Editors Note
Happy New Year, and welcome to The Troll’s first newsletter of 2026. Kicking off a new year feels even better knowing this little community project has just reached 1,000 subscribers. Thanks for reading, sharing tips, and taking the time to send thoughtful feedback along the way.
The Troll will keep doing what it does best this year: shining a light on local stories, events, sales and changes around your corner, with a few fun community projects mixed in to help contribute to our collective connection to this suburb we are lucky to call home.
Village News
Green light for redevelopment of former WestConnex site
The former WestConnex dive site in Annandale, now labelled ‘The Joinery’, was given the green light for redevelopment just before Christmas. The first stage will be a 21-storey build-to-rent building delivering 220 discounted apartments for essential workers, including nurses, teachers, police officers and firefighters.
The wider precinct will also include new shops and businesses, a central public plaza and a new pedestrian link between Parramatta Rd and Pyrmont Bridge Rd. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with the first residents moving in towards the end of 2028. Read more here
Petition launched as council responds to Whites Creek wetland
A new petition calling for better care of the Whites Creek Valley wetlands is circulating locally, urging Inner West Council to appoint a dedicated caretaker (sign here). The wetlands have deteriorated in recent months, with reports of a dry pond and poor water quality. This has been linked to the existing caretaker, Peter, not having his contract renewed.
Councillor Kerrie Ferguson provided an update on 30 December, confirming that water has been pumped back into the pond and that council’s ecology team has begun wetland restoration work. A new steering committee is also planned for the new year to improve management and ensure community input can be prioritised. (Source Annandale 2038 FB Group)
Temporary turn closure at the Troll’s doorstep
For those lucky enough not yet to have returned from holidays, the right-hand turn from Johnston Street onto The Crescent will be blocked until 15 January. The work involves installing traffic systems as part of the Western Harbour Tunnel project. (Source Annandale 2038 FB Group)
Debate flares over transport links to new Sydney Fish Market
A local debate is underway about transport access to the new Sydney Fish Market, with some Inner West residents questioning whether planning matches the scale of the development. Concerns focus on traffic, pedestrian access and how large visitor numbers will move through the area. Others argue the site is well served by light rail, buses, cycleways and ferries. (Source Annandale 2038 FB Group)
Farewell to a much-loved local friend and ‘dog whisperer’
Our much-loved local “dog whisperer” and friend, Frank Hoegwind, passed away peacefully at home late last year. Frank was a familiar and treasured presence to so many in our community, and to countless dogs who were always greeted by name, followed by a treat and that unforgettable voice. I remember him and his beautiful dog Sophia well and will miss his presence. Gone but not forgotten. (Source Glebe Locals FB Group, with thanks to reader Pieter who brought this to our attention).
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Local Business Offers
Mark Leary, Justice of the Peace (Reserve Street) | Justice of the Peace services in Annandale – available by appointment.
A Stone’s Throw Away
FRIDAY 9 JAN
Leichhardt | Sydney FC v Adelaide United – Leichhardt Oval. A-League Women clash under lights as Sydney FC host Adelaide United. 7–9 pm.
Camperdown | Forest Folk Presents: Collapsing Stars with Grace Barr – Church Street Studios. Intimate folk evening with US duo Collapsing Stars and local songwriter Grace Barr. 8–10 pm.
SATURDAY 10 JAN
Sydney | Petting Zoo ★ Summer Sessions – Manning Open-Air. Daytime electronic music party with international and local DJs outdoors. From 2 pm.
Leichhardt | Aces High Celebrates Iron Maiden’s 50th Birthday – Crowbar Sydney. Australian Iron Maiden tribute delivers a loud, guitar-heavy anniversary show. Tickets $34. From 7:30 pm.
MONDAY 12 JAN
Camperdown | Shadow Puppet Workshops with Green Beetle – Chau Chak Wing Museum. School holiday shadow puppet workshops start Monday and run daily at the same time until Friday. Tickets $25. 10:30 am–12 pm.
Petersham | Building Our Community – Pop-up – Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre. Council pop-up inviting locals to discuss future community spaces and infrastructure. 11 am–1 pm.
Glebe | Play Bingo for Fun at Glebe – St Helen’s Community Centre. Relaxed community bingo afternoon with simple games and small prizes. Free. 1–3 pm.
TUESDAY 13 JAN
Glebe | Table Tennis – St Helen’s Community Centre. Social drop-in table tennis with tea and coffee in a friendly setting. Free. 1–3 pm.
Camperdown | Shadow Puppet Lectures – Chau Chak Wing Museum. Short daily talks exploring global shadow theatre traditions and storytelling. Free. 2–3 pm.
WEDNESDAY 14 JAN
Leichhardt | School Holidays: Hip Hop Dancing – Leichhardt Library. High-energy hip hop dance workshop for kids aged 8–12. 10:30 am–12 pm.
Lilyfield | Building Our Community – Pop-up – Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre. Drop-in session to share views on local infrastructure priorities. 11 am–1 pm.
Leichhardt | Falling Dove’s 10th Anniversary World Tour – Final Show – Crowbar Sydney. Los Angeles rock band play the final night of their world tour. Tickets $18. From 7 pm.
THURSDAY 15 JAN
Glebe | The Pairs (Canada) – Local Edition. Canadian folk trio share close-knit harmonies and heartfelt storytelling. Tickets $25. 7 pm.
Leichhardt | The True Batushka (PL) – Crowbar Sydney. Polish black metal band deliver a ritualistic heavy set with special guests. Tickets $84. From 7:30 pm.
Recent Sales
| Address | Price | Beds | Baths | Garages | Land (sqm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 Annandale Street | $3.88 m | 4 | 2 | 1 | 557 |
| 109–111 Parramatta Road | $2.28 m | 2 | 3 | 1 | 575 |
DA activity
| Address | Description | DA Number |
|---|---|---|
| 107 Parramatta Road | Alterations and additions to an existing commercial building, including a change of use to mixed-use development with residential accommodation at the rear of the ground floor and on the first floor. | DA/2025/1106 |
| 185A Trafalgar Lane | Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling house, including partial demolition, construction of ground and first floor additions, and construction of a garage. | DA/2025/1105 |
| 228 Nelson Street | Partial demolition of existing structures, subdivision of the site into two Torrens title allotments, and construction of a part two, part three storey detached dwelling on each lot, including tree removal and an in-ground swimming pool. | DA/2025/1090 |
| 28 Susan Street | Alterations and additions to an existing detached dwelling, including partial demolition and construction of ground and first floor additions. | DA/2025/1093 |
| 50 Breillat Street | Alterations and additions to an existing detached dwelling, including partial demolition and construction of ground and first floor additions. | DA/2025/1086 |
➡️ Is there something else you would like to see? Hit reply and let me know :)
Picture of the Week
Mayes Lane - Part 3 of Mark L’s Annandale Lane Series
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Sincerely,
Mark (resident of Annandale)