to the autumn edition of Darling! Your seasonal guide to the best of Balmain and Rozelle.
We’re excited to welcome the Biennale of Sydney back to the White Bay Power Station. From 14 March to 14 June, this iconic space will showcase a diverse range of contemporary art from both Australian and international artists, including visual art, installations, multimedia, and performances.
The 25th Biennale of Sydney is a free event suitable for all ages, and we encourage you to explore everything it has to offer.
As always, Darling is proudly brought to you by the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting a thriving, connected business community. Follow our socials to stay up to date with everything that’s happening in our neighbourhood. Happy reading!
Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee
Publisher: Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce
Front cover: White Bay Power Station
Photography: Daniel Boud
Circulation: 20,000
All material is protected by the Copyright Act. No part of this publication may be produced without permission. Whilst every care has been taken in producing this information, it does not guarantee accuracy. All contributors and advertisers are responsible for their content and information. All prices and information are correct at time of print.
To enquire about future issues, please contact us on balmainrozelle@gmail.com
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work, the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora nation, and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
The Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce is proudly supported
Team
This magazine is driven by a passion for our community and the stories that make it one-ofa-kind. Each edition celebrates the local heroes, rich history, thriving businesses, and vibrant events (like the Biennale of Sydney this month) that brings our neighbourhood to life. Last December, we celebrated 5 years, we’re incredibly grateful to our readers, advertisers, and contributors for their support.
Annelie and Belinda
A special thank you to our supporters and contributors who have donated their time and services:
Guest Writers
Mina Iacono, Christine Knight, Duncan MacAuslan, Chris Taylor, Auden Nouri D’Morias
Our dedicated team of letterbox walkers
Thank you to Fiona Robinson, our art director, for bringing this issue to life.
Balmain and Rozelle
Balmain East is less than a 5-minute ferry ride from Barangaroo.
The Balmain Rozelle peninsula is home to 19 heritage pubs.
Australia’s oldest harbourside pool, Dawn Fraser Baths is here in Balmain. harbourside parks to explore. Buy some takeaway or pack a picnic and enjoy the views.
This magazine is an initiative of the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce. To join and learn more visit balmainrozelle.org.au
Our community deserves world-class public transport that gets us where we want to go, when we want to get there. Disappointingly, with privatised bus services, we are continuing to see unreliable buses on the Balmain peninsula – with services routinely late, cancelled, or too full to pick up more passengers.
It’s not good enough and our community deserves better.
The Premier had promised to end bus privatisation, but we know they have already granted one contract extension to the failed private bus operators. We need to keep the pressure on the government to end privatisation and fix our Inner West buses.
Please sign our petition calling on the Minister for Transport to fix Inner West Buses and return these services to public hands.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, I’m here to help
In the scheme of great urban rivalries (Sydney vs Melbourne, Liverpool vs Manchester, New York City vs everybody else), you could be forgiven for missing the memo that a comparable cultural contest is developing right underneath our noses. It might lack the vicious tribalism of other rivalries, but — in its own softly spoken, passive aggressive way — the competitiveness between Balmain and Rozelle is quietly coming to the boil.
Of course, it wasn’t always thus. Balmain has historically been regarded as the peninsula’s main event. As Kylie is to Dannii, and as Qantas is to Jetstar, Balmain has always seen itself as the shinier, classier option. In fact, for many Balmain residents, Rozelle is only on their radar at all because it was once briefly the home of Tetsuya’s. But all those old perceptions have been slowly wearing thin. And, today, Rozelle isn’t just the equal of Balmain, but might very possibly have surpassed it. Let’s take a look at the evidence:
SUPERMARKETS
In Maloneys and Fruitologist, Rozelle has two establishments where the business of browsing for produce is a manageable, borderline pleasurable experience; unlike the eternal chaos of the Balmain Woolies, where the recent addition of a barista near the ciggie section has somehow made the place feel even less classy.
Balmain Watch Tower
with Chris Taylor
PROVIDORES
Rozelle still has a proper fruit and veg shop, something that Balmain hasn’t had since Emile’s turned its back on fruit and went fulltime into hospital flowers. Meat-wise, both Emilio’s in Rozelle and TJ’s in Balmain are first-rate butchers, but Rozelle has the added bonus of a butcher that shares a tenancy with Eat at ROBs, a burger joint so popular that approximately 80% of the city’s Uber Eats riders can be seen congregating there at any given time.
BOTTLE SHOPS
Field Blend in Balmain is arguably the loveliest shop on the peninsula, a place where epicureans can find just about anything, except good banter and a smile. Both of those things can be found in abundance at Winona and Union Wine Cellars in Rozelle. Plus, Rozelle still rocks a drive-thru for those of us who believe buying a bottle of gin without leaving the car is an inalienable human right.
OP SHOPS
People cross town to shop at Rozelle’s vintage stores. People cross the street to avoid Balmain’s ones.
EL JANNAH
Rozelle has one, and Balmain doesn’t. On this point alone, the prosecution could rest.
I could easily go on (Rozelle Markets, Lode Pies, Fabbrica, Corner Bar), but not without greatly increasing the risk of my Balmain neighbours running me out of town. Whichever side of this fence we find ourselves, hopefully we can all at least agree on two fundamentally unifying points: 1) both suburbs are pretty wonderful; and 2) in this race, Birchgrove is running a very distant third.
Sailing into history
Fresh from steering her crew of two through one of the world’s most demanding ocean races, Jiang Lin has etched her name into sailing history with a remarkable victory in the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Jiang is the first female skipper to win the race, and together with her co-skipper Alexis Loison, they’re the first double-handed crew to lay claim to the famous Tattersall Cup — a day of historic significance for the race. Darling had a chat with Jiang about the race and how Balmain Sailing Club (BSC) played its role in developing her love of sailing.
When did you take up sailing and why?
My love for water and boating started with growing up around my grandparents’ boat, and spending lots of time on Min River in Fujian province, China.
However, racing on modern yachts only started when I arrived in Australia just over a decade ago. Seeing boats chasing one another for fun triggered my curiosity, as the only boats that I knew in China were working boats on which people’s livelihoods depend on. I went to Balmain Sailing Club (BSC) Regatta in 2011 and joined the BSC Sailing School.
You were named Most Improved Keelboat Sailor by Balmain Sailing Club, what did that mean to you?
BSC is a small but friendly and supportive club. I met new friends there, and being named the Most Improved Keelboat Sailor by the club for the 2013-2014 season meant a great deal to me. It gave me a confidence boost and led me to go on to purchase my own boat in 2018. I did many club twilight races there before I went on to do more offshore races. I am still a member of the BSC.
Jiang Lin with co-skipper
Alexis Loison
Photo Credit: CYCA | Salty Dingo
The Sydney Hobart is known for its unpredictability. How do you prepare mentally for such a physically and emotionally demanding race?
This was my fifth Sydney Hobart Race. I trained a lot on the water as well as off the water. I keep myself physically fit by training hard in the gym at least three times a week. Doing the double-handed has an extra level of physical demands, as often just one of you is on “duty” when the other is having a rest down below. You need to be able to do almost everything by yourself, which requires lots of energy, apart from sailing skills.
There were only two of you on the crew, what role did teamwork play in getting you across the line first?
This year’s race was another hard one due to the first two days bashing into a southerly. Our plan was to preserve the boat and ourselves for the first two days and recover on the third day, before we could attack aggressively on the fourth day when the wind turned northerly. I have always chosen to have a co-skipper who is better than me, this not only allows me to learn from them, but also allows me to rest knowing that the boat and I are in good hands. This year is no exception, as my co-skipper Alexis Loison is an exceptionally experienced offshore sailor and navigator.
Were there any unexpected challenges that tested you more than anticipated?
There weren’t many surprises during the race as the weather forecasts were pretty accurate, so we knew what the conditions would be like. We knew there was a chance for a smaller boat before the race started, so we were patient and conservative for the first two days before we pushed really hard to catch up with the front of the fleet and pull away from some of our competitors in our DH (Double-Handed) division.
Campbell Reid, Commodore of Balmain Sailing Club, said, “Jiang’s sailing adventures have taken her across the world, but we are immensely proud that her voyage began with us at the Balmain Sailing Club. We are claiming Min River’s victory in the Hobart race as proof that learning with our sailing school can literally take you anywhere.”
What was the moment you realised a win was possible?
My goal was to win the DH division, so winning the overall was a surprise. I did not think much of the result during the race until we crossed the Bass Strait. I noted Min River was swinging within the top 10 overall. I was also surprised by how many DH yachts were in the top 10. It did make us more focused as we realised that it was possible to get a good result. The sea was building on the last night, we forgot to sleep, and there were lots of sail changes as we were pushing really hard.
What does winning the Sydney Hobart mean to you personally and professionally?
It is a nice feeling, of course, to be the first female skipper and first double-handed yacht to win the race. I have received so many nice messages from the sailing community and friends, as well as media. This is amazing. Especially media coverages like yours, it helps to spread the message of sailing and encourages more people to go sailing. I hope it’s never too late. I joined the BSC sailing School in my 40’s so I would say, go! Join the sailing school and join the BSC, it is fun, no matter if you just want an afternoon out on the water or a couple of hours in the twilight race, it is always great being on the water and meeting new friends in the club.
After such an intense achievement, how will you celebrate — and what’s next?
I am having a rest from all the racing over the next few months as I will be heading to Europe doing some casual sailing in the European summer and catching up with some sailing friends overseas.
BALMAIN SAILING CLUB
Water Street, Birchgrove balmainsailingclub.com
Min River racing to the finish line
The 25th Biennale of Sydney returns to White Bay
The 25th Biennale of Sydney, titled Rememory is a free festival of contemporary art, ideas and unforgettable experiences. The festival will ignite across Sydney, and will return to White Bay Power Station. This extraordinary exhibition showcases the visionary work of leading artists from diverse communities. Best of all, entry is free.
Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, the 25th edition invites you to revisit, reconstruct, and reclaim histories that have been erased or overlooked. Rememory explores the delicate space between remembering and forgetting, where personal, familial, and collective histories are pieced together in new forms. The artists in this edition share marginalised narratives and untold stories, encouraging audiences to reflect on how memory shapes identity, belonging, and the communities we create.
