Welcome to the very first issue of northsider magazine created especially for Gordon, Lindfield and the surrounding suburbs! You’ll find free copies in cafés, community centres, hotels, pubs, clubs, shops and more every quarter. A team of two north shore locals, we’ve been independently publishing locally-focussed editions of northsider magazine for the North Sydney and Willoughby areas for over five years now and we’re excited to head north to celebrate the inspiring people and special places in these vibrant and iconic neighbourhoods. We’d love to hear what you think about issue one!
Do get in touch at hello@northsider.com.au and let us know.
See you in Spring!
Anna Gordon EDITOR
hello@northsider.com.au
ART DIRECTOR: Belinda Spillane
Follow us for all the latest local goings-on and don’t forget to tag us when you’re out and about!
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EXPERIENCE REDDAM HOUSE NORTH SHORE
Opening in 2025, Reddam House North Shore builds on the global reputation of Reddam schools, offering excellence in education from Kindergarten to Year 12. With state-of-the-art facilities, the school embodies a modern, child-focused, non-denominational, and co-educational approach. It fosters individuality and prepares students to be future leaders.
Become
GARDEN Join the
Northsider meets local volunteer green thumbs who are rolling up their sleeves to cultivate community connections and make sure the area remains blooming lovely for many years to come…
“Kindness is easy to give”
Year 7 student and Gordon local Arden Liceralde has raised hundreds of dollars for community projects through her popular Plant Exchange stalls.
My love for gardening began during a family trip to Japan in 2019. We visited many gardens and I fell in love with bonsais. I was mesmerised by the many varieties of plants and shrubs, especially the way they were intricately pruned. I did some research and started
using clippings to cultivate my own bonsais back at home. It helped me have fun and remain active during lockdown and I loved learning how to grow these plants.
In 2022 my primary school, Sacred Heart Pymble, introduced a passion project called ‘Genius Hour’. This project was about identifying our unique passions and exploring ways to give back to our community. I chose to coordinate a plant exchange stall, where my local community could exchange plants, seed packets or donate a gold coin for one of my bonsai starters.
I then donated the funds I raised to local community organisations and community gardens. This included the community garden at Blackbutt Creek. With the help of some kind people in my neighbourhood, especially a lovely lady named Wendy, we planted the donated plants and seeds, as well as natives that were purchased with the funds raised from my plant exchange. Plants included lemon balm, kangaroo paw, sunflowers and foxglove.
I visit the community garden with my parents and my sister to check on the progress of the plants and nurture them. We find it so relaxing and rewarding, especially when rainbow lorikeets come to visit too.
GARDEN PARTY!
Arden, centre, receiving the award for Ku-ring-gai Environmental Citizen Of The Year 2023 with her proud family, from
There is something really special about seeing the plants flourish and colours bloom. After that first stall, I wanted to reach out to my community through my passion for gardening and cultivating bonsais, hoping to raise funds to buy things that could help others, such as residents in local nursing homes, St Vincent de Paul and my local church.
“I REALLY LOVE SEEING EVERYONE’S BEAMING SMILES WHEN THEY TAKE HOME ONE OF MY BONSAIS”
I ran several plant stalls at my school and also at my local Catholic church. I met so many caring and generous people in our local community who supported me by purchasing my cultivated bonsais and other plants. I am very grateful for the support that I received from local non-profit organisation, Plant Rescue Ku-ring-gai. who also sourced plants for the grounds and classrooms at my primary school.
left, Dad Adrian, sister Hakone, Mum Irene and Grandma Linda.
It was such an honour to receive the Ku-ring-gai’s Environmental Citizen of the Year award last year! My family and my school kept it a secret from me until the day of the ceremony. I was not expecting recognition for my community work and I was so surprised, overwhelmed and excited when they called me up on to the stage.
I’m now Community Service Leader for my year group at Pymble Ladies College and I want to promote kindness, positivity and wellbeing through my love of gardening. I want to improve the appearance of the local area and create something to be proud of, and to build community spirit.
I’ve learnt there is no better feeling than helping others and I also believe that we have to protect our local environment so that we can enjoy its beauty for years to come. Kindness to our community and the environment is easy to give.
It brings me joy to be able to share my passion for gardening with my community and I really love seeing everyone’s beaming smiles when they take home one of my bonsais.”
Follow Arden’s love for gardening on Instagram @littlemissbonsai
“With more plants, everyone wins!”
Plant detectives Chris Hooton, from Gordon, and Ros Bennett, from Roseville, are giving gardens and greenery a second chance with their innovative rehoming service, Plant Rescue Ku-ring-gai.
We met when we were working as teachers in Gordon. We used to do a lot in the garden with the children and quickly discovered we were both passionate gardeners. We go to the Melbourne International Flower Show together and in 2019 there were lots of show gardens with a sustainability theme. That got us thinking. There’s always so much development in Ku-ring-gai, but what happens to all the plants when a house is demolished and the land is cleared? We realised they’d end up in the green waste, even if they were healthy.
This area is renowned for its beautiful gardens and we wanted to help save some of that unique heritage by rescuing these plants and giving them to people that would care for them.
Ku-ring-gai Council agreed it was a great idea and were very supportive. So we applied for a grant and officially set ourselves up as Plant Rescue Ku-ring-gai, a not-for-profit organisation.
We started our rescue service at the beginning of 2020. We’ll go to houses
Some of Arden’s bonsai - she particularly enjoys growing maples, serissa and ginkgo
and development sites before the bulldozers move in, assess the area to see what’s saveable and get digging! We have to be quite selective about what we take and always look for things which are unique and unusual - the sort of plants you can’t get in nurseries and that are important to our biodiversity. If we can’t take the whole plant, we’ll try to get some cuttings to cultivate instead. Ros always finds absolute gems!
One lady in the CBD contacted us because she was moving overseas and had a balcony full of plants she wanted to pass on. We weren’t able to get to her in time, so she put them in an Uber and sent them to us instead!
