811, email boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com or book online at sydneydancecompany.com.

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

ARTS Have you been missing the live music scene? Needing a live entertainment fix?

Well, rest assured we’ve got you covered.

Check out these epic gigs coming up in Marrickville (and slightly beyond)

WEIRDASSEMBLY + SPECIAL GUESTS Thursday, Nov 2nd | Tickets $22 Doors open 7pm

DOWNGIRL VINYL EP LAUNCH Friday, Nov 17th | Tickets $25 Doors open 7pm

Butcher’s Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill Funky Soul and Reggae, with a twist of Jazz, Rock and Roots! Interactive and original interpretations of b side grooves from The Meters, Chaka Khan and James Brown, to Aretha, Donny Hathaway, Bob Marley, Albert King, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and so much more!

The Red Rattler, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville The fierce femme-punk quartet, DOWNGIRL, are ready to release their long-awaited debut EP, ‘Manic’, which will be available on vinyl, commencing Friday, September 22.

CUBAN SOCIAL CLUB Saturday, Nov 11th | Tickets $27 Doors open 6pm Butcher’s Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill Cuban Social Club play Traditional Cuban Music including Son, Guaracha, Cha Cha Cha, Changui and Latin Jazz to make everyone who loves Latin Music dance and enjoy, but especially Cuban Music.

CHRONICALLY ONLINE Wednesday, Nov 15th | Tickets $20 Doors open 7pm The Red Rattler, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville A night to celebrate and showcase Sydney’s independent musical talent, this event will also act as a fundraiser for the organizers of MQMUSO with all earnings derived from ticket sales going back into future, and more ambitious events!

VICTOR MARTINEZ PARADA AND ALEJANDRO VARGAS Sunday, Nov 19th | Tickets $22 Doors open 5pm Butcher’s Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill Two amazingly talented and accomplished Chilean musicians Victor Martinez Parada and Alejandro Vargas, together on stage for the very first time!

16

GERVAIS KOFFI AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Saturday, Nov 18th | Tickets $27 Doors open 6pm Butcher’s Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill Gervais Koffi & the African Diaspora are THE best Afroroots shows in town! They get down and get funky with a carefully crafted mix of originals & classic African grooves.

SWITCHED ON: EZRA COLLECTIVE Wednesday, Nov 22nd | Tickets $69 Doors open 7pm City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place, Sydney 2023 Mercury Prize winning British jazz-funk outfit Ezra Collective brings a thumping celebration of life via the sounds of South London to City Recital Hall for Switched On.

GIG: WHITE KNUCKLE FEVER + LOUD HAILERS + LOS MONAROS Friday, Nov 24th | Tickets $15 + BF Doors 7:30pm Moshpit Bar, 642A King St, Erskineville Great Southern Nights Presents a triple treat! A swirl of White Knuckle Fever, Nuggets of The Loud Hailers, with lashings of Los Monaros! Triple the grooves, Triple the blues - bring your dancing shoes!

Join our community @

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

A HAPPY FAMILY - RAMONES TRIBUTE NIGHT Saturday, Nov 25th | Tickets $10 Doors 7:30pm Moshpit Bar, 642A King St, Erskineville The Dark Clouds, Smitty & B Goode plus the Strike Outs, all to pay tribute to one of the greatest and most influential bands ever. The Dark Clouds are gonna blast out the downstroke classics, Smitty & B Goode are gonna get ya movin’ like Dee Dee’s bubble gum & the Strike Outs are gonna ruin the Ramones’ whole career by ripping through one tune off every studio album.

GET FOLKED - APES OF THE STATE (USA) & PIGEON PIT (USA) Thursday, Nov 30th | Tickets from $37.43 Doors open 7pm

COSY SMALL BAR LIVE MUSIC BOOK NIGHTS COMEDY... & MORE!

Lazybones Lounge, 294 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville The first time down under for both Apes Of The State, and Pigeon Pit. Their sound is very lyrical, influenced by storyteller singer/songwriters, combined with the drive and power of a full acoustic punk band.

