Editor's Note
Last week I offered a right of reply on who Annandale’s friendly rival is. I braced for a cheeky one-liner. Merril sent something else entirely. I read it twice, then went for a walk around the block. It’s in Letters to the Troll below.
Tomorrow is Halloween, so here’s the quick refresher: Trafalgar St between Booth & Piper St closes from 3 to 6pm. Annandale St between Rose & Gray St Reserve closes from 4 to 9pm. Annandale Mombies flash mob performs at 6pm and 7pm (Annandale St, near Gray St Reserve). The trail map & more info are at spookydale.com.au.
Village News
Annandale’s scariest Halloween guest lives at Whites Creek
Tanya, our local entomologist (who introduced us to Annandale’s 17 hoverfly species a fortnight ago), sent in a seasonal find:
Just in time for Halloween, this little tachinid fly (also known as a bristle fly) has a life cycle straight out of a horror movie. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs on or inside other insects. When the eggs hatch, the developing larvae feed on their helpless hosts, eventually killing them. While that might sound a bit gruesome, these flies play an important role in keeping insect populations in check and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. There's still a lot scientists don't know about tachinid flies, so spotting one in Annandale is a special treat!
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Made on Trafalgar St
A Beale piano was/is? up for grabs on Annandale 2038 FB group and the name matters here. Beale pianos were made right here in Annandale at the factory b/w Trafalgar and Nelson St. From 1902 to 1975 the factory was a major Annandale employer and supported operations at the wharf and timber yard at Rozelle Bay.
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New to the area with a two-year-old?
A local who just moved here posted in the Annandale 2038 group looking for playgroups for a two-year-old. Neighbours delivered. Annandale Playgroup runs Fridays and is free for the rest of Term 4. There's a Tuesday playgroup at Village Church on Johnston St ($4 a session, first visit free). Book Buddies at Leichhardt Library and Council's Magic Yellow Bus pops up at different parks each day.
Magic Lane's bottlebrush is buzzing
You’ll hear the bottlebrush in Magic Lane before you see it. The self-seeded tree is throwing a spring party. So far the community has spotted four kinds of native bee, hoverflies, cicadas, ladybirds, lorikeets and, yes, our beloved Bogong moths :) If you’ve never been to Magic Lane, now’s a great time.
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Mia wins Metro South spoken word comp
Some kids dread the dentist. I dreaded public speaking. So a big congrats to everyone who took the mic at the Metro South Spoken Word Comp. From Annandale Public, Mia took the top spot, Esther was Highly Commended, and Lorelei, Alfie, Jemina, Doireann and Fred qualified. (Source: APS FB Page)
Council Watch
Trafalgar St jacaranda removed mid-bloom
Council scheduled the jacaranda at The Crescent end of Trafalgar St for removal this week, right at peak bloom. The lack of explanation is what got people and I couldn’t find an update on Council's website.
Big plans for Annandale’s Triangle
A major development has entered the planning process on the patch some locals call 'Annandale’s Triangle'. The proposal includes roughly 700 apartments (15% of them affordable housing). Two community drop-in sessions are coming up, on Wed 4 Nov (10am to 12pm) and Tue 10 Nov (4.30 to 6.30pm), at Glebe Town Hall. There is also a survey you can fill in here. (Source: Planning Portal Thanks for the tip, Ian)
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Real Estate
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Saturday is Halloween, so expect a few small witches and skeletons knocking on Annandale doors by late afternoon. Leave the porch light on if you've got lollies, and take it easy on the roads. Earlier in the day there's a chance to see one of the newest homes in the suburb. 1/3 Johnston Street is brand new, designed and built by Greenline Developments, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, plenty of glass and city skyline views. It's open on Saturday 31 October from 12pm to 12.30pm, and curious neighbours are welcome. Across Sydney, the auction clearance rate last week hit ........ let's just say, it's not great. Locally, homes are still selling, and homes with charm, character and personality are still finding new owners. In short, homes are still selling; they just need the right price and a bit of patience. See you out and about. Ben | ||
| Get in touch with Ben → |
JUST SOLD
| Address | Price | Beds | Baths | Garages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301/8 McCarthy Ln | $2.06M | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 3/249 Johnston St | $1.09M | 2 | 1 | - |
| 30 Pritchard St | $2.04M | 5 | 3 | 2 |
Letters to the Troll
Connection vs Division
Ed: I couldn’t agree more, Merril. The rivals thread was meant to spark some friendly banter. I’ll admit my first reaction was defensive, but after some time to reflect, I’ve come round. Feeling you belong somewhere shouldn’t mean drawing lines around it. That said, I’d rather keep taking the odd risk and be pulled up, the way you just did, than play it safe. I suspect we learn more from moments like this.
If this got you thinking too, I’d love to hear from you.