There’s no fee to have us come and save your plants, which we take to our gardens for some nurturing before giving away. We re-home the plants to local schools,
“PLANTS ARE GOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH, THEY LIFT YOUR SPIRIT AND MAKE YOU FEEL HAPPY”
public spaces, retirement villages and local residents. We’ve helped fill the Lifeline garden in Gordon, created an outdoor space at a respite holiday home and at a women’s shelter, and have given cuttings away to staff at Hornsby hospital. Lots of plants go to community gardens and teachers love to take them off our hands! They’re a great way to encourage children to love the environment and appreciate the beauty of growing something.
We hope we’re making a tiny bit of difference and we can’t tell you how much we love doing this. It’s very, very rewarding. One of the residents at the respite home we created a garden for had never really been outside. But once they saw the green space, they asked to sit and look at the plants. We’re thrilled to hear stories like that.
With more plants, everyone wins. They’re good for mental health, they lift your spirit and make you feel happy. We all need a bit more of that in our lives.” l
To find out more and to donate or help, head to plantrescuekuringgai.org.au or @plantrescuekuringgai on Instagram.
Top left and left: Rescued plants arriving at local schools. Above: The Plant Rescue car packed with donations from Colourwise Nursery. Right: Ros and Chris with Arden Liceralde.
ART OF learning
How Reddam House independent schools cultivate creativity
Reddam House recognises the profound importance of nurturing artistic talent and creativity as integral components of a well-rounded education. Our commitment to fostering independence encourages students to explore their artistic inclinations and express themselves creatively.
Our vibrant arts programs provide students with opportunities to engage in various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, music, drama, and dance. Through dedicated classes, workshops and extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to push their boundaries, think innovatively and develop their unique artistic voices.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members create a supportive environment where students can experiment, collaborate and refine their artistic skills. Whether it’s through
painting, sculpture, music composition, theatrical performance or choreography, students are empowered to unleash their creativity and pursue their passions.
Additionally, Reddam House integrates artistic experiences into the broader curriculum, recognising the intrinsic value of creativity in problem-solving, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
By incorporating arts education across disciplines, we cultivate well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also creatively inspired.
Participating in national and international exhibitions, performances and competitions, builds students’ confidence by showcasing their artistic talents with the world.
As they graduate from Reddam House, our aspiring artists carry a deep appreciation for creativity, a commitment to self-expression and the skills to make meaningful contributions to the artistic community and beyond.
A NEW STYLE
The Gordon Golf Club’s new chef is teeing the venue up to be a local dining destination
From tender beef cheeks and hearty, veg packed winter soups to crispy Thai prawns and fluffy homemade focaccia, Head Chef Jeff Turnbull’s new look menu at Gordon Golf Club’s Woodlands Bistro is a culinary hole-in-one.
Joining the Club back in November with popular front of house team Nicola and Flo, Jeff has brought decades of experience and a fresh passion to the Club’s food offering.
“I think we’ve brought some love back into the kitchen,” Jeff tells northsider.
Elevating club dining
Jeff has worked in kitchens since starting his apprenticeship at the age of 16.
“WE WANT TO BRING PEOPLE DELICIOUS FOOD THAT OFFERS VALUE FOR MONEY”
Discovering fine dining at 22, he spent decades honing his craft in some of Australia’s best restaurants, including the now departed three hatted venue, The Regent, in Melbourne.
“I was on the sauce and grill section and I’d start preparing at 9am for dinner starting at 6pm,” he remembers. “I was looking after up to 19 sauces, all made from scratch, every service. I learnt so much there about attention to detail, consistency, thinking on your feet… it was a great experience.”
Heading to Sydney, Jeff received a Chef’s Hat during his 10-year tenure as Executive Chef for Aqua Dining in Milsons Point, where he looked after a suite of kitchens and menus. Stints at his own restaurant in Willoughby and then at venues in the CBD and on the north shore followed before Jeff brought his know how to club dining, as well as his own meal delivery service, The Chef and His Wife, which he runs with, you guessed it, wife Xanthe.
“We want to bring people good food that’s delicious and is is great value for money,” Jeff explains. “And by making things from scratch I really feel that you can taste the difference.”
Signature dishes and local favourites
With homemade stocks and freshly ground spice mixes, traditional club lunch options have been given a glow up. A crisp beer batter is used on the fish and chips and options including salt and pepper squid with Szechuan spices, and zucchini flowers with ricotta and lemon and a zucchini salad appear on the menu alongside a variety of $18 burgers served with chips and a $19 steak sandwich.
A new culinary course
Woodlands Bistro is also now open for dinner on Fridays, when Jeff presents a short menu packed with dishes designed to set guests up for the weekend. A typical menu could include a steak and kidney pie with buttery puff pastry and a slow braised lamb shoulder served with
GAME CHANGER
green beans, creamy mash and gremolata. There’s a chargrilled grain fed Scotch fillet with blistered cherry tomato, fries, watercress and jus for just $36 and lighter choices such as prawns with Thai salad or handmade gnocchi.
For dessert, Jeff goes old school - think lemon posset, bavarois and blancmange “But not like the blancmange you used to get at school dinners!” he laughs.
With almost 90 years of sporting history, Gordon Golf Club is now showcasing that both great food and a relaxed atmosphere are par for the course for members and non-members alike at what’s known as the ‘friendliest club on the north shore.’
So pull up a chair in the clubhouse and arrive hungry, because Gordon Golf Club just added dining destination to its scorecard. l
Find Woodlands Bistro at Gordon Golf Club, 2 Lynn Ridge Ave, Gordon. Lunch or dinner bookings, call 0480 598 984. Non-members most welcome.
From far left: The Woodlands Bistro dream team, Nicola, Jeff and Flo at Gordon Golf Club; lunch time crispy prawns with a green papaya salad; Head Chef Jeff Turnbull; creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes, basil and balsamic.
