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Mixed Reactions as Surry Hills Development Moves Forward

Photo Credit: D/2024/122/CityOfSydney

A six-storey commercial building has been approved for construction in the heart of Surry Hills, set to transform 141-155 Commonwealth Street despite a wave of objections from local residents.

Sydney’s Local Planning Panel approved the project on 18 December 2024, paving the way for the demolition of existing structures and the introduction of new retail and office spaces alongside a landscaped rooftop terrace.

A Development Years in the Making

The site has a history of stalled projects, with previous approvals in 2015 and 2017 for student accommodation and a hotel, respectively. This latest proposal, designed by SJB Architecture, has secured the necessary green light after addressing concerns related to building height and floor space ratios under the Sydney Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012.

The approved project includes a basement, commercial spaces across multiple levels, and a rooftop terrace designed to integrate urban greenery. The development will replace older buildings from the 1950s and an adjacent gravel car park, aiming to revitalise a long-neglected part of Surry Hills.

Community Voices: Support and Concerns

While some residents have welcomed the development as a much-needed improvement, others remain apprehensive. Concerns about overshadowing, loss of privacy, increased noise, and mental health impacts were prominent among the 21 community submissions received during the consultation period.

One resident expressed worries about the loss of visual privacy for east-facing apartments and potential light spill at night, which she believes will affect the quality of life for nearby occupants. Another resident highlighted that the reduction in solar access could negatively impact both the liveability of homes and the mental well-being of residents.

However, not all feedback was critical. A resident living opposite the site supported the redevelopment, noting that the current structure has been neglected, contributing to health issues like mould. The local believes the new project will rejuvenate the area and set a positive precedent for future developments in Surry Hills.

Heritage Considerations and Design Changes

The site’s rich history, once home to the Sydney Rescue Work Society and other social welfare organisations, also became a point of discussion. Some submissions suggested the inclusion of heritage interpretation elements, such as commemorative plaques, to honour the location’s past.

To address community concerns, modifications were made to the development conditions, including clarifications on protecting street trees, adjusting noise control measures, and ensuring rooftop activities respect residential privacy.

Published 5-February-2025

Jane Fonda Live in Sydney: Wanderlust True North Series 2025

Photo Credit: Wanderlust

Jane Fonda, Hollywood icon, activist, and author will take the stage in Sydney as the headline speaker for Wanderlust’s True North Series.

The event offers Australians a chance to hear directly from one of most influential figures about wellness, activism, and aging with purpose on Sunday, 15th June 2025, at ICC Sydney Theatre.

Jane Fonda Returns After Seven Years

Fonda’s return to Australia marks her first visit in seven years. The Sydney event will focus on key moments from her career, from her acting success to her fitness empire and activism. She will discuss her journey and share insights into health, social change, and personal growth.

With a career spanning more than six decades, Fonda continues to engage in political and environmental activism, using her platform to address critical global issues.

Jane Fonda and Wanderlust’s Shared Focus on Well-Being

Wanderlust, a leader in health and mindfulness events, sees Fonda as a natural fit for the True North Series. Her advocacy for mental and physical well-being aligns with Wanderlust’s mission to promote a balanced lifestyle.

Radek Sali, Chairman of Wanderlust, spoke about Fonda’s impact:

“She revolutionised the fitness industry in the 1980s with best-selling workout videos, making exercise accessible and popular for millions. Ms Fonda is a strong advocate for mental and emotional well-being, using her platform to promote environmental sustainability, women’s rights, and social justice causes.”

A Share of Insights on Aging and Activism

During the event, Fonda will discuss her experiences and offer practical advice on health, longevity, and activism. She will explore the challenges and opportunities of aging and how to stay engaged in meaningful work.

Fonda expressed her enthusiasm for the tour, stating:

“I’m deeply honoured and excited to be coming to Australia to join Wanderlust True North for these special events. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to see aging as a gift – a time to embrace life fully, share our knowledge, but also laugh a little more.”

Exclusive Meet and Greet Opportunity

A limited VIP meet-and-greet experience will be available before the event.

VIP Package Includes:

Welcome drink on arrival
Professional photograph with Jane Fonda
Exclusive Wanderlust event gift bag

Price: $1,000.00 + booking fee (This package does not include a seat to the event.)

