Neighbourhood Media Newtown Magazine | October 2020

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TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY HERE TO HELP

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems you have with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, superannuation, Child Support payments, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Veterans’ Affairs, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the National Broadband Network (NBN), universities, employment, training, Commonwealth funding and grants.

My office offers Justice of the Peace (JP) services on Mondays (2pm4.30pm); Tuesdays (10am-1pm); and Thursdays (2pm-4.30pm).

Please contact my office to

STAYING IN TOUCH To keep up to date with my activities (incuding my mobile offices), issues and events - both locally and nationally, please subscribe to my eNews at: tanyaplibersek.com.

make an appointment.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES My office can arrange messages of congratulations for people who live in my electorate and are celebrating their golden (50th) and diamond (60th) wedding anniversaries; and 90th and subsequent birthdays.

Please allow for 6-8 weeks for congratulatory messages from dignatories.

Authorised by T.PlIbersek MP (ALP) 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern

1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 TanyaPlibersek.com

02 9379 0700

Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au

Cover images: (c) Koshka Media

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FROM THE EDITOR Rita Bratovich

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HISTORY Life and death in Camperdown Park | Jenny Leong’s ‘Town’

FEATURE DIY Festival - party at home

CULTURE The very old New Theatre | Radi gets Happy

HUMANS OF NEWTOWN The people, the stories, the pictures

HOME LIVING Do this before you buy property | Plants and stuff

KIDS Newtown’s got talent | Get kids to love vegetables

FOOD Gnocchi on heaven’s door

FOOD | PETS Take a bao | Easy to make Honey Cake | Pets complete us

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NEW TIMES, NEW WAYS NEWTOWN has been described many times over using the same familiar adjectives: quirky, creative, unique, grungy, trendy and so on. But true Newtowners prefer descriptions like: resilient, inventive, proud, generous, communal. The people in this suburb wear their Newtown identity like a badge of honour. They feel a sense of solidarity with their fellow residents while readily welcoming visitors to the area, happy to show off features and the latest additions as if they were showing someone around their home.

The residents here treat their suburb like a canvas, showing uninhibited expression through giant murals, random acts of knitting, garbage-cum-sculptures, spontaneous street shows, and incidental fashion parades. But it’s not pretentious, it’s genuine. This is Newtown being real.

The area has gone through many transformations. It began and was for many thousands of years, the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Not much remains of this heritage in physical terms, but there is a strong consciousness among residents to acknowledge and respect the original owners and continue the spiritual connection.

After European settlement, the area became farmland then soon underwent rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, rising through affluence, then descending slowly again into working class, then nearly becoming a ghetto. Several decades ago, Newtown saw a revitalisation through the “bohemians” who started populating the suburb. Grunge was trendy and Newtown risked becoming mainstream and gentrified.

Thankfully, Newtown retained its soul and has so far managed to stave off efforts to commodify it.

This year has brought challenges beyond what residents here and everyone else in the world have had to face before, at least, in this generation. Human connection, empathy, resilience, creativity have been tested to the limit. We’re not out of the woods yet, but there are small fires of hope burning in the darkness.

Take care of each other and prove that the Newtown spirit prevails.

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media EDITOR - Rita Bratovich DESIGNER - Robert Everett CONTRIBUTORS - Rita Bratovich, Mike Hitch, Alec Smart, Suzanne Taylor ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly | 0416 972 081

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PETS Pets of Newtown | Don’t leave your pet’s future to chance

SHOPPING Spend your time on King Street

PUZZLES & BUSINESS LISTINGS Challenge your brain with some fun puzzles.

Find a local business.

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HISTORY

A GRAVE CHAPTER IN NEWTOWN’S HISTORY

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THE grounds around Camperdown Cemetery, with their sepia hues and eerie stillness, feel like the setting of a gothic Victorian novel; indeed, there’s even a rumoured connection to a particular famous novel. It’s just one of the many claims to fame of this much visited, much loved historical site in the heart of Newtown.

Founded in 1848 as an Anglican burial ground, the Camperdown Cemetery was one of the three main cemeteries in early Sydney settlement, and the only one that still remains. There were an estimated 18,000 burials during the time it was operational, from 1849 to around the mid 1940s, although most occurred before 1868 after which Rookwood Cemetery, South Head Cemetery and Gore Hill Cemetery were opened.

The first St Stephen’s Anglican Church, built in 1844, was a much more humble structure than the beautiful exemplar of Gothic Revival architecture that replaced it in 1871. Both were designed by noted architect, Edmund Blacket.

Camperdown Cemetery originally occupied the entire area that is now Camperdown Memorial Park. In 1948, the church and a nominal area around it were walled off, with the rest of the land being given to local council for use as a park. Many trees were removed and a rose garden was planted at the southern end of the park. Monuments outside the walled area were either relocated to other cemeteries or squeezed into the limited space within the church grounds. Many, sadly, were damaged with the broken stones being repurposed as landscaping in various locations.

The inside wall of the cemetery is crowded with tombstones, some leaning loosely against the wall, others laying flat on the ground. Over the past few decades various grants and donations have helped contribute to restoration of structures and maintenance of the rare native flora. St Stephen’s Anglican Church and the cemetery grounds are listed by Heritage Council of NSW as a site of national importance.

Apart from the inevitable ghost sightings, Camperdown Cemetery is associated with various stories, true and rumoured.

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Shipwrecks, murder, and great expectations are some of the buried secrets kept in one of Sydney’s oldest cemeteries.

Possibly the most notorious and upsetting was the discovery of the body of Joan Norma Ginn in 1946. The 11-year old girl had gone missing the day before and an extensive search concluded the following morning when she was found, violated and bludgeoned to death, in the overgrown grass of the cemetery. It was one of the biggest crime stories of that decade but no one was ever brought to justice.

A much earlier tragedy is memorialised by a tomb and anchor and a service which is still conducted each year in August. The Dunbar was a ship that came to grief at the base of The Gap in 1857. Of the 122 on board, 121 died. The remains of 22 are buried beneath a tomb and one of the anchors recovered from the wreck. (Another anchor forms part of a memorial above the site at The Gap.) Barely nine weeks later, another ship, the Catherine Anderson, ran aground and 20 people perished. Those bodies that could be recovered were interred in a mass grave shared by the Dunbar victims.

A literary, if still disputed, connection with Camperdown Cemetery comes via the sad tale of Eliza Emily Donnithorne. Her story, though it suffers some of the embellishments of urban legend, is generally regarded to be based in fact. In around 1851, on the morning of her wedding, the 30-year-old Eliza, daughter of a prominent judge, ordered a nuptial breakfast for herself, the groom, and selected guests. However, the intended groom never arrived and never again made contact with Eliza. The jilted bride supposedly left the breakfast in place, closed all the blinds, (in some versions of the story, remained in her wedding dress), and became a complete recluse.

Eliza’s story is said to have inspired the character of Mrs Havisham in Charles Dickens’ novel, Great Expectations. Though Dickens never actually visited Australia, he was very interested in the land Down Under and kept abreast of news and stories from the Antipodes.

Eliza’s grave is one of the most visited in the cemetery.

Join our community @ Jenny Leong is the Greens Member for Newtown and a very proud local. She shares some of her inner thoughts about this corner of the inner west with Neighbourhood Media.

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JENNY LEONG TALKS ABOUT

HER NEIGHBOURHOOD

YOU delivered a speech in parliament (uploaded to YouTube on June 30, 2020) called Our Community Chose Kindness. Talk about the sentiments and observations behind that speech.

It is important to recognise that Newtown is on Gadigal Land land that was never ceded and as a matter of protocol and a mark of respect I wish to acknowledge Aboriginal elders past, present and emerging.

These have been such intense and challenging times - and often when people are faced with uncertainty and filled with fear they can turn inward, focus only on their own survival and start to create divisions with others.

Instead, what we saw in our community during the period of the lockdown was an outpouring of compassion, care and collective action.

Newtown has always been a community where we celebrate difference and diversity - where we look out for each other - and it has continued to be true during the pandemic. We’ve seen so much generosity and kindness given by so many good folks and organisations who’ve reached out offering whatever they can, to support those doing it tough.

Newtown is an eclectic suburb, very Bohemian, but also with high levels of poverty and homelessness. What is it like trying to represent such a diverse constituency?

I find it continually rewarding to represent the many wonderful people who live in Newtown - and love it that when you door-knock at some of the most expensive houses in our ‘hood they say their number one concern is ensuring support for people who are homeless and an increase to public housing. Or when you hear from a local who says they want to know how they can help because they know international students are doing it tough without any government support.

