LIfe & Times of The St Ives Uniting Church
The Incredible Margaret Coen
Meet The Ku-Ring-Gai Citizen of the Year, Margaret Steel
Jemma Wlasichuk’s Magic Touch
The St Ives Progress Association
Local Players Make the Softball World Cup!
Bedes Forest and the New Indoor Sports Centre
FROM our neighbourhood to your coffee table, 2075 Magazine is back with a fresh edition, filled with the people, places and stories that make our suburb shine. This year we’re releasing bi-annually, like many others, we’ve felt the pinch of a tougher market and the challenge of reduced sponsorship. That said, our commitment to sharing St Ives’ stories hasn’t wavered – and with your help, we can keep this community publication alive and thriving.
The best way to support 2075 Magazine is to support the local businesses who support us. They’re the reason we’re still able to bring you this issue – and they’re the heartbeat of our high streets and shopping villages.
In this edition, we’re proud to showcase a rich mix of local voices, history, and happenings. We explore the remarkable legacy of Margaret Coen, a prolific Australian artist and our cover feature, and delve into the origins and continued importance of the St Ives Uniting Church.
In our Humans of 2075 series, meet Madeline Steel, Ku-ringgai’s Citizen of the Year, and Jemma, the inspiring founder behind Shed 11. We also introduce the newly-formed St Ives Progress Association, a group with big plans for local engagement.
We then spend A Day in the Life with Brigidine Principal Mr Shan Hogan, browse our What’s On Guide, and check out details of upcoming school open days. For those planning a home project, don’t miss our feature from Icon Homes and their insights into renovations and rebuilds across the North Shore.
Plus, we profile a brand-new dog grooming business, and round things out with our ever-reliable local business directory – your goto guide for services around town.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and being part of 2075. Here’s to community, creativity, and connection – now more important than ever.
See you in August for Issue #13!
Neighbourhood Media
PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media
DESIGNER - Robert Everett
CONTRIBUTORS - Contributors: Alec Smart, Rob Everett, Lucy Pearson, Jamie Apps, Jen Keates
Cover Artist: Margaret Coen
Title: Flowers with peacock feathers c1944 Image © Art Gallery of New South Wales
ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081
Rebuilds & Renovations on the North Shore
A Day in The Life with Mr Hogan (Brigidine Principal)
Events, Activities & Local Fun for the Months Ahead
Over 60 years of community service.
SST IVES UNITING CHURCH, a multi-use venue that also caters for youth gymnastics and ballet lessons and interschool sport matches as well as Sunday religious services, is situated at the corner of Douglas St and Mona Vale Rd in the suburb’s north.
In 2023 the church celebrated its sixth decade of community service. The 60th anniversary was also mentioned in Hansard, the official record of the NSW Parliament, when Matt Cross MP (Davidson) spoke about the church in the Legislative Assembly.
“The St Ives Uniting Church was born in 1963 of the union between the Methodist and Protestant churches to serve the parishioners of the rapidly growing suburb of St Ives,” he said. “The church has been an integral and important part of the St Ives community since that time…”
“St Ives, in 1963, was a serene, bushy, semi-rural Sydney North Shore suburb with a village green and a showground, a suburb where you would still find cows and horses grazing in quiet pastures. Cross also mentioned the booklet 60 Memorable Years by Fay Laginestra and Bob Knox recounting the church’s history.
A decade earlier, in the 50th anniversary booklet, St Ives Uniting Church – Fifty Memorable Years, by Howard Walker, further details of the church’s origins were revealed.
“It was into this pleasant but fast-growing neighbourhood, in 1963, that Rev Lockhart Finlay, BA, OAM with his wife Carol, son Mark and daughter Michelle, moved from Bellingen, a small town on the NSW Mid North Coast where he was Minister of the Presbyterian Church, to take up the role as Minister of the new St Ives Presbyterian Church, a role which he was to hold for the next 28 years.”
The main building was designed with meeting rooms below and a large hall that, when the seating was removed, doubled as a gymnasium.
