Welcome to Autumn northsiders! In this issue, we meet with Pip Kiernan and Sophia Skarparis, two local environmental campaigners, to talk about activism, community support and Clean Up Australia, the movement founded by Pip’s late father and Kirribilli resident, Ian Kiernan AO. Our vegie cowboy Jordan Sly also shares his top tips for making your garden ‘greener’ on page 37. We’re also pleased to tell you that our beautifully designed publication is now printed on PEFC and FSC certified stock. This means that our paper is sourced from sustainable plantations and has been milled in Australia. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the issue!
Anna Gordon EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR: Belinda Spillane
Team GREEN
northsider meets the locals leading Australia’s next generation of eco-warriors
Lower north shore locals Pip Kiernan and Sophia Skarparis are on a mission.
As chairman of Clean Up Australia, Pip is leading the charge at the organisation founded 30 years ago by her late father, the environmentalist and ‘average Australian bloke’, Ian Keirnan AO, who passed away in 2018.
And at just 16 years of age, Sophia, or Plastic Free Sophia as she’s also known, is perhaps Australia’s most prominent member of ‘Generation Greta,’ the movement of young environmental activists named after Swedish teen Greta Thunberg. As well as being a Youth Ambassador for Clean Up Australia, Sophia was named both North Sydney and Willoughby Council’s Young Citizen and Australian Geographic’s Young Conservationist of the Year in 2018. She received the latter from Meghan Markle at an event attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Both passionate campaigners for the planet, Pip and Sophia hope to inspire people to think twice about the ever-increasing amount of waste being produced, and to get hands on in doing something about it.
“IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT POSITIVE ACTION, BEING HANDS ON IN MAKING THE CHANGE”
“I remember Dad just ‘doing’,” Pip says. “Clean Up wasn’t about lecturing, it was always about positive action, being hands on in making the change.”
Keen sailor Ian was inspired to start the community movement after being horrified at the state of the world’s oceans, the water clogged with plastic and pollution.
His vision struck a chord and at the first ever Clean Up day over 40,000 people participated in a mass litter pick. It became an annual event, held on the first Sunday of March, and the number of people taking part has snowballed ever since, with 17.7 million Aussies volunteering 35 million hours of their time to clean up 365,000 tonnes of rubbish over the past three decades.
Now, as well as spin off Clean Up days for schools and businesses, the event has been adopted internationally. Known as Clean Up The World, 133 countries take part and over 35 million people have been involved.
“Wherever you are, wherever you come from, whatever age, race or religion, you can get the gloves on and get out and make a difference,” Pip says.
The Clean Up campaign feels more relevant than ever in 2020.
“Dad was an absolute pioneer when he started this,” Pip continues. “But 30 years on and we’re producing more waste than ever. Clean Up is all year round now and our focus
GREEN
Generation Next
Sophia Skarparis, left, and Pip Kiernan
North Sydney mayor, Jilly Gibson, MP Felicity Wilson, SFS Commodore Billy Loader, Pip Kiernan and her daughter Saskia at the unveiling of the Ian Kiernan memorial.
Local legend
A long-term Kirribilli resident, Ian was Patron of the Sydney Flying Squadron. The historic skiff club has recently unveiled a memorial plaque and compass rose to honour Ian’s legacy. “Dad loved The Squaddy,” Pip says. “He was so fond of that community and it was so special of them to honour him with the memorial. It’s like his soul’s still there.”
is as much on preventing rubbish entering our environment as it is removing what has already accumulated. We’re encouraging everyone to think about individual things they can do to make a difference, from using reusable cups to avoiding single-use plastics.”
Pip’s father predicted that plastic would be the problem of this generation and Clean Up statistics confirm it’s the most common category of rubbish found on Clean Up Australia Day. Over the past 10 years it has accounted for a third of all waste collected and alarmingly this figure is growing year on year.
For prominent anti-plastics campaigner Sophia, the statistics are galvanising. The Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College year 12 pupil has always been passionate about the environment. But it was a school project in year 10 that really spurred her into action.
“I started a petition to ban single-use plastic bags in NSW,” she explains. “At the
“WE NEED TO STEP UP OUR GAME TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT”
start, I didn’t really think anyone would care.”
That quickly changed when Sophia set up a stall at the Northside Produce Market.
Talking to locals, she collected over 1000 signatures in a single morning.
“A lot of people thought plastic bags were already banned in NSW and were shocked to find out that wasn’t the case,” she recalls. “The community support was overwhelming and really motivated me to keep going.”
Over the next few months of passionate campaigning, Sophia’s petition received over 12,000 signatures. It was enough for her proposal to be tabled in Parliament.
Yet despite overwhelming public support, NSW still remains the only state in Australia that has not banned single-use plastic bags.
“It was really disappointing,” Sophia remembers. “People think ‘she’s just a school kid’ and ‘it’s just a school project’. But I’m not going to go away. I’m not going to stop until positive change is made. We need to step up our game to save the environment.”
The decision in Parliament has made Sophia more focussed on her goals. She has helped her school go single-use plastic free,
Sophia’s stall at the Northside Produce Market
Sophia’s world
Sharing her plastic free message on Channel 7’s
The Daily Edition, and meeting with NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, Matt Kean
is in demand for public speaking and received support from the Duke and Duchess, with Harry giving her speech at the Australian Geographic event a big thumbs up.
“Change is slow but you have to start somewhere,” she says. “And small changes, like taking your own reusable cup, cutlery, straw and container everywhere you go, can lead to big changes which spread to others in the community.”
“As a community we have influence,” Pip adds. “We have power. What do we support? What do we want to spend our money on? The message will eventually get through.
“Teamwork is what we need to solve the waste problem. We all have to care about it and we can all be hands-on in making a difference together.” ●
➜ To take part in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March and to get more info on how you can reduce waste year round, head to cleanup.org.au
➜ Follow Sophia’s journey at plasticfreesophia.com and @plasticfreesophia on Instagram.
IN THE BAG
These Kirribilli Market regulars have a fashionable use for recycled plastic bottles
Inspired by their love of Balmoral Beach and a passion for the environment, Crows Nest’s Katrina Baldivia and her business partner, Lauren Huynh, wanted to create a range of bags that were stylish, unique, and most importantly, sustainable. This led them to discover a lightweight, durable felt made from recycled plastic bottles.
“People are always really surprised when they find out the bags are made from recycled plastic,” Katrina says. “Some don’t believe us at first! But then they’re really fascinated to find out more.”
Over thirteen 500ml plastic bottles are recycled to create the fabric used in the smallest bag in the pair’s Balmoral Co range. The bags are assembled by Katrina and Lauren and sold through their website and their stall at the Kirribilli Markets. ● balmoralco.myshopify.com
Rapture Living 150 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
Mila Feather Earrings Navy, $69.99 Carolina Shop 3, 9/17 Young Street, Neutral Bay or carolina.net.au
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Mention northsider and receive 15% off: buy for $29.99!
