Editor’s note

I’ve had some fun this week… sat down for my first proper interview with a neighbour and let’s just say their story kept unfolding in the best way. It’s a good reminder of how much is tucked into the streets around us and the value the comes from sharing stories.

I’m hoping to share that piece next week and for those holding out for some more history, I’m busy working on that too. As always, if you’ve got something to share with your neighbours… a story, a drawing, a thought… just send a reply to this email 🙂

Village News

After 27 years, Nelson Street’s boat is finally gone

A boat that had been parked on Nelson St for 27 years has finally been towed away this week. It was there long enough for a tree to grow through the hull! The tow truck driver had a rather good day for it: "Sometimes I cop abuse for doing my job, but not today!". Two of the longest-serving Nelson St campaigners arrived just after the boat was removed, but declined the honour of parking there first. Thanks to Lew who documented all of this on the local Facebook group. (Annandale 2038 FB Group)

A temporary rugby league museum is due to open this winter in the old caretaker’s cottage on Mary Street, just across from Leichhardt Oval (open to the public on game days). The display will focus on the Inner West’s connection to the game and highlight local stories and milestones. This is a step toward a permanent museum planned for ‘28 as part of the Leichhardt Oval upgrade. Locals are also being invited to share their own memories see here

Neighbourly conversations before council?

A reader has informed the Troll that the children's tree swing on Trafalgar St, covered a few weeks ago, has been removed by council following a complaint from a neighbour. The swing had already been taken down twice before council got involved. A sign has been raised in its absence, addressed to whoever made the complaint, asking why a conversation couldn't have come first.

Last chance to put your wall forward for a mural

Applications are closing for the ‘26 / ‘27 round of the Perfect Match street art program, with a closing date of 5 May. For those who do not know, this is an incredible program run by council that invites both local property owners and artists to take part, pairing blank walls with creative ideas to produce new public artworks. My favourite (to date) in Annandale is the one on the corner of Piper and Young St.

Events

Council Watch

Address Description DA Number
214 Annandale Street Alterations and additions to an existing detached house, including partial demolition and replacement of the rear roof. DA/2026/0325
316 Young Street Alterations and additions to a semi-detached dwelling, including partial demolition, a ground floor extension, and a new first-floor addition. DA/2026/0312

Real Estate

BEN’S WRAP sponsored by Ben Southwell , Cobden Hayson

A slight detour this week from the usual market chat. For those with an interest in architecture and a sprinkling of history, St Stephen’s Church in Camperdown is one many would recognise, but may not have taken the time to properly explore. A walk through the cemetery is a surprisingly educational wander, layered with stories from another time.

For the more curious, it’s also the resting place tied to the Dunbar and Catherine Adamson shipwrecks of 1857, when two vessels, just months apart, mistook ‘The Gap’ for the harbour entrance, as the story goes. (see more)

The church also hosts some very groovy candlelight concerts, blending a bit of history with a modern twist.

Only a stone’s throw from Annandale, and a little adventure well worth taking.

JUST SOLD

Address Price Beds Baths Garages
311 Nelson Street $4.10 m 4 3 2
129 View Street $1.77 m 2 1 —

Letters to the Troll

❝

Hi Mark,

Thanks for putting out The Annandale Troll which I’ve only recently become aware of and subscribed to.

I’m the President of Friends of Whites Creek Valley Park Inc (FOWCVP) which has been concerned about the park since 1997. I’m also the coordinator of the Whites Creek Food Forest Volunteers. The Food Forest is very close to the wetlands and FOWCVP championed the construction of the wetlands back when it was just an idea of Ted Floyd’s.

Of course we were concerned when it dried out over Christmas.  We have been working with Councillors and Council staff since early this year to get improvement there, and also in some nearby bushy areas.  Things are getting better. The wetlands are full of water. People are seeing fish and turtles and hearing plenty of frogs. Seventy percent of the non-native weed has been removed. “Duck Weed” is still present but it is native and is a food source. Council staff are working down there 30 hours a week.  Of course eternal vigilance on the part of park and wetland lovers is needed.

The local supporters of the wetlands are to be thanked for bringing the problems to our and Council’s attention.

FOWCVP is looking into next year’s Council budget to see if we need to be lobbying for an increase in the Urban Ecology budget. Stay tuned.

Gillian, President of Friends of Whites Creek Valley Park

Picture of the Week

Plaque for Maurice Ponza at Rozelle Bay light rail. Note it is dated 2040 … we should do more pre-emptive memorials! Photo courtesy of Eloise

More lizards found! A big thank you to Emily who continues to send through these gems 🙂 Anyone keeping count?

Sincerely,

Mark (resident of Annandale)

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