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Tragedy at the Sunbeam Hotel
TIME really does fly when you’re having fun and we can’t believe it’s the end of the year already. In this issue, dive into local history with the story of the Sunbeam Hotel fire tragedy, then flip forward for all things fabulous with a feature on Kylie Minogue’s 2025 tour.
Kylie Minogue is Back in 2025
2010: A Creative Haven
What’s On Guide
What’s On in 2025
Surry Hills - Home of the Street Party
Rainbow Social Lands in Sydney
Meet Your New Neighbours!
In community news, we meet the man behind Rainbow Social Sydney and hear plans for the brand new Kindy Class at the International Grammar School. Our What’s On Guide and 2025 Events Preview will have you circling dates and gathering mates. The Happy Hour in 2010 Feature and New Restaurant Roundup promise to set you up with the best sips and bites across the neighbourhood – because you deserve only the best.
A special shout-out to our advertisers, the true heroes of 2010! It’s their support that makes this magazine possible, so please, give them some love and check them out – they’re all amazing local businesses right here in your community. So grab your coffee, or maybe a cocktail (it’s five o’clock somewhere), and enjoy!
PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media
DESIGNER - Robert Everett
CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Robert Everett, Rita Bratovich, Alec Smart & Elliot Lindsay
ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081
Happy Hour in Surry Hills + Darlinghurst
Can You Solve Them?
Shop local and support our incredible community traders!
TTHE Sunbeam Hotel sat at the corner of Albion and Riley Streets, its weathered brick façade overlooking the overgrown remnants of Frog Hollow. Once a notorious slum, Frog Hollow had been cleared in 1928, leaving behind a scar on the landscape - a tangled reserve of weeds and discarded junk. Two ancient sandstone staircases descended from Albion Street and Riley Street into this neglected expanse, offering a quick escape into the mazelike laneways of Surry Hills.
On April 10, 1945, just after the hotel stopped serving drinks at 6 pm, violence erupted. A body slammed to the floor, followed by desperate cries and the dull thuds of boots. Francis Alexander Walls, an Army cook on leave, lay on the grimy wooden boards, his face and body aching from blows.
“Give me a chance!” he shouted, panic seizing his voice. “You’ll get no chance,” came the vicious response. “We’ll kick you to death.”
As boots connected again and again, Walls reached inside his tunic with trembling hands. He drew out a Japanese service pistol, a grim memento from the war, and in a flash, the air was split by the explosive crack of gunfire - once, twice. In the sudden stillness, two men lay lifeless, blood pooling around them.
Walls had arrived at the Sunbeam around 3 pm, meeting
By Elliot Lindsay
his son for drinks. The 46-year-old Army cook had been a soldier since 1939, and on this day, he was seeking nothing more than a few middies of beer and some company.
But he had another reason for being in Surry Hills that afternoon: he planned to sell some tobacco to an acquaintance. Knowing the area’s reputation for violence“a low dive, a cosmopolitan sort of place,” as he would later describe it - he decided to bring the Japanese pistol his son had given him.
“They get funny down there and sometimes draw knives,” Walls had explained. Walls’ son had taken the semi-automatic Nambu pistol from a Japanese officer after vicious combat in New Guinea.
Among the other patrons were Arthur John Graham, a City Council cleaner, and Cecil Miller, an ironworker. Both men were familiar faces at the Sunbeam and known for their tempers when drinking was involved. As the day wore on, the atmosphere in the bar became tense - a blend of drink-induced camaraderie and simmering aggression.
By 6 pm, the last call had come. Mrs. Louise Stapleton, the licensee’s wife, announced that the taps were shut and no more drinks would be served. Frustrated to call it a night, Walls approached the bar and asked for two more middies. “No more beer,” Mrs. Stapleton told him. “You’ve had enough.”
Continued on Page 06
It was a refusal that would prove fateful. As Walls turned away, resentment brewed into confrontation. Graham and Miller, standing nearby, caught wind of the exchange and joined in, with one of them reportedly shouting, “Put him out!” The words were a spark, and in an instant, the barroom erupted.
Walls was hit in the face; his vision blurred as he fell to the floor. Boots swung in, connecting with his ribs, his face, and his hands as he tried to shield himself. Outside, darkness descended on the hotel as the sun set; its shadow loomed over the bleak, empty streets like an ancient monolith.
Later, Walls would insist that the pistol was fired by accident as he lay on the floor being pummelled. Witnesses, however, recalled the sound of two rapid gunshots, followed by a dreadful silence. Arthur Graham lay dead from a bullet to the temple, while Cecil Miller succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest. The Sunbeam, where hard men often found themselves in rough company, had become a bloodbath.
Walls fled the chaos, escaping through the front door and leaving behind his military hat, which lay abandoned on the blood-soaked floor. He took flight down the sandstone steps into Frog Hollow, disappearing into the narrow lanes that twisted through the heart of Surry Hills.
