Editor’s Note

A huge thank you to the 150 readers who filled out last week’s survey! The feedback that came through was truly golden and made my week. I’ve already made a small design tweak for clarity and over the year will look to implement more of your feedback including: local profile interviews, increased exposure for community groups, letters to the editor, family-friendly ideas and spotlights on our cafes.

The winner of the survey, by random selection is: Paul (Resident of Ferris Street). Thank you to Sally from the Corner Booth who helped make this happen. As always, please feel free to reply to this email or at [email protected] to contribute, introduce yourself or have your say.

Village News

Final decision due on Annandale Traffic Plan

Council is set to make a final decision on the Annandale Traffic Plan at its meeting on Tuesday 17 February. While public submissions have already closed, residents can still attend the meeting and those registered may address councillors before the vote. (Read the Council report, Registering to speak, Inner West Council)

An update on Banksia management near Rozelle Interchange

Thank you to readers who replied to the regrowing Banksias story last week after seeking more information. I have received an update from local MP Kobi Shetty that an independent assessment of the trees and surrounding soil detected the presence of Phytophthora, a plant pathogen known to affect banksias and still relatively new in Australia. A consulting arborist has now been engaged to assess overall tree health and recommend longer-term management options, with a broader plan to follow once that report is complete. Weekly watering is continuing to support recovery, with the contracting team monitoring the trees’ progress. Thank you Kobi for the update 🙂

Hinsby Park playground to close for upgrade

Works to upgrade the playground at Hinsby Park are set to begin on Friday 20 February 2026, with construction expected to run through to June, weather permitting. Crews will be on site from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. The playground area will be closed during the works, though the rest of the park will remain open.

Another what’s hot and not in Annandale

Thanks to Jan K for the contribution

Callan Park rally draws strong turnout ahead of council deadline

About 120 people gathered at Callan Park last Saturday for a community rally. Locals heard from several speakers, including representatives of the local cricket club, who raised concerns that a move from natural grass to synthetic surfaces could mean losing access to the grounds they have used for generations.

The club’s connection to Callan Park reportedly stretches back to the 1880s, with a notable match played there in 1932 by Sir Donald Bradman. Urban legend has it that he was bowled out by a patient of the asylum after scoring 143 runs, including a six that smashed through two windows of a nearby house. The (understandably unimpressed) resident refused to return the ball until the damage was paid for. This is especially notable as Bradman rarely hit sixes, favouring his flawless style of hitting the ball along the ground.

The Balmain Road cricket field in 1903, courtesy of Friends of Callan Park

While the public comment period for council has now closed, many locals took the time to have their say before last week’s deadline. Thanks to everyone who submitted comments and a special thanks to Gretchen G for sending through her insights on the event. (Friends of Callan Park FB Page, Getty Images and Trove National Library of Australia)

Events

Council Watch

Address Description DA Number
261 Trafalgar Street Installation of a 10kW solar panel system with inverter and battery to the existing dwelling. DA/2026/0060

Real Estate

JUST SOLD

Address Price Beds Baths Garages Land (sqm)
163 Trafalgar Street $3.4 m 4 2 — 238
296 Trafalgar Street $2.1 m 2 1 — 151

Letters to the Troll

❝

Hi Mark,

The Troll issues are brilliant, thank you. 

I wanted to raise the challenge of increasing graffiti in Annandale. I am tempted to get some sample paint pots from Bunnings and paint over it, but was wondering whether the council and retail could also make a concerted attempt to get rid of it.

We have lost the beautiful Annandale map which was at the corner of Trafalgar Street and Booth Street, cannot believe someone vandalised that.

Tagging to me is not creative, and does not enhance our area. Perhaps others might feel differently.

Any ideas?
Cheers

Carolyn

What are your thoughts or comments on this week’s letter? Reply to this email with your comments, or send through a letter on a new topic 🙂

Sincerely,

Mark (resident of Annandale)

Share the Troll, bring back community

We are building a closer Annandale community, so please invite your neighbour: just forward this email or share our website link via message: annandaletroll.com.au

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