Welcome to the very first issue of northsider – your insider’s guide to all the local area’s best bits. Published quarterly, we’re produced for locals, by locals and we’re excited about celebrating the inspiring people and special places in our vibrant and iconic neighbourhoods.
You’ll find us in your letterbox and at a number of lovely local businesses too. We’re also available in the guest rooms at North Sydney Harbourview Hotel so that visitors to the area can find out just why us locals are so passionate about where we live, work and play.
We’d love to hear what you think, so do get in touch hello@northsider.com.au
LOCAL LEGENDS
HEAVEN on
Celebrating 128 years in 2019, the Sydney Flying Squadron has one of the richest histories in the sailing world. northsider met with Club Commodore Billy Loader and Club Historian and sailing legend John ‘Steamer’ Stanley to discover more about this local icon…
It’s Saturday afternoon and Sydney Harbour is sparkling. In a flurry of sea spray, the gleaming 18ft hull of Yendys, a replica of a historic skiff, cuts through the waves. The crew of eight moves together, their expertise allowing the boat to reach breathtaking speeds of up to 20 knots (37kmph), as Port Jackson’s other famous sails at the Opera House flash past.
“Out on the harbour with your mates, having a laugh… it’s the ride of your life!” smiles Billy Loader.
A fleet of 11 such skiffs belongs to the Sydney Flying Squadron and races on the harbour every Saturday in summer. Affectionately known as ‘the squaddy’, the club was founded by department store entrepreneur Mark Foy in 1891. Situated at the end of Careening Cove in Kirribilli, it’s the oldest open boat sailing club in Sydney.
Foy’s goal was to make the sport accessible to everyone, regardless of background, bank balance or ability.
“Foy just loved boats,” John ‘Steamer’ Stanley says. “He had one of the first power boats in Sydney and we believe he built and sailed one of the first racing catamarans in the world. He wanted the public to enjoy it too.”
Not everyone agreed with Foy’s egalitarian approach. The sailing establishment banned the squaddy’s boats from the 1892 National Regatta, claiming their coloured sails encouraged gambling and spoilt the look of the harbour’s sailing scene.
Instead of changing tack with the design, which he’d created so spectators on shore could identify the boats, Foy started his own regatta. The squaddy’s regatta drew the biggest crowd the harbour had ever seen for a sailing event.
After that, families would pack a picnic and head to watch the boats every weekend, with up to 30,000 people lining the harbour. A further 7,000 would take to the waves on spectator ferries. The atmosphere even caused one to capsize when passengers rushed to watch an exhilarating race moment.
Foy’s ‘built from an idea and volunteers’ ethos continues today, with the club welcoming newcomers with open arms.
“Sailing is seen as elitist, but anyone can come here,” says Billy. “It’s an important part of the culture of the club that it’s open to everyone.” >>
Squad goals: Billy, left, and ‘Steamer’
earth
The club’s skiffs are part of the harbour’s history
“SAILING IS SEEN AS ELITIST, BUT ANYONE CAN COME HERE – IT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CULTURE OF THE CLUB THAT IT’S OPEN TO EVERYONE”
LOCAL LEGENDS
Sailing is “the ride of your life!”
The club’s regattas drew huge crowds
“I was born with dislocated hips,” Steamer adds. “I couldn’t play footie but I could sail. If a kid off the street can’t get the opportunity to sail then the sport’s lost the plot.
“When I first went out on one of the skiffs, we hit a ferry wash and put the spinnaker up, and I just thought, ‘Wow! How good is this?’”
Billy and Steamer speak with pride about the club’s great members, including Billy Barnett – “a legend, he won bloody everything” – and late Clean Up Australia pioneer Ian Kiernan, who referred to the squaddy as “heaven on earth”.
And the camaraderie extends to the shore.
“In the winter, it was like a men’s shed,
Who was Mark Foy?
Born in 1865, Mark Foy was an entrepreneur. He opened Mark Foy’s department store on Oxford Street in Sydney in 1885 and the Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains in 1904. Married twice, he had four children and died in 1950 aged 85.
everyone boat building together,” Billy says.
It’s the passion and dedication to these iconic boats that’s preserved this special part of Sydney Harbour’s sailing history. It’s also seen some members need to do some urgent renovations.
“When Reg Barrington built Tangalooma in his lounge room, he had to remove the wall to get the boat out,” Steamer explains.
Today, there’s no need to pack a picnic.
The squaddy clubhouse now has an excellent waterfront bar, restaurant and cafe, run by Bird & Bear’s Adam and Emma Marshall.