Serenity Skin and Body Gift Voucher Serenity Skin and Body Shop 1, 149 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point serenityskinandbody.com.au
Louenhide Knox Bag in Clay, $90 Rapture Living 150 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
Rose Eau de Toilette 50ml, $76
L’Occitane Greenwood Plaza, 36 Blue Street, Nth Sydney
Bird Print Umbrella, $35 Cue Greenwood Plaza, 36 Blue Street, Nth Sydney
Studio 61 Gift Voucher
Studio 61 61 West Street, Nth Sydney studio61sydney.com.au
Maggio’s Biodegradable Coffee Capsules, Classico & Intenso, from $7
Maggio’s 457 Miller St, Cammeray and selected local supermarkets
Prices and availability correct at time of going to press.
Blues Point Bookshop 131 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
From the
Crows Nest Fire ghter and F45 North Sydney’s Head Trainer Wayne Fergusson talks to northsider about being on the bush re front line and what happens once the ames have gone…
“F ire everywhere.” That was the message received by Senior Firefighter Wayne Fergusson and his crew as they travelled to Bilpin, the
Kempsey, NSW
“It’s an honour to be able to help” Senior Firefighter Wayne Fergusson
next location they’d been assigned to attend on the NSW bushfire front line.
It was that night in December when the Blue Mountains’ towns of Batlow burned.
“I’ve seen bushfires before, but never experienced anything like these,” Wayne says. “The scale of these fires, the intensity, the devastation…”
Wayne has been a firefighter based on the North Shore for 20 years. With specialist training in search and rescue, his expertise has seen him attend natural disasters, including the 2010 Queensland floods in the Lockyer Valley and the aftermath of the 2011 Japanese tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
“Events like these are truly overwhelming,” Wayne continues. “We drove through a town in Japan and it was devastated. There was a boat on top of a four storey building, cars upside down against lampposts…it was
“I’VE SEEN BUSHFIRES BEFORE BUT NEVER ANYTHING LIKE THESE”
Clockwise from above; A fleet of fire trucks heading to help, gratitude from locals, Wayne and F45 North Sydney at a fundraiser, devastation near Kempsey.
worse than you could ever have imagined. But your training just kicks in and takes over. You have tasks to get done so you get on and do them, get the job done. It’s an honour to be able to help.”
Wayne and the crew from Crows Nest first became involved in the NSW bushfires back in November last year when Fire and Rescue NSW responded to the RFS’ request for assistance. They headed to Kempsey, which had already been affected by the fires, to inspect the burnt out areas. The crew assessed safety, including the stability of buildings and asbestos and gas risks, so people could start to return home.
It was here that Wayne and his colleagues woke up to find graffiti of gratitude written on their vehicle’s windows.
“Everyone we spoke to had a crazy story about what they’d experienced with these fires,” Wayne says. “One man’s house had burned down so he jumped in the car to get to his mum’s. As he was driving the fires were behind him but then suddenly they were racing ahead at over 60kmph. The flames overtook him.” Thankfully, he made it to his mum’s safely and both of them are alive and well.
Over the summer, Wayne visited communities in areas including Gospers Mountain, Ulladulla, Balmoral, Picton and Wisemans Ferry.
But what happens once the fires are out and the news reports end? It’s thought that 4.9 million hectares of land and 800 million animals have been affected in NSW alone.
“The scale of these fires is huge,” Wayne continues. “While it’s very kind of people to offer to shout me coffee when I’m in my uniform, it would be great if that money was going to the people in the bushfire affected areas.
“I’m just doing my job after all,” he adds, humbly. “From donation tins in coffee shops to supporting groups like Empty Esky, we can all do something to help.”
Wayne’s own community of F45 fans have been doing their bit to raise money.
“It’s such a welcoming and supportive group of people,” Wayne says of the gym on Mount Street. “We’re all in it together.”
One of F45 North Sydney’s recent fundraisers saw every $1 donated turn into a burpee for the trainers.
“We raised over $1000 on that occasion…” Wayne smiles. “Luckily we all like burpees…” ●
“Fire everywhere”
The December bush fires in Bilpin
How you can help
@emptyesky
An online movement encouraging followers to visit bushfire affected towns with an empty esky to fill up with produce when they’re there. Head to emptyesky.com.au and follow them on Instagram.
@spendwiththem
Set up by Turia Pitt, this Instagram account showcases products and services from businesses in fire affected towns, encouraging followers to visit, buy online and #spendwiththem
@staywiththem and @stayinthebush
Both showcase holiday accommodation in affected areas to help rebuild tourism.
Organise a fundraiser, like a bake sale or raffle, at work or with friends, or skip coffee or alcohol for a month and donate the savings. Organisations with official fundraising campaigns include:
Australian Red Cross redcross.org.au
WIRES Wildlife Rescue wires.org.au
WWF Australia wwf.org.au
STYLE WEST STREET
Meet the frock star bringing bespoke and preloved designer fashion to North Sydney
Bridget Knox is a treasure hunter. Her West Street store, Studio 61, is stocked with an ever-changing collection of fashion gems that she has discovered, curated and created.
And it’s in with the old on these stylish racks as every item is preloved, vintage or upcycled to become a bespoke Bridget creation.
The North Sydney local has been giving new life to old clothes since she was 15.
“I’ve been upcycling before it was even a word!” Bridget laughs. “It’s what we did when
local designer
Bridget Knox outside Studio 61; below, the inviting showroom, with blooms by Olive and Moss.
GAME CHANGERS
“IT’S SO REWARDING TAKING SOMETHING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE FALLING APART AND GIVING IT NEW LIFE”
we were young, raiding Mum’s cupboard for fabric, splattering grandad shirts with paint, Jackson Pollock-style…I lived and breathed it.”
Bridget’s passion is the thread running through Studio 61. She sources the clothing from a range of places, including markets and auctions, and shoppers make appointments to bring her their preloved items for consideration.
“I’m drawn to the colours and prints first,” Bridget says. “But then I’ll close my eyes and feel the fabric. I’ll check the label and see if it’s a good size. Then I’ll look at the quality, for any marks and stains. Every item has to be quality.”
The realistic sizing and Studio 61’s affordable price tags mean you don’t have to be a sample size heiress to take home something special - from a sequinned vintage top to a preloved designer handbag or a one-off Bridget original. Perhaps a Sass and Bide piece ‘spliced’ with a vintage print to create a whole new item.
The store is seeing more high-end designer classics arriving with Marc Jacobs, Dior, Zimmermann, Chanel and even an original Emilio Pucci dress all rubbing stylish shoulders.
“We keep clothing moving,” Bridget says. “There’s no waste. We do it because we love it. Sustainability happens as part of the process.”
With personal shopping, a menswear collection, wardrobe decluttering and more high-end items all on the cards, Bridget is set to be busier than ever.
“There’s such joy in finding beautiful things that have been discarded,” she says. “And it’s so rewarding taking something that would otherwise be falling apart and giving it new life.
“I do it because I love it,” she concludes. “This is my happiest place in the world.” l
Get in quick!