What unites our community is the fact that we are committed to ensuring all people have the ability to live, work, and play in our city - and that means dealing with the housing affordability and housing insecurity crisis as well as ensuring no one is too poor to live.

As a community, we also share common values - we recognise the need for collective action to address inequality, stamp out discrimination, end racial injustice and act on the climate emergency.

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Like every other suburb in Sydney, Newtown has undergone a degree of redevelopment. How do you think it can preserve its unique character while still moving into modernity?

Newtown is unique in that it has some of the most important heritage high streets and residential buildings in Australia. The heritage of the suburb has been protected over many decades by forward thinking residents, local councils and state bodies. We all appreciate the importance of well planned developments while at the same time looking out to protect the unique heritage of this suburb.

It is crucial that we stamp out the corruption of our planning processes by big business donors and their developer mates it’s why the Greens support an independently funded ICAC and a federal ICAC. What do you really love about living/working in Newtown?

Newtown has been my home from when I was a student at Sydney University. I’ve always loved being a part of this diverse and engaged community and being able to represent this community in the NSW parliament over the past 6 years has been such a privilege.

I love it when it’s buzzing with people, I love it when we get to dance on the street, and I love it when you see people looking out for each other.

We do things differently in Newtown and it’s great to be able to take that vibe into the parliament and to shake things up a bit.

What do you want people to know about Newtown that they may not know?

That it’s more than just a place, it’s a community that holds common values of celebrating difference, diversity and equality - and that means even if you don’t live here anymore or you’ve never lived here, you are still welcome and can belong here if you also share these views.

www.jennyleong.org

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FEATURE

A PIECE OF THE FESTIVAL IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

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This year Newtown locals are being invited to their own homes to celebrate Newtown Festival with a handful of special friends and loads of imagination.

IT’S THE biggest event on the Inner West What’s On calendar - normally.

Sydney - that’s tough competition! It is one of the most colourful and But even though Newtown Festival can’t be the crazy, crowded, cacophoquirky outdoor gatherings, bringing together a diverse cross-section of nous party it usually is, there’s no reason locals can’t find a unified way vendors, makers, performers, cooks, brewers, attendees, and of course, to celebrate. their pets. For organisers, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, the festival Organisers, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) didn’t want to risk is a major fundraiser. Its absence this year will be felt. the safety of the community but they also felt compelled to offer some The pandemic has hit the Newtown community hard. NNC was forced sort of fix. to close its doors for a period of time but have thankfully “We know it won’t be the same heading into sumbeen able to open again and slowly, safely, get back to mer without this celebration of all things Newtown, normal services. so we had to come up with a way of still marking “Covid19 has been particularly tough for people who “WE KNOW IT WON’T this day which means so much to so many people,” are already socially isolated. Many of our clients live in BE THE SAME HEADING INTO says Neighbourhood Centre CEO, Liz Yeo. “Given boarding houses or sleep rough and many are ageing the challenges and restrictions due to Covid-19, we and living alone,” explains Liz Yeo. “We have worked SUMMER WITHOUT THIS thought the best bet would be a “Backyard Party”. hard to try and keep people connected through phone CELEBRATION OF ALL Everyone is so in need of some fun socialising! So calls and by dropping off food and supplies when there THINGS NEWTOWN.” this year we are encouraging people to get a few were shortages of things like toilet paper. We know that mates together in the backyard on Sunday 8th Nodemand on services like ours is only going to increase vember to share some Newtown Festival memories, when stimulus payments stop and unemployment inand to create some new ones in a year we will never creases. It will be more important than ever that vulnerforget! We have lots of ideas to help people celable community members know who they can turn to ebrate including a local trivia game and a festival for support...and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre will playlist, and we are encouraging everyone to grab be there for them.” local supplies for their barbie or drinks.”

NNC is invaluable to the community: for the tireSo, on November 8th, in line with the COVID-19 reless assistance and support they provide to those strictions in place at that time, Newtown residents can most vulnerable; for their impartial treatment and participate in a simultaneous house party and share compassion; for their contribution to the culture and messages, photos, and videos on social media using encouragement to participate in the community; and the hashtags #NFbackyardparty and #NewtownFestifor their proactive celebration of this very eclectic, val2020. creative, one-of-a-kind suburb.

You can still support local businesses, too. There’s “Newtown Festival has always been an event where a list of participants on the Newtown Festival website that unique Newtown vibe is palpable…” says Liz, who’ll be offering food and drink deals and even back“From the quirky dog show, to inner west punk bands, yard packages. Keep an eye on the website and social local school bands and Heaps Gay karaoke...this really media for further deals and discounts. is a festival by the people for the people, celebrating Newtown Festival has been running for over 40 local music, food, arts and culture... celebrating all this years, and is a premium event, not only in the Inner great community stands for - a place where everyone is West but among the many spring/summer festivals in welcome and diversity is embraced.”

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Images: cover, p 6 and p 7 (c) Koshka Media

www.newtownfestival.org www.newtowncentre.org YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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CULTURE

NEW THEATRE

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The award-winning New Theatre at 542 King Street, Newtown, has an interesting history and is among Australia’s longest continually-running live theatres, staging over 550 productions.

By ALEC SMART

NEW THEATRE publicist Alice Livingstone explained, “We usually host the attentions of ASIO!) included Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, critical of the around six to eight productions a year. We start in Febcommunism paranoia that typified the McCarthy era in ruary and stage an LGBTQI production to coincide with the USA (New Theatre was the first Australian venue the annual Mardis Gras, which we’ve been doing since to stage the play); Pacific Paradise, opposing atomic “WE’RE MAINLY STAFFED 1994. We continue throughout the year and in Septembomb testing in the Pacific; and Steven Berkoff’s Sink BY VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING THE ber we also participate in the Sydney Fringe Festival. the Belgrano, about Britain’s torpedo-sinking of the “We’re mainly staffed by volunteers, including the Argentinian ship full of conscripted sailors during the PERFORMERS AND CREW, AND performers and crew, and rely upon public support and Falklands War. RELY UPON PUBLIC SUPPORT ticket sales to finance the productions.”

In 1973, after nine years at the Waterside Workers’ AND TICKET SALES TO FINANCE The New Theatre was founded as the Sydney WorkFederation Theatre in Sussex Street, followed by a deers Arts Club (SWAC) in August 1932 in temporary cade in Kings Cross, New Theatre found their permaTHE PRODUCTIONS.” premises at 273 Pitt Street in the city, before relocatnent home at 542 King St, Newtown. ing to a more secure base nearby in October at 36 Pitt Ms Livingstone revealed “it was previously an old TV Street, former home of the Australian Seamen’s Union. picture tube repair factory. We received a grant from Launching with the slogan “Art is a Weapon”, the the Gough Whitlam government to purchase the premfirst public performance took place in April the following ises.” year, featuring The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, a In 2016, New Theatre received the ACON Honour play based on the popular 1914 novel about an Irish Award for Arts and Entertainment for their “25-year sign writer and house painter struggling to find work in a commitment to LGBTI content and productions for the southern English seaside town.

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and for recognising This politically-charged production, adapted from a diverse sexualities and genders as an important demonovel praised by Animal Farm and 1984 writer George graphic within the theatre’s community and audience.”

Orwell, set the template for the theatre company’s future New Theatre welcomes volunteers, including set endeavours. The socially-motivated thespians were inbuilders, lighting riggers, stage hands, costume despired by the burgeoning New Theatre movement that signers and sound managers, or front-of-house bar began in the USA, which examined and showcased the work (with a current RSA). lives of working people, and grew out of the economic Membership is available for $30 a year, which inhardship and realignment of cultural values inflicted by cludes discounted tickets, the quarterly newsletter the global Depression.

Spotlight, and extras In 1936 the SWAC adopted the name New Theatre League, shortened to New Theatre in 1945, by which time they’d set up in new premises in Castlereagh St, and set about challenging stage censorship whilst focusing on stories that explored social issues, including The current production is George Orwell’s dark satire of the human rights, indigenous struggles and women’s emancipation.

Russian revolution, Animal Farm, until 7 Nov. Following a formal protest lodged by Hitler’s government representative in Australia, New Theatre’s 1936 production of Clifford Odets’ anti-fascist This is followed by Joan Lindsay’s supernatural mystery, play, Till The Day I Die, was halted by police intervention, which caused a Picnic at Hanging Rock, from 17 Nov – 19 Dec. stir in the media as the public demanded it be allowed to continue. (Thereafter it was performed illegally).