The shooting sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood. Police scoured the streets, searching the labyrinthine alleys and the overgrown reserves for any sign of the fugitive. The sandstone staircases leading into Frog Hollow were well-known to the locals as a quick escape route, and detectives focused their efforts on combing the dense underbrush and small yards of the rows of terraces that covered the area.
But Walls had not ventured far. When Detective-Sergeant Oswald Millgate found him at his Darley Street home, Walls seemed relieved. “I’m glad you came,” he said. “I couldn’t sleep. I’m pleased to get it over.”
The case that followed was complex, filled with conflicting testimonies and disputed facts. The prosecution argued that Walls had carried the loaded pistol into the Sunbeam with the intent to use it, while the defence maintained that
“He spoke of the kicks and punches that struck him from all sides, of the voice that snarled, “We’ll kick you to death”.”
Walls had acted in a moment of terror, fearing for his life as blows rained down upon him.
Witnesses described the scene in various ways. Some claimed the altercation began when Walls grew belligerent after being refused service. In contrast, others, like William Flanagan, recalled the bar’s atmosphere turning volatile well before the first punch was thrown. A taxi driver, Brian Hunt testified that Graham had been quarrelsome earlier in the day, picking fights before the final confrontation.
Walls took the stand, recounting the panic that gripped him during the brawl. He spoke of the kicks and punches that struck him from all sides, of the voice that snarled, “We’ll kick you to death,” and of the frantic moment when he drew the pistol. “I didn’t aim at anyone,” he said. “It just went off.” He admitted bringing the gun to Surry Hills because of the area’s reputation for street gangs, standover men and vice peddlers.
The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter, acknowledging that while Walls had used excessive force, there was a possibility that he had acted out of fear for his life. On September 12, 1945, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. Mr. Justice Herron noted that Walls’ actions, while excessive, were influenced by the chaotic nature of the situation and the fear he experienced during the brawl.
Detective Sergeant Millgate’s testimony that both Graham and Miller had criminal records lent support to the defence’s claim that Walls had been a victim of circumstance.
The Sunbeam Hotel, perched above the tangled remnants of Frog Hollow, had long been a gathering place for society’s outcasts. In 1953, the hotel closed its doors, and by 1957, it had been demolished as part of a «slum clearing» initiative that had begun half a century earlier. This ended the hotel’s shadow that had loomed over Frog Hollow since its construction in 1865. Today, only the footprint of the old hotel remains, with a single surviving sandstone staircase as a silent witness to the countless footsteps that once echoed through this forgotten community. Though the April 10, 1945 events have faded from memory, the corner of Albion and Riley Streets still carries the weight of its past—a haunting reminder of a time when a drink in Surry Hills could be your last.
Check out these weird and wonderful facts and Surry Hills & Darlinghurst.
The Crown Street Women’s Hospital, open from 1893 till 1983, was the largest Maternity Hospital in NSW at the time. Great Australian Cricketer and TV Presenter, Mike Whitney, was born here!
The Crown Street Women’s Hospital, open from 1893 till 1983, was the largest Maternity Hospital in NSW at the time. Great Australian Cricketer and TV Presenter, Mike Whitney, was born here!
Darlinghurst was home to Gaol (The Darlinghurst Gaol) notorious for its harsh conditions. It was open from 1841 to 1914.
Darlinghurst was home to Gaol (The Darlinghurst Gaol) notorious for its harsh conditions. It was open from 1841 to 1914.
In the mid-20th century, the Surry Hills garment district was the largest employer of female manufacturing workers in the whole country.
In the mid-20th century, the Surry Hills garment district was the largest employer of female manufacturing workers in the whole country.
Stanley Street was the original “Little Italy” before Leichhardt. Australia’s first pasta factory was opened at 73 Stanley St in 1904.
Stanley Street was the original “Little Italy” before Leichhardt. Australia’s first pasta factory was opened at 73 Stanley St in 1904.
Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, vibrant hubs of Sydney’s inner-city culture, have long been muses for artists, poets, and creatives of all kinds.
TTHE rich history, eclectic architecture, and unique energy of these neighborhoods have attracted renowned artists and inspired a myriad of works that capture the soul of the city’s east.
THE AREA AS A MUSE
From the terraces of Surry Hills to the art deco buildings of Darlinghurst, these areas are like canvases in themselves, with stories woven into every brick. The bohemian feel, mixed with traces of gritty history, provides artists with unique, layered subject matter. Walking through these streets, you can feel the influences of each creative generation that passed through: the jazz bars, the old theatres, the grungy pubs, and the cozy, offbeat cafes all whisper stories of the artistic spirits who have walked these roads.