The article continued, “In 1963, the St Ives Presbyterian Church was established on our present site and, in the same year, the new St Ives Methodist Church was opened and dedicated nearby on Mona Vale Road. At the time of Church Union, the congregation of the Methodist Church made the decision to move to the Presbyterian Church, to form the St Ives Uniting Church. We are now .. celebrating.. this very successful and happy union…”
The original venue in which the Methodists met for Sunday services in the 1950s was the old Masonic Hall on Stanley St, adjacent to the ambulance station and the former Gillott’s bus depot (now a residential estate).
According to the St Ives Pymble Presbyterian Church, “In 1957, it was agreed to purchase 2 blocks of land at the corner of Mona Vale Road and Douglas Street for $11,000. A Church Hall was completed at a cost of $18,000 and opened on Sunday, 1st April 1962 by the Moderator of North Sydney Presbytery, Rev. Harold Durbin.
“On 1st January 1963, St. Ives was declared a sanctioned Charge… Talks commenced in the 1960s between the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches that culminated with Church Union in June 1977. The majority of the St. Ives Congregation voted to join the Uniting Church, a minority wished to remain Presbyterian. Buoyed by like-minded members from other Presbyterian Churches (predominantly Pymble, Turramurra and Wahroonga), a viable St Ives-Pymble congregation was formed soon after …”
“St Ives, in 1963, was a serene, bushy, semi-rural Sydney North Shore suburb with a village green and a showground, a suburb where you would still find cows and horses grazing in quiet pastures.”
I am excited to announce that Ku-ring-gai now has its own waste app!
The app means that residents can book a waste service on their phone or device, get bin night alerts and push notifications of any unexpected interruptions to waste services. It’s a great step forward as we continue our goal to digitise our community’s experience of dealing with Council. Download the app for free by searching for ‘Your Waste’.
There’s lots to do at our libraries, the Art Centre and the Wildflower Garden during the April and July school holidays, in addition to our regular vacation care program. From toddlers to teens and whether your child is sporty, musical or creative we’ve got an activity to
keep them entertained. Just go to our website at krg.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays to find out more and book in.
Between April and May Ku-ring-gai Council and community organisations will be putting on a series of events as part of the Heritage Festival. The Festival celebrates our built history, indigenous heritage and other fascinating aspects of Ku-ring-gai’s historical legacy. The festival will include digital photographic displays, open homes, historical talks, walking tours, art and fashion exhibitions from our festival partners.
Find out more at krg.nsw.gov.au/whatson
Christine Kay, Mayor of Kuringgai mayor@krg.nsw.gov.au
By Lucy Pearson
MMADELEINE STEEL is a passionate advocate for parents navigating the complexities of raising teenagers in crisis. As the founder and CEO of EPIC (Empowering Parents in Crisis), she has dedicated herself to creating a strong, supportive community that recognises parents and carers as first responders to their children’s struggles. Through EPIC, she has established a safe, non-judgmental space where parents can find the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support their families effectively.
Her journey began three years ago when she recognised a critical gap in support for parents facing the emotional and practical challenges of raising young people with mental health difficulties. Having experienced these struggles herself, she knew that many parents felt overwhelmed and isolated, often lacking the guidance and reassurance they desperately needed. Understanding the power of connection, she set out to create an organisation that not only provided direct assistance but also fostered a sense of belonging for those in similar situations.
Since its inception, EPIC has grown into a vital resource for families in the community. With nearly 400 members, the organisation has touched countless lives, offering peer support and a strong network for parents seeking understanding and encouragement. In the past year alone, EPIC facilitated over 1,100 parent and carer connections, provided direct assistance to more than 700 individuals through its phone helpline, and hosted 29 workshops and forums aimed at equipping parents with practical strategies for managing their unique challenges. The organisation has also organised regular walk-and-talk events, providing parents with an informal way to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Madeleine’s work extends beyond direct peer support - she actively collaborates with schools, police, hospitals, and other organisations to raise awareness about youth mental health and improve support pathways for families. By forging these connections, she has helped bridge the gap between parents and the wider support networks
available, ensuring that families receive the right guidance at the right time. Her advocacy has played a crucial role in increasing recognition of parents’ needs within the broader mental health conversation.