The pieces on sale at Studio 61 get snapped up very quickly. Bridget advises calling ahead to reserve items you’ve fallen in love with to avoid disappointment!
advertising partner
SERENITY ON BLUES
Introducing McMahons Point’s indulgent new day spa
Welcome to Serenity Skin and Body, the idyllic Blues Point Road spa, where you can unwind your mind and body and restore wellbeing with a personalised and caring experience. We aren’t a traditional skin clinic. We want you to feel like you’re in a space where you’re disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the crazy world we live in.
whole body from the inside out.
We use the results driven, clean science Synergie Skin product range, alongside a natural, organic range by Sensatia Botanicals. Treatments include cosmeceutical and luxury spa facials, spa and body treatments, laser hair removal, radio frequency skin tightening and fat cavitation.
Our spa is a lifestyle spa where you can experience pure serenity. Self-care and wellness is our priority as we focus on the
With three private treatment rooms for both men and women and complimentary refreshments provided with all treatments, we want to welcome you to experience pure serenity. ●
Meet Glorietta. She’s effortlessly charming. Equal parts contemporary and classic. A come for a drink, stay for a meal kinda place. Somewhere that feels like your local, even if you live on the other side of town. Above all, she’s a celebration of top ingredients, fresh thinking and a good time. Hello, it’s nice to meet you.
COCKTAILS
Shop 1, 149 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point Phone 8920 8385 Web serenityskinandbody.com.au Email info@serenitynorthsydney.com.au
BAR & RESTAURANT
BAR & RESTAURANT
Meet Glorietta. She’s effortlessly charming. Equal parts contemporary and classic. A come for a drink, stay for a meal kinda place. Somewhere that feels like your local, even if you live on the other side of town. Above all, she’s a celebration of top ingredients, fresh thinking and a good time. Hello, it’s nice to meet you. Glorietta is here, Monday through Friday for lunch, drinks and dinner.
Meet Glorietta. She’s effortlessly charming. Equal parts contemporary and classic. A come for a drink, stay for a meal kinda place. Somewhere that feels like your local, even if you live on the other side of town. Above all, she’s a celebration of top ingredients, fresh thinking and a good time. Hello, it’s nice to meet you. Glorietta is here, Monday through Friday for lunch, drinks and dinner.
Glorietta is here, Monday through Friday for lunch, drinks and dinner.
PIZZA
PIZZA ITALIA
READ ALL ABOUT
Whether you’re a fan of the latest bestellers, classic literature or biographiesyou’re likely to find any one of your favourite reads for free in the ever-increasing street library network that can be found popping up around the community. These literature exchanges allow you to easily swap and share
Get the word on the street about the community book shares that are popping up across your neighbourhood your used books with other local bookworms. Simply leave your preloved books in one of the community street library cabinets or bookcases and make a selection for yourself from the items someone else has left. Here’s a snapshot of some of the book shares that can be found northside. Tag us in your spots on Instagram! l
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Outside Sessions Hair Studio, 71 Union Street, McMahons Point
There are now two packed bookcases outside the door of this popular McMahons Point salon. The shelves are always overflowing with an excellent selection of books.
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Outside the ‘loo with a view’,
Peter Kingston Walkway, Lavender Bay
Pick up a book from this handmade harbourside cabinet and enjoy a read in Wendy’s Secret Garden or one of the waterfront parks nearby.
Locals keep this beautifully crafted book share cabinet well stocked with a diverse range of reading material including recipe books and non-fiction.
Outside Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, Fitzroy St, Kirribilli
Boyle Street, Cremorne
TRENDY TIPPLES
Putting on the SPRITZ!
How the drink of Summer is being reinvented for the new season
While the insta-famous Aperol spritz has been the drink of the summer, the roots of the drink date back to 19th century Northern Italy. Austrian soldiers would add a ‘spritz’ of water to the notoriously strong local wine. This was soon swapped for carbonated water and then prosecco. By the 1950s, the drink had reached Venice and was the ‘grammable beverage drinkers enjoy today. Live that #spritzlife
But there’s more to the spritz than a bright orange Aperol. In fact, there’s no real ‘rules’ when it comes to spritzing. Drinks experts suggest they should be light and delicious sparkling-based cocktails served over ice and with a garnish. But other than that, #spritzlife is open to delicious interpretation. Original flavours
Mixologists across the lower north shore have been busy creating their own spritz concoctions for their Autumn drinks menus.
“The Aperol spritz has been the drink of choice in Neutral Bay over the summer,” Sappho Handy, restaurant manager at Neutral Bay’s Firefly, tells northsider. “We’ve decided to give the trend our own spin by introducing three original spritzes.”
Guests can still order an Aperol, but it isn’t officially on the menu, and this trio of bespoke beverages are tempting locals instead. How do you spritz?
“All of the spritzes are an easy drinking effervescent style,” Sappho says. “And they look as good as they taste! The bestseller has been our Granada Spritz,” she continues.
“It’s stirred down with pink grapefruit liqueur and housemade pomegranate syrup. It’s an
Say cheers to the new season’s spritz! Pictured are Firefly’s new creations.
eye-catching beverage with beautiful colour and a palate cleansing aperitif-style flavour that’s driven by the grapefruit.”
The Granda Spritz is joined on the menu by an Elderflower Chamomile Spritz made of prosecco, elderflower liqueur and chamomile and Flora’s Spritz, a mixture of prosecco and housemade rosemary and lemon verbena infused Aperol.
The drinks are so popular, they even have their own weekly celebration at Firefly, taking centre stage at the Bottomless Spritz events, where aperitif fans can book in for a 90 minute, free-flowing spritz experience every Friday-Sunday between midday and 5pm. So drink up spritz fans. This trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon! l
BEAUTIFUL HAIR… naturally
Looking for low-tox hair colour?
You can now go all-organic at Miller and Green Hairdressing in McMahons Point.
Miller and Green just got greener!
The award-winning Blues Point Road hairdresser is proud to introduce sustainable all-Aussie DNA Luxury Organics hair dyes to the salon.
Ammonia-free and made using only the finest fusion of Australian certified organic ingredients, plant extracts and laboratory raw compounds, the world-renowned dyes help your tresses stay on trend without the same toxic load that’s linked to traditional hair colourants. They’re also cruelty-free and ethically produced.
Haylee Guy, owner and head stylist of Miller and Green, is excited to bring this environmentally-friendly option to clients.
“With more of us looking to be as
low-tox as we can and trying to eliminate unnecessary chemicals from our everyday lives, these products give our customers a more natural colouring solution that’s nourishing, vibrant and effective and cares for the environment as well as your hair,” she says. And it’s not just the ingredients that are impressive. The results are too!
“Over time, ammonia based dyes can damage the hair shaft, resulting in duller colour and drier hair,” Haylee explains. “Reducing your hair’s chemical exposure can offer longer-lasting, more vibrant results whether we’re covering up greys, revitalising the shade or creating a complete colour makeover.
“We’re so thrilled to be able to achieve beautiful hair colour more naturally.” she says. ●
Miller & Green Hairdressing is a boutique hair salon that cuts, colours and styles both women’s and men’s hair. To book an appointment, call 9956 7561 or email enquire@millerandgreen.com - For more information go to millerandgreen.com
WHAT’S ON
VIVID SYDNEY - STARTS MAY 22 Head down to Milsons Point for a harbourside view of the spectacular outdoor illuminations, laser light shows and 3D-mapped projections of Sydney’s world-famous festival. Until 13th June.