Other productions that challenged conservative thinking (and attracted

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Despite Sydney’s ever-changing landscape, Newtown is one suburb that has stood firm as a safe-haven for all that is quirky, creative and curious.

By Mike Hitch

RADI SAFI, the founding editor of Newtown’s booming creative media outlet, Happy Mag, has called the inner-west home for the past ten years. Speaking to Neighbourhood Media, Radi noted that he’s always felt ‘something special’ for Newtown despite growing up in Sydney’s South-West.

“I’ve always loved Newtown, even as a kid. It’s the inclusivity, and the diversity - all the clichés apply,” Radi says in a cheery tone.

“I think it’s awesome that there aren’t expectations in terms of what is normal and acceptable here. It’s the most progressive and inclusive suburb in the country…I think.

“Creatives are naturally drawn to the area. There’s a lot of old, great buildings and I feel that those buildings hold a lot of interesting energy. It draws certain people to them.

“The history is fascinating - especially when that history is a lot of young muso’s, or artists living in share-houses. So, you get bubbles of interesting things happening all the time.”

Even during our short call, it’s clear that Radi is fascinated with creativity. This love for the arts was the driving force behind the inception of Happy Mag, which had its humble beginning as a pop-up band-event at The Sly Fox Hotel.

“The owner gave us Sunday afternoons. He said ‘there’s usually only three people there drinking VB’s’. So, we packed it out, and he said ‘oh f**k, can you do this every week please?’” Radi says through laughter.

Since then, things have definitely changed. Radi believes that what made Happy Mag successful and spared “10 years of agony” in creating such a niche media startup, was covering the local music scene.

“There’s so much incredible music coming out of the inner-west, and we were writing about it when no one was,” he said.

“Everyone in here at Happy is creative. There are bands, illustrators or artists of some kind. It’s why we started writing thoughtful articles about small local bands because that’s where we all started.

“You still get that mix of small, awesome bands that appear out of

nowhere here. It isn’t like that anywhere else, and I don’t think that will ever change.”

However, Radi is aware that Newtown has changed. Despite the pandemic’s destruction of Sydney’s live-music scene and the disruption of tourism towards Newtown’s local businesses, Radi believes that things will get better. However, he remains adamant that things will only improve if people support the locals that need it most.

“You need to take it for what it is. I really miss the tourism, and seeing people come and take photos always made me feel good,” Radi said.

“It made me feel like it was supporting local industry, but Newtown will continue to be Newtown, as long as we have the little guys doing interesting things - and I love to see it!

“But, we need to support it [local industry], and we need to get behind it in any way we can. It’s f**king beautiful, and it can be done, but the only way that that can happen is if people insist on supporting.”

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HUMANS

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Curiosity and compassion led this local observer to start an online platform and publish a book telling the unique stories from around this amazing neighbourhood.

JO WALLACE has lived in Newtown for over 20 years and loves it. She heart out to me within 5 minutes…and been in tears and telling me a loves the sense of inclusion, feeling welcome, the idea that anything goes. story that’s deeply moving for them. In terms of how I respond - I’m not a “It really comes down to the people…I would always see these amazing counsellor but I’m deeply privileged that somebody has shared this story creative projects and just random things happening,” says Jo. “These are with me, so naturally I want to connect with the person, I want to listen to different people, they’re my kind of people.” their story and I want to understand it. And there are things that are told to For a long time, Jo had thought about creating a book to capture and me that I don’t include because I just think it’s too personal or it’s crossed share stories and images of the fascinating people she saw around her. that boundary as a story…”

They intrigued her.

Some stories have gone into dark and challenging territory, however, “[I wanted to know] why they do these things and what they want to overwhelmingly the net result of the project has been positive. People bring to people, and just knowing them. I’m just a very have said it has given Newtown a strong sense of cocurious kind of person, I suppose, and I love people,” hesiveness and identity. It has also provided an opporsays Jo. tunity for people to approach someone in the street “AND IT TOOK ON A LIFE It was not until she stumbled upon a particular book whom they may have seen in the book or online.

OF ITS OWN AND THERE while researching a trip to New York several years ago For Jo, the project yielded a surprising and very perWAS THIS BEAUTIFUL ENGAGEMENT that she finally saw how to manifest her own ideas. The sonal reward. Soon after the book was launched, Jo book was Humans Of New York. It was a revelation. was diagnosed with cancer. It was then that all the love WITH THE COMMUNITY, After researching some more and discovering “Huand energy she had put into her community came back SO I ACTUALLY mans Of…” variations already existed around the to her in spades.

KEPT IT GOING.” world, Jo decided to set up the Humans Of Newtown “I guess that’s what community is about, you don’t Facebook page. Originally, it was just a way to get realise how much you need it until you do,” she says. things rolling and have a repository for content. Then Through the book and the project, Jo had fused came the blog. deep connections and received support she doesn’t “And it took on a life of its own and there was this beautiful engagebelieve would have existed otherwise. ment with the community, so I actually kept it going.”

“That is what community is - we all give and hopefully, when needed Soon afterwards, Jo was approached to put together a book, Humans people can take back what they need.”

Of Newtown (2015), by independent publishers, King Street Press.

With life on hold at the moment due to the pandemic, Jo has been From there, she has variously been asked to work on individual projsubstituting photographic portraits with sketches she has done of various ects, but Humans Of Newtown is her main focus - outside her full time Newtown buildings. When things return to normal, she hopes to grow marketing job, that is.

Humans Of Newtown, though at this stage, she’s not sure how. She just As a photographer, Jo is mostly self-taught and intuitive. She doesn’t knows it will require the input of other generous humans. plan her shoots, preferring to let things happen organically.

“What people take from it they take from it, but I’m always grateful that “I’ll just look at someone and if they look approachable, I’ll just go up people give.” and introduce myself, tell them what I’m doing, what the project’s about, and ask if I can photograph and interview them - and I would say 99.9% of people say yes.”

Of course, it’s not quite that simple. There’s a degree of empathy exhumansofnewtown.com.au change, building of trust. Once that’s established, you then have to be www.facebook.com/humansofnewtown prepared for anything.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get when you interview someBook available from the website body. Sometimes I’ve been really surprised that people have poured their

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From ‘Humans of Newtown’ - Jo Wallace

Phone 02 9519 4729

info@newtowncommunitychiropractic.com.au

Level 1, 241 King Street Newtown (entry Church St)

newtowncommunitychiropractic.com.au

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HOME LIVING

THE MUST-DO STEP FOR NEWTOWN HOME BUYERS

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Suzanne Taylor, owner and founder of Mortgage Choice in Newtown, says a plan of action can help Inner West home buyers achieve their goals.

FOR over 20 years, Suzanne and her team have been supporting Newposition to get into the market.” town residents secure their slice of the popular Inner West.

Along with expert home loan advice, Suzanne’s clients benefit from proMany of the first home buyers Suzanne worked with in the early days fessional property market insights. have returned for help upgrading to their next home, using home equity to She explains: “Our clients have access to property reports that provide fund renovations, or to grow wealth with an investment property. market values for an area, a street, or even a specific property. This sort Not surprisingly, Suzanne has seen plenty of changes over the past two of market intelligence is extremely useful when it comes to knowing where decades, though none as dramatic as home loan interest rates. you can afford to buy, the sort of offer you should make, and even what to “Rates really are at historic lows,” notes Suzanne. expect at auction.”

“I’m seeing home loans starting with a ‘2’ – something A unique difference that was unthinkable just a few years ago, and it’s giving While buying a home comes with a variety of upfront “LOAN PRE-APPROVAL Newtown home buyers a valuable boost to their borexpenses, Mortgage Choice in Newtown does not LETS BUYERS SET A rowing power.” charge a fee for its home loan service. “We are paid by Home loan pre-approval is a must-have lenders after a loan settles, so our service comes at no REALISTIC BUDGET, AND Despite record low rates, Suzanne says it is important cost to our customers.” explains Suzanne. “But we do ENTER PRICE NEGOTIATIONS for Newtown home buyers to speak with a mortgage things differently from other brokers.

WITH CONFIDENCE” broker at an early stage.

“We are paid the same no matter which lender you “Credit is definitely tighter, and banks are being very choose from our panel. It gives our clients confidence particular around who qualifies for a home loan,” she that we only recommend the home loan best suited to advises. their needs.”

