Escape to a world of luxury & adventure at Jamala, where just one night could be the most unforgettable 22 hours of your life, filled with breathtaking wildlife encounters and indulgent experiences!
Want to share the experience? Bring your family or friends!
Can’t decide where to stay? Mix it up! Try two (or even three) different accomodation styles for a truly unique getaway.
The hardest part will be choosing your favourite!
uShaka Lemur Room
Giraffe Treehouse
Tiger Jungle Bungalow
uShaka Reef Room
CANBERRA
Welcome to the Winter issue of northsider magazine! As the temperature drops, it’s time to rug up and enjoy the warmth of local life on the northside. We’ve packed this issue with familiar faces, fresh discoveries, inspiring stories, hidden gems and plenty more. And if you’ve missed an edition of your fave local mag, good news! All of our back issues are available online at northsider.com.au
‘continuing spirit into tomorrow’ Ava Muir’s work, which was on display at Westfield Hornsby, uses a combination of traditional symbols and modern variations to express the complexities of belonging as well as the realities of racism, with a particular focus on those who don’t fit the stereotypical notions of Aboriginality
Akwete Murrup-Yirramboi
connection
Meet the Hornsby teen sharing culture through contemporary art
From designing livery for a V8 Supercar to seeing her work on the Blues Wheelchair Basketball team jerseys and on display in the middle of her local shopping centre, First Nations artist Ava Muir’s practice goes straight to the heart of the community.
At just 18 years old, the proud Wurundjeri and Arrernte woman and Hornsby Shire local is emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting young Indigenous creatives.
Her art, which explores identity, resilience and community, is in demand across public spaces and has been recognised with multiple honours, including the NSW Schools Reconciliation Challenge in 2023 and 2022, and the 2025 Beecroft Rotary Youth Award for Young Creator of the Year.
Remarkably, her artistic journey only began four years ago while at school at Loreto Normanhurst.
“The first time I expressed my culture and story with art was during my Aboriginal
“I DON’T JUST WANT PEOPLE TO LOOK AT MY WORK...I WANT THEM TO FEEL IT, TO MOVE THROUGH IT”
Studies class in Year Nine,” Ava says. “My family culture had been lost over the years and it was hard to connect in a lot of ways. When I started to paint, it came very naturally to me to share stories. I was the first person in my family for generations to connect with that heritage. Since then, I’ve been able to help teach my mum, so we can connect to culture together.”
By Year 10, Ava was developing more complex works rooted in cultural storytelling. She won the High School prize for the 2023 Schools Reconciliation Challenge with her work, ‘altyerre areme’, meaning ‘to dream about’ in her language. The piece shows the
“IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO ME TO KEEP TEACHING PEOPLE ABOUT CULTURE, TO BREAK DOWN STEREOTYPES”
loss of culture First Nations peoples have had to experience due to colonisation and the Stolen Generations, while also offering hope for the bright future of bringing culture back.
“It is my dream to not be discriminated against and to bring life back to my culture, so it flourishes again,” Ava says. “This would allow future generations to experience the longest-surviving culture in the world. The piece shows the strength and determination that First Nations peoples possess in bringing back what has been lost and never giving up.”
When her designs were translated on to a V8 Supercar for the Indigenous Round in Darwin and Townsville, her work shifted from intimate storytelling to high-speed, national visibility.
“It was surreal,” she says. “I’ve seen art on cars before but seeing mine like that, it felt really different. It was fun, but also really meaningful to reach people who might
L to R: Ava’s artwork on driver Chaz Mostert’s V8 Supercar for the Indigenous Round; her pieces on display at Westfield Hornsby last year; in the process of painting her artwork Akwete Murrup-Yirramboi; artist Ava Muir.
not know much about Aboriginal culture. Suddenly they’re seeing it everywhere.”
That sense of reach arrived closer to home last year when Westfield Hornsby featured a display of her work for NAIDOC Week.
“To see something so personal in a place I go all the time, and have people recognising it…my friends sending me photos…that was a wow moment,” Ava says.
The featured piece, titled ‘Akwete Murrup-Yirramboi’, meaning “continuing spirit into tomorrow’’ in both Arrernte and Wurundjeri woi wurrung languages, is an exploration of what it means to be an Indigenous person with lighter skin, navigating the complexities of feeling required to prove one’s identity.
“I want to be able to inspire younger Aboriginal people who might be ashamed of culture or stigmatised around looking a certain way to be Aboriginal,” Ava says. “Just be yourself and be proud of that
and of your culture. Being proud is very important to me.”
Today, Ava’s creative influences continue to be grounded in community and Country. Water, sky and plants appear consistently in her work, particularly blues that echo natural movement. Weaving has also become central to her practice, a skill learned from First Nations friends, and Elders during trips to Country.
“I see movement in plants and water that I try to incorporate in my work,” she explains. “I’ll sit down to paint and the piece will come to me as I’m doing it. It speaks to me.”
Now studying for a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication at UTS, Ava is experimenting with more immersive and three-dimensional mediums. She is creating a woven book about native plants, postcards exploring cultural continuity and planning larger installations that bring movement, texture and touch into the experience.
ART AND ABOUT
“I don’t just want people to look at my work,” she says. “I want them to feel it, to move through it.”
Her impact continues to reach further accross the community, with Ava starting to teach weaving and painting to children. A mural commission at a local school marks another step into public art, while future exhibitions and a small business selling her work are also on the horizon.