In February, Madeleine was honoured as Ku-ring-gai Citizen of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and impact. Her leadership and relentless commitment have not only strengthened individual families but have also contributed to a more connected, resilient community. Through EPIC, she has demonstrated that when parents feel empowered and supported, they are better equipped to guide their children through life’s most challenging moments.
Beyond her work with EPIC, Madeleine is a keen horticulturist, landscape designer, and travel consultant. However, among all the roles she has embraced, her most treasured is being a mother to two wonderful teenagers. It is this personal experience that fuels her passion for her work, reminding her every day of the importance of connection, understanding, and support in parenting. She firmly believes that no parent facing a crisis should have to navigate it alone and that through peer support, shared experiences, and practical resources, parents can learn from one another and build the resilience needed to support themselves and their families.
Madeleine’s vision for EPIC is clear - to continue expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that more parents and carers have access to the support they need. She hopes to further develop partnerships with organisations that align with EPIC’s mission, increase awareness of the importance of peer support, and continue breaking down the stigma surrounding youth mental health. Her dedication has not only changed the lives of those she directly supports but has also inspired a broader movement of kindness, awareness, and collective strength within the community.
Through her work, Madeleine has shown that parenting in crisis does not have to be a lonely journey. By fostering open conversations, creating safe spaces for connection, and advocating for greater awareness, she is helping to redefine what it means to support parents and carers. Her efforts have made a lasting difference, ensuring that more families feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. In a world where mental health challenges continue to affect so many, her work serves as a beacon of hope and support for those who need it most.
donated it to a nonprofit.
For my project, I facilitated a community effort for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. After determining their needs, I called for specific furniture donations. The response was overwhelming, and within four weeks, volunteers and I upcycled 98 items, including furniture, homewares, and garden pieces, transforming the shelter into a home.
The most rewarding aspect was the community support. Individuals and organizations stepped up: St Ives Rotary funded our materials, Ku-ring-gai Council hosted a working bee, Plant Rescue Ku-ring-gai donated plants, and Design for Hope provided trauma-informed design guidance.
Seeing so many people come together for a cause was life-changing. Paint to Donate Australia will return this July to help reduce Sydney’s 30,000 tonnes of annual furniture waste and get useful items to those in need.
Sustainability is a core part of your work. How do you incorporate it into your projects?
Sustainability drives my business. I use water-based, lowVOC paints, minimal power and water, and source tools and materials second-hand. My creative reuse workshops also use second-hand materials, often free. For transporting large items, I use a local GoGet van.
For businesses interested in sustainability, I highly recommend the council-run Better Business Partnership, which offers free sustainability programs. There is a thriving sustainability network within our local community, and everyone is welcome.
What are the biggest challenges in your work, and how do you overcome them?
As a sole trader, managing all aspects of the business is challenging. I’ve learned to utilize free small business resources, including NSW Business Connect and Ku-ringgai Council’s Business Connections program. Personal connections have also been invaluable, including support from St Ives Rotary, Annie Sloan, and my family.
The biggest challenge, however, is time. As a mother of two teenagers, balancing family and business has been difficult, especially in the early days. Working from my garage helped, as I could paint whenever I had a spare moment.
Now, as I restore our 1966 St Ives home, I often feel frustrated that I can only do one thing at a time! This past year, I’ve had to be more selective about projects, which, in retrospect, has allowed me to catch my breath and plan the future of Shed Eleven. While I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet, it will certainly involve creativity, teaching, and deeper involvement in social enterprise work.
The North Shore District Softball Association’s U15 Team Among World’s Best Softball Players.