Having a home loan pre-approved is an especially smart strategy in the current market.

“Loan pre-approval lets buyers set a realistic budget, and enter price To meet the award-winning team at Mortgage negotiations with confidence,” advises Suzanne. “It’s also a must-have if you plan to bid at auction. We are even seeing some selling agents ask Choice in Newtown – including their mascot, buyers if they have their home loan pre-approved before arranging propthe mini-Dachshund, Buddi, pop into 557a King erty viewings.”

Preparing to be home loan ready Street Newtown, or phone 9517 1818 to arrange an Suzanne admits to being “very big on client education”, and says part appointment with Suzanne and her team. of her role involves helping home buyers become home-loan ready. As she says, “It’s all about the simple steps you can take to be in the best possible

SPONSORED

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MAKE YOUR OWN GARDEN SPRAY

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YOU don’t have to use nasty chemicals to get rid of those pesky bugs munching on your new blooms. Everything you need to make an organic, safe insect spray can be found in your own kitchen.

It’s spring and gardens across the southern hemisphere are alive; alive with new foliage, alive with colour…and alive with bugs. Now, there are good insects and there are bad insects., Many insecticides, however, will kill all insects and then just hang around in the environment like that last party guest who won’t leave. There’s no need to purchase expensive products filled with ingredients that all have more than five syllables. Here’s a simple pet/people/plant/purse friendly recipe that will keep aphids, beetles, fruit flies, and many other small insects away.

Grab a handful of garlic cloves, peel them, and mince them in a food processor or mortar and pestle. Put the minced garlic in a jar and fill with water. You can add a teaspoon of mineral oil and/or dishwashing liquid to the garlic as well. Let it sit overnight, then strain the liquid.

When you’re ready to use it, add a small amount to an all-purpose spray bottle then fill it with water.

You can strengthen the mix and annoy even more insects by adding hot chilies.

Just be mindful that garlic and chilies are irritants, so avoid getting them on your skin or in your eyes. Test it on delicate plants first and don’t overuse, especially in hot weather.

As this mixture is organic it will eventually spoil, so store the jar in the fridge or somewhere cool and discard once it starts to go off.

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WHEN it comes to interior decorating there’s no easier way to liven up a room and add colour, texture, and style than by putting a few well-chosen plants around the place. Contrary to common misgivings, most indoor plants are quite easy to keep and they don’t always need to be in sunny, airy location: some thrive in the bathroom; others are perfectly content in a cool, dim, hallway. The sheer variety of indoor plants available makes them extremely versatile as decorative items. From palms that can fan out to fill a cavernous corner, to vines that can be trained across a stark archway, to small cacti that can add humour and interest to a bare windowsill, there’s a plant that will suit every situation.

Yet plants also have benefits beyond the aesthetic. Studies have suggested that having plants inside a home or workspace will increase positive mood and lead to better productivity and harmony. Plants are an organic filtering machine that suck in carbon dioxide and release it as oxygen. Many houseplants act as air purifiers, actually absorbing toxins including benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.

Having said all this, there are some plants you should steer clear of if you have pets or young children - they may cause adverse reactions in humans and can even be fatal to cats and dogs.

The best thing to do, always, is speak to an expert who can guide you on the best choice of plants for your circumstances. Go to a local nursery.

They’ll be familiar with the climate and soil in the area, as well as any pests or diseases. Get to know them and you’ll be able to pop in any time for advice or to add to your plant family.

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KIDS

A SCHOOL THAT ALWAYS PERFORMS WELL

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NEWTOWN High School of Performing Arts (NHSPA) championed a spirit of individualism right from the get go - it was the first performing arts school of its kind in New South Wales. Founded in 1990, it was a merger of Petersham Girls High and Newtown Boys High.

Located near the top end of King Street, the campus has received several upgrades since the inception of the school. It now includes a hardsurface playground, a grass oval, a gymnasium, dance studios, drama rooms, music practice rooms, visual arts studios, a photography room, and the Studio Theatre which is used for student productions and concerts as well as practical training.

The school also manages the large, historic St Georges Hall adjacent to it, which is used for larger productions.

NHSPA is a selective school and enrolment for a majority of students includes an audition in one or more skills in dance, music, drama, or creative arts. Local students receive priority for enrolment, however talented students from outside the catchment may also apply and audition.

The school has a rich, creative environment and is an incubator for talent. Students are encouraged to both explore their individual expression as well as work collaboratively. Students from all disciplines work jointly - just like in the real world - to produce a larger work, for instance, a stage production.

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If Newtown is a hub of creative expression then it’s only natural that one of Australia’s leading performing arts schools is located right in the heart of the suburb.

Many of the school’s graduates have gone on to be successful and well-known in industries such as music, fashion, film, stage, photography, art, and writing.

In the December, 2016, a group of lucky students were given the surprise of their lives and the school garnered massive kudos when they received a visit from non-other than Justin Timberlake. The mega-star was in town to promote Trolls, and popped into a class to critique some student performances - and he was very impressed with what he saw and heard.

Performing Arts masterclass with Justin Timberlake). www.facebook.com/newtownhspa

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WHERE DO BABY CUCUMBERS COME FROM?

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TOO many kids today think fruit and vegetables are manufactured in a factory. They only ever see them displayed, neatly cleaned up and too often wrapped in plastic, in a supermarket tray. Apart from the wastage, this clinical presentation of natural foods robs children of the joy and appreciation of knowing where their food comes from, how it grows, what it looks like in the wild, and, most of all, how to grow it themselves.

If you don’t have enough space or the right kind of soil for a home garden you can seek out a community garden.

Addison Road Community Garden is one of an increasing number of communal plots around Sydney that allows residents to plant, grow, reap, and share a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit. Located on the grounds of the Addison Road Community Centre, the garden is open and accessible, and when you join as a member, you can be part of a community of urban farmers.

Gardening is a wonderful family activity and an especially beautiful bonding medium between young and older people.

Addison Road Community Garden is a safe, inclusive space; one where the diverse mix of people from around Newtown can meet on rich, fertile,

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With urban development pushing rural industries to the city outskirts, people are now detached from the origins of their food.

Community gardens are helping re-introduce end consumers to the source of their fresh produce.

common ground.

Gardening has been proven to be beneficial for physical, emotional and mental health. Kids spend so much time on devices and staring at screens. Gardening is a perfect way to get them out into the sunshine and use their hands, arms and legs, and be part of a the real world.

Through some of the workshops and initiatives at Addison Road garden, kids and adults can learn about composting and worm farming; how to identify food that is still edible, even though it might be too “ugly” for some people to buy; and how to prepare and cook produce that comes from the community garden.

There aren’t many opportunities for urban kids to get back in touch with nature and learn how generous the earth/Earth can be if you treat it well. Farming is another world. Addison Road Community Garden can be a small portal to that world.

addisonroadcommunitygarden.wordpress.com

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R E VIEW

FOOD

THE ITALIAN BOWL

By Mike Hitch

IT’S never good to start a review with the word “rustic” and “familyfriendly”, but there are no better terms to describe the vibe of Newtown’s favourite piece of Italy.

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NESTLED in the middle of King Street’s noise and bustle, The Italian Bowl has become renowned for their home-made cuisine, their familyowned and run ethos, and the endless cues that seem to snake up the narrow footpath. The interior itself, if you’re lucky enough to snag a table, is reminiscent of a country-side villa decorated with out-door lights and low-hanging archways - it’s the closest any Aussie can get to the charming appeals of Florence…for now.

However, what they lack in pedestrian-convenience, they more than make up for with some of the best pasta in the southern hemisphere.

Let alone the fact you get to pick and choose the pasta and sauce that works best for you.

Upon recommendation from a sales assistant at Elizabeth’s Bookshop, I choose to opt for their Gnocchi with Carbonara sauce. While some might say that creamy Gnocchi is much-too-heavy for the beginning of an Australian summer, and would typically be correct, this Gnocchi is different.

Dangerously light, yet deliciously carby pieces of potato that go down as smoothly as a shot of Korean soju. But just like soju, this Gnocchi will catch up with you quickly if you manage to finish your bowl - beware the Christmas-level food coma that follows!

The Carbonara sauce… wow. For something that’s only comprised of bacon, eggs, cream and shallots, this sauce is so rich and flavourful, while also being incredibly more-ish. For someone who considered themselves a connoisseur of all that is creamy and cheesy, this carbonara takes the cake.