Throughout the festival, White Bay Power Station will transform into a vibrant hub for talks, workshops, art activations, music, and social gatherings. Live music, DJ sets, and roving performances will animate the cavernous industrial spaces, while food trucks, pop-up bars, and outdoor dining areas create opportunities to linger, connect, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. From Lights On, the opening-night celebration, to Art After Dark, Family Days, artistled workshops, guided tours, panel discussions, and community events, there are countless ways to build your own Biennale experience. Whether you prefer an afternoon of quiet contemplation, an evening of music and conversation with friends, hands-on creative workshops, or weekend outings with family, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Biennale of Sydney.
Plan your experience by visiting the Biennale of Sydney website.
25TH BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 14 March — 14 June 2026 biennaleofsydney.art/events
Daniel Boud
Fancy Boy
Photography
LIGHTS ON OPENING NIGHT
Lights On marks the moment the 25th Biennale of Sydney bursts into life — a bold, electric encounter that invites you to be among the first to experience the edition in full swing. As the doors open, the space comes alive with contemporary art, sound, movement and energy, setting the tone for a Biennale that is curious, expansive and unapologetically alive.
White Bay Power Station
Friday 13 March, 7-11pm
$49
ART TOURS
Discover the stories behind the art with daily Rememory Art Tours. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer fresh insights into up to ten artworks across the edition, revealing the ideas, histories, and connections that shape each piece, and how they sit within the theme. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Biennale regular, join a tour to experience the 25th Biennale of Sydney through new perspectives and shared conversations.
Art After Dark on Friday evenings offers a unique, multi-voiced platform for contemporary music, combining local scenes, experimental practice, delicious culinary adventures, and a large-scale festival experience, set to an extraordinary soundtrack for your Biennale journey. Whether you’re a foodie, live performance tragic, or just interested in the vibes, Art After Dark hits the spot.
White Bay Power Station Friday evenings during the Biennale except 8 and 15 May
$35
Katje Ford
Daniel Boud
Jacquie Manning
FAMILY DAY WITH GUL COLLECTIVE
Join the GUL Collective for Stories in Thread, a day of creative fibre and textile making to explore the stories and memories attached to the places that have been important to our lives. You will be intuitively exploring threads and fibre materials to create embroidered, stitched, stuffed and embellished patches alongside small mesh pouches.
White Bay Power Station
Saturday 4 April, 10am-4pm Free
FAMILY DAY WITH AN OTHER COLLECTIVE Open House: Leave Your Shoes By the Door is a participatory activation inviting families and visitors to reflect on the home as a site of healing, memory and care. Responding to the theme of Rememory, activations will reflect the customs and memory of home and the value of generosity and care as building blocks for community and belonging. Through the activation, participants will discover what alternative forms emerge when rest and reflection are at the forefront.
White Bay Power Station
Saturday 9 May, 10am-4pm Free
FAMILY DAY WITH FLENK COLLECTIVE FLENK Collective will present a series of activations for engaging families meaningfully and creatively with the artworks and themes of the 25th Biennale of Sydney. Building on practices of the members of FLENK and artist co-creators, these programs encourage sharing stories, model reciprocity and engaging the senses.
White Bay Power Station
Saturday 6 June, 10am-4pm Free
MEMORY
LANE MARKETS
Memory Lane Markets brings together a vibrant mix of multicultural food vendors, each offering dishes shaped by memory, heritage and identity — echoing the themes of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, Rememory. Across the markets, you’ll encounter flavours spanning Pakistani, Palestinian, Lebanese, Persian, East African, Italian, Chinese and Native Australian cuisines, alongside bakeries and nostalgic Australian desserts. Come hungry, wander, feed your curiosity, and taste your way through stories from near and far.
White Bay Power Station
Saturdays and Sundays during the Biennale 10am-5pm Free
Jacquie Manning
Jacquie Manning
Garry Trinh
AFRICA DAY
Join us on 23 May for a full-day celebration for Africa Day 2026. Curated by Rebecca Williams and Adechoon, the minds behind Afro-arts and music collective BEKADE Entertainment, the day will feature a full program of traditional as well as modern African and Afro-Caribbean music and dance, food markets, arts and fashion stalls.
White Bay Power Station
Saturday 23 May, 10am-4pm
Free
INNER WEST: WORKING MEMORY
Working Memory is a dynamic program of experimental performance works presented by Inner West Council at the 25th Biennale of Sydney, Rememory, at White Bay Power Station. Experience puppets as ‘living archives’, a choreographic study of waterways, a roving performance dedicated to Filipinx diaspora workers, a live electroacoustic score transmitted through radio headphones, and a queer feminist take on power generation through enacting domestic tasks.
White Bay Power Station
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April
Free
INNER WEST: IDEAS
An afternoon of conversations and performances, reclaiming the forgotten, reframing the past and sharing community stories of our city. Curated by boundary-pushing, Inner West fashion powerhouse Nicol & Ford, artists, organisers, and cultural workers will trace the lineages of queer nightlife and diasporic identities in performance and embodied storytelling. Produced by Inner West Council.
Visiting White Bay Power Station for the Biennale of Sydney or a special event? You’re just minutes away from some of Sydney’s most charming harbour villages.
15 MIN WALK TO BALMAIN, DARLING STREET TO GET TO DARLING STREET
A short stroll or quick bus ride will take you to the heart of Rozelle and Balmain, where Darling Street is lined with cafés, pubs, boutiques and local treasures waiting to be discovered. Follow this map to explore historic streets, waterfront views and vibrant village life — all within easy reach.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School — building a strong foundation for future learning
Sending your young child to school for the first time is an important, often emotional moment in a family’s life. Research shows that the foundational years represent the most important years of a child’s education and a positive start builds the platform for emotional well-being, social confidence, as well as academic success.
Inner West family, Hayley and Ben, recently celebrated their child Hunter’s first day in ‘big school’ when he started Kindergarten at St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s Junior School. The unique school in the heart of the city is only a short bus ride away for the family and many Inner West families belong to the school’s close-knit community.
Experience and location
There were a number of factors to consider when it came to Hayley and Ben choosing a school for their child. “We thought about the experience for Hunter — things such as the quality of the teaching staff, the environment, the values of the school and its sense of community,” said Hayley. “We also considered the more practical side of things, like proximity
to home and work, so we can minimise our commuting time, and ensure we can participate in school life as a family.”
The family also have several friends whose children have attended St Andrew’s Cathedral School over the years. “All our friends had nothing but glowing praise for the school and recommended it to us wholeheartedly”, said Hayley.
Classroom environment
Attending a school tour and parent information sessions ahead of enrolment offered valuable insight into how a school in the heart of the city works, while also providing a clear sense of the classroom environment.
“One takeaway was how calm and inviting the school is,” said Hayley. “It feels like an oasis. It was also lovely to meet some of the students who accompanied us on the tour, and to hear about their experiences with things like the music programme and school sports — and of course, to meet the school chickens on the rooftop playground!”
A long history of coeducation
St Andrew’s Cathedral School has been fully coeducational since 2008, and this was an important factor in the family’s decision to enrol Hunter at the school. “We both attended coeducational schools and enjoyed the experience, and we think there is a benefit to social and emotional skill development in more diverse environments,” said Hayley. “We also chose the school because of its great reputation for being supportive, inclusive, and having a strong sense of community. Hunter is an only child, and so attending a school where we know we will make strong connections with other families was really appealing. The school has great academic results which is important, but above all, it was because we know Hunter will be supported and cared for at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.”
Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy
Building strong foundations of learning is fundamental to teaching and learning at St Andrew’s Cathedral School with a focus on explicit teaching of both literacy and numeracy. “We are very aware of the evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of explicit
teaching styles,” said Hayley. “Knowing that St Andrew’s Cathedral School takes an evidence-based approach to teaching is really important, you want to know that your child is benefiting from proven ways of doing things, and that the school keeps up with pedagogical developments.”
Given the thoughtful way his parents approached their school hunt, Hunter’s criteria was simpler. “He was excited about starting big school, mainly because he was impressed with the school’s selection of Lego and toys at the orientation!” laughed Hayley. “He was also looking forward to making some new friends.”
Now that the first day has passed, the family is pleased with Hunter’s progress at the School. “Starting school is huge for a small child, but Hunter has really settled in, and we have received all the support that we needed — communications have been clear and the school is responsive to our questions,” said Hayley. “It’s lovely to have him at a school that’s so close to our home. We are enjoying getting to know the community and appreciate the opportunities the school creates to get us all together.”
Book a tour of our unique city school. It is a great way to see the school in action.
ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
474 Kent St, Sydney
sacs.nsw.edu.au
Dear
Q. Dear Darling,
Is smiling too dangerous these days? After a few years in France, I moved to Rozelle earlier this year with a strong commitment to smiling at people on the street. I am a friendly woman who enjoys greeting familiar faces in the neighbourhood. To me, acknowledging the people you see most days is what community is all about. A simple “good morning” helps build a friendlier, more connected peninsula where everyone feels seen and valued.
Unfortunately, one older gentleman mistook my cheerful smile for romantic interest and handed me a card with his number. Very gallant — but I was never interested. Since I didn’t call, he now looks wounded every time we cross paths and won’t even nod in my direction, as though I have ruined his chances on The Bachelor: Senior Edition.
Is there a polite way to stay my happy-golucky, community-minded self without accidentally proposing marriage to strangers on Darling Street? I would really like to keep spreading neighbourhood cheer without being accused of breaking hearts. F. Lahmar (Smiling-Not-Flirting), Balmain
A. Dear F. Lahmar, What you’re practising is European-grade friendliness — eye contact, acknowledgment, a simple “hello”, which builds exactly the kind of community most people say they want, but rarely initiate. One person misreading warmth as romance is unfortunate, but hopefully those people are rare, and most others appreciate your friendly disposition. The poor wounded man, he will need to learn that a smile says community, not courtship.
So keep smiling. Keep saying hello. Communities are built by people like you!
Have a burning question you want answered? We’d love to hear from you. Write to Dear Darling by emailing balmainrozelle@gmail.com
Q. Dear Darling,
I’ve lived in Balmain for 35 years, and I’ve seen a decline in parking skills over time. When spots are limited, why do people leave half a metre in front, and behind their car? If everyone learned to park properly, we wouldn’t have any parking issues in the area!
R. Andersen, Balmain
A. Dear R. Andersen, Parking skills are perfected over time. In the last 20 years, we’ve seen an influx of both young families and SUVs to the area. It could be that these Millennials are still honing their parking skills, or maybe they’re worried about the paintwork. May we suggest a note on the windscreen with a diagram showing the correct parking distance from the car in front. If that fails, share a photo of the offending car on Balmain Living. It may not solve anything, but it’ll provide hours of entertainment for your fellow locals.