EVIL #33 - THE LAST ONE Sunday, Dec 3rd | Doors 6pm Moshpit Bar, 642A King St, Erskineville That’s it. We’re good. It’s over. This finale will feature: The Valentitanic Trio, Lucas Granpa, Abela, Man’s Best Friend, Pyramid Mission, Death Of The Author. Huge thanks to all the artists who made this such a unique and special event, The MoshPit Bar for hosting, the staff & every single audience member, and the magical inner western community that has hosted my parasitic body for 47 years!

SINGULAR VOICES: LLOYD COLE Monday 11th Dec | Tickets $79 Doors open 7pm City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place, Sydney UK icon of literate pop, Lloyd Cole returns to the City Recital Hall in a stripped back solo performance dedicated to his four decades of brilliant songcraft.

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

Butchers Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill www.butchersbrewbar.com.au butchersbrewbar @ButchersBrewBar

17

EAT/DRINK

A

Executive Chef Lucas Doan brings a refined dining experience to the Inner West. What better way to ease into the weekend than with dinner and a live jazz band?

AFTER almost 20 years honing his culinary skills in Sydney’s most exclusive restaurants, Executive Chef Lucas Doan has brought to life his childhood dream of opening his first restaurant, The D’s Bar & Dining, in Marrickville, where he and his family first migrated to in Australia.

Most recently head chef at upmarket Luna Lu, on Sydney Harbour, and before that at Merivale’s iconic Mr Wong, Doan’s inspiration for The D’s Bar & Dining stems from his family’s long history in hospitality in their native Saigon, where they had a strong presence in restaurants, bars and cafes.

Doan was just 15 years old when he realised his passion for bringing people together through the craftsmanship of beautiful food, deciding at a young age to be a chef instead of a film director for which he’d been studying in Beijing!

Having worked in various kitchens across Asia, as well as his more recent stints at some of Sydney’s high-end restaurants, Doan has drawn on his varied experiences to create The D’s Bar & Dining menu.

He counts international heavyweights Wolfgang Puck, David Chang, Martin Yan as well as local chefs Dan Hong, Takahiro Teramoto and Clare Smyth, as his culinary inspirations. And while the style of cuisine differs, Doan would love the same atmosphere, energy and personality of Restaurant Hubert for his own establishment, The D’s Bar & Dining.

“I love the atmosphere, service and food there (at Restaurant Hubert), no matter what day or time you go in, it

18

is always full of life and personality,” he says.

At The D’s Bar & Dining, Doan has created a contemporary Asian menu reflecting his dual Vietnamese/Cantonese heritage, and catering to an eclectic demographic of cultures for which Marrickville and the Inner West is known.

The menu which is regularly updated with innovative new dishes includes Beef Pho Tartar, Lobster Noodles and the famous The D’s Spring Roll.

“We love to get inspiration from other cultures,” he says.

“We always encourage our guests to embrace the customary approach of sharing dishes as our menu takes on familiar staples infused with traditional and modern techniques dedicated to preserving the freshness and nuances of our local produce.”

By opening in Marrickville, fast becoming a go-to for multicultural dining, Doan hopes to give local diners a more accessible option than having to travel into the bustling CBD. “We want to target those who want a little bit of a more refined feeling in the Inner West, where you don’t need to travel all the way to the city to have a different experience.”

To make a reservation: (02) 9171 5787.

Bookings@theds.com.au

bodyspace studios

WANT TO TRY A FREE POLE CLASS IN MARRICKVILLE?

The weather may be cooling down but the Marrickville + Inner Sydney arts scene is only heating up! Check out our list of a few of the best live experiences and entertainment coming up this season.

Strengthen your body, Boost your confidence!

Welcome to Bodyspace Studios Marrickville. Your HQ for all things Pole Dancing, Barre, Flexibility & Reformer Pilates!

Claim your FREE Pole Class NOW! 3 Shepherd Street, Marrickville 2204 +61 423 488 897 www.bodyspacestudios.com

PETS ARCHIE

FRIDA

ARCHIE - This pooch has been a long time Inner-Westie, he lived in Newtown, Enmore and now Marrickville for the last 3 years. He’s a 7 year old Groodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle), he loves McNeilly Park, and playing with his little brother, Eddie the mini Labradoodle. He’s a local hero. Archie is a regular blood donor at the University of Sydney Vet Hospital, just recently he rushed to the rescue of another dog with severe anaemia, saving his life. Sydney Uni Vet are always looking for donors, if you have a pooch over 20kg and between 1-8, call 02 9351 3437.