Surry Hills and Darlinghurst aren’t just backdrops; they’re characters with their own personalities, providing raw inspiration to artists who seek to capture life as it is. The blend of affluence and poverty, history and modernity, has attracted artists like Jeffrey Smart, Brett Whiteley, and poets like Kenneth Slessor, who saw not just the physical landscape, but the emotional texture of these suburbs.
JEFFREY SMART AND URBAN GEOMETRY
Jeffrey Smart, one of Australia’s most acclaimed painters, was deeply influenced by the urban landscapes of Surry Hills and surrounding areas. Known for his hyper-realistic style, Smart’s works often feature industrial and urban scenes with an eerie stillness, bringing beauty to the ordinary and often overlooked. While he famously captured various
scenes from cities around the world, his years in Sydney influenced his focus on urban landscapes and modernity. His paintings resonate with the geometry and stark beauty of Sydney’s gritty, industrial corners, capturing moments of solitude within the busy city.
Smart’s works highlight the geometry of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst in their unique way: the symmetry of power lines against the sky, the quiet beauty of abandoned alleyways, and the juxtaposition of new and old architecture. For those familiar with the area, his works are nostalgic reminders of Sydney’s changing face. Smart spent more than 5 years working as a Drawing Teacher at Darlinghurst’s National Art School.
Another artistic giant, Brett Whiteley, made his mark on Darlinghurst in the late 20th century. Whiteley’s expressive and often psychedelic style captured the visceral energy of the streets. His studio, located in Raper Street, Darlinghurst, now a museum dedicated to his work, was a hub of creativity and experimentation. Whiteley’s art encapsulates the essence of Darlinghurst as he saw it – gritty, intense, and filled with life. His paintings of the area, full of bold strokes and dynamic compositions, convey the unfiltered emotion he felt for the place.
Whiteley’s work often tackled social and political themes, reflecting the complexities of Darlinghurst during his time. His paintings brought an almost mythic quality to the suburb, capturing its contradictions and spirit with a raw and personal edge.
Poet Kenneth Slessor immortalized Darlinghurst in verse, using it as the setting for one of his most famous works, “Five Bells.” Inspired by the death of his friend and artist Joe Lynch, who drowned in Sydney Harbour, “Five Bells” is a reflection on memory, loss, and time passing – themes that resonate with the ever-changing streets of Darlinghurst. Slessor’s connection to the area shines through his words, capturing its heartbeat and sense of mystery. His verses evoke images of Darlinghurst as it was: a blend of light and shadow, a place where memories linger and stories unfold. Through poetry, Slessor brought a new perspective to the suburb, presenting it as both beautiful and haunting, a place that symbolizes Sydney’s layered history and its sometimes melancholic undercurrent.
Contemporary Art in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst
Today, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst continue to be havens for emerging artists, with galleries like the National Art School, M2 Gallery, and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery supporting contemporary works. Street art adds vibrant splashes of colour to laneways and walls, making art accessible to all.
Surry Hills and Darlinghurst have a rich and evolving history in the arts, inspiring not just well-known artists and poets but also countless others who seek to capture the essence of urban Sydney. The continued evolution of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst as artistic epicentres ensures that they remain not just backdrops, but enduring muses for creative expression. Whether through paintings, poetry, or modern street art, these areas are celebrated as living, breathing canvases, telling Sydney’s story one brushstroke, one verse, and one mural at a time.
The locals in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Inner Sydney are a talented bunch - check out these incredible events coming up in the next few months.
This season, The Jackson superyacht is turning up the heat with a stellar lineup of luxury events on Sydney Harbour. Start your weekend with the iconic Chandon Harbour Long Lunch, where you’ll indulge in a leisurely afternoon filled with sparkling Chandon, mouth-watering dishes, and stunning harbour views.
And when the sun is shining, there’s no better way to celebrate than with Veuve Clicquot in the Sun. Dance the day away to the beats of Sydney’s hottest DJs, enjoy Clicquot-inspired canapés, and toast to the good life with champagne in hand. Secure your spot aboard Sydney’s most talked-about superyacht and let the celebrations begin.
Book your tickets here: thejackson.com.au/ticketedevents
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest light display is back until 26 January 2025. Open from 5:30pm-10:30pm (last entry 9.30pm), with rides from 6pm-10pm (last rides 9:45pm). Families can also take a picture with Santa Claus until 24th December. Book your tickets here: huntervalleygardens. com.au/events/christmas-lights-spectacular
Belvoir Theatre, Nov 9 - Dec 15
One of the monumental plays of the 21st century, Osage County, up close and personal. Charismatic poet-patriarch Beverly Weston has gone – where? Nobody knows. His wife Violet careers downhill into opiate addiction, and the three daughters dutifully return to their childhood home, spouses, children and unfinished business trailing behind.
The family’s (almost) together - for the first time in years.
