Neighbourhood Media Turramurra Magazine | August 2023

PICK ME UP I’M FREE ISSUE #6

Turramurra Electricity Substation #272

1000 HOMES WITH JASON SMITH

CATCHING UP WITH TODD MCKENNEY ARTS + THEATRE ON THE NORTH SHORE

CRH Classical

City Recital Hall relaunches our classical program with a new series that invites a curated list of incredible classical artists to perform in Sydney’s premium acoustic recital hall.

See the piano, violin and trumpet take centre stage in these three not to be missed concerts.

10 August Jack Liebeck & Katya Apekisheva

7 September Paavali Jumppanen

18 September Jeroen Berwaerts & Konstantin Shamray

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HISTORY

Looking at Turramurra’s Historical Houses

IT’S been a while - but we are back! We delved into Turramurra’s incredible architecture in this issue, looking at some of the area’s most remarkable federation homes. We also meet local Jason Smith, whose passion for architecture and art has seen the creation of 1000s of incredible drawings, one of which is featured on our front cover!

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‘1000’ Homes With Jason Smith, Local Architect Enthusiast

We caught up with Pymble local, Todd McKenney to chat all about his performance in WICKED! We shine a light on the independent theatre companies keeping Arts and Theatre thriving North of the Harbour Bridge. There’s a heap of community news, tidbits from local educators + HEAPS more. So, pop the kettle on, put your feet up and immerse yourself in 2074 Issue #6

HUMANS OF 2075 EDUCATION

The Neighbourhood Media Team

Catching Up With Famed Showman, And Local, Todd Mckenney

Meet The Montessori Parent & Toddler Program

COMMUNITY

Spotting Sunflowers, And What They Mean

ARTS

The Companies Keeping Arts & Theatre Alive

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media

DESIGNER - Robert Everett

CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney May, Adeline Teoh, Alec Smart & Rob Everett

ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

PUZZLES

On The North Shore Local Market Report With Local Expert, Lisa Power

REAL ESTATE

FEATURE PETS

See Who’s Available For Adoption With Maggie’s Rescue

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Shop Local, Support Your Community

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Sydney’s Upper North Shore is renowned for its many grand Heritage-Listed homes in the distinctive ‘Federation’ style, especially in Ku-Ring-Gai. The 2074 postal district hosts a significant proportion of them, at least 34, which give the region character and charm, and is a factor people cite for why it is such a desirable area in which to live.

AACCORDING to the Federation House website, “Ku-ringgai Council has about 40 Heritage Conservation Areas, 26 State Heritage listed sites and 688 Local Heritage Listed sites.”

Ku-Ring-Gai Avenue, Turramurra is among the most prestigious Federation-period streets in greater Sydney and a listed Heritage Conservation Area – “recognised and valued for its special historical and aesthetic character.”

Indeed, do an online search for “suburbs with Federation houses in Sydney”. Ku-Ring-Gai Avenue automatically appears as a key locale to find Federation properties, alongside other prestigious addresses in the Eastern Suburbs (Woollahra, Paddington, Centennial Park), the Inner West (Newtown, Annandale) and the Lower North Shore (Mosman, Neutral Bay).

This is because there are 21 amazing Federation houses on Ku-Ring-Gai Ave (see list below).

Federation explanation

But what are ‘Federation’ style houses and how did the name come into currency?

According to ArchiPro website: “The Federation architectural period evolved in Australia at the turn of the

century when, in 1901, Australian colonies collectively became the Commonwealth of Australia.

“A Federation home is an Australian version of the English Edwardian House. It drew on elements of Victorian style and Queen Anne revival period of 1895 to 1910.”

Queen Anne houses were lavish and reminiscent of ye olde English village houses from the Middle Ages Gothic and Elizabethan Renaissance (late Tudor) period. They typically feature a steep pointed conical turret resembling a church steeple; cross-gable roofs (triangular roofed sections set at right-angles); balconies with decorative timber edging; and ornate balusters (lathe-turned spindles holding up parapets and handrails).

ArchiPro continues, “Built mainly between 1900 and 1912, the Federation style was an ornate building featuring decorative motifs. Australian flowers, kangaroos and emus were all common on these homes… Federation houses were typically built in red brick or weatherboards. And usually, with a galvanised iron roof or terracotta roof tiles. They were mostly detached houses with gardens.

“The ends of gable and roof eaves had detailed wooden fretwork and ornate timber brackets. But also lead-light glass in the windows were often a feature…”

Other key distinctions of Federation homes are the ‘earthy’ colours (terracotta tiled roofs and brown or dark red exterior brickwork) and a verandah at the front entrance.

However, at the onset of the First World War (July 1914 – Nov 1918), due to a shortage of tradespeople (sent into battle) and a worldwide economic recession that limited building materials and personal finances, people stopped building these ornate houses. Instead, a trend for plainer ‘bungalows’ was set in motion.

Origin of the Federation description

However, the term Federation didn’t come into common currency until the mid-20th century.

David Saunders, Professor of Architecture at the University of Adelaide from 1977 – 1986, coined the expression in his essay Domestic Styles of Australia’s Federation Period: Queen Anne and the Balcony Style, which was published in August 1969 in Architecture in Australia.

Thereafter the term ‘Federation style’ was popularised by other architects and historians referring to the retro-Anglomeets-Australiana post-colonial housing, which featured value-added verandahs for the Australian lifestyle.