CHARLIE

CHARLIE - Nice to woof you! Meet Charlie, the ‘fluffy puppy’, he was adopted when he was 6 months old.

At almost 7 years old, he loves watching tv (as long as there’s no horses on the screen - then he’ll growl and sniff his butt), cuddling with his mum in bed, and napping, snoozing, and yawning. He also loves playing with his BFF Wookie at the park.

FRIDA - This Oodle has a taste for the finer things in life - like fancy cheese! She can be a bit of a diva, when it comes to walks, she’s only up for it if the weather is just right. Not too hot, not too cold and certainly not in the wet! Her favourite exercise is stretching out on the couch, according to her it’s more than that, she’s doing yoga!

Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page 20

Join our community @ ROSE

ROSE - Meet Rose, Marrickville’s very own long dog.

She is 9 years old and has spent a lot of her years mastering the art of peanut butter sandwich thievery from her human baby brother, all while maintaining her sleek figure. She has an unmatched zeal for pats and a profound dedication to daytime slumber. Rose is the perfect example of living a fulfilled life with a balance of mischief, relaxation and a whole lot of love.

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

BOWIE

BOWIE - Named after the Thin White Duke, Bowie is an Inner West girl through and through. She has moved with her humans through Camperdown and Rozelle, before finally settling in Marrickville. She dreams of daily ball chases at Henson or Sydney Park and loves nothing more than thoroughly inspecting the local beer varieties that come through her front door. A scratch on the butt or a piece of cheese and she’s yours forever.

PETS Zeppelin - Staffy x Malinois - 10 months

Beyonce - Domestic Shorthair - 1 year

BEYONCÉ is a sweet young lady who knows how to live the good life. You’ll often find her on her various lounging spots: the windowsill, top of her cat tree, on her back in a puddle of sunshine. From there she loves to watch Cat TV! She absolutely adores looking out the window and gets extra excited watching birds.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch her making her cute chattering sounds! And while we’re on the topic, can we just say we are all *extremely obsessed* with Beyoncé’s vocals? She has a voice like no other! She makes sing-song meows and these small, squeaky, joyous chirrups that are 100% guaranteed to make you smile. When it’s time to settle down for a cuddle, she has a deep, comforting purr that just lets you know everything will be alright.

A BEAUTIFUL, high-energy puppy who adores being involved in your daily routine, Zeppelin is the sweetest boy with so much love to give! He’s flourishing in foster care, happily following at his foster carer’s heels and lapping up his daily training.

This smart, sensitive boy will require lots of one-on-one company, regular vigorous exercise and ongoing efforts to improve his confidence. He enjoys a good sniff and explore, and an active single person or couple or a family with kids aged 10+ will be a great match!

THI N K IN G O F BU Y IN G KIN OR O R S EL L IN G ?

inf o@behleg a l . c o m +61 422 41 1 4 6 6

b eeh h co ncing.com.au c on v ey e yaan

22

Using a Solicitor with Planning expertise will give you an edge in understanding the risk and potential of your purchase or sale. At BEH Legal, our competitive Conveyancing pricing and knowledge of the property market will help you buy and sell with confidence.

3lane.com.au

Finding you a better way

Unlock your Finance potential

When it comes to growing your business, reviewing your current finance arrangements or simply looking for guidance on the next acquistion, having access to the right financial solutions is critical. Our experience and knowledge of industry trends places us at the forefront of finding the right financial solution for you.

We are 3lane

The value we provide our clients

We are a boutique finance broker firm specialising in commercial and residential loans for clients looking for finance solutions.

TIMESAVING

We understand that each client has different requirements and finance needs and hence the importance of securing finance easily and quickly.

Our firm was started in 2018 by George Louca and was joined in 2022 by Maria Gatsos to focus on our clients asset finance and residential loan requirements.

We are passionate about helping our clients and have the skills and knowledge to structure the best finance solution to meet your business and personal needs.