Q. Dear Darling,
Is it okay to bring a cheap bottle of wine to a friend’s place? Like many of us, the rising cost of living has us looking for smarter choices, and we’ve found that affordable wines can be just as enjoyable as pricier ones.
S. Wong, Lilyfield
A. Dear S. Wong, Many would intensely disagree that cheap wine is as good as expensive wine, but let’s save that for next edition’s discussion! Bringing cheaper wine is perfectly acceptable, provided you follow one simple social rule: bring it with confidence (and remove the price tag). Dinner guests aren’t expected to bring prestige, they’re expected to bring thoughtfulness. And honestly, a relaxed evening with friends pairs well with a $15 bottle of red — in our opinion.
A shared spirit
There’s a shared spirit between the craft of distilling and the creation of art. The partnership between John Wren Art and Blackwattle Distilling Co. began, quite fittingly, over gin and tonics at a family wedding. John was soon invited to design three large-scale artworks — each transformed into a label for Blackwattle’s debut range.
This April, Blackwattle Distilling Co. collaborates with the artist for a limitedtime exhibition that redefines where art belongs — inside a classic working distillery, just a stone’s throw from the Biennale of Sydney at White Bay Power Station.
The exhibition also marks the release of Blackwattle’s new artisanal spiced negroni gin. Crafted as drinkable art, it is bold, layered, and uncompromising. Over 20 artworks will be embedded into the production environment, where art can be experienced and where drinkable art is made, not separated from it.
John’s solo exhibitions have developed a cult following, often blurring the line between traditional gallery show and immersive sensory experience. As John says, “We do things differently. Art is no longer confined by white walls”.
PROOF the exhibition will be on from Friday 24 April to Thursday 21 May. Exhibition preview and launch event to be held on Thursday 23 April from 5-9pm.
Many pets suffer from anxiety, which can negatively affect their quality of life. It is important to try to understand the signs and causes so we can help them feel safer and more secure. We spoke to Bianca Betros from Darling Street Vets to learn more.
Anxious dogs may bark, whine, pace, tremble, hide or become clingy, destructively chew or sometimes have toileting accidents in the house. Cats tend to be more subtle in expressing anxiety; they may hide, overgroom, show aggression, avoid the litter tray, become inappetent, or show sudden behavioural changes.
Common anxiety triggers include separation from owners, noise phobias such as fireworks or thunderstorms, unfamiliar people or animals, changes in routine, moving house, past trauma, lack of socialisation at a young age, and medical issues or pain. It is important to realise that our pets also pick up on our stress levels; if we are stressed, they are also likely to have higher levels of anxiety.
Management of our pets’ anxiety depends on the underlying cause and requires patience and consistency to try to alleviate it. It is important to have predictable routines and safe spaces,
such as a quiet room or a crate to which anxious pets can retreat. Dog training using positive reinforcement techniques and behaviour modification plans play an enormous role in anxiety reduction. Mental and physical stimulation through play, exercise, and environmental enrichment reduces stress and builds confidence in our dogs and cats.
In cases where pets suffer severe anxiety, veterinary intervention may be required. Options include pheromone products, calming supplements and diets, and medications. These options, when combined with training, environmental changes and supportive care, are generally very effective. For more complicated cases, there is the option of a referral to a Veterinary Behaviour Specialist.
We know veterinary visits can be stressful for our pets. That’s why we use gentle ‘fear-free’ dog and cat handling techniques and calming pheromones in the clinic, with the aim to make each visit as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Treats are often obviously involved too! If yours is a pet who suffers from extreme anxiety during veterinary visits, there are options for medication to be given prior to the appointment that may help your pet feel more relaxed.
With understanding, patience and professional guidance, anxious pets can lead calmer, happier lives and strengthen their bond with their human family members who care for them.
Bruce Beresford is one of Australia’s most globally recognised filmmakers. Recently awarded the AACTA Longford Lyell Award, Australia’s highest screen honour, we spoke to Bruce about creativity, the excitement of making films and what it means to direct Oscar winning actors.
You’ve directed films all over the world, do you feel most creative close to home, or does creativity require a bit of distance?
It’s the project that’s important, not where it’s made. A good story travels. I’ve worked in Australia, America, Europe, and the location has always been secondary to the material. If the script has emotional force and something truthful to say, that’s what matters. Living in Balmain is simply where I happen to be based, it’s the strength of the project that determines whether I’m interested.
How did you feel receiving the AACTA Longford Lyell Award?
I was a bit taken aback. I genuinely didn’t know what they were planning. Seeing scenes from films made decades apart, and hearing actors reflect on them, was unexpected. Receiving
this award is a real honour, of course, but I’ve never been one to dwell too much on past work. It was unusual to sit there and watch a retrospective of my own career. I was more surprised than anything else.
What moment on set still gives you a thrill, no matter how many decades you’ve been doing this?
There’s something inherently exciting about the filmmaking process. You prepare, you cast, you plan, but when the camera rolls, something unpredictable can happen. An actor may bring a nuance you hadn’t anticipated. A scene may shift in tone in a way that elevates it. That sense of discovery doesn’t disappear. It’s why I’ve continued doing it.
You’ve directed actors to Academy Award nominations and wins. Is great directing about control, or letting go?
A film reflects the director’s sensibility. It’s a collaborative art form, but the overall tone, the rhythm, the moral perspective, those things come from one person. That doesn’t mean suppressing actors — quite the opposite. You want them to bring truth to the role. But ultimately, the director shapes the final expression of the story.
Do you prefer directing actors at the height of their fame, or before the world knows who they are?
Fame is irrelevant to the work itself. I’ve worked with major stars and complete unknowns. The only question is whether they understand the character and can inhabit it convincingly. If they can, that’s all that matters.
If someone made a film about Balmain, what genre would it be?
Balmain has plenty of character. It has history, strong opinions, a certain theatricality. Depending on what aspect you choose to focus on, you could make it very funny, or very dark. Like any good setting, it contains multiple possibilities. It would simply depend on which story you decided to tell.
Rethinking toning — what women need from workouts
For years, women have been told that to get toned, they need to lift light weights and do endless repetitions. Fitness classes were built around muscle fatigue, promising long, lean muscles and that satisfying post-workout exhaustion. But the conversation is changing. Tegan from FIT reflection explains why.
Women once chased muscle fatigue as the gold standard of a good workout. Now the message has shifted — lift heavy!
The truth about toning Muscles don’t tone, they either grow or they don’t. When women say they want to tone up, they usually mean they want to feel firmer, leaner and more defined. This sculpted look is created by developing enough muscle underneath, while gradually lowering the layer of body fat on top.
Beyond the burn
High-repetition, low-weight workouts produce the burn that people associate with effectiveness. While this training can improve muscular endurance, alone, it often limits muscle growth, which is a critical component of long-term body composition change.
The truth about lifting heavy
Encouraging women to strength train is a positive shift. It builds muscle, supports fat loss, improves bone density, and enhances overall physical resilience. But lifting heavy is a process.
It begins with learning technique and understanding how to move safely and efficiently so the right muscles are challenged. It requires gradually increasing load, strengthening not just muscle, but tendons, ligaments and connective tissue.
Consistency drives results
Body composition changes through consistent, progressive training performed over a long time. To build muscle, reduce body fat and create a firm, defined look, you need to gradually increase resistance, improve technique and repeat quality sessions weekly.
When women learn to strength train properly, they don’t just change how their body looks. They build confidence and develop physical capability that supports everyday life.
A smarter way forward
The goal isn’t to exercise more — it’s to train smarter, build strength safely, and create a body that feels strong, capable, and confident for years to come.
FIT reflection specialises in helping women build strength, confidence, and sustainable body composition through evidence-based coaching and group strength training programs.
FIT reflection
Suite 1/259 Darling St, Balmain fitreflection.com.au 0451 220 773
Comedy crawl in Rozelle
The Sydney Comedy Festival is bringing back the crowd favourite Comedy Crawl, an afternoon of comedy in the historic waterside suburb of Rozelle. Enjoy four comedy sets by four brilliant comedians at four trendy venues, all included in one ticket!
Join your charismatic comedian guide as they lead your group between craft breweries, local distilleries, and historic heritage pubs to catch comedy sets from the Sydney Comedy Festival’s favourite comics, picking up a cocktail or two along the way. In Rozelle, the wonderful venues are Bald Rock Hotel, Red Mill Rum, Sydney Brewery Rozelle and Native Rose Hotel.
Share laughs, refreshments, and make new friends as you explore Rozelle. You may just discover your new favourite bar — or comedian!
In 2025, all sessions across Sydney were sold out — buy now or miss out!
HOW IT WORKS
Buy a ticket: Each ticket includes four comedy shows at four bars, with the session time indicating the start time for your group. If you are attending with friends, make sure they all book the same session so you can be in the same group!
Meet your guide: Your starting point for the crawl will be in Rozelle. You will receive an email/text with the address of the starting point, so keep an eye out!
Enjoy an afternoon of laughter and fun!
A cruise for every style of traveller
When I stepped aboard MSC World Europa last year for a seven-night Mediterranean round-trip from Barcelona, it quickly became clear why MSC is so appealing. Our itinerary traced the coastline through Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta, and even at full capacity, the ship felt spacious and calm. I was fortunate to tour behind the scenes, from the galleys to the MSC Yacht Club, which highlighted the depth of the onboard experience.
As an LNG-powered vessel, MSC World Europa is one of the cleanest cruise ships around, and its next-generation design is evident in how smoothly and quietly it sails between ports.
Living onboard for a week reveals the deliberate design and intuitive layout of the ship. Rather than funnelling everyone into a central hub, the ship features distinct zones that naturally encourage guests to spread across the space. Restaurants, pools, bars and atrium effortlessly host guests, and it never feels like you’re competing for room. Whether you’re wandering through the World Promenade, finding a quiet spot for a coffee, or heading out to dinner, the ship feels easy to navigate.
The MSC Yacht Club occupies its own calm corner of the ship, offering a private, all-inclusive experience with a dedicated restaurant, lounge, pool and butler service. Seeing it firsthand clarifies its appeal — it offers a more elevated, intimate way to cruise, while still granting full access to the ship’s wider energy and amenities.