For example, Art Historian Bernard Smith, Foundation Professor of Contemporary Art at the University of Sydney, used the term in his 1973-published book The Architectural Character of Glebe, Sydney, co-authored with his wife Kate (they both lived in Glebe).

Of course there are many sub-categories for the architectural anoraks who like to split hairs and draw deeper distinctions, such as Federation Queen Anne, Federation Filigree, Federation Academic Classical, Federation Free Classical, Federation Anglo-Dutch, Federation Romanesque, Federation Gothic, Federation Carpenter Gothic, Federation Warehouse, Federation Free Style, until, ahem, you experience Federation fatigue!

We here at 2074 magazine recommend you undertake your own architectural adventure and experience these magnificent mansions from the footpath. Some of them feature amazing anecdotes about their origins and original occupants, but we’ll save those for another day…

KU-RING-GAI AVE, TURRAMURRA

* 1 Ku-ring-gai Ave; * Mildura #8; * Shalimar #12; * Wychwood #17; * Trelawney #25; * 26 Kuring-gai Ave; * Boongala #28; * Creighton #31; * Ypriana #34; * Illanscourt #37; * Cossington #43; * 44 Ku-ring-gai Ave; * Highfield #51; * Erahor #54; * Bellhaven #55; * The Terricks #60; * Cheppywood #61; * Egelabra #70; * The Grange #73; * Talagon #77.

When strolling along Ku-Ring-Gai Ave, take a detour at the southern end by crossing over the highway to visit the now boarded-up Hillview (1890, plus its guest cottage 1913) at 1334 Pacific Hwy; and at the northern end check out Ingleholme (1886-1910) at 17 Boomerang St.

WARRAWEE

* Pibrac (1888) 11 Pibrac Ave; * Roseburn (1900) 23 Pibrac Ave; * Springwood (1919) 34 Hastings Rd; * Cheddington (1890) 52 Hastings Rd; * Kooyong (1894) 55 Hastings Rd; * Wirepe (1893) 69 Hastings Rd; * Rowardennan, 5 Warrawee Ave; * Maiala 7 Warrawee Ave; * 33A Bangalla St; * Audley 37 Bangalla St; * Bangalla 20 Harrington Ave

SSMITH, an artist who goes by Jasonic, grew up in St Ives and still pays tribute to the area that inspired his passion. “I love walking the older streets of St Ives, looking at the beautiful houses. I grew up in Cambourne Avenue so I have always loved venturing into the bush to the Cascades and even up the other side to Belrose. There are stunning caves and creeks down in the national park, so there are many excellent places to explore.”

But it’s not the natural beauty that occupies most of his focus. As part of his 1000 House Drawings project, Smith lets loose on his inner “frustrated architect” and has made it his mission to “combine a love of sketching with a love of houses”.

“My passion for architecture means a respect for all styles and eras of architecture, including those styles and eras that I don’t personally like,” he admits. “I’m not a utopian idealist; I recognise that many buildings and houses will be lost for various reasons, but I fear losing too many of the buildings that are a part of our architectural heritage. As I like to say, nobody’s building old homes anymore, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. So I made a commitment to myself to preserve homes by drawing them.”

His interest started young. Smith’s father and builder grandfather constructed his childhood home when he was three, which kindled a fascination with how they were

designed. “As a child my first memory of this was watching TV shows like The Brady Bunch and Happy Days wondering why the internal layout didn’t fit the outside of the house.”

His mother would take him to display homes on weekends, with his interest further fuelled when his parents developed some property in the Snowy Mountains. “I spent my teenage years crawling over building sites in Jindabyne. It’s only natural that I would gravitate to drawing homes,” he says. “I do enjoy drawing other subjects like landscapes, streetscapes and people, however I keep coming back to houses and built heritage.”

While most drawing skills can be taught, it’s passion that drives the motivation to continue to improve, he says. The other elements are being observant – “I notice tiny details about floor plans or buildings that capture my attention” – and patient. “I recently drew some 1930s office buildings in Melbourne that took me over 20 hours each. Without patience and a strong desire to complete the task, nothing would get finished.”

Most works start as pencil on cartridge paper before he uses a fine line marker for the linework. Colour comes from either Copic markers or, rarely, watercolour. Some older buildings warrant a charcoal treatment for a “visually and metaphorically” darker appearance.

For Jason Smith, sometimes the ugliest buildings can be the most compelling to draw.

TURRAMURRA

The biggest challenge is often which house to draw next from the hundreds he’s documented by photograph over his neighbourhood wandering and travels, and even from historic records. (“I almost never draw a home/building in person,” he explains. “They usually take 2-3 hours per house minimum, so sitting out the front of someone’s house for that long would be a little weird.”)

“Often I choose the ‘road less travelled’, the homes and buildings that most people wouldn’t want to draw. These might be the homes that are often overlooked like red brick homes from the 1960s, fibro houses from the 1940s or brown brick and orange tile homes of the 1980s. It probably describes my character: when everyone is heading in one direction, I’ll go the other way,” he says. “Sometimes it’s my mood. I’ll select the kind of house I feel like drawing. If I enjoy drawing it, I’m likely to draw it well.”

Smith also takes commissions from people who want to preserve their home on paper. “As a lover of architecture, I’m thrilled to draw any type of home although there are some that I wouldn’t personally draw. Maybe their grandparents built it, or it was their childhood holiday home, or it was their family home and their parents have now passed away. Knowing these homes are emotional for people is what makes me passionate about drawing them. After all, homes are more than just bricks and mortar, they are part of our narrative.”