I cannot stress this enough though: pace yourselves. I walked in with an empty stomach and left with what felt like a second-trimester babybump - and all for a pretty affordable price.

I’d say that The Italian Bowl is a perfect place for second-dates, students on pay-day, or any foodie who values ‘substance’ over ‘style’ in their home-style cooking.

255 King St, Newtown theitalianbowl.com.au

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Butchers Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill, is a small bar and live music venue.

Currently open from 5pm Wednesday to Sunday, and from 2pm on Saturdays, we present some of Sydney’s best live music across a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, funk, blues, reggae, soul, indie, Brazilian and world music.

Fully air-conditioned and conveniently located in the heart of the Dulwich Hill shopping village at the top end of Marrickville Road, Butchers Brew Bar is easily accessible by public transport, as well as having plentiful free parking.

Find upcoming events & links to tickets at www.butchersbrewbar.com.au and www.facebook.com/ButchersBrewBar **As we have a strictly limited capacity, pre-booking is advised for all events** Also available for private functions - email us at butchersbrewbar@gmail.com to discuss your requirements.

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

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@ButchersBrewBar

butchersbrewbar

R E VIEW

FOOD

B

BAO WOW!

When it come to delicious steamed buns, these guys bao to no one!

GL UTEN FR EE

YOU WILL NEED: 250g clear honey, plus about 2 tbsp extra to glaze 225g unsalted butter 100g dark muscovado sugar (any soft, brown sugar works)

3 large eggs (beaten) 300g Gluten Free self-raising flour Xanthan Gum (1 teaspoon) Ground Ginger (optional)

METHOD: Preheat the oven to fan 140C/ conventional 160C.

BELLY BAO takes this simple Chinese staple and makes it a ubiquitous ingredient in a range of amazing menu items. They began as a market stall, became inhouse suppliers in a small club in Chinatown, and then opened a store on the restaurant gauntlet of King Street, Newtown. And they’re not looking back.

Now that restrictions are easing a little, you can choose to eat in, but take-away is still a popular option. The tricky bit is choosing what to have.

Classic Belly Baos come in apetite crunching flavours like panko crumbed chicken, roast pork belly, soft shell crab.

Try the bao noodles made from the same bao dough as the buns.

Onion or spicy, with a variety of add-on options.

For the full bao experience, you need to try a baoger. Yes, it’s what it sounds like - a bao burger. Angus beef/ chicken / eggplant with trimmings and some optional extras. Have them with a side of fries, papaya salad, mushrooms, or Chinese broccoli.

Make sure you leave room for the bao dessert, for instance, the Gaytime Bao: golden fried house made bao, Golden Gaytime ice-cream, salted caramel, banana & coconut.

It’s licensed with a a great range of beer and cider, wine, cocktails and mocktails, or good old-fashioned tea.

www.bellybao.com.au

BUTTER and line a 20cm round loosebottomed cake tin.

Melt the butter, honey and suger over a low heat in a saucepan.

Increase the heat and bubble for at least 1 minute, then leave to cool slightly (this bit’s important!).

While your honey mixture is cooling whisk the eggs and then beat into the melted honey mixture using a wooden spoon.

Sift the flour and xanthan (and a teaspoon of ground ginger worth it!) into a large bowl and pour in the honey, butter and egg mixture, beating until smooth. Fear not, it should be quite a runny batter.

Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 50 minutes -1 hour until the cake is well-risen, golden brown and springs back when pressed. A skewer pushed into the centre of the cake should come out clean.

Warm 2 tbsp honey, a blob of butter and a spoon full of sugar in a small pan and stir until melted; brush over the top of the cake to give a sticky glaze, then leave to cool.

Cut yourself a giant slice and dollop on some (clotted) cream or your favourite icecream.

Keeps for 4-5 days wrapped, in an airtight tin.

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ONE thing that has made confinement to our homes a little easier is havand even physical health. ing a pet (or several) around. While it’s hard to get work done when the Animals can bring people together and deliver joy just by being themcat insists on sitting on your keyboard or the dog looks selves -even if they belong to someone else. at you expectedly after every movement thinking it’s “One of our greatest joys is seeing a family welcome going for yet another walk, there’s no doubt that our a pet into their home. We especially love sharing the fur/feather/scale babies fill the void of lengthy days at journey as they return for advice, products, and a chat.”

IT’S BEEN PROVEN TIME home better than any streaming binge can.

That’s how the staff feel at The Pet Connection.

AND AGAIN THAT KEEPING A PET Pets are a unique all-in-one package: they give you The family owned business has been in St Ives for 25 complete attention, provide COVID-free cuddles, enyears and they never tire of introducing a non-human CAN IMPROVE MENTAL AND EVEN tertain you, urge you to exercise, and encourage you member to its new family.

PHYSICAL HEALTH. to relax. Whether it’s a dog, cat, fish, bird, horse, lizard, Their love and knowledge extends to dogs, cats, fish, rabbit, turtle, giant stick-insect, or anything else that birds, rabbits, reptiles and they’d be happy to arrange can safely live with humans, a pet can be beneficial in an introduction to any or all of the above. so many ways.

“We encourage responsible pet ownership, and enPets keep us grounded. They require routine and diligence - which sure people are ready for the commitment a pet requires. We know how makes them great for training kids! important it is to ensure our animals go to loving homes and remain there It’s been proven time and again that keeping a pet can improve mental for life.”

Cat Boutique

For all your cat care essentials including cat food & litter, flea & worm treatments, health supplements, bedding, toys, scratch posts and more, plus gifts for cat lovers.

Our Cat Boutique is open 7 days, 10am to 5pm 85 Enmore Road Newtown 9519 7201

www.catprotection.org.au

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PETS OF NEWTOWN LILO

MANU

HI, I’m Lilo! I’m a three-year-old greyhound who retired early because I didn’t like racing. Ma and Pa were fostering me but after three months they realised I was the best dog and they decided to adopt me. I don’t like loud noises, busy roads, men with hats or rain, but I love snoozing on my couch, doing big zoomies at the park or the beach, getting scritches, sharing Ma’s yoga mat and licking things. Ma says I am a strange noodlehorse, but she has clearly never licked a wall. You can find me at the park being faster than all the other dogs or at the Carlisle Castle trying to get pats from everyone (except loud men with hats, of course).

If you’d like to give one of my friends a home, visit Greyhounds As Pets: gapnsw.com.au

JAC

INTRODUCING the one and only Jac! This Australian Kelpie has been our resident pub pooch for 8 years. Jac is truly one of the locals and sits amongst the legends at the front bar. She never goes without treats and hand shakes here at the Carlisle Castle.

Jac is our ideal patron and NEVER complains as long as she gets her cuddles in. Come say g’day to our favorite girl - she only drinks at the Carlisle Castle!

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MANU was born out in the Country (Coonabarabran) and had never seen or heard traffic before but now loves prancing up and down king street, she’s only 4 months old and has learned to love the loud sounds of the trucks, buses and cars. Her fave place is the beer garden in the Botany View Hotel.

She’s just getting used to Sydney Park and has started her obedience training with EazyDog school there at weekends she loves it!

She’s actually turning out to be a bit of a beach pup and we treated her a few weeks ago to her first holiday to Byron Bay. She loves sunning herself on the outside deck and hanging the washing out with her Dad. Her favourite hiding place is the back of the sofa.

Manu has truly bonded with one of her first toys, “Mr Emu”, and he’s never far from her side.

Being a country girl, she’s really fond of the sounds of Australian Country Radio - we just need to get her some cowboy boots and a hat!

MANU

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THOSE of you out there with pets will probably tear-up and the thought of your furry friend no longer being here. But have you ever considered what happens to our non-human members of the family when we can’t be there for them, either temporarily or permanently? Here’s some advice from the Cat Protection Society.

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IT’S only natural that we would want the best for our pets if, for some reason, we couldn’t care for them, so planning ahead is essential. Even if you have arrangements with friends or family, documented plans for your pets are vital to their continued health and welfare.

Cat Protection advises pet owners to keep a file on their pets containing all their important paperwork – microchip, registration and desexing certificates; vaccination and other veterinary records – plus the owner’s notes about their pet/s.

What do they eat (exactly!)? How much and how often? If someone has to care for your pet in an emergency, knowing this will ensure your pet won’t end up with digestive troubles, and maintaining their routine will make them feel more secure. For cats, the type of litter they use is extremely important – an abrupt change can distress a cat to the point of urinary tract infection.

