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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

Historic Water Tunnel Prompts Major Changes to Moore Park Carpark Project

Photo Credit: BESIX Watpac

The discovery of a historic 19th-century water tunnel beneath Moore Park has led to significant changes in the design of the Allianz Stadium underground carpark.

The unexpected find of the heritage-listed Busby’s Bore has resulted in a redesign to ensure the tunnel remains undisturbed while accommodating the stadium’s parking needs.

Originally approved in 2022, the underground carpark was planned to include 1,500 spaces to support the 42,500-seat Allianz Stadium.

Moore Park carpark — *Photo Credit: Centennial Parklands*

However, during early construction, workers uncovered parts of Busby’s Bore, a tunnel built in the 1830s by convicts to provide Sydney with a reliable water supply. Recognised as a crucial piece of Sydney’s history, the tunnel is protected under state heritage laws.

Following the discovery, city authorities required the carpark design to be altered to preserve the tunnel’s integrity while continuing construction.

Sydney Football Stadium redevelopment proposal — *Photo Credit: SSD-9249-MOD-6*

Changes to the Carpark Design

To protect the heritage tunnel, Venues NSW, the agency responsible for the project, has introduced several modifications to the carpark layout under SSD-9835-Mod-10:

Plaza Adjustments: The outdoor plaza above the carpark will be redesigned to highlight the historic tunnel’s presence and ensure accessibility features align with the Everyone Can Play guidelines.

Deeper Excavation: The carpark will now be dug an additional three metres deeper on the western side to avoid the tunnel, which lies about two metres below the original design depth.

Additional Level: On the eastern side, an extra parking level will be added to compensate for space lost due to the redesign.

Space for Event Operations: Parking spaces originally planned for the mezzanine level will be removed and replaced with a new double-height area called a ‘boneyard,’ which will provide storage and staging space for event logistics.

Impact on Capacity and Timelines

As a result of these changes, the number of available parking spaces will decrease by 78 from the original 1,500. Venues NSW has yet to confirm whether this reduction will lead to alternative parking solutions or adjustments in traffic management around the stadium.

Project timelines are also under review. Officials have warned that further modifications could lead to delays and increased costs, although no final figures have been disclosed.

Allianz Stadium carpak proposal — *Photo Credit: SSD-9249-MOD-6*

Heritage Protection Measures

To ensure the tunnel remains intact, construction crews have established a protected zone around Busby’s Bore. Special monitoring equipment has also been installed to track vibrations and prevent potential damage during excavation.

What’s Next?

Sydney Football Stadium carpark — *Photo Credit: SSD-9835-MOD-7*

The revised plans are currently going through the necessary planning and approval processes. Once completed, the city officials will provide updated timelines and budget estimates. Meanwhile, work on sections not affected by the heritage discovery continues.

The Allianz Stadium redevelopment aims to balance the need for modern infrastructure with the preservation of Sydney’s historical landmarks, ensuring both functionality and heritage protection.

Published 22-Jan-2025

A Fusion Feast: Japanese and Italian Flavours at Ito in Surry Hills

Ito Restaurant is a neighbourhood Japanese restaurant in Surry Hills that reimagines the traditional izakaya with a creative twist.

Read: All About the Negroni and Where to Get a Great One in Surry Hills

Opened in late 2023 by the ESCA Group, Ito blends the casual, convivial atmosphere of a Japanese pub with a menu that celebrates the unlikely but harmonious pairing of Japanese and Italian cuisines.

Photo credit: Ito Restaurant/Google Maps

At the heart of Ito’s kitchen is Head Chef Erik Ortolani, who draws from his Italian heritage to craft a modern izakaya experience. His dishes emphasise simplicity and the use of locally sourced ingredients, resulting in creations that are both innovative and grounded in tradition.

