A few readers mentioned in our recent survey that they’d love to see more for the kids. The Troll has listened. This week you’ll find colouring-in sheets featuring some of our local landmarks, tucked into a few neighbourhood cafés… something small to keep little hands busy while you grab a coffee. If you’ve got a printer at home that’s behaving itself, you can download a copy too.

Keep an eye out for printed copies at Revolver (Annandale St), Clover (Booth St) and Cocoa & Coffee (Parramatta Rd) and a big thanks to the owners: Tan, Xiao and Terence for keeping copies. If your young artist is proud of their masterpiece, please send it through to [email protected] and we will publish it… I’m sure it will brighten a neighbours day.

Download a printable version of the artwork here

A local parent has given a shout-out to Jodie McGregor Flowers on Johnston Street after a thoughtful gesture this week. Before heading off to university in Canberra, the parent’s daughter and a friend had been leaving flowers and small handwritten notes on the windscreens of cars parked at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, hoping to bring a smile to people going through a tough time.

When the parent mentioned this while buying flowers at Jodie McGregor’s, the florist offered to donate blooms for the girls to use. She described it as a very thoughtful act and said it was yet another reason to keep supporting a great local Annandale business. (Annandale 2038 FB Group)

There were plenty of small swimmers and a few big smiles at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre last Sunday as stage one of the long awaited upgrade officially opened. Inner West Council was joined by Mayor Darcy Byrne, MP Tanya Plibersek and councillors Philippa Scott and Kerrie Fergusson to cut the ribbon on the revamped splash zone.

The first stage brings a zero depth splash pad with water toys, a refreshed children’s pool, new shade structures, outdoor seating and a BBQ area, along with updated glass and timber fencing. Stage 2 is set to commence later in the year, which includes a new heated 50 metre pool and a new 25 metre pool with a moveable floor for learn to swim, water polo and aqua classes. (Councillor Philippa Scott’s FB Page and Inner West Council)

As we move through February, we are in the D’harawal season of Burran, which runs roughly from January to March. This is traditionally the hottest and driest time of year.

Seasonal signs during Burran include the blooming of weetjellan, or lightwood (Acacia implexa). Its flowering signals that fires should only be lit well away from bushland and on sand only, reflecting the dry conditions. During this season, male kangaroos become more aggressive and traditionally eating meat was avoided. In the heat, meat spoils quickly, so this also served as a practical health precaution. For our gardens, Burran is a reminder to hold off on new planting until the weather cools and to give existing plants some extra care. (D'harawal calendar | The Bureau of Meteorology)

Got a hot take, comments or something to share with other readers? Reply to this email or send through a letter and I’ll feature it here in the next issue of the Troll.

Sincerely,

Mark (resident of Annandale)

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