Meet and Greet Details:

Location: ICC Sydney Theatre
Time: 6:20 PM
Duration: 30 minutes

Book meet and greet

Jane Fonda Sydney Tickets on Sale Soon

Tickets for the event are expected to sell quickly. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from Jane Fonda live in Sydney.

book ticket

Published 3-Feb-2025

Eviction Looms for Vulnerable Residents in Paddington Boarding House

Photo Credit: Change.Org

The fate of 28 vulnerable residents in a Paddington boarding house hangs in the balance as they face eviction from their long-time home to make way for luxury apartments.

The Selwyn Street property, home to low-income men—some of whom have lived there for decades—has become the centre of a housing battle highlighting the broader crisis in Sydney’s housing landscape.

Eviction Deadline Draws Near

Residents were initially set to be evicted on 1 February, but after a temporary reprieve, the deadline was extended to 3 March.

The boarding house, which has provided affordable accommodation since the end of World War II, was purchased in 2022 by LFD Developments with plans to convert it into four luxury homes. Despite community protests and legal challenges, the redevelopment plans are moving forward, with the matter now before the NSW Land and Environment Court, set for a hearing in May.

Many residents, including 83-year-old Richard Anderson and 80-year-old Sav Durac, have lived in the boarding house for decades, building strong community ties. Offers of alternative housing have been met with concern, as options are often far from the residents’ familiar neighbourhoods.

Mr Durac, for instance, declined an offer for accommodation in Botany, 45 minutes away, saying it would uproot his established routine and connections.

Government Response and Community Advocacy

NSW has expressed a willingness to part-fund the purchase of the boarding house to preserve it as affordable housing, contingent on the developer’s agreement to sell. The City of Sydney has also signalled its readiness to co-invest if a community housing provider can be secured to manage the property. However, LFD Developments has not responded to inquiries about a potential sale.

Community members, led by local advocate Mike Mannix, have rallied to support the residents, gathering over 25,000 signatures on a petition to save the boarding house. Despite these efforts, only two of the 28 residents have found new housing since eviction notices were issued in October.

Selwyn Street Paddington boarding house protesters — *Photo Credit: ActionforPublicHousing/Facebook*

Broader Implications for Affordable Housing

The situation in Paddington reflects a larger issue affecting thousands across Sydney. Boarding houses have long served as critical affordable housing options, but state planning laws and ineffective protections under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) have left many residents vulnerable to redevelopment pressures.

With median rents in Paddington soaring and public housing waitlists stretching for years, the eviction underscores the urgent need for policy reform.

Published 3-February-2025

Popping for a Cause: Blue Angel Restaurant Hosts Champagne Fundraiser

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Blue Angel Restaurant is gearing up for the Blue Angel Charity Lunch, a special fundraising event dedicated to supporting children battling cancer.

On Sunday, 2nd February 2024, this iconic Sydney venue will host an unforgettable afternoon of fine dining, generosity, and celebration.

Organised by Freemasons NSW & ACT and The Grand Charity (Masonicare), the event will bring together delicious food, premium wines, and a meaningful cause. Guests will be treated to an indulgent gourmet menu, perfectly paired drinks, and an exciting charity auction featuring a 30-litre bottle of champagne—one of the biggest in the world.

A Toast to a Worthy Cause

While the afternoon promises exceptional dining and entertainment, its core purpose is to make a real difference.

The event aims to raise over $67,000, with proceeds going to the Oncology Unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital and The Grand Charity (Masonicare). These funds will support vital treatments for children with cancer and help drive ongoing charitable initiatives.

Blue Angel — Photo Credit: *Westmead Children’s Hospital*

Tickets are priced at $600 per person, with $485 tax-deductible. This means guests can enjoy a premium dining experience while making a meaningful contribution to a great cause.

The afternoon will conclude with a cheque presentation by Grand Master MW Bro Khris Albano, recognising the generosity of everyone involved and highlighting the impact of Freemasonry’s charitable efforts in NSW & ACT.

Blue Angel Brings an Exquisite Dining Experience

The event will feature a carefully curated menu, showcasing some of Blue Angel’s finest seafood dishes:

Lobster Bellavista
Lobster Carpaccio
Blue Angel Antipasto
Braised Octopus
Scampi Crudo
In-House Tiramisu

In addition to this exceptional meal, an auction of exclusive items will take place, including the empty 30-litre champagne bottle, a rare collector’s piece for the highest bidder.

Blue Angel Restaurant Celebrates Legacy and Milestones

Adding even more significance to the occasion, the event will also celebrate the 80th birthday of RW Bro Marcello Marcobello PSGW, the esteemed owner of Blue Angel. This milestone coincides with the 64th anniversary of the restaurant, further reinforcing its legacy in Sydney’s fine dining and philanthropic community.