A spectator ferry still takes to the waves every Saturday too. The action’s just as thrilling as it was all those years ago – and the ferry is a lot more OH&S compliant!
“This is traditional, grass-roots sailing,” Billy says. “It’s back to basics and celebrates a proud heritage on Sydney Harbour. It’s also a lot of fun.
“Go on the ferry, see the boats up close and then we’ll take you out, get that spinnaker up and fly down the harbour,” he continues, a glint in his eye. “There’s no feeling like it.”
Mark Foy would be proud. l
The Squaddy is home of the famous Sydney Harbour sailing skiff class, the historic 18-footers.
Give sailing a go, follow the fleet on the Spectator Ferry, enjoy the Clubhouse facilities, bring a guest to Foys Kirribilli or just relax in the Boardroom filled with our history.
We have an extensive social calendar with events to appeal to all tastes, including regular live music entertainment
R e s t a u r a n t
Foys offers the very best of casual dining showcasing the iconic beauty of Sydney Harbour while embracing the hive of the north shore working waterfront.
A La Carte Menu
Daily Specials
Group Bookings
Functions & Events
Happy Hour 4-7pm
Kids Eat Free 5-6pm
*Conditions Apply
Be a part of something special! Become a Sailing or Social member for half price from 1st December.
Exciting promotions, discounts and benefits are available to our members throughout the week
Join today and support the oldest open boat Sailing Club in Australia.
objects of desire
Discover these local treasures just around the corner
Jones & Co Freestyle Vase, $90
objects of desire
Discover these local treasures just around the corner
Ottolenghi Simple cookbook, $49.99 Blues Point Bookshop
Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner, 250ml, $35.95 each Wild Life Hair 20 Alfred Street, Milsons Point
Karen Walker Tropics Sunglasses in Crazy Tort, $290 Invision Eyecare Bay 9, 6 Middlemiss Street, Lavender Bay
‘Golden Wattle’ limited-edition A3 print, $125 Isabelle Boreham at Kirribilli Markets, Milsons Point
local market made locally
150
Glasshouse Fragrances Candle in Bora Bora, 350g, $40 Rapture Living 150 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
Sol Glass Bottle, $46 (includes bottle brush and canvas bag) Rapture Living
Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
Coco Marc De Champagne Truffles, $25 Coco Chocolate 12/3a-9b Broughton Street, Kirribilli
The Everleigh Bottling Company Classic Cocktail Gift Set, $62 Le Pont Wine Store 2/110 Alfred Street, Milsons Point
Four
ART AND ABOUT
It’s not just the natural beauty of the area that’s eye-catching. There’s plenty of art on the streets too…
Named after local artist Peter Kingston, classic comic book characters line this pretty path in Lavender Bay. Look out for Boofhead, The Magic Pudding and Bib and Bub to name just a few.
This reserve at the end of Middle Street isn’t really much more than a bench. But take a seat, because this very view – minus Barangaroo –was the inspiration for many of Lloyd Rees’ harbour drawings.
Signal box art, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Keep an eye out and you’ll spot art on traffic signal boxes dotted around the harbour suburbs. Each one’s the result of a collaboration between artists and community groups.
Foxie, BRADFIELD
MILSONS POINT
This unassuming statue of a life-size terrier sits on top of the Broomfield Memorial Drinking Fountain in Bradfield Park. The bronze pooch was created to celebrate the Harbour Bridge’s 75th anniversary. Why a dog? The fountain commemorates Jessie Broomfield, who bequeathed money to Sydney dogs’ homes and requested that public parks have fountains with troughs for pups to drink from.
A gift to NSW from the Swiss Government and the Swiss Australian Community to mark the 2000 Sydney Olympics, this rusted structure contains Olympic rings made from parts of an old train and rivets from a bridge in Switzerland.
ABOUT
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, LAVENDER BAY
The Jacaranda House, CARABELLA ST, KIRRIBILLI
Newly painted at the time of press, this mural celebrates the area’s jacarandas. It’s the work of Charlie Hudson, an Australian-American artist. While we don’t know if the piece is permanent, it’s a pretty tribute to the trees.
5 North Sydney Olympic Pool, MILSONS POINT
6 The art deco building was opened in 1936 and features frogs, seagulls and dolphins carved into the walls.
Natural beauty and artwork combine in this harbourside gem. A frolicking cupid fountain, which belonged to one-time McMahons Point resident artist Margaret Olley, and an elegant bronze head by artist Joel Elenberg are among the artworks that welcome you to the green space. And hidden among the plants there’s also smaller pieces to be discovered, such as the statue of Hindu god Ganesha and the garden gnomes.