Photo of the Week
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Trusted Tradie List
Events
| Annandale The Vic Featured | |
Cup Day at the Vic: join a sweep with your neighbours This Tuesday (3 Nov) is Melbourne Cup Day, and the Vic on Young St opens at 9am with happy hour until noon. Through the day there are sweeps from $5 to $50, $15 Aperol spritzes and a $100 bar voucher for the best dressed. Once the race is run, DJ Longtime plays from 4pm. Book a table ahead to get a good seat, plus a free hamper raffle ticket for everyone at it. Give us a call or head to our booking link. |
Friday 30 October
Camperdown Culture Undoing the City, Making Home - Chau Chak Wing Museum. Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor makes his Australian debut with new and recent works exploring migration, displacement, belonging and whose histories museums preserve. 10:00am - 6:00pm. Free Entry.
Glebe Books Julie Janson - My Kaathi Sister - Gleebooks. Julie Janson’s first poetry collection explores childhood, family, memory and the suffering and resilience of her people, expanding its compassion to all creatures. 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Free Entry.
Glebe Workshop Music and movement - St Helen’s Community Centre. Build strength and flexibility in a 1 hour movement class by following prompts or choosing your own style; no experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Free Entry.
Saturday 31 October
Camperdown Culture Undoing the City, Making Home - Chau Chak Wing Museum. Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor makes his Australian debut with new and recent works exploring migration, displacement, belonging and whose histories museums preserve. 10:00am - 6:00pm. Free Entry.
Camperdown Music ALLY - Church Street Studios. ALLY returns to Sydney to workshop new album material blending jazz, Afro-Latin and world music traditions. 7:30pm.
Forest Lodge Community Tramsheds clothes swap - Tramsheds Harold Park. Swap up to 5 preloved clothing items in excellent condition at Tramsheds; this free event is for City of Sydney residents only and tickets are essential. 10:45am - 1:00pm. Free Entry.
Rozelle Culture The SF3 Film Festival's Mini & Feature Film Screening - White Bay Power Station. SF3 brings the world’s best smartphone-shot short and feature films to Sydney.
Annandale Community Village Carnival & BBQ - Village Church, 122 Johnston St. Village Church throws open its doors on Halloween night with a free BBQ, carnival games, creative activities and a jumping castle. Come in costume and let the kids burn off the lollies while you take a breather. 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Free Entry.
Sunday 1 November
Camperdown Culture Undoing the City, Making Home - Chau Chak Wing Museum. Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor makes his Australian debut with new and recent works exploring migration, displacement, belonging and whose histories museums preserve. 10:00am - 6:00pm. Free Entry.
Annandale Music Spring Harmony Gathering - Annandale Neighbourhood Centre. The Third Voice and local artists including Mooncatchers Women's Choir and Perfect 5th present a concert celebrating spring, the changing seasons and care for nature. 2:00pm - 4:30pm. $30.
Annandale Music Bel a cappella | Beyond the Stars - Hunter Baillie Memorial Church. Bel a cappella | Beyond the Stars 2:30pm - 4:00pm.
Wednesday 4 November
Glebe Sport Living Longer Living Stronger exercise program - St Helen’s Community Centre. A tailored strength and balance program for all ability levels helps improve mobility and offers opportunities to socialise. 3:00pm - 4:00pm.
Annandale Workshop Salsa classes for beginners at Tropical Soul Dance Studio - Tropical Soul Dance Studio. Learn salsa fundamentals with experienced instructors at twice-weekly beginner classes at Tropical Soul Dance Studio. 7:30pm - 8:30pm.
Thursday 5 November
Glebe Kids Rhymetime at Glebe Library, 0 to 2 years - Glebe Library. Interactive singing and rhyme sessions for children aged 0–2 foster early literacy skills, a love of reading and social interaction; bookings are not required. 10:30am - 10:50am. Free Entry.
Glebe Sport Fitter and Stronger exercise class for older people - St Helen’s Community Centre. Fitter and Stronger classes for people over 50 combine aerobics, resistance exercises, stretching and relaxation, with bookings essential. 9:00am - 11:00am. $6.50.
Glebe Workshop Resume writing workshop for ages 16 to 25 - Robyn Kemmis Reserve Community Space. This three-week beginner workshop helps young people create or update a resume, identify suitable jobs and learn how to present their experience and achievements. 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Free Entry.
Camperdown Sport Tai Chi classes - Victoria Park Pool. Thursday Tai Chi classes at Victoria Park Pool offer gentle movement, breathing and mindfulness for all fitness levels, supporting strength, balance, flexibility and wellbeing. 11:15am - 12:00pm. $23.
Glebe Kids Storytime at Glebe Library, 3 to 5 years - Glebe Library. Interactive storytelling and singing sessions for children aged 3–5 and their carers foster a love of reading, early literacy and social skills; bookings are not required. 11:30am - 12:00pm. Free Entry.
Glebe Community Men's connection program - St Helen’s Community Centre. A welcoming space for men to connect over a cuppa, games, creative projects, guest speakers, walks and table tennis. 11:30am - 12:00pm. Free Entry.