Editor's Note 

Last week I floated the idea of a version of the Troll for our neighbours, and I'm happy to say things have moved fast. The Hardt is coming! A newsletter for Leichhardt, arriving next Friday.

If you've got friends or family in Leichhardt, send them the link, or subscribe yourself to keep an eye on the neighbours and get the first edition next week. I've had some good chats with a few locals who might make a fine editor, but I'm still on the hunt - someone who knows every lane and loves the place. If a diehard Leichhardt local springs to mind, reply and let me know.

Village News 

A mural is coming to Georgia's shopfront

An Annandale's local has landed a pretty neat grant. Georgia Draws a House, the women-led creative studio here on Parramatta Rd, is among five inner west businesses picked for the council's shopfront makeover program this year. The plan is a proper treat for the street: hand-painted signage and awnings, plus a mural from local artists. Each grant is a matching one, up to five grand from the council with the business chipping in the same. (Source: Inner West Council Website)

Local's banh mi mission

Troll reader Charlie has shared his review of one of our top rated menu items in Annandale from Issue 34. "The Bahn Mi in its various forms was considered one of the top menu items, so I'm on an Anthony Bourdain style journey to document" First stop, the crackling pork from Booth St Bakery, top of the menu at $12.50.

"The pork is piled on without being fatty, and the crackling is properly crisp and salty," they report, with thick-cut pickled daikon and carrot they reckon is "a signature move". A word of warning on the heat: "Obviously getting chilli is an act of sadism, but if you say yes - buy a drink." Verdict: "I get the hype."

A cracking banh mi in Annandale

Wine bar, incoming?

We've been kicking around the idea of a little Annandale wine bar for a while now, and Hannah wrote in with word that one's coming to the corner of Ross St and St Johns Rd in Glebe. It's called Kisa - there's an Instagram page, and a website at barkisa.com. No word yet on when the doors open, and we'd still love one of our own, but let's give the newcomers a follow and our support at @kisa.sydney!

Send your questions for the Troll's maker, Mickie Quick

The Troll under the Johnston St bridge is getting a bit of attention, and now the Troll is going to the source. We're sitting down with Mickie Quick, the artist behind the sculpture, and we want your questions for him.

What does the Troll eat? How did he design it? When might it get lights, and who keeps an eye on it? Send us whatever you'd ask, and we'll put it to Mickie.

The idea grew out of a couple of letters that landed after Oscar's note about the Troll last week. Joanne wrote in wanting the Troll propped up higher or the concrete barrier gone, so he's easier to spot in all his glory. Elron picked up the lighting thread, floating the idea of solar floodlights from the Booth St Mitre 10, which he'd love to see stick around.

Local Business Spotlight 

Deep tissue and relaxation massage at Soul Universe, Annandale

Sometimes you just need an hour to slow down and switch off. Soul Universe on Booth St offers Deep Tissue and Relaxation massage, each session tailored to you – so you leave feeling refreshed, grounded and renewed. A calm, nurturing space right here in the neighbourhood. To book or learn more, here

Real Estate 

Ben Southwell
Ben’s Wrap
Ben Southwell · sponsored

A reader shared something with us this week that felt worth passing on. Tucked away near Whites Creek, a beautifully reimagined home has recently been recognised with a New South Wales Architecture Award for its thoughtful renovation and addition. It's another reminder that some of the finest homes are often quietly hidden within our own neighbourhood. Local Property Eye Candy - Click Here

With so much media noise, economic doom and gloom, it's easy to forget what's right on our doorstep. Whether it's a stroll along Whites Creek, a coffee on Booth Street or simply wandering our tree-lined streets, Annandale has a way of slowing life down and letting the outside world drift away.

Markets will rise and fall, headlines will come and go, but the lifestyle that makes people fall in love with Annandale remains constant. What a wonderful place to call home.
Get in touch with Ben →

JUST SOLD

Address Price Beds Baths Garages
93 Young Street $1.78 m 2 1 1

Council Watch 

Booth St beautification in council plan

The council has put its full four-year Delivery Program and this year's Operational Plan and Budget online - all 176 pages of it, first tabled at June's council meeting. Two lines in there are worth a look for us: a plan to beautify Booth St, Annandale, with the short-term works to be finished off, and a $679,000 refurbishment of the Annandale Town Hall community centre pencilled in for next year. The rest of the document is here.

Address Description DA Number
43–47 Trafalgar Street Removal of two trees within the property. DA/2026/0531
129 View Street Alterations and additions to an existing detached dwelling, including partial demolition of existing structures and construction of a ground floor rear addition. DA/2026/0532

Events 

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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