Here are 3 things you may not know about the two-storey portrait of former Sydney Swans star player Adam Goodes, at the corner of Crown Street and Foveaux Street in Surry Hills. The mural is a little over a kilometre away from the SCG, home ground of Goodes’ former footy team.
1. It took just eight hours to create.
It took four professional artists from Apparition Media eight hours atop a cherry picker to render the AFL legend’s likeness in extraordinary detail.
2. The mural’s creation and unveiling day was delayed by 4 months.
The mural was originally planned to be created and unveiled in February 2020 but the coronavirus health crisis derailed the initial plans. It wasn’t until June 2020 when it came into fruition.
3. The mural was not really created to make a statement about the Black Lives Matter movement.
Actually, its rescheduled appearance was meant to coincide with the return of the 2020 AFL season which kicked off on June 11, 2020 — the same day that the mural went up.
Less than a week before the mural made a splash in the neighborhood, massive demonstrations about the Black Lives Matter movement had taken place across Australia.
Goodes, who is of mixed Adnyamathanha and Narungga heritage, is a well-known advocate of First Nations rights in the country. Having the mural out just after the demonstrations broke was taken as a message of support by many people. Many still recall the circumstances of his untimely retirement in 2015, when his stance on racial abuse in football elicited both media criticism and racist boos from the fans.
Surry Hills is set to witness a blend of heritage and modernity as the Toga Group undertakes an ambitious project to transform a historic Gothic church into a modern, mixed-use development.
At the heart of this development is The Kirk, a deconsecrated Victorian Gothic church located at 422-424 Cleveland Street. Built in 1879, this landmark has served various roles, from a place of worship to a hub of Sydney’s nightlife. Now, it’s poised to embrace a new era.
Toga Group’s plan, crafted in collaboration with EM BE CE Architects, envisions a harmonious blend of the church’s historic charm with contemporary architecture.
The project, filed via DA – D/2023/997, will see the demolition of rear additions to The Kirk, making way for a five-storey rear infill building. This new structure is set to connect to the church via a newly constructed basement level, creating a seamless integration of the old and the new.
Photo Credit: DA – D/2023/997
A Space for Everyone
The proposed development is not just about preserving a piece of history but also about creating a vibrant, multi-functional space. The mixed-use facility aims to house commercial office spaces and end-of-journey facilities in the new building. Additionally, a licensed restaurant is planned to span across both the church and the new building, offering a unique dining experience.
Noteworthy is the architectural design that includes a mid-building connection with the upper mezzanine level of The Kirk. This feature, along with open pitched portals as a roof feature, is set to add a distinctive character to the development.
Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future
A crucial aspect of this redevelopment is the sensitivity towards the heritage of The Kirk and its integration with the surrounding streetscape. Despite not being listed as a local or state heritage item, The Kirk holds a special place in the heart of Surry Hills, a sentiment Toga Group is keen to respect.
The Kirk’s history is rich and varied. After ceasing its role as a place of worship in 1970, it transformed into an exhibition space, a community centre, and a concert venue. It became a symbol of Sydney’s wildest nightlife under the ownership of Gretel Pinniger, known as Madame Lash.
Adding to its historical significance, Australian rock legends AC/DC shot their music video for “Let There Be Rock” in this very church in 1977.
A Broader Vision for Surry Hills
Toga Group’s vision extends beyond The Kirk. The developer plans a comprehensive redevelopment of Surry Hills, encompassing residences, restaurants, boutiques, and workspaces as part of the Surry Hills Village project. This initiative aligns with the council’s vision for the area as a crucial transport corridor and commercial hub.
Adjacent to The Kirk, Toga Group is also progressing with the $200-million redevelopment of the Surry Hills Village Shopping Centre. This project, currently under construction, includes buildings up to seven storeys and is touted as an emerging influence in the locality.
Six months after an intense blaze in an adjacent building threatened to derail the plans for Sydney’s transport hub, the new Chalmers Street entrance of Central Station has recently opened, symbolising resilience and progress.
In May 2023, a fire erupted in an abandoned seven-storey building on Randle Street, mere metres from Central Station’s new Chalmers Street entrance. This inferno brought with it a wave of destruction, causing extensive structural and water damage to the station’s entrance, which was on the cusp of opening to the public.
The emergency response was swift and decisive. Within three minutes of the blaze being reported, Rail Fire & Emergency personnel, along with Fire & Rescue NSW teams, were on site, battling the flames.
Their efforts were concentrated in the narrow laneway separating the inferno from Central Station. Their heroism and quick action prevented a potential catastrophe at Australia’s busiest railway station.
