Ferrari Sydney, part of the McCarroll group, just finished a big renovation of its headquarters in Waterloo, Sydney. The grand opening of the flagship Australian dealership lasted for two days, promising an exciting new experience for fans of the famous car brand.
The newly renovated facility brings together excellent guest services and a classy Italian style. It has an atelier, private meeting rooms, and a fancy lounge area. Moreover, it now displays both Ferrari and Maserati.
It became a Ferrari dealership back in November 2009 when Ateco Automotive, the importer at that time, moved its multi-franchise operation. Since then, the location has been a special place for Ferrari fans.
Simon McCarroll, the owner and dealer principal, shared his excitement about taking Ferrari to the next level in Sydney. He mentioned how the new showroom is all about satisfying the passion for Ferrari and proudly offering a showroom and workshop that matches the greatness of the Prancing Horse in Australia.
In 2009, the $32 million building in Waterloo became the new headquarters of Ateco Automotive, replacing their previous offices in Homebush. This five-level building included underground car parks whilst the top floor is where Ateco and EAI offices are located.
Ateco’s used-car showroom for Ferrari and Maserati, along with the workshops and parts area for Maserati, was situated on the first floor, whilst the Ferrari workshop and parts departments were on the ground level.
The Waterloo site expanded Ateco’s business significantly, with larger parts and service areas than their previous location. It also served as the dealership for Ferrari and Maserati in Sydney following the closure of Italia Motori, which was co-owned by Ateco and Tony Graziani.
In 2013, Ferrari regained its distribution rights from EAI and Ateco, appointing Herbert Appleroth as CEO. He was later succeeded by Jan Hendrik Voss as the current Ferrari Australasia president.
With its recent transformation, Ferrari Sydney’s dealership sets a high standard for excellent cars in Australia. Visitors can now have a sophisticated and exclusive experience whilst exploring the fascinating world of Ferrari and Maserati.
Sydney Boys High School is proactively taking measures to alleviate overcrowding and prioritise student safety on Sydney’s expanded light rail network.
Recently, the school communicated with parents about a timetable shake-up in response to ongoing capacity issues on the Metro CBD & Southeast Line. Starting from Term 3, the school plans to adjust its start and finish times by five minutes, effectively tackling congestion at the nearby tram stop, Moore Park Station.
Expressing concerns, Principal Kim Jaggar highlighted heavy afternoon congestion at Moore Park Station, especially on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. In a letter to parents, he drew attention to the rush and commotion among students trying to board trains.
Furthermore, a recent near miss involving one of the school’s students emphasised the urgent need to address this safety issue. Thus, the school seeks the support of the Sydney High community to implement this change and enhance student safety.
Compounding the capacity challenges is the fact that Sydney Boys High School students share trams with their counterparts from Sydney Girls High School, which is located nearby. Both schools currently start their day simultaneously.
To mitigate the risk of accidents, the staff at Sydney Boys High School have decided to introduce a warning bell at 8.57 am each day, with lessons starting at 9 am and concluding at 3.10 pm.
These adjustments aim to allow Sydney Boys High School students to catch one or possibly two trams before students from Sydney Girls High School arrive on the platform, considering the latter’s school day finishes at 3.20 pm.
Based on recent figures from the Department of Transport, a significant increase in passenger numbers at Moore Park Station over the past two years. In May alone, 7616 students used Opal Cards to tap on and off at the station, compared to 5130 during the same month the previous year.
Notably, Moore Park Station ranked second in terms of Opal trip passengers across Sydney’s entire light rail network, with only the stop at Central Station surpassing it.
A spokesman from the Department of Education confirmed overwhelming support from teachers and endorsement by the school council for the school’s timetable change.
By implementing these timetable adjustments, Sydney Boys High School aims to alleviate congestion, reduce safety risks, and improve the overall commuting experience for its students. As the new timetable comes into effect in Term 3, it is hoped that the adjustments will result in a safer and more efficient commute for all students using the light rail network.
The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville, popularly remembered for its appearance in the film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” has been sold following an extensive $6-million renovation.
Built in 1880, the Imperial Hotel has been a beloved local and tourist hotspot for generations. In 2015, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group announced the takeover of the historic Erskineville establishment on behalf of Fraser Short, from Sydney Collective, and Scott Leach, President of the Australian Hotels Association NSW. Mr Short and Mr Leach stepped in to rescue the venue from closure in 2015.