“What a ride this one is. It’s as massive as the prairies and comes out of a long tradition of full-on high-stakes American classics of dysfunctional families and finally telling the truth. Pamela Rabe, Helen Thomson, Bert LaBonté – it’s a 24-carat cast in a show that has pedigree.
Do you know what? Book right now. If you miss it you’ll kick yourself.” – Eamon
SURRY HILLS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Prince Alfred Park, Dec 1, 6 - 8pm
It’s time to dust off your reindeer ears, put on your party shoes and kick off Christmas at our free, family-friendly Christmas concert hosted by Jayden Rodrigues. Join Diver City, Whistle & Trick, Soulfood Chorus and La Fiesta Sound System to sing and dance in the spirit of Sydney Christmas. Santa will also make a special guest appearance. There’s free craft activities, table tennis, giant Jenga, and other games for the kids (and kids at heart).
Charity partner The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation will receive a $5 donation for a photo with Santa. Pack your picnic rug and get in early for the best spots. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dig into Gelato Messina, Sharon Kwan Kitchen, Souvlaki Wraps, Volkswurst, Crazy Potato and Bar Coco Churros food trucks. You can also bring your own picnic. Pets are permitted, but be aware –the event can become crowded.
City Recital Hall, 8pm, Dec 11
Andy Shauf returns to Sydney in December for a very special solo show. Hailed as “a gifted storyteller” (NPR Music), Shauf writes albums that unfold like short fiction, full of colourful characters, fine details and a rich emotional depth.
With his latest album, Norm, however, Shauf has slyly deconstructed and reshaped the style for which he’s been celebrated, elevating his songwriting with intricate layers and perspectives, challenging himself to find a new direction. Under the guise of an intoxicating collection of jazz-inflected romantic ballads, his storytelling has become decidedly more oblique, hinting at ominous situations and dark motivations.
Book your tickets here: https://cityrecital.ink/andyshauf
2024 has been an incredible year of dance, performance and arts in Sydney - and Season 2025 is looking even better!
Hordern Pavilion, Jan 2
Kicking off 2025, Sydney fans will be lucky enough to enjoy an evening with Grammy Award winning hip-hop visionaries
The Roots. This is the band’s first Australian headline tour in 12 years. Joining all shows as special guests will be US Brooklyn-based MC, Talib Kweli, and three-time Grammynominated songwriter from Melbourne, Nai Palm.
SYDNEY FESTIVAL
Multiple Venues, Jan 4 - 26
Sound the trumpet! Sydney Festival 2025 dates are set. From 4 – 26 January there’s only one place in the world you want to be – Sydney, baby! It’s the final lap around the harbour for outgoing Festival Director Olivia Ansell before she finishes her tenure, and she intends to go out with a big, colourful bang. Keep an eye out online for the full program announcement: sydneyfestival.org.au
Seymour Centre, Jan 7 - 11
World-renowned DJ and producer Boris Brejcha is set to take over Bays 22-24 at Carriageworks with his signature electronic sound, promising a night that will push the boundaries of live electronic music. Known for his pioneering genre “High-Tech Minimal” and his iconic Joker mask, Boris’ beats and unmatched stage presence promises to captivate and transport the crowd into another world.
The Whitlams take the stage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the double platinum album, Love This City, and write a new chapter in its storied history on the City Recital Hall stage. Tim Freedman will be joined by long term cohorts guitarist Jak Housden and drummer Terepai Richmond, who were both part of the sessions back in 1999, with new member multi-instrumentalist Ian Peres. It will be an evening of memories, milestones and humour as the band delivers its usual rambunctious performance, complete with the power of brass. Get ready to party like it’s 1999!
A chaotic nexus of wheels, dance and parkour. Skate ramps tower over you, propelling BMXers, skaters, dancers, and parkourists with extreme speed and height. Air Time is a thrilling nexus of wheels in motion with the elegant flow of dance and parkour. Airtime
Following the news of her highly anticipated third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, set for release on May 17, Billie Eilish has announced Australian arena dates, produced by Live Nation and Frontier Touring, for her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR. Starting in North America in September 2024, Eilish will embark on an Australian leg in February 2025. Catch her in Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena Feb 25th, 25th, 26th , 27th and 28th.
Camelia is losing her grip, lost between the past and the present as she passes her days in the garden of her Madrid home. Her children employ Alejandro, a Colombian migrant, to look after her. But this house isn’t what it seems, keeping the terrible secrets of history in its stones…
From the inimitable Andrew Bovell (When the Rain Stops Falling, Things I Know to Be True) comes a superb new play of passion, history and politics, intimate in its detail and epic in its storytelling: Song of First Desire. Written for an acclaimed theatre collective in Madrid (where it premiered in 2023), we’ve invited Jorge Muriel and Borja Maestre from that original cast to join the great Kerry Fox and Sarah Pierse for the English premiere
Kylie
Kylie has announced her highly anticipated ‘Tension Tour’ for 2025, which will see the global icon perform in cities across the globe and is set to be Kylie’s biggest tour since 2011. Kylie said: “I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can’t wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It’s been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!”