SIZE MATTERS
Easy
expert tips and tricks to make a space-starved apartment feel more like a palace
With new apartments popping up all over North Sydney and a 17-square-metre studio in Kirribilli selling for $475,000 in October 2018, space is at a premium. McMahons Point resident and interior design guru Karen Akers of Designed by Karen Akers has 20 years of design experience. Her work was included in the Australian House & Garden Top 50 Rooms for 2018 and here she shares her best interior tips to help make the most of what you have without breaking the bank.
Space savers
“Maximise your storage and try to minimise clutter,” Karen suggests. By building in cupboards and shelving, you can make the most of the space you have. “Choose cupboards that are the same colour as the walls to make them appear to disappear,” Karen continues.
Reflect on what you’ve
got
Use natural light to create a fresh and open aspect to your room. “Oversize mirrors work well and if you’re renting, you can stand them on the floor,” Karen says. “Use them to reflect and enlarge the view.” A glass coffee table can also help with the light flow of the room.
Raise the game
Look for furniture that has legs to lift it
up so it’s not sitting flush to the floor.
“Furniture such as sofas and chairs that touch the floor have a heavier look,” Karen says. “Raised furniture gives a room a sense of light and space.”
Keep it light
Your colour scheme should be simple and don’t get too handy with the paint brush.
“Use a minimal colour palette and go for a muted white or grey,” Karen advises. “Stick with a palette that blends and sits harmoniously. Apartments are often flooded with light, especially by the water, so neutrals are a good choice, as well as pale blue and green.”
Go large
Kitchens and bathrooms can benefit from this simple suggestion.
“If you are going to be renovating, look for oversize or large floor tiles,” Karen says. “They deceive the eye and make the room look and feel bigger.” l
“APARTMENTS ARE OFTEN FLOODED WITH LIGHT SO NEUTRAL COLOURS ARE A GOOD CHOICE, AS WELL AS PALE BLUE AND GREEN”
PHOTOS: THOMAS DALHOFF
MATTERS
Linen throws are a nice addition to a sofa. They add texture and are handy when the nights are cooler. Try muted tones or pastels.
Oversize floor lanterns for balconies add ambience and can be used with tea lights and mosquito candles.
New cushions for your outdoor furniture can update your entire backyard without having to get a new setting. The ‘ice-cream’ palette is popular or look for greens and blues as they don’t really date and always look lovely outside.
Bring foliage and fresh flowers inside the home. Flowers are like artwork, completely personal. Choose something that means something to you. Jasmine reminds me of my childhood so I like to snip some and have it in the bathroom.
To find more out about Designed by Karen Akers go to karenakers.com.au
WIN! Dinner for two
at North Sydney Harbourview Hotel
We’ve got a $100 voucher up for grabs for one lucky reader of northsider to spend at LB’s Restaurant or Blues Bar at North Sydney Harbourview Hotel. You could enjoy a delicious à la carte meal for two while taking in iconic views across the harbour, or make a selection from the wine list and get comfortable as you enjoy live music in the lobby.
Head to your favourite spot in the local area and take a photo that includes this issue of northsider
Upload your picture to Instagram, tell us in 25 words or fewer where you are and why you love that place. Include #mynorthsider and make sure you’re following @northsidersydney and @northsydneyharbourviewhotel.
No social media? No worries! Simply email your photo and caption to hello@northsider.com.au. Include your name, address and phone number in the message.
The lucky winner will be announced on 1 March 2019. Good luck!
DECEMBER
TWILIGHT FOOD FAIR Also on 14 December and every Friday from 11 January. Head to Civic Park on Miller Street, North Sydney, for alfresco international eats and live music. This week Sydney trio Suede will be on entertainment duty.
15
NORTHSIDE PRODUCE MARKET Final farmers’ market at Civic Park before Christmas! Get your festive goodies, including Christmas trees, artisan cheeses and smoked seafood.
CAROLS UNDER THE BRIDGE Head to Bradfield Park for Christmas carolling with Opera House views. The live music starts at 5pm with a camel parade and plenty of kids’ activities planned. Bring a picnic or visit one of the food stalls. 7 9
KIRRIBILLI ART, DESIGN & FASHION MARKET
The perfect Christmas present hunting ground! Find something for those tricky-to-buy-for relatives and pick up a bargain or two for yourself at the fashion stalls. Visit Burton Street Tunnel, Milsons Point.