Following a substantial renovation and extensive community consultation, the hotel reopened its doors in March 2018, just in time for Sydney’s vibrant Mardi Gras festival. In early 2023, the Imperial Hotel went on the market and was then sold to Universal Hotels, owned and operated by the Kospetas family, prominent figures in the Sydney hotel scene.
As its new owner, Universal Hotels boasts a diverse portfolio of LGBTQIA+ venues, including the Newtown Hotel, Civic Hotel, Crown Hotel in Surry Hills, as well as The Riley, Oxford Hotel, and Universal, all located along Sydney’s renowned Oxford Street.
Harris Kospetas, CEO of Universal Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, citing the strong connection his group has with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Mr Kospetas emphasized that the Imperial Hotel aligns with its strategy of acquiring exceptional assets that can unlock value through operational and geographical synergies. He extended his gratitude to Mr Short and Mr Leach for their exceptional rebuild and stewardship of the venue.
Kate MacDonald, Senior Vice President at JLL, who exclusively negotiated the sale, expressed confidence in the hotel’s future operation. MacDonald stated that the Imperial Hotel’s addition to the Universal Hotels portfolio aligns with their focus on venues with robust and diverse income streams, many of which rely on entertainment as a primary business driver. She praised the Kospetas family and their capable team, expecting them to provide the Erskineville community with the same positive atmosphere they have cultivated throughout Sydney for over two decades.
The Imperial Hotel’s legacy as a cultural landmark, intertwined with its starring role in “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” continues to captivate both locals and visitors as it embarks on a new chapter under Universal Hotels’ ownership.
Centuria Capital Group, an investment manager, has recently sold an Eveleigh office building at a price exceeding its book value. The premiums obtained in this transaction highlight the robust demand for well-located commercial properties, particularly those benefiting from urban regeneration and their proximity to housing, schools, and universities.
The property sold was the Belltower office building, situated along Cornwallis St. Centuria managed to secure $18.25 million for the 1148-square-meter building, which represents a 14 per cent premium above its book value. The office building underwent significant refurbishment and was sold with vacant occupancy.
Originally purchased by Centuria in 2016 for $3.3 million, the Belltower formed part of the unlisted Australian Technology Park (ATP) Fund. This historic building, constructed in 1887 as the Manager Office for the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshop, featured a bell that signalled the beginning and end of the railyard working day.
During the early 2000s, the Belltower became part of a comprehensive regeneration masterplan aimed at transforming the area into a technology precinct. Today, the precinct houses prominent entities such as the Commonwealth Bank, Channel 7, CSIRO’s Data61, Cicada Innovations, and the University of Sydney Institute of Agriculture and School of Life and Environmental Sciences.
Centuria’s successful sale of the Belltower and the premium achieved demonstrates the attractiveness of properties located within thriving commercial hubs. The demand for such properties, which are well-connected and surrounded by amenities, underlines the growing trend of urban regeneration and the desire for convenient access to essential services.
Did you know that the Rainbow Lorikeet is the most frequently seen bird in Redfern this year? The vibrant and enchanting species has stolen the show in 2023, according to eBird.
With around 79 sightings, these magnificent feathered creatures have captured the attention of locals and bird enthusiasts alike. It comes as no surprise, because they can get attention with their loud calls whilst flying or feeding.
Apart from the Rainbow Lorikeet, other highly sighted birds in Redfern include the Welcome Swallow, Noisy Miner, Common Myna, Australian Magpie, Red-whiskered Bulbul. Here’s a brief overview of the most sighted bird species in Redfern:
Rainbow Lorikeet
Photo credit: Public Domain/Cygnis insignis/Wikimedia Commons
These brilliantly coloured birds are known for their red breast, blue/black belly and head, and distinctive red bill. Unlike the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and Red-collared Lorikeet, they have longer tails and do not overlap in range.
With their ability to thrive in urban areas, these enchanting creatures are often seen roosting in large, noisy flocks during early mornings and evenings. Residents and bird watchers alike are captivated by their vibrant presence, adding a touch of natural wonder to the urban landscape.