Be Part of an Unforgettable Afternoon

This isn’t just another charity event—it’s a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, indulge in world-class dining, and contribute to an incredible cause. Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a philanthropist, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, this event offers the perfect setting to do so.

Limited tickets remain—secure yours today and be part of an afternoon where fine dining, generosity, and celebration come together for a truly meaningful cause.

Published 31-Jan-2025

Former Ray Hughes Gallery Listed for Sale in Surry Hills

A well-known warehouse in Surry Hills, once home to the Ray Hughes Gallery, is now on the market for the first time in over 30 years.

The property, located at 268-274 Devonshire Street, has a price guide of $25 million in an expressions of interest campaign. The three-storey structure, which has housed creative enterprises in recent years, carries a long history tied to Sydney’s art and business communities.

The building was originally constructed in 1914 for furniture manufacturers Ung Hing & Co. It later became the premises of Edward Hill and Co Furniture before being purchased in 1991 by Ray Hughes, a respected figure in Australia’s art scene.

Mr Hughes bought the property for $1.31 million and transformed it into the Ray Hughes Gallery, which later became known simply as the Hughes Gallery. The gallery operated for decades, exhibiting works from notable artists before closing in 2015. Mr Hughes passed away in 2017, and the building was subsequently repurposed into office space for creative businesses.

A Hub for Sydney’s Creative Industry

Today, the warehouse accommodates some of Australia’s leading creative companies, with a mix of tenants spanning music production, architecture, advertising, and design. Among them is BMG Rights Management, a globally recognised music production company that occupies the top floor. Other tenants include Studio Johnston Architects, Special Group advertising agency, Arent and Pyke Interior Designers, and Alfred design agency.

The building is now owned by Hughes’ son, Evan Hughes, who previously ran as the Labor candidate for Wentworth in the 2016 federal election. The sale is being handled by Shane Blackett of I.B Property, who noted that commercial properties of this nature are rarely made available in the tightly held city fringe market.

Devonshire St Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Investment Potential and Market Interest

The 778.6-square-metre property is a fully leased commercial freehold asset, generating approximately $1.55 million in annual gross income. It offers 2,081 square metres of total building space, making it a significant investment opportunity.

Given its location next to the light rail and close to Central Station, the property is expected to attract strong interest from buyers.

Although the building has been carefully maintained over the years, Blackett highlighted that there is room for further refurbishment and potential for increased rental returns. The property’s historical significance, combined with its proven track record of housing successful businesses, makes it a highly desirable asset for investors looking to secure a prime piece of Sydney real estate.

Interestingly, one of the building’s first commercial tenants after its transformation was Canva, which occupied 158 square metres during its early startup phase before growing into a global tech success story.

The expressions of interest campaign will remain open until Thursday, March 2, at 4:00 p.m.

Published 31-January-2025

Sydney Streets 2025: Surry Hills Set to Shine in Community Event

The Sydney Streets 2025 program is transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, car-free spaces, with Surry Hills hosting its celebration and six more locations.

Crown Street will come alive with live entertainment, alfresco dining, and a showcase of local businesses on Saturday, 5 April 2025.

Sydney Streets 2025 Event Schedule & Activities

The event will run from 11 am to 10 pm, with streets closed from 8 am to 11:30 pm. Expect pop-up stalls, live music, and family-friendly activities, alongside special offers and promotions from local shops.

Similar celebrations will take place across Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Haymarket, Glebe, and Potts Point.

Expectations in the Special Event

Sydney Street 2025 includes activities designed for kid’s entertainment such as circus playground, origami workshops, face painting, art classes, and reading spots.

Some events will have a dog agility course, others will feature fitness sessions, craft workshops, health checks, and numerous games.

DJs and other live entertainment located on outdoor stages are set to keep the event alive with good music and vibrations.

Special Sydney Streets Event

As part of the Sydney Lunar Festival, a special event is set on February 1 from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Traditional and contemporary performances will be featured on three live entertainment sites: Sussex Street, Ultimo Road and Harbour Street. It will feature lion and dragon dancers, dance groups, martial arts and singers.

Several food trucks and market stalls with meals and gifts is set throughout the Haymarket as a welcome for the Year of Snake. 12 zodiac animal lanterns will line George Street and sound entertainment until the end.

Supporting Local Businesses with Sydney Streets 2025

With the goal of supporting local businesses and fostering community spirit, Sydney Streets provides a platform for small businesses to engage with the public and celebrate Sydney’s diverse culture.

For more details, visit the official City of Sydney website.