It’s also helpful to document your pet’s likes and dislikes: Is your dog scared of storms? Does your cat run away from strangers? What are their favourite games? Remember, while storing important documents “in the cloud” might be convenient, in an emergency they can be hard to retrieve by strangers. It’s best to keep a hard-copy folder (with an electronic back-up). Include contact details for your vet and emergency carers at the front of the file, as well as an up-to-date photo of your pet.

Cat Protection has been privileged to find caring new families for much-loved cats whose people have died or moved into care, CEO Kristina Vesk says: “The more information we have, the less traumatic for the cat.

“You have to remember, they’ve lost their person, they’ve lost their home, they’re in a strange environment with lots of cats and people they don’t know. They’re grieving and stressed. But if they can eat the food they’re used to eating and use the same type of litter they had at home they’ll have some sense of security. And if we know they loved playing with little kids, then we can help to find them a new family with children.

Planning for your cat means making sure your feline friend has the best chance of a happy future - though, believe me, cats do love their people and they do go through grief when they lose them.”

The NSW Trustee and Guardian has produced a free “pet emergency card” that you can carry in your wallet that will alert people in the event of emergency that you have a pet at home. Cat Protection has these cards or go to www.tag.nsw.gov.au/pets-and-planning-ahead.html Make sure you keep your contact details on the Companion Animals Register current. You can do this yourself via the NSW Pet Registry www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au or contact your local council.

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For more information on planning for your cat and other feline health and welfare topics visit www.catprotection.org.au phone 95574818 or pop in to the Cat Boutique at 85 Enmore Road Newtown.

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SHOPPING WHILE there’s no doubt the pandemic has been tough on small businesses, recently released data shows that in many segments there has actually been an increase in spending.

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IF THE people of Newtown have proven anything it’s that they are fiercely loyal to and supportive of their community and the local economy. During the last year, lockdowns and restrictions have put a damper on social activity but not on spirits and definitely not on initiative.

Though residents may not have been able to eat, drink, and shop as freely as they used to, somehow, they have still managed to spend money on the high street and keep many local businesses going.

The data platform, spendmapp.com.au was recently used to analyse information comparing average spend during April, May, June, July in 2019 and 2020. The resulting graphs from three different segments show relatively minor differences between the columns for Specialised Food Retailing and Specialised and Luxury Goods, and a more punctuated distinction for Dining and Entertainment.

In each case, there is a rising trend in spending, with June and July 2020 proving better than June and July 2019 in each of the

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THE LOCAL ECONOMY IS BETTER THAN YOU THINK

three segments.

The figure for Dining and Entertainment is encouraging, given how badly those particular business areas were hit by the COVID restrictions.

The message here is to keep supporting local. Newtown has an extraordinarily rich and diverse range of offerings across food, fashion, artisan, homewares, entertainment, pets - pretty much anything you can hang a shingle for.

So keep those dollars circulating around the neighbourhood and get the lifeblood of the community pumping.

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RETAIL

IS KING

Unlike many suburbs that have succumbed to super-sized malls and cookie-cutter franchises, Newtown has retained the nostalgic charm and originality of the village high street. The stretch of King Street between Sydney Park and Victoria Park is lined with an eclectic mix of one-of-kind small businesses.

Simply walking the strip is a popular weekend pastime.

Here’s some some unique stores you should enter.

SYDNEY SUPER8 THERE’S plenty in Newtown that’ll take you back in time, but there are few places that can evoke a sense of nostalgia like this vintage camera and film store. It’s the only one of its kind in Sydney and one of only very few anywhere in the country (maybe even the world!). They have an impressive collection of still and movie cameras in working order, plus the film to go with them. They’re one of the only places you can get film developed into prints or transparencies. Bring in the Kodak Instamatic you’ve held onto since childhood and they’ll have you snapping Kodak moments again in no time.

457 King Street https://www.sydneysuper8.com.au YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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ALL BUTTONS GREAT AND SMALL

OPENED in 1989 by Lucy Godoroja, the store has grown from a humble haberdasher to a button cornucopia. There are over 14,000 buttons in every shape, size, and style made from everything you can think of: bone, shell, leather, enamel, wood, plastic, metal - everything. Bring in that old coat you bought at a London flea market and they’ll match the missing button for you - even if they have to make it themselves. Theatre and movie costume designers source their accessories here. Next time you watch Star Wars or Moulin Rouge, take a closer look at the clothing.

419A King Street www.allbuttons.com.au

ELIZABETH’S SECOND HAND BOOKSTORE

FIJI SPICE MARKET IF you can’t stand the heat…you may be able to find something mild.

But the reason most people walk into this store is to find that sauce that will torture their taste buds. Despite its name, this little supermarket stocks goods from all over the world.

They’ve got the hottest sauces from South America and Asia, as well as fresh and dried spices. You can also pick up coffee, biscuits, snacks, a range of ingredients, and a selection of kitchen items. Feel free to ask about any of the products on the shelves, or be a daredevil and pick up something with a mysterious label.

591 King Street www.facebook.com/Fijimarketsydney

WHILE we’re in the realm of old-world charm, Elizabeth’s Second Hand Bookstore harkens back to the day when browsing meant slowly walking around a place in peace and wonder. Floor to ceiling shelves filled with multifarious pre-loved books have kept people coming to this bookshop since 1973. They have books covering a huge range of subjects; magazines; comics; antiquarian - all in good condition. And they sell new books too.

257 King Street www.elizabethsbookshop.com.au

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WORDPUZZLE & SUDOKU NEWTOWN

NEWTOWN - 2042

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Down Across 2. What is the name of the Carlisle Castle's resident pooch?

1. Which American civil rights leader appears at the heart of Newtown?

7. Which local restaurant has won Outstanding Restaurant - Inner West 3. Newtown is famous for its local breweries - who is the newest kid on 3 years in a row? the block?

8. If you've got an appointment at Skin Deep, what is it for?

4. Which movie queen is associated with The Imperial Hotel?

9. Which aircraft is linked to a popular Newtown sports team?

5. Which famous Aussie 'bush poet' lived in Newtown?

6. Which Newtown venue was known for showing 'blue movies'?

EASY

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MEDIUM

Join our community @ HEALTH/WELLNESS FITNESS PLAYGROUND Starting off as a boot-camp fitness program in Surry Hills, Fitness Playground now has multiple ‘Playgrounds’ across Sydney. They have a commitment to doing things differently and want to build supportive, and inclusive communities in each of their gyms. They have unique classes, equipment, design and atmosphere - but it’s always the people in the playground that make it special!

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BLACK AND BLONDE A unisex salon located on the South end of King Street, providing a huge range of hair services; from style cut + colours, to blowdrys or a quick trim.

636 King St 8021 8817 MISTER HIPSTER BARBERSHOP Expert grooming, premier service, and a shot of confidence. We offer classic and contemporary men’s haircuts for the every day Sydney gentleman.

Shop 1/ 612-622 King St Newtown 9519 9994

1/672 King St - 9516 0466 NEWTOWN YOGA ROOM Offering classes in Iyengar Yoga (a type of Hatha Yoga) from beginners courses through to intermediate and experienced. There are also more specialised yoga classes such as gentle beginners, individually tailored remedial programs and workshops/retreats.

35-39 Dickson St, Newtown 9550 1127 GOOD 2 GRAND FITNESS The brainchild of Michelle Le Grand who has over 20 years experience as a certified personal trainer and Les Mill Fitness Trainer, Good 2 Grand Fitness is based on the philosophy that your health and wellbeing are THE most important part of your life. You only have one life, and you want to be able to get everything you want out of it. All PT and Group Training sessions are run in the great outdoors, in a variety of locations across the Inner West.

0419 428 604 michelle@good2grandfitness.com.au Alice St General Practice A private billing clinic committed to promoting health, wellbeing and disease prevention to all patients.

6 Alice St, Newtown 9550 6201 INCH HAIRDRESSING A boutique salon with the belief that every hair style should be tailored to enhance each individual client’s face shape, hair type and lifestyle, Inch HD provides guests with the ultimate experience through comfort, privacy and convenience.

525 King St 95577 399

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HYPOXI Newtown HYPOXI is a low-impact exercise method that is up to 3 x more effective at burning stubborn fat than traditional exercise and it significantly reduces cellulite.

Through our advanced vacuum and compression technology and healthy nutrition, HYPOXI activates your body’s natural system to burn specific areas of fat and cellulite.

