An
Executive Chef Luke Mangan photographed at Luke’s Kitchen at the Kimpton Margot Hotel, Sydney
appetite
FOR MORE
Chef Luke Mangan OAM is turning up the heat on Sydney’s dining scene
When it comes to nightlife in the CBD, Sydneysiders are always hungry for more. With the city coming back to the boil post-pandemic, award-winning chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan OAM is leading the charge to plate up the future of our local dining scene.
“Sydney’s food scene is like the city itself - fresh, diverse, stylish and unpretentious,” Mangan, Executive Chef at Luke’s Kitchen, located at the luxe Pitt Street hotel, Kimpton Margot Sydney, tells citysider. “You can start your morning with world-class coffee, graze on vibrant Southeast Asian flavours by lunch and end the day with a glass of Aussie wine and a plate of something incredible.”
“Restaurants are a big reason why people head into the city,” he continues. “At Luke’s Kitchen, we’re creating spaces that are welcoming, exciting and adaptable, whether you’re in for a quick pre-show meal or a long celebration. It’s about reigniting that spark and reminding people that the city still has something worth dressing up for.”
After more than three decades shaping Australia’s food culture, Mangan’s latest ventures, which also include Luke’s Table, situated inside the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s
“RESTAURANTS ARE A BIG REASON WHY PEOPLE HEAD INTO THE CITY” >>
southern pylon, are an expression of both where his career is now and where he wants Sydney to go next.
“The menu at Luke’s Kitchen reflects where I’ve landed after decades in the industry,” he says. “It’s Modern Australian at its core, but rooted in the idea of seasonality, spontaneity and a little theatre. At the end of the day, the inspiration behind Luke’s Kitchen was born in my home kitchen, from what I like to eat, so I’m lucky that our guests enjoy what I enjoy!”
On the plate, Mangan’s trademark style shines: fresh produce, bold flavours and clever spins on the familiar. The balance of ingredients is key, from Northern Rivers beef to local wild-caught seafood, and citrus and herbs grown in Mangan’s own garden.
“We always want guests to feel a sense of discovery, a twist on something they
know, a flavour pairing that surprises,” he continues. “It might be as simple as reimagining a classic with native ingredients or elevating a humble veg into the hero of the plate...we’re in this stunning heritage building in the heart of the CBD and that energy pushes us to elevate the experience. It’s about refining the familiar, drawing from global influences and letting superb produce lead the way.”
One non-negotiable? Fresh herbs.
“Tarragon, chervil, Vietnamese mint…I love them all,” Mangan says. “They bring freshness to any dish that speaks to how I like to cook and eat.”
Outside of the kitchen, Mangan has been a long-time advocate for Sydney’s evolution as a global food destination. He believes that while the CBD’s culinary landscape is world-class, there are delicious opportunities
“WE NEED MORE EVENTS THAT CELEBRATE OUR HOSPITALITY CULTURE AND BRING THE CITY TO LIFE AROUND THE CLOCK”
to strengthen it even further, pushing Sydney’s identity as a 24-hour city forward.
“Meaningful progress means creating more reasons for people to come into the CBD - not just during the workday, but after hours and on weekends,” he says. “We need more events that celebrate our hospitality culture and bring the city to life around the clock. I’ll continue to lobby the government for our Long Lunch in the CBD (a postlockdown event led by Mangan to showcase Sydney’s dining scene). Initiatives like that shift the energy and show off what we do best.”
“We do a fantastic job showcasing our multicultural identity through food and the range of cuisines and the quality is world-class. But we do need more to support the industry itself. Additional training pathways and recognising the value of hospitality as a lifelong profession, not just a job you do on the way to something else, will only help Sydney grow as a global food destination,” Mangan concludes. “We’ve got the produce, the talent and the energy - you just need to bring your appetite.” l
Clockwise from left: Art Deco glamour meets contemporary cool at the Kimpton Margot Hotel, home of Luke’s Kitchen restaurant; the venue’s signature dessert - Liquorice Dome with Lime, Rhubarb and Apples; Executive Chef Luke Mangan; views of the dining room; the restaurant’s classic Steak Tartare.
