Village News
Empire Hotel changes hands again
The Empire Hotel has been sold once more, with the landmark pub reportedly fetching around $20.5 million after the lender stepped in late last year, and is understood to be part of a wider sale of Sydney properties previously owned by a now-bankrupt group, with Millinium Capital Managers named as the buyer. It marks the third time the Empire has changed hands in just seven years, a brisk turnover for a pub that has long anchored Parramatta Road and remains a familiar local meeting point, with its longer history covered in Issue 8 of The Annandale Troll here.
Council’s $500m infrastructure plan reaches 2,000 submissions
Inner West Council’s Building Our Community project has received ideas from 2,000 locals on how to their $500m infrastructure fund should be best spent over the next 15 years. Every resident has 100 points they can allocate to a variety of local services and facilities, along with an opportunity to contribute specific ideas online and at community popups. Feedback closes Sunday 1 March, have your say here.
School holidays come to an end
Much to the relief of parents, NSW public school students are back from Monday 2 February. This is a reminder to keep an eye out for children when driving, particularly in narrow streets with low visibility, and to be mindful of active school zone speeds. The Troll wishes all teachers, parents, carers and students returning to the classrooms next week a smooth start to the year full of learning ahead 🙂 (NSW Gov)
Council responds to Whites Creek wetlands concerns
Inner West Council says it is stepping up oversight of the Whites Creek Wetlands following months of local concern about maintenance, with councillors confirming a dedicated ecology team is now spending more than 30 hours a week on rehabilitation work. Council has acknowledged long term deterioration identified in past reports, and is investigating an unauthorised valve release over summer that caused two ponds to temporarily dry out, noting water has since been restored and no native wildlife was harmed.
Friends of Whites Creek Valley Park are hosting a meeting at Whites Creek Community Cottage on Sunday 1 February from 1-3PM regarding the wetlands and nearby areas with councillors and council staff present. Those with concerns about the wetlands are encouraged to attend. (Annandale 2038 FB Group)
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A Stone’s Throw Away
FRIDAY 30 JAN
Leichhardt | Australian Pearl Jam Show – Crowbar Sydney. Live tribute celebrating Pearl Jam’s album Ten with special guests Nirvana Tribute – Puget Sound. Tickets from $40. 8 pm.
SATURDAY 31 JAN
Camperdown | Plant Creature Workshop – Chrissie Cotter Gallery. Drop-in creative workshop making imaginative plant creatures from natural and found materials. 10 am–2 pm.
Leichhardt | Magic Dirt – Crowbar Sydney. Magic Dirt celebrate 25 years of Dirty Jeans with a loud, nostalgic rock set. Tickets $46. 7:30 pm.
Sydney | The Rasmus – Manning Bar. Finnish rock band bring their debut Australian tour with classic hits and new material. Tickets $89. 8 pm.
TUESDAY 3 FEB
Glebe | Broadway Rooftop Pickleball Sessions – Broadway Shopping Centre Rooftop. Beginner-friendly rooftop pickleball with social match play. Tickets $16. 6:30–8:30 pm.
Glebe | Come and get techie: Glebe Library – Glebe Library. Free one-on-one help with devices, apps, email and basic online skills. 11 am–12 pm.
WEDNESDAY 4 FEB
Glebe | Creative writing space – St Helen’s Community Centre. Quiet drop-in writing session for emerging and established writers. 12:30–1:30 pm.
Glebe | Living Longer Living Stronger exercise program – St Helen’s Community Centre. Guided strength and balance exercise session supporting mobility and confidence. Tickets from $7. 2–3 pm.
Leichhardt | Comeback Kid – Wake The Dead Anniversary Tour – Manning Bar. Hardcore punk icons mark 20 years of Wake The Dead with special guests. Tickets $70. 7 pm.
Leichhardt | Sumac Australian Tour – Crowbar Sydney. US experimental metal trio bring their first Australasian tour with Convulsing. Tickets $71. 7 pm.
THURSDAY 5 FEB
Annandale | Annandale Craft Group – Annandale Neighbourhood Centre. Weekly craft meetup for adults working on personal sewing and textile projects. 11 am–4 pm.
Glebe | Recollections – a group show – The Shop Gallery. Group exhibition exploring memory, place and material through painting and sculpture. 11 am–5 pm.
Recent Sales
| Address | Price | Beds | Baths | Garages | Land (sqm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 164 Albion Street | $2.52 m | 3 | 2 | 1 | 153 |
| 12 Susan Street | $2.22 m | 3 | 2 | 2 | 114 |
DA activity
| Address | Description | DA Number |
|---|---|---|
| 111 Johnston Street | Change of use and internal fit-out to operate the premises as a food and drink business, including installation of three non-illuminated signs. | DA/2026/0006 |
➡️ Is there something else you would like to see? Hit reply and let me know :)
Picture of the Week
Whites Creek Lane - Part 4 of Mark L’s Annandale Lane Series
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Sincerely,
Mark (resident of Annandale)