The NORTH Foundation is the charity pa local hospitals including Royal North Sho Hornsby Ku-ring-gai, Mona Vale and mo
y Ku-ring-gai, Mona Vale and more
Your health district is also home to the ol research organisation in NSW, the Kolli
Your health district is also home to the oldest medical research organisation in NSW, the Kolling
Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hosp dedicated service for young people wi Support the future of healthcare with a tax-deductible donation to cancer services, mental health programs, agedcare or renal research - whatever area of health that matters the most to you.
You can help us bridge the gap between what is needed today and what is possible tomorrow.
Building stronger
FUTURES
Local not-for-profit, KYDS free youth counselling service, is supporting more young people than ever
Lindfield based confidential youth counselling service
KYDS has launched a brand new website, packed with resources to help young people navigate their way to better mental health.
“Adolescence is a tough time,” KYDS CEO Dr Anthony Rigney says. “We want to help young people find the tools to start to have conversations about mental health. Our new website combines information from our team along with the best curated content from trusted sources. We’re here to support and empower young people to make the right choices for them in terms of their mental health and help guardians and community members support them to do that.”
KYDS CEO Dr Anthony Rigney
ever of their renowned free in-person counselling services, which require no Medicare card, GP referral or mental health plan. The remarkable service has been available to the northside community for the past two decades, having been set up to help young people understand, and manage, difficult issues in their lives by providing easily accessed personalised counselling and mental health support services, wellbeing workshops and information events.
The idea for the service was sparked back in 2003 at the Lindfield Rotary Club as a way of helping to combat the rising rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide among young people in Ku-ring-gai.
As well as their new digital resource, KYDS continues to offer more sessions than
“WE’RE THERE FOR THEM FOR AS LONG AS THEY NEED OUR SUPPORT”
The founders recognised obstacles prevented young people from seeking help and decided to create a local service to make it easier for them to get the support they needed.
Partnering with Ku-ring-gai Council, Rotary raised funds to form KYDS, which opened in March 2005 with a single counsellor at Lindfield Library. They supported 36 young people in that first year.
Today, the dedicated team provides support to more than 400 young people each year at various locations across Northern Sydney and delivers over 7500 counselling sessions annually.
KYDS counselling sessions are fully funded and topics covered include grief and loss, family breakups, friendship problems, school and study stress, addictions, risky behaviour, anger, bullying, anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug use, body image concerns, mental health concerns, self-harm and suicidal thoughts and more.
“We work with young people from 10-18 years old, up to their 19th birthday,” Anthony continues. “We work holistically alongside schools and other professionals to help young people achieve their goals and our work is needs based so we’re there for them for long as they need our support.”
To be eligible for free counselling sessions, you need to be aged 10-18 years old (Year 12 or equivalent), willing to engage in counselling and have some flexibility in terms of availability to attend sessions.
To find out more and book a session, head to kyds.org.au; or call 9416 0900 to refer to KYDS or email counsellor@kyds.org.au. Sessions can be available a few weeks after referral. l
KYDS’ Self Care Tips
Echoes of
THE PAST
Gordon novelist Kyra Geddes shares the background to her debut book, The Story Thief
The last decade has been a labour of love for debut author Kyra Geddes.
After discovering Henry Lawson’s story, The Drover’s Wife, in a creative writing class, the Gordon local has embarked on a mission to bring recognition to the overlooked female characters in the classic tale.
“It really bothered me that Lawson chose to leave the women unnamed, while giving names to the boys, and even the dog,” Kyra tells northsider. “The fact that his mother was an outspoken and highly influential feminist added extra spark to the fire and I felt that the story was begging for a feminist retelling.”
Captivated by the nameless little girl depicted in Lawson’s work, Kyra set out to give her a voice, and her debut novel, The Story Thief, was born.
Set in 1892, the same year The Drover’s Wife was penned, Kyra’s book masterfully blends page-turning fiction with
“IT REALLY BOTHERED ME THAT HENRY LAWSON CHOSE TO LEAVE THE WOMEN UNNAMED”
meticulously researched historical facts.
The epic tale follows protagonist Lillian Taylor’s journey from the early to mid-20th century against a rich backdrop of significant historical events including Federation, two World Wars, women’s suffrage and the birth of the nuclear age.
“Lillian sees similarities in her family to the family in The Drover’s Wife and starts to believe that Lawson had based the story on them,” Kyra continues. “She goes through a lot to reclaim her story and we follow her on her own personal journey through the 20th century.”
Writing chronologically, Kyra went on a journey through history alongside her Lillian.
“I had a detailed plan of the story, and the more I went over it, the more I realised how much history Lillian was going to go through,” she explains. “It was a lot to take on! I focussed on the lived experiences of people at the time I was writing about. I read history and fiction and newspapers and immersed myself in the periods I was writing about, how writers felt about it and also the language they used.”
A long-time northsider, Kyra also incorporated vivid portrayals of many local landmarks such as Ravenswood School,
where Lillian was a teacher, Eryldene and Carinya in Gordon, Killarney Castle, Roseville Cinema, Gordon Library and Taronga Zoo. North Sydney, where Henry Lawson lived and worked, is also tightly woven throughout the narrative.
“I love the area,” Kyra says, reflecting on her 25 years on the north shore living in Cammeray, Neutral Bay and Roseville, before settling in Gordon. “It’s so beautiful and full of heritage. I wanted the book to be a preservation of that.”
“It’s a funny thing, the writing world,” she concludes. “You spend so much time sitting behind a desk by yourself. You have
to immerse yourself in the world of your book and you sort of leave the world of the living. It’s lovely to take the finished book out to the places and communities that feature in it. To have my book out there in people’s hands is so satisfying, especially when they see something in the story that perhaps I didn’t even see myself. Lillian is still with me and I feel that there’s more of this story to tell.” l The Story Thief, Affirm Press, RRP, $34.99, at all good bookshops.
Main pic: Kyra Geddes, author of The Story Thief, and left, Henry Lawson in North Sydney
Everything you need truly can be on your doorstep, or just a short, easy walk away.
Come to Bougainvillea, meet new people, make new experiences, try new hobbies.