THE WORLD BASEBALL SOFTBALL CONFEDERATION (WBSC) has announced that the 2025 WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup is set to be held in Italy, an exciting competition amongst some of the world’s best young players. The U-15 team list has recently been released, and the North Shore District Softball Association (NSDSA), New South Wales, celebrates the athletes selected from their team to represent Australia.
The North Shore District Softball Association has a strong representation in Australian Softball, evidenced by four of their players making up part of the twenty-person squad for the Tokyo Olympics.
After speaking with a member of the Association, they highlighted that the club also currently has four players in the Australian Spirit Squad, three players in the Australian Spirit Futures Program, and three players in the Under-18 Squad. North Shore coach, Kerrie Porter, has recently been appointed to Head Coach of the Australian Spirit Team, and coach Neridah Wearne is part of the GEN32 AIS program – a two-year intensive coach development program –demonstrating the club’s success.
The girls selected for the U-15s Women’s World Cup have all been coached by Kerrie and Neridah, gaining invaluable support and coaching to grow their potential.
The 2025 WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup in Italy will be the second edition of the tournament, following the 2023 competition hosted by Japan. From the NSDSA, the players selected to represent Australia in the 2025 World Cup are: Lola Joffee, Eva Kunce, and Gabriella Nutman. Additionally, Josie Bogle and Kaylee Russo have been selected as the U-15s reserves, who will train alongside the team in preparation for the World Cup.
All of these girls have played softball since T-Ball, under 10a, except Gabi who moved across from baseball just last year! Eva, Josie, and Gabi all competed in the NSW team that took out the U-16 Nationals in Perth in January 2025,
whilst Lola competed in the U-14 Regionals in Melbourne, evidencing the incredible skill and ability of these young players.
A member of the North District Association said, “this is the first time Australia has sent a team to compete at the U-15s World Cup, so this is an exciting step towards providing experience and development for high performance players who might eventually be the ones representing as an open age group and at the Olympics.”
Throughout the World Cup, Amanda ‘Reggie’ Fairley (SA) will lead the team as Head Coach, providing support and coaching, with Stacey McManus (NSW) as Assistant Coach, Michelle Waller as Battery Coach, and Bec Ireland as Team Manager. Fairley commented “I am both excited and deeply committed to helping these young athletes reach their fullest potential” (WBSC, 2025). The competition will occur between June 27 – July 6, meaning the players will leave for Italy late June 2025.
As a member of the Association said, “this 15s program is a great launching pad for these girls to progress through to eventually be part of the Aussie Spirit program,” which is Australia’s Open Women’s Team. Softball Australia has the team’s full support and cannot wait to follow their journey through the competition!
BBEING PRINCIPAL OF BRIGIDINE COLLEGE ISN’T
JUST A JOB—it’s a calling. For Mr Shane Hogan, each day is a tapestry of leadership, connection, and purpose. From the quiet of early morning reflection to the energy of school assemblies, classroom walk-throughs, family interviews and after-hours events, every moment is centred around supporting students, empowering staff, and building a vibrant school community.
“There’s no doubt it’s a role of responsibility,” says Mr Hogan, “but above all, it’s a role of immense privilege.”
As he leads the College with clarity and commitment, no
two days are ever the same. What does a typical day look like in the life of the Brigidine Principal?
Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse.
6.00am – A morning walk which is the opportunity to clear the mind, plan and discern on important matters.
7.00am – Breakfast with the family, including discussion of family matters and some of the big decisions such as ‘what should we have for dinner tonight?’
8.00am – Students Arriving on Campus. Whether it’s
Alfie’s mum, Emilia, has been lying to him forever. It’s only been the two of them in Ireland, but when Emilia’s appendix explodes, she drops a bombshell: they have a family back in Australia, and she and Alfie are going to meet them. Spend an evening with Sarah Clutton, Author of the unforgettable, funny, life affirming and deeply moving, The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains.