1000housedrawings.webnode.co.uk

08 Cambourne Ave - A house in the street where Jason grew up, the home was architecturally designed in the ‘Sydney bush’ style.

Meet the Mayor & Councillors

The Mayor and Councillors are holding drop in sessions for residents about Council issues and projects. The sessions are intended to be a way you can talk to us informally and for us to update you on progress with projects.

For more information visit krg.nsw.gov.au/meetcouncillors

The Sunflower Program

Ku-ring-gai Council venues now have free sunflower lanyards and bracelets for residents to show our staff that they need extra help because of a health condition or hidden disability.

FEATURE

It’s time for Australia to return to Oz with the upcoming revival of WICKED, set to open this August at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. The principal cast has been announced, featuring one of Australia’s favourite entertainers and Pymble local, Todd McKenny!

W“WE HAVE no doubt audiences will embrace our electrifying new leading ladies and stellar cast,” says acclaimed producer John Frost, who also brought Melbourne’s 2008 WICKED to the stage, “We can’t wait for Australia to fall in love with the show all over again.”

Theatre and television personality Todd McKenney will play the role of the Wizard, alongside theatre icons and rising stars including Robyn Nevin, Liam Head, Adam Murphy, Shewit Belay, Kurtis Papadinis, Courtney Monsma, and Sheridan Adams.

McKenney, who celebrates 40 years in the entertainment industry this year, boasts decades of experience in musical theatre, radio, and television, including lead roles in productions like Cats, 42nd Street, West Side Story, Strictly Ballroom, and La Cage aux Folles and most notably, as the esteemed Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz - a role in which McKenney performed over 1000 shows nationally.

Neighbourhood Media was was able to ask Mr McKenney a few questions about the production and how he is finding life in Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

As one of Australia’s highly acclaimed performers, he says, “I’ve never needed to go overseas because I’m lucky enough to have continued working since I started my professional performing career 40 years ago!”

“I’ve enjoyed going overseas, particularly to see shows in London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, but I’ve always come back to work here in Australia.”

Based in Pymble, Sydney, he loves the local and everevolving hospitality scene, “I can highly recommend Jacaranda, a Modern Asian fusion restaurant on the Pacific Highway at Killara. It’s my new favourite hot spot.”

TURRAMURRA

McKenney, who started his dancing journey at the age of three, has won many international dance titles and local musical theatre awards, including two Mo Awards, a Variety Club Heart Award, and a Helpmann Award. Many will also recognise him from Australian television: McKenney has judged on all fifteen seasons of Dancing With the Stars since 2004.

McKenney shares that, “Now that Dancing With The Stars has wrapped filming [for the year] I am in full WICKED pre-rehearsal mode, learning my songs and script so that I am ready to start on day one of rehearsals which is just around the corner. WICKED is my only focus for the rest of the year.”

WICKED made it’s Broadway debut almost 20 years ago and has become an international hit, loved by millions. On getting his upcoming role in WICKED , McKenney said, “I haven’t had to move that much as I’ve gone from being The Boy from Oz to the Wizard of Oz , so it feels like a natural progression. Playing such an iconic role is a thrill for any actor and I can’t wait to start the show.”

WICKED , based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, takes a revisionist spin on the classic Wizard of Oz story and has won over 100 major awards, including six

Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards, and six Drama Desk Awards. The musical has played in 16 countries and is the fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history.

“The show is a proven success all over the world and is actually celebrating its 20th anniversary on Broadway this year so we will be honouring and staying true to the mega success that this show is,” says McKenney. “But what’s exciting for us, as the new Australian cast, is that we will be bringing our own interpretation to these roles.”

McKenney reveals that his favourite line from the production is “I am the great and powerful OZ” which he delivers “behind a giant mechanical skull.”

“What’s not to love about that?”

Tickets for WICKED at The Sydney Lyric Theatre are on sale now! Head to wickedthemusical.com.au or Ticketmaster to book your seats. Don’t miss out on this fantastic show, all the way from Oz!

EDUCATION

TTHE Northside Montessori Parent and Toddler Program is a beautiful way for parents to bond with their young children while fostering a love of learning. The program provides toddlers with a safe and nurturing environment to explore and discover their world. With the guidance of a trained educator. Making friends in our Montessori toddler group can be a fun and exciting experience for both children and parents.

Attending the Northside Montessori Schools toddler program is a great way to help your child build connections. Consistency can help your child feel more comfortable and familiar with the other children and the environment. It will also encourage your child to participate in group activities, like circle time or art projects, which is an excellent way for your child to interact with others and develop friendships. Finally, the Northside Montessori Toddler program encourages your child to be kind to others and allows them to make their own choices to develop their skills and abilities. With trained Montessori educators, parents can learn how to support their child’s natural curiosity and encourage their development. From sensory exploration and language development to socialisation and independence, the Northside Montessori School Parent Toddler Program offers a wide range of activities and experiences tailored to each child’s needs. Whether you are a first-time parent or an experienced caregiver, this program can help you build a strong foundation for your child’s future success.

To learn more about Northside Montessori School, head to our website: northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au or email Bec (Registrar) at enrol@northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au

WHY NORTHSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL?

Northside children are inspired to learn, to share, to create, to help, to try new things, and to know more –foundational elements to any child’s development.