Event Details:

Location: Crown Street, Surry Hills (between Cleveland & Foveaux Streets)
Date: Saturday, 5 April 2025
Time: 11 am – 10 pm
Road closures: 8 am – 11:30 pm

Published 30-Jan-2025

Arrest Made After Police Memorial Defaced in The Domain

Photo Credit: Wall to Wall - Ride for Remembrance/Facebook

A man has been arrested following the alleged defacement of the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in The Domain. The memorial, which honours police officers who died in the line of duty, was discovered vandalised with offensive graffiti.

On Saturday, 25 January 2025, officers patrolling the area discovered words like “dogs” and “evil” scratched into the stone surface. The defacement shocked visitors and police alike, as the memorial serves as a solemn place of reflection for officers, families, and the wider community.

The wall free of graffiti — *Photo Credit: Wall to Wall – Ride for Remembrance/Facebook*

Memorial Significance

The NSW Police Wall of Remembrance was established in 1999. It remains a testament to the sacrifice of officers who lost their lives protecting the community. The memorial features engraved names on polished stone panels arranged chronologically from the earliest recorded police casualty in 1862 to the present day.

Each year, a remembrance ceremony draws hundreds of family members, colleagues, and community members who gather to pay their respects.

Locals paying tribute to fallen heroes — *Photo Credit: South Sydney Police Area Command/Facebook*

Police Response and Arrest

Authorities established a crime scene following the vandalism’s discovery. Specialist police then conducted forensic examinations. Following the investigations, on Monday afternoon, 27 January 2025, around 2:25 p.m. police arrested a 43-year-old man at Glebe Light Rail station.

The suspect was transported to Day Street Police Station and charged with property damage and committing an offensive act on a war memorial/interment site. He was denied bail pending his appearance at Downing Centre Local Court.

NSW Police Wall of Remembrance — *Photo Credit: NSW Police Legacy/Facebook*

Official Reactions and Restoration Efforts

The incident was strongly condemned by city authorities. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb described it as “despicable.” City officials called it “lower than low” and “absolutely disgusting.”

Sydney City Council is collaborating with police to evaluate the damage. A stonemason may be required for restoration work, though Commissioner Webb indicated uncertainty about whether repairs are possible or if the wall needs complete replacement.

Authorities encourage anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Published 27-Jan-2025

Surry Hills Police Charge Man Over Offensive Emails to Alex Greenwich

Photo Credit: Surry Hills Police Area Command/Facebook

A 69-year-old man has been charged after an investigation by Surry Hills Police into offensive emails sent to NSW state MP Alex Greenwich.

The investigation began after Mr. Greenwich reported receiving six troubling emails earlier this week, prompting police to arrest the man on Tuesday.

Surry Hills Police Charge Man — *Manly Police Station*
Photo Credit: *Google Maps*

Man Arrested by Surry Hills Police Following Offensive Email Campaign

The man, initially detained at Dee Why Police Station, was later transferred to Manly Police Station, where he was formally indicted. “He was taken to Manly police station where he was charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend,” NSW Police spokeswoman said.

Court Appearance Expected for Man Charged

Granted conditional bail, the man will face court in Manly Local Court next Tuesday. The case will also include discussions about a preliminary apprehended violence order (AVO) designed to protect Mr. Greenwich from further harassment.

In addition, the man has filed a separate request with NSW Police for the “return of seized things,” which will be addressed in court on the same day.

Previous Harassment Incidents Add to the Case Against Alex Greenwich

This charge is the latest in a series of harassment incidents against Alex Greenwich, with a similar situation arising in 2024 when a 71-year-old man was convicted for sending homophobic hate mail to the MP.

During that time, Michael Deane’s lawyer characterized her client’s actions in sending Mr. Greenwich letters containing homophobic insults and a mention of AIDS as “trolling.” However, Magistrate Brett Shields at Downing Centre Local Court dismissed the claim.

Deane’s letter was later cited in Mr Greenwich’s successful defamation case against fellow NSW MP Mark Latham over a homophobic tweet that crudely depicted a gay sex act. Mr Greenwich’s lawyer told the Federal Court that Latham’s tweet led to a wave of homophobic abuse directed at the MP.

The retired man was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order in July 2024.

Published 27-Jan-2025

Camperdown Astronomers Discover Star that Breaks all the Rules

Photo Credit: NASA

Astronomers at the University of Sydney have discovered a dead star 13,000 light-years away from Earth that spins incredibly slowly, taking 6.45 hours to complete a single rotation.

This discovery was made in January 2024 by a team led by Yu Wing Joshua Lee, an astronomer from the University of Sydney, studying data from the CSIRO’s ASKAP radio telescope in outback Western Australia.