Archie Archie Archie Pink tote bag $29.95 Art Gallery NSW Art Gallery Road, The Domain or shop.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Mexico 66 Unisex Slip-On Cream/Neon Lime, $160 Onitsuka Tiger Sydney Concept Store Lower Ground, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street
Public Sydney: 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, $49.90 Museum of Sydney Cnr Bridge Street and Phillip Street or sydneylivingmuseums.com.au
The POD mini low table, designed by Hanna Anonen, $295 MCA Store, Museum Contemporary Art 140 George Street, The Rocks or store.mca.com.au
Latino-Gráfico: Visual Culture from Latin America, $85 Title 400 Barangaroo Ave Barangaroo or titlemusicfilmbooks.com
Mama’s Meatball Blend $12.50 Gewürzhaus Herb & Spice Merchants Shop 22, The Strand Arcade 412 – 414 George Street
Milk And Dark Selection 190g, $39.90 Haigh’s Chocolates Ground Floor, Queen Victoria Building and Shop 1, The Strand Arcade Prices and availability correct at time of going to press.
Wool Blend Brushed Touchscreen Gloves with Pattern in Beige, $29.95 Muji Floor 1 - The Galeries 500 George Street or muji.com.au
Return to Tiffany™ Heart Tag Key Pendant in Silver, Medium, $550 Tiffany & Co. 175 Pitt Street
Committed to resolving your family law dispute.
Reid Family Lawyers is a specialist, boutique family law firm Our practice began on Sydney’s Northern Beaches almost 20 years ago and we are proud of the reputation we have established over those years.
Our Surry Hills office was born to meet a demand in Sydney’s CBD, inner west and eastern suburbs for expert family law advice and representation which is practical, reasonable and designed to do no harm. We are very conscious of the fact that long after our role as your lawyer has ended your family relationships continue.
Alex Wearne
At the helm of our Surry Hills office is Alex Wearne. Alex has been a solicitor since 1991, always in family law. She is an accredited specialist, experienced advocate and independent children’s lawyer. Alex has a special expertise in complex parenting matters, always striving for best outcomes for children and their families. Alex’s clients cannot speak highly enough of the commitment she lends not only to their family law matter but to long term outcomes.
Paniz Yazdi
Paniz, our Senior Associate in Surry Hills was a former Judge’s Associate and Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. She is also a nationally accredited mediator. Her expertise in complex financial matters, knowledge of Court processes and mediation skills enable Paniz to resolve disputes in a timely and cost-effective way.
SURRY HILLS + NORTHERN BEACHES
A LOCAL HISTORY
>> Connecting the city George Street Trams at the intersection of Barrack Street and George Street, taken some time before 1910. The David Jones store on the corner was known as The White House.
To the harbour George Street viewed from Grosvenor Street
Believed to have been taken in November 1931, this image shows a tram outside the Nock and Kirby hardware and general household goods store. In the distance is the Harbour Bridge, which was still being built at the time.
Moments in time
Now in its fifth year of service, Sydney CBD’s Light Rail has become an integral part of the city’s transport network, reintroducing trams to the streets for the first time since 1961. The 12km route, with 19 stops from Circular Quay through George Street to Surry Hills and beyond, echoes the
tramways of old Sydney, which began operating in 1879 until being decommissioned 82 years later. Step back in time and explore more historic photos of the city on the State Library of New South Wales’ Flickr account flickr.com/ photos/statelibraryofnsw ●
The lunchtime rush Corner of Pitt and Market Street
Trams pass through the lunch hour crowds around Christmas time in 1937. This photo was taken on the corner of Pitt and Market Street and shows what now makes up the start of Pitt Street Mall.
Unofficial Run Club at their Friday starting point. They also hold a 7km run at 6.30pm on Tuesdays in Bondi Junction, collabing with Fishbowl.
SUCCESS
and running etiquette clearly set out to ensure everyone remains respectful of local residents and other bridge users. Social followers sprinted up too, reaching over 55k (and counting). Focussed on building a healthy community – both physically and mentally – the group’s vibe remains one of having fun instead of chasing personal bests.
“As well as getting people up and moving, Unofficial is very much a social run club,” Chad says. “These days finding connections with people can be challenging. We’re all working from home, using dating apps, on social media…people are looking for ways to get together and share experiences.”
“Members message to tell us they’re so excited about Unofficial that their Thursday evenings feel like Christmas Eve. They share stories about new friendships and weekends away with groups of people they’ve met at Unofficial runs. We’re really proud of the beautiful community we’re building.” ● Find more out at @unofficialrunclub and unofficialrunclub.com
“THESE
DAYS FINDING CONNECTIONS WITH PEOPLE CAN BE CHALLENGING”
Run this town
THE RUN CLUB
Train and get fit while exploring the CBD at these free weekly groups.