Welcome Swallow
Photo credit: CC BY 2.0/gailhampshire/Wikimedia Commons
The welcome swallows are also on the list of the most sighted bird species in the area. These birds, which have been sighted approximately 35 times, is a small swallow species characterised by its long forked tail. It has a dark upper body and a lighter underside, along with a rusty breast and face.
In Australia, it is less common to come across the Barn Swallow, which can be distinguished by its dark chest band and overall paler coloration on the underside, including parts of the underwing.
The welcome swallow is a frequently seen bird in open habitats, where it feeds on insects while flying above parks, sporting fields, wetlands, and other open areas. It is often observed perching in large numbers on fence rows and utility lines.
Australian Magpie
Photo credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 AU/Bidgee/Wikimedia Commons
The Australian Magpie, sighted three times, is a large black-and-white bird distinguished by its long, pale bill with a dark tip. It is larger than butcherbirds and has a unique pattern. Its head, face, and underparts are black, while the nape, upper wing coverts, and rump are white.
The back can be either black or white, with subspecies displaying variation in plumage. This species is widespread in farmland, parks, and open woodlands, where it is typically observed in pairs or groups, confidently strutting on the ground. Its song is a memorable fluty warble.
Common Myna
Photo credit: CC BY-SA 3.0/Revital Salomon/Wikimedia Commons
The Common Myna, with approximately 13 sightings, is a large, black-and-brown myna bird. It has white wing patches, a yellow bill, and yellow legs. This gregarious species is often found in noisy flocks and displays aggressive behaviour towards other birds.
Although it can inhabit diverse locations, it avoids dense forests. Native to southern Asia, it is one of the most common species there. It has also been widely introduced to other parts of the world, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.
Noisy Miner
Photo credit: CC BY 2.0/Donald Hobern/Wikimedia Commons
With around 16 sightings, The Noisy Miner is a grey honeyeater of medium to large size, characterised by a black crown, a yellow bill, and a yellow eye patch. It exhibits aggressive and territorial behaviour, often living in colonies and fiercely protecting its territory against any perceived threats.
This species is commonly found in urban areas, as well as in various open forested and agricultural landscapes. It’s important to distinguish the Noisy Miner from the Yellow-throated Miner in inland areas, as the former has a black crown while the latter has a pale grey crown. The distribution of Noisy Miners spans across a significant portion of eastern Australia.
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/PJeganathan/Wikimedia Commons
The Red-whiskered Bulbul, although only sighted twice, has captivated observers with its delightful song composed of rich warbled phrases. Its calls range from high-pitched pips to a long buzzy note.
This medium-sized songbird has a brown upper body and whitish underparts, complemented by a tall black crest and a dark ‘spur’ on the side of the breast. It also boasts a small red patch on the ear and red undertail coverts, with white tips on its tail feathers. Typically, it is found in pairs or small groups in gardens, orchards, forest edges, and open forests.
For those with a preference for exploring hidden culinary treasures and seeking out ‘great little places’ instead of the usual nearby restaurants and bars, look no further than Fontana in Redfern.
Tucked away discreetly between two humble takeaway shops on Redfern Street, Fontana revealed itself atop a carpeted staircase that seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding facade.
This ‘hidden’ location was once the home of Ron’s Upstairs, a cherished establishment that bid farewell to its loyal patrons in 2022. It was here, in the heart of Redfern, that the same brilliant minds who had brought the much-loved Don Peppino’s Italian pop-up to Paddington, unveiled their newest creation.
Photo credit: E Shi/Google Maps
As the seasons changed, so did the menu at Fontana, ensuring that each dish remained fresh and seasonal. Yet, amid the ever-evolving culinary landscape, certain items stood as eternal crowd-pleasers.
Photo credit: Martin Hill/Google Maps
The freshly baked garlic bread can captivate even the most discerning palates whilst the creamy ricotta, a delicacy that melts in the mouth, will leave guests craving for more.
Fontana’s menu also has a dedicated pasta section, enticing pasta enthusiasts to explore its tantalising offerings. Among the many delectable choices, fettuccine, rigatoni, and polpette di sarde stole the hearts of many.
Photo credit: Fontana/Google Maps
Polpette di sarde comprised sardine ‘meatballs’ infused with the subtle sweetness of currants and the nutty crunch of pine nuts, a symphony of flavours that danced upon the taste buds.