SYDNEY TO HOBART
Watch the boats head off to the start line from McMahons Point Reserve, Bradfield Park and Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve. 15
12 BLUES POINT HOTEL TRIVIA AND $15 CURRY NIGHT Free to play and prizes to be won bluespointhotel.com.au
13 CHILDREN’S AFTER-SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CRAFT From 3-5pm at Stanton Library northsydney.nsw.gov.au
23 KIRRIBILLI CLUB $20 COCKTAIL JUGS Four to choose from; all day Saturday and Sunday kirribilliclub.com.au
26 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sydney Harbour’s iconic NYE celebration. Visit sydneynewyearseve. com for more info on vantage points and local dos and don’ts.
JANUARY
PETER GRIFFEN WORKSHOP: FREE FORM PAINTING Three-day workshop on still life. To book visit royalart.com.au
15 19
SUNSET CINEMA
Enjoy films under the stars at North Sydney Oval. Tonight is a celebration of Queen and their lead singer, Freddie Mercury, in movie Bohemian Rhapsody. You can sing along as loud as you like! Head to sunsetcinema.com.au for season program and tickets. 17
BASTILLE AT BIG TOP SYDNEY, LUNA PARK
One of the world’s top bands at Milsons Point bigtopsydney.com
THE BIG TIME, ENSEMBLE THEATRE
Penned by David Williamson, this clever, stylish satirical comedy is set in the ruthless world of celebrity. A razor-sharp must-see. Tickets available at ensemble.com.au
BRETT AND WENDY… A LOVE STORY BOUND BY ART Lavender Bay goes to Parramatta in this theatre event that’s part of the Sydney Festival. Go to sydneyfestival.org.au to book tickets. Show creator Kim Carpenter and Wendy Whiteley will be attending a free artist talk on the 20th. Worth the trip. 18
20 COMMODORE HOTEL ACOUSTIC SESSIONS From 2-5pm every Sunday commodorehotel.com.au
24 SUSIE MURPHIE WATERCOLOUR BOOTCAMP Two-day painting class. To book visit royalart.com.au
FEBRUARY
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Luna Park. As well as all the usual thrills of the fair, there’s also the added excitement of traditional lion dancing every night at 8pm. 1
16
3
LIVE MUSIC Enjoy some Sunday sounds from 2pm at The Botanist in Kirribilli. Live acoustic music and $20 jugs of sangria – perfect for a chilled afternoon.
SYDNEY FLYING SQUADRON
SPECTATOR FERRY Take to the water on the historic Rosman ferry and get a frontrow seat to the skiff racing action on Sydney Harbour. Go to sydneyflyingsquadron. com.au to book.
14
VALENTINE’S
DAY
There’s so many ways to romance your loved one locally. Sunset Cinema in North Sydney has a special screening planned to enjoy under the stars. Looking to wine and dine? aqua dining has an à la carte four-course dinner for $135pp, which includes the million-dollar harbour views. Milsons Park and Quibaree Park are both beautiful spots for a picnic if you prefer to DIY.
21
NOVEL WRITING ESSENTIALS This eight-week course at the Australian Writers’ Centre will give you the tools you need to get that novel started. Go to writerscentre.com.au for more details.
3 SUNDAY SUNSET MUSIC SESSIONS –
MIRIAM LIEBERMAN, North Sydney Community Centre, inside Civic Park at 220 Miller Street. Book tickets at northsydneycentre.com.au
3 WEAVING SCULPTURE CLASS Explore your creativity. Book at northsydneycentre.com.au
10 HOMEBREWING CLASS Two-week beermaking class. Book at northsydneycentre.com.au
BOWLED OVER
“I love this smoothie because it’s a good balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats) and not too high in sugar like some can be. The cinnamon also helps to balance blood sugar levels to keep energy stable throughout the day.”
Life’s all about balance for Health Science and Nutrition graduate and Kirribilli food blogger Amelia Kay. The 25-year-old regularly wows her 6,000+ Instagram followers with goodness-packed smoothie bowls, healthy desserts and meal ideas. Here, she shares some clever food swaps, how long it takes to get a dish #instafamous and what ingredients should be on your 2019 shopping list.
ns: Why did you start an Instagram account for all your recipes?