The path to restoration was arduous but necessary. The damaged entrance required comprehensive repairs, including the installation of a new roof, re-tiling of stairs, and replacement of windows.
The lifts and escalators, crucial for commuter movement, were inundated during the firefighting efforts and had to be replaced or repaired. The total cost of these repairs, amounting to $3.4 million, was covered by insurance.
This incident did not dampen the spirits of Sydney’s residents or the resolve of the authorities. Instead, it served as a catalyst for significant improvements. The reopening of the Chalmers Street entrance marks the completion of major upgrade works at Central Station, a near-$1.3 billion project.
This includes new underground concourses, improved accessibility with more lifts and escalators, a revitalised Northern Concourse with a striking new roof canopy, and the upcoming North-South Concourse.
The renewal of Central Station is more than just a physical refurbishment; it symbolises the unwavering spirit of Surry Hills and Sydney at large. With the impending launch of the metro services in 2024, the station is poised to become an even more vital hub, accommodating thousands of commuters and significantly reducing travel times across the city.
For most people, a walk down a Surry Hills street involves navigating past piles of kerbside items – that broken chair, the stained mattress, the rusted fridge destined for the dump. But Leonardo Urbano sees treasures where others only see trash. To him, these discarded items are diamonds in the rough, full of potential waiting to be restored.
The 29-year-old hospitality worker had his hours reduced during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney. To supplement his income, Leonardo began scouring the streets of Surry Hills, rescuing and restoring discarded items to sell on Facebook Marketplace.
Leonardo’s thriftiness runs in the family. His mother Ana enjoyed vintage fashion and shopping second hand. His father Oliviero, who moved to Australia from Italy in 2016 with Leonardo and Ana, was skilled at restoring old furniture.
Photo credit: TheTrashLawyer/Instagram
Leonardo has since developed his own eye for spotting treasures in the trash. He shared he would even rent vans to carry large discarded items he plans to refurbish and resell.
One day he salvaged a stainless steel fridge in good condition. Another time he found a painting by renowned Australian artist Dapeng Liu, valued at $3,000.
Dapeng Liu’s artwork, which Leonardo saved during one rainy afternoon (Photo credit: TheTrashLawyer/Instagram)
When Leonardo contacted Liu about the discovery, the artist was delighted his work would find a new home.
Since beginning his trash treasure hunting in 2020, Leonardo has earned about $40,000 selling refurbished items online. But for him, it’s not just about the money. Leonardo hates to see useful things go to waste.
Hoping to inspire others to adopt a sustainability mindset, Leonardo created the Instagram account TheTrashLawyer, where he posts his kerbside finds, demonstrating how with some DIY skills and elbow grease, trash can become treasure.
Leonardo is proof one man’s trash can become another’s treasure, whilst promoting reuse and keeping useful items from landfills. Thanks to sustainable-minded residents like Leonardo Urbano, Surry Hills is becoming a cleaner and greener neighbourhood.
Did you know that plans for a Surry Hills mural seeking to immortalise the moment AFL legend Lance “Buddy” Franklin achieved his remarkable 1,000th goal at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2022 have been rejected? Find out why.
Staff members who assessed the mural proposal argued that it amounted to advertising, a violation of state laws within the Bourke Street South heritage conservation area, where it was planned. They contended that the mural would detract from the area’s character and contribute to visual clutter.
Controversy Surrounds Proposed Mural
The company behind the mural, Apparition Media, has a history of disputes with the City of Sydney over murals, some of which were commissioned without council approval. Notably, the company was fined $30,000 for a 36.8-meter avocado-themed mural in Darlinghurst in 2021.
However, Apparition Media sought permission for the Buddy Franklin tribute, believing it would resonate with the community. This stance received support from the Sydney Swans, who were not the mural’s commissioners but expressed their disappointment with the City of Sydney’s decision.
Diverging Perspectives
Liberal Councillor Lyndon Gannon expressed his perplexity at the council’s assertion that the mural would diminish the heritage value of the area, describing the building’s current appearance as “derelict.” On the other hand, Councillor Yvonne Weldon, who is Indigenous, pointed out the popularity of nearby murals depicting Aboriginal footballers Adam Goodes and Greg Inglis, indicating that a Buddy Franklin tribute would have been well-received.
Mayor Clover Moore underscored the council’s commitment to delivering public art and increasing recognition of Indigenous heritage in the public domain, but emphasised the need for murals to be created by artists, rather than advertising companies.
A council spokesperson defended the rejection, stating that the mural’s size and location, the extensive Swans branding, and a perceived lack of underlying artistic integrity categorised it as advertising. The council’s stance is consistent with the broader state government legislation.