Photo credit: Dave Lemonby/Google Maps
The wine list at Fontana are carefully selected wines from vineyards in different parts of the globe. The list had a variety of reds, whites, pinks, and even oranges, all chosen with care to enhance the dining experience.
Fontana welcomes guests for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, starting at 5:30 p.m. and for lunch on Saturdays only. Follow them on Instagram for updates.
Growing up, Redfern resident Emma cherished her close proximity to the beach and led an active school life filled with endless adventures. Deep down, she dreamed of becoming a flight attendant. However, destiny had a different plan in store for Emma. Learn about her journey battling Parkinson’s disease.
After graduating from school, Emma embarked on an exciting journey by joining Contiki, a renowned travel company in Sydney known for its global adventures.
Determined to gain valuable hospitality experience, she spent several months working diligently before setting off to Europe. Her destination was Antibes, a picturesque town nestled on the enchanting shores of the French Riviera.
Photo credit: Josh Hild/Pexels
As time went by, Emma’s heart called her back to her beloved Australia. She secured a position at Flight Centre, channelling her passion for travel into helping others create their dream vacations.
Life seemed perfect as she married her love and welcomed two beautiful daughters into the world. The girls, now aged 12 and 9, brought immeasurable joy to Emma’s existence.
However, just a few months after her dreamy honeymoon in Paris back in 2010, Emma began experiencing unusual health issues. Concerned, she consulted her general practitioner, who inquired about any prior episodes of numbness or tingling in her body.
Suddenly, she remembered experiencing pins and needles in her hands a few years earlier. After a series of medical examinations, Emma received a diagnosis that shook her to the core: Multiple Sclerosis.
In early 2019, Emma encountered yet another hurdle on her path to healing. Whilst attending a yoga retreat, she was taken aback as her leg began shaking uncontrollably. Troubled by this perplexing symptom, she returned to her neurologist, who unveiled a new diagnosis: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
Photo credit: Paloma Gil/Pexels
This disorder, which can arise from significant stress or trauma, disrupts the communication between the brain and the central nervous system, leading to a myriad of symptoms despite no structural damage to the brain.
Determined to explore all possibilities, Emma sought a second opinion in October 2021 from a different neurologist. The words that followed left her speechless: early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Facing the challenges of her condition, Emma remained resilient. She sought solace and information from organisations like Parkinson’s NSW, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and MS Plus.
Their abundant resources and unwavering support allowed her to maintain a positive outlook and live well despite her circumstances.
Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, Emma drew strength from the incredible organisations and individuals who had supported her throughout her journey. Their unwavering dedication and wealth of resources provided her with hope and guidance as she navigated the challenges of her new diagnosis.
With the help of her local Parkinson’s support group and the online communities she had found, Emma continued to persevere. Every day, she embraced the power of knowledge, resilience, and a positive mindset.
Did you know that at Coyoacan Social, you can experience the irresistible flavours of Mexico in Eveleigh whilst making a meaningful difference in the community?
Brought by the renowned hospitality group Plate It Forward and led by talented Head Chef and Mexico City native Roman Cortes, this vibrant new restaurant combines elevated street food and signature Mexican dishes with a heartfelt mission of giving back.
For every meal served at Coyoacan Social, another meal will be donated to a local centre in Mexico City, ensuring that those in need receive the nourishment they deserve. This noble mission is deeply rooted in Chef Cortes’s personal journey of overcoming addiction, making it a cause close to his heart.
Photo credit: Paul Nguyen/Google Maps
They have also collaborated with local charities in South Eveleigh and Redfern, creating a safe haven for vulnerable individuals to share not only food but also stories and a sense of community. By dining at the restaurant, patrons actively contribute to this welcoming and supportive space.
Photo credit: Katherine Sleeth/Google Maps
Prepare to be enticed by the vibrant menu meticulously crafted to reflect the restaurant’s mission. Indulge in the unforgettable Birria tacos served with a mouthwatering beef dipping broth, or savour the exquisite cochinita pibil, featuring marinated pulled-pork tacos adorned with pickled red onion and a choice of delectable sauces.