Amelia: I’ve always loved cooking and the account came naturally through me documenting what I cooked. I studied nutrition so most of my recipes are healthy and nutritionally balanced –however I do love cooking and eating the odd indulgence! I wanted to show how quick and easy healthy eating can be.
ns: How long does it take to create the beautiful dishes?
Amelia: It depends on the recipe but something simple like a smoothie bowl takes a couple of minutes to whiz up and maybe about five minutes to decorate and photograph. I keep things
quick as I usually make them before work when I’m in a rush. ns: If someone was looking to improve their diet in January, what would you suggest?
Amelia: I love the idea of swapping rather than taking things away. It’s so much more maintainable and achievable. To add fibre and stay fuller for longer, swap refined grains such as white bread and rice for wholegrains such as brown or wild rice, wholewheat pasta, quinoa or buckwheat. To reduce saturated fat and increase omega 3, swap a few serves of red meat for fish, such as barramundi, snapper or salmon. And to still enjoy a tipple but skip the cals, swap your glass of wine or beer for a clear spirit with soda water and lime, or a wine spritzer. ns: What ingredients will you be experimenting with in 2019?
Amelia: I love chickpea flour as it makes such a great base for pizza or falafel while also being gluten-free. I also make raw desserts using cacao butter – it tastes so creamy and decadent. I’m excited about green banana flour too as it contains resistant starch – great for gut health. l
Amelia’s insider tips
Where are your favourite foodie spots in the area? I love Billi’s Cafe in McMahons Point for breakfast on weekends. They have so many options – both healthy and decadent. Bacino in Kirribilli is my regular coffee haunt and I love The Botanist for dinner and drinks as the menu is fresh and seasonal.
Mango mint smoothie bowl
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 serve vanilla protein powder (I used White Wolf Vanilla Vegan)
1 cheek fresh mango, chopped into cubes, or ½ cup frozen mango cubes
1 Blend all smoothie ingredients except crushed ice on high until smooth.
2 Add crushed ice and blend again until smooth but with a thick consistency.
3 Pour smoothie into bowl and decorate with toppings of choice.
4 Enjoy!
What do you like best about living in the neighbourhood? The beautiful harbour walks around Kirribilli and Lavender Bay. Nothing beats a sunset stroll past Luna Park! I also love the variety of cafes and the amazing community. It’s wonderful to go for coffee and chat to like-minded people.
DELICIOUS Blooming
northsider serves up some of the secrets behind The Botanist’s best dishes
Since opening its doors six years ago, Kirribilli venue The Botanist has grown to become one of the top drinking and dining spots on the lower north shore. The roots of this success are the menus, which feature clever creations and seasonal ingredients. So what should we order?
“The Salmon Tail is our signature dish,” says General Manager Matty Vickery. “We source Ora King salmon from a local distributor and use a part of the fish that’s usually discarded. The tail is very meaty and moist due to it being always in use on the fish. We marinate it overnight with chermoula – a fragrant North African herb and spice mix – and lightly char for texture and flavour.”
The dish is then served up with smashed chickpeas, pickled baby cucumber and yoghurt.
When it comes to cocktails, Sour Grapes is the go-to. “We use BarSol Pisco from Peru made from pisco grapes in the Valley of Ica,” explains Matty. “Pisco uses four grape varieties to gain its exquisite flavour – Muscat, Torontel, Albilla
and Moscatel. We then hard shake over ice with fresh lemon juice, aquafaba – the liquid used to soak legumes – tonic and our homemade red wine and cherry syrup.” The cocktail is served in a rocks glass with cherry dust sprinkled on top.
Gin is the top spirit of choice for locals. And when it comes to vino? Shiraz is number one.
“Dune Shiraz is a new addition to our menu but has taken our other wines by storm!” Matty says. “The 2017 vintage from Blewitt Springs in the McLaren Vale has dark fruit, floral notes with a well-balanced tannin level. The chalky soil where the grapes are grown gives this wine a medium body, perfect if you can’t decide between a heavy or light red.” l
GIN IS THE TOP SPIRIT FOR LOCALS. AND WHEN IT COMES TO VINO? SHIRAZ IS NUMBER ONE
The venue’s signature dish: The Salmon Tail
Most popular cocktail: Strawberry Fields
A very light, fruity cocktail – perfect for a hot, summer day in Sydney. We blend vodka, lime, strawberries and lemongrass into a drinkable delight. Served in a Nick & Nora glass with a lemongrass garnish.