MARCH
21ST AND 22ND
EDIBLE GARDENS Backyard growers all over the North Shore will be opening their gardens to the public this weekend. This community not-for-profit event aims to encourage and inspire gardeners to grow edible produce in street gardens, home gardens and public spaces. Learn how to grow your own, keep chooks and more! Family tickets start at $25 and can be bought from sydneyediblegardentrail.com
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI
MEET THE NORTHSIDER TEAM Come and say hi to the team behind your favourite local magazine! We’ll be at the Northside Produce Market from 8am. See you there! 7
SYDNEY COMEDY CLUB AT LUNA PARK SYDNEY With a debut on ABC Comedy and a triumphant Edinburgh fringe in 2019, comedian Daniel Muggleton is one to watch. And you can catch the funnyman live on stage tonight at Luna Park. For bookings and info head to sydneycomedyclub.com.au
Learn more about this ancient practice as part of North Sydney Council's Health Week. Join Great Grand Master Kellen Chia at 11 am at the Civic Park Amphitheatre, North Sydney. FREE. Just turn up!
ALL MONTH Stop in for aperivito hour and stay for dinner at new North Sydney restaurant Glorietta. There's woodfired pizzas, delicious pastas and salads with added burrata #winning 100 Mount Street, Mon-Fri from lunch til late, glorietta.com.au
FREE YOGA!
Find your zen and book in for a FREE TRIAL CLASS of Yoga with Jessica, held on Wednesdays at 5.45pm at The Kirribilli Centre. Head along to the popular class and see how good you feel afterwards. Yoga with Jessica is sure to leave you feeling invigorated! Bookings are essential. Simply call the Kirribilli Centre on 9922 4428 to reserve your free place and make sure you mention you saw this offer in northsider magazine when booking. Easy! This offer ends 31 March 2020 and is limited to one free class only per person. Classes fill up fast so make sure you book in today!
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GREENWOOD ONE DAY SALE
Don't miss out on Greenwood Plaza's annual shopping extravaganza! A host of retailers will be offering amazing instore discounts. For all the information, head to greenwoodplaza.com.au
22ND 140 YEARS OF THE ROYAL ART
SOCIETY OF NSW Help celebrate with painting and BYO picnic at Wendy’s Secret Garden. See royalart.com.au
ALL MONTH Kids eat for free until 6pm every day in March at Castlecrag bar and restaurant Apera! Take the family and enjoy the seasonal menu of uniquely Aussie dishes. 100 Edinburgh Rd, Castlecrag, apera.com.au
APRIL
ALL MONTH
LAND’S EDGE: PRINT EXHIBITION
Drop into Stanton Library to see some of the earliest prints of our waterfront that show the changing landscape of the harbour foreshore. Library opening hours, until 30th April.
12TH Pop to KIRRIBILLI ART, DESIGN AND FASHION MARKET for all your artisan Easter treats! Alfred Street South, Milsons Point. From 8.30am.
26TH Sunday Sounds at THE BOTANIST, Kirribilli with live acoustic music from 2pm.
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22
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ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE
Head to the North Sydney War Memorial, situated at the end of Ridge St in St Leonards Park, for the annual dawn service and pay your respects on the national day of remembrance and commemoration.
THE MIGHTY SHOREMEN Northern Suburbs take on Eastwood at North Sydney Oval in their first home game of the 2020 season. Tickets on the gate.
ANZAC SERVICE AT THE KIRRIBILLI CLUB.
LIVE POETS AT DON BANK
Enjoy poetry and unplugged music in an historic museum setting. Why not join in the open mic section? $10, includes drinks and supper. northsydney.nsw.gov.au
18TH Bicycle check in and tune up by The Rolling Fix at NORTHSIDE PRODUCE MARKET. First come, first served from 8am. FREE
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BASEMENT
JAXX (DJ SET)
The Easter long weekend sees this legendary award-winning house duo play the Greenwood Hotel Courtyard. 18+. Tickets through eventbrite.com.au
Julian Robinson, President, RSL NSW Kirribilli sub-Branch "We encourage our members to attend ANZAC Day commemorations with their respective unit groups or associations.
The significance of reuniting with former colleagues is an important part of remembrance and veteran wellbeing. So, each year on the Sunday before ANZAC Day, the Kirribilli sub-Branch hosts a commemorative service at the War Memorial located directly across from the Kirribilli Ex-Services Club, at 11 Harbourview Crescent, Lavender Bay. In addition to veterans, their friends and families, the service is attended by the Hornsby RSL Pipe Band, our local Members of Parliament, the North Sydney Mayor and local school captains.
This year our ANZAC Sunday commemoration will be held on 19th April. We encourage and welcome our local North Sydney and North Shore communities to attend the service, congregating at around 10:30am, and join us afterwards for a light lunch and refreshments provided in the Kirribilli Club Ball Room."
MAY
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AFRICAN DRUMMING
Let the kids bash away to their heart’s content at this colourful event at The Kirribilli Centre. 10.30am til 12pm. Tickets $5. Call 9922 4428 to book.
A MOTHER’S DAY
CONCERT Pacific Opera presents ‘A Prelude In Tea’ at the newly restored Independent Theatre, with scrummy afternoon tea followed by beautiful music. See theindependent.org.au for tickets.
Death and Dying
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CONVERSATIONS ABOUT DEATH
Bring an open mind and an open heart to a day of conversation about dying and death. Industry experts share their experience and knowledge in understanding the spectrum of emotions and situations from wellness through illness, palliative care, sudden or traumatic death, dying, bereavement and grief. This day, imbued with a gentle dose of humour, covers the legal, practical, realistic, emotional and sacred choices we can make about life and death. Saturday 23 May • 9:30am - 4pm • $90
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NORTH SYDNEY PARK RUN/WALK
9 northsydneycentre.com.au
& DYING Bring an open mind and an open heart to a day of conversation about dying and death. This day, imbued with a gentle dose of humour, covers the legal, practical, realistic, emotional and sacred choices we can make about life and death. North Sydney Community Centre, 9.30am-4pm. Tickets available at northsydneycentre.com.au
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Join the global parkrun community! Walk, jog or run the 5km course around St Leonards Park. Kids, prams and dogs welcome! FREE, 8am every Saturday. Register at parkrun.com.au/northsydney/
MOTHER'S DAY LUNCH AT FOYS
Treat Mum to a special lunch overlooking the beautiful Careening Cove. Reserve your table early to make sure you don't miss out! Head to foyskirribilli.com.au for more information and to book.
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SUNSET SESSIONS
POP-UP BAR Extended by popular demand! Sip a sustainable sundowner overlooking the harbour, with live acoustic music. Kid and dog friendly. The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, 1-8pm.