“It’s very important to me to keep teaching people about culture, to break down stereotypes, and help younger First Nations kids feel proud of who they are,” Ava says. “We don’t forget the past. But we can focus on the future - on change, on moving forward, and bringing life back to culture.” l Follow Ava’s work on Instagram @avamuirart
Reclaiming culture
“My artwork ‘altyerre areme’ means ‘to dream about’ in my language and shows the loss of culture First Nations peoples have had to experience due to colonisation and the Stolen Generations. It shows the strength and determination that First Nations peoples possess in bringing back what has been lost and never giving up. The track marks at the bottom symbolise small gaps in culture that will always be there and the broken pieces in the story that may never be revived. The emu feathers coming out of the weaving in the centre are the culture being shared for everyone to know.”
A gorgeous, welcoming studio offering a range of pottery classes, workshops and events designed to spark creativity and develop a community of potters. Term Pottery Courses (8 weeks, pottery wheel and handbuilding)
Unit 2, 2 Leonard St, Hornsby (cnr Hornsby St) 0466 309 988 thenorthernpottery.com.au @thenorthernpottery
Fun workshops & Gallery Space
North Shore Kitchen Facelift Experts
Find these treasures just around the corner...
Almond Hand Cream, $55 L’Occitane en Provence Level 2, Westfield Hornsby local brewery
Ekim Brewing Helmet Hoodie Jumper, $75 Ekim Brewing 7/35 Leighton Pl, Hornsby or online at ekimbrewing.com.au
‘Flower Power’ by Jac Semmler, $85 Berkelouw Books Level 3 (on the link bridge) Westfield Hornsby
Mimosa 70cm Black Steel Round Fire Pit, $129 Bunnings Warehouse Cnr Pennant Hills Rd and Phyllis Ave, Thornleigh or online at bunnings.com.au
Porter Jewellery Blob Huggies Silver Earrings, $120 Alyzz K Boutique 1/10 Princes St, Turramurra or online at alyzzkboutique.com.au
Biscuit Scuff, $59.95 Peter Alexander Level 2, Westfield Hornsby
La Chamba Oval Clay Casserole with Lid, $139 Road Less Taken 37 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga or online at roadlesstaken.com.au
The Group, The Quiver McLaren Vale Grenache, $30 Liquorland Turramurra Plaza, Hornsby and Asquith or online at liqourland.com.au Prices and availability correct at time of going to press.
Moments in time
The opening of the historic North Shore Line in 1890 marked a significant step in the city’s suburban expansion, connecting Hornsby to St Leonards by rail for the first time. The line began with a limited timetable of four trains daily, dropping to two on Saturdays and no service on Sundays, and was Sydney’s first purely suburban line. Initially steam-powered,
the line extended to Milsons Point in 1893 to meet ferry services, and fully electrified in 1927. The line’s completion over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932 finally linked the northern suburbs directly to the CBD. Hornsby Station, above, opened first in 1886, followed by Turramurra, below left, and Wahroonga, below, in 1890 and Waitara in 1895.l
WORLDS BraveNew
Conductor Antony Hermus
Soloist Charlotte Miles
Shostakovich Cello Concerto No 1
Beethoven Symphony No 3 'Eroica'
Brett Dean Testament
Sunday 19 July, 2pm
City Recital Hall | Sydney
TICKETS ON-SALE NOW
Your local escape
Rediscover northside luxury at Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel
Perched above Whale Beach, Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel has been defining understated elegance since 1929. Not far from home, but worlds apart from day-to-day life, Winter is the perfect time to plan a visit to this iconic coastal escape.
The award-winning restaurant is the heart of the Jonah’s experience, a place where breathtaking horizons and fine dining meet. Floor-to-ceiling ocean views stretch beyond the table, while the Italian influenced Contemporary Australian menu delivers refined, seasonal dishes matched with a remarkable wine list.
For those wanting to extend the experience, Jonah’s boutique accommodation offers a private retreat above the sea. There are a number of beautifully appointed rooms, each with private balconies, spa baths and uninterrupted ocean views.
Whether it’s a long-overdue date night, a celebration lunch, a magnificent wedding or simply the desire to escape the everyday, Jonah’s is your coastal home away from home.●
Local Dining Indulgence
Experience the taste of Jonah’s with two courses from the à la carte menu paired with a Sommelier-selected wine for $99pp. Available Thursday and Friday for lunch or dinner until 31 August. Call the Jonah’s team on 9974 5599 to book your table.
(TWIN SHARE) TWO COURSES AND A GLASS OF WINE $99PP
Luxe Winter Retreat
Slip away for a one-night stay in an Ocean Retreat Room, complete with private balcony and jacuzzi bath, a glass of premium Australian sparkling wine on arrival, a threecourse à la carte dinner and full breakfast the next morning. Available Thursday and Sunday nights until 31 August. Head to www.jonahs.com.au to book.
Help shape the future of
How supporting the NORTH Foundation transforms lives HEALTHCARE
Medical research, innovative treatments and compassionate care are transforming healthcare and saving lives. Before the end of the financial year, the NORTH Foundation is calling on the community to help shape the future of healthcare with a tax-deductible donation. For Carolyn Talbot, the impact of that research is deeply personal.
“Life becomes even more precious when you hear the words ‘you have cancer’,” Carolyn says.
First diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, Carolyn faced a very different experience to her mother, who died from the disease years earlier. Advances in early detection, tailored therapies and new medications meant Carolyn could access more personalised treatment and recover with minimal side effects.