• Darling Harbour – Village Green South, Darling Quarter, 7am Mondays
• The Rocks – First Fleet Park, 7am Tuesdays
• Barangaroo – Hickson Park, 7am Fridays therocks.com/whats-on/events/run-club
MIDNIGHT RUNNERS
This global running community’s Sydney group meet at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour on Wednesday evenings. Run through the CBD with speakers, music and a party. Head to midnightrunners.com for more info.
CHINATOWN RUN CLUB
Social runs with a focus on fun in and around Haymarket. No set days, keep an eye on their socials for meet ups. @chinatownrunclubsyd
GIRLS RUN SYDNEY
This group of women who love to run meet every Wednesday at 5.45pm for a 6pm start from the State Library NSW. There are 4, 5 and 8km route options and monthly Sunday scenic runs. Check out their socials for deets @girlsrunsydney
Loaf AT FIRST
The sourdough stars serving up a slice of lunchtime love
Newly opened Fiore Sandwich on Clarence Street isn’t just a sandwich shop – it’s a shrine to sourdough. The CBD’s newest lunchtime gem has been brought to life by Sam Dean and Iggy’s Sourdough alumni Alberto Dal Bosco aka the baking brains behind Fiore Bread in McMahons Point.
Tucked onto Clarence Street, the pair’s sleek new kiosk serves a tightly curated menu starring five towering sangas made on their signature sourdough, baked daily OTB (over the bridge) on Sydney’s northside. Choose from the Polpette, pork meatballs with tomato sauce, pesto and radicchio; the classic Vitello Tonnato packed with rare
beef, tonnato sauce and endive; and a poached chicken Pollo that’s layered with Waldorf and iceberg for a satisfying crunch. There’s also a seeded breakfast bun with mortadella, parmesan and pesto.
Veg lovers will find plenty to sink their teeth into too, from the whipped ricotta, preserved eggplant and roasted capsicum filled Melanzane to the plant-based Zucchine which includes cured zucchini, cashew cheese, chermoula, raisins, rocket and herbs.
Oh, and there’s no menu customisations. Because why mess with perfection?
The vibe is retro Italian meets modern cool, with a bright, stainless steel fit-out coupled with punchy primary colours.
FIRST BITE
For those who like to sip while they chew, there’s a self-serve coffee station featuring rotating Mecca roasts on tap. Grab yourself a hot batch or cold brew to go.
There’s sweet treats including cake and bikkies for your morning or arvo tea break and you can even pick up a fresh loaf to take home, ready to elevate your own sandwich game.
With every detail from crumb to crust considered, this sibling shop is already proving to be a rising star in the CBD’s food scene. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, treating yourself to a slice of cake or carb-loading up on loaves, Fiore Sandwich delivers comfort, craft and a serious love of your daily bread. And that’s a slice of heaven right there. l
Fiore Sandwich 151 Clarence St Monday-Friday 9.30am-2.30pm @fioresandwich
THE VIBE IS RETRO ITALIAN MEETS MODERN COOL
Fiore’s Sam, left, and Alberto are on a roll with their first CBD location.
Fiore Sandwich’s breakfast bun, left, and lemon and rosemary sourdough cake
live music • food & drink • galleries • sport
exhibitions • theatre • pets and lots more!
19-27 MAY SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
This annual literary event brings readers and writers together to celebrate words, stories and ideas. Internationally renowned authors and locally based writers are appearing across the week at a range of free and ticketed events. Various locations Find more out and book tickets at swf.org.au
EVERY THURSDAY JAZZ SESSIONS IN THE ROCKS
Each week homegrown talent from the cool and creative world of Australian jazz take to the stage under twinkling lights and to take their audience on a musical adventure. Every Thursday, 6-8.30pm. FREE.
The Rocks Square, Playfair Street therocks.com
23 MAY-14 JUNE
VIVID SYDNEY
Sydney’s multi-artform festival features dazzling light installations, 3D projections, music, ideas and food and transforms the city’s icons, streets and laneways. At various locations, with a range of free activities and events for all the family. Find more out at vividsydney.com
House of Romance: Dreams Collide Australian fashion label Romance Was Born will transform Customs House into a swirling dreamscape of couture and colour for Vivid
may/june
19 JUNE-12 JULY PRIMARY TRUST @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE
Pulitzer Prize-winning and hailed as The New York Times Critic’s Pick, PRIMARY TRUST is an uplifting offbeat comedy about finding the courage to change. Experience an evening of intimate storytelling at this harbourside theatre in Kirribilli, just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.