16TH BEHIND THE SCENES NORTHSIDE
PRODUCE MARKET TOUR: Adults only. Bookings essential, available at northsydneycentre.com.au FREE. 7.30am-8.30am & 9.00am-10.00am
WEDNESDAYS Trivia and curry night at the BLUES POINT HOTEL. Free to play and great prizes to be won. For more info go to bluespointhotel.com.au
Hot Cross Smoothie!
This vegan, calcium boosted smoothie is the perfect healthy choice for Easter
HOT CROSS BUN SMOOTHIE
• 1 small banana, frozen
If you love hot cross buns, you’ll LOVE this super easy smoothie made with Raw C Calcium Boosted Coconut Milk. Boosted with plant-based calcium, a single serve of this unsweetened dairy, lactose and nut-free vegan milk contains 25% RDI of calcium. It’s delicious chilled and straight up or added to smoothies and cereal. Find Raw C Calcium Boosted Coconut Milk in the long life milk aisle at Coles supermarkets.
• ¼ cup raisins
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 cup Raw C
Calcium Boosted Coconut Milk
• 1 tsp each nutmeg, cinnamon, ground ginger
• Squeeze of orange juice
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Enjoy!
ON THE MENU
Apple Salad
Bao - apple, radish and edamame with garden herbs and mixed nuts.
CRAZY A-BAO the boy
There’s a new reason to visit Kirribilli Markets for brunch
Leaving a 10-year career as a branding designer, James Lam wanted to cook up something special for his future.
“Just over two years ago I made the biggest decision of my life by quitting my job and became a student again!” he tells northsider.
James enrolled in a cuisine course at Le Cordon Bleu and following his studies, spent a year working at a two-hatted restaurant and a popular Sydney café.
“I realised then that my goal wasn’t to be a head chef in a hatted restaurant,” he says. “I wanted to create my own cuisine and brand.”
In May 2019, James did just that, launching
“I WANTED TO CREATE MY OWN CUISINE AND MY OWN BRAND”
Slow Head Boy, a food experience offering traditional Asian street food with a modern interpretation. The staple item on the menu is deep-fried bao which are packed full of innovative flavours. “Slow head” in Cantonese pronunciation is “Maan-Tau” which is exactly the same as “Mantou” which means bao,” James explains. “That’s why we’re called Slow Head Boy.”
“Bao is always one of my comfort foods,” he continues. “It’s very diverse and can be cooked in many different ways. I’ve combined the traditional bao making process with French pastry techniques to make the bao the right texture. Also, I have my secret recipe to very subtly balance the taste.
“It took me six months to perfect and there’s been a lot of trial and error but
James’ favourite bao… Traditional deep-fried bao go with condensed milk dips.
I always believe you can make something great if you know it well and you really love it.”
James’ creations have been wowing the crowds at the Kirrribilli Markets, often selling out long before the end of the day.
Foodies can expect to tuck into beautiful baos that include Bad Ass Cheesy Corn, a combination of grilled corn and housemade badass chilli sauce, topped with romano cheese, and The Spicy Dog, made up of Kransky sausage, Sichuan pepper BBQ sauce, pickled cucumber and sesame seeds.
“I want to give everyone a new experience of bao,” James says. “And deep-fried bao is only the first step.” ●
Hungry for more? Slow Head Boy can be found at the Kirribilli Markets, the second Sunday and fourth Saturday of every month.
Kirribilli’s favourite drink
“It’s called Coffee and Tea,” James says. “I can say it’s a completely new drink in the market. It combines three different elements. The top is Hong Kong-style milk tea, a very strong tea brewed with different leaves. The middle is milk pudding and there’s espresso jelly at the bottom. You need to stir it then drink it so you can get all the textures in one go.”
Bow down to the bao!
The Brekkie Bao - bacon and egg mixed with wasabi mayo and topped with pork floss and crispy prosciutto.
Local wine guru Denis Gastin has contributed to The Australian, Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, The Oxford Companion to Wine and The World Atlas of Wine, and has been a wine columnist for a number of Australian magazines. He has lived in the local area for 30 years.
COOL WEEKEND
Discover why Orange is the new black in the wine world
The thing which strikes you most emerging from the rugged peaks of the Great Dividing Range on to the elevated highland plateau approaching Orange, is the light. The sky goes on forever, as if it were drawing up the huge reservoir of light from the vast interior of the continent. The sky is not black at night, but dark blue, alive under a canopy of stars.
Both the colour of wine and the flavour, derive principally from the skin of the grape. Grapeskin character, in turn, is positively impacted by the quality and volume of light that it’s exposed to. Orange, with its intense, unfiltered light and long days is therefore a
“A LOT
HAS CHANGED IN ORANGE SINCE THE 1980S!”
natural for wine production. And that’s not all. The region’s high altitude of 600+ metres enables a winemaker to make the most of this special light while avoiding excessive heat which works against skin development.
I was lucky to have discovered Orange, and its cool climate wine potential, in the 1980s. I drove there to check out the very first winery, Bloodwood, and also discovered CanobolasSmith, the region’s second wine pioneer.
At Bloodwood, former librarian Stephen Doyle wanted to make classic European styles of wine and sought ancient lean soils that would stress the vines and give the grapes intense character.
Murray Smith at Canobolas-Smith thought the opposite. He felt that the rich volcanic soils on the slopes of Orange’s extinct volcano, Mt. Canobolas, would give the best results.
Very impressive but contrasting styles of wine evolved and have inspired a host
of new local wineries in the region. In fact, Orange’s wine producing area now covers 1,500 hectares and boasts over 60 vineyards and 40 cellar doors.
Chardonnay and Shiraz are the most widely planted varieties but there are many great finds beyond these. Increasingly, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are standing out and with the reds it’s Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s also some rare gems to discover such as Arneis, a white Italian grape variety, to the more recognisable Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo and Barbera. So, a lot has changed in Orange since the 1980s. It’s now renowned as a gourmet destination for food and wine lovers and while it might be a little way from the Lower North Shore, it’s a destination well worth the trip. Especially when you taste your first top cool climate drop. Cheers! ●
The wine DOWN
The Pioneer
2015 Bloodwood Shiraz, $37.00
A deep ruby colour with rich and powerful aromas, this wine exceeds all expectations. It has an intensely expressive palate impression showing both blackcurrant and cherry fruit with spicy undertones. Balanced and elegant. Available direct from the winery online at bloodwood.biz
Another Classic
2018 Philip Shaw The Architect Chardonnay, $27.99
Another regional style definer is national industry legend, Philip Shaw. The Architect is a carefully measured combination of cool climate restraint and a subtle oak underpinning, delivering an expressive aroma and flavour package that carries all the way. Available at Chambers Cellars, McMahon’s Point
A New Direction
2018 Tamburlaine Organic Sauvignon Blanc (Black Label), $18.99 Increasing numbers of wineries outside the region are setting up winemaking operations in Orange. For Hunter-based Tamburlaine, Orange now accounts for 80% of its total production. This wine has aromas and flavours of fresh green apple and passionfruit that carry all the way across the palate, with a tight and lingering finish. Ideal with Thai and Vietnamese seafood dishes. Chambers Cellars, Milsons Point
Our popular Waverton butcher serves up a slice of Italy
Ciao a tutti!