For multi-generational travel, this layered offering is particularly appealing. Yacht Club, Aurea, Fantastica and Bella experiences can all coexist on the same sailing, allowing different generations to tailor the journey to suit their style. The overall holiday feels considered and effortless, with cost-effective drink or laundry packages available.
The rhythm onboard remains relaxed. There are lively moments, but rarely a sense of overwhelm. MSC’s flexi-porting system, which allows guests to embark or disembark at different ports, helps stagger movement, so destinations feel accessible rather than crowded. This also makes it easy to integrate a cruise into a broader European itinerary. With MSC’s expansive fleet and varied routes, the voyage can easily complement your travel plans.
Global Village Travel has been part of the community since 1992, and after five years without a retail presence, our store is open again. Drop in to see Heidi or me (Ben) for a chat about whether MSC is right for you.
What day of the week is Rozelle Collectors Markets held?
7 Which bus goes to the Art Gallery of NSW?
2 Are dogs allowed at the EVH?
5
What year was Lily Fields Distilling Co. founded?
8 How many pubs are there on the peninsula?
3 Darling just celebrated which birthday?
9
The Bays metro station is scheduled to open when?
6 Where in Rozelle can you visit the Biennale of Sydney?
The local edit
Autumn Cotton Scarf. Made using fairly traded Indian cotton and block printed in West Bengal
616 Darling St, Rozelle globalconduct.com.au
a reactive glaze, giving the porcelain a rich hand-crafted finish
2/251 Darling St, Balmain gro-urbanoasis.com.au
| $29.99 each
Balmain Rozelle Pub Crawl
Handmade Linen Tea Towel
499 Darling St, Balmain insidetraders.com.au
Daisy.Kids+Life | $69
Balmain Stamp Logo Tee in Coral Red. Celebrates the Balmain foodie paradise
497 Darling St, Balmain daisy-kids-life.com
Global Conduct — the little shop of fair trade | $89
Noah’s Ark Applique Cushion. Handmade in Peru
616 Darling St, Rozelle earthica.com.au
Here’s your guide to shop local
Fashion
Balmain Boutique x Maurice
Blokes Balmain
Burrow & Be
Daisy.Kids+Life
Embellish Atelier
Hester Fleming Vintage
Monkeysee High Visibility
Ms Francis Gems
Styled By Lin — Intimo
The Foundation Lingerie
VENLA resell + relove
Hair and Beauty
A.H Salon Rozelle
AK Aesthetica
Bio Glow Skin Clinic
Canvas Skin Beauty Retreat
Hairlab by George
House of Terri Brows
Kirsty Bremner Hair & Make-up
SILK Laser Clinics Balmain
Suede Clinic
Gifts and Florists
Angel Aromatics
Bits of Australia
Fair Trade Gifts
FLATOUTBear
Global Conduct
Goods 4 Good
Mimi Floristry
Stories to Gather
Taraf Solid Perfumes
Two Baskets
Art
44 Gallery
ART Gallery on Darling
Artspark Studio
Kate Owen Gallery
Lara Scolari Gallery
Local Lines
Paper Rock Scissors Art Studios
The Genesian Theatre
Fitness and Movement
Balmain Health Club
BodyEthos
Body Library Studio
FIT reflection
Fluidform Rozelle
Net CLB
Reboot Health
Running Science
Soul Agenda Yoga and Pilates
Stay Active
Strong Pilates Rozelle
Stronger you with Victoria
The Growth Initiative
The Studio Physio and Pilates
Vision PT Balmain
Health and Wellness
Adore Compounding Pharmacy
Bailey Nelson
Balmain Community Pharmacy
Beattie Street Health Studio
Biomechanica
CalmBar
City Cave Balmain
Dentistry by Design
Elemental Chiropractic
Flight of the Phoenix
Holistic Therapy
George & Matilda Eyecare
Hearlix
Kirsten Jade Kinesiology
Nature’s Energy
RedoHealth
Rozelle Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Centre
The Well Store
Wall’s Pharmacy
Markets
Balmain Village Markets
Rozelle Collectors Markets
The Makers + Shakers Market
Real Estate
Belinda Cassano
Real Estate Services
Clearer Conveyancing
Juliet Mutia Co. Real Estate
Laing+Simmons Balmain
McGrath Balmain
Parker Hadley Buyers Agent
Ray White Rozelle
Rozelle Village
Settled Advocacy
Home
Aleo Shop
Altus Design Studio
APX Build
Ballast Point Architects + Builders
Benn + Penna Architects
Damask Bedlinen Collection
Darling Depot
Downsize Me With Love
Furniture Noir
Gro Urban Oasis
HDMD
Home Industry
Insidesign
Inside Traders & Co.
Libby Winberg Interiors
Madeline Street Interiors
Mayvn Interiors
M2 Styling + Interiors
Pepperwhites
SC Projects
Semble House
Soon After
That Plant Shop
The Heater Man
Three + One Heritage Consultants
Zander & Co
Schools and Childcare
Balmain Care for Kids
Inner Sydney Montessori School
To learn more about these BRCC member businesses visit balmainrozelle.org.au
Pets
Darling Street Vets
Harbour City Dog Gear
Ziippup
Pubs
Bald Rock Hotel
Cat & Fiddle Hotel
Dick’s Hotel Balmain
East Village Hotel
Garry Owen Hotel
Native Rose Hotel
Red Lion Hotel
Royal Oak Balmain
The Cricketers Balmain
The Dry Dock
The London Hotel
The Sackville Hotel
Unity Hall Hotel
Bars and Restaurants
Bar 26
Cantina Bar
Doki Doki Rozelle
Elliott’s
Johnny Gio’s Pizza Rozelle
Maysa Thai Restaurant Balmain
Mrs Pasta Balmain
Nacara Bar & Cellar
Rosso Balmain
Shila Kitchen Balmain
The Corner Bar
The Cottage Balmain
Tipo “00” Balmain
Cafés
Big Tree House
Bertoni
Darlings Bistro
Hazel Bakery Cafe
Hungry Bull Co. Balmain
RREE’s
Sandy Bake Shop
Teras Cafe Balmain
The Old Rosebud
Food and Drink
Blackwattle Distilling Co.
Cheese Celebration
Eat at ROBs
Emma Townsend Cakes
Fabbrica Bread Shop
Gladstone Park Bowling Club
Lily Fields Distilling Co.
Otter Craft Distilling
Patisserie Petunia
Red Mill Rum
Sydney Brewery Rozelle
The Balmain Barmaid
White Bay Brewery
Woolworths Metro
Zucchero Nero
Local Services
Amicii
Balmain Bicycle Mechanic
Balmain Bright Sparks
Balmain Rowing Club
Balmain Sailing Club
Beyond the Bell
Blue Water Expeditions
Dorian Blue Productions
Fredman & Son Photography
Global Village Travel
Julius and Kate Events
Kids and Cubs Clinic
Le Ray Gymnastics
Milk & Honey Photography
Mobile Phone Care Centre Balmain
Monday Club
Pinnacle Learners
Rozelle Plumbing
Rozelle Presbyterian Church
State Soccer
The Peninsula Laundromat
Together2
TooUp Sailing
United in Sound Project
XTsea Catamaran Charters
Books
Hill of Content Bookshop
Professional Services
Accura Lending
Bespoke Investment Group
Boss Coaching
Crowd Studios
External Lawyers
First Class Accounts
Helm Finance
Her Money Matters
Inline Partners
Kelly + Partners
Chartered Accountants
KU Legal
Marketing Buzz
Marshlandia
Marzy Management
MEK Bookkeeping
MKL Legal
Monday Studio
Morgan + English
Commercial Lawyers
Mortgage Options HQ
Nadia’s Loans
Navigate Advisory
Nexia Australia
Nriched Living
O’Loan Family Law
Pass the Salt Studio
Penline Graphic Design
Productivity Bargain
RJC Insurance Brokers
Savvy Finance Group
Shellmade Studio
Simple IP
Simple Split Financials
Sourced Property Buyers Agents
Spectrum Wealth Partners
Speer Finance
Stellar Finance Group
Stem Finance
TCBS Accounting & Advisory
The Marketing Edit
Unmaze eCommerce
Yvonne Hilsz — Positive
Change Coaching
For the love of coffee and community
It’s hard to imagine Balmain with only ten cafés, but that was the scene in 2004 when brothers Albert and Anthony opened Bertoni. With strong coffee, authentic Italian meals and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it quickly established itself as a neighbourhood gathering spot. Two decades later, that sense of community still defines Bertoni.
Twenty years ago, people simply wanted a good, consistent coffee. Today, they want to know about the beans, roasting styles, alternative milks, and brewing methods. When Bertoni first opened, Anthony says the café scene was modest. “The food was very much 1990s café style, without a real focus on quality, and it was the same with coffee. We saw an opportunity to do something different. We wanted affordable, high-quality Italian home-style food alongside strong, traditional Italian coffee.”
“We believed great food and coffee shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions, it should be part of everyday life.”
Starbucks opened around the same time as Bertoni, but locals favoured authentic Italian coffee over American-style brews. And it wasn’t just the coffee that drew people in. Albert and Anthony created a friendly, welcoming hub where families and locals of all ages felt at home. “We had two long communal tables that naturally encouraged people to sit together. It wasn’t unusual to see strangers start conversations, just like in Italian cafés.”
The brothers also introduced their own style of hospitality, which was warm, relaxed, and a little bit cheeky. “We wanted people to feel comfortable, recognised, and part of the community rather than just customers passing through.”
Locals have always valued authenticity and connection. “Over the years we’ve added healthier and dietary requirement-friendly options, but only when it felt true to the brand. Bertoni was never just about coffee; it was about creating a place people felt connected to. Those foundations haven’t changed.”
Bertoni recently changed hands, and with new owner Mitch at the helm, the beloved café has entered a new chapter. With a long background in hospitality, Mitch has worked alongside Albert and Anthony for the past three and a half years. “Having worked here and built relationships with the community,
Now: Anthony, Mitch and Albert. Then: Albert and Anthony, 2004.
taking on Bertoni felt like a natural next step rather than a big leap. It’s an honour to continue something so loved.”
While Mitch plans to introduce a few new menu items, some things will remain
constant. “The classic Italian dishes, the consistency, and the genuine hospitality will stay. Bertoni has always been about making people feel welcome and at home, and that won’t change.”