10 MAY-17 AUGUST
ARCHIBALD, WYNNE AND SULMAN PRIZES 2025 @ ART GALLERY OF NSW
15 MAY-19 OCT
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR @ NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
29 MAY
MARLON WILLIAMS @ SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
30-31 MAY
GABS CRAFT BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL @ ICC SYDNEY
30 MAY
LANTERN GHOST TOURS, 8PM @ THE ROCKS
31 MAY
SYDNEY SWANS VS ADELAIDE CROWS @ SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND
WHAT’S ON
3 JUNE
ASTRONOMY AT THE CALYX @ ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
4-15 JUNE
SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES
OPENS 6 JUNE
CERITH WYN EVANS EXHIBITION @ MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
14 JUNE
WINSTON SURFSHIRT + JEROME BLAZÉ @ TUMBALONG PARK, FREE
19 JUNE-3 AUGUST PLAY THAT GOES WRONG @ DRAMA THEATRE, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
20-22 JUNE
GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW @ ICC SYDNEY
28 JUNE
DEBORAH CONWAY AND WILLY ZYGIER @ ART GALLERY OF NSW
11-13 JULY SYDNEY SPIRITS FESTIVAL @ OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL Sydney Cove, Circular Quay GINEVENTS.COM.AU
Experience the ultimate celebration of flavour and craftsmanship at Australia’s largest and most diverse spirits festival! An incredible mix of Aussie and international brands showcase their finest creations in ticketed three-hour sampling sessions.
july
2 JULY
FREE TRIVIA IN THE LIBRARY BAR, 6PM @ STATE LIBRARY NSW
5 JULY
JAMES REYNE @ STATE THEATRE
5-6 JULY
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR @ OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL
12 JULY
BED BY 10PM, DAYTIME CLUBBING FOR OVER 30S @ IVY SYDNEY
17-20 JULY
THE BASTILLE FESTIVAL @ CIRCULAR QUAY
19 JULY
NIKKI GLASER - ALIVE & UNWELL TOUR @ ICC SYDNEY
JULY - THE BOOK OF MORMON @ THE CAPITOL THEATRE 13 Campbell St, Haymarket CAPITOLTHEATRE.COM.AU
The multi-award-winning musical The Book Of Mormon returns to Sydney. This outrageous comedy follows the misadventures of a pair of missionaries and has become an international sensation.
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE AT SITA
701 George St, Haymarket
Sailors Thai alum chef Air Jantrakool is back with Sita, her love letter to Northern Thai cuisine, now open inside the heritage-listed Mountbatten Hotel in Haymarket. With over 35 years of experience in the kitchen, Air is plating up bold, heartfelt dishes from crispy pork belly with sweet-sour sauce to rich khao soi and delicate butterfly pea dumplings. The vibe? Bangkok glam meets Aussie pub charm.
MILLE VINI OWNERS HEAD TO MARTIN PLACE
25 Martin Place
Expect a slice of la dolce vita when the owners of popular Surry Hills restaurant and bar, Mille Vini, open their CBD location, Rovollo, in July. Seating just 40 people inside and another 30 al fresco, the intimate restaurant and wine room will combine traditional Italian hospitality with a touch of flair thanks to a chef’s table, 250 bottle wine cellar and signature pasta served tableside from a giant $2000 ParmigianoReggiano wheel - imported from Italy - which will be set alight before plating.
NEW HOSPO PRECINCT OPENS IN THE ROCKS
12-18 Argyle St, The Rocks
Former Rocks party haunt The Argyle has been transformed into a five venue dining destination by the team behind Rockpool Bar and Grill. The historic wool store has become a 1,800-square-metre hospo hotspot. Reimagined favourites Saké and The Cut Bar & Grill are joined by fresh additions The Dining Room, which focuses on premium produce-driven dining; the intimate Tailor Room, serving up delicious cocktails; and The Garden, offering all-day alfresco dining and drinks.
FOODIE NEWS
$15 MARGS IN MAY
20 Sussex St
Spice up your after-work or pre-dinner drinks with a whole month of $15 margaritas at the Rooftop bar at The Sussex Hotel, every Tuesday-Saturday in May from 5pm-7pm. There’s a five-strong list of margies to choose from at this hidden CBD oasis including Classic, Spicy, Tommy’s, Watermelon, and Coconut.