Originally from Calabria, south west Italy, Giuseppe Tirinato descends from three generations of butchers. Giuseppe’s Gourmet Meats, is open seven days.
As we head into Autumn and cooler days, Spezzatino di Vitello is the perfect way to spend the afternoon at home slow cooking to perfection! This rich and delicious Italian beef stew serves four.
Buon appetito!
Giuseppe
Giuseppe’s Spezzatino di Vitello
INGREDIENTS
1kg chuck steak or gravy beef, cubed and trimmed
2 sticks of celery
3 carrots
1 red onion
1 carton organic beef stock
1/4 cup of red wine
A handful of peas
2 roma tomatoes
1/4 cup plain flour
1 tablespoon butter
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper
METHOD
• Chop vegies into 1/2 cm cubes.
• Coat beef in plain flour. Place in a casserole dish with butter and extra virgin olive oil, sear until nice and brown. Add vegies, except the tomatoes and peas. Cook for a few minutes, add the wine and stir. Once wine evaporates, add 1/3 carton of beef stock.
• Once stock is reduced, add remaining carton. Stir, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir again, add peas and tomatoes, cover and simmer for a further 30 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer for a final 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with polenta and seasonal vegetables or slices of pane di casa.
We are the team who create northsider.
50 Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060
PHONE 0405 783 995
EMAIL hello@contentedmedia.com.au WEB contentedmedia.com.au
@contentedmedia
[LOVE LOCAL DIRECTORY]
Looking to buy a second hand car but don’t know where to start? Wanting to sell your car privately but don’t want the hassles? CarMinders is here to help! At CarMinders, we look after the often frustrating, confusing and time-consuming aspects of car ownership, including buying and selling your car. We can advise on how to maintain your vehicle without spending a fortune on expensive servicing! Call or email David at CarMinders today. P 0414 531 411 E david@carminders.com.au W www.carminders.com.au
Oski
Neighbourhood favourite Oski café on Bligh Street in Kirribilli serves up delicious brekkie and brunch every Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30am to 3pm (kitchen closes at 2pm). The Scandi-inspired menu includes Pytt I Panna, a Swedish Bubble and Squeak made from sautéed bacon, sausage, leek and potatoes served with a fried egg and side of beetroot and dill pickles. Freshly brewed Mecca coffee, a selection of loose-leaf teas by Somage Fine Foods and house-baked muffins and cakes are also on offer. A top spot that’s not to be missed! A 11 Bligh Street, Kirribilli Instagram @oski_kirribilli
LUHO
Luho is a buzzing, mod-Asian food and drink fave in Crows Nest, serving up South-East Asian hawker-style bites and funky cocktails by PS40. Hero dishes include prawn and wonton tacos with mango and chilli and indulgent roti wraps filled with fragrant beef curry. There’s a dedicated plant-based menu that offers dishes such as XO pumpkin and cauliflower with burnt butter and eggplant jam. So say hello to Luho and discover your new favourite! Open for lunch and dinner 7 days A 77 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest P 9438 5005 W luho.com.au IG @luhorestaurant
The Neutral Bay Club
An oasis in the heart of Neutral Bay, the historic Neutral Bay Club is a community hub offering floodlit tennis courts, a bowling green, function rooms for parties and events, bbq, marquee area and bar and bistro. Regular events include wine tastings, trivia and social bowls. Join today and come out and play! Visit the club and mention northsider99 for 50% discount on house/social membership for new members plus a free house drink on your first visit after joining. * Contact NBC for info. Terms and conditions apply. A 3 Westleigh Street, Neutral Bay P 9953 2066 W neutralbayclub.com
Whether you’re looking for an expertly crafted cocktail, a quick bite before exploring the city or a spot suited for celebrations, LB’s Restaurant and Blues Bar are here for you.
LB’s Restaurant
Featuring a creative, contemporary à la carte menu and a selection of the finest Australian wines, LB’s provides an unmatched dining experience. LB’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday; weekends breakfast and dinner only. Reservations are recommended.
Blues Bar
Situated in our hotel lobby, Blues Bar is the epicentre of the View Sydney experience. With great food, live music and an inspired cocktail menu meant for any occasion, Blues is the perfect place to unwind or celebrate after your day. Happy Hour & a Half with $5 drinks between 5.30pm and 7.00pm every day!
WEED IT & REAP
Jordan Sly, vegie cowboy and head tickler at Wormticklers nursery, shares his top tips on making your garden greener
In the eight years I’ve been Wormtickling, I’ve not used one plastic pot for my plants. Not one! We use biodegradable pots made from coconuts and plant directly into the soil. There’s no transplant shock or plastic landfill. It’s better for the planet, we save time with repotting and there’s less chance of losing plants because they don’t have to leave their happy little homes. That’s the thing about gardening greener. It’s more sustainable for the planet, it saves you time and money in the long run. Organics rule
When it comes to the backyard, the absolute best thing you can do for your plants is to go organic. Stay local
and water to grow. They give our little mates the bees a beautiful home too. Choose edibles and perennials. We LOVE mulch
Plants love it too. A nice, juicy inch thick layer of the stuff prevents that precious H20 from evaporating. It reduces the watering you’ll need to do, protects soil from the sun and encourages worms who bring those plants to life! Tea tree mulch for natives, sugar cane for edibles. Get scrappy
A worm farm in the back yard or bokashi bin under the sink creates rich natural compost from kitchen scraps. Donate your compost to friends and neighbours or the community garden. Which leads me to…
Sharing is caring
As always in Tickleland, we share what we have with others. Seeds, produce, compost, cuttings…the list is endless. Reuse and upcycle.
And when it comes to what you’re growing, think local. Native plants are used to the ups and downs of the Aussie weather and need less effort FREE
We flush away nine litres of water every time we use the toilet. Nine! It’s shocking how much water we waste! Get smart and stick a bucket in the shower. Use grey water to give those plants a drink. And if you’ve mulched and composted, you won’t need as much water. Too easy! Weed it - naturally Pull weeds before they flower. Simply grip low on the stem and make sure you get the roots. Remember, one year of seeds is seven years of weeds!
Until next time keep it green, grow with love and always #trustthetickler
wormticklers.com
WORMTICKLERS SEASONAL GREEN!
Visit the Wormticklers stall at the Northside Produce Market on Saturday 7 March 2020 and get your garden growing! Cut out this coupon and bring it with you to exchange for a seasonal green. First in best dressed so don’t miss out!
One green per original coupon while stocks last.
YOGA CENTRAL
Find your zen at one of the yoga classes at The Kirribilli Centre
Yoga for Every Body
Learn yoga regardless of experience, age, flexibility, shape or size at Yoga for Every Body, a brand new class on the yoga timetable. Low cost and supportive, this is for anyone who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to take part in a yoga class. Every Wednesday, 4pm, $10. Bookings essential! Chair Yoga
A wonderful way of getting the health benefits of yoga if you’re less mobile or have issues with flexibility. This gentle form of
yoga is performed sitting down or using a chair for support. Loosen muscles, reduce stress and joint strain and boost your mood. Classes run every Thursday at 4pm and cost $10.