HYPOXI is simply the smarter way to get the body shape you’re after.

Fitness First, 7/330 King St, Newtown 8064 5990

HOME KINGSTYLE LIVING A family run furniture business located in Newtown. We stock a wide range of locally made and imported pieces, plus unique homewares, to suit your needs for the home or your business. Kingstyle Living is part of Dellis Furniture, Newtown founded in 1975.

626 King St 9557 6899 ENVISION54 Specializing in top quality mid-century designer furniture and objects d’art.

Boasting an amazing array of fascinating and rare 1950s ,60’s and 70’s pieces, from designers such as Douglas Snelling, Paul Kafka, Grant Featherston and Andrew Gordon, and brands such as Parker, Chiswell, Featherston, Iittala, Holmgaard and Artemide, what was once a resident of King St, Envision54 is now an online Ebay Store (thanks COVID).

Jump on the website for more details envision54.com BROSA STUDIO ROSEBERY Keeping things simple, straightforward and uncomplicated - to create home and living spaces that you love.

6/85 Dunning Avenue, Roseberry 7202 5701

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HOME cnt’d DRUNK ON THE MOON With a mission to source and stock a variety of affordable, quality vintage and antique furniture, Drunk on the Moon celebrates all things old, distressed and weathered by time. There is a focus on Australian pieces, and timber furniture.

Most of it - very rustic.

247 Australia St, Newtown 0409 841 451 SAM CRAWFORD ARCHITECTS Have established a well-earned reputation for design excellence in residential, cultural and public projects. Their work has been widely published, nationally and internationally and has been recognised in numerous local, state and national awards from the Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Timber Design Awards, Local Government Heritage, Conservation and Urban Design as well as numerous industry awards & commendations.

17 Federation Road, Newtown 9519 6800 SYDNEY KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS Provides a complete design and costing service to Newtown residents that maximizes value for money by exposure to a number of leading kitchen and bathroom firms in Sydney. By the scheduling of your project in conjunction with other jobs in proximity to Newtown, these firms are able to offer more competitive pricing by gaining economies of scale.

Servicing Newtown - Office: 377 Kent St, Sydney 8598 8552 ROB COCHRANE RENOVATIONS We are a Sydney based team dedicated to providing quality kitchen and bathroom renovations with a focus on quality, dependability and customer service. With over 20 years in the industry you can depend on our proven quality service for your kitchen and bathroom renovation.

We will carefully project manage and provide all trades required to complete your project Fully licensed, insured, members of the NSW Master Builders Association and home builders compensation fund registered.

Marrickville, NSW, Australia 2204 1800 717 450

SERVICES YEAH RAD If your average content creation team were a six pack, meet Yeah Rad – the two man beer bong filled to the brim with Jägermeister. www.yeahrad.com.au hey@yeahrad.com.au

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INSPIRED PLUMBING This local family-owned business is the industry leader using the newest technologies and methods to get any job done right. Inspired Plumbing is your local specialist in blocked drains, blocked toilets and blocked sinks. The highly skilled and experienced team can take care of all your drainage and plumbing needs including installations, repairs and maintenance. Offering the highest quality plumbing work and customer service with a lifetime guarantee, Inspired Plumbing is the plumber to go to for perfect results every time!

(02) 9188 7848 info@inspiredplumbing.com.au inspiredplumbing.com.au PICKERING PLUMBING Welcome to Pickering Plumbing. We are a local family plumbing company based in Newtown in Sydney’s Inner West.

We deliver you and your business quality plumbing, drainage and gas fitting services that ensure you are free to get on with more important things in your life. We pride ourselves on caring about our clients and ensuring any job we do for you is completed on time and to an exceptionally high standard.

From simple around the home plumbing maintenance, renovations of your kitchen and bathroom plumbing or commercial plumbing work. Pickering plumbing has the skills to get the job done right, the first time, with workmanship that lasts. www.pickeringplumbers.com 0404 001 521 FINTAX BOOKKEEPING Providing a personalised and localized service for clients in a huge range of different industries. Appropriate and forwardthinking management of money is key to businesses survival and this is their specialty.

134 - 140 King St 9698 2851 MULTISTYLE PAINTING AND DECORATING Multistyle is a licensed, fully insured, Dulux accredited painting and decorating service. They have the skills and equipment to provide professional level interior and exterior work for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. They will consult and expertly advise you on the best way to fulfil your vision and can help with custom projects. www.facebook.com/multistylepaintingdecorating 0411 642 240

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ANYTIME FITNESS NEWTOWN Newtown’s favourite local community gym with competitive membership options & access to over 500 clubs in Australia & 5000 clubs internationally.

You can find all your favourite equipment at Anytime Fitness Newtown & access multiple member only fitness apps to help support you however you need it.

Feel comfortable training any time of the day or night in a bright open environment with friendly staff to guide you on your fitness journey. It’s never been easier to commit to your goals.

L1/93-99 King St, Newtown 9519 7948

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ALL DAY LOCKSMITHS Available day and night to resolve all your locking issues, including repairing or rekeying your existing locks or replacing & installing new ones. The advice we give you will be the best on all locking solutions and on making your locks & doors secured in the safest way possible. Regardless of whether you have locked yourself in or out of your home or business, lose your keys, or need help to secure premises after a burglary.

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HAIR OF THE DOG Located right in the heart of Newtown, these guys make dogs look dapper! The salon provides a comfortable and relaxing environment for your pet in a stylish, modern and safe grooming facility 57 Enmore Rd, Newtown - 0433 835 106

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THE DOG BRIGADE We understand that every dog is different and they all have different learning capabilities. Private consultations are a service that is designed specifically to help solve behavioural problems you may be having with your dog in a safe and comfortable environment. There is no such thing as one size fits all. This helps lower the stress when trying to teach your dog either new behaviours or conditioning a new more positive association with something they are unsure of, e.g vacuum, lawn mower, e.t.c. The advantages of a one on one training session, is the entire focus is on you and your furry family member.

One on one Puppy training/One on one, basic obedience/One on one Good manners training/Behavioural Modification training Puppy Class/Training classes: (on hold for the moment)

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NEWTOWN AQUARIUM Giving you the biggest and best variety of wet and dry goods available for your aquarium-dwelling critters.

Priding themselves on quality customer experience, you can always find an amazing range of animals and products available. www.newtownaquarium.com.au (02) 9519 3631

SYDNEY ANIMAL HOSPITAL Veterinary care and animal emergency care for pets in Newtown, Marrickville, Beaconsfield, Eveleigh, St Peters, Alexandria, Darlington, Enmore. The hospital is open every day except Christmas for emergencies.

69-73 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville 9519 4111

PETS PALACE Offering a huge range of quality and affordable pet products that are hand selected by the loving Pets Palace team - you can always expect the best! The team offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, super-fast delivery as well as a no-fuss, easy returns policy - letting you shop with absolute peace of mind.

617 - 627 King St 0411 560 599

THE CAT PROTECTION SOCIETY Each year the Cat Protection Society of NSW helps thousands of cats and the people who love them. They take in homeless cats and kittens and provide them with all the veterinary care and rehabilitation they need before finding them the loving and responsible homes they deserve. The Cat Protection Society of NSw also helps cats in the community with their discounted feline health services including discount desexing, vaccination and microchipping as well as providing free information and education for cat owners and people working with cats.

If you’re in the area drop by their Cat Boutique 85 Enmore Road Newtown, open 7-days a week, 10am to 5pm, for all your cat care essentials including cat food, litter, flea and worm treatments, toys and much more for your feline friend plus great gifts for cat-lovers.

The Cat Boutique - Open 7 days (10 - 5pm) 85 Enmore Road, Newtown Office - 103 Enmore Rd - 9519 7201 info@catprotection.org.au

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KIDS NIGHTCRAWLER CO Is an Australian kidswear brand, for the rowdy children of rock n roll parents. Designed for ratbag kids who stay up late, steal cookies and hide Dad’s keys. Each design is hand-screenprinted onto the highest quality garments, meaning you’re getting something original and made to last. Nightcrawler Co is run by Newtown locals Sindy Sinn and Beth Finckh. Inspired by classic tattoos, heavy metal album covers and faded motorcycle t-shirts. Nightcrawler Co is here to let the Mums and Dads of Newtown kick back, relax and grab yourself a beer… we got this! www.nightcrawlerco.com.au @nightcrawlerco #nightcrawlerco ONLY ABOUT CHILDREN With over a decade of experience in early years education and childcare.

