Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 18 of 32

Art Exhibit at Hotel Hollywood Offered a Glimpse Into the Life of Sydney Legend Doris Goddard

In September 2023, Hotel Hollywood hosted ‘Hooray for Hollywood’ at the old apartment located above the pub. The exhibit not only showcased the works of more than 100 artists, but it also allowed the public to get a glimpse into the life of Sydney legend Doris Goddard.

Doris was a cabaret performer and screen actor who after appearing in several minor roles in Hollywood movies during the 1950s acquired the pub in 1977 and added to the several other venues that she already owns including the Marlborough Hotel and West End Hotel.

Art Exhibit at Hotel Hollywood Offered a Glimpse Into the Life of Sydney Legend Doris Goddard

Photo Credit: Facebook / Doris Goddard

“Hooray for Hollywood” opened its doors last month to showcase an impressive collection of over 150 artworks by artists including Blak Douglas, Lindy Lee, and Ken Done, alongside emerging talents and first-time exhibitors such as John Safran. More than the artworks, however, the exhibition was an event not to be missed because of its unique location – the disused apartment that once was the abode of Doris Goddard.

Throughout the exhibition, the former ladies’ bar was adorned by a collection of Doris Goddard’s keepsakes including glamorous photographs from her cabaret performances and cameo appearances, and bundles of heartfelt love letters from various addresses across the globe.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Doris Goddard

After acquiring the Hotel Hollywood, Doris and her husband made it their residence. The pub gained prominence for being the first such establishment in Sydney to be managed by a woman and where men and women are allowed to enjoy drinking together. She, however, had a strict zero-tolerance policy on harassment.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Doris Goddard

Goddard continued to reside above the pub until 18 months before her passing in 2019 at the age of 80. The Hollywood was sold in 2021 to Brody Petersen for $10 million but opted to retain the pub’s artistic essence by removing the gaming machines, introducing weekly live music, and appointing David Wales as its artist-in-residence.

Petersen plans to revamp the venue in the future, adding office spaces across two levels and turning Goddard’s former residence and above floor into co-living space.

Published 5-October-2023

A Taste of Sri Lanka Comes to Surry Hills at Kurumba

Transport your taste buds from Surry Hills to the street food stalls of Sri Lanka at Kurumba, the neighbourhood’s vibrant new restaurant dedicated to authentic island cuisine.

Read: $44-Million Revitalisation Plan Set for Haymarket and Chinatown

Led by head chef and co-owner Augustus De Hoedt, Kurumba serves up modern, luxe takes on traditional dishes. Expect aromatic curries, seafood delicacies, and more – each dish crafted from local ingredients per authentic Sri Lankan recipes.

The De Hoedt family previously operated the popular Sri Lankan restaurant and pastry shop The Fold in Dulwich Hill, which closed in July 2023.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kurumba (@kurumba.syd)

They have now brought their culinary talents to Kurumba, named after the Sinhala word for baby coconut. Dishes range from lobster kottu rotti and hot butter soft shell crab to crispy pork belly curry, taking inspiration from the street food Augustus and family enjoyed in Sri Lanka.

Seafood shines in dishes like the Kajugama tiger prawns and Lankan devilled fish in hot tomato sauce and chilli oil. For something decadent, try the roast chicken served with coconut curry sauce.

Photo credit: Kurumba Restaurant & Wine Bar/Facebook

With a dining room upstairs and the Hopper Bar downstairs, the two-storey Crown Street venue offers a contemporary setting for this taste of Sri Lanka.

Augustus’ wife Dilki manages the front-of-house with the same commitment to hospitality and sharing her Sri Lankan heritage. Together with their sons Travin and Jason, the De Hoedts have created a welcoming, family-run restaurant sharing their love of Sri Lankan food and culture.

With its authentic dishes and passionate family team, Kurumba brings a true taste of Sri Lanka to Surry Hills. The menu takes you on an exploration of flavours that Augustus De Hoedt grew up with and now expertly recreates with premium Australian ingredients.

