Editors Note
I write this newsletter heartbroken following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi, which targeted members of the Jewish community peacefully celebrating Hanukkah. Our identities, cultures and traditions are what create connection, meaning and joy for our families and neighbourhoods. We should not fear expressing or celebrating them, nor tolerate hatred in any form.
Village News
Village Church extends an invitation to the community
Village Church Annandale has extended an invitation to the wider community to attend services this Sunday morning at 9.30am and evening at 6pm. The church says both gatherings will include extended time to pray for those bereaved and injured, first responders and the community more broadly. (Source Annandale 2038 FB Group)
Help shape what opens on our streets
Thanks to everyone who responded to last week’s survey, we received 42 replies. Here’s what readers most want to see open in Annandale, ranked by popularity (mentions).
Sushi/Japanese cuisine (10): Topped the list with 10 mentions.
Wine & cocktail bars (9): small, relaxed, food-forward, not pubs
A quality butcher or deli (6): A ‘proper’ one
Bookshops & book cafés (5): often paired with coffee or co-working
Late-night food & jazz-style venues (5): more life after dark
Community spaces (3): libraries, youth hangouts, places to gather
Wildcard requests: dumplings, Indian food, fancy bakeries, yes an ATM too :)
Have you spotted a blue wren mural on your walks lately?
The bright blue wren murals appearing on walls and gateposts are part of a project by artist Sharon Billinge, who’s using them to spark conversations about bringing more natural habitat into our streets. I came across a few while delivering this newsletter and they’re easy to miss unless you’re looking. Learn more about the her project and how you can get involved here.
A Booth Street move with a troll coincidence
A new resident to Booth St shared a lovely coincidence. They wrote to say their collection of Norwegian troll figurines was the first thing unpacked, before realising the suburb has its own Troll under a bridge and a local newsletter named after it. They described the overlap as unplanned but oddly fitting for their new village home. A photo of their collection is included below. (Source reader Jonathan)
Call to report Christmas beetles in Annandale
A local is asking residents to report any Christmas beetle sightings to iNaturalist, noting the insects are being seen far less often than in the past. Gardeners are also reminded not to kill curl grubs, which are beetle larvae. (Source Annandale 2038 FB Group)
Taylor Street creative space earns quiet praise from locals
Locals have been shining a light on a small creative workspace on Taylor Street, near the bottle shop and nail salon. One neighbour highlighted a repair job they did on a suitcase and a woollen blanket. Another reader mentioned an incredible repair of a mobility scooter. They also offer workshops, private lessons and a tool library. You can find more information here (Sources reader Jessie and Annandale 2038 FB Group)
➡️ Have news? Share for next week’s issue by replying to this email
Offers from Local Businesses
Pippa James Skin Health (Booth St) | Facials and holistic skin treatments – 15% off any booking. Click here to access the offer with code TROLL15.
Restoration Health (Booth St) | Women and family health – Complimentary 15-minute health chat, plus 20% off initial consultations when booked by 15 Jan. Click here to access the offer with code Annandale.
*These offers are not sponsored, they’re for the benefit of readers. The Annandale Troll will always be transparent if something is sponsored.
ALL WEEKEND
Leichhardt | Santa Claus the Musical – Teatro at the Italian Forum. Festive family musical bringing Christmas magic to the stage across the weekend. Tickets from $75. Fri & Sat 7 pm, Sun matinee.
FRIDAY 19 DEC
Camperdown | The Buoys ‘Bitch’ Single Tour – Manning Bar. Sydney indie-rock band launch their new single with a high-energy hometown show. Tickets $38. 8 pm.
Leichhardt | Cryptopsy – Crowbar Sydney. Canadian death metal veterans headline an intense night of heavy music. Tickets $55. 7:30 pm.
SATURDAY 20 DEC
Annandale | Organ & Violin Recital – Hunter Baillie Memorial Presbyterian Church. Organ and violin recital in the historic Hunter Baillie Memorial Church. 2 pm. Entry by donation.
Camperdown | Flute & Piano @ Church Street Studios – Church Street Studios. Anna Rushmer and Nathaniel Kong present expressive classical works in an intimate afternoon concert. Tickets $30. 3–4:30 pm.
Camperdown | Secondhand Serenade – Manning Bar. US singer-songwriter performs an intimate acoustic set spanning two decades of emo pop. Tickets $89. 8 pm.
Leichhardt | Polka Kings Polka Roaming Band – Leichhardt Bowling Club. Roaming polka band delivering festive tunes around the Bowlo. Free.
Leichhardt | Spiderbait – Crowbar Birthday Week – Crowbar Sydney. Australian rock icons play a sold-out birthday week show with special guests. 8 pm.
SUNDAY 21 DEC
Camperdown | Adrian Cunningham Quartet – Church Street Studios. Renowned jazz multi-instrumentalist reunites with longtime collaborators for a swinging reunion set. 7:30–10 pm.
Leichhardt | Tonight Alive – Crowbar Birthday Week – Crowbar Sydney. Australian rock favourites return for a rare intimate hometown show. Tickets $70. 7 pm.
Leichhardt | Fresh Pizza Pop Up – Cheesy Duz It – Leichhardt Bowlo Gin Garden Bar. Final day of the pizza pop-up with slices served outdoors. 1 pm–sunset.
WEDNESDAY 24 DEC
Annandale | Village Kids and Families Christmas Eve – Village Church Annandale. Family-friendly Christmas Eve gathering with carols, stories and festive activities. 3:30 pm.
Annandale | Village Christmas Eve Carols – Village Church Annandale. Community Christmas Eve carols with songs, reflection and shared celebration. 9 pm.
THURSDAY 25 DEC
Annandale | Christmas Day Celebration | Joy to the World – Village Church Annandale. Christmas morning service marking the day with carols, reflection and community. 9:30–10:30 am.
Recent Sales
None reported this week.
DA activity
| Address | Description | DA Number |
|---|---|---|
| 314 Young Street Annandale NSW 2038 | Alterations and additions to an existing semi-detached dwelling, including partial demolition, construction of a lower ground floor, new ground and attic level additions, and associated works. | DA/2025/1049 |
➡️ Is there something else you would like to see? Hit reply and let me know :)
Troll Mail
No troll mail this week. If you have young kids who’d enjoy sending a letter or picture? Learn how here
Picture of the Week
Adding to the neighbourhood’s troll count (photo credit Jonathan)
The Troll is taking a two-week break and will be back on 9 January. New community projects are in the works for Annandale, more to come soon!
If you have been getting value from this newsletter, please consider following us on Instagram.
Sincerely,
Mark (resident of Annandale)