The Northside campus in Pymble is a culturally diverse and nondenominational preschool, primary and secondary school – supporting children from their earliest stages of growth.

Northside guides using Montessori approaches and engages your child’s natural desire to learn, delivering the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) K-10 Curriculum as well as the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework

Northside Montessori School is a supportive community and school environment that will provide inspiring opportunities for your child.

Changes to Sydney School Catchments

MMULTIPLE Schools and catchments in the Ku-ring-gai area are due to undergo multiple changes over the next year. In 2022 the NSW Department of Education announced that new boundaries would be implemented throughout various Sydney school catchments in an effort to ease the imbalance in overcrowded and underpopulated schools – some of these impacted schools include those in the Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby area. Including Turramurra High School, Ku-ring-gai High School, and St Ives High School. Currently, St Ives Public School is very oversubscribed and bursting with students; many believe to be due to the increase in high-density dwellings within the school’s catchment area. However, St Ives Park Public, in a neighbouring suburb, is under capacity, despite both being primary schools in the same LGA.

As The Sydney Morning Herald reported, Turramurra High and Ku-ring-gai High will have their catchment areas expanded, while St Ives High will have theirs reduced in order to help restore balance across the schools. The publication also reported that NSW Education Minister Prue Car said that “Because of the previous government’s short-sightedness, many families have seen the valuable play space at their local public school become overrun with

demountables.”

These changes are set to come into effect in Term 1 next year. However, it should be noted that students already attending either Turramurra High School, Ku-ringgai High School or St Ives High School will not have to move schools if their home address is impacted by the new intake areas. The NSW Department of Education has also stated that families who have a child or children enrolled at a previous in-area school will still be able to enrol siblings at that school so that all children of a family may attend the same school.

If a child is not currently enrolled in any of these schools and a family wishes to enrol them in a now out-of-area school, the standard process will apply for requests for outof-area enrolments in accordance with the department’s enrolment policy and to contact the principal of the school where you are seeking enrolment for more information.

For more information, parents can visit: schoolfinder.education.nsw.gov.au

spell big changes for Turramurra families. Changes announced last year are now effective, impacting new families enrolling in local schools from Term 1 2024.

EDUCATION

TThe St Ives preparatory campus of Sydney Grammar School began teaching students in 1954, when St Ives was transitioning from a fruit-growing farming district into a suburb. But why was a site in St Ives chosen for the school, then isolated from public transport and surrounded by orchards, when other private schools in the region (eg: Knox, Ravenswood, PLC, Barker) established themselves along the main North Shore line rail corridor?

TO BEST answer that we need to wind the clock back a century, when Sydney Grammar’s main school in the city opened alongside Hyde Park.

In 1832, its eastern boundary, College St, where the school’s main campus is situated, was built.

IMPOSTER HEADMASTER

Prior to this, the forerunner of Sydney Grammar, the Sydney Public Free Grammar School, was opened in 1825 by emancipated convict Laurence Hynes Halloran on the corner of Philip and Hunter streets in the city).

Sydney Grammar’s archive states: “The fact that Halloran had been able to establish a School in Sydney is remarkable, considering his turbulent past. Sentenced to seven years’ transportation to New South Wales from England in 1819 for repeatedly impersonating a clergyman, forging testimonials and currency, he was declared “an imposter of the most dangerous kind”. His past further reveals he also murdered a man with a sword after being challenged for a trivial interference while serving as a tutor in the Royal Navy in 1783.”

However, Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the fifth Governor of NSW (1810-21), championed Halloran’s educational skills. A strong advocate of elevating the social standing of skilful and entrepreneurial former miscreants, he declared Halloran was “by far the best and most admired instructor of youth in the colony.”

HYDE PARK HEADQUARTERS

Sydney Grammar School, a private, non-denominational education establishment in central Sydney, opened on 3 August 1857 in the ‘Big School’ on the east side of Hyde Park, on College Street, Darlinghurst.

The foundation stone of the historic Big School building was laid earlier on 26 January 1830 when it was purposebuilt to house Sydney College (hence why the address is in ‘College’ St), which closed in 1850, a casualty of the 1840s economic depression.

In the years between the College’s closure and Grammar’s tenure, the University of Sydney temporarily occupied the premises, which consisted of a large main room with

smaller classrooms in the basement.

According to the school’s history webpage, “Sydney Grammar School was founded by Act of Parliament in 1854, after Sir Henry Parkes, the Father of Australian Federation, tabled a petition from a group of citizens concerned that the fledgling University of Sydney should have a ‘nursery’ to provide it with well-prepared undergraduates.”

Thereafter, in 1856, the Big School building and surrounding land was acquired and over time developed and expanded into the modern school site. University of Sydney (founded 1852) relocated to its purpose-built new site in Camperdown in 1859, the former Grose Farm, and Sydney Grammar became a ‘feeder’ school to the university.

AMIDST THE ORCHARDS

Sydney Grammar has two preparatory schools, St Ives and Edgecliff, the former preceding the latter by two years.

In Sydney Grammar’s online archive, the St Ives chapter reveals, “Grammar’s first preparatory school opened on 9 February 1954, under the Headmastership of Mr Roy Dent, formerly Senior History, Geography and Economics Master at College Street.

“By June, 85 day boys were attending the school and it was declared a huge success. The second stage of its development was to build several dormitory blocks designed to take up to 30 primary level boarders, an assembly hall and other necessary additions. Unlike its counterpart at Edgecliff, St Ives Prep had a wealth of surrounding land previously being a site for citrus orchards of around 14 acres.”