Looking back, Albert and Anthony are most proud of the role Bertoni played in daily life. “We weren’t just a coffee stop. We became part of routines, friendships and celebrations. We’ve seen first dates, business meetings, birthdays, and years later, those same people bringing their kids back.”
Many customers and staff became an extended family, something rare in hospitality. Knowing Bertoni became a place where people felt welcomed, recognised and connected is a legacy the brothers are proud of and one Mitch is excited to carry forward.
BERTONI
281 Darling St, Balmain bertonicafe
New kids on the block
Styling a new space, refreshing a favourite room or finding a special piece? These newcomers, all located across the road from Cat & Fiddle, are here to bring happiness into your home.
Zander & Co. is a curated haven for exceptional Australian and international mid-century furniture and homewares. Born from founder Amelia Zander’s belief that great design should be lived with, not merely admired, they restore and re-love timeless pieces with craftsmanship and heart. Blending thoughtful restoration with stylish curation, their Darling Street salon invites you to explore beautiful, functional design that feels personal and enduring.
ZANDER & CO.
493a Darling St, Balmain | zanderandco.com.au
Meet Soon After, Balmain’s newest bedding store, setting a new gold standard in sustainable sleep. Their sheets are designed in Sydney and made in small batches from 100% Tencel Lyocell, a fibre produced in a closed-loop process that reduces environmental impact. The result is bedding that’s luxuriously soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and naturally temperature-regulating for all seasons, so you wake up feeling rested, not restless.
SOON AFTER
499 Darling St, Balmain | soonafter.com.au
Aleo is a homeware brand for people bored of beige. Inside their Balmain space, you’ll find playful, sculptural objects — cordless lamps, modular candleholders, and other objects designed to bring personality into your home. Founded locally, Aleo exists to make good design feel accessible, expressive, and alive. This isn’t about filling a space. It’s about creating one that feels unmistakably yours, with objects that spark conversation, and joy every day.
ALEO SHOP
499 Darling St, Balmain | aleoshop.com.au
Whether you’re selling a property, buying your dream home, or securing an investment, it’s a big move – financially and personally. These milestones deserve timely expert advice, meticulous attention to detail and clear guidance you can trust, backed by strong local knowledge.
Clarity gives you confidence. I take the time to understand what matters most to you, safeguard your interests and keep you clearly informed throughout. The details are handled carefully, deadlines are monitored closely, and your matter moves seamlessly from start to finish.
Upon one single dream, a thousand beautiful traditions have been built.
Enrol Today
emma@clearerconveyancing.com.au
New kids on the block
New arrivals bring fresh energy and unique offerings to our neighbourhood, giving you more reasons to explore and support local.
Maysa Thai Restaurant is nestled in the heart of Balmain, offering a cosy atmosphere that embodies the warmth of Thai cuisine. Inspired by traditional flavours and heritage, Maysa showcases a diverse selection of beloved dishes from across Thailand, drawing on cherished childhood memories and recipes passed down through generations. With outdoor seating and private indoor dining options, Maysa exemplifies Thai hospitality, nourishing both the body and the soul.
Have you been looking for a better way to meet new people without joining a social club or getting stuck in an algorithm matching cycle? If you’ve also been missing out on Balmain and Rozelle’s amazing restaurants, bars and pubs, Balmain-based Amicii is your perfect solution. Download the free app, scroll through curated small-group dining experiences hosted by local venues, book a seat that suits your taste, budget, and timing, then turn up and enjoy fresh ideas and new conversations over a shared meal.
AMICII
amicii.io
App available from the App Store and Google Play
The Drinks Dept is a bottleshop built by bartenders, where industry expertise meets everyday entertaining. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a confident host, they are here to elevate what you serve. From tailored product recommendations and takeaway cocktail recipes, to wine tasting cards and weekly drink activations, everything they do is designed to inspire. And for something truly personal, their bespoke menu service pairs you with a dedicated bartender to create a custom drinks experience from scratch. Great drinks start with great advice.
THE DRINKS DEPT
366 Darling St, Balmain | drinksdept.com.au
44 presents newlocalwork
Two Rozelle artists are turning a fresh lens on Sydney’s Inner West, drawing inspiration from everyday life on Gadigal Wangal Country.
New flights of photo-work by 44’s artists-inresidence David Watson and Denise Corrigan cast a fond eye upon ‘how and where we’re going’, fusing beauty, playfulness, metaphor and alarm.
David Watson’s Moth-o-tropolis (2026) creates an airport-like zone — an imagined infrastructure project for our most frequent flyers (local lepidoptera!) shot largely on the kitchen sink.
In contrast, Denise Corrigan’s Track and Field (2026) is a series of photo-collages exploring the layered conundrums of her community’s much-loved local oval, King George Park.
Join them for the opening at 4pm on Saturday 2 May.
In mounting locally-inflected exhibitions, 44 — once the A. E. Harding & Sons shopfittings factory — seeks to nurture community through art. All proceeds from newlocalwork will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and to Callan Park Bushcare.
EXHIBITION 2 WEEKENDS ONLY!
11am to 5pm, 2-3 May and 9-10 May
Opening: 4pm Saturday 2 May 2026
From David Watson’s Moth-o-tropolis (2026)
Preparing the Ground, from Denise Corrigan’s Track and Field (2026)
Craftsmanship and community
When The Dry Dock’s co-founder James Ingram was looking for a signature after-dinner drink for their patrons, he turned to Red Mill Rum founder David Fesq. Together they’ve created a collection of custom spirits celebrating Sydney’s harbour heritage.
Drawing inspiration from the working harbour’s rich history, the partnership connects two businesses shaped by the water. Red Mill Rum was born on Sydney Harbour, while The Dry Dock once served as the original watering hole for Mort Bay’s dock workers, just a short stroll from Australia’s first dry dock, built in 1855.
Established in 1857, The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room is Balmain’s oldest continually licensed pub and a cornerstone of the community. Following a major transformation in 2023, the award-winning venue, led by James Ingram, now
features a classic Public Bar, sunlit outdoor terrace, premium sports lounge, a refined Lounge Bar with fireplace, and a modern European Bistro and grill with French provenance alongside an award-winning 470 bottle wine list, helmed by seasoned chef, Ben Sitton.
Founded in 1933 by George Fesq, Red Mill Rum was once a beloved name in Sydney’s post-war bar scene, enjoyed across clubs and pubs citywide. Decades later, the brand has been revived by George’s great-grandson, David Fesq, who established the modern harbourside distillery in White Bay.
Red Mill continues its legacy with small-batch, premium rums crafted using traditional distillation methods and locally sourced ingredients, celebrating both authenticity and Sydney’s seafaring history. With their one-of-a-kind barrel program using casks sourced from around the world, many of their rums are the only types found in Australia.
Bound by a shared passion for craftsmanship and community, David and James have created a collection of bespoke blends, exclusively poured at The Dry Dock. The Dry Dock x Red Mill collection is as much about place as it is about palate. The Classic Rum leads the charge, matured in barrels inspired by Balmain’s Mort Bay Dock.
The collaboration also ventures into amaro territory. The Dry Dock x Red Mill Amaro Collection brings together two distinct expressions: Amaro Tropicale, layered with fragrant pineapple and dried orange, softened by bitter herbs and botanicals; and Amaro Caffè, made with coffee beans sourced from Little Marionette.
Each bottle carries its own co-branded design, thoughtfully crafted to reflect The Dry Dock’s character, history and enduring sense of place.
THE DRY DOCK
22 Cameron St, Balmain drydockhotel
RED MILL RUM
176 Mullens St, Rozelle redmillrumco
James Ingram and David Fesq
The social media ban: Law vs reality (a mum’s view)
Australia’s social media ban looks good on paper. But real life reveals gaps that maybe only a parent can see.
You’ll be pleased to know the social media ban worked.
People were blocked.
And by ‘people’, I don’t mean my 13-year-old and any of her vast network of friends, who continue scrolling freely despite the ban.
I mean me. Snapchat flagged my adult account as an age violation and promptly shut it down.
Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 came into force on 10 December 2025. A lauded world-first law banning Australians under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. Since its launch, Snapchat says it has blocked more than 415,000 accounts it believes belong to under-16s. Across all platforms, around 4.7 million accounts were reportedly restricted or removed.
These numbers sound impressive, but real life tells a different story. Many under-16s quickly found workarounds: fake dates of birth, VPNs, alternative apps and swapping devices. Some parents even enabled them because teen social worlds are so tightly built around these platforms.
The obvious loopholes
From the very first debate, the law contained glaring omissions. Platforms warned of significant tech gaps in fulfilling the mandate. As a result, the AI-driven checks misfired and many kids slipped through, while others (like me) were wrongly banned.
Many under-16s created their profiles on these platforms with fake information to begin with, so how could AI ever verify truth when honesty was never required?
Meanwhile, the government has left kids, parents and themselves completely unaccountable. Only the platforms face penalties (up to AUD$49.5 million) for not taking ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent these minors from having accounts, and yet the Act doesn’t define what those steps must be.
It’s a policy that assumes tech alone can fix behavioural and social problems. In reality, it’s like locking your front door to prevent burglaries but leaving your windows wide open.
A cultural shift or hollow gesture?
Despite its flaws, the Act didn’t trigger spiralling backlash or a policy meltdown, as critics predicted. Classrooms didn’t descend into chaos either. Perhaps the rollout was intentionally cautious, prioritising education and communication over aggressive enforcement — and that’s not nothing.
But the absence of failure is not the same as the presence of impact. While the law didn’t spark disruption, it also didn’t solve the problem. It’s just given us the illusion of action without any real substance.
The question is: are kids safer or are the risks simply displaced? Banning accounts doesn’t stop teens from seeing harmful content that’s public, nor does it prevent them from migrating to other platforms not covered by the law.
How the ban could actually work 1. All platforms must be accountable, but in a meaningful way Identity verification technology already exists, and it works. We do it for passports, police clearance and Working with Children Checks (WWCC). It involves taking a live, date-stamped image of yourself while holding your ID next to your face. If there’s doubt, you verify in person. Why is this considered ‘too hard’ for social media, yet routine everywhere else?
Rather than just blocking accounts, platforms should also be responsible for harm reduction, by limiting how content is served to young users. They could curate feeds, implement hard time limits and redesign addictive interfaces, much like gambling laws regulate play and enforce time-outs.