More than a decade later, Carolyn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“The care I received and the advances in treatment gave me hope when I needed it most,” she says.
Under the care of Professor Stephen Clarke OAM, senior medical oncologist at Royal North Shore Hospital, Carolyn received a personalised treatment plan that included surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.
“Neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy has become standard care on the North Shore campus,” Professor Clarke explains.
“Treating cancer cells before they spread has helped transform outcomes for patients. Our multidisciplinary approach has led to the best pancreatic survival rates in Australia.”
Six years later, Carolyn remains cancer-free.
“I am deeply grateful to be living a full life,” she says. “Medical research and innovative treatments gave me that chance.”
Through donations, the NORTH Foundation supports leading medical research, equipment and innovation that improves diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes. In the past year alone, philanthropic support has helped deliver significant progress, including new cancer care initiatives, advanced surgical technology, enhanced rehabilitation facilities and improved training for clinicians.
As the end of the financial year approaches, the NORTH Foundation is urging Australians to support the next wave of breakthroughs. A tax-deductible donation before 30 June will help fund the discoveries and treatments that give patients hope. ●
Head to northfoundation.org.au to find out more and donate today.
Professor Stephen Clarke OAM and Carolyn Talbot
WINTER WALKS
Looking for a new weekend wander? The first stages of the 60-hectare Hornsby Park are now open. Steeped in history, the Crusher Plant Precinct takes its name from the former industrial plant that once crushed volcanic rock from the quarry for use across Sydney. The Southern Lookout, right, offers sweeping views of this former quarry as well as the surrounding bushland. Feeling energetic? Tackle the Heritage Steps, a steep bushwalk linking to the Blue Gum Walk and Great North Walk. hornsbypark.com.au
JUNE
18TH JUNE
BAROLO + BISTECCA WINE DINNER
@ KIPLING'S GARAGE BAR, TURRAMURRA
TUESDAYS
$15 PASTA + GARLIC BREAD FEAST
@ CLUB BEROWRA
20TH JUNE
MACQUARIE SINGERS PRESENT 'AT TWILIGHT'
@ TURRAMURRA UNITING CHURCH, 3-5.30PM
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS
LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS
@ THE GARDEN, WAITARA, 7PM
21ST JUNE
PRESERVING WORKSHOP
@ KU-RING-GAI WILDFLOWER GARDEN, 10AM-12PM
THURSDAYS
TRIVIA NIGHT!
@ THE ASQUITH CLUB, 7PM
LUXE WINTER RETREAT AT JONAH'S Slip away for a one-night stay at this boutique Palm Beach hotel for $399pp. Expect a private balcony and jacuzzi bath, bubbles on arrival, a three-course à la carte dinner and full breakfast the next day. Thurs-Sat until 31 Aug. Head to www.jonahs.com.au to book.
SUNDAYS AT THE BOWLO
Head to Club Turramurra on a Sunday afternoon for Barefoot Bowls from 3-5pm and local live music 4-6pm. 181 Bobbin Head Road, Turramurra. Head to their website for all the info.
27
WINTER FESTIVAL
The Hornsby Multicultural Society proudly presents the Winter Festival, a vibrant evening celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our community. Enjoy live music, multicultural performances featuring traditional dress and dance, and a variety of food stalls showcasing cuisines from around the world. Browse market and craft stalls and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of culture, connection and celebration. Fowler Hall, Storey Park, Hornsby, from 5pm. For more info head to hornsby.nsw.gov.au
PARKRUN EVERY SATURDAY
Parkrun is a free, fun and friendly weekly 5km community event for all ages. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Local Parkruns are at Fagan Park, Galston and Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, St Ives every Saturday at 8am with a post-run coffee at a nearby café. Head to parkrun. com.au for info and to register.
FUNDRAISING
TRIVIA NIGHT
Hosted in support of the Berowra Waters Rural Fire Brigade, aiming to help raise funds for their 70th Anniversary Dinner and support the incredible work they do for the local community. Club Berowra, 7pm start. Book your table at clubberowra.au
EVERY THURSDAY FREE LIFELINE CONNECT SERVICE AT HORNSBY LIBRARY
Are you feeling stressed or need to have a one-on-one chat with someone who cares? Lifeline Connect is a free drop-in service staffed by skilled, compassionate and non-judgmental Lifeline volunteers. You'll be heard in a discreet space and there's support in English 1-5.30pm and in Mandarin and Cantonese from 2-5pm. For more info see hornsby. nsw.gov.au or lifeline.org.au
JULY
4TH - 13TH JULY SEASONS UNFOLDING
The 3:33 Art Project's Young Curators from Abbotsleigh and Hornsby Girls' School present Seasons Unfolding, an art exhibition in collaboration with Utopia Art Sydney and courtesy of Papunya Tula Artists. Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga, 10am-5pm
8TH JULY
STATE OF ORIGIN - GAME 3
@ LOCAL PUBS + CLUBS, 8PM
12 JULY, 9AM-1PM
SECOND HAND HORNSBY MARKET
@ CORONATION StrEat PRECINCT
FROM 16 JULY
THE ODYSSEY
@ HORNSBY ODEON CINEMA
12
BICYCLE CHECK AND TUNE
Need a quick 15-minute bicycle check and tune? Head to the Second-Hand Hornsby Market in the Coronation StrEat Precinct, Hornsby for a FREE service. 9am-12pm
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in the middle of Winter at Club Berowra's Christmas in July. The month long event includes a three-course festive feast for $50pp and a weekly meat raffle where two delicious hams are up for grabs every Friday. Head to clubberowra.au to see the menu and to book.