2075 magazine has previously written about one of the neighbouring orchards. A row of 18 historic pear trees of the nashi (Asian) variety, perhaps over a century old, are growing directly opposite the school, behind a bus stop on Mona Vale Rd.

In Shorelife magazine, an interview with recordbreaking tennis legend John Newcombe revealed he attended Sydney Grammar St Ives Preparatory for his primary school years.

The 79-year-old former world number one in both singles and doubles tennis, said, “When I drive along Mona Vale Rd, past Grammar Prep, I still have memories of big orange orchards, which are ovals now… The orange orchards got me the cane. Six on the bum. You were forbidden to go down to the orchards, so we always used to go there and have orange fights. You would get sprung and then you would get six [strokes of the cane]!”

RAILWAY RUMBLINGS

Considering most of the privately-administered schools on Sydney’s North Shore are along the railway corridor from North Sydney to Hornsby, why is the Sydney Grammar St Ives Preparatory and Brigidine College, a girls’ Catholic secondary school a short distance away, located in the comparatively remote St Ives?

Especially as when they were both established in 1954, St Ives was relatively unpopulated, because it consisted mainly of the aforementioned orchards and a network of market gardeners.

This was because there was a serious proposal to construct a railway line from Gordon to Mona Vale, which would have run in close conjunction to Mona Vale Rd, passing through St Ives.

As 2075 magazine has previously explored, St Ives was initially identified by European settlers as a prime timber district; then, from the 1850s, after the forests were felled, fruit trees were planted in their stead.

St Ives was not connected to the Sydney electricity grid until 1914, yet it was not rezoned from ‘rural’ to ‘residential’ until 1959, five years after these two schools were opened, when new streets and houses populated the suburb.

In November 1911, the first formal proposal for a rail route between Gordon and the Northern Beaches was raised by the President of the Ku-Ring-Gai Shire Council, Rev Paul Clipshamt.

However, it was voted down, due mainly to the sparse population and lack of infrastructure in the vicinity, and because a tramway along the same route was already in consideration.

In June 1921, the railway was seriously reconsidered, when John Estell MP, the NSW Secretary for Public Works and NSW Minister for Railways, inspected a proposed route from Gordon to Narrabeen through St Ives, and announced he’d “recommend” to his colleagues a new rail link to the coast. It didn’t eventuate.

Public pressure for a railway line to the coast increased as the St Ives population expanded over the coming decades. With the major development of infrastructure in the 1950s and the subsequent influx of settlers, residents felt confident St Ives would be linked by rail to the main North Shore Line at Gordon.

Indeed, the Department of Main Roads, in their 1957-58 Programme of Works, approved widening Mona Vale Rd to overcome constant traffic congestion.

Hence why it made good sense to establish Sydney Grammar Preparatory School on Mona Vale Rd, the proposed rail route.

HIGH ACHIEVERS

Meanwhile, the school, initially built among the old citrus groves, expanded their playing fields as the orchardists alongside sub-divided and sold their farmlands. A kindergarten was added to the infants and primary and its student intake increased to around 440 pupils, educated up to sixth grade, most of whom came from the surrounding district.

Nevertheless, despite the St Ives campus’ relative isolation, Sydney Grammar, along with its senior school in the city, distinguishes itself as a high-achieving educational establishment. For example, in the 2022 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), Sydney Grammar secondary school was in the top 10 best performing schools nationwide, and the top performing private school, a distinction it also achieved in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2013.

Furthermore, notable alumni include three former Prime Ministers (the 1st, Edmund Barton, 20th, Billy McMahon and 29th, Malcolm Turnbull), Olympic gold medal swimmer Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton, and bush poet and author of Waltzing Matilda, Banjo Patterson, as well as outstanding achievers in the world of science, creative arts, sports and academia.

However, the school students, and indeed the rest of the population of St Ives, are all still waiting for the arrival of that Gordon to Northern Beaches train service…

11 Ayres Rd, St Ives. St Ives Sydney Grammar website stives.sydgram.nsw.edu.au

KKYLIE & JANE from Essence of Home, under their social impact brand Design for Hope have joined forces with Jemma from Shed Eleven to help bring a much-needed touch of love to one of the shelters operated by Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.

“We are thrilled to be part of this fabulous project. Our wish is that the women and children who come to stay at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter find peace, worthiness, and a renewed sense of possibilities in their lives.”

This is not the first time these local ladies have worked together. Last year Shed Eleven donated some gorgeous bespoke pieces (all upcycled of course) for Erin’s Place, a women’s and children’s shelter Design for Hope were renovating.

Inspired by the Erin’s Place project Jemma has pulled together this new project, ‘House to Home’.

“The combination of a strong belief in the power of a beautiful environment, the knowledge that the community want to get involved, and my passion for upcycling items destined for potential landfill, put me in a unique position to assist the shelter in their House to Home project.”

While the shelter currently provides a clean and safe environment, Design for Hope and Shed Eleven are determined to create a feeling of comfort, tranquillity, and support for its residents during their time of crisis.

The aim of this project is to infuse the shelter with beautiful furniture and décor in soft calming colours and create an environment where women and their children can feel nurtured on their road to recovery. And all while reducing landfill.