Read: Takam Opens Restaurant, Brings Filo Favourites to Darlinghurst

For a memorable culinary journey, visit this exciting new destination for modern Sri Lankan cuisine. Kurumba is open daily, except on Mondays. They are located at 555 Crown St, Surry Hills. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

Published 25-September-2023

“Amy, Before Frank” Exhibition Comes to Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Rama

International photographer Charles Moriarty has curated an exclusive exhibition of photographs of his close friend, the legendary Amy Winehouse, presenting a side of her rarely seen by the public, the young woman that Charles knew before the release of her debut album, “Frank.”

The exclusive “Amy, Before Frank” exhibition is coming to Surry Hills at m2 Gallery from Wednesday, 18 October, until Sunday, 22 October.

Admission is FREE, and the exhibition will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For those visiting on a Saturday, you’ll even have the opportunity to hear Moriarty share anecdotes about his time with Winehouse at 12:30 pm.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Fionn Kidney

SNEAK PEEK

Behind The Gallery is presenting this exhibition, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s debut album. Stephen Dallimore from Behind The Gallery is also thrilled to share this treasure trove of memories with her fans.

Read: Hollywood Hotel Surry Hills Gets Green Light for $2.8-M Revamp

A recent documentary, “Amy Winehouse & Me: Dionne’s Story,” provided a similar glimpse into the life of the reclusive artist. The exhibition provides a similar opportunity to see the Amy before the headlines came along.

The exhibition promises to show Amy Winehouse like people have never seen her before, a chance for people to connect with the person behind the iconic voice.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see the woman behind the icon in Surry Hills. After Surry Hills, “Amy, Before Frank” will journey on to Melbourne.

Published 18-September-2023

Unexpected Alliance Forms to Tackle Housing Affordability Crisis in Surry Hills

An unexpected alliance of major businesses, unions, and university leaders has come together to address the housing affordability crisis in Surry Hills.

The newly-formed group, Housing Now, unveiled a manifesto on Monday in Surry Hills with seven key demands aimed at helping New South Wales reach its ambitious goal of constructing 375,000 homes over the next five years.

Their proposals include the adoption of a “pattern book” approach to streamline planning and pre-approve certain housing designs for use across Sydney.

The Housing Now Coalition

Housing Now brings together a diverse coalition, including Business NSW, the state’s prominent business advocacy group, the Health Services Union (HSU), the Shoppies (Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association), the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, Sydney YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard), and the Committee for Sydney think tank. The union’s involvement, particularly the HSU, highlights the dire impact of the housing crisis on essential workers like nurses, who can no longer afford to live near their workplaces.

HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes emphasized the connection between the housing and health crises.

“This is as much a health crisis as it’s a housing crisis,” Mr Hayes said. He cited the detrimental effects of healthcare workers’ housing struggles on patient care and staff shortages.

Building 30 More Surry Hills

The central focus of Housing Now’s manifesto is a call to transform 30 suburbs into inner-city Surry Hills equivalents by increasing housing density and constructing medium-rise apartment buildings. Surry Hills was chosen as a blueprint because it currently hosts approximately 10,000 homes, featuring tightly packed terraces and low-rise apartment blocks—housing models that the coalition aims to replicate in other areas.

The coalition is advocating a return to the past with the concept of a “design pattern book.” This approach would bring architects and communities together to pre-approve a range of designs for townhouses, terraces, and low-rise apartments. These pre-approved designs could then be implemented across Sydney without requiring extensive additional consultations.

In addition to the pattern book idea, Housing Now is pushing for several other reforms to alleviate the housing crisis, including:

Clearing a backlog of planning proposals.
Prioritizing and expediting land rezonings near transport corridors using a template approach.
Increasing affordable housing options.
Providing incentives for councils to surpass their housing targets.
Reforming the planning system to facilitate faster approvals.

Voices from the Frontline

Kascha Chin-Potter, a 26-year-old Sydneysider who rents a 1.5-bedroom apartment, shared her experiences of the challenging housing market. She emphasized the urgency of finding solutions, given the desperate situation many people face. Chin-Potter’s mother, in her mid-50s, is currently sharing housing with a friend because she can’t afford a place on her own.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed openness to Housing Now’s pattern-book proposal. He acknowledged the need for challenging conversations with communities to address the housing crisis effectively. The government is expected to announce new housing targets and plans for transit-oriented developments, especially near metro stations, in the near future.