7TH - 26TH JULY
COLIN MOORE: A PAINTING LIFE
A retrospective exhibition of works by Beecroft artist Colin Geoffrey Moore (1926–1986) sourced from family and private collections. Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre, 25 Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby
19TH JULY
AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA 'BRAVE NEW WORLDS'
The talented Australian Youth Orchestra presents a thrilling program featuring Beethoven’s Eroica, Brett Dean’s Testament and Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, conducted by Antony Hermus and featuring internationally acclaimed cellist and AYO alumna Charlotte Miles. 2pm, City Recital Hall, tickets $25pp$45pp plus booking fee, Head to ayo.com.au for more info.
NORTH SYDNEY BEARS HOME GAMES
Support the North Sydney Bears in The Knock On Effect NSW Cup at North Sydney Oval. July home games on Sunday 5th against The Jets, Sunday 12th against Manly and Sunday 26th against The Dragons. Enter discount code NSIDER26 on the cart page for $5 off your ticket! Kids under 16 FREE! For tickets go to northsydneybears.com.au $5 OFF!
15 AUGUST
THE TIERNEY BROTHERS FROM HUMAN NATURE
See Andrew and Mike Tierney, founding members of Human Nature, for a powerful night of harmony, heart and hit songs. Hornsby RSL, doors 7pm. Head to hornsbyrsl.com.au
AUSTRALIA VS IRELAND AFLW
A historic night of women’s footy is heading to the northside, with Australia set to take on Ireland in a one-off AFLW representative clash at North Sydney Oval. Played under full AFLW rules rather than the traditional hybrid format, the match will showcase some of the league’s biggest stars. For tickets head to premier.ticketek.com.au 1
EVERY SATURDAY
KIDS EAT FREE WITH EVERY ADULT MAIN MEAL
@ BLUE GUM HOTEL, WAITARA
22 MAKE YOUR OWN KURINUKI POTTERY CUP WORKSHOP
Discover the art of Kurinuki, a Japanese hand-carving technique that embraces imperfection, in this immersive workshop at The Northern Pottery, Hornsby. $119, thenorthernpottery.com.au
Enjoy this free tour and learn about the benefits of this fantastic community garden. See waste-reducing practices, composting, worm farming and beehives. 10.30am-12pm. Free but bookings are essential. Go to hornsby.nsw.gov.au
30
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES DAY
Head to Wahroonga Park for the annual Sustainable Futures Day. This free, family-friendly fun day showcases healthy, sustainable and low-cost lifestyles with expert talks on solar and batteries, electric vehicle displays, upcycling and composting tips, free native plants, wildlife encounters, prizes, workshops and lots more! 10am-3pm. For info krg.nsw.gov.au
Helping your self-employed clients
GO FURTHER
At Rate Money Hornsby, Branch Principal Alfred Wong is changing the game for self-employed borrowers and helping hardworking locals turn their property goals into reality
If you’re an accountant, financial planner, real estate agent or broker, chances are you’ve worked with self-employed clients whose circumstances don’t fit neatly into a standard lending assessment.
Many are successful business owners with strong financial foundations and ambitious goals. However, when it comes to securing finance, their income structures, business arrangements and financial records can present challenges that PAYG borrowers don’t typically face.
Business owners often operate through trusts, companies or other structures. They may reinvest profits back into their business, manage multiple income streams or have earnings that vary throughout the year. While these are common realities of running a business, they don’t always align with traditional lending requirements.
For professional services working with business owners, these situations are familiar.
According to Alfred Wong, Branch Principal of Rate Money Hornsby, this is where specialist expertise can help uncover opportunities that may otherwise be missed.
“Self-employed clients are often in a strong financial position, but their circumstances don’t always fit a standard lending assessment,” he says.
“WE’RE LOOKING AT THE CLIENT, THE WAY THEY EARN, AND THEIR BROADER FINANCIAL GOALS”
An accountant may have a client looking to purchase a commercial property or consolidate debt. A financial planner may be helping a client build wealth through property investment. A real estate agent may have a potential buyer whose financial position is strong but is finding it difficult to obtain a loan through their bank. A broker may come across a scenario that requires specialist support.
Having access to a lending specialist with experience in complex finance scenarios can help turn challenging client conversations into opportunities.
Understanding the full picture
At Rate Money Hornsby, Alfred and his team specialise in supporting self-employed
clients and business owners with circumstances requiring a considered approach.
The team assists with a range of scenarios, including:
• Property purchases
• Refinancing
• Debt consolidation
• Investment property lending
• Construction funding
• Commercial finance
• SMSF property purchases
• Equity release strategies
“We’re not just looking at a set of financial documents. We’re looking at the client, the way they earn and their broader financial goals,” says Alfred.
By taking this approach, opportunities that may initially seem out of reach can often become achievable.
An extension of your professional network
The best advisers don’t need to have every answer. They simply need access to an expert they can rely on when their clients have a need.
For accountants, financial planners, real estate agents and brokers, having access to a trusted mortgage specialist who understands the self-employed can provide
a valuable avenue of support for their clients pursuing their next property acquisition or investment.