Many hands make light work and as with any significant project there are lots of welcomed volunteers:

Design for Hope are consulting on the colour scheme and the use of Trauma Informed Design. Their expertise will contribute to creating balance throughout the house and giving it a calm, welcoming feel to promote recovery from trauma and help to rebuild the residents’ confidence and self-worth.

Shed Eleven will upcycle good quality, donated furniture, artwork and décor for the shelter. Jemma is tackling the pressing issue of furniture waste (did you know that approximately 30,000 tonnes of furniture ends up in Australian landfills each year?)

Jemma ran a workshop for some Ku-ring-gai Council staff members where they helped upcycle donated plant pots and art canvases.

St Ives Rotary Club are generously funding the upcycling costs, highlighting their commitment to supporting initiatives that positively impact the local community.

The response from the broader community has been truly heartwarming as well. With offers of donations of funds, time and many items for repurposing.

And of course, the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter team who are helping these women in crisis to create a better, happier future.

To find out more about either business: essenceofhome.com.au/designforhope shedeleven.com.au

FOSTER CARERS are ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS in your local community and we urgently need more of them.

Have you ever had a cup of tea with a foster carer? What does it even mean to provide foster care? Did you know that in Australia there are over *45, 000 kids in out-of-home care.

Fostering does not have to be full-time. Emergency Carers look after children and young people removed from unsafed situations for short period while a foster carer is being arranged. Being taken from home and family in these circumstances is traumatic for children and they are often distressed, frightened, and confused when they come to emergency foster care. Emergency Foster Carers usually need to be available to take a child at any time though you can let us know when there are times you are not going to be available.

At Key Assets Australia, we provide our foster carers with ongoing training, 24/7 support, a dedicated social worker, and an allowance. We hold regular events and connect foster carers with each other for extra support. Are you thinking of becoming a foster carer?

Anyone can apply to become a foster carer. We celebrate diversity and welcome enquiries from people who are single or in a relationship, homeowners or renting. Your culture, religion or sexual orientation doesn’t affect your eligibility for foster care. We believe the diversity of our carers is vital when finding the best possible family for a foster child.

If you feel you have the love, space, and energy to provide a safe and happy home, then we would love to talk to you about the options of emergency care, respite care, short-term, or long-term care. Scan me!

Get in touch with one of our friendly team members today on 1800 932 273 or visit canifoster.com.au

Ku-ring-gai Council has joined The Sunflower Program to raise awareness and promote better assistance for residents with chronic health conditions or hidden disabilities.

TTHE sunflower has become a symbol of recognition of those with chronic health conditions or hidden disabilities. This includes disabilities such as autism, anxiety, and dementia, as well as conditions including chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes and sleep disorders, to name a few.

As a member of the program, Ku-ring-gai council members and staff will be trained to assist both children and adults alike who live with chronic health conditions and hidden disabilities.

The Sunflower Program provides free sunflowerpatterned lanyards and bracelets to residents, which help notify council staff that they may need additional support, time or understanding.

Mayor Jeff Pettett said “Residents with a hidden disability or health condition can now be confident our frontline staff will be empathetic and considerate if they need extra help.”

SUNFLOWER LANYARDS AND BRACELETS ARE AVAILABLE AT:

• The Council’s customer service centre, Level 4, 818 Pacific Highway Gordon

• All Ku-ring-gai libraries

• Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre at West Pymble

• The Wildflower Garden at St Ives

• Ku-ring-gai Art Centre at Roseville

• Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre at St Ives

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Our children LOVE coming to school every day… come and see why!

Have you heard about Montessori, are you curious or looking for an alternative to government, private or religious education? Find out how our unique child-centered Montessori approach can help your child develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime by fostering curiosity, independence and a strong foundation for success.

Northside Montessori School is the epitome of authentic and pure Montessori education on the North Shore for Preschool, Primary, and Secondary School. Come to our Open Day, meet our teachers, visit our classrooms, talk to our Principal, and see our beautiful campus.

42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW 2073 Australia

(02) 9144 2835 northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au

enrol@northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au

ARTS

TURRAMURRA

Sydney is rich with live performances and creative experiences - support your local performers, directors and talented crew members by heading to these excellent upcoming live performances.

THE PYMBLE PLAYERS

A GROUP of 30 people met in 1957 to create a dramatic club on Sydney’s North Shore. These first members included Reg Livermore and Simon Chilvers. This group would become the Pymble Players. Their ‘‘home’ is the 1884 church hall of Pymble Chapel, a place that has been their stage since 1974 – an 84 seat, professionally equipped theatre. Now in 2023, Pymble Players celebrates its 66th anniversary as one of Sydney’s most enduring and successful community theatre associations. Pymble Players aims to produce and perform a high standard of live theatre as well as encourage community participation in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment.

Coming soon: Table Manners

| August 9th - September 3rd

Pymble Chapel, corner of Bromley Ave and Mona Vale Rd

NORTH SHORE THEATRE COMPANY

One of Sydney’s longest running theatre companies. Formerly known as Chatswood Musical Society and founded in 1951, CMS established itself as one of the leading musical theatre companies in the Sydney area. In 2016, it was rebranded as the North Shore Theatre Company. NSTC operates out of the Zenith Theatres, Chatswood - corner of McIntosh & Railway Sts.

Coming soon: The Addams Family

| September 15th - 23rd

GLEN STREET THEATRE

Nestled in the picturesque suburb of Belrose, is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history and commitment to artistic excellence. Since its establishment, Glen Street Theatre has showcased an impressive range of productions in its intimate 400-seat auditorium. The current program includes hilarious standup comedy, nail-biting film screenings, and thought-provoking drama, magical family shows, as well as a huge lineup of fabulous live music.