Ito restaurant — Photo credit: Ito Restaurant/Instagram

The menu is designed for sharing, offering a mix of small plates and heartier options. Highlights include the Moreton Bay bug chawanmushi, a delicate Japanese egg custard paired with asparagus and thyme, and the Roasted Aubergine, elevated with tomato miso and whipped tofu. These dishes showcase Erik’s ability to bring the flavours of two distinct cuisines together in perfect harmony.

Last year, Ito proudly earned its first Chef’s Hat at the Good Food Awards, a proof to the exceptional culinary talent of Head Chef Erik Ortolani and his team. The Chef’s Hat Awards are highly esteemed honours presented to Australian restaurants known for their outstanding cuisine. They are often regarded as Australia’s version of Michelin Stars.

Read: Takam Brings Filipino Cuisine to Darlinghurst with a Modern Twist

Complement your meal with a curated selection of sake or a signature cocktail, and enjoy the warm, laid-back ambience that defines Ito. Located at 413-415 Crown Street in Surry Hills, this modern izakaya is a true celebration of the intersection of Japanese and Italian culinary traditions, offering a dining experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique.

Published 22-January-2025

Uber Fares Double Amid Train Disruption

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Uber fares double as Sydney’s train network continues to be disrupted by both industrial action and extreme storms.

A trip from Petersham to Surry Hills that cost $18 on January 6 has risen to $38 on Thursday, despite Uber implementing a surge pricing cap.

The increased costs come as dozens of trains have been cancelled due to strikes by the Electrical Trades Union and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union. The situation has been exacerbated by severe storms that have left 95,000 homes and businesses without power and resulted in one fatality.

An Uber spokesman confirmed the surge pricing cap was in place Wednesday and Thursday but declined to specify the cap amount. The measure was introduced following a March 2023 incident when Sydney commuters faced hundreds of dollars in fares during a rail network outage.

NSW Premier Chris Minns announced new legal action with the Fair Work Commission against rail unions on Thursday morning. He acknowledged the impact of increased fees on commuters during the rail strikes.

Transport for NSW confirmed the surge pricing cap will remain until alternative public transport options are available, and passenger demand is met.

Published 16-January-2025

Rare Corpse Flower Thrills Visitors at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Photo Credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney/YouTube

It’s a beautiful plant native to the rainforests of Sumatra with a massive flower that smells a rotting corpse. At the Royal Botanic Garden, the rare corpse flower is currently in bloom, a phenomenon last seen in the city 15 years ago.

This plant is famous for its massive size and strong smell, often compared to rotting meat.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney — *Photo Credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney/YouTube*

A Botanical Marvel in Sydney

The Titan Arum, native to the rainforests of Sumatra, is a botanical rarity. Its blooms are unpredictable and awe-inspiring. The Royal Botanic Garden has nurtured this plant for years, and it’s now putting on a show. Past blooms in Sydney were recorded in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. This latest bloom is another exciting chapter in its history.

The Corpse Flower is known for its unpredictable nature. It spends years building up energy before producing its iconic bloom. This makes each event highly anticipated by plant enthusiasts and the public alike.

What Makes the Corpse Flower Unique

This plant is no ordinary flower. It can grow up to three metres tall and emits a strong odour during its brief bloom. The smell, which resembles sulphur or decaying flesh, attracts specific pollinators such as flies and beetles. The massive inflorescence is a spectacle, with a vibrant spathe opening to reveal its towering spadix.

Over the weekend, the plant grew 20cm, indicating that it was ready to bloom. Blooming period is anticipated between 15 and 20 January. Once the bloom starts, the plant will be relocated to a public viewing area in the gardens to accommodate visitors.

Extended Hours for a Limited-Time Event

The Royal Botanic Garden has extended its hours until midnight during the bloom. Entry is by donation so it easily accessible to everyone. This event offers locals and tourists a chance to witness something truly special. The bloom lasts only 24 hours, so timing is critical to catch the flower at its peak.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit early, as the garden expects large crowds. Updates will be provided online to help manage viewing times.