Whether a client is looking to purchase a home, expand their investment portfolio, consolidate debt, fund a construction project, purchase through their SMSF or access commercial finance, working with the right lending specialist can help them move forward with confidence.
Connect with Alfred Wong
If you’re working with self-employed clients, business owners or investors and would like to explore a referral partnership to help with complex finance scenarios, Alfred Wong and the team at Rate Money Hornsby would love to start a conversation. Connect today by calling 0425 658 368, or email alfred.wong@ratemoney.com.au, and discover how specialist support can help your self-employed clients go further. ●
Image
“Affordable
Foodie news
Discover
these tasty little nuggets of newness from around the northside
Local eats and treats
Wok this way!
Winter has met its match at Hornsby RSL's Noodle Bar. From sizzling stir-fries packed with flavour and spice to soul-warming laksas, plump, delicious dumplings and slurp-worthy bowls of noods, every dish delivers the comfort you crave as the temperature drops. Whether you're after a quick midweek bite or a weekend feast with friends, The Noodle Bar always delivers fast, fresh Asian delights sure to hit the spot this season.
FOODIE NEWS
DELICIOUS PASTA-BILITIES
Blu Eatery in Hornsby is twirling up a pasta line-up built for serious Winter carb cravings. From their creamy chicken and mushroom penne to the rich slow-cooked seven hour lamb rigatoni, seafood linguini that's swimming in flavour, pillowy house-made gnocchi and lots more, every bowl is delicious, indulgent and exactly what colder weather calls for. Head to blueatery.com.au to check out the menu and to book a spot at this Florence Street corner suntrap.
THREE OF THE BEST Big Brekkie
EVOLVE, WAHROONGA
Two eggs your way, premium shortcut bacon, sausage, hash brown, roast tomatoes, mushroom and fresh avocado served with toast.
COHO, BEROWRA
Fried eggs, Wagyu sausage, bacon, mushroom, tomato, hash brown and toasted sourdough.
THE CORNER 5 CAFE, ASQUITH
Eggs your way, bacon, sausage, avocado tomato, mushrooms, hash brown and sourdough toast
DINING INDULGENCE
Experience the taste of Jonah’s Restaurant in Palm Beach with two courses from the à la carte menu paired with a Sommelier-selected wine for $99pp. Available Thurs and Fri for lunch or dinner until 31 Aug. Call the team on 9974 5599 to book.
WINTER WALLET
WINNER
Magpies Waitara members can enjoy the club's Large Roast of the Day for only $22 every Sunday lunch. Tuck into the roast meat served with rosemary chat potatoes, pumpkin, seasonal veges and gravy. And there's live jazz from 2-5pm on the last Sunday of every month to round off your weekend.
SO HOT RIGHT NOW!
Mondays are getting a glow-up at Super Nash Brothers in Waitara, where sandos are $12 all day! Just punch in the code MONDAY at checkout and you’re in for a treat, like the Super Nash SandoSuper Nash thigh, sweet and spicy pickles, ranch and shredded iceberg in a garlic milk bun. Yum!
Celebrate Christmas in July with special 1, 2 or 3-course festive feasts all month long PLUS the chance to win two Christmas hams each Friday night!
FRIDAY MEGA
22 Meat Trays to be won! 6.30pm
Surprise extra prizes up for grabs for next 3 months!
With Winter upon us, I wanted to share a recipe for one of my all-time favourite desserts, good old, cockle warming Apple Crumble. It’s really straightforward to make and can be knocked up in no time should unexpected guests arrive. There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of this baking as they walk through the door. I’ve added a couple of twists to the traditional recipe, such as using flour in the filling and nuts, lemon and ginger in the topping. For me, the ginger adds a little extra warmth and depth of flavour while the flour thickens the filling a touch to make it syrupy and delicious. Serve with custard, which was possibly my favourite thing to eat in the world when I was growing up (that may - or may nothave changed haha!) I hope you enjoy this Winter warmer as much as I do.
Enjoy! Will x
Crumble
northside foodie, TV presenter and cookbook author Will Stewart shares his twist on this Winter fave...
APPLE CRUMBLE WITH GINGER AND LEMON
SERVES: 6-8 TAKES: 45-60 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS:
Filling:
1kg apples, peeled and cored (I use Granny Smith)
1 tbsp flour
½ cup raw sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Topping:
100g rolled oats
150g plain flour
METHOD:
100g brown sugar
100g hazelnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
3 inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
125g unsalted butter, melted
To Serve: Lashings of custard
• Preheat oven to 180 degrees, fan forced.
• For the filling, dice the apples into 1.5-2cm pieces and put them into a large bowl. Sprinkle over the flour until evenly coated, then add the sugar, vanilla bean paste and cinnamon. Finally, add the lemon juice and mix together before transferring to an ovenproof dish.
• To make the topping, put all of the ingredients except the melted butter in the bowl you used for the filling and gently mix everything together. Pour in the butter and continue mixing until clumps begin to form, then crumble the mixture over the top of the filling.
• Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, for about 10 minutes, to allow the filling to thicken.
• Serve with custard and enjoy!
SPICE LIFE
Holi Crop celebrates five years in Turramurra
From cardamom-spiked housebaked chai knots to fluffy Masala scrambled eggs, and fragrant chickpea curry, Turramurra’s Holi Crop has been spicing up locals’ lives for five years.
Tucked down the Rohini Street laneaway, the popular café and small batch bakery is the creation of Chef and Owner Himi Makhija.