Surry Hills, one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, has long been a vibrant focal point for street parties, blending community spirit, local culture, and urban experiences.
THE roots of these gatherings lie in the area’s strong sense of community and the city’s push to reimagine public spaces. Over recent years, Surry Hills has played host to a growing number of these events, thanks in part to initiatives led by the City of Sydney.
One of the most prominent drivers of the street party scene in Surry Hills is the Sydney Streets program, a City of Sydney initiative launched to create pedestrian-friendly zones and promote local businesses. By temporarily closing roads to vehicles, this initiative has transformed streets into dynamic social spaces filled with food vendors, music performances, and art installations.
Beyond just adding foot traffic, Sydney Streets embodies a vision of a greener, more community-oriented city, where local businesses thrive, and residents can enjoy car-free environments. Since its inception, the program has played a pivotal role in establishing Surry Hills as a hotspot for open-air gatherings.
One of Sydney Streets most popular events took place on the first weekend in November, bringing Crown Street to life with a mix of pop-up stalls from local eateries, live music, and family-friendly activities. The event catered to a broad audience, attracting both long-time residents and new visitors.
Not only does this celebration foster a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere, but it also offers a much-needed boost to small businesses, enhancing the area’s already bustling local economy.
In addition to Sydney Streets, Surry Hills is home to other recurring street parties, block parties, and neighbourhood festivals. These events are often organised in partnership with local organisations, such as the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre, which regularly hosts gatherings to bolster community connections.
Events sponsored by the Neighbourhood Centre frequently include craft workshops, food tastings, and live performances, all geared towards bringing people together and promoting creativity.
One popular tradition was the Surry Hills Festival, an annual event that celebrated the area’s artistic roots,
where live music, art exhibitions, and interactive workshops offered something for everyone in the family.
Another unique aspect of Surry Hills’ street party culture is its focus on cultural and artisanal experiences, reflecting the area’s eclectic spirit. Brix Distillers, for example, has introduced guided rum trails and tasting events that take participants through the history of rum production, complete with samples of their craft creations.
Artisans and creators often set up workshops, giving attendees a hands-on experience with the neighbourhood’s creative talent. Other pop-up markets showcase handmade goods, vintage items, and unique culinary offerings, allowing small businesses to gain exposure and connect directly with customers in an open, relaxed setting.
These gatherings not only strengthen local economic activity but also provide residents and visitors with an alternative to conventional urban spaces. In a fast-paced world, these events in Surry Hills promote a slower, more intentional pace, encouraging attendees to linger a little longer and truly experience the area. The open-air setting also provides a refreshing change from the usual cityscape, offering a temporary escape where people can relax, connect, and celebrate together.
The ongoing success of these events underscores Surry Hills’ reputation as one of Sydney’s most communitycentred neighbourhoods. With each new event, locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a uniquely vibrant atmosphere that celebrates art, culture, and community.
Interested in staying in the loop of future gatherings?
The City of Sydney’s events page is an excellent resource to stay updated on all upcoming street parties and neighbourhood celebrations in Surry Hills.
City of Sydney events guide: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au /talks-courses-workshops/events-guide
book an appointment now
IN January 2025, International Grammar School (IGS) will open the doors to a beautiful new Kindergarten Centre, where their youngest students will embark on their educational journey. Designed by internationally acclaimed Australian architects BVN, this innovative space, located in the school’s Wright Building (encompassing Levels 1 and 2 and a new outdoor play space), will be a nurturing haven that inspires curiosity and growth from day one.
“The Kindergarten Centre is one of our ten initiatives from the IGS Strategic Plan Into the World,” said Principal Shauna Colnan. “It’s part of our action to secure, improve and expand the campus for the benefit of our students. With BVN’s partnership and our community’s spirit, we’re crafting magic together, creating a Kindergarten Centre that will help us facilitate the exciting transformation of Early Childhood Education that is underway at IGS and across Australia.”
BVN’s concept draws inspiration from the site’s rich cultural heritage, honouring the traditional custodians
The new social club bringing the LGBTQ Community together, supporting local venues and creating lifelong friendships along the way.
of the land, the Gadigal. Before European settlement, the area featured diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches, salt marshes, and mangrove forests, with the school built over what was once a creek.
The design reflects the historical significance of the creek shoreline as a community gathering place.
The new centre will create an enchanting, safe and nurturing learning environment for our children’s first year of school. The school would also like to say a huge Thank You! to their community - generous donations to the IGS Building Fund have helped support this vital project.