Most popular dish: Grilled octopus with blackened onion puree, sugar snaps and tomato
Manager’s choice “Our chargrilled chicken thigh. Marinated in smoked paprika, garlic and sugar, we chargrill it skin-side down so the skin is crispy and the sugar in the marinade caramelises. It’s served with wholesome mixed grains and whipped buttermilk, and balances sweet, salty and smoky.”
northsider’s
picks
Espresso martini
A Kirribilli classic. The Bloody G&T
Flour Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin (made from shiraz grapes soaked in gin. Yes, really.) and Fever Tree lemon tonic. Bloody delicious. Fried cauliflower, tahini yoghurt, pomegranate
and smoked almonds Too good to share. Smoked buffalo mozzarella, macerated peach, lemon thyme and honey
Not your regular cheese plate. Sampled the whole menu already? Newly opened CBD sister venue, Bopp and Tone, is worth a trip over the bridge.
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.
OH HEY Gamay!
Why this easy-drinking red should be your newest go-to summer tipple
After four years of living in Japan in the late 1980s, I came back to Australia with a thirst for a moderate red wine, especially in summer. I found that full-bodied red wines were just too much for the traditional Japanese dishes I came to love. But I also quickly found that not everything went ideally with white wine either. Sake was the traditional alternative. But I wanted a wine!
Well, I soon found the answer was Beaujolais, France’s iconic ‘in-between’ wine – so called because it sits right between the tight and tannic reds of Bordeaux and the bolder Rhône
“THE
WINES HAVE CHERRY AND BERRY AROMAS AND FLAVOURS, AND AN EXPRESSIVE FINISH”
reds. It’s the region’s signature grape variety, Gamay, and the traditional whole grape carbonic maceration fermentation process, with minimum skin and seed contact, that makes the difference. The wines have fresh cherry and berry aromas, a gentle mid-palate with soft tannins and an elegantly expressive savoury finish.
Beaujolais producers jumped into the Japanese market with great zeal in the 1980s and before long had created a seasonal social theme with Beaujolais Nouveau, the fresh, early release style put out in autumn each year. It won hearts and palates so convincingly that Japan became the largest market for Beaujolais outside France. This remained the case until just last year when it was slightly pipped by the US.
So, if Americans are being turned on by the Gamay style, why aren’t we? Especially given the prevalence of Japanese food in Australia.
Well, friends, Gamay is on the way!
The story of Aussie Gamay began in the mid1980s when Chris and Robyn Pfeiffer took over a vineyard in Rutherglen, Vic, that had dormant Gamay vines. They decided to give it a go as a sole varietal release - and it worked! The 2018 Gamay is their 34th release and with a growing bunch of staunch followers, has required new vineyard plantings. More recently, the variety has captured broader industry and consumer interest and there are now at least 40 Australian wineries producing Gamay wines. The wine goes so well with a broad range of traditional Japanese dishes. It’s good with deep-fried food, such as tempura and karaage, and it suits elegant teppanyaki meat perfectly. The flavours work with sushi and sashimi, particularly dark blue-skinned fish with a slightly oily touch, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, and anything with a teriyaki sauce. Gamay also goes well with Thai dishes. And, best of all, it’s a perfect warm day lunch wine. Cheers! l
Summer REDS
The Aussie original 2018
Pfeiffer Gamay, $18, is like a full-bodied rosé, with cherry and berry aromas and flavours, soft tannins giving midpalate weight and a dry, savoury finish. It can be slightly chilled, and opens up with a bit of air.
Available at Pfeiffer Wines, pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au
The fruity number 2016
Chateau de Pizay, $27.99, is an interesting and affordable Beaujolais – deep ruby colour, with fresh cherry aromas, gentle fruit impressions on mid-palate and a tight finish that lingers. Best to open early and let it breathe.
Available at Chambers Cellars, 121 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
The local legend 2017
Sorrenberg Gamay, $55, is a locally available example of this variety – bright ruby colour with vibrant cherry and plum aromas and an elegantly expressive finish with attractive fruit tones. This biodynamic winery, in Beechworth, Vic, is another early adopter of Gamay in Australia.
Available at Le Pont Wine Store, 2/110 Alfred St, Milsons Point
THE POWER
WOMEN IN SIERRA LEONE ARE 200 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE IN CHILDBIRTH THAN WOMEN IN AUSTRALIA, AND 11,000 NEWBORNS DIE EVERY YEAR
Aminata is on a crusade to prevent infant mortality
Aminata in Sierra Leone
of hope
Aminata and her family
From a desk in Lavender Bay, Aminata Conteh-Biger is changing – and saving –the lives of thousands of women and children more than 16,000 kilometres away
Nineteen years ago, Aminata ContehBiger didn’t understand what Australia was, let alone imagine she’d one day be the CEO of a charity headquartered on Sydney’s harbourside. “I just wanted to come to a country where I felt safe,” she remembers.