June 4
BOOKFace, St Ives
The St Ives Organic Food Market offers a variety of organic produce, gourmet foods, and artisan products. It’s a great place to support local farmers and producers while enjoying a community atmosphere.
Every Sat till July 26
St Ives Showground
This festival starts on Sorry Day (May 26) and continues through to the end of NAIDOC Week, July 13. It celebrates the culture and history of the Gai-marigal people, the traditional custodians of the land, with events such as cultural workshops, art exhibitions, and community gatherings.
May 26 - July 13
Various locations around Ku-ring-gai
A celebration of the diverse and thriving arts and cultural community in the region. The festival offers a variety of events, including art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and interactive installations suitable for all ages and interests.
June 18 - July 24
Various locations around Ku-ring-gai
Clarissa, wife of diplomat Henry Hailsham-Brown, is adept at spinning tales of adventure but when a murder takes place in her drawing room, she finds live drama much harder to cope with. Desperate to dispose of the body before her husband arrives with an important politician, she enlists the help of her guests. Hilarity ensues when they are interrupted by the arrival of wry detective, Inspector Lord. Now Clarissa must keep the body hidden, convince the sceptical police inspector that there has been no murder, and, in the meantime, find out who has been murdered, why, and what the body is doing in her house.
July 4 - 12
Zenith Theatre
180 Cadence are committed to creating the best trail races in the world - and now it’s St Ives Showgrounds’ time to shine. Coming up on July 26 is the Sydney Ultra Marathon. Runners can participate in ultramarathon distances of 80km, 50km, or a 30km trail run. All distances are on breathtaking single-loop courses that take runners through the stunning landscapes of Ku-Ring-Gai and Garigal National Park. You’ll experience a dynamic mix of tranquil forest and beautiful waterfront tracks.
July 26, St Ives Showground. Register your interest online - sydneyultramarathons.au
TThe tree-lined streets, leafy backyards, and prestigious postcodes of Sydney’s North Shore have long been sought after by families and professionals alike. But as lifestyles evolve and property values soar, homeowners are increasingly faced with a pivotal decision: should they renovate their existing home or knock it down and start from scratch?
This isn’t just a financial choice — it’s a lifestyle one. We spoke with Peter Thomas, Director of Icon Homes and here are his five essential factors to consider when deciding between a knock down rebuild or renovation on the North Shore.
Renovating may seem cheaper upfront, but costs can quickly balloon, especially in older homes with hidden structural issues. By contrast, a knock down rebuild often offers more financial certainty. You typically receive fixed quotes, and you’ll avoid the surprise costs that can plague renos — like asbestos removal or rewiring ancient electrics.
That said, if your home has good “bones” and the layout mostly works, a renovation may deliver great value. Always weigh the cost of renovation plus potential ongoing maintenance against the price (and resale potential) of a brand-new custom home.
Peter comments ‘We have had clients come to us who really didn’t want to knock down their home, they really wanted to keep a classic look for their home, but the cost of renovating was more than a new home and they couldn’t
justify that, especially when that didn’t take into account all of the potential surprise costs. We worked with them to design a home that was set up for modern living and had everything you would want in a new home but with a classic façade. Best of both worlds.’
The North Shore is rich in architectural history, from Federation-style homes to 1930s bungalows. Local councils like Ku-ring-gai and North Sydney enforce strict development controls to preserve this character. If your home falls under a heritage conservation area, a knock down rebuild may not be allowed — or may come with serious design restrictions.
Before you commit to either path, check with your council about zoning, heritage listings, and development application (DA) requirements. In many cases, a sympathetic renovation might be the only viable path forward.
Are you planning to stay in your home for the next 20+ years, or is this a stepping stone to a bigger move? Renovations can improve comfort and functionality, but might limit your ability to make major structural changes. Rebuilding, on the other hand, allows you to fully customise your home to suit your lifestyle — think open-plan living, sustainable materials, home offices, and ample storage.
Families with young kids might prioritise larger living areas and more bedrooms. Downsizers may want energy efficiency and low maintenance. Rebuilding gives you the freedom to
way to build confidence gradually.