A NEW FLAVOUR AT ANNAMESE
2/2 Watermans Quay, Barangaroo
Think you’ve experienced all that Vietnamese food has to offer? Think again. Andy Pruksa, Executive Chef at new kid on the block Annamese in Barangaroo, is reimagining classic Vietnamese flavours to showcase the best of both his Thai and Vietnamese roots. Pruksa’s menu is a fusion of vibrant dishes like Sydney Rock oysters with nuoc cham haisan dressing and Wagyu Bo Luc Lac. A killer wine and cocktail list (Pho cocktail anyone?) complement every bite.
BEAT THE SUNDAY SCARIES
35 Bettington St, Millers Point
Keep the weekend vibes high at Sunday Sips and Sounds at Henry Deane rooftop bar at Hotel Palisade. From 3-8pm each Sunday, enjoy cocktails, sumptuous snacks and live music as you soak up golden hour overlooking Sydney Harbour.
MOTEL MEXICATION TAKEOVER
Henley’s, King Street Wharf
Say “adiós” to the ordinary and step into a fiesta of tacos, tequila and good times at Henley’s on King Street Wharf, which has transformed into a Mexican paradise until 30 June. With a delicious menu crafted by Executive Chef Jason Roberson, you can sample delicious Tex-Mex street food classics like Trashcan Nachos – a towering delight of corn tortilla chips, melty cheese, guacamole, jalapeños and your choice of beef or mixed beans – all served in a playful mini trashcan for a show-stopping experience.
PUZZLES with Quizmaster Clay
The Sydney Quiz
1. In what year did the Sydney Opera House open? 1973, 1975 or 1979?
2. Famous for frequenting Hyde Park, what type of bird is the ’bin chicken’?
3. Which historic arcade in the CBD links George Street and Pitt Street ?
4. What is the name of the 34-hectare open space separating the CBD from Woolloomooloo?
5. Where is the Sydney Aquarium located?
6. What is located at 483 George Street? Town Hall, Queen Victoria Building, Martin Place or the Hilton Hotel?
7. How many wharves are there at Circular Quay?
Town Hall 7. 5 (Double sided wharves, numbered 2 to 6)
Darling Harbour
3 5 4 2 5 3 1 7 8 1
SUDOKU Slot the numbers 1 to 9 into every horizontal line, vertical row and 3 x 3 square.
Wordsearch
Find the below words in the grid. Words may be found going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally.
ART AND ABOUT
This major CBD artwork celebrates the First Peoples of Sydney, the traditional custodians, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation
Perched on the Tarpeian Precinct Lawn above Dubbagullee (Bennelong Point), bara by renowned Waanyi artist Judy Watson, is a striking permanent artwork celebrating the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and honouring clans and Elders, past and present.
The gleaming sculpture, which soars over six metres in height and has been crafted with a finish that echoes the beauty of local seashells, depicts a bara, a traditional fish
hook used in the harbour by Gadigal women for thousands of generations.
Unveiled in 2022, Bara’s crescent form mirrors the moon, the harbour’s coves, the Opera House sails and the Harbour Bridge arch and symbolises a deep cultural connection to Country. l
bara by Judy Watson
Tarpeian Precinct Lawn, Macquarie Street, Royal Botanic Gardens
Rover reporter Ted the Puggle chats to Sydney pups, Utah, 17 months, and Wookie, four months, labradors training to work for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Superheroes IN TRAINING
TED: What an amazing job you have! What training do you have to do?
Wookie: Every week I go to school with Lisa, my Puppy Development Advisor, to learn how to sit, stay, come, drop, play nicely with dogs and pay attention to our mum, Meredith. I learn to go to the toilet whenever she asks and walk nice and straight on the left when I have a lead on. Utah: Because I’m big now, I only have to go to school once a fortnight. I’m very good at all the things Wookie is learning so I’m helping Mum teach him at home.
I make sure Mum stops at every curb to check for cars before crossing and stops at the top of stairs too.
T: What else do you learn about?
U: Besides how to be an excellent dog, we have to learn to be calm and listen to Mum in scary situations. We go to noisy shops and busy roads to make sure I can remember my commands when there’s lots of distractions. Sometimes dogs want to play with me when I’m concentrating and it’s hard to ignore them. I feel a bit rude when people want to pat me or chat when I have my jacket on but I’m really not allowed to talk to them when I’m practicing. One day, if I become a real Guide Dog, it’s important people don’t interrupt me. My mum can see, but my next Handler will most likely have low vision or blindness.