Notably, there was a mixture of public opinion on the mural’s fate. While some residents and local sports enthusiasts lamented the rejection, several of the 11 public submissions expressed concerns about the prevalence of male sports stars in street art. An anonymous individual went as far as to suggest that AFL supporters should “go back to where they have come from.” They criticised the mural as “commercial kitsch” that relied on size for impact, branding it as visual pollution.
Amidst the controversy, the lone supportive submission came from the property owner, Alex Perina, who viewed the mural as a “wonderful homage” to Mr Franklin, expressing no financial gain from the artwork. Gannon, the Liberal councillor, asserted that the situation should not be framed as a “male versus female” dilemma and called for more murals celebrating women athletes in Surry Hills.
A Disappointing Outcome
The Sydney Swans, saddened by the mural’s rejection, expressed their belief that it would have made a significant contribution to Surry Hills’ street art. Despite this setback, Mr Franklin’s illustrious career and his achievement of 1000 goals remain a source of inspiration for many in the world of Australian Rules Football.
His status as an all-time great player is undeniable, with his accomplishments earning him an eventual place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame and potential Legend status.
As we honour the sacrifice of our heroes this Remembrance Day, November 11, let’s pause to honour men like Sergeant James Berry MM, a plasterer from Alexandria, whose courage under fire during World War I earned him a place on the prestigious NSW Fire Brigades Honour Roll.
When war broke out in 1914, Sgt Berry was one of the first to enlist, joining up in March 1915. He served gallantly with the 20th Infantry Battalion through the hellish battlefields of Gallipoli, France, and Belgium.
His father James and two brothers, Frederick Berry and Private Edward Henry Berry also served during the First World War.
Frederick Berry (Photo credit: Virtual War Memorial Australia)
Sgt Berry’s war service was marked by both tragedy and tenacity. He fought at Gallipoli from August 1915, enduring months of brutal combat alongside his brother Frederick. But in November, Sgt Berry faced every soldier’s worst nightmare – his brother died of wounds suffered at Gallipoli in November 1915.
The landing of Australian troops (4th Battalion) at ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli, Turkey, 25 April 1915 (Photo credit: State Library of New South Wales)
Evacuated from Gallipoli during the general withdrawal, Sgt Berry was dealt another blow shortly after when he was slightly wounded in the right hand at Pozieres in August 1916.
Undeterred, he returned to the 20th Battalion later that month, only to be wounded again, this time in the arm. Hospitalised once more, Sgt Berry’s torment continued when he was evacuated to England suffering facial paralysis in November 1916. But his spirit could not be broken. After recovering, he persevered yet again, returning to France in October 1917 to rejoin his comrades in the 20th Battalion.
The medal entitlement of James Berry MM (Photo credit: Collection of Stephen Brooks/vwma.org.au)
Despite being wounded three times – to his right hand, arm and leg – Sgt Berry fought on, displaying such conspicuous bravery during an attack at Bois de Hangard (France) in April 1918 that he was awarded the Military Medal.
His Commanding Officer singled out Sgt Berry for special praise, noting how his coolness under heavy enemy fire and tireless efforts to withdraw equipment and re-establish the line set a fine example to the rest of the platoon.
After nearly four gruelling years of combat, Sgt Berry was finally returned to his homeland in early 1919, no doubt carrying the physical and emotional scars of war.
Sgt Berry’s courage and leadership earned his name a place on the NSW Fire Brigades Roll of Honour, dedicated in 1923 to fellow brigade members who served in the First World War.
This impressive Roll of Honour was specially designed and constructed by the department to honour their comrades who served in the war. Spanning six cast copper panels framed in Queensland Maple, the monumental plaque was crafted to solemnly commemorate the sacrifice and service of these brave fire brigade members.
Small, sustainable homes take the spotlight in Surry Hills as Sydney architect Adam Haddow clinches the prestigious 2023 Robin Boyd Award from the Australian Institute of Architects for his compact 69-sqm residence.
As Surry Hills residents grapple with a housing crisis of significant magnitude, architects are redefining the landscape. In an era when the traditional four-bedroom standalone house, averaging 229 sqm, faces scrutiny., Haddow’s 1.5-bedroom home on a modest 30-square-meter parcel of land challenges conventional city living.
Repurposing unloved materials is the hallmark of Haddow’s design. Broken bricks from the Phoenix Central Park project and budget-friendly marble and tiles found new life in his creation. This resulted in a home that’s both functional and whimsical, inside and out, proving small can indeed be beautiful.
Sustainability is the name of the game. Smaller, more eco-friendly homes are on the rise, with architects increasingly drawn to these projects. They recognise the unique challenges these compact designs present, making the recognition even more remarkable.
