What started as a small project to connect community has already outgrown my expectations. The Troll now has 550 subscribers and an 80% open rate, which according to those with newsletter experience is great indication it is providing value. So, cheers for reading and sharing, this is what keeps me going!

A special shoutout to the contributors of this week: Amelia, Greg, Hannah, Jan, Mark, Mark L & Mayy. And a warm welcome to the new readers.

Built in 1920–21, the Johnston St Underbridge formed part of the Metropolitan Goods Line, the freight loop ran from Central Station Yard through Darling Harbour and the Pyrmont wharves, with links to Rozelle, White Bay and Glebe Island. Key cargo included wheat, wool, coal and sugar. The Annandale span, a modified Pratt Truss design, was built to last… and it has. More than a century on, the bridge still works hard, now carrying the patient passengers of the Inner West Light Rail ;)

Source: Heritage NSW — Annandale (Johnston Street) Underbridge (link) and for the engineers/master pop stick builders: Pratt Truss bridge design explained (link)

The Troll has quietly installed a letterbox in a gap between the bricks, under the Johnston St bridge . It’s for kids to ask the troll a question which I’ll publish, along with a witty reply where appropriate. Parents please take a snap and email it to me in case it gets lost. This idea may flop but I thought it was worth a try!

Good news for fans of our local tawny frogmouth family at Whites Creek. The low-perching chick from issue 5 has found its wings. A neighbour and WIRES volunteer Jan picked up a call to keep a close eye on it for several days until it could fly and was pleasantly surprised when she spotted the chick and parent roosting on her back fence. Proof that Annandale’s wildlife knows a friendly backyard when it sees one :) Photo below. (Source Local Resident, Jan)

Annandale’s back lanes are getting their moment in the spotlight, thanks to local artist Mark Leary. He’s begun a photo series capturing the character and quiet charm of the suburb’s lesser-known laneways. Mark shared his first picture this week (Young Lane), the start of a series which we hope to keep you updated with in future issues. (Source Local Resident, Mark L)

A local resident has confirmed that Council is on board with the proposed Halloween night closure of Trafalgar Street. More information to come :)

And for anyone wondering why Trafalgar St? There’s a bit of history that contributes to it. During a recession, the original land parcels were halved, then halved again, to help them sell. The result? Shorter walks between treats. Something every parent carrying a tired goblin can appreciate. (Source Local Resident, Hannah)

Inner West Council has launched a Reuse and Repair Map showing where residents can recycle, fix or donate items locally. The visual tool highlights nearby repairers, op shops and drop-off points for recycling batteries to bicycles. (Source Inner West Council link)

No new development notifications found in Annandale this week.

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Sincerely,

Mark (resident of Annandale)