W: Utah is sooo clever. I want to be just like him when I grow up! Mum says I’m doing really well but she hasn’t taken me to scary places yet.
T: What do you like best about training?
Both: WE GET LOTS OF TREATS!
T: Tell us about your Puppy Raiser, Meredith.
U: I’ll live with Mum for just over a year. She loves us very much and she makes sure
Us with Mum’s other doggo, Demi the Ridgeback
Wookie with Mum, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Raiser Meredith
we know what to do and that we’re learning all the time. I have to exams to see what career path I will be chosen for, and then I’ll get to go home for a bit before my next job. I might be a Guide Dog, a Therapy Dog, a Court Companion Dog or a Breeding Dog.
W: What are you talking about? What exams?!
T: What do you do in your time off?
W: I sleep a lot. I’m still only little.
U: I just have to be with Mum. I follow her everywhere and sit at her feet. Even when she’s in the bathroom!
U: We like to play together a lot and if Demi the Ridgeback is in a good mood, she’ll play with us too.
W: I have to pick my times when I can play with Demi. She thinks I’m annoying...
T: Why are you so good at helping people?
U: Mum had a dog before me called Eric and he’s now a working Guide Dog. Eric was very kind when I was a puppy and let me chew his ears. I’m trying to be like him and teach Wookie how to play nice and he copies me too. Since I was a pup I’ve been told how special and important I am so I want to make sure I live up to that and become a Guide Dog to help a person with low vision or blindness one day.
T: If someone wanted to help train puppies, what would they need to do?
U: We aren’t allowed to be left alone for a long time so they’d need to work from home or have a really nice boss like Mum’s boss, Leanne. She loves us coming to the office. They’ll need to take us to school and spend time doing our homework. They should also know they’ll cry a lot when they say goodbye to us when we leave for our formal Guide Dog training.
W: They have to be patient and not get cross when we make mistakes or have accidents.
U: Anyone considering becoming a Puppy Raiser can visit the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT website for more info. Mum says it’s an absolute joy and she’s going to do it forever.
“SHE LOVES US VERY MUCH AND SHE MAKES SURE WE KNOW WHAT TO DO AND THAT WE’RE LEARNING ALL THE TIME”
Golden lab Wookie and black lab Utah are in training to be very good boys.
PICTURE
How a Sydney creative collective is redrawing the art world
Artist Thom Roberts paints the world as he sees it - vivid, layered and alive with imagination. With his first solo exhibition now on at the National Portrait Gallery and a nod as a 2025 Sulman Prize finalist, the Sydney based painter has stepped firmly into the national spotlight.
Roberts has spent the past decade crafting a rich visual language of playful portraits, sculptural cityscapes and emotional storytelling as part of Studio A, a creative collective championing professional pathways for artists with intellectual disabilities. His NPG exhibition, The Immersive World of Thom Roberts, brings together 100 works and visitors will discover a wall of emotion cards, sculptural cityscapes, a performative work of a ping pong game that examines the power dynamics of the courtroom, and a major new work that invites the audience to consider the world through the artist’s eyes. Included in the show is one of Roberts’ favourite >>
“MAKING ART MAKES ME FEEL HAPPY AND PROUD AND TERRIFIC”
this…
Studio A artist, Thom Roberts
works, a special portrait of his mentor and friend, lawyer Shane Simpson AM, the former Chair of Studio A, who Thom calls Adam. “He is my big brother,” Thom says of the piece, which he created for the 2021 Archibald Prize.
Brushing aside barriers
Studio A was established in 2014 as a subsidiary of Studio ARTES, a not-for-profit organisation that provides creative programs for adults with disabilities. Under the leadership of CEO and Artistic Director Gabrielle Mordy, the studio helps these talented artists gain public recognition, secure mentorships and commercialise their work.
“WE WORK TO ENSURE OUR CULTURE AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS INCLUDE THE VOICE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY”
“The biggest obstacle we have is the perception that artists with disability can only do art therapy,” says Gabrielle. “When you buy work from our artists, you’re not making a donation, you’re investing in a valuable, collectible piece.”