Barney Glover, convenor of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, underscored the importance of evidence-based policy and industry partnerships to address the housing crisis effectively.

Experts have noted that pattern books have been used since ancient times and have contributed to iconic housing designs in Sydney, such as Georgian-era terraces and art deco apartments. However, they emphasized the need for flexibility in design to accommodate varying local conditions.

Published 12-Sept-2023

Armorica Brings a Taste of Paris to Surry Hills

The aroma of roasted meats greets patrons as they step through the doors of Armorica Grand Brasserie, the latest addition to Sydney’s booming French dining scene.

Read: Hollywood Hotel Surry Hills Gets Green Light for $2.8-M Revamp

Located at 490 Crown Street in the heart of Surry Hills, the new restaurant pays homage to the foods and flavours of France.

Named after the ancient Celtic region of Armorica, which spanned parts of modern-day Brittany and reached into what would later become Paris – Armorica Grand Brasserie celebrates both Parisian cuisine and French cooking traditions. At the heart of the kitchen lies a custom-built Josper grill, used to replicate the time-honoured technique of wood-fire cooking.

Leading Armorica’s culinary program is chef Jose Saulog, who curated a menu showcasing French classics with modern flair.

Diners can enjoy small plates like beef tartare and rigatoni, before moving on to larger entrees such as spaghetti or the restaurant’s signature Steak Frites. Cooked to perfection on the Josper grill, the steak is served alongside crisp fries and your choice of bone marrow butter, béarnaise or mushroom sauce.

Armorica — Photo credit: Annie Guo/Google Maps

Seafood also features prominently on the menu, with dishes like whole rock lobster and oysters. Those with a sweet tooth can end their meal on a delightful note, indulging in desserts like their signature chocolate bar from pastry chef Travin DeHoedt.

With seating for up to 150 guests, Armorica’s recently renovated space includes two large dining rooms centred around a striking marble bar. Patrons can watch Armorica’s chefs hard at work preparing meals behind the bar, which helps create an engaging, bustling atmosphere.

Read: Adge Hotel + Residences Expansion Adds Exciting New Update to Surry Hills Hospitality Scene

Armorica Grand Brasserie is open for lunch on Fridays through Sundays from 12:00 p.m., and serves dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 5:00 p.m. The new French eatery comes from the same team behind nearby restaurants Franca Brasserie and Parlar, so guests can expect the same high-quality ingredients and service that have defined those two venues.

Visit their website for more information.

Published 6-September-2023

Sydney Endorses Cycleway Projects Connecting Ultimo to Surry Hills

After public consultations held earlier this year, the Ultimo to Surry Hills cycleway project and two other proposed cycleways for Sydney could soon be underway.

Read: Pop-up Cycleway on Moore Park Road Secures Three-Year Extension

The proposed route from Ultimo to Surry Hills will link Omnibus Lane in Ultimo to the extended Castlereagh Street cycleway, running along sections of Ultimo Road and Campbell Street with a shared path connection on George Street. The scope also includes a shared path along part of Darling Drive.

In areas with low vehicle traffic, the city will build ‘quiet ways’ where cyclists and local traffic can share the space whilst still allowing property access and opportunities for widening footpaths and planting trees.

Once complete, this project will connect with a new cycleway being built on Mary Ann and Kelly Streets to the west, offering a key east-west link through southern Sydney.

The other cycleway projects will run along O’Dea Avenue in Waterloo, Wellington Street in Zetland and will support those who are already riding, but also encourage more people to use cycling as active transportation.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said he was pleased cycling infrastructure continues to grow across the city.

“Having safe and dedicated bike lanes is exactly what our residents want. We’re expanding our network with work on Castlereagh Street and the upcoming Oxford Street West and Glebe to Ultimo projects,” he said.

The City of Sydney will move forward in developing detailed designs and plans for the three cycling infrastructure projects.

Read: The Incredible Secrets of Strawberry Hills in Surry Hills, including a Velodrome and a visit from Queen Elizabeth

The new cycleways aim to make cycling a more attractive and safer transportation option for Sydney residents and visitors. Officials hope the projects will lead to fewer cars on the roads and a more sustainable, healthy city.

Check out the (unofficial) Greater Sydney Bike Trail Map here.