Yoga with Jessica - FREE CLASS! Go with the flow every Wednesday at Jessica’s popular 5.45pm class. Mention northsider magazine and you can take a class for FREE * in March! Head to page 26 to find out all the info and how to reserve your spot in class. ● Head to thekirribillicentre.org for more information. Namaste!
School for mums
northsider Marni Little is mumma to Archie, ve, and Charlie, nine months, wife to Dave and an award winning comedy writer
Nothing says “you are not a qualified adult” like sending a child to school for the first time. Although I am what is considered a ‘last minute’ participator in most human activities (read: assignments, work deadlines, lunch meetings) and my five minutes will likely mean more like 30-40, the beginning of kindergarten was an event I DEFINITELY prepped for. I named things with a marker. I labelled lunch and morning tea. I made sure to include a spoon for yoghurt. We even had spare undies! But no matter how prepared you are, school will always win. Monsoon rain for a week. Where on earth’s an umbrella when you need it? No idea where one might be. Kmart sells umbrellas right? Head to Chatswood! Sport on Friday? No worries, already bought a sport uniform from uniform shop #winning. Oh, runners? Hmmm. Two sizes too small you say? Chatswood is open late, right? “Don’t eat that bread, it’s for Archie’s lunch!” Googles ‘can kids take pasta
off to
“Seriously Mum, Chatwsood again?” Charlie and me waiting for Archie after kindy
For more lols, #mumlife and everything in-between, folllow Marni on Instagram @marnilittle
for school lunch.’ So. Many. Rules! Trip to Chatswood anyone? Okay. You do what on Friday? What is Crunch and Sip?? No, I don’t know why they all have yellow raincoats and yours is blue. Yes, we can get a mini Lego car to hang on your schoolbag. No, I’m not sure where to find the song you sing before lunch. And, no, you can’t have a sleepover yet.
So to everyone that is making it through the first term of 2020, hang in there. We’ll get through the next three together. And remember, Chatswood is open late on Thursdays #blessed ●
“DON’T EAT THAT BREAD, IT’S FOR ARCHIE’S LUNCH!”
Hats
Charlie, he’s keen to try on Archie’s uniform!
PUZZLES with Quizmaster Clay
The Village Quiz
1. What’s the name of the 24 hour café on Military Road, Neutral Bay?
2. Sydney Observatory was built in which decade - 1890s, 1920s or 1850s?
3. Castlecrag was planned by which husband and wife team who also designed Canberra ?
4. Former Treasurer and member for North Sydney Joe Hockey currently holds which diplomatic position?
5. Which internationally famous Aussie couple own a penthouse overlooking Lavender Bay?
6. What is the postcode of Waverton?
7. Who has Civic Park, North Sydney recently been renamed after?
8. Which suburb was named after the bay where all foreign vessels would dock in early colonial Sydney Harbour?
9. The Museum of Sydney sits on the site of what significant building?
10. In which Lower North Shore suburb is there a memorial to Billy Blue?
Do you have some local trivia for The Village Quiz? Email your question to hello@northsider.com.au
‘My
next book is about climbing Everest!’
Ted the Puggle and ‘rover’ pet reporter here! This issue I’ve been chatting to Al e the mini-lop rabbit, three, a children’s book author from Kirribilli
TED: Hi Alfie! How long have you lived in Kirribilli and who do you live with?
ALFIE: I live with my Mummy, Tanya, and my Pappy in an apartment. I have my own bedroom and kitty litter. We have lived here for two years and we love it. There’s so many parks to explore and I love my brekkie at the local cafés where I get a bowl of spinach.
TED: I’ve seen you like to take a hop around the neighbourhood. Where are your fave spots?
ALFIE: Yes I go out with Mummy and Pappy on a harness as I love the parks. My favourites are Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Clark Park, Blues Point Reserve and Bradfield Park! I go to brekkie at the Flying Bear, Delicado McMahons Point and Cactus Flower Organic Coffee and Superfoods.
“I LOVE GOING TO THE BEACH. PEOPLE CALL ME A BEACH-BUNNY!”
TED: I wear a harness when I go out too. I sneak off it sometimes and get told off... Are people surprised to see you?
ALFIE: People are surprised and ask “is that a bunny?!” And I say “yes I am!” I love going to the beach and people call me a beach-bunny. I get lots of head rubs from kids and cuddles too.
TED: I’ve heard you’ve written a book. That’s so clever! What’s it about?
ALFIE: I wrote a book with Mummy and my sister, Rosie. Our book is called Alfie and Rosie Adventure Bunnies: Tale of acceptance. It’s all about me learning to be happy with my ears because one sticks up and one flops down. In the book, Rosie and I walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain where I save my friends and become happy with my ears. It’s based on Mummy’s trip there. Rosie was Mummy’s first rabbit and her therapy bunny. She was also a mini-lop but I’m sad to say she went over the rainbow bridge last year.
Funny bunny
I love packaging up my book orders, far left, and feeling the sand between my paws on the beach, right.
Me
Animal MATTERS
TED: Your book raises money for charity too?
ALFIE: That’s right. Profits go to The Rosie Yvonne Foundation charity in honour of Rosie and of my Mummy’s lovely cousin who took her own life. We hope to raise awareness for those battling depression and advocate animal therapy as us animals are great companions. We’re loving and understand humans in a magical way. The Rosie Yvonne Foundation donates to Beyond Blue, RSPCA NSW and the Rabbit Sanctuary. They all read my book and loved it, which makes me happy.
TED: That’s so wonderful Alfie. Well done to you and your Mummy.
ALIFE: Thank you Ted. Mummy and me are working on the next book about climbing Mount Everest and learning to be courageous. We think it’s important that kids learn that they’re amazing and brave just as they are.
TED: Now, I hear that your mate the Easter Bunny is busy at this time of year. Do you do anything special for Easter?
ALFIE: I’ll be bushwalking or will head to the beach and then I’ll pop to Pet Medical Milsons Point to say hello to Dr Cate and Phoebe. They love bunnies and they take care of me so well.
TED: Well that’s enough of me rabbiting on. Can’t wait to read your next book Alfie! ● To buy a copy of Alfie and Tanya’s book, head to alfierosieadverturebunniesbooks.com
with Pet Medical Milsons Point’s Dr Cate Plummer BVSC, BSc (Vet) (Hons) I believe strongly that we gain so much benefit from a close bond with our animal partners, and caring veterinary support is an integral part of this.
EASTER TIME - BEWARE!
It’s often the things our furry friends eat inadvertently that cause the greatest problems. Chocolate is at the top of the list, especially at Easter time.
➜ Chocolate is toxic because it contains methylxanthines, in particular, theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine causes vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, a racing heart rhythm, seizures and in severe cases, even death. Dark chocolate is the most toxic variety, followed by milk chocolate. Chocolate flavoured foods should also be avoided.