Building Excitement Around the Bloom

Titan Arum being admired by visitors. — *Photo Credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney/YouTube*

Word is spreading quickly, with people showing excitement across social media. The garden’s updates are helping visitors stay informed. This rare moment has sparked curiosity and enthusiasm, drawing attention from across the country.

The last bloom in Sydney drew thousands of visitors, and this event is expected to attract even more interest. The unique combination of its size, smell, and rarity makes the Corpse Flower a must-see.

Titan Arum in full bloom. — *Photo Credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney/YouTube*

Conservation in Action

The bloom highlights critical conservation efforts. The Titan Arum is endangered in its native Sumatra due to habitat loss. By hosting this event, the Royal Botanic Garden underscores the importance of protecting rare and threatened species.

The Royal Botanic Garden is part of a global network of institutions that work to protect species like the Titan Arum. By displaying this plant, the garden not only educates the public, but also emphasises the critical need for conservation.

For Sydney residents, this is a unique opportunity to see one of nature’s wonders up close. Don’t miss it — the clock is ticking on this extraordinary bloom.

Published 14-Jan-2025

CaterFrom: A Local Catering Solution for Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Pexels

CaterFrom, a corporate catering platform is making waves in Surry Hills by connecting local businesses and event organisers with nearby cafes and restaurants. The innovative platform aims to simplify event catering while boosting the local economy.

CaterFrom was established to address a gap in the catering industry by providing a seamless way for venues to access catering services from local eateries.

CaterFrom Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: CaterFrom/Instagram*

The platform’s origins are deeply rooted in Surry Hills, where its founders recognised the importance of supporting small, independent food establishments.

Operating in a neighbourhood known for its vibrant culinary culture, CaterFrom offers a centralised platform where cafes and restaurants can display their catering menus, making it easier for organisers to order and communicate.

How CaterFrom Works

The CaterFrom platform allows event organisers to explore a directory of local cafes and restaurants in Surry Hills, review their menus, and place orders for either delivery or pickup.

This ensures that venues receive timely food deliveries tailored to their schedules. CaterFrom offers a range of options suitable for business meetings, social gatherings, and other events.

Partnering with CaterFrom is risk-free for venues. It provides them with an additional revenue stream while promoting local businesses.

The platform encourages corporate catering budgets to be reinvested into the local community, which helps sustain jobs and maintain the culinary diversity that defines Surry Hills.

CaterFrom in Surry Hills supports local cafes and restaurants. — *Photo Credit: CaterFrom/Instagram*

Community Impact

CaterFrom’s focus on local partnerships has been well-received in Surry Hills. By prioritising small businesses, the platform helps independent cafes and restaurants thrive in a competitive market.

Catering suppliers, such as Cook and Archie’s and Burbs Brew Espresso, benefit from the exposure and increased orders facilitated by the platform.

Event organisers, in turn, appreciate the convenience of accessing multiple catering options through a single, user-friendly interface.

Feedback from the community suggests that CaterFrom’s services align with the values of Surry Hills residents, who are keen to support sustainable local initiatives.

Simplify event catering with CaterFrom in Surry Hills. — *Photo Credit: CaterFrom/Instagram*

Lead Time and Delivery

Each restaurant partnered with CaterFrom sets its own lead time for orders, allowing organisers to plan accordingly. In cases where a venue struggles to find an available caterer, CaterFrom provides personalised assistance via its concierge service.

All orders are fulfilled by local restaurants and cafes, ensuring timely and convenient delivery or pickup.

Concierge Services

In addition to its core offerings, CaterFrom provides concierge services to help organisers plan menus within specific budgets, address dietary requirements, and manage last-minute catering needs.

For further assistance, venues can contact CaterFrom’s dedicated concierge team at concierge@caterfrom.com.

CaterFrom in Surry Hills connects venues with local caterers. — *Photo Credit: Cater From/Instagram*

Looking Ahead

As CaterFrom continues to grow, its focus remains on supporting the Surry Hills community and strengthening ties with local businesses.

By fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable practices, the platform contributes to the economic and cultural vibrancy of the area.

Published 11-Jan-2025