Originally from northern India, Himi has spent over 20 years working in Sydney’s hospo scene. “My background has always been rooted in food and hospitality, shaped strongly by my family, especially my mum, who inspired many of the recipes we serve today,” Himi says. “Before Holi Crop, I always had this idea of creating a space that felt
“THERE’S ALWAYS A LAYER OF SPICE AND WARMTH THAT PEOPLE KEEP COMING BACK FOR”
calm, intentional and community-driven, where food and coffee come together with culture.”
After moving from Crows Nest to Wahroonga with family, Himi got to work. “We felt there was an opportunity to bring a different kind of experience to the Upper North Shore,” he says. “Something thoughtful, design-led and food-focused, but still very welcoming and local.”
Partnering with his sister, Sunaina, the pair began to bring their vision to life.
“We DIYed much of the furniture using custom organic wood tops from Paradox Movement, along with some thrifted pieces, paired with handmade cups and teapots by David Collins Pottery,” Himi continues.
The menu they created is infused with nostalgia and café classics.
“We wanted to merge Indian flavours we grew up with and the Australian café culture we love, while incorporating our ethos of SLOW - Sustainable, Local, Organic and
Wholesome - in everything we do,” Himi says. “We focus on using the freshest local ingredients and transforming them into dishes that are full of flavour and comfort.”
Everything, from the bread to the sauces and pickles, is made in-house from scratch, with the on-site bakery at the heart of the venue.
“A big part of what we do is showing that vegetarian and plant-based food can be just as satisfying and exciting as anything else,” Himi says. “It’s all about how you build flavour.”
Over the past five years, the menu has evolved into a selection of local favourites. Masala eggs, mushroom bruschetta, the Holi Wrap and corn fritters sit among the regulars.
On the bakery side, the moreish chai knots are a constant best seller, alongside spiced potato pies and upside-down orange cake.
And as the weather cools, the menu shifts accordingly. “Winter brings back some of our most-loved dishes like chickpea curry and eggplant shakshuka,” Himi says. Another warming Winter favourite is the ras malai porridge, which reworks a classic Indian dessert
“The name comes from Holi, the festival of colours, which celebrates positivity, new beginnings and the harvest,” Himi says. “That idea naturally translated into what we wanted the café to be: vibrant, nourishing plates and a warm, full of life atmosphere.”
into a breakfast bowl of oats combined with pistachio, toasted fennel, saffron and cardamom, served with poached fruit and organic maple syrup.
This year also sees new additions, including mushroom toast with caramelised onions and garlic butter, and house-made kimchi, leaning into deeper flavours for colder months.
“I think what connects all of our dishes is a sense of comfort - there’s always a layer of spice and warmth that people keep coming back for. It’s familiar but also a little different,” Himi says.
Many of the team have been at the venue for years. Led by Govinda, they are well known to many Northsiders. “We’re most proud of the community we’ve built through our tiny hole-in-the-wall,” Himi says. “It’s intentionally tucked away, almost hidden, so when people discover it, it feels like a little escape from the everyday. Seeing familiar faces, knowing our customers’ names and having people feel at home in our space is incredibly rewarding.” ●
From left: Holi Crop’s new mushroom toast; the team at the laneway cafe; some dishes from the Winter menu; the famous chai knots.
PUZZLES with Quizmaster
The Village Quiz
1. How many runways does Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport have? 2, 3, 4 or 5?
2. Which North Shore suburb was named after a British Prime Minister? a. Asquith b. Warrawee c. Hornsby d. Waitara
3. Which Sydney suburb is the filming location for the TV soap opera Home and Away?
4. What is the postcode of Wahroonga?
5. The design of the Sydney Opera House was allegedly inspired by which food? a. Custard Danish b. Orange c. Orecchiette d. Mango
6. How high is the Sydney Harbour Bridge? a. 134m b. 150m c. 162m
7. In which country and year will the next Rugby World Cup be held?
8. What is the official fauna emblem of New South Wales?
Clay
SUDOKU Slot the numbers 1 to 9 into every horizontal line, vertical row and 3 x 3 square.
Wordsearch
Find the below wine varieties in the grid. Words may be found going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally.
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northsider’s ‘rover’ reporter Ted the Puggle meets two year old Violet, a domestic medium hair cat who’s being fostered in Hornsby by CatRescue901
“It’s basically Netflix for cats!”
Ted: Nice to meet you Violet. How did you come to stay with CatRescue901?
Violet: It’s been a bit of a journey! I was dumped on the streets with my four little kittens and not long after that, I was pregnant again. It wasn’t a purrrfect situation. Thankfully, the charity CatRescue901 swooped in and I’m so glad they did. They rescued my kitties and me just in time to have my next litter in safety.
T: Congratulations on becoming a mama!
V: Thank you - I’ve got quite the little clowder! When I came into foster care, I had five kittens, one black and four white. I’ve got a ring-in too because I’ve taken a little ginger bonus baby into my care. It’s a tough job raising so many, especially after my last litter just a few months ago, but I think I’m a pretty pawsome mum.
T: What’s CatRescue901 like?
V: I’m absolutely loving my luxe new indoor life with my wonderful foster mama, Kirstie.
I’m so grateful the rescue found me. I’m safe now and having my babies in a home instead of on the street has made all the difference.
T: Tell me about Kirstie and the other lovely volunteers – what are they like?
V: Kirstie has helping us kitties at CatRescue901 for nine years. She started as a foster carer and then began helping with the day-to-day running of the group and she’s now a director of the rescue. She works with Laura and Carole and they volunteer their time, their homes and a whole lot of love to us cats.