2. Parents must be empowered and supported
No hammer of legislation can replace real parental involvement because ultimately, rules start and end in the home. But parents need government support for the rules to work. Otherwise, the burden falls on the few who try to comply while the majority face no consequences at all. What’s needed is education and frameworks that empower families to enforce limits together.
3. The government must provide the infrastructure
Responsibility must be shared. If platforms reduce harm and parents enforce limits, the Government needs to build the infrastructure that makes compliance realistic. This policy should have included foolproof age verification from day one and closer cooperation with parents, schools and communities.
So, what now?
The social media ban is about more than protecting kids’ mental health or shielding them from online bullying. What is oftenoverlooked is the effect on attention.
Right now, kids are consuming ‘digital junk food’ at pace, swiping faster than adults can process, streaming TV while gaming and half-listening to conversations. It’s no wonder attention spans are collapsing, and kids are increasingly being diagnosed with ADHD. What we’re seeing isn’t a sudden epidemic — it’s chronic overstimulation in action.
I don’t doubt the good intentions behind the ban. But intentions aren’t enough. If the law is to do more than make headlines, it needs revision and a real ecosystem, not just box-ticking. If we care about children’s mental health, we need real-world policies.
And if we really want to address the problem, we need to speak to the experts first. And by ‘experts’, I mean mums, living it in real time.
By Mina Iacono
Local eats
You’ve experienced the best of our high street and wandered through the Biennale of Sydney and now you’re looking for a place to eat. With 19 pubs and over 100 cafes and restaurants, Balmain Rozelle delivers, and you won’t go hungry for long. Here’s where to eat well and linger longer.
NEAR WHITE BAY
Around the corner from White Bay Power Station you’ll find the newly opened Sydney Brewery Rozelle. With an impressive lineup of beers and ciders on tap and delicious pizza, this is the perfect pre- or post-Biennale pitstop. It’s both child and dog-friendly, so bring the whole family!
Up the hill from Sydney Brewery, you’ll find The Bald Rock. This pub is loved by locals for its excellent pub fare and live music. If you visit on Sunday, you must try their roast — but get in early, it sells out.
GARDEN VIBES
Balmain’s The Cottage boasts one of the best alfresco settings on the peninsula. With sharefriendly dishes and a standout cocktail list, it’s a long-time local favourite that’s hard to beat.
More beer than garden, but still an excellent outdoor venue is the beer garden at The London. The beverages are cold, the locals are friendly, and the view of the Harbour Bridge is excellent.
The walk up the hill to the East Village Hotel in East Balmain is well worth it. Their lush beer garden is the perfect setting for lazy afternoon drinks and a meal. And it’s dog-friendly! Check out the photo wall of all the EVH doggies as you walk in.
Sydney Brewery Rozelle
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Bar 26 in Lilyfield is the speakeasy style urban distillery bar for Otter Craft Distilling. A whiskey and cocktail bar to showcase OCD’s spirits, each one distilled onsite and complemented by delicious nibbles. If you’ve visited the Biennale of Sydney, wander through Rozelle Parklands to get here.
Cross over Victoria Road from White Bay Power Station, walk up the hill towards Rozelle, and you’ll find two great pubs, The Native Rose and Merton Hotel. Both are home to great live music and classic pub meals.
BOTTOMLESS
Who doesn’t love a bottomless brunch?
Corner Bar and Cantina Bar both offer their take on Mexican. At Corner Bar in Rozelle, you can enjoy 2-hours of tacos, nachos and sliders paired with Margaritas, Sangria and Mimosas. Make sure you book ahead.
Over in Balmain, Cantina Bar offers 2-hours of Mexican share plates to start followed by your choice of main and dessert. The drinks are as exotic as the food — think tropical mimosas, espresso mezcal martini, spicy bloody Maria and Mexican Horchata.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
Maysa Thai is the newest addition to Balmain’s dining scene. Settle down on the verandah and watch the world go by as you enjoy the authentic flavours of Thailand, all beautifully presented and served with a smile.
Awarded ‘One Hat’ and ‘Pub of the Year’ at the 2026 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide awards, The Dry Dock isn’t just a Balmain favourite, it’s a Sydney favourite. Their European bistro and impressive wine list draw a crowd from well beyond the peninsula.
Nestled on Elliott Street in the heart of Balmain, Elliott’s is a modern Australian bistro with refined French and Italian influences. This neighbourhood hub blends great food and wine with vibrant live music and vinyl DJs.
Bar 26
Elliott’s
A new club to combat loneliness
Locals Jill and Chris Baynes have been operating their retirement living and aged care focused businesses from their Waterview Workshop offices for over 20 years. Now they’re launching a new initiative, titled Monday Club, to address loneliness in Balmain.
Jill brings decades of experience in aged care as a physiotherapist, while Chris has extensive expertise across retirement living and aged care services. Together, they believe the greatest challenge to ageing well is maintaining physical health, and that the most significant contributor to declining health is loneliness.
“Loneliness rivals both obesity and smoking as a health risk.”
Jill points to research studies that show the impact of loneliness is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. She says loneliness raises
your cortisol, which impacts your body’s stress response, metabolism, blood pressure and immune function, accelerating ageing at the cellular level.
Chris says “Monday Club is our solution. We wanted a place where people feel welcomed. A place where you feel seen, and you can build connections, whether you’re 50, 70 or 90.”
“I have visited over 250 retirement villages, and we have surveyed over 80,000 residents across the country; the evidence is clear that the physical and mental health of
people joining a village immediately improves. The problem is, we are not building enough retirement villages, and people want to stay in their own home.”
“Monday Club is our virtual village. We have a physical premises on Darling Street where members can drop in, where we will have functions and staff to provide support like helping to navigate government care systems. Plus, we will have an online community for people who can’t easily get out of home.”
Jill and Chris have invested in the ultimate strength-building equipment and technology. They recognise that muscle strength is the key for physically ageing well, but it can be difficult, and sometimes dangerous, for someone inexperienced to start exercising at an older age without the right support.
“We developed the AO80 strength program in response to what we were seeing in later life — people wanting to stay strong and independent but not necessarily feeling comfortable in a traditional gym environment. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach focused specifically on strength as we age. Ideally, people begin building that foundation in their 50s, when it can make the greatest long-term difference.”
Monday Club is scheduled to open after Easter.
MONDAY CLUB
369 Darling St, Balmain mondayclubs.com.au
A new concept in living well aged 50+.
esn’t require fancy diets, For over 20 years we have been suppor ting Australians in their ageing journey. We have learnt one thing. To achieve good ageing do supplements, gym programs or big expense.
Ageing well simply requires:
Good flexibility and mobility
Safe strength building
Good
Good nutrition
Positive
Positive companionship And suppor t. This is Monday Club. A
Experience Sydney’s best pub crawl!
With the cooler days setting in, there’s no better time to visit the pub! Ever noticed the plaques outside each one? Simply scan them to uncover the rich history of Balmain and Rozelle’s heritage pubs.
With 19 pubs and one brewery there’s something for everyone. How many can you tick off?
1. The Merton Hotel
2. Native Rose Hotel
3. The Three Weeds
4. The Garry Owen Hotel
5. Red Lion Hotel
6. The Bridge Hotel
7. The Sackville
8. Cat and Fiddle Hotel
9. The Welcome Hotel
10. The Balmain
11. Dick’s Hotel
12. Unity Hall Hotel
13. The Riverview
14. Royal Oak Balmain
15. The Dry Dock
16. The Cricketers Balmain
17. The London Hotel
18. East Village Hotel
19. The Bald Rock Hotel
20. White Bay Beer Co.
Scan to follow the interactive map or scan the plaques outside every pub!
From power station to cultural powerhouse
After years of advocacy from Council to transform the White Bay Power Station into a leading arts and culture precinct, the 2026 Biennale marks a significant next step in bringing our vision to life.
Our advocacy has always been about more than just preserving a building, it’s about opening up one of Sydney’s most significant sites for public use, creativity and culture.
We started our partnership with the Biennale of Sydney in 2024 with huge success. Our 2026 program is the next step in that journey. This partnership with the Biennale expands the festival’s program at White Bay, with a focus on commissioning new work and
curating programs that feature local Inner West artists, performers and creatives.
Inner West is the beating heart and soul of Sydney’s arts scene. This partnership is about backing that talent, giving our local artists the space, resources and international exposure they deserve, while strengthening White Bay’s role as a major cultural destination.
Darcy Byrne Inner West Mayor
Mayor Darcy Byrne with Inner West curators
Katie-Louise and Lilian Nicol at White Bay Power Station
The legacy of Clontarf Cottage
Tucked away in the heart of Balmain, Clontarf Cottage is a rare and treasured link to the suburb’s past. Built in the mid-19th century, the historic sandstone home offers visitors a glimpse into early colonial life.
Clontarf Cottage at 4 Wallace Street, Balmain, has created many memories for generations of Balmain residents, and the now-restored cottage has a rich history.
Robert Blake arrived in New South Wales from Ireland in 1831 as a Quartermaster-Sergeant. After leaving the army, he joined the civil service and was appointed Under-Sheriff of Sydney in 1837. Following an incident in court, where a lack of jurors was deemed his responsibility, he resigned from the role and turned his attention to speculative building.
Balmain had only recently been subdivided after a long dispute over ownership when Blake purchased 8 acres 30 rods (32,450m) bounded by Darling Street, Adolphus Street, Ewenton Lane and Camerons Cove on 7 August 1837 for £253 ($507.63). He built
nine cottages on the land as a speculative venture. Of these, only four remain to this day, one of which, Moorefield, built in 1839, is Balmain’s oldest house.
Clontarf Cottage is a double-fronted stone cottage built in 1844 for £450 ($900) and advertised in 1946 as having nine apartments (rooms). It is similar to Blake’s other cottages and was probably designed by the same architect.
Named after a Dublin suburb, ‘Cluain Tarbh’, meaning ‘meadow of bulls’, the site of the 1014 Battle of Clontarf, in which Irish King Brian Boru defeated the invading Vikings.
Blake borrowed heavily to fund his building ventures and, despite having a steady income, was unable to repay his loans. By 1861, he
Clontarf Cottage today
had sold most of his estate to Ewen Cameron. Blake died in July 1875 at the age of 69. Cameron, who expanded the Ewenton estate, died the following year, and his family subsequently subdivided Blake’s former land into twenty-four lots, with Clontarf Cottage located on Lot 3. The estate was auctioned on 9 September 1878 and Clontarf Cottage was purchased by publican Charles Yeend for £765.