The renewal and restoration of the Sydney Opera House’s concert hall by ARM Architecture also earned resounding applause from the jury. It’s deemed “awe-inspiring” and scooped top awards in interior architecture and heritage categories.
In NSW, accolades extend to educational and public architecture. Cranbrook School’s Hordern Oval Precinct Redevelopment and Architectus’ partnership with SANAA for the new wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales have both earned national recognition.
In Victoria, it’s all about creative use of readily available materials. Merricks Farmhouse and Spring Creek Farm House showcased what can be achieved with off-the-shelf products from Bunnings.
Architects urge a reevaluation of the notion that bigger is always better. Battisson, the outgoing national president of the Australian Institute of Architects, suggests smaller, well-designed homes, ideally suited for couples, could alleviate the housing crisis.
Melbourne’s Nightingale Village offers a blueprint for affordable and sustainable living. The village features apartments designed by six architectural practices, providing diverse solutions to the housing challenge.
Overall, Battisson urges a shift in how homes are portrayed in photographs, favouring a more realistic, lived-in approach. Homes are meant to be lived in, with all their joy and occasional messiness.
This recognition of small, sustainable, and innovative housing solutions marks a pivotal moment in Surry Hills’ architectural landscape, offering hope and inspiration for residents facing the housing crisis.
An avante-garde Bengali diner has come to Surry Hills. Opening doors in Crown Street in late September this year, the new restaurant offers an elevated Bengali cuisine inspired by top chef Opel Khan’s memories of the food that he enjoyed growing up as a child in Bangladesh.
The new business venture is situated on Crown Street, the space under the Adina Apartment which was formerly occupied by Flour Eggs Water. Khānaa joins Khan’s other venues: Potts Point’s Métisse, Acqua E Farina, and Pizza Boccone.
Khānaa, which means “Feast” or “Food” in Bengali, sports an elegant fit-out that features white walls, and dark chairs and is accentuated with a wall sculpture made from hand-woven silk, titled “Mermaid”. The venue contains a 60-seat dining area indoors and another area for 40 guests to enjoy their food alfresco.
Hand-woven silk and a Mermaid sculpture | Instagram / Khānaa
Khan will be joined in the kitchen by his daughter and equally talented chef Lucinda Khan. Lucinda will be working alongside Jazz Singh.
Khānaa’s menu is neatly divided into pichchi nola (small sharing plates), boro nola (large sharing plates), and mishti (desserts).
One of the highlights includes a 65-degree egg paired with braised chickpeas, an eggplant bhaji served with macadamia paté and a pepper glaze, and barramundi accompanied by spinach bhaji and dal tadka.
Duck Leg Confit Samosa with Fermented Daikon | Instagram / Khānaa
Other must-try dishes include a duck leg confit samosa with fermented daikon and mandarin, and seared tuna with scallops and watermelon. And then there’s lobster served with prawn pitha and dhane masala, and sticky beef short ribs paired with aloo bhorta (mashed potato dish), blood orange, and saltbush.
Sticky Beef Shortribs . Aloo Bhorta . Blood Orange . Salt Bush | Instagram / Khānaa
Fancy some Yamba prawns? This scrumptious dish consists of two large, shelled prawns then served with a fresh and herby green masala, broccolini and mustard oil. Or Mosaïque, which is a dish made with slender slices of tuna, kingfish, and trout, separated by charred vegetables before it is presented on a bed of watermelon slices, sprinkled with salt flakes and cardamom, and garnished with a drizzle of browned butter.
For desserts, chai ganache with jeera biscuit and Aam Panna which consists of fresh mango, a sheet of edible platinum and chaat masala, are just two of the standout options.
You can find Khanaa at Shop 3, 355 Crown Street, Surry Hills. They are open for brunch starting 10 am and lunch Fri-Sun and dinner Tue-Sun
In a dramatic turn of events surrounding The Village Inn in Paddington, Theo Onisforou, a prominent property investor known for owning approximately 20 buildings at The Intersection retail precinct, has extended an offer to acquire the venue.
The investor’s noble gesture comes as a response to the recent plans to transform the beloved pub into a fashion store, which have been met with fervent opposition from the community.
The $700,000 proposal (DA 243/2023) to repurpose the venerable establishment into a boutique for the internationally renowned Australian fashion label Alemais faced fierce resistance since it was first lodged in July 2023. In 5 Oct 2023, Woollahra Council rejected the development application.
In light of this, the owners of The Village Inn have submitted an appeal to the Land and Environment Court, looking to challenge local decisions regarding the proposed transformation.