Shopping around for loans and comparing offers from different lenders can be time-consuming. As your finance broker we do this work for you, to save you time and trouble.

CONVENIENCE We assist with the loan application process and manage communications with lenders, to make the application seamless for you.

We also understand the market and where we can procure the best deal for you.

EXPERTISE AND GUIDANCE

If you are serious about finding better finance, consider 3LANE Finance - we’ll find you a better way.

We have over 45 years’ experience specialising in commercial and residential lending. We are experts in both, and can provide guidance throughout the lending process. Allow us to take the stress out of securing finance for you.

Always pro-active

ACCESS TO A WIDER RANGE OF OPTIONS

We take a pro-active approach in looking after our clients, and are always looking out for better rates and products to suit your financing requirements.

We provide an annual review of client loans to ensure the lender is providing you with the best interest rates.

90% of Australian business owners are paying too much for their loans. At 3LANE, we’ll make sure you are not one of them!

At 3LANE, I am confident we can find you a better financial solution. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with all your finance requirements.

Our strong emphasis on quick market responsiveness, backed by our extensive experience, highlights our commitment to building solid customer relationships.

George Louca Founder

Please contact me directly on 0402 11 00 25 or make an enquiry on our website 3lane.com.au

3LANE Finance is an authorised Credit Representative 504774 and is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

Louca ANE Holdings Pty Ltd ACN 622 970 281 as trustee for The Louca Family Trust Trading As 3LANE Finance ABN 85 192 468 060. Member of the Mortgage and Finance Association (MFAA)

We have access to a broad range of lenders and loan products and can help you find the best financing option. We can negotiate favourable terms and provide ongoing support throughout the financing process.

WE HELP YOU WORK TOWARDS YOUR GOAL We help you use your income and borrowing power wisely to support your wealth creation strategy. We can also work closely with your accountant to achieve your goals.

Looking for better finance?

We believe there’s always a better way.

We are 100% committed to finding it for our clients.

121 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204 3lane.com.au

WORDSEARCH ACROSS

Name: _____________________________________________________

2.

John ______ retired in 1887 and left their company to their three sons.

8.

What’s the name of Shelley Watters’ upcoming exhibition at Redfern’s 107 Projects.

9.

High-energy puppy currently available for adoption from Maggie’s Rescue.

10.

DOWN

Date: _____

2204 - Issue #6 1 2

Series of photographs that depicted the different experiences during the pandemic?

3 4

5

6 7

1.

1. Lloyd Coles upcoming solo performance will be at which InnerCity Venue? ___________ Hall (4,7)

3.

BodySpace Studios, Marrickville’s new boutique workout space offers Pole Dancing and P______ classes.

8

9

4. You can take one of these classes, often using a bar, at Trunk Studios?

5. Owner and gourmet Chef Lucas _____creates innovative dishes at The D’s Bar and Dining.

10

6.

Spanish-inspired performance at Sydney Dance Company, Up Close: _____

7.

Theodora Gianniotis gracefully restores heritage sites, she is most proud of down to which local hotel?

Across 3. BodySpace Studios, Marrickville’s new boutique workout space offers Pole Danc 2. John ______ retired in 1887 and left their and P______ classes. company to their three sons.

4. You can take one of these classes, oft 8. What's the name of Shelley Watters' upcoming exhibition at Redfern’s 107 Projects. using a bar, at Trunk Studios?

5. Owner and gourmet Chef Lucas 9. High-energy puppy currently available for _____creates innovative dishes at The D adoption from Maggie’s Rescue (Zeppelin) and Dining.

10. Series of photographs that depicted the 6. Spanish-inspired performance at Sydn different experiences during the pandemic?

Dance Company, Up Close: _____ Down 7. Theodora Gianniotis gracefully restore 1. Lloyd Coles upcoming solo performance heritage sites, she is most proud of down will be at which Inner-City Venue? ____ which local hotel? _______ Hall (4,7)

24

26

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

27

28

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.

14582_SGS_NeighbourAdvert_0823.indd 1

Be yourself at International Grammar School

6/9/2023 10:06 am

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

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

Scan to enrol today

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

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

WHO MADE THIS ISSUE POSSIBLE!

pole barre flex reformer

30

Join our community @

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

31