T: Is the rescue busy at the moment?
V: It’s super busy. Kirstie says it’s always overfull with a long waitlist of cats needing help. There are more surrenders than ever, and so many of us are still having babies because we haven’t been desexed. It’s a tough situation and Kirstie and the humans wish they could help every single whisker in need out there.
T: Why is CatRescue901’s work so important?
V: Without them, many of us wouldn’t land on our feet. They’re trying to stop the cycle so fewer kittens are born into tough situations which means they don’t just take in lost and surrendered cats - they also help with desexing community cats and supporting people with subsidised desexing if they need the help.
T: What does a typical day look like for you?
V: It’s a carefully curated routine. I eat multiple meals, feed my babies, supervise their antics
Francesca and Daphne sitting pretty
and then take some well-earned downtime watching birds, trees and bugs from the window. It’s basically Netflix for cats and I’m hooked. I don’t want to go back out there though. I love being an inside cat!
T: What would you say to people thinking about getting a cat?
V: Keep us safe and keep us inside. Indoor life is just puurrrfect for us. We live longer, healthier lives and we’re pretty low maintenance housemates. We’re pretty independent but also very into cuddles, pats and snacks. Lots of snacks.
T: What are you looking for in a furever family?
V: I’m ready for my “me era.” I’ve been a mum for so long that I want to just be me. A sunny window is essential for optimal lounging and I’d love to meet some kind northsiders who’ll let me curl up beside them so we can enjoy a soft, cosy, stress-free life together.
T: How can northsiders help CatRescue901 if they can’t adopt?
V: Fostering is a big one. Whether it’s shortterm or long-term, it helps more than you know. The more cats we can put in homes the more we can take off the street. It’s a great way to have an animal without the vet expenses too. You can have a beautiful cat for a bit without the stress of long term care and you know you are helping an animal in need. If you’ve got a little space in your home and your heart, we’re all ears and whiskers. ●
For more information about CatRescue901 and to donate, head to catrescue901.org.au Follow them @catrescue_901 on Instagram for updates.
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And don’t forget to tag us to be featured! We want to see your garden pics, your pets, coffees, sunsets, bush walks, fave restaurants, artworks and everything in-between.
Here’s me-ow on the left and above are three of my kitties. Kirstie and the team named them the Bridgerton crew after the TV show. We have Francesca, Eloise, Daphne, Colin and Benedict.
IMore than A MEAL
Local organisation The Dish is nourishing connection in the Hornsby community
t’s Thursday evening and the Winter weather has taken a turn, a sharp chill settling over the streets. But on Peats Ferry Road at the heart of Hornsby, a kitchen is bustling with warmth. Pots are simmering, trays clatter in and out of the hot oven and the air is rich with the aroma of slow-cooked comfort food. It could be any family kitchen, but this isn’t a family dinner - at least not in the traditional sense.
This is The Dish of St John’s, a local meal service and food care program where a different kind of family comes together over a warm meal and genuine connection.
Since 2004, The Dish has been providing nourishing meals, groceries and companionship to homeless and vulnerable members of the Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai community.
“Originally The Dish was started by St John’s Uniting Church in Wahroonga as a twice
“THEY COME BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN SIT DOWN, HAVE A CHAT AND FEEL SAFE”
a week meal service from a soup van in Hornsby Park,” says Operations Coordinator, Leisa Liddelow. “When Covid hit we could see the desperate need for community even more than ever. Food was important but so was connection. People love nothing better than sitting down for a good meal with good friends. We realised if we could evolve to offer that after lockdown, we’d also be able to bring in other services that could help our guests beyond a warm meal.”
Now operating from a welcoming indoor space at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Hornsby, The Dish runs four dinner services a week, powered by a network of around 30 volunteer groups, who serve up to 40 meals a night. As well as cooking up a storm, volunteers also sit, listen and engage. Students from local schools help out alongside community groups, creating a cross-generational network of support, while a hairdresser offers free cuts once a month. The Dish is also visited weekly by Street Side Medics, a GP-led, medical service providing compassionate, free healthcare to those experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Serving hope
“People don’t come just for the meal,” Leisa says. “They come because they know they can sit down, have a chat and feel safe.”
With the cost of living continuing to rise, the demand for The Dish is greater than ever. “Over the years, the profile of those seeking support has shifted,” Leisa says. “While homelessness remains part of the picture, many guests are now living in social housing or are navigating financial hardship amid rising living costs. A growing number are aged pensioners, single parents or people dealing with mental health challenges, addiction or chronic illness.”
“There’s a lot of loneliness and isolation in the community too,” she continues. “For a lot of people, as well as this being the only decent meal they will get that day, it’s perhaps the only time they’ll leave the house or see a friendly face. This is why we do what we do.”
Beyond the dinner service, The Dish has expanded its services to meet community needs. A food rescue program collects surplus groceries from local supermarkets, redistributing them through weekly hampers to >>
The Dish’s Leisa Liddelow, far right, with local volunteers in the kitchen at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Hornsby.
The Dish’s delivery van and below, Leisa receiving the Mars Wrigley Community Service Hero Award in April this year with James Wallace MP, Mayor Warren Waddell and Dan Firth, Mars Wrigley Plant Manager, Asquith
around 50 registered households. And a self-serve community pantry offers fresh produce and essential items, such as longlife staples and toiletries.