The benefit of mobile grooming is huge in these cases. There’s no stressful car ride or unfamiliar salon. We come to them, so they’re in a familiar environment. Dogs are incredibly intuitivethey pick up on our energy. If we’re calm, they feel calm.
We always use positive reinforcement (including plenty of treats!) and make sure each dog gets our full attention. One dog at a time, no rushing.
How often should dogs be groomed, depending on their coat type?
It varies depending on the dog’s breed, coat type, skin health, and lifestyle, but here’s a general guide:
● Short-coated dogs like Staffies, Beagles, and French Bulldogs benefit from a wash, dry, nail trim, and ear clean every 4–6 weeks.
● Medium to long-coated dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Cavoodles, and Border Collies typically need a full groom every 4–6 weeks to keep their coats clean and manageable.
● Curly or high-maintenance coats - think Poodles, Doodles, and Spaniels - require more frequent brushing at home between professional grooms to prevent matting and painful knots.
● Even dogs that aren’t considered “high maintenance” should still be groomed regularly. It helps prevent skin issues, keeps their coat healthy, and lets us spot any lumps or bumps early on.
● We’re always happy to assess and advise on what grooming schedule works best for your dog.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
We’re just so excited to be doing this together - and even more excited to be meeting other dog lovers in the local community.
Prime Your Pooch is all about connection, care, and creating a positive experience for both pups and their people.
LUCY - We are featuring one of St Ives’ larger pets in this issue, and this definitely ain’t a horse with no name! Meet Lucy, aka Lucinda, Goosey, Goosey, or Goosinda. Lucy is a 10 year old, 16.2 hand Thoroughbred Mare who moved to St Ives in December after starting her life as a Racehorse. During her racing career, she had some great starts, and she also had four foals, a lot when you consider she’s only 10. Even after those hard yards, Lucy is a gentle giant all round, loves cuddles, and will follow her human-mum around all day long like an overgrown puppy dog - a testament to how incredible these animals really are. You might spot Lucy walking around the streets, especially around Lynbarra Ave, with her 9 other St Ives-dwelling horsey friends.
ELSIE - Great things can come in tiny packages, and Elsie is no exception, This little lady is a cream long haired Miniature Dachsund and weighs in at a tiny 4.5kg. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in personality which packs a punch! Elsie adores her paw-rents, and her Beagle brother, Darcy. Elsie loves to snuggle, and also enjoys leisurely strolls and playing with her many toys. Considering her size, dog parks aren’t really her thing, and she’d much rather play shadow to her humanmum or jump on the couch for a cuddle.
CHILLY - Meet Chilly, the cheeky 20-month-old Japanese Spitz from the Morioka/Kouzoku Kennels. Chilly has quickly made himself at home with his affectionate and playful nature. Whether he’s leaping onto laps for kisses and cuddles, rolling over for belly rubs, or enthusiastically sharing his toys for a game of toss and tug, he brings so much joy to his family’s lives. True to his breed, Chilly boasts a self-cleaning coat that remains free of the usual «doggy» odour. However, his snowy white fur has a way of making its presence known, leaving behind soft, fluffy clouds everywhere he goes.
Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page
Which local Park is set for a major overhaul?
The St Ives Uniting Church was first opened after the purchase of 2 blocks of land (for $11,000) on the corner of Mona Vale Rd and which street?
Prime Your Pooch is a brand new local business offering what service to your dog?
What is the first name of Ku-ring-gai Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year?
This physically gruelling event is happening on July 26 at St Ives Showground?
Pymble Players next season is at Zenith Theatre, July 4-12, playing what?
Considering renovations or a re-build? Which local experts should you contact?
What can you play every Thursday at the St Ives Bowling Club?
Which local college is hosting their Open Day on May 15th?
St Ives will soon be home to a brand new, Indoor, what?
Over 10 years' ' experience building custom designed homes, full of architectural features, without the price tag.