For more details and enrollment information head to igssyd.edu.au International Grammar School 4/8 Kelly St, Ultimo 02 9219 6700
FOUNDED by Steven Jackson in Melbourne in 2021, Rainbow Social is a vibrant community initiative dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming social events for LGBTQ+ individuals. With a strong passion for fostering inclusivity and community spirit, Steven launched Rainbow Social to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ+ community and local venues. His goal was to provide spaces that go beyond the traditional bar and club settings, offering a diverse range of experiences where people can genuinely connect, unwind, and create memorable moments together.
Since its inception, Rainbow Social has expanded quickly, with the establishment of its Sydney counterpart solidifying its impact. Rainbow Social offers events
like wine tours, trivia and bingo nights, picnics, pool days, organized walks, and much more. To date, it’s injected over $100,000 into local economies, supporting businesses across more than 200 events that have brought together over 2,000 participants from nearly 20 nationalities. Rainbow Social isn’t just about events - it’s a growing movement that celebrates diversity, community, and a genuine sense of belonging.
For Sydney-siders, Rainbow Social have a planned Picnic and Xmas Dinner coming up, If you would like to join - head to: meetup.com/rainbow-social-sydney
LIVE THE SUPERYACHT LIFE ONBOARD THE JACKSON! WHERE LUXURY MEETS THE ULTIMATE PARTY VIBES
inclusions
• Up to 3.5-hours cruising stunning Sydney Harbour
• Long Lunch plus canapes on arrival
• Free-flowing Chandon Garden Spritz
• Live music to dance the afternoon away
select saturdays $175pp
inclusions
• 3.5 Hour Cruise on stunning Sydney Harbour
• 3-Course menu by Chef Nelly Robinson
• Free-flowing Chandon Garden Spritz & Chandon NV
• Live entertainment to dance the day away
• Christmas ambience throughout the vessel!
saturday 14 december $175pp
inclusions
• Up to 3.5-hours cruising stunning Sydney Harbour
• Clicquot inspired canapes, oyster bar and gelato
• A glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival
• DJs to provide the perfect vibe
select saturdays $145pp
Saturdays
book a table or your own deck for private parties! www.thejackson.com.au | 02 8062 3688
Let’s celebrate the arrival of these awesome new venues that have opened up right in your backyard this year.
Step into one of Darlinghurst’s most elegant and artadorned dining spaces. The Velvet Glove is serving up the highest quality food & beverages; this is a menu designed to showcase the freshest produce. One of the standout items: the Vanilla Lobster, delicately poached in fennel butter, vanilla celeriac, ice plant and served with a sea urchin sauce. The wine list is “All Killer No Filler” and expert staff will help you choose the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
The team at Velvet Glove also believe it’s their responsibility to remunerate their wonderful staff, that’s why they pay above Award wages and have a documented Company Policy to distribute 10% of their profit to their people. They believe excellent service comes from the heart and so promote a no-tip policy, and no extra charges.
THERE’S no better time to get a group of friends and family together, book a table at a local venue and do your part in making sure these fabulous new venues can keep their doors open for the long run.
Australia’s first women’s sports and dining venue, this venue, opened on 29th August, was created to celebrate women’s sports. All-Australian league and national women’s sports get priority on their screens - but it’s not limited to female-only, you can catch men’s sports as well. The venue is welcoming to anyone (18+) and while it predominantly feels like a bar, there’s also a large menu available with both shareable and proper dining options. Best thing is - if the bar is open, the kitchen is open too!
1/389 Bourke St,
Step into a simpler time at It’s Recess, a grab-and-go cafe bringing back your humble lunchbox favourites. Known for their classic Chicken Avo Sandwich, Recess brings the charm of an old-school tuckshop to Surry Hills. Located just off the Rainbow Crossing at Taylor Square, it’s the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal that balances convenience and quality, without breaking the bank. With a lineup of fresh sandwiches, salads, and nostalgic treats, Recess has something for everyone.
With 100 seats spread over two levels, Ouzo Bar & Dining is a Mediterranean-inspired destination right in the heart of Darlinghurst. Downstairs, you’ll find The Bar. A quintessentially European space offering alfresco, booth and bar seating. With an 80 bottle wine list from their sommelier, an extensive cocktail list (including 5 types of martinis) from head mixologist Euan Ferderer, and the perfect Mediterranean snack menu from head chef Ignacio Morales, The Bar is one of a kind.
Upstairs, The Dining Room, a beautiful space soaked in natural light from both skylights and the adjustable roof. Head chef Ignacio Morales (ex Shaffa/Ikaria) has created the perfect Mediterranean menu, cooking over the newly installed woodfire grill to enhance flavours. This is going to be the ideal spot for afternoon drinks and meals with friends in the Spring + Summer months!
The Hook is here to help revive the local nightlife and bring Kings Cross back to its heyday. It’s the third instalment making up Spanton Hospitality’s ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of bars joining Vermuteria (@vermuteriasydney) and Piccolo Bar (@piccolobarkingscross).