They want to be the leading holistic early learning providers through education, development & wellbeing.

OAC has over 75 early learning and kindergarten/preschool centres around Australia.

290 Edgeware Rd, Enmore 138 622 NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOL Acomprehensive primary school for students in years K-6, the school grounds providing an open leafy space in a busy cosmopolitan suburb. The school community is a diverse and vibrant mix of inner city families. The school develops confident, creative and resilient students - within an innovative and collaborative learning community.

1 Norfolk St 9557 4862 BOUNDARY LANE CHILDREN’S CENTRE Community based Long Day Care centre in the heart of Newtown, with the capacity to educate and care for up to 62 children from birth to five years (Monday - Friday). With strong links to our families and the local community, we provide an equitable, affordable, high quality service that recognises the importance of diversity and inclusive practices.

128-146 Burren Street - Newtown 9351 0134 ACTIVE KIDS EARLY LEARNING Committed to providing the ideal early learning curriculum and environment for your child. The centre has been rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard in June 2017. Qualified Early Childhood professionals aim to provide a safe, warm and welcoming environment, full of stimulating experiences and discoveries for our children, the centre is also open 52 weeks a year.

159 Bedford St - 8362 3000

Join our community @ GYMKIDZ GYMNASTICS Opened in January 2017 by Tamzin Watson, our focus is child development through gymnastics. Our approach fosters development through three essential pillars: Movement, Thinking and Growing.

95 Lennox St, Newtown 0406 042 385

RETAIL REPRESSED RECORDS Running for 13 years and proudly independent for 100% of that time these guys are the home of Australian independent music specialising in DIY, punk, alternative and whatever is good that deserves to be heard! They also import vinyl, buy and sell second hand vinyl and sell rad t-shirts. Open 7 days, there’s no excuse not to drop in.

413 King St 9557 6237 PADDY’S MARKETS Located underneath Market City in Haymarket (Hay St), Paddy’s Markets stock the freshest produce, as well as a huge-range of various knick knacks, fashion, gifts + much more. Open Wednesday - Sunday.

9-13 Hay St, Haymarket MADE 590 An icon of Australian made fashion, Made 590 is known today for it’s perfectly fitting dresses, practical basics and it’s bold fabric designs which are often made in collaboration with local artists or designed in-house. They offer both digitally printed and hand screen printed mens tees, an extensive range of beautiful designer gifts, as well as great seasonal accessories made from our clothing production fabric scraps.

590 King St - 9550 1020 made590.com.au MARKET CITY A multi-cultural shopping centre located at the southern end of Sydney’s CBD. It’s best known for its fantastic shopping and food, spread across 3 levels with easy parking and public transport options - open 7 days until late. Visit the 1909 Dining Precinct on level 3 for superior dining options, open for lunch and dinner.

Home to The Eight, for an authentic modern Chinese dining experience and the best Yum Cha in Sydney! Timezone can also be found on level 3 for interactive fun for young and old. Market City is also home to Sydney’s premier Asian cultural events including; Chinese New Year and Golden Week Festivities it is easy to understand why Market City is the heart of China Town.

9-13 Hay St, Haymarket - marketcity.com.au - 9288 8900

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FOX AND SCOUT CLOTHING A Sydney based women’s fashion & gift boutique with a contemporary approach to life and style. All garments are sourced for quality, design, fit, social and environmental mindfulness and a love of fabrics that feel amazing. We want our customers to love and wear their purchase.

483 King St 9517 3310 foxandscout.com.au Thai Kee IGA Supermarket Home to exotic ingredients and specialised Asian produce, found on the ground level of Market City.

9-13 Hay St, Haymarket

NEWTOWN GARDEN MARKETS A little oasis, in the big City. Newtown Garden Markets have everything you need to create the garden or balcony of your dreams. It’s a known fact that gardeners live longer and happier lives!

If you’re just starting out or a seasoned green thumb, the staff at Newtown Garden Market are always available to help you reach your gardening goals.

538 King St 9516 4044 newtowngardenmarket.com.au TREE OF LIFE “Sweet-wares for starry-eyed dreamers”, Tree of Life stocks a huge range of boho homewares and fashion pieces.

320 King St 9557 8820 BOHDI STORE Selling books, yoga equipment, meditation cushions/stools, kids games, scented soaps + much more. All products are ethically sourced, either Fair Trade or direct from local artisans. Bohdi strives to operate in an ethical, non-exploitive and spiritually beneficial business.

375 King St 9519 8890 bohdistore.com.au LEO MONK LEATHERGOODS Described as the “Jewel of King Street” offers a constant evolution in leather goods design and style. Drawing regulars back to our Newtown store, where everything is handmade on the premises. The Leo Monk flagship store at Newtown, Sydney was established in 2001. It is a family owned business which strives to make beautiful, quality Australian ma de leather goods.

417 King St, Newtown - 9557 5728

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DANGERFIELD NEWTOWN First established in 1986, Dangerfield is an alternative Australian fashion label blending vintage vibes and street style.

268-270 King St, Newtown 9550 3076 VAPE INDUSTRIES Australia’s Number 1 Vape Shop with the biggest range of brands from Vaporesso, Smok, Joyetech & DotMod. E liquids, E Cigarette, Vape Juices + More!

642 King St 9557 1221

FOOD THE CARLISLE CASTLE HOTEL Tucked away in the backstreets of Newtown (but still a short stroll from the main drag) this is one of Newtown oldest venues, first opening its doors in 1876. Looking quite inconspicuous from the outside, The Carlile boasts a huge bar, parlour and lounge room and it’s definitely the only venue in the area whose best customers has 4 legs and fur - her name is Jac, and yes - she loves pats. You can usually find her hanging out with regulars in the front bar.

17-19 Albermarle St 9557 4852 BOURKE ST BAKERY Originally a two-man team, starting in 2004, Bourke St Bakery has become a household name with multiple locations across Sydney. A combination of great produce, good strong coffee, artisanal skill and hard work creates the honest, soulful, delectable bites that have made Bourke Street Bakery famous.

113/330 King St 9517 3877 1989 ARCADE BAR Born from a love of classic video games, cocktails and craft beer you will find plenty to do at ’89. From the serious or casual gamer to those who want to relax in a unique venue with a quiet drink or friends looking for a big night out – we have got you covered. The ‘89 atmosphere is always welcoming and laid back with an unapologetically geek chic aesthetic (A feature wall made up of 500 real VHS cassette cases). The bar and arcade is spread across two floors featuring three areas each with their own unique vibe.

Hang in the dive arcade or play Street Fighter 2 in the Japanese back alleyway or maybe take a trip upstairs to the 70’s lounge style bar.

22-24 King Street 9516 5581

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BUTCHERS BREW BAR A small bar and live performance venue, currently open 5pm to 11pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Presenting high quality live music across a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, funk, blues, reggae, soul, indie, Brazilian and world music. Butchers Brew Bar offers over 20 high quality wines by the glass, plus bottled and craft beers, premium spirits and cocktails, as well as a selection of low and zero-alcohol options. This cosy, comfortable, neighbourhood bar provides a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for all occasions, whether it’s after-work drinks, hearing world-class live music or catching up with friends.

Conveniently located in the heart of the Dulwich Hill shopping village at the top end of Marrickville Road, Butchers Brew Bar is easily accessible by public transport, as well as having plentiful free parking.

499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill 7226 5595

GOLDEN BARLEY HOTEL Whether it’s a beer garden catch-up with friends (+ doggo), a lovely meal, a cheeky after-work cocktail or watching sport with mates, The Golden Barley have you covered! Friendly, local and always welcoming, we’re open 11am – 2am Mon - Sat and 11am – Midnight on Sunday, plus a great little bottle shop for a take-home tipple.

165 Edgeware Rd, Enmore 9565 1166 TOWN HALL HOTEL Located in the heart of Newtown, and known to locals as ‘The Townie’ - this venue has a long legacy within the Sydney music scene. Showcasing national touring bands, headline acts and a treasure trove of local musical talent, we pride ourselves on supporting original music. With Covid-19 restrictions unfortunately live music has been put on hold, but they’ll be back bigger and better than ever!

326 King St 9557 1206 THE COURTHOUSE HOTEL The destination for every man AND his dog in Newtown the Courty boasts one of the biggest, and dog-friendliest courtyards in town. There’s a huge range of outdoor seating, as well as a beautiful outdoor dining area towards the back of the venue.

202 Australia St 9519 8273

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