We have been living at Bougainvillea for over two years now and we call it our ‘Cruise Ship on Land’. The residents and staff a now a part of our extended family. The gardens, grounds and atrium areas are beautifully maintained as is the rest of the r We have never regretted making the move to our new home.
A spectacular location with stunning pond gardens, onsite restaurant, various common area lounges, extensive library, trivia night, exercise classes, aqua aerobics, BBQ terrace, pool & spa, broad range of activities, onsite hairdresser, excursions on the village bus, new friends & friendly, reliable staff, services at your fingertips, plus much more could be part of your new life.
Come and see the Village and units, meet our lovely residents and friendly staff.
We’d love to see you! Be quick, available stock is limited.
DAYS A WEEK Where else in Neutral Bay for these prices?
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
Independent, flexible & serviced apartments. Current & soon to be available for $295,000 - $830,000.
Independent, flexible & serviced apartments. Current & soon to be available for $315,000 - $890,000. Secure car spaces available and storage can be bought/sold on separate title.
PROUDLY MANAGED BY THE SAME FAMILY SINCE 1988.
*Prices at the time of writing
PROUDLY MANAGED BY THE SAME FAMILY SINCE 1988.
www.bougainvillearetirement.com
l COMMUNITY EVENTS l MARKETS
l SPORT l THEATRE l ART AND MORE!
WHAT’S ON
ERYLDENE IN WINTER OPEN GARDEN TOURS
7 June, 5 July, 2 August 10am-12pm
Take a garden tour of this historic home with one of the volunteers to hear about how the garden was created and how one of Australia’s most important camellia collections was assembled. $25 for non-members. Head to eryldene. org.au for info and to book.
JUNE
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LINDFIELD Vs WAVERLEY
Join Lindfield Rugby Club at Soldiers Memorial Park, East Lindfield for their Round 9 clash against Waverley. 3.15pm kickoff. #oldsoldier
5TH STATE OF ORIGIN KICKS OFF
It’s mate vs mate as the 2024 State Of Origin kicks off on the 5th June. Catch all the action live and loud at The Greengate Hotel in Killara and The Pymble Hotel. Go The Blues!
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FREE CRAFTANOON
At Lindfield Library 3.30-4.30pm every Wednesday in term time.
9TH GORDON MARKETS
Browse the stalls at this eclectic market, 8.30am-2pm, on the second Sunday of every month. In the Council car park.
BAREFOOT BOWLING AT KILLARA BOWLING CLUB
Get your feet on the grass and have some fun in the sun (or at twilight!) with a few rounds of barefoot bowls. $15 for bowls and basic instruction. Barefoot bowls takes place on the second Sunday of the month from 2-5.30pm. Head to killarabowlingclub.com.au for more info.
FRIDAY NIGHT MENU
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Gordon Golf Club's Woodlands Bistro, which only opens for evening meals on Fridays gordongolfcourse.com.au
COUNTRY CONNECTIONS
Artist Judith Franklin, whose family are Darkinjung people and have connections to Wanaruah people, presents her artworks in Country Connection, an exhibition featuring the culmination of practice developing both contemporary and traditional approaches to art making. 14-28 June, Ku-ring-gai Arts Centre, Roseville, 9am-4pm, Mon-Fri.
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CAFE LYON WINE DINNER
Enjoy the Elderton wine dinner at Lindfield's fave French bistro. Five courses with eight matching wines for $180pp. Bookings essential, head to cafelyon. com.au. 366 Pacific Hwy, Lindfield
JULY
2
6TH WILLOUGHBY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: MINI MAESTROS
Get your rumble on with Maestro George Ellis and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra for a ‘rex-cellent’ musical performance these winter school holidays at The Concourse, Chatswood. To book tickets head to willoughbysymphony.com.au
ARCHIBALD PRIZE
Head to the city for a private tour of the 2024 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW with Ku-ring-gai seniors. There will be time to explore the other exhibitions and enjoy coffee and lunch at the gallery. Leaving from Marian Street Theatre Carpark, Killara. 9.15am-2.30pm, $65. For info and to book, head to krg.nsw.gov.au
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KU-RING-GAI ORCHID SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING
Novice grower sessions from 7.20pm, main meeting 8-10pm, West Lindfield Community Hall. To find out more go to kuringaiorchidsociety.
13TH GORDON Vs EASTERN SUBURBS AT CHATSWOOD OVAL
Cheer on The Highlanders as they take on The Beasties at Chatswood Oval in Round 14 of the 2024 Shute Shield competition. 3pm kickoff, tickets at the gate.
OPENS 26 JUL
UNCLE VANYA
Celebrated Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith breathes new life into Chekhov’s tragicomedy. Get 10% off tickets by using code NS10 at the checkout. Runs until 31 August. ensemble.com.au
21ST JULY EAST LINDFIELD VILLAGE MARKETS
Discover quality produce, artisan makers, gifts and more at this accessible market. 9am-2pm. 9 Wellington Rd, East Lindfield
EVERY FRIDAY MEAT. TRAY. LOVE! Friday meat raffles at The Greengate Hotel in Killara. 6-7pm. Winners drawn at 7.15pm 10 x trays to be won!