At the same time, Balmain welcomed industry into the area. There were few planning restrictions and pollution was seen as a positive sign of productivity.
Clontarf Cottage had several other residents until, in 1922, it passed to James Morgan, an engineer who installed a blast furnace, a foundry and outhouses. In 1938, it became the Power Engineering factory, which expanded operations on the site. In November 1947, it became the site of Ward’s Stoves, which continued manufacturing into the mid-1950s.
Over the thirty years of industrial occupation, Clontarf Cottage was used as an office and storehouse. It lost its front verandah, its windows were boarded over, and its stone walls were painted white. The land around the house was covered with corrugated-iron sheds and scrap metal.
Attitudes began to change in the 1960s, and in 1968, Leichhardt Council rezoned the land as public open space. A proposal to resume engineering on the site was rejected, and Council acquired the lots on the south side of Wallace Street in November 1974. Council then cleared the site of sheds and rubbish but received advice from its engineers that the
An advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald (6 Feb 1846)
Clontarf Cottage before the restoration, circa 1976
renovation costs for Clontarf Cottage were prohibitive and that it should be demolished.
At the time, housing was in short supply, and the Housing Commission showed interest in developing the land. Leichhardt Council approved the sale, but the legal opinion was that they had no power to sell it.
In June 1976, the Balmain Association, the National Trust, the Heritage Council and the UNSW Architecture Faculty jointly submitted a proposal to Council to restore the building to a weatherproof condition at no cost.
It would be ten years before the Government and Council agreed to a shared development of the site with 22 units for pensioners and Clontarf’s restoration funded. A Clontarf Restoration Community committee was established in 1988, chaired by Mayor Issy Wyner. Architects Don Harrington and John Doyle supervised. Period Roofing’s Pat Williams and his team restored the burnt roof timbers and placed shingles on it. The total cost was around $350,000.
On 25 August 1990, Mayor Ruby Wyner officially opened Clontarf Cottage for public use. It is managed by Inner West Council and available for functions such as weddings and family gatherings.
By Duncan MacAuslan
Balmain Watch House 179 Darling St, Balmain balmainassociation.org.au
BALMAIN ASSOCIATION
More than a book club
A men’s book club might sound simple, but the Tough Guy Book Club (TGBC) has become much more than that. In a world of endless scrolling and surface-level chats, it’s a place where ideas are challenged, perspectives broadened, and genuine local connections are made.
Founded in Collingwood, Melbourne in 2012, Tough Guy Book Club (TGBC) is a network of men’s book clubs that meet in pubs around the world, encouraging guys to read more, talk more, and make more friends. TGBC has grown to more than 160 chapters across Australia and continues to expand internationally. Their motto is “We want to put decent, rowdy conversation back into the pub.”
The Balmain chapter meets at The Riverview Hotel at 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month. Balmain chapter President Luke Austin says the venue has been the perfect home for their gatherings. “The Riverview has been extremely supportive. It’s a comfortable, relaxed old pub and we’ve always had warm hospitality from the staff.”
Every TGBC chapter reads the same book each month. February’s title is Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis, which members will discuss on the first Wednesday of March. The following month’s book is revealed on the night.
Across its history, TGBC has tackled a wide range of novels, all fiction, staying focused on characters and stories. The Balmain chapter’s first book, when they launched in February last year was The Beach by Alex Garland. Since then, standout discussions have centred on titles such as Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett and The Knockout Artist by Harry Crews.
There are two important rules to follow when joining in at TGBC. The first is no work talk. Founder Shay Leighton explains, “Guys constantly ask each other, ‘What do you do?’ but that doesn’t tell us much about a person.
It just limits the conversation to surface level stuff.” The second rule is 100% don’t be a ****head, which is fairly self-explanatory.
But TGBC is about more than books. In their first year, the Balmain chapter has brought members together for Christmas drinks, bookshop crawls, dinners out, and even a Bunnings sausage sizzle at Rozelle to raise funds for the club.
“There’s always a spare seat at the table for new members”, says Luke.
TOUGH GUY BOOK CLUB
First Wednesday of every month, 7pm
Hidden Oasis in Balmain
If you haven’t found it yet, make sure you pop into the beautiful and serene jungle oasis at That Plant Shop on Darling St in Balmain. They have an abundant collection of indoor and outdoor plants and pots for your home or as a perfect gift for all occasions. Relax in the coffee lounge with a barista made coffee, tea or slice of retro homemade cake! Catch the owner, Edwina, the plant guru and pick her brains about all your plant problems or listen in as she talks to everyone and anyone about the wonderful world of plants and how to care for them.
Transforms into a wine bar in the evenings
• Perfect place for an after work wine to unwind and relax or pre-dinner drinks.
• Matching cheeses to complement your favourite wine.
Available for private functions, bookings essential!
If you haven't found it yet, make sure you pop into the beautiful and serene jungle oasis at That Plant Shop on Darling St in Balmain. They have an abundant collection of indoor & outdoor plants and pots for your home or as a perfect gift for all occasions. Relax in the coffee lounge with a barista made coffee, tea or slice of retro homemade cake! Catch the owner, Edwina, the plant guru and pick her brains about all your plant problems or listen in as she talks to everyone and anyone about the wonderful world of plants and how to care for them.
Transforms into wine bar in the evenings Perfect place for an after work wine to unwind and relax or pre-dinner drinks. Matching cheeses to compliment your favourite wine.
Available for private functions, bookings essential!
415 Darling St Balmain thatplantshop.com.au
415 Darling St Balmain thatplantshop.com.au
Lost in the pages
Auden is an 8-year-old student from Balmain Public School with a big imagination and an even bigger love for books. He is even named after the poet W.H Auden! We asked Auden, which book world he’d choose to live in? Auden didn’t hesitate — the magical universe of Avatar, where lava, air, water, earth, and metal-bending powers make every day an adventure. Auden says, “Reading is fun, and I get to learn lots of stuff!” And when it comes to favourite characters, Auden relates to the duo George and Harold from Captain Underpants and Dog Man — always funny, and up to antics, just like him.
GUINNESS
WORLD RECORDS 2026
| Non-fiction
This book is about ridiculously cool records that have been set this year, including ginormous sandcastles and biggest ducks. The weirdest? A man with the hairiest face (it covers 95% of his face!) The coolest? A man being dragged by a Kawasaki Ninja motorbike at 256.72 km/h.
GREEKING OUT: HEROES AND OLYMPIANS
Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes | Mythology
I love Greek mythology! This book tells stories of the gods, demi-gods and heroes of Greek myths. My favourite is ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ which tells the story about finding the golden fleece. My favourite Greek God is Ares because he causes commotion, and I like to cause commotion too.
KUNG FU ROO: CROUCHING KANGA, HIDDEN HIPPO
Anh Do | Adventure Kai, Charley and Harry have special powers that turn them into animals — a kangaroo, a dog and a hippo. They are ninjas with super cool kung fu skills that stop the Crocka Gang from doing bad things. I think it’s exciting and I can’t wait for the third book!
HAM HELSING: RAISING THE STAKES
Rich Moyer | Fantasy
Ham Helsing is brave and clever and hunts vampires and monsters. In this book he hunts the world’s oldest vampire. My favourite part of the book was the fight where he kills the vampire with a special stake made of Hawthorn wood.
Books available at your favourite local bookshop.
A Balmain icon reimagined
Unity Hall Hotel, lovingly known as The Unity, is quintessential Balmain. Steeped in history and culture, it has long been a gathering place for locals, music lovers, and political minds alike. After extensive renovations, a new look Unity Hall Hotel is about to be revealed.
Established in 1875 in the heart of Balmain, The Unity is synonymous with the NSW Labor Party and a fixture on Sydney’s jazz scene. The team have worked meticulously to preserve this heritage while redeveloping the site and every detail and addition has been considered. As refresh work commences in the downstairs bar, the long-awaited upstairs space is about to reopen. And what a space it is — with high ceilings and sweeping views of Balmain. This new, light-filled area will welcome patrons with a limited food and beverage offering from 1 March.
With big plans for ANZAC Day, the whole venue is set to be ready. The Unity has always been at the heart of local ANZAC Day celebrations, and with the installation of a new lift, Diggers will now enjoy front-row seats at this year’s Dawn Service.
The pub has long been a destination for music lovers of all ages and live music will continue to take centre stage. John Watson, the original piano man of Minskys Piano Bar, will take up residency every Thursday and Friday night commencing 19 March. From Elton John to Billy Joel, Watson’s new Encore Bar will bring singalongs, legends, and pure piano magic to Balmain.
An elevated food offering takes classic pub favourites and reimagines them through a distinctly Japanese lens. It’s familiar comfort food, transformed with Japanese technique, flavour and flair.
The drinks list begins with a tight edit of familiar favourites, with more to come. Expect an extensive cocktail selection featuring the classics alongside Japanese-inspired
signatures, each with thoughtful twists. There’s also a well-curated wine list focused on quality and value, with enough variety to suit whatever kind of night you’re having.
At the centre of it all is a striking mirror-clad bar, equal parts statement piece and social hub, catching the light and reflecting the energy of the room as the evening unfolds.
With an enhanced dining offer, a capacity for private functions, a late-night venue, sports bar and wagering facilities – the new Unity Hall Hotel is set to offer something for everyone. With careful renovations, a deep respect for history, and a vision for the future, The Unity is set to remain a Balmain institution for decades to come.
UNITY HALL HOTEL 292 Darling St, Balmain unityhallhotel.com.au unityhallhotel
Edible icons
As the Biennale of Sydney brings global artists and temporary installations to our shores, Rozelle continues to serve their own kind of culinary pieces of art, no tickets required. Christine shares the top local must-eats.
Take the pâté at Red Lion Bistro on Darling Street. A classic French staple, it arrives understated but assured — silky, super soft, almost mousse-like in texture. Piped generously onto crisp brioche bread, its richness is balanced with a sprinkling of finely chopped chives and pickled red onions, the acidity cutting cleanly through the depth. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need explaining, you order it automatically, perhaps with a glass of red wine, and settle in, the type of dish that is a reminder that technique and simplicity can still hold a room.