A toxic dose depends on the type of chocolate consumed and the weight of the dog. If the chocolate was only just eaten, it is possible to induce vomiting. Otherwise, hospitalisation and vet support may be needed. Chocolate takes nearly four days to work out of the dog’s system. Chocolate contains high levels of fat and sugar. White chocolate has virtually no theobromine, but the high fat content can cause a painful metabolic disease called pancreatitis. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
➜ Another common food for your dog to avoid at Easter time is hot cross buns! Many of these contain raisins, which along with grapes, are known to be toxic to dogs. Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure.
Hot cross buns are also high in fat and sugar – another reason your dog should avoid eating these tasty treats.
If you have any concerns regarding something your pet has eaten always contact your local veterinarian. ● @petmedicalmilsonspoint
For more information about Pet Medical Milsons Point visit petmedical.com.au or call 8203 4390 or visit us at 28 Alfred Street, Milsons Point (Opp. Bradfield Park).
chilling out at home and being a snuggle bunny with my mummy, Tanya, left
Your Local - The simple pleasures of good company, great food and drink, and Australian ingredients with sustainable and ethical practices.
Apera is a nod to Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin who helped build this area with a deep respect for our native flora and fauna, a shared natural landscape, and an ideal of community living.
Unwind with a drink and snacks in our bar, or sit down for a beautiful meal with friends and family in our restaurant. Check out our website for DAILY food & drink specials.
apera is open Mon - Wed, 5pm - 10pm and Thur - Sun, 3pm - late
Moments in time
H.G. Kent’s coachbuilding business was situated in Crows Nest on the Pacific Highway from around 1880s. There were a number of coachbuilders, blacksmiths and saddlers with businesses along this section of road. Here, seven employees stand outside the workshop.
Crows Nest started life as part of a 524 acre land grant made to Edward Wollstonecraft in 1821. Edward built a cottage and called it the 'Crows Nest' because of its commanding position on the landscape. Wollstonecraft's business partner, Alexander Berry, then built a larger estate called 'Crows Nest House' in 1850.
This is now the site of North Sydney Demonstration School and the gates of the house can still be seen at the school’s Pacific Highway entrance. Today, Crows Nest is a busy commerical hub that’s well known for its collection of restaurants and bars, including the iconic Crows Nest Hotel. ●
ALIVE KICKING!
kicking goals when it comes to the beautiful game
Mates Brian, 70, left, and Eric, 80, are
KICKING!
How a team of northsiders have tackled the issue of staying on the ball over 60
When it came to keeping active over 60, locals Eric Anderson and Brian Moran were determined not to sit on the sidelines.
“Fifteen months ago Brian and I were having a coffee and mulling over the fact that we wanted to keep playing soccer, a game we’d both loved since childhood,” Eric, 80, explains. “We were still active enough to keep playing, just not competitively.”
As the two discussed their passion for the sport, they knew they had to do something to keep playing the beautiful game.
“I said we were alive and kicking and that’s where the idea came from. Why don’t we start our own game and call it Alive ‘n’ Kicking?” former semi-pro soccer player Eric continues.
Instead of hanging up their boots, the pair sent an email to a group of players and former players, all over the age of 60, to see if they’d be keen to take part too. Within a week, 35 prospective teammates had expressed interest in kicking off the new matches.
A simple set of rules was devised, playing either half-pitch, or full pitch with small goals, over 60 mins with two breaks. To prevent body contact there was to be no
“WE WANTED TO KEEP PLAYING THE GAME WE’D LOVED SINCE CHILDHOOD”
Some of the Alive n’ Kicking soccer squad
tackling from behind or from the side.
In May 2018, the first game kicked off at Northbridge Oval, courtesy of Willoughby Council. Soon, the list of players grew to 55 and the group has played every week since.
Around 20 players with an average age of 67 train regularly every Thursday with octogenarian Eric proud to be the team’s eldest player.
Last year, Eric and Brian entered a team in the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide. Although they didn’t bring home the silverware on that occasion, it gave everyone a taste for competition. In 2020, they will enter two teams in the Emin Rufati Charity tournament run by St. Ives Football Club and in November, a team will head to the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast. In 2021, they will compete in the World Masters Games in Japan in the Over 60s category.
“The spirit and friendship, the humour and banter and the opportunity for senior players who’ve still ‘got it’ to express their ability to relive their earlier talents, that’s what it’s all about,” Eric says. “Having a kick around and having a laugh together.”
Future plans include establishing Sydney district teams and holding competitions. A women’s team has also been mooted.
“The idea could extend interstate too,” Eric enthuses. “Or even overseas. We’ve already had interest from France so who knows. Today the North Shore, tomorrow the world!” l
To find out more email alivenkickingaus@gmail.com
AUTUMN ESSENTIALS
Soft Jogger Pant $99.95, Decjuba
Casey Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $119.95, Decjuba Down
Art, peachy nude matte lipstick, $30, MAC Cosmetics
Ezra Heel $169.95, Nine West
Lightweight Panama, $59.95, Seed
Elizabeth, Yellow Tort Sunglasses, $145, Bailey Nelson
Ida Silk Stripe Scarf $79.95, Witchery
Laura Necklace $69.95, Witchery
Verbena Body Salt Scrub, $55, L’Occitane
Local’s last word.
Henry Biti and Chloe McIntosh have lived in Neutral Bay for two years
Our favourite place for coffee is… Essence Coffee on Wycombe Road. I’ll have an almond milk flat white and Henry will have an iced oat milk latté. A great atmosphere, lovely staff and lots of copies of our fave mag, northsider!
The best meal we’ve had in the area was at… Luho in Crows Nest. The prawn tacos are delicious and you just have to try the milk tea creme brûlée for dessert. Seriously good.
If we want to have a beer or a glass of wine, we’ll head to… The Oaks. Such an institution! We also like to go to Winona in Manly to pick up a bottle of natural wine or head to Nomads brewery in Brookvale for a local craft beer.
Our fave local takeaways are… The Grace of India where we’ll order samosas and butter chicken. Also Trio Thai where we love the peanut noodle chicken.
If we’ve got guests in town, we take them to… So Cal in Neutral Bay. Great vibes and delicious share food with a cute courtyard. We also love Street Kitchen Asian Tapas in Kirribilli for something a bit different with BYO wine.
Our ideal day in the area would consist of… a stroll to the Grumpy Baker near Anderson Park for coffees and fresh sourdough then on to Cremorne Reserve for a swim at MacCallum pool. A nap at home is essential then Taffy’s to watch rugby union. We’d end up at the Cremorne Orpheum for a film or the Foxtrot in Crows Nest for a cocktail (or two!)
The three ways we’d describe this area are… friendly, beautiful, convenient. We can get to the city, the beach or work in less than half an hour.
The thing about living in this area we love the most is… seeing the harbour every day. We feel so grateful we’re so close to what lots of people come on holiday to experience!
WEBSITE: www.anchorrestaurant.com.au
BOOKINGS: 9922 2996
ADDRESS: 4/118 Alfred Street South, Milsons Point - North SYDNEY 2061
for
OPEN 7 DAYS 5:00pm - 11:30pm TAKE AWAY and PICKUP or DELIVERY