Photo credit: Paul Nguyen/Google Maps
For those seeking lighter options, the salad bowls offer a fresh and nutritious choice. And if you’re in the mood for sharing, the customisable nachos menu will surely satisfy every craving. Accompanied by an array of salsas and the classic horchata and churros, each bite at Coyoacan Social is a symphony of flavours that transports you straight to the streets of Mexico City.
With lunch service available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, and dinner service from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Coyoacan Social caters to both the midday crowd and the evening enthusiasts.
Coyoacan Social is located at Shop 8/1 Locomotive St, Eveleigh. Check out their website for more information.
Did you know that the University of Sydney is planning to build a five-story teaching facility, the Ross Street Teaching and Learning Hub? The project is meant to address the shortage of quality teaching spaces post-COVID-19.
The University of Sydney is planning to construct a new teaching and learning hub to address the shortage of quality teaching spaces across the campus in the post-Covid era.
According to the early concept plan, the proposed Ross Street Teaching and Learning Hub involves a five-story building designed to accommodate up to 1,500 students and 30 staff members and is expected to provide as many as 1,300 construction jobs.
The new facility is planned to be constructed at the Ross St entrance location on the periphery of the Camperdown Campus. This will take the place of a cluster of temporary structures currently at the site.
The return of students to campus after Covid-19 lockdowns has heightened the need for more teaching and learning space, with many students experiencing overwhelming crowds and a scarcity of available study areas.
Some students reported feeling stressed and struggling to find a quiet place to study, even in the library, and have resorted to leaving campus after classes to study at home. Meanwhile, some students expressed concerns regarding overcrowded lectures in small rooms, with some students having to stand.
However, the university has assured students that it is monitoring access to and use of study spaces and implementing necessary crowd management protocols.
The Ross Street Teaching and Learning Hub’s construction is anticipated to ease the burden on the University of Sydney’s present teaching and learning spaces. Although the building will not have permanent staff, it will offer extra general teaching and learning space that is currently in high demand.
Before its ongoing transformation to become a masterplanned community, the area now known as Victoria Park was swampland in the late 19th century and a racecourse in the early 20th century.
In the early 1900s, the site was nothing more than a lagoon and swamp, until it was drained to create a racetrack.
The racecourse was privately owned by Sir James John Joynton Smith, a hotelier, racecourse and newspaper owner, who spared no expense in developing the site to become the greatest and finest pony horse racing course in Sydney.
Sir Joynton Smith (Photo credit: State Library of New South wales, Image number DL 92/263 Dixson Library)
Mr Joynton Smith had a reputation for being extensively involved in exclusive track racing. Before constructing the Zetland racecourse, he held a lease at the Brighton racecourse located in Rockdale, and later at the Forest Lodge racecourse in Glebe, which eventually transformed into Harold Park.
It was located on land bounded by Joynton Avenue, Epsom Road, Dowling Street and O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo.
1935 Victoria Park Zetland Sydney NSW Raceday (Photo credit: CC0/Ross Brothers – Sydney – Les Haigh Family Collection/Wikimedia Commons)
The racetrack at Victoria Park became a popular destination for fans of horse racing, but it wasn’t long before other forms of racing began to take place at the site.
In 1908, a clay-and-cinder track, measuring 1.81 kilometres in length, was built around the horseracing course. This new track was used for speedway racing by both cars and motorcycles, and quickly became a favourite spot for fans of high-speed racing.
Photo credit: State Library of New South Wales Item ID: 8798
On 6 October 1908, the first motor racing meeting was held at Victoria Park. This was the start of an era of motor racing that would last for over a decade, and attract some of the most skilled and daring drivers of the time. The speedway at Victoria Park became known for its thrilling races, as drivers competed at breakneck speeds on the clay-and-cinder track.
During the Second World War, the site was repurposed as an aircraft factory, but after the war ended, it was transformed into a horse training course in 1945.
However, this was short-lived as British businessman Lord Nuffield purchased the racecourse in 1947 and converted it into a motor vehicle assembly facility in 1950.
The site was utilised by Nuffield Australia for vehicle production, which continued under the successors BMC Australia and Leyland Australia until the factory’s closure in 1975.
Today, the area is undergoing transformation into a master-planned community that encompasses a variety of functional community spaces and parklands, along with a range of housing options including affordable housing and live/work apartments. Additionally, there will be various shops to cater to the diverse needs of the community.