Coming soon: Kate Wadey & Gregg Arthur - Duets

| Monday, 28th August

Cnr Glen Street, Blackbutts Rd | Buy Tickets online glenstreet. com.au

WILLOUGHBY THEATRE COMPANY

CURRENTLY residing at the iconic The Concourse venue, Willoughby Theatre Company has been in operation since 1957 as The Fellowship Players - multiple locations and name changes later, the company was finally renamed Willoughby Theatre Company in 2006. Operating as a non-profit organisation, WTC strives to bring high-quality theatre to their local community.

You won’t want to pass on their upcoming production - Cats is returning to the Sydney stage with Willoughby Theatre Company! Famous for its celebrated long-run on Broadway and it’s iconic soundtrack, Willoughby Theatre Company is reimagining the legendary show for the modern audience.

Coming Soon: Cats | October 14 - 29

The Concourse, Chatswood

KU-RING-GAI PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

THE Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO) is one of Australia’s finest community orchestras with a proud history stretching back over 50 years. The KPO enjoys an unrivalled reputation for superb presentations of exciting, interesting music, innovative, communityfocused programs - including the NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition, Kids’ Proms concerts, its Composer Workshops, and commissions of special works from leading Australian composers.

Coming soon: Verdi’s mighty Requiem Mass - Sunday, 3rd September at 3pm

Concert Hall - The Concourse, Chatswood | Buy tickets at www. kpo.org.au

MARIAN ST THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Marian Street Theatre for Young People (MSTYP) is one of the oldest continually-running children’s theatres and drama schools in Australia, inaugurated in 1969. It has been a unique part of Sydney’s North Shore community for nearly 50 years, originally as an arm of the distinguished Marian Street Theatre and since 2001 as an independent, not-for-profit organisation. MSTYP uses theatre training alongside live performance to magnify and amplify stories and questions of our world. The company asks its participants to imagine the possibilities within the world they are growing up in; to think artistically, critically and creatively, and use theatre as an interpretative lens in their roles as active global citizens.

Coming soon: Treasure Island

| 4th - 7th October | 10:30am & 1pm

Ku-ring-gai Town Hall | Buy Tickets at mstyp.org.au

HOME

WLicensed Real Estate Agent Ray White Upper North Shore

WHILST there’s been a massive amount of negative media speculation over the past few months predicting a slump or total crash of the real estate market, the reality is that the market slowed for a short period yet has rebounded strongly, making gains every month of this year.

There is always strong buyer demand in Turramurra, with the wealth of acclaimed local schools nearby, our wonderful shopping precincts, parks, great transport links and of course the general feel of the community. At Ray White, we’re seeing high numbers of buyers at inspections which is translating to high numbers of registered bidders at auctions that creates a competitive environment ensuring vendors receive the highest possible price.

Sales of houses are leading the price gains across the 2074 postcode. Since the beginning of the year, 113 houses have been sold,with the average price being $3,160,631. The highest price in Warrawee was $14,200,000 for 23 Pibrac Ave and the highest price in Turramurra was $7,850,000 for 60 Ku-ring-gai Ave.*

Compared to the same period last year when 101 houses were sold across 2074 with an average price of $3,305,098 and the highest price in Warrawee of $6,250,000 and in Turramurra of $6,500,000 achieved by our team at Ray White Upper North Shore for the sale of 7 Evelyn Ave.*

Since the beginning of the year, 61 units have been sold with the average price being $1,191,006 and the highest being $2,300,000. Compared to the same period the year prior, when 57 units were sold, with the average price of $1,207,816 and the highest being $3,350,000.*

So what can you expect to see in the coming months?

The property market typically slows down over winter as school holidays have an impact, yet this year with the scarcity of available properties for sale, buyers will definitely be out and about. New listings across Sydney are down 17% compared to the same period last year and for some suburbs of the Upper North Shore it’s up to 30-40%. Buyers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of options, yet in this situation sellers can certainly benefit. This lack of stock is resulting in intense competition for each property, evidenced by the highest average number

of registered bidders at Ray White auctions across Sydney of 7.5, with an auction clearance rate of 85% (highest since 2021), versus the low of 2.2 average registered bidders nationally in November 2022.

We’re going to see further price growth with the recovery of Sydney’s property market being led by the premium segment. Data from CoreLogic reveals that the most expensive houses in the top quarter of the market are experiencing the fastest recovery. In the past three months, values in this segment have surged by 5.6%, outpacing the 2.6% increase in more affordable segments. Strong demand and limited supply have contributed to this upward trajectory.

Despite various challenges, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple interest rate hikes, low consumer confidence, negative media coverage, and stricter lending regulations, the property market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and is now in a positive phase. Contrary to those predictions of significant price declines, the market has shown strength. Given the current supply-demand dynamics, it is likely that the upward trend will continue until supply catches up with demand.

This all presents an opportune time to sell. As the highest selling real estate agency in the 2074 postcode and across the Upper North Shore, we meet more buyers than anyone else, providing a significant advantage in selling your property.

If you are considering selling, I would be delighted to discuss how I can help you secure the highest price in the current market.