Highlights from the menu include oysters - of course! You can have them freshly shucked with a range of sauces, including traditional mignonette, Laphroaig, or a signature Bloody Mary hot sauce. They also have four types of grilled oysters. “It’s a throwback to the 80s,” says Hook owner Dave Spanton, “when things like Mornay and Rockefeller were all the rage.” On the drinks front, there is beer on tap and in tins, with Guinness leading the charge. There is also a bumper selection of Champagne to pair with the oysters and, of course, classic cocktails.
CCHECK out these epic specials available at some of your favourite local food, retail and wellness businesses.
BAD MAMA
403 Crown St, Surry Hills badmamabar.com.au
EVERYDAY: 4-6pm
$7 Beers and House Wines, $12 Cocktails (Charlie San, Lychee Sau Wau, Negroni, Espresso Martini) + $6
Bucket Dumplings & Pork Buns after 10pm
THE BERESFORD
354 Bourke St, Surry Hills merivale.com/venues/theberesford
MON - SUN: 6-8pm
$9 Schooners of Premium Craft Beers, $11 Pints of Guinness, $9 Pints/$7 Schooners of Tap Beers, $7 House Spirits, $14 Aperol Spritz & $16 Tommy’s Margarita
FONDA MEXICAN
379 Crown St, Surry Hills fondamexican.com.au
MON - FRI: 4pm-7pm
$15 House Margaritas, $10 Frozen Cocktails, $7 Selected Wines, $6 Balter Cerveza, $6 Non-Alc Cocktails
FORRESTERS
336 Riley St, Surry Hills forresters.com.au
MON - FRI: 4-6pm
Selection of House Wine & Beer for $7.50, $12 Aperol Spritz
MON - $15 Steak & Chips
Calling Surry Hills and Darlinghurst’s best bargain hunters!
HOTEL HARRY
40-44 Wentworth St, Surry Hills hotelharry.com.au
EVERYDAY: 4-6pm
$7 Beer, $8 Wine, $8 Spirits, $10 Cocktails
MON - $15 Panko-Crumbed Chicken Schnitzel
TUES - $4 Taco (Fish, Al Pasto Chicken, Al Pastor Pork, Veggie) WED - $10 Burgers (Harry’s Beef, Fried Chicken, Crumbed Fish, Veggie Smash)
KANDI LUXE
120 Bourke street, Woolloomooloo kandiluxe.com.au
WED - FRI: 5pm to 7pm
All Cocktails $15, House Spirits $10, Beer $8, Wine $6
THE LADIES LEAGUE
245 Oxford St, Darlighurst theladiesleague.com.au
THURS - FRI: 4pm to 6pm
House Beer & Wine starting from $8
OUZO BAR & DINING
259 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst ouzobardining.com.au
TUES - FRI: 4pm to 6pm
All Bar Snacks Half Price, $10 Mini Martini, $6 House Beer & Wine
THE TAPHOUSE
122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst taphousesydney.com.au
TUES - FRI: 4pm to 6pm
$7.50 Drinks Menu including: Philter ‘Super Cool’ Lager, Hawke’s Patio Pale, Applejack “Luce Del Sole” Pinot Grigio, Applejack “Rose Des Amis” Shiraz Grenache, Applejack ‘Otis’ by Margan Shiraz, Applejack ‘Status Quo’ Prosecco
LI’L DARLIN SURRY HILLS
425 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills thedrydock.com.au
MON - SAT: 4-6pm
$12.50 Cocktails
TUES - $12 Margaritas & $6 Tacos
THURS - $6 Schooners & $20 Pizza
SYDNEY BREWERY
28 Albion St, Surry Hills sydneybrewery.com
EVERYDAY: 4-6pm
$7 House Beer, Wine, Cider, Spirits. 7-9pm, Classic Cocktails available for $18
MON - $18 Pasta All Day
TUES - $18 Nachos
WED - $20 Burgers + Sandwiches
THURS - $20 PIzza, $20 Sydney Brewery Jugs
FRI - $1 Buffalo Wings
Sun - Chicken Schnitty + Schooner $22
THE SODA FACTORY 16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills sodafactory.com.au
WED - THURS: 5-7pm
$7 House Beer, Wine, Spirits & $12 Signature Cocktails
TUES - $1 Hotdogs ($2 Chicken, $3 Vegan), 3 rounds of music bingo + DJs til late
WED - $1 Wings, $10 Fried Chicken & Waffles, $10 Fried Chicken Burgers, $10 Buckets of Fried Chicken
THE WHITE HORSE
381 Crown St Surry Hills, thewhitehorse.com.au
WED - THURS: 5pm to 7pm FRI - SAT: 9pm to Late SUN: 5pm to 7pm
$8 Schooners, $8 House Wines, $14 Tommy’s, Negronis, Aperol Spritz and Amaretto Sour
Your luxury resort afloat, providing excitement, connection, relaxation, gourmet dining … and cruising!