Doubts Over Pub’s Viability
During a recent meeting of the Woollahra Local Planning Panel, Mr Onisforou questioned the claim that The Village Inn was financially unviable as a pub, a statement made by the building’s owner in support of the transformation into a fashion boutique.
He addressed the panel with his concerns, emphasising that it was disingenuous to dismiss the pub’s viability. Thus, he made an open offer during the panel meeting.
“If these people are unhappy with this building once they receive a DA refusal, I hereby offer to buy it formally from them at the price they paid,” he said.
Panel member Andrew Petrie raised questions about compelling the building owners to retain the space as a pub against their wishes. The discussion during the panel meeting involved arguments both for and against the contentious development application.
Support for Community Campaign
The investor, who supports the community campaign to preserve The Village Inn, also expressed the belief that developers have a responsibility to listen to residents and support the local areas where they conduct business. He asserted that he had, in the past, either challenged council decisions in court or abandoned his plans when faced with refusal, highlighting the importance of respecting local sentiments.
Meanwhile, the panel’s unanimous vote to refuse the development application signifies a significant victory for the community’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the beloved pub from transformation.
Whilst the future of the Village Inn has not yet been sealed, hope remains that the historic establishment will be preserved for generations to come because of investors like Mr Onisforou.
Check out this unique gastronomic fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine that challenges traditional culinary boundaries at Ito Izakaya in Surry Hills.
Ito, located at 413-415 Crown Street, officially opened its doors on Wednesday, 11 Oct 2023, and has since caught the attention of food enthusiasts seeking an innovative dining experience.
Ito boasts a distinctive approach to blending two diverse culinary traditions. Headed by Italian-born chef Erik Ortolani, the restaurant refrains from overt fusion but instead seeks to naturally intertwine the flavour profiles of Japanese and Italian cuisines. The result is a menu that offers a rich blend of the two traditions, with ingredients such as sashimi, crudo, ponzu, and lemon acting as common ground.
Surry Hills: The Perfect Backdrop
The restaurant is a fresh addition to the vibrant Surry Hills neighbourhood, known for its diverse dining scene and trendy atmosphere, making it the perfect location for this innovative culinary experiment. Ito’s approach to fusion cuisine is marked by a dedication to preserving the authenticity of each cuisine while finding creative ways to unite them.
Surry Hills, renowned for its diverse dining scene and trendy ambience, provides an ideal backdrop for Ito’s innovative approach to cuisine. The restaurant aims to deliver a unique experience where Japanese and Italian flavours converge seamlessly, setting the stage for unforgettable dining experiences.
Exploring the Culinary Intersection
Chef Erik Ortolani’s journey into the realm of Japanese-Italian fusion is inspired by his childhood in northern Italy’s lake district. He found solace in Asian food and culture, which served as a departure from the homogenous environment of his surroundings. Chef Ortolani honed his skills in Italian fine-dining restaurants in Milan before embarking on a journey to Australia to explore his passion for elevating cuisines.
The chef spent years perfecting the art of slicing sashimi at Cho Cho San in Potts Point, eventually rising to the position of head chef. After further honing his craft in other Japanese restaurants, he was approached by restaurateur Ibby Moubadder to open Ito in the former location of Cuckoo Callay on Crown Street.
Ito’s menu showcases a variety of dishes, with some staying true to traditional Japanese preparation and others creatively incorporating Italian elements. An example is the slow-cooked wagyu with white shimeji mushrooms and miso, paired with ribbon-shaped mafaldine pasta.
One highlight of the menu is the yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved Italian bottarga, adding complexity and a long finish to the dish. Chef Ortolani also points out the Japanese equivalent of bottarga, emphasizing the synergy between the two cuisines.
Ito invites patrons to embark on a culinary journey where tradition inspires creativity, offering a dining space for 85 guests and 25 alfresco seats. The restaurant embodies the essence of an izakaya, a place for socialising, sipping sake, and indulging in delicious dishes, all while overlooking the lively streets of Sydney.
The restaurant’s carefully curated drinks menu complements its unique personality, featuring Japanese-inspired classic cocktails, a selection of wines from Japan and Italy, as well as an extensive range of sake, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes.
For ESCA Group, the restaurant’s co-founder, Ibrahim Moubadder, and architect Matt Darwon, the aim was to create a vibrant and flexible space that harmoniously blends the indoor and outdoor areas. The restaurant’s decor combines clean lines, bespoke Tasmanian blackwood furniture, leather furnishings, Japan-black stained floorboards, and bold pops of colour, resulting in a modern and inviting atmosphere.
Experience Ito, Surry Hills’ new Japanese izakaya, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of Japanese and Italian cuisines that define this exciting culinary destination.
