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The Harmonious Haven: With One Voice in Redfern

Amidst the bustling streets of Sydney is a harmonious haven waiting for those who seek solace and unity through the power of music. The Settlement Neighbourhood Centre Hall is home to With One Voice Redfern, a local choir that welcomes all with open arms and voices ready to blend in perfect harmony.

As the sun dips below the horizon every Monday evening, the voices of community members from all walks of life fill the hall with their rich timbres. The Settlement‘s doors swing open promptly at 6:00 p.m. and With One Voice choir members gather, eager to share the magic of music.

There are no auditions to fret about, no prerequisites, and no need for prior singing experience at With One Voice Redfern. This is a place where everyone is welcome to be part of something great.

Professional conductors guide the choir, their expertise weaving the voices together into a tapestry of sound that transcends language, culture, and background. The weekly rehearsals are not just about singing; they are also about creating a warm, welcoming community where everyone has a platform to embrace, improve, and celebrate their unique voice.

Here, music is the common language and it knows no barriers. It is a non-competitive environment where the choir creates a symphony. In these moments, they are not just individuals; they are a collective force of creativity and emotion.

Behind this beautiful initiative is Creativity Australia, a not-for-profit charity founded in Melbourne on the belief that music has the power to build a happier, healthier, and more inclusive nation. They understand that society is fragmented, that the bonds of community are fraying, and that many voices remain unheard. They believe in unlocking human potential, fostering innovation, and addressing the challenges faced by the community and the world at large.

Tania de Jong, the visionary behind this movement, passionately speaks about the need to give everyone a voice, irrespective of their background. She believes that by doing so, they can harness untapped creativity and contribute to solving the world’s most pressing issues.

The science of neuroplasticity attests to the transformative power of singing, enhancing their cognitive abilities and fostering a sense of belonging. Through regular performances, the choir transcends borders, reaching out to the wider community and demonstrating the unifying force of music.

Experience the joy of singing and building a stronger, more inclusive community by attending the rehearsals for With One Voice Redfern every Monday at 6:00 p.m. at The Settlement Neighbourhood Centre Hall.

Follow the group’s Facebook page for more details.

Caitlin Foord and Arsenal Crash Out of Champions League in Dramatic Shootout

World Cup standout and Sydney FC legend Caitlin Foord will not be playing in the Champions League this season after Arsenal’s dramatic defeat to Paris FC in last weekend’s qualifying final.

Read: Cheeseburgers Go Vegan as Mr Charlie’s Heads Down Under to Redfern

Arsenal vs Paris FC

Two quick goals in the 56th and 57th minutes put Paris FC 2-0 up against the Gunners. In response, the manager made a bold 59th-minute substitution, taking off four Arsenal starters, including Caitlin Foord. Fellow Matilda Steph Catley also started the match and was substituted out during extra time.

The change proved to be a much-needed wake-up call for the English side. Alessia Russo pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the 80th minute before Jen Beattie equalised in the 96th minute to force extra time. Paris FC took a 3-2 lead early in extra time before Russo equalised again to make it 3-3.

The match went to penalties, where Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved back-to-back shots to keep Arsenal out of the competition despite their comeback.

Caitlin Foord continues World Cup form

Caitlin Foord for Arsenal — Photo Credit: Instagram/Arsenal Women

Just three days before the Paris match, Foord opened the scoring and set up another as Arsenal defeated Linköping 3-0 to book their place in the qualifying final. Her goal was Arsenal’s 300th in European competition.

The match came less than three weeks after Foord’s historic World Cup campaign with the Matildas.

Despite Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley’s best efforts, Arsenal’s Champions League journey is over. The club will now focus on the Women’s Super League title when the new season kicks off on October 1.

Read: Major Waterloo Estate Renewal to Increase Affordable Home Development

Among the world’s best

Caitlin Foord for Australia — Photo Credit: FIFA.com

Caitlin Foord will undoubtedly be disappointed to drop out of the Champions League after her World Cup heroics.

Foord has been a standout performer for club and country, netting 12 goal contributions in the league (second-most for Arsenal) and six times in Europe (joint ninth-most in the competition) last season, as well as three times in the 2023 World Cup (tied for most in the Matildas).

Foord’s outstanding performances have earned her a reputation as one of the best players in the women’s game. This week, she was named in the sixteen-player shortlist for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year alongside Matildas Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr.

The talismanic forward will lead the line for Arsenal as they challenge Kerr’s Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.

Published 16 September 2023

Commonwealth Bank’s Historic Relics on Display at “The Vault” Archive

Photo Credit: Commonwealth Bank of Australia / commbank.com.au

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has unlocked ‘The Vault’ in Redfern, to unveil an extraordinary collection of financial relics, including traveller’s cheques, a vintage 1980s phone banking device, and an endearing but short-lived humanoid robot named Chip.

As part of the public opening of its archives, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has revealed a treasure trove of historical artefacts from the financial industry. The exhibit includes items including traveller’s checks, a 1980s phone banking machine, and Chip, a short-lived humanoid robot.