EECO-CONSCIOUS Dutch greenwares brand Elho began as a small family business in 1964 and has been focusing on sustainability ever since, with all products designed and manufactured in Holland. Additionally, Elho create their beautiful designer pots by using over 8 million kilos of waste each year!

Not only do Elho’s amazing products work to save the planet, but they’re also built to last a lifetime - designed with long-lasting colours, UV protection, lightweight and frost-resistant materials – they are the perfect addition to any home. What’s more, all of their products are made using renewable energy via wind power.

In March of this year, scientists reported that there were more than 170 trillion plastic particles floating in our oceans, with the rate of plastic waste entering aquatic environments set to more than double by 2040 unless plastic production is slowed. Now, making use of recyclable materials and reclaimed waste particles is more important than ever.

We can hardly go online or watch television today without seeing images of polluted oceans; thankfully, Elho is trying to change that by bringing sustainability into the garden and home! Their newest range, the Ocean Collection Designer Pots, is made - as all Elho pots are - with 100% recycled materials. This collection helps keep our oceans and waterways clean as each pot is made using recycled maritime plastic granules. This includes plastic from items

Keep

such as fishing ropes, nets, and dragnets.

This inventive process of using different, recycled plastics allows for every pot to be unique, with different colour tones and natural marble effects reflecting the colours of the ocean such as “Pacific Green” and “Atlantic Blue”. This makes them perfect for mixing and matching around your home and garden. Not to mention they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs.

Elho is a world-leading innovator in garden pots with selections for all spaces and styles – indoor or outdoor, hanging or floor, balcony pots or raised veggie beds – Elho has all your gardening needs in one sustainable and stylish brand! They also have you covered with an extensive range of gardening accessories, including self-watering inserts and greensense aqua cares – designed to help your plants receive the right amount of water.

Elho pots, accessories and their new Ocean Collection can be purchased online and are stocked at most Bunnings and Flower Power stores throughout Sydney – to find your closest store selling Elho pots or to order yours today, head to: elho.com/au

the oceans clean and your garden looking great with Elho’s sustainable new line.

PETS

SPICE: 1 YEAR OLD - CATTLE DOG CROSS

Spice is a super sweet girl and very affectionate! She is always happy to get plenty of cuddles, loves to curl up next to you, but can also be independent and will happily leave you alone when you need space. She gets on well with other dogs and loves to play with her dog pals. She is also confident in new and busy environments and will happily sit by you at the local cafe. Spice is really clever and learns new tricks with ease, and despite being a working breed she is not super high energy like you would expect, her main priorities are being around her humans and finding a family that can include her in their day to day life.

SPICE AMBER

AMBER - 8 MONTHS OLD - DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR

Cuddly and playful, Amber loves to explore her foster home with her brother Coco and would do very well in a home with other friendly cats and kids! She very much enjoys leaping and diving with dangly toys, strings and balls. But, when you want a cuddle, she’s always up for it, as long as you’ve developed a bond of trust first. And it’s truly worth your while - Amber’s head nuzzles and purrs are to die for.

WILBUR: 5 YEARS OLD - BORDER COLLIE

Are you ready to open your heart and home to a devoted and playful companion? Do you enjoy having an athletic and energetic dog, but also want an evening of cuddles on the couch? If this sounds like you, then Wilbur is your man! A charming 5-year-old Border Collie who is the perfect combination of playful, loving, and intelligent. Wilbur is an athlete and his preferred sport is fetch. He is keen to demonstrate his skills whether at the park or at home, with a ball or a soft toy. He is devoted to his family and will welcome you home with a whole body wag, always providing you company whether you’re working from home or out on a stroll around the neighbourhood.

WILBUR CHURROS

CHURROS - 1 YEAR OLD - DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR

Churros is a loving and affectionate young lady - not to mention gorgeous! This confident ginger kitty adores hanging out with her foster carers, cuddling in bed (while sneaking in as many face smooches as possible) and surveying her kingdom from a high perch. A very well rounded, sweet girl, Churros would fit into most loving homes

This local Theatre Company that will be showing Cats in mid October.

Who is Ray White Upper North Shores’ Turramurra expert?

Formerly known as Chatswood Musical Society, now known as what Theatre Company?

The name of a sweet one year old cattle dog cross up for adoption through Maggie’s Rescue?

Which company has released a series of pots made from maritime waste?

A Symbol for chronic health conditions or hidden disabilities.

Which street in neighbouring St Ives did Jason Smith grow up on?

Todd McKennney’s focus for the rest of the year?

Who did the Matildas play against in Round Two of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the 27th of July?

2. Which company has released a series of pots made from maritime waste?

3 A S b l f h i h l h ies. ng St on? or the

men’s W

Y M H F R Q K U E

Alice Tennyson Murdoch Bannockburn

Evelyn Burns Challis The Chase

Mimosa Karuah

Gilroy Turramurra

Eastern Kissing Point Pentecost Bobbin Head

ARI AGENCY

A local, boutique buyer’s agency offering you a smarter way to buy property. Ari Agency will take the guesswork out of the home buying process. They will save you time, money and stress, making the whole process simple, fun and rewarding. With 10 years experience on the buying side, Ari Agency is one of the most experienced buyer’s agents in Sydney specialises in helping people secure their dream home or investment property across the Upper and Lower North Shore, Northern Beaches and Hills District. ariagency.com.au | 0405 428 471

Having sold more property on the Upper North Shore than any other agency, we understand what it takes to deliver a premium result for our vendors providing exceptional service, authentic advice and outstanding results.