The team was surprised to find this “slowpoke” star, officially named ASKAP J1839-075, as it takes thousands of times longer to spin than any other neutron star observed before.

Introducing Neutron Stars

Neutron stars are formed when massive stars collapse at the end of their lives. This collapse causes them to spin quickly, like a figure skater pulling their arms in for a faster spin. Imagine our Sun, which takes 27 days to rotate, suddenly spinning 1,000 times every second! That’s how fast these stars usually spin.

These stars are incredibly dense; imagine squeezing something with a radius of a million kilometres down to just 10 kilometres. They also emit radiation beams, and as they spin, these beams sweep past Earth like a lighthouse, which is why they are often called pulsars.

A Star that Breaks the Mould

Scientists previously thought that as pulsars lose energy and slow down, they would stop emitting these radiation beams and become invisible to our telescopes. However, ASKAP J1839-075 is challenging this idea. It’s spinning incredibly slowly but is still emitting radio waves, which has baffled astronomers. Mr. Lee said this discovery makes scientists rethink their theories about how these stars form and behave.

Australia’s Role in the Discovery

This isn’t the first time astronomers have found these slow-spinning stars. In recent years, other pulsars that take minutes or even up to an hour to rotate have been discovered. But ASKAP J1839-075, with its 6.45-hour rotation period, is in a league of its own.

According to Dr Gemma Anderson, an astronomer at Curtin University, Australia is leading the way in finding these unusual stars thanks to powerful radio telescopes like ASKAP and the Murchison Widefield Array.

Searching for Answers

While discovering these “slowpoke” stars is exciting, scientists still try to understand why they spin so slowly. Some believe they might be a special type of pulsar called a magnetar with a powerful magnetic field. Others suggest they could be a different type of star altogether.

More research is needed to solve this cosmic puzzle. Mr. Lee believes that many more of these stars may be waiting to be discovered, potentially opening up a whole new area of study in astronomy.

Published Date 22-Jan-2025

Ageing Stands at Sydney Cricket Ground Highlight Urgent Need for Upgrades

Photo Credit: CV Choudry/Google Maps

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park, one of Australia’s most treasured sporting venues, is set to undergo a significant transformation with a multimillion-dollar masterplan aimed at modernising its ageing infrastructure.

Outdated Facilities Drive the Need for Change

The O’Reilly, Brewongle, and Clive Churchill Stands at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), built in the early 1980s, have been identified as outdated and struggling to meet modern safety and amenity standards. This reality was starkly highlighted on 17 January 2025, when a piece of the O’Reilly Stand roof dislodged during a storm, forcing an evacuation.

Roof dislodged at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 17 January 2025 — *Photo Credit: Cricket Masters/Facebook*

These stands are older than Sydney Football Stadium, which was demolished and rebuilt in 2018 due to similar issues.

Venues NSW confirmed that a condition assessment of the three stands will begin this year as part of the project. While no immediate plans exist to increase the SCG’s current 48,000-seat capacity, experts suggest that redeveloping the O’Reilly Stand could add space for an additional 7,000 fans.

Recent events have highlighted the inadequacies of the SCG’s facilities. Crowds at sold-out matches, such as the Sydney Swans’ AFL games and the Sydney Test cricket match against India, have exposed congestion in concourses, long queues for food and beverages, and insufficient amenities.

Cricket NSW and the AFL have voiced their support for the redevelopment, citing the need to maintain the SCG’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.

Sydney Cricket Ground plans for redevelopment — *Photo Credit: Cricket NSW*

Potential Features of the Redevelopment

The masterplan, to be prepared soon, could include upgrades to the stands, modern fan facilities, and new entryways to accommodate future innovations, such as drop-in cricket pitches.

Currently, the SCG lacks the infrastructure for drop-in trays, but rebuilding the stands could enable their integration. The Entertainment Quarter near the SCG has been suggested as a site for growing these pitches.

A redevelopment of this scale could cost up to half a billion dollars, but proponents argue that the investment is vital. Cricket NSW highlighted that compared to venues like Perth’s Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval, the SCG risks falling behind without significant upgrades.

Both cricket and AFL fans are central to the masterplan. The Swans continue to draw some of the largest AFL crowds in Sydney, and cricket officials emphasise that a modern Sydney Cricket Ground will enhance fan experience and help the venue compete on a global stage. Local residents and businesses in Moore Park also stand to benefit from improved facilities and increased foot traffic during events.

Published 24-January-2025