AUGUST
LAST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH DRAG BINGO AT THE PYMBLE HOTEL
With Miss Conchita Grande. Prizes to be won! From 7.30pm, bookings essential at pymblehotel.com.au
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AUTOBRUNCH - NORTH SHORE SPORTING CAR CLUB
Rev on up to the St Ives Showground from 8-10.30am on the first Sunday of every month to see a fantastic range of unique classic and rare cars from the North Shore Sporting Car Club. It's free for spectators and $5 if you'd like to display your car. Great fun for car lovers and families alike! nscc.com.au/autobrunch
10TH AUGUST WILLOUGHBY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA'S LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS Mark your calendar for a night of musical revelry as the Last Night of the Proms returns to The Concourse, Chatswood. This special edition concert features music from the coronation of King Charles III with Chief Conductor Dr Nicholas Milton the Master of Ceremonies in this wildly popular annual tradition. Enjoy orchestral favourites and popular classics with plenty of opportunities to sing along and get those flags waving! willoughbysymphony.com.au
EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY
FREE Rock n' Rhyme story time for toddlers aged 18 months- three years at Gordon Library. 10am-10.30am. 799 Pacific Hwy, Gordon
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GUIDED ECOTHERAPY WALK
Immerse yourself in nature and explore the Irrawong Waterfall as part of Proveda's Belong Club. You'll learn to experience nature in a new way and work on mindfulness with guide Sarah Freeman. 10-11am, to register and find out more go to proveda.com.au
OPENS 1ST AUGUST THE PRESIDENT'S WIFE (BERNADETTE)
Legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve plays France's former first lady, Bernadette Chirac, in this uproarious comedy based on real events. A celebration of resilience and wit. roseville.cinemas.com.au
15-25 AUGUST LOST TERRAINS EXHIBITION
A solo exhibition by Ruth McDermott of textile and lighting related work celebrating the dramatic yet fragile Icelandic landscape. Art Space on The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
Foodie news
Discover these tasty little nuggets from around the northside
An egg-cellent choice
Café Nate in Roseville’s signature Egg Stack serves up everything you need for a brekkie treat this Winter.
Two poached eggs are joined by thick wedges of grilled halloumi, wilted kale, avo, beetroot hummus, dukkha and herb oil on a slice of soy linseed sourdough. It’s a yes from us!
Cafe Naté, 23 Hill Street, Roseville.
Slowbreads turns three!
It was many happy returns recently for neighbourhood fave, Slowbreads. Thank you Laurence and Rychelle for the delicious sourdoughs, moreish foccacias and epic sweet treats - plum almondine tart or leprechaun hot cross buns anyone?! Here’s to many more years of baking joy in Roseville.
GET HAPPI!
Burger lovers rejoice at Lindfield’s new corner of sunshine, Happi Burger. You’ll find classic meat patties with all the good stuff as well as Japanese cuisine inspired burgers including the Tokyo Treat which comes finished with their signature teriyaki sauce, and a crispy Prawn Katsu which is loaded with shredded cabbage and Japanese bbq sauce. Don’t forget the curly onion rings and herby fries! Happi Burger is open now at 374 Pacific Highway, Lindfield
Kids eat free at The Gate Tuck into your fave steak and chips any day of the week and you can get a free meal for junior. Yep, you read that right northsiders. Killara’s iconic Greengate Hotel has free meals for kids in the front bar and the terrace every day of the week from 12-6pm with the purchase of any adult main. Head to greengatehotel.com.au or ask at the pub for info and conditions.
Foodie
Join the truffle shuffle
Tis the season for truffles! And we’re here for it. Rumour has it, so are a number of local venues, who are once again showcasing special menus that focus on this indulgent, earthy flavour. Last year, the Wyatt in Gordon served dishes as diverse as creamy charsiu udon and sticky date pudding with a shower of truffle shavings. Goodfields in Lindfield also celebrated with dishes including truffle prawn toast and even a truffle hot choc. Keep an eye on @thewyatt.gordon and @goodfieldseatery on social for this year’s deets.
Missing Spoon Gordon back open seven days
The newly renovated Missing Spoon on St Johns Ave is back open seven days a week from 7am-4pm. Top pics from the Japanese and Korean menu include the new Acai Soft Serve with fruit, granola and a Biscoff drizzle, the Spicy Sashimi Bowl with mixed salad, cabbage, carrot, furikake, salmon and tobiko with Korean chilli paste and an exclusive Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte.
Local eats & treats
Bob back on in!
Heading for a bush walk? The Bobbin Inn has reopened following its recent renovations. Stop in to warm up by the open fire and enjoy a couple of their homemade scones. You’ll have deserved them after all that exercise!
Oh la la! Bastille Day eats
Mark Le Quatorze Juillet (14th July) with some classic French fare. Inspired by Paris’ ‘neo-bistros’, Lindfield’s Café Lyon serves contemporary takes on French classics, while Saveur in Roseville is more traditional, with dishes including escargot to soup a l’oignon and duck a l’orange. Both in Pymble, Brasserie L’Entrecote has got you covered for the best steak frites and Commes Chez Nous serves breakfast and lunch a la Francais. C’est delicieux!
Streaky bacon and fried egg with relish, barbecue sauce, aioli and a touch of rocket.
With Winter upon us, I wanted to share a recipe for one of my all-time favourite desserts, good old, cockle warming Apple Crumble. It’s really straightforward to make and can be knocked up in no time should unexpected guests arrive. There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of this baking as they walk through the door. I’ve added a couple of twists to the traditional recipe, such as using flour in the filling and nuts, lemon and ginger in the topping. For me, the ginger adds a little extra warmth and depth of flavour while the flour thickens the filling a touch to make it syrupy and delicious. Serve with custard, which was possibly my favourite thing to eat in the world when I was growing up (that may - or may nothave changed haha!) I hope you enjoy this Winter warmer as much as I do.
Enjoy! Will x
Crumble
Northside foodie, TV presenter and cookbook author Will Stewart shares his twist on this Winter fave...
APPLE CRUMBLE WITH GINGER AND LEMON
SERVES: 6-8 TAKES: 45-60 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS:
Filling:
1kg apples, peeled and cored (I use Granny Smith)
1 tbsp flour
½ cup raw sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Topping:
100g rolled oats
150g plain flour
METHOD:
100g brown sugar
100g hazelnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
3 inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
125g unsalted butter, melted
To Serve: Lashings of custard
• Preheat oven to 180 degrees, fan forced.
• For the filling, dice the apples into 1.5-2cm pieces and put them into a large bowl. Sprinkle over the flour until evenly coated, then add the sugar, vanilla bean paste and cinnamon. Finally, add the lemon juice and mix together before transferring to an ovenproof dish.
• To make the topping, put all of the ingredients except the melted butter in the bowl you used for the filling and gently mix everything together. Pour in the butter and continue mixing until clumps begin to form, then crumble the mixture over the top of the filling.
• Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, for about 10 minutes, to allow the filling to thicken.
• Serve with custard and enjoy!
OF ITALY A FRESH TASTE
Discover a modern menu inspired by family tradition at Gordon’s newest restaurant, Bar Infinita
Did you know you can find an ex-Firedoor and Ormeggio chef serving up a slice of la dolce vita right at the heart of Gordon? Buzzing new restaurant Bar Infinita on St Johns Avenue is helmed by Naples born Francesco Iervolino, who brings a wealth of experience from world-renowned kitchens in both Italy and Australia to the upper north shore venue. And while there’s a wood fire oven in this Italian’s kitchen, don’t expect to find pizza on the menu.
It’s used instead to cook steaks, including a Tajima wagyu striploin and a Riverina Black
Angus T-bone Fiorentina, over smoky Blue Mountains Ironbark embers. These mouthwatering quality cuts are then served with mushroom puree, caramelised baby onion, kale and rosemary jus. They are joined on the menu by handmade pastas and breads and a selection of antipasti and artisan cheeses.
Owners and West Pymble locals Taran, who’s lived on then upper north shore since he was a teen, and Elizabeth Tamana, had their eye on the venue, a former burger bar, for a while.
A fresh fit-out followed and Bar Infinita was born. “We wanted to create a cosy venue that’s full of great vibes and transport our guests to Nonna’s kitchen,” Taran enthuses.
Family inspiration subtly infuses everything at Bar Infinita, with photos of Elizabeth’s relatives, who emigrated to Australia from Salina, an island north of Sicily, after WWII,
on the wall and tributes to her Nonno and Nonna appearing on the menu.
Antipasti includes oysters served with limoncello granita and finger lime, creamy burrata on a bed of heirloom tomatoes that bursts with basil pesto and smoky charred squid with corn, jalapeño and saltbush.
There are six homemade pasta dishes including mafaldine with slow-cooked beef and pork ragu and traditional Roman-style rigatoni amatriciana. Hampshire Down lamb rump comes served with spiced carrot puree, roasted Dutch carrots and salsa verde.
Top off your Infinita experience with a generous serve of Nonna’s tiramisu, scooped tableside, or the picture-perfect, Amalfi Coast lemon mousse, a signature dish from Iervolino.
“It’s a nostalgic dessert,” he explains. “It takes me to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast where I grew up and brings back beautiful
childhood memories spending Sundays with my family overlooking the cliffs and a parade of lemon trees.”
The drinks menu see a range of small Italian wine producers along with a selection of Australian varieties. Cocktails are served classic as well as with an Italian twist. A signature is the Tiramisu Martini comprising vodka, espresso, Mr Black liqueur and tiramisu Baileys, served with a savoiardi biscuit.
Northsiders can expect more warming comfort food on the menu through Winter, such as homemade porchetta using whole suckling pig, Fremantle octopus with romesco, Nduja and baby capsicum and a slow-cooked wild boar ragu.
With dishes like these, it’s safe to say Bar Infinita is doing Nonna and Nonno proud. l Bar Infinita, 10 St Johns Ave, open from 4.30pm, Weds-Sat.
Clockwise from left: Bar Infinita’s food and drinks; Elizabeth’s Nonno, second left, with his brothers when they arrived in Australia from Italy; owners Taran and Elizabeth Tamana
Moments in time
Located on the corner of Balfour Street, The Lindfield Theatre opened in May 1926. Designed by architect C. Reynolds Winter, it seated 696 people across the stalls, circle and number of mezzanine boxes. In 1938, it became The Kings Theatre and was extensively remodelled to bring the seating capacity to 1850. Rumours circulated it was destined to become an ice rink, but in the early hours of 27 October 1967, fire tore through the building and the venue sadly never reopened. Demolished in 1969, it became the site for a Coles supermarket, which is currently being redeveloped. l
northsider’s ‘rover’ reporter Ted the Puggle chats to Pi, the 29-day-old Grey-headed Flying Fox
“I’M TEACHING MYSELF TO FLY!”
Ted: Hi Pi! I’ve never met a Flying Fox before. Why are you living with humans?
Pi: My mum had taken me foraging and one of our trees was near the human power lines. Mum touched them by accident. She was electrocuted and sadly died. Someone saw me clinging to her and told Sydney Wildlife Rescue, who have their HQ in Lindfield. That’s when my carer Charmian rescued me.
T: Oh I’m sorry Pi, that’s so sad
P: Before my mum died, we lived in a beautiful camp of paperbark trees. It’s lovely there, high up in the canopy. I’d nestle in my mum’s wings or lie on her stomach to have a sleep in the sun.
T: What’s life like now?
P: Charmian tries to emulate my real mother’s routine as best she can. Instead of
Stretching my wings ready to fly
Above from left: me enjoying my bottle of specially formula bat milk, me rolled in my mama roll and hanging out in my playground!
a wing, I’m wrapped in a mama roll – it’s soft fabric wrapped around me to make me feel secure. Sometimes I hang from Charmian and snuggle inside her hoodie. It’s not as soft as a wing, but it helps me feel calm. She gives me baths and bottles and I get brushed, washed and cleaned. Then I’m either wrapped up again for a snooze, or I’m allowed in my playground, which has toys for me to hang from and cuddle. I practice clambering, wing clapping and flapping as I’m teaching myself to fly!
T: Will you go back to your habitat?
P: Yes, I will go back. Charmian calls it release. But I’ll have to go to baby bat créche first. All us orphans living with humans go to school to practice our flying and learn language and etiquette from older bats. When the humans think we’ll be able to find our own food, they’ll let us out to fly above the trees again.
T: Tell us about Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s work
P: They make life better for sick and injured wildlife. Their amazing members, who are all volunteers, try to help native species like me get back to our homes. Sometimes our medicines and treatments cost a lot of money so I hope they don’t give up.
T: What are the other flying foxes like?