“I always tell people that if they need something, to just ask,” Leisa says. “We’ll always do what we can and it’s usually simple things like body wash or toilet paper, that we tend to take for granted. We’ve definitely seen a rise in the need for the pantry and unfortunately, I think that’s only going to continue.”
A long-time volunteer at The Dish before stepping in to the coordinator role in 2019, Leisa was recently named the Mars Wrigley Community Service Hero for her dedication
“IT’S BEEN BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH HER GET STRONGER, HAPPIER AND MORE CONFIDENT SINCE SHE’S BEEN PART OF THIS COMMUNITY”
and commitment to supporting others. And while the work can be emotionally demanding, it is also deeply rewarding.
“We have a single mother who comes along who I first met almost five years ago after she escaped a domestic violence situation,” Leisa remembers. “Back then, every time I saw her, she would cry. It’s been beautiful to watch her get stronger, happier and more confident since she’s been part of this community. She’s independent, has a new job and is raising three wonderful children. It’s very fulfilling to see transformations like that.”
“I think it’s really important to remember that it doesn’t take a lot for life to unravel,” she continues. “We have a man who comes in who went to Barker College. He grew up in a wealthy family, went to uni and had a great job. Then life just took him down the wrong path and it’s one he can’t get off at the moment. It’s something that can happen to any one of us at any time, hardship doesn’t discriminate.”
Left to right: Weekly hampers ready for distribution to familes around the area; home of The Dish - St Peter’s Anglican Church in Hornsby; nourishing warm meals ready for service; one of The Dish’s busy dinners; a collection of surplus groceries from local supermarkets.
It’s this understanding that underpins The Dish - to meet people where they are in life without judgement and offer support in whatever way is needed.
There’s countless ways for locals to get involved and help out.
“Every donation, big or small, helps make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable members of our community,” Leisa says. “Just the other day a young girl dropped off a beautiful cake. She said she was practising her baking and I told her I’d happily take all of her trial runs!
“We always need volunteers,” she continues. “We’d love to have someone play guitar at dinner every now and then and we always need food drives organised.”
“There’s a lot of negativity in the world, but there’s such good people out there too, so if you, or someone you know, are struggling, please know you’re not alone. We’re here to help and we’re grateful to share what we have.” ● Head to thedish.uca.org.au for more info.
Step up to the plate
Want to get a group together and help cook for The Dish? Contact Leisa and the team dish@stjohnswahroonga.org and head to thedish.uca.org.au to find out more.
MAIN MEALS
Nourishing meals with protein and fresh vegetables are most helpful. Side salads are appreciated in warmer months and soups in cooler months. Do not use alcohol in your cooking.
DESSERTS
Fresh fruit and fruit-based desserts are always popular.
SHARE THE WORK
Allocate meal preparation across a range of people to manage costs and effort.
MIX IT UP
A variety of meal types is welcome, they don’t all need to be the same.
My favourite places for coffee are…Holi Crop in Turramurra - consistently great coffee served by friendly staff - and Café Patina in Wahroonga, where you can enjoy lovely coffee in a beautifully restored circa 1894 building. If I have a special occasion to celebrate I love to… browse the range of beautiful gifts on offer in Novella Fine Books, Cards and Gifts in Wahroonga Village. For flowers, the gorgeous sunflower bunches at Amazing Flowers in the Gordon Centre are my go to and the specialty cakes at Du Plessy Pralin & Otello at West Pymble are sure to make a special occasion extra special! My favourite local takeaway would be…Mister Sushi in St Ives on Mona Vale Road. For lunch on the go you can’t beat their salmon poke bowl with soba noodles. For a Vietnamese crispy pork banh mi head to West Pymble Bakery. They are as authentic as it gets! My favourite three shops and services in the area are…Gordon 7 Day Medical. I feel so fortunate to have found such a wonderful
Local’s last word.
Lisa Flynn is a freelance writer and photographer who also works in hospitality. She moved to the North Shore six years ago and lives in Turramurra
The best meal I’ve had in the area was…
the
Ras Malai
Porridge
or Masala Eggs at Holi Crop. Both dishes epitomise the Northern Indian flavours this small batch bakery and vegetarian café are renowned
for.
caring doctor in the area and I can’t recommend the practice more highly.
The Ku-ring-gai Libraries are fabulous. I am an avid reader and love browsing the shelves. The quiet spaces offer an escape from the noise of the day to day!
The array of op shops we have across the North Shore run by Lifeline, Vinnies and Red Cross is also great. So many pre-loved treasures to be found and I love the idea that I’m giving a second life to an item donated by someone who no longer wants or needs it.
My ideal day in the area would consist of…an early morning coffee and breakfast or a pastry with my journal and latest book at a local café followed by a long walk amongst nature in the sunshine. Wahroonga Park or Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden are favourites for a leisurely meander and some photography along the way! The secret spots I go to locally are…the peaceful Swain Gardens in Killara. I also enjoy visiting the Sphinx Memorial in North Turramurra. It is a 1/8 size replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza created by returned serviceman Private William Shirley as a memorial to his fallen comrades. The street murals in Dural Lane depicting Hornsby in the early 20th century are also interesting to photograph.
The things I love about living in the area are…all things nature! I adore this leafy area, especially in Autumn as the foliage changes colour. I also love the old world charm and grandeur of all the historic and heritage listed homes. l
The words I’d use to describe this area are... nature, serenity, home