Photo Credit: Commonwealth Bank of Australia / commbank.com.au

CBA’s collection comprises 2,000 linear metres of paper archives, over 300,000 photographs, 5,000 video tapes, 500 additional objects, and corporate wardrobe pieces dating back to 1986.These time capsules provide an interesting look at how banking procedures have changed over the past 100 years.

One of the earliest items on display is a money box from 1921. It was designed to teach children the art of saving coins and watching them grow into substantial sums. This simple yet effective tool served as a financial rite of passage for generations.

Traveller’s cheques, introduced by CBA in 1936, once revolutionised international travel. These cheques were a staple for tourists for decades until they were gradually replaced by pre-paid, debit, and credit cards.

Likewise, a glimpse into the past of banking technology can be seen in the 1980s phone banking device. This device allowed customers to connect to the bank’s computer system via their telephone lines to check balances and pay bills—an early precursor to today’s online banking.

One of the more intriguing relics is Chip, a humanoid robot acquired by CBA in 2015 with plans to use it as a “concierge” in bank branches. Unfortunately, Chip’s limited 20-minute battery life led to the realisation that human concierges were more valuable.

Whilst the core services offered by banks remain consistent—holding deposits, facilitating payments, and lending money—Sinead Taylor, CBA’s Chief Operations Officer, stressed that these artefacts reveal just how much faster and more efficient banking processes have become for customers over the years.

“Archives and artefacts are so valuable to provide insights on the development of the financial system and the impact it has had on society,” Sinead said.

Published 13-September-2023

Cheeseburgers Go Vegan as Mr Charlie’s Heads Down Under to Redfern

The streets of Redfern are about to get a lot more colourful because Mr Charlie’s, the American plant-based fast food chain known for redefining fast food, is bringing its bright red and yellow branding to Australia for the first time.

Read: Redfern’s Aplenty Elevates Communal Dining To A Whole New Level

The new store, set to open on September 30, marks the first international expansion for the brand founded by friends Taylor McKinnon, Aaron Haxton, and Charlie Kim.

“There are some places in the world that just leave an impression, Sydney is one of those places for us,” the company announced on social media. “The energy of the city is vibrant and fresh, while the heartbeat is pure and kind.”

Mr Charlie’s in Los Angeles (Photo credit: Michael Harrold/Google Maps)

“Why Redfern? Because we are a company on a mission to create change, and where better to start than by aiding our indigenous communities,” the brand explained. The new location will partner with local charities and brands to create job opportunities for Aboriginal people.

Mr Charlie’s caused a stir when it launched in 2022 for its resemblance to a certain famous fast food chain, with its red and yellow colour scheme. But instead of burgers and fries, Mr Charlie’s offers plant-based twists like their popular “Frowny Meal Not a Double Double.” The meal contains a Not a Double Double cheeseburger, 4 nuggets, fries and a drink.

Other favourites include the Not Chicken Nuggets, made with plant-based protein, and the Not a Double Double, featuring vegan cheese, pickles, onion, ketchup and mustard on an Impossible burger patty.

Whilst the food is plant-based, the founders say Mr Charlie’s is more of a social enterprise than just another vegan restaurant. Kim himself grew up eating a lot of fast food, but since getting married and having a kid, wanted to promote healthier options.

Read: Discover Fontana: Redfern’s Hidden Gem for Italian Cuisine

Stay tuned on Mr Charlie’s Instagram for updates on the new Redfern location leading up to the late September grand opening.

Published 6-September-2023

Violence Erupts at Redfern Oval Grand Final

A grand final day marred by violence on and off the field at Redfern Oval has prompted investigations by the Souths Juniors and NSW Police.

Read: Top Places for Brunch in Alexandria

On-field brawl mars end of A-Reserve Grand Final

A violent brawl broke out between players in the dying minutes of the A-Reserve Grand Final between the Redfern All Blacks and Alexandria Rovers at Redfern Oval on Sunday.

The fight erupted after a “dog shot” tackle in which a player went in with his arm swinging. Both teams then threw punches as the final whistle sounded.

Souths Juniors chief executive Luke Curry said bans would be handed out following an investigation into the on-field brawl. A hearing is likely to take place next week to ensure due process was followed.

Street brawl follows stadium violence

Hostilities appeared to continue off the field. At around 3:00 p.m, reports of another brawl prompted the police to rush towards Chalmers Street in Redfern. The call was to disperse a street brawl believed to involve a group of teenage girls who had attended the grand final.

According to a police statement, the brawl broke out after the crowd outside the stadium learned of the earlier incident.

Read: Major Waterloo Estate Renewal to Increase Affordable Home Development

A number of police units attended to disperse the crowd. One teenage girl was later presented to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with a head laceration, but no other injuries were reported.

Police say inquiries into the circumstances around both brawls are ongoing.

Published 31 August 2023

Major Waterloo Estate Renewal to Increase Affordable Home Development

Did you know that the allocation for social and affordable housing at the $3-billion Waterloo Estate renewal project will be increased to 50 percent, from the previously planned 34 per cent? At least 15 per cent of the housing units will be dedicated to First Nations peoples.