Published 28-August-2023

Surry Hills Fire: Two 13-Year-Old Boys Charged Over Destructive Sydney Building Fire

Arson squad detectives have formally charged two 13-year-old boys in connection with a devastating Surry Hills fire that engulfed a historic seven-storey building.

The blaze, which occurred on 25 May 2023 and required the efforts of over 100 firefighters to contain, left the 111-year-old former hat and headwear factory on Randle Street reduced to ruins and wreaked havoc on the surrounding area.

The inferno’s intensity was such that two adjacent structures suffered irreparable damage and had to be demolished, adding to the mayhem that unfolded as thick plumes of smoke billowed across the city.

The fiery incident, which witnesses described as creating a “tornado of smoke,” drew widespread attention and concern. The heat generated by the blaze was so intense that it could be felt from a block away, and the building itself was nearly entirely reduced to rubble within a matter of hours. Chunks of debris from the building’s roof and walls fell onto the streets below, as shocked commuters and onlookers watched in disbelief.

The chaotic scenes witnessed hundreds of residents and office workers being urgently evacuated from nearby buildings, whilst a contingent of firefighters fought tirelessly to control the blaze.

The boys, whose identities are protected due to their age, face a range of serious charges. They are accused of deliberately causing destruction to property using fire, with the loss estimated to be upwards of $5000. Additionally, they have been charged with unlawfully entering enclosed premises without a valid reason.

One of the boys faces further allegations, charged with two counts of shoplifting that are said to have occurred at a grocery store on Elizabeth Street on the same day as the fire.

Initially, four teenagers were brought in for questioning in relation to the Surry Hills fire. However, charges were not filed at that time. It was only after further investigation that the two 13-year-old boys were formally charged with the series of offenses.

The two boys are now set to appear before a children’s court on 4 Oct 2023, where the gravity of the charges will be addressed.

Published 28 Aug 2023

$44-Million Revitalisation Plan Set for Haymarket and Chinatown

Photo Credit: Chen Hualin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

To celebrate Sydney’s diverse diaspora, Chinatown and the emerging Thai Town are set for a major transformation, as part of a $44-million plan to turn the Haymarket precinct into a buzzing dining and entertainment destination.

The plan comes as part of ongoing efforts to breathe new life into the historic precinct, with vibrant neon lights, enticing outdoor dining spaces, and culturally enriched shopfronts that showcase traditional foods.

The plan’s focal point is the creation of a “precinct of lights,” revamping Dixon Street – the heart of Chinatown – and enhancing the southern end of the CBD beyond traditional borders.

The changes are meant to reflect the evolving character of Haymarket, an area that has increasingly become a hub for Chinese, Thai, and Korean retailers.

Haymarket and Chinatown Set for Vibrant Transformation with $44 Million Revitalization Plan — A sneak preview of the proposed $44-million transformation project | Video still credit: Facebook/LM Clover Moore

The draft ‘revitalisation strategy’ for the project is based on inputs from 1,150 residents, business owners, and community members, covering an area that extends from Liverpool Street to Central Station, encompassing Chinatown, Haymarket, Darling Square, and Belmore Park.

The proposal includes offering businesses along Dizon Street access to grants and streamlined development application process. The plan, yet to be endorsed, aims to enable businesses to upgrade their buildings, install eye-catching neon signs, and present food preparation in shopfront windows.

The revitalisation strategy also envisions enhancements to the burgeoning Thai Town on Campbell Street, including shared zones with decorative lights and outdoor dining areas. Belmore Park, located opposite Central Station, is also slated for improvements.

Council is also actively considering heritage listings for buildings significant to the Chinese community. Additionally, the plan seeks to bolster events and festivals celebrating Asian culture, building on the success of the Neon Playground street festival and Lunar New Year celebrations.

Vincent Lim, Haymarket Chamber of Commerce President, lauds the plan as a blueprint for cultural revitalization. City architect and design director Bridget Smyth, meanwhile, noted that consultations highlighted the desire by retailers and communities for neon lights as a cultural expression that will transform Chinatown into a distinct precinct.

Graham Jahn, City Planning Director, credited Haymarket’s distinctiveness to its diverse residents, including Thai, Korean, Indonesian, and Malaysian backgrounds, setting it apart from other global Chinatowns.