Join our private gay group for 12 nights of fun, departing Sydney 1st November 2025, onboard the stunning Celebrity Edge.
Explore the beauty of New Zealand with ports of call at Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound, then Dunedin, Christchurch, Tauranga (Hobbiton), Auckland and the Bay Of Islands.
Why choose our group?
Safety & Comfort: Travel with confidence in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Connection & Fun: Make lasting friendships with like-minded people.
Exclusive Experiences: Enjoy our “Gay Layer” of fabulous extras, worth over $900, including our infamous Pop-Up Pirate bar!
Cruise Director: Group lead by onboard host, Company Director and Head Cruiser, Adam Bold.
Cruising with Celebrity Cruises is unlike anything else — elevated, intimate, and unforgettable.
Indulge in thoughtful service, diverse entertainment, and unique group experiences.
Special Group Fares include a free drinks package, free Wi-Fi, and much more!
Book now to secure your spot with our great group fares! pointsofdifference.com/explore or call 1300 990 390
Which local social group have a picnic and Xmas Dinner coming up?
City Council program to create pedestrian-friendly zones promoting local businesses?
Name of Kylie Minogue’s forthcomingtour?
Which local theatre can you watch August: Osage County until Dec 15th?
TV Presenter and Australian Cricketer, Mike Whitney, was born in which local Women’s Hospital?
Which venue will be hosting The Whitlams in Jan 2025?
Which Sydney Arena will you see Kylie Minogue performing in next year?
Catch a chaotic nexus of wheels, dance and parkour at Seymour Centre in Jan 2025what’s this show called?
Which Surry Hills Hotel was the scene of a fatal fight in 1945?
3. Which local social group have a picnic and Xmas Dinner coming up?
6. City Council program to create pedestrian-friendly zones promoting local businesses?
8. Name of Kylie Minogue’s forthcoming tour?
9. Which local theatre can you watch August: Osage County until Dec 15th?
Down
1. Australian Cricketer, Mike Whitney, was born in which local W
2. Whitlams in Jan 2025?
4. Arena will you see Kylie Minogue performing in next year?
5. Catch a chaotic nexus of wheels, dance and parkour at Seymour Centre in Jan 2025 - what's this show called?
7. Which Surry Hills Hotel was the scene of a fatal fight in 1945?
THE ALBANESE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN FOR A MORE RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE
Australia is a step closer to manufacturing more reliable renewables at home, with the Albanese Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot program
We’ve always been a solar powerhouse – the ideas invented here have lit the way for the global energy transformation already underway
But while one in three Australian households have solar – the highest take-up in the world – only one per cent of those solar panels have been made in Australia.
That’s why we’re investing in Australia’s solar capability with targeted funding to support a Future Made In Australia, creating quality jobs for Australian workers and a more resilient supply chain
The International Energy Agency estimates 1300 manufacturing jobs for each gigawatt of solar PV production, meaning a supercharged domestic industry will create thousands of jobs in Australia
Initiatives like Solar Sunshot will build capability in the energy supply chains of the future, and support more manufacturing opportunities across the country driven by our renewable transformation
The first $550 million, administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will support the commercialisation of Australian solar photovoltaic (PV) innovations and scale up Australian solar PV manufacturing
These technologies are critical to Australia’s energy security through the net zero transformation
We know there is strong interest from business to work with the Government to make more critical energy hardware here including high tech Australian start-ups, local fabricators and material suppliers, and international investors.
Only the Albanese Government is backing businesses across the country to seize the opportunity of a Future Made in Australia, powered by reliable renewables and a waste-reducing, circular economy
In a circular economy, materials and products are kept in use longer by designing longer lasting and recyclable materials by cutting waste and by recycling infrastructure.
Australia has the third highest material footprint per capita in the OECD, and the fourth lowest rate of materials productivity The most recent National Waste Report shows that Australian households and businesses generate the equivalent of almost three tonnes of waste per person, per year
We want sustainable solutions that are good for the environment and good for business – that cut waste going to landfill and encourage efficient use of raw materials
This transition requires innovative thinking from governments and businesses which is why we’ve asked the Productivity Commission to investigate boosting circularity across the economy.
By re-using, recycling and repairing more of our waste, we can create more opportunities right through the supply chain for Australian companies and Australian workers
It’s about looking into new ways to add value to our material resources, creating more jobs and more opportunities for more people
Better quality and longer lasting products and better labelling of these products are also good for consumers, reducing the need to throw away and replace poorly made goods
The Albanese Government is doubling Australia’s recycling capacity for a Future Made In Australia and a Future Remade in Australia
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