Originally from Sierra Leone in West Africa, Aminata’s life was changed forever by the brutal civil war that raged from 1991 to 2002. At the age of just 18, she was kidnapped by rebel soldiers. Held captive for several months, she was raped and used as a human shield. Aminata was freed in exchange for food and became the first female refugee from Sierra Leone to arrive in Australia.
Building a life for herself in Sydney, Aminata, 38, met and fell in love with her now husband, Antoine. It was the complicated delivery of the couple’s first child, daughter Sarafina, that inspired Aminata’s maternal rights crusade. With seven doctors on hand to ensure both she and her bub were safe and healthy, Aminata quickly realised they both would have likely died if they’d been in Sierra Leone. She was horrified to discover it’s one of the worst places in the world to become a mother.
Women are 200 times more likely to die in childbirth than women in Australia, with five dying every day due to pregnancy-related issues, and 11,000 newborns die every year.
Even if mum and baby survive, women face the risk of fistula, a preventable and treatable condition caused by prolonged labour that can result in incontinence and even paralysis.
“I can’t change what happened to me in Sierra Leone,” Aminata says. “But this is something that I can change.”
With the help of a passionate team of supporters, Aminata, who lives locally with Antoine, Sarafina, six, and son Matisse, five, set up the Aminata Maternal Foundation.
Now in its third year, the charity is going from strength to strength. Australian donations have helped fund more than 2,000 safe births at the Aberdeen Women’s Centre, the foundation’s partner organisation in Sierra Leone.
“We’re a small charity and it means you see the difference your donation makes, no matter how big or small,” Aminata explains. “For example, a regular monthly donation of just $30 allows five children to be seen by the team at the Aberdeen Women’s Centre.
“Infant mortality is preventable,” she continues. “I encourage everyone to reach out to us, to donate and help spread the word. We can all be part of changing these statistics.”
With a schools’ project and a major awareness campaign lined up, as well as Orange Is The New Black star Yael Stone announcing her support of the foundation to her one million social media followers, 2019 looks set to be the AMF’s biggest year yet. And it’s all being done locally.
“The best thing about this area is absolutely the people,” Aminata smiles. “There’s a wonderful feeling of community and a sense of warmth and kindness that’s impossible to describe. I just love it.” l
[EATS WITH A VIEW]
Celsius Coffee Co
Get to this on-the-water eatery early. The prime position at Kirribilli Wharf coupled with the insta-worthy dishes – the waffle with berries and peanut butter cream, and the super-greens brekkie with sautéed kale and runny poachies – means tables fill up fast. There’s often a line snaking up to Holbrook Avenue, all waiting patiently for the morning’s caffeine hit. $$
A Kirribilli Wharf, Holbrook Avenue, Kirribilli, NSW 2061 W celsiuscoffeeco.com.au
Lavendra
Seasonal Australian produce combines with Indian cuisine at one of the newest harbourside gems. Head Chef Inderpreet even uses herbs and vegies from his own garden in his dishes! Feast on venison samosas, butter chicken with roasted macadamia and cardamom cannoli – all while drinking in views of the harbour. $$$ BYO wine only; corkage $5 per person
A 5 Walker Street, Lavender Bay, NSW 2060 P 9922 2787 W lavendra.com.au
Ripples
Enjoy a front-row view as you dine almost right underneath the coathanger. While the harbour goes about its business, you can choose from dishes that range from traditional roast lamb shoulder and potatoes to more experimental pork belly with leek, puffed quinoa, caramelised peach, buttermilk and tomato powder. $$$ BYO corkage $12 per bottle A Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, NSW 2061 P 9929 7722 W ripplesmilsonspoint.com.au
The Blues Point Hotel Rooftop Terrace
The bistro at this 154-year-old hotel proudly serves up modern pub food. Award-winning chef Nitin Ruprai’s curry of the day is the perfect spicy accompaniment to an ice-cold schooner. Take your meal and drinks to the rooftop for sunset views of Berrys Bay – the pretty terrace is one of the neighbourhood’s best kept secrets! $$
A 116 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point, NSW 2060 P 9955 2675 W bluespointhotel.com
Seven workout trends you could be tackling harbourside in 2019
FUTURE FITNESS
Fit tech
Wearable health and fitness monitors, such as Fitbits and Apple Watches, are making personalising workouts and tracking progress easier than ever. Count calories, track sleep patterns, blast motivating music on your run, which of course is being recorded on your Nike+ app… Expect to see more apps and increased functionality from your digital workout friends.