Published 25-August-2023

Hollywood Hotel Surry Hills Gets Green Light for $2.8-M Revamp

Approval has been granted for a $2.8-million revamp and expansion of the historic Hollywood Hotel located in Surry Hills, marking the culmination of a lengthy dispute between the new owners of the iconic pub and the City over the proposed renovation plans.

The Hollywood Hotel, a revered establishment that has stood since the 1940s, is set to undergo a transformative revamp, including the addition of a new storey and a verdant rooftop garden. The project, spearheaded by the Peterson Group, aims to pay homage to the venue’s rich history while adapting it to contemporary needs.

This victory comes two years after the Peterson Group acquired the Hollywood Hotel from the late Doris Goddard, a former Hollywood actor who famously purchased the pub for a mere $175,000 in 1977. Following Goddard’s passing in 2019 at the age of 89, the new owners embarked on a mission to revitalise the iconic space.

The ambitious development plans (D/2022/200) include partial demolition of existing sections, refurbishment of internal areas, and the construction of a two-storey addition. The first to third floors will transition from accommodation to commercial offices, while a new fourth floor will house additional office spaces. Most notably, a “green garden” will grace the rooftop, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability of the venue.

Despite opposition from the City of Sydney, which cited concerns about the proposed development exceeding height limits, the Land and Environment Court sided with the Peterson Group.

The court’s decision followed constructive conciliation meetings between the developers and the council, leading to the recognition that the expansion was not only “in the public interest” but also compliant with the site’s zoning regulations.

“I have considered the submissions made by the Council in the Jurisdictional Statement and Statement of Reasons for entering into the agreement, filed with the Court on 3 July 2023, and I am satisfied on the basis of the evidence before me that the agreement of the parties is a decision that the Court could have made in the proper exercise of its functions,” Commissioner of Court Susan O’Neill wrote in her decision.

“Development Application No D/2022/200 for alterations and addition to a commercial development at 2 Foster Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 (legally known as Lot 1 in DP 1186940) as amended, is approved, subject to the conditions of consent at Annexure A.”

Local cultural historian Warren Fahey welcomed the expansion, noting that many Sydney venues have transitioned away from offering accommodations in favour of more financially viable options.

“Accommodation in the upstairs areas of hotels used to be important for pubs but now people tend not to want to stay in pubs where they have to walk across the hallway to have a shower and things like that,” Mr Fahey said.

Brave Scientists from Darlinghurst Use Comedy to Connect with Audiences at Science Week 2023

A group of 30 scientists and researchers from Darlinghurst have undergone comedy training for Science Week 2023, a live show to convey complex subjects in a more fun and digestible way.

They have spent July training with the Sydney Comedy School, as part of a federally funded program for Science Week 2023 activities, which take place throughout August.

They’re now presenting their 10-minute talks at Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition, which features six to eight speakers each night whose topics are wildly diverse. Talks cover cancer, kangaroos, emojis, climate change and many more.

The presenters are from a large array of Sydney organisations, including the Garvan Institute for Medical Research in Darlinghurst, and the University of New South Wales.

Kate Gunther, a PhD Candidate at UNSW and the Royal Hospital for Women is speaking about endometriosis during the talks.

She says the program has helped her to learn communication skills and meet new people.

“The program has been fantastic and the talks are a lot of fun. It’s a bit nerve-wracking trying to make a heavy topic humorous, but it’s a great way to connect with new audiences,” she said.

“I’m really glad that I signed up as it’s helping to increase awareness about the science that I’m passionate about.”

Sydney Comedy School Founder, David Crisante, says blending humour into a science presentation helps the audience to more easily grasp complex topics.

“The goal of the program is to increase the appeal of science talks and break down stereotypes about science and researchers,” he said.

“It’s so rewarding to see the speakers grow in confidence during the program, and to see audiences respond so positively to each talk and go home with new knowledge and appreciation for the top-class science that is coming out of Sydney.”

Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition is on 17 and 23 August at East Village in Darlinghurst. It is also part of the Sydney Fringe Festival on 5, 12 and 14 September.

Purchase Tickets

Published 14-Aug-2023