The team also manages the artists’ resumes, applies for grants on their behalf and organises commissions. Over the years, their work has included large scale corporate installations and urban art projects around the CBD, coffee cup designs for Biopak, tableware for MUD Australia and fabrics for fashion label Romance Was Born.
“We work hard to ensure our culture and cultural institutions include the voice of people with disability,” Gabrielle continues.
“Making art makes me feel happy, proud and terrific,” Thom adds. “I like being an artist, until I become a very old man in the future.”
Portrait of an artist
Roberts’ practice is a sustained act of world building and storytelling. In his work, and in
his life, people are bestowed new identities and exist as multiple personas. Roberts himself identifies as the Country Link Express train and the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai. His portraits don’t just depict faces, they reveal identities - often layering subjects with extra eyes, noses, and his signature, piano teeth. Animals, cities, Sesame Street characters and references to fast food chains feature in his imagery, as do Roberts’ personal experiences, such as managing anxiety.
His distinctive paintings have been widely exhibited, from appearing at Carriageworks, which Thom calls his “Giant Castle”, where his work made up a major part of The National: New Australian Art in 2019, to the Archibald Prize, where four of his portraits have been shortlisted. The most recent piece selected as a finalist featured fellow artist and Sydney legend, Ken Done, or “Big Bamm Bamm,” as Thom calls him. Roberts was also a finalist in the 2024 Sulman Prize for a portrait
from left: Thom Roberts with Shane Simpson; ‘Dinkie Duck’, Thom’s Sulman portrait; ‘Big Bamm Bamm’ Archibald portrait of Ken Done; Thom with Studio A artists at the Art Gallery of NSW. In the last five years, Studio A artists have been finalists in the Archibald and Sulman prizes 23 times; Studio A CEO and Creative Director, Gabrielle Mordy, with Thom.
of his friend Subita, Studio A’s cleaner, known to him as “Dinkie Duck.”
The art of inclusion
As well as Studio A’s ongoing commissions, a range of new design collabs and public artworks is being sketched out for 2025. An education program designed to connect primary school students with Studio A will also launch soon, providing a chance for young creatives to draw inspiration from Thom and his fellow artists.
“We are beyond proud to see Thom’s talent recognised,” Gabrielle says. “Studio A is all about supporting our artists to reach their potential as creative leaders and ensuring the art world includes diverse voices,” she concludes. “We exist because these artists make great art.” l
The Immersive World of Thom Roberts runs until 20 July at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. See Studio A’s Archibald and Sulman entries at the Art Gallery of NSW until 17 August. studioa.org.au
Clockwise
Local’s last word.
Former journalist and political advisor Imogen works at Barangaroo
My favourite place for coffee is…Petit Loulou near the Martin Place Metro for a pain au chocolat. At Barangaroo, I like Batch for an afternoon coffee and a spot of people watching.
The best meal I’ve had in the city was at…The Cured and Cultured Counter at Bennelong – I adore it and go there too often! It’s the most beautiful dining room in the country and the team always goes out of their way to make me feel special.
If I want to have a glass of wine, I go to…Monopole, or Letra House beneath Palazzo Salato. Their by the glass lists are great.
My fave shops in the CBD include…Haigh’s. I’m a chocolate addict and nothing compares to their peppermint frogs and the macadamia and coconut block. I also love The Oak Bottle on Elizabeth Street if I need to pick up a bottle of wine I can’t find elsewhere.
If I want to enjoy a cocktail, I go to…
Menzie’s Bar at Shell House. I’ll
have a dirty martini and a dozen oysters.
My fave event in the city is…How good is Vivid! The tunnels with music and lights last year were great for a fun date. It gets better every year.
If I’ve got guests in town, I’ll take them to…the bar at Bennelong. It’s the perfect spot for a cocktail before seeing a show at the Opera House. Failing that, we’ll head to Opera Bar. It suits any occasion, it’s always vibey and has the best view in the city.
My ideal day in the area would consist of…walking across the Harbour Bridge into the City on the weekend for a proper trolley service yum cha brunch at Sky Phoenix. I’d then go for a stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens before checking out the art galleries in the afternoon.
The thing about the city area I love the most is… the Harbour. We’re so lucky that while it’s very much a working Harbour, we’re slowly seeing the water quality improving. So much so that there are seals around the Opera House and we can even swim at Barangaroo. That’s all thanks to the hard work of lots of people like the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. Cheers to them!
The secret spot I love to go to in the city is… Marrinawi Cove for a post-work dip before catching the ferry home.