P: The others are super cool, I admire them all. I mean who else is able to perform the unique ecological role that we do? We’re what’s known as a keystone species.
We pollinate the hard wood trees and help the ecological diversity of forests by planting seeds. What other mammal can fly like us? Plus Grey-headed Flying Foxes are only found in Australia. We’re precious and our numbers are dwindling. Hundreds of our mums are being electrocuted. We need to petition to have the electricity wires bundled together to keep my kind safer as we’re listed as vulnerable to extinction. Relatively soon we could cease to exist and that could mean our forests die.
T: What should people do if they find a native animal needing help?
P: Whatever you do, don’t touch any of us! Call Sydney Wildlife Rescue, or another wildlife rescue organisation, asap. The people on the phone will tell you exactly what to do next.
T: What animals should we look out for?
P: Baby bats on powerlines and flying foxes caught in netting. Also keep an eye out for any animal not in its normal habitat, like seeing a possum in the day, for example.
T: How can people help Sydney Wildlife Rescue?
P: By volunteering and fundraising. They’d love for more people to join the team and fundraising is fundamental to the work they do. Charmian says they need help on the phonelines to help coordinate rescues. If you volunteer, you get training and it would only be a few hours a week. I know creatures like me would be so grateful for your help. l
For more information about Sydney Wildlife Rescue, head to sydneywildlife.org.au
For 24/7 emergency rescue or advice call 9413 4300
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And don’t forget to tag us to be featured! We want to see your garden pics, your pets, coffees, sunsets, bush walks, fave restaurants, artworks and everything in-between.
PUZZLES with Quizmaster Clay
The Village Quiz
1. In what year did The Gordon Centre open? 1978, 1985, 1988?
2. Which famous architect designed and lived in a home on Kalang Avenue, Killara?
3. What is the postcode for East Lindfield?
4. In which suburb would you find streets named Fern, Hope and Alma?
5. Which school is the oldest? Pymble Ladies College, Ravenswood School for Girls or Roseville College?
6. Completing her HSC in 1981 which famous Australian model attended Killara High School?
7. In what suburb are the Ku-ring-gai Council Chambers situated?
8. According to the 2021 census, which of these suburbs has the highest population? Lindfield, Roseville or Killara?
9. Which band is named after the nickname of a house on Tryon Road, Lindfield? Clue: It was a cold house...
10. How many holes is the City Golf Putt Putt course in Gordon?
SUDOKU Slot the numbers 1 to 9 into every horizontal line, vertical row and 3 x 3 square.
Wordsearch
Find the names of local creeks in the grid below. Words may be found going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally.
VILLAGE QUIZ
1985 2. Harry Seidler 3. 2070 4. Pymble
Ravenswood School for Girls 1901, Roseville College 1908, Pymble Ladies College 1916 6. Elle Macpherson 7. Gordon
Proveda, formerly known as CCNB, is Northern Sydney’s leading community care provider, offering support and services for a variety of common age-related health and wellbeing concerns.
Sometimes, as we age, or when an unexpected health event happens, we need a little more assistance to help get us through. This might be as simple as someone to have a chat or a cup of tea with. It could be discussing tips and tools to aid people suffering from dementia, or it could be having that health assessment that provides valuable insights that allow you to stay living in your home safely for longer.
With one in six Australians now aged 65 and over1, it’s more important than ever to ensure family members and informal caregivers receive adequate support, resources and services across all phases of life.
Proveda community care offers what is known as a ‘wider circle of support’, providing access to an extended network of health and wellbeing support services. This support offers a valuable safety net for customers who may require assistance outside of the direct care that’s included in their disability, mental health or aged care package.
Celebrating their 30th year this year, Proveda has impacted the lives of nearly 15,000 people by building trust and community connection. Along with free programs for aged care customers, they also
support people with a disability or those in need of psychosocial recovery coaching. Proveda is committed to creating a ‘best-fit’ solution for people and their families, by creating more opportunities for connection, compassion and holistic care – at all stages and phases of life. l
FREE SERVICES INCLUDE:
THE BELONG CLUB
Dedicated to creating meaningful connections within the community to enable people to take part weekly activities such as walking groups, educational workshops and book club.
CHATTER ‘CINO
Hosted by Proveda’s dementia advisory expert, these monthly events bring people living with dementia and their carers together in a casual cafe environment to access expertise and connect with others experiencing similar circumstances.
THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
People who access Proveda’s care services can gain additional support through their network of volunteers. Local volunteers are paired with people seeking companionship, support for day-to-day activities and more.
To learn more about the services and community programs Proveda provides, visit www.proveda.com.au
BAGS OF
love
How a suitcase gives hope to children in need
Fran Signorelli gently places the soft onesie, cuddly toy and hand knitted blanket inside the tightly filled bag. Giving the contents a once over, she slides a beautifully written card on top before closing the zip, “You are loved so much,” it reads inside.
The bag that northsider Fran has carefully packed isn’t for the arrival of a much-anticipated grandchild. It’s destined for a tiny newborn who has nothing - not even a teddy bear - to call their own.
Hard-working Fran is a north shore drop off location co-ordinator for Hope In A Suitcase, a non-profit organisation that provides suitcases and bags filled with essential items and messages of hope to children entering foster or out-of-home care. And with around 47,000 children in out-of-home care across Australia, 16,000 of them in NSW, the need for these bags of love is greater than ever.
“Some kids come in to care with nothing but the clothes on their backs, they don’t even have pyjamas, and the one day old babies can have absolutely nothing,” Fran
Handmade toys become much loved additions to suitcases.
tells northsider. “What we’re doing is more than sending a bag. It’s not just the items inside that matter to these kids. It’s the message of hope and empowerment that goes with them. We want these kids to know they are loved and that people care.”
Fran and her small, dedicated team of eight fellow volunteers spend hours packing suitcases with new items that have been donated by locals. The bags cover a range of ages and are filled with items including toiletries and toothbrushes, underwear, pyjamas, three sets of clothes and more. There’s always a book to read, toys to play with and activities to do, like a colouring set or ball game, as well as something to cuddle. “We squeeze in as much as we can!” Fran laughs.