HIIT is still hot
High intensity interval training, or HIIT, is set to continue in popularity. These speedy sessions consist of short bursts of intense exercise followed by even shorter rests. They raise your heart and metabolic rate, so you keep burning fat even when you’re back on the lounge.
Rowing is the new Spinning
Low impact, high intensity and unrelenting, rowing offers an effective full-body workout that engages major muscle groups. Expect to see classes, where you row in a team or as part of a HIIT or circuits session, at a gym near you very soon.
Don’t make a splash!
It’s all about balance as workouts move from the shore to the water. Think yoga or Pilates on a surfboard-style floating platform. As well as performing the traditional exercises, you’ll focus on engaging that core to stay out of the drink. Some floating fitness classes can already be found on the timetable at Norths Fitness in Cammeray.
Lunge it out
Ditch the dumbbells and use bodyweight training to build those biceps instead. Exercises that use your own weight as resistance, such as squats, press-ups and lunges, can be done anywhere and don’t need any equipment.
Ninja fitness
Expect to be climbing, crawling and commando-rolling in all-out obstacle course-style workouts, inspired by TV shows like Australian Ninja Warrior and assault course races such as Tough Mudder.
Brain training
2019 will see more emphasis on using your brain as well as your brawn as you get active. Focus on working out smarter not harder and exercise for wellness and positive mental health not just for muscles. l
northsider’s
TOUGHEST STAIR RUNS
MARGARET STREET
NUMBER OF STEPS: 103 + slopes
DIFFICULTY: Very, very stair-y
LAVENDER BAY STEPS
NUMBER OF STEPS: 238 + slopes
DIFFICULTY: Step-tacularly tough
McMAHONS POINT FERRY PATH
NUMBER OF STEPS: 39 + slopes
DIFFICULTY: A stair-mare
LUNA PARK
NUMBER OF STEPS: 53
DIFFICULTY: Step it up!
PUZZLES
The Village Quiz
1. In what year did the Sydney Harbour Bridge open?
2. Which street in Kirribilli is famous for its jacaranda trees?
3. In what year did Northern Suburbs Rugby FC last win a first grade premiership?
4. Who, in 1964, set a then world record at North Sydney Olympic pool in the 100m women’s freestyle with a time of 58.9 seconds?
5. The name Kirribilli is derived from an aboriginal word meaning what?
6. Name the epic 1950s Luna Park ride where gravity pulls you against the wall.
7. Which famous Australian architect designed Blues Point Tower?
8. Where did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle call home for their recent four-day stay in Sydney?
9 What nickname do locals give to The Commodore Hotel?
10. Name the all-boys school in Kirribilli.
SUDOKU Slot the numbers 1 to 9 into every horizontal line, vertical row and 3 x 3 square.
Local’s last word.
Anja Cohen, 28, lives in Lavender Bay and works in marketing for a travel company
My favourite place for coffee… has to be Bacino in North Sydney and Kirribilli. They do the best coffee and are so friendly.
The best meal I’ve ever had in the area… That’s a tough one! I’d say Piato in McMahons Point. Perfect for brunching with friends.
If I want to have a fancy cocktail… I’ll head to The Botanist for an amazing Espresso Martini. Their live music on Sundays is great too.
My fave local takeaway… has to be Anchor Café and Restaurant in Milsons Point. The pizzas are delicious and
such good value. And if you do dine in, you get a surprise port at the end of your meal. ALWAYS goes down a treat!
If I want a quick drink after work… I go to Small Bar in Kirribilli. The wine selection is good… and their guacamole is heaven.
When I’ve got a day off I… grab a good book and my sunscreen and head to North Sydney Olympic Pool to swim and chill out.
My go-to place to be pampered… has to be the award-winning Miller & Green hairdressers. Love getting my hair done by
The three words I use to describe this area are… idyllic, location and community
When I’m winding down I… stroll around Lavender Bay and over the Harbour Bridge
Derek and always feel a million dollars walking out of the salon.
If I’ve got guests in town… I’ll take them to Berrys Bay to check out the view. How amazing are the sunsets around here?
My favourite secret spot… is the rooftop at Blues Point Hotel. Perfect for watching the sunset on date night.