Then there’s the iconic smash burger at Eat at ROBs — arguably one of Sydney’s most talked-about burgers with chefs such as Big Sam Young claiming it as one of the best burgers in town. People travel for it. The magic is in the smash itself, the beef patty pressed hard onto a hot plate until the edges caramelise with a rich umami, beefy flavour, then a slice of melted cheese and a dollop of ROBs special burger sauce. A lot of burger joints skimp on the quality of the fries, focusing on the burgers, but the fries at ROBs are somehow as good, if not better than the burger — golden, crisp and seasoned with plenty of chicken salt.
The famous goat curry at the Merton Hotel is a local favourite, slow-cooked until the meat is tender and infused with rich, aromatic spices. Served hearty and full of depth, it’s the kind of comforting pub dish that keeps people coming back for another bowl.
And then, the carrot cake at Fabbrica Bread Shop. Dense and rich, its crumb holds together with intention, studded richly with walnuts and moist without feeling too rich. What makes it unmistakable though, is the thick layer of piped cream cheese — generous, sculptural, almost architectural in its height. It’s a slice that tastes as good as it looks and offers exactly what you want in a carrot cake, just somehow better.
While the Biennale of Sydney celebrates new perspectives and bold statements, these dishes remind us of something quieter but equally powerful: continuity. Rozelle doesn’t need to shout about our icons, we just keep ordering them.
The Merton Hotel’s Goat Curry
Eat at ROBs Smash Burger
Ready in 20 minutes Serves
Caramelised soy salmon rice bowls with wasabi mayo
SBS and ABC recipe developer and editor, Christine Knight shares with us this tasty and nutritious recipe. Now that the new Sydney Fish Markets are finally open, celebrate with this simple family favourite — ready in minutes!
INGREDIENTS
Olive oil, for drizzling
4 × 150g salmon fillets
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 large carrot (or 2 small), finely julienned
¼ small green cabbage, very finely shredded
2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
Steamed rice, to serve
1 avocado, diced
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
METHOD
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 4 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 4 minutes. Pour over the soy sauce and the brown sugar and tilt the pan, to melt the sugar into a sticky glaze. Reduce the heat to low and cook, turning the salmon gently, to glaze in the sauce.
While the salmon cooks, combine the carrot and cabbage in a medium bowl. Add the Japanese mayonnaise and toss to coat with tongs.
Divide steamed rice between bowls. Top with the caramelised soy salmon and Japanese slaw. Serve the avocado on the side and sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
Visited the Biennale of Sydney at White Bay Power Station
Enjoyed a glass of wine by the fire at the Royal Oak
AUTUMN BINGO!
Sipped a Chai at RREE’s
Worked up a sweat at FIT reflection
Played with your dog in Elkington Park
Enjoyed the Sunday roast at the Bald Rock
Picked up a book from Hill of Content Bookshop
Run through the rain to catch the 441
Tried the rum from Red Mill Rum
Picked up a sweet treat from Sandy Bake Shop
Enjoyed authentic Japanese at Doki Doki
Warmed up with an infrared sauna at City Cave
The Albanese Labor Government is invested in supporting creatives.
We’re helping Australian screen producers to tell our stories and bring more to our screens.
Streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers are now required to invest at least 10% of their total program expenditure for Australia – or 7.5% of their revenue –on new local drama, children’s, documentary, arts and educational programs.
Streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers are now required to invest at least 10% of their total program expenditure for Australia – or 7.5% of their revenue –on new local drama, children’s, documentary, arts and educational programs.
We’ve also added $50 million to ABC funding for new Australian content.
We’ve also added $50 million to ABC funding for new Australian content.
Protecting Australian artists and their creative works
Protecting Australian artists and their creative works
The Albanese Government is strengthening copyright laws to protect creatives and their works from being used without permission
The Albanese Government is strengthening copyright laws to protect creatives and their works from being used without permission
and without payment to train artificial intelligence. We have ruled out a Text and Data Mining Exception in Australian copyright laws.
Supporting live music
Supporting live music
The Albanese Labor Government is helping keep venues open and festivals entertaining fans across the country.
The Albanese Labor Government is helping keep venues open and festivals entertaining fans across the country.
Our Revive Live program is supporting 105 organisations across Australia, including the Metro Theatre, the Moshpit Bar and the Vanguard in Sydney.
Our Revive Live program is supporting 105 organisations across Australia, including the Metro Theatre, the Moshpit Bar and the Vanguard in Sydney.
A walk of art
Balmain and Rozelle have long drawn artists, writers and creative thinkers, who continue to shape the character of our community. As you wander through their charming streets on this walk, you’ll encounter a rich mix of galleries, renowned local artists, skilled artisans and passionate makers, each adding their own colour and story to the neighbourhood.
Start your journey at Bits of Australia in Balmain East where you’ll find Australian art and souvenirs. The team have carefully curated the store with an extensive range of genuine Aboriginal art, and everything in the store is Australian made. Nearby, at Home Industry, you’ll find a selection of vintage and new homewares and divine textiles for your next home project.
Cross the road and walk through the historic Balmain Watch House, home to various artist exhibitions throughout the year. Flick through the historical books, photos and resources by The Balmain Association
Established by local artists, the Art Gallery on Darling has a revolving annual calendar of artists who showcase their diverse art in all its forms — printmaking, painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography.
Australian contemporary artist, Lara Scolari is on Beattie Street and has an open gallery most days, where her joyful artworks are on display. Lara’s art is inspired by nature and experience, and each piece is one-of-a-kind.
Head down to Artspark Studio, where children and adults can learn to sew, and after-school art classes inspire young minds. The extensive garden at the back of the studio not only produces seasonal fruit and vegetables, but also provides many of the art materials.
Browsing for art at the Rozelle Collectors Market feels like a treasure hunt where every stall holds a surprise. The Saturday market is full of vintage prints, quirky paintings, handmade ceramics, and one-of-a-kind sculptures. You might uncover a mid-century poster, a bold abstract canvas by a local artist, or a delicate watercolour tucked between stacks of retro magazines.
You can’t be in Rozelle without visiting this gem of a shop, Embellish Atelier. All the hats and headpieces are constructed entirely by hand. Whether you need a hat for the races, a tiara for the ball or a headband for the gala, this is the shop to browse in.
Every afternoon, young creatives from local schools go to Paper Rock Scissor Art Studios as they enjoy after-school classes exploring different art techniques. The light-filled studio also hosts adult workshops, teen classes, corporate functions and even hen’s parties.
Representing more than 250 artists, the Kate Owen Gallery spans three levels, houses over 2,000 Aboriginal artworks, and showcases the diverse styles of ethically sourced Indigenous art across Australia. Explore an extensive selection of decorative, designer, and collector artworks that will breathe life into any space.
Locally curated, 44 on Callan Street is a gallery space housed within a former Rozelle factory. It is open in May with an exhibition newlocalwork featuring two new bodies of photographic work by Rozelle artists David Watson and Denise Corrigan, both drawing inspiration from contemporary life on Gadigal and Wangal Country. Hop down to Blackwattle Distilling Co. to see their collaborative exhibition with John Wren Art named PROOF, open from 24 April. Collectors and admirers alike can enjoy spirits from Blackwattle Distilling co. as they delve into more than 20 artworks of John Wren.
Positive ageing in the Inner West
For older adults, strength is about far more than muscles. Evidence shows that regular strength and balance training improves mobility, reduces the risk of falls, supports cognitive health, and helps people maintain independence as they age. Just as importantly, participating in physical activity within a social setting builds routine, confidence, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Together2 and Ageing for Better, with the support of Inner West Council, are working together to promote positive ageing through inclusive, evidence-based initiatives that support seniors to stay active, both at home and in their local neighbourhoods. These programs recognise that people are more likely to maintain strength-building activities when they feel safe, supported, and connected, particularly when sessions take place in familiar community environments.
A key feature of this work is the delivery of Community Strength and Balance sessions at together2 in Rozelle. Developed by Ageing for Better Director Marilynn Olson, these small-group sessions combine practical education with guided exercise. Participants are introduced to simple, effective ways to build
strength and balance into everyday life, followed by a gentle workout using evidence-based exercises that improve functional strength, stability, and confidence. These skills directly support daily activities such as carrying shopping, reaching overhead, travelling, or spending time with grandchildren.
Beyond these introductory sessions, Marilynn Olson offers ongoing senior fitness
Generations exercise together
classes. These progressive and welcoming classes support physical capability while creating space for social connection and mutual encouragement.
Connection across generations is also a core focus. Together2’s Intergenerational Program brings older adults and young people together for shared movement, games, and playful interaction. The program is designed to foster understanding and enjoyment in a low-pressure environment.
For those who prefer to exercise at home, Active at Home Kits provide practical support for safe, independent movement. Each free kit includes a resistance band, large-print exercise cards and access to captioned video demonstrations.
Together, these programs support strength, confidence, and community participation throughout the year.
What a night to remember! Our Darling Magazine 5th Birthday Party was a joyful celebration of community, creativity and connection. Surrounded by the people who have supported, contributed to and championed the magazine over the years, we marked this milestone the best way we know how — together.
Thank you to Balmain Rowing Club for hosting our event in their beautiful venue. It was a true reflection of the vibrant community we’re so proud to represent. Here’s to five fabulous years — and many more to come.
Thank you to everyone who brought the event to life:
Venue: Balmain
Rowing Club
Music: The Grateful Dads
Bar: Red Mill Rum
Photography: Fancy Boy Photography
Beer: Sydney
Brewery Rozelle
Food: Piquant Catering, Emma Townsend Cakes and Zucchero Nero
Gifts: Otter Craft Distilling
Darling, let’s colour in
We’ve teamed up with Local Lines to bring you a special Balmain-themed colouring activity — plus the chance to win a Local Lines Prize Pack filled with books, colouring pencils, stickers, and a tote bag!
Simply colour in our iconic Balmain East landscape and send your masterpiece to hello@locallines.com.au or share it on Instagram, tagging @local_lines_colouring and @darling.balmainrozelle, for your chance to win. Or drop it off at Daisy.Kids+Life in Balmain. Open to kids 12 years and under. Entries close 31 May 2026
Books available at Daisy.Kids+Life and online locallines.com.au
BE PART OF A NEW ERA OF LOCAL LIVING
Rozelle Village offers thoughtfully designed 1, 2 and 3 bedroom residences, providing a choice of unique aspects of the harbour and bridges, mountains and bays.
With a public plaza and activated laneways at your doorstep, it’s a rare opportunity to be part of a vibrant new neighbourhood while staying connected to the character and rhythm of Rozelle.