“THE NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY IS SO WONDERFUL.. PEOPLE ARE GIVING ALL THE TIME”
Each bag costs roughly $200 to assemble, with a number of local organisations, schools such as Highfields in Lindfield, and businesses including Qantas, all helping out. The group is so grateful for the support they receive from families and individuals in the community.
“When I first started volunteering for Hope In A Suitcase in 2022, Rachael who set the initiative up, told me to be patient and that it might take six months to be able to deliver the first set of bags,” Fran remembers. “But everyone got to work and that first delivery of 40 bags went out to kids just a month later. I couldn’t believe it!”
“The northside community is so wonderful,” she continues. “People are giving all the time and will call me up to ask what we need so they can go and buy it. School kids donate their pocket money and a former foster child recently asked for donations instead of gifts at their birthday party.”
The Dougherty Centre Knitting Group in Chatswood regularly hold working bees, >>
Local legend Fran Signorelli
Fran and husband
Paul dropping suitcases off
Sharing hope
Hope In A Suitcase was started by NSW woman, Rachael Clancy, whose parents were foster carers. Rachael grew up seeing children arriving at their home with nothing but a plastic bag of belongings. She vowed to change this and founded Hope In A Suitcase as a non-profit organisation in 2018. Run by volunteers across NSW, Qld, Vic and Tas, the group’s mission is to provide children entering foster or out-of-home care with a suitcase of essentials to call their own and a message of hope. In 2023, they provided 5013 suitcases to children in care. To find more out about HIASC and to donate funds, head to hiasc.org.au
with one 105-year-old member crafting a number of beautiful handmade items.
For locals looking to help, the main Hope In A Suitcase drop off location in the area can be found at the heart of the community at Fran and hubby Paul’s florist, the High Street Flower Market in Willoughby. They accept donations on Thursdays and Sundays.
“Paul’s father, Vince, opened the shop 44 years ago,” Fran says. “And Paul and I first met there as teenagers when he was working at the florist and I was attending Willoughby Girls School up the road. We were High Street sweethearts!”
Married for 40 years, the couple were foster carers themselves while raising their own children.
“WE WANT THESE KIDS TO KNOW THEY ARE LOVED AND THAT PEOPLE CARE”
Clockwise from top left: Bags packed and ready to close; Fran, second right, with some local HIASC volunteers; handmade bunnies from the Dougherty Centre knitting group; Fran’s lounge room!
Bottom left: A batch of bags in the van and ready to go.
“No matter what age these kids are, they deserve our love and help,” Fran says. “If you’d like to donate items, remember, one item is better than no items and you don’t need to make up a whole bag. I’ve got so many boxes of things at home that I can mix and match we can’t even get the car in the garage!”
Sadly, the demand for Hope In A Suitcase bags is only growing year-on-year. For example, Fran and her team organised 190 bags for children for the whole of 2023. By March 2024, that number had already reached 90.
“There is a huge need,” Fran says. “Some of the babies coming straight from the Royal North Shore are missing out on a bag so I’m trying to work out how to fill that gap.
“These kids might go between 12-15 different homes, so for bubs we include a baby book that their carers can fill with photos. We think it’s important these children have something to look back on when they’re older.”
Want to donate?
Head to the High Street Flower Market Facebook page for updates on items Fran currently needs. All items must be brand new and some commonly requested essentials include:
♥ Baby wash
♥ Toothpaste
♥ Night lights for toddlers
♥ UNO or playing cards
♥ Bouncy balls
♥ Colouring pencils
♥ Books
♥ Brushes and hair accessories
♥ Soft toys – under 20cms
“It gives me great happiness to say I can do this,” she concludes. “These children deserve to have things they can call their own. Together we can make a difference to their young lives.” l Want to help? You can contact Fran directly via email northsydney@hiasc.org.au or on 0416 238 826. Donations can be dropped to the High Street Flower Market, 201 High Street, Willoughby on Thursdays and Sundays.
Local’s last word.
Rosie Robson has been a local for over 40 years and has lived in both Gordon and Killara the Mona Vale Road intersection has such a big range of tempting flavours to try and the owner is a lovely bloke.
My favourite place for coffee is…The Wyatt in Gordon. It has easy and quick parking if you’re on the run and the team are always so lovely. I’ll order a Flat White.
The best brekkie I’ve had was at… it’s a tough choice between Olea in Lindfield and Bar Fresko in the Gordon Centre. Both have menus packed with delicious options! Olea is such a beautiful venue and Bar Fresko is a super handy place to stop and fuel up when you’ve popped to the shops.
My top local tips include... Kelvin Hall’s Flowers in Pymble - it’s a magical space with fabulous flowers and a range of gifts; Moo’d Ice Cream in Gordon, near
My fave place for dinner is…Porto Azzuro Italian restaurant in Gordon. They serve the best version of my absolute favourite dessert Affogato Al Frangelico, vanilla gelato topped with hazelnut liquer. Yum!
If I’ve got guests, we’ll go to…The Greengate Hotel. It’s my local pub so we can just walk there and is an excellent meeting place with a good selection of pub grub on the menu. Their trivia
night is always a bit of fun with a group of friends too!
My favourite local walk is… The Blackbutt Creek Track is wonderful. It runs all the way from Vale Street almost to Lady Game Drive and back up to St Johns Avenue. It’s so green and unspoilt and I love seeing all the big old gum trees.
The things about living in this area I love the most include…the tree canopy and the space. It’s a beautiful area that’s still so connected to the city with the excellent train service. The community and the small, local shops are also very special.
The words I’d use to describe this area are... green, connected and friendly
Setup. Eco-designed, fully recyclable modular sofa, designed by Sacha Lakic. Chess. Occasional tables, designed by Marcel Wanders. Chroma. Floor lamp, designed by Arturo Erbsman.
SYDNEY - 2/1015 Pacific Hwy, Roseville 2069 NSW In-store interior design & 3D modelling services.
