Editor's Note 

The Troll's first-ever creative writing competition is complete and what a pleasure it was to read. Twenty local primary schoolers put pen to paper and the imagination on show was something else - time travel, witches, the lot. What really stood out though, were the stories wrestling with AI and climate change. There's something to be said for how creativity can help our kids make sense of the big challenges headed their way.

A heartfelt thank you to Michelle and Prue, two local teachers who gave up their evenings after long workdays to read every single entry and pick the winners - and a broader shout to all the teachers who quietly hold so much of this community together. I'm also chuffed that Messina has jumped in, offering a free scoop of ice cream to every entrant. Not a bad reward for a job well done.

You can read all the entries and see the winners over at - Troll Creative Writing Entries. These kids have earned an audience.

Village News 

The wine bar verdict is in, and Annandale said yes

We asked and you didn't hold back: of readers who voted, 97 said they'd put $100 behind the bar to help one open. People are keen and I’ve put all the feedback in the letters section below.

One reader offered to back it as co-owner and others had ideas on design and location. We also learned a bit of history: Annandale has had much loved wine bars before. The Vinery came and went, so did Sede.

The Annandale Playgroup needs a hand

A reader got in touch about the Annandale Playgroup, which runs out of the Annandale Community Centre on Johnston St. It used to open Mondays and Fridays but has dropped back to Fridays only, not enough volunteers. It's a free, parent-run group for little ones and their grown-ups, and by all accounts a brilliant way to meet other local parents. Got a morning to spare? They'd love to hear from you.

Hinsby Park's new playground opens this weekend

Annandale's littlest locals have got an upgraded playground to test out. Mayor Darcy Byrne is officially opening the upgraded Hinsby Park playground on Piper Street this Sat (12-2pm). There'll be a free BBQ, drinks and face-painting to go with it. Bring the kids, say hi to the neighbours and christen the new swings.

LPAC to be renamed after Richard Scolyer

Our closest pool is getting a new name. Inner West Council has backed a motion to rename Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre in honour of Professor Richard Scolyer, the world-leading melanoma researcher remembered for the bravery and compassion he showed facing his own cancer and for a love of sport and exercise he kept up to his final days. It'll carry his name as the Richard Scolyer Aquatic Centre.

Local Business Spotlight 

Meet Heather, Annandale's root-cause Clinical Nutritionist on Booth Street

Struggling with fatigue, digestive issues, weight concerns, autoimmune flares or hormonal changes and still searching for answers? Heather Sharp at Restoration Health understands that symptoms are often signs of underlying imbalances. Using an evidence-based, personalised approach, she identifies and addresses the root causes of your health concerns. Book a free 15 min chat here.

Events 

Council Watch 

Address Description DA Number
60 Annandale Street Alterations and additions to an existing detached dwelling, including partial demolition of existing structures and construction of an attic-level addition. DA/2026/0507

Real Estate 

Ben Southwell
Ben’s Wrap
Ben Southwell · sponsored

Property remains the dominant topic of conversation this week. Although the Federal Budget was handed down some time ago, the noise surrounding it hasn’t faded. If anything, the ripple effect continues, with buyers and sellers still trying to work through what it all means for their own position. While the changes were largely aimed at the wealthiest end of the market, it feels as though the uncertainty has reached much further than the top 1%, weighing on confidence across the board.

For those wondering what $2.5 million buys in Annandale today, 357C Young Street is a great example. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, parking and generous outdoor space, a level of offering that, in my view, would likely have commanded around 10% more earlier this year.

Has the mood shifted? Without question. Confidence has been dented, balance sheets have been repriced and values have adjusted. While that’s difficult for existing owners, it has also reset expectations and created a different landscape for buyers than we were seeing only a few months ago.
Get in touch with Ben →

JUST SOLD

Address Price Beds Baths Garages
78 Whites Creek Lane $2.3 m 3 2 1

Letters to the Troll 

❝

Ideas, vibe & conditions

  1. "Get the music right; no loud music." [pledge]

  2. "Yes yes yes!!! Wine bar please! … I would love a French Chablis with a side of Camembert." [pledge]

  3. "If possible near a park or green space so kids can have a run while parents have a wine!" [pledge]

  4. "Annandale is dead at night except for a few takeaways & delivery bikes. Would be great if a bar was open day & evening & had some good bar food... Needs to be dog friendly." [pledge]

  5. "Would really add to Annandale's character if designed as a cosy space to meet and enjoy good wine, chat etc. Ideally no tv!" [try early]

  6. "Have wine tastings, special events, members events, cellar door specials? Make it low light inviting, rustic or sophisticated, but welcoming." [pledge]

  7. "As a night worker, my support would depend on their opening hours. A small bar with a nice atmosphere would be my preference over a brightly lit pub at 11pm." [pledge]

  8. "We are flooded with cafes but nothing in the evenings... I'd very much support a wine bar but would need to see details of the proposal before considering making a donation." [try early]

  9. "I don't drink alcohol but would be a good place to meet a friend." [try early]

  10. "needs to be a few steps above the pubs." [pledge]

Offers to help (beyond the pledge)

  1. "I'd happily contribute financially / maybe even part share the business. Help with the IT... and donate my time to tastings." [pledge]

  2. "Happy to help with some volunteer labour... visited the Thirroul bowling club – all locally volunteer run!" [pledge]

Questions & practicalities

  1. "Does the $100 pledge mean a donation or more a 'pre purchase' of wine?" [pledge]

  2. "What about a wine bar in an existing cafe or wine shop? A few shops on Booth could do that... already a cool bar in Leichhardt on Norton St." [try early]

  3. "We've got a site in mind… the previous Commonwealth Bank building near the Post Office on Booth Street." [pledge]

  4. "The council would probably push back on the licence and parking, then make the DA impossible…" [try early]

  5. "Has any market research been done to find out whether enough people would use it?" [not behind]

Local history & precedent

  1. "There was one here for years – the Vinery... we go to its successor Betel House all the time. maybe it's not what people actually want around here." [prefer sushi bar]

  2. "We actually had a lovely wine bar. Sadly people stopped supporting it." [leave to market]

  3. "There was one in Johnston next to Jodi florist years ago. Limited patronage. High overheads perhaps?? Best idea would be a restaurant that had a wine bar section?" [try early]

  4. "We used to frequent Joe, at the Vinery, often for a tipple... Shame he's gone due to Covid." [try early]

  5. "Wanting a local wine bar since Sede closed... I'd be trying it out early and, as long as it isn't extremely overpriced, bringing friends along." [try early]

  6. "If the much-touted wine bar in Stanmore opens soon I will have to change my allegiance." [try early]

Sceptical, with reasoning

  1. "I don't drink. I wouldn't go to a wine bar." [not behind]

  2. "We have enough small bars in the inner west... I don't think there is a good space in Annandale. If there was, I'd probably be keener." [not behind]

Sincerely,

Mark (resident of Annandale)

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