Under the proposed renewal, a consortium of developers will transform the Waterloo Estate into a modern urban space featuring over 3,000 residences, along with commercial and community facilities. The consortium is set to be announced in 2024.

Plans Outlined

The Waterloo Estate initiative intends to replace the subpar living conditions currently experienced by tenants in Sydney’s inner-south suburb, offering them improved and more suitable housing options.

The redevelopment project comes in the wake of the escalating housing crisis, with more than 51,000 individuals languishing on the public housing waiting list in New South Wales.

Premier Chris Minns highlighted the urgency of addressing the substantial backlog of housing demand and emphasized the significance of this model for future urban development across Sydney.

Housing Minister Rose Jackson addressed concerns that increasing the affordable housing requirement might discourage private investment. She assured that the government had received positive feedback from potential partners who understood the administration’s priority to bolster social and affordable housing options.

Ms Jackson wrote:

“We are increasing the % of social and affordable homes at Waterloo South from 34% to 50%. That is a big increase – it means 500 hundred more homes for people who need them & 700 more than is currently at the site.
15% of these homes will be dedicated to Aboriginal people, helping FN folks stay on country.
We will build quality, accessible and sustainable homes that will last and be comfortable, safe places to live.
All residents will have a right to return (something they weren’t guaranteed before) – we are also improving comms with letters, texts, calls and an on-site connect office.
All residents will also be temporarily homed nearby so they stay in their community near support systems.
We are also rejecting the old broken system of concentrating poor and disadvantaged people in massive towers and estates. No more shoving people off to the side. Mixed tenure is internationally recognised as the best model to deliver the best outcomes for residents and great communities for our cities.”

Some Residents Oppose Demolition

However, not all residents are fully on board with the redevelopment plans. Some long-term residents of the existing housing estate have expressed opposition to the demolition of their homes and the planned changes.

Karyn Brown, a resident of the Waterloo Estate since 1999, asserted that her unit was in good condition and contested the idea that the buildings were beyond repair. Whilst acknowledging the necessity of housing improvements, Ms Brown and other residents were cautious about the transition to new housing and the management changes that might accompany it.

Local MP Ron Hoenig’s comments about the deteriorating conditions of the current buildings and the need for renewal faced backlash from residents who felt their living conditions were being unfairly characterized as “squalor.”

Whilst debates and concerns persist among residents, the overarching goal of alleviating housing shortages and improving living conditions remains a central focus of the initiative. The government plans to continue working with consortium partners to finalize details and move the project forward in the coming months.

The NSW Government’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis through the Waterloo Estate renewal project is a significant step toward providing better housing opportunities for the community.

Published 23-Aug-2023

Rare Chance to Transform Redfern Warehouse into Stylish Development

A unique Redfern warehouse is set to go under the hammer later this month, presenting buyers a rare chance to transform what used to be space for some stables into a stylish mixed-use space.

Read: Discover Fontana: Redfern’s Hidden Gem for Italian Cuisine

The vacant warehouse at 73-75 Wells Street will be auctioned on 31 August 2023 on site, at 5:00 p.m. The raw, undeveloped warehouse offers approximately 465 sqm of flexible space over two levels for $2.5 million.

With vacant possession, the expansive concrete floors and soaring ceilings are a blank canvas ready to be brought to life.

The property’s commercial and residential zoning provides ample options for the site. Potential buyers could capitalise on the demand for urban living by converting it into modern apartments or a boutique hotel. Its large floorplate is also well-suited to a creative office or retail complex.

According to agents at BresicWhitney, the Redfern warehouse presents “significant development upside” given its prime location. The area has become one of Sydney’s most popular urban renewal hotspots, with its eclectic mix of Victorian terraces, industrial buildings and contemporary apartments.

As Domain reports, warehouses are highly sought-after by modern buyers for their adaptable open spaces. Exposed brickwork, concrete floors, and soaring ceilings provide a blank canvas for new owners to make their mark. The large floorplate allows for creative layouts – either embracing an open-plan style or using smart acoustic design to carve out zones without compromising the industrial chic vibe.

For developers or homeowners with vision, this raw, untouched warehouse represents an exciting opportunity to transform an old building into a unique living or working space that celebrates its storied past.

Read: Victoria Park Racecourse: A Look Back At Zetland’s Forgotten Sporting Venue

With Redfern’s popularity on the rise, this unique warehouse represents one of the suburb’s last remaining development opportunities. The auction later this month will determine who can turn the charming heritage building into Redfern’s next must-visit address.

Published 16-August-2023

Top Places for Brunch in Alexandria

For those seeking a lively, laidback brunch experience with delicious food and great coffee, Alexandria offers some of Sydney’s best places for brunch. Check these out.

Read: Redfern’s Aplenty Elevates Communal Dining To A Whole New Level

Mecca Coffee

brunch in Alexandria — Photo credit: Mecca Coffee/Facebook

Known as one of Sydney’s leading specialty coffee establishments, Mecca has garnered a loyal following for its top-notch brews and scratch-made fare. Stepping inside the cosy space, customers are greeted by the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans perfect for brunch.

Beyond exquisite coffee, Mecca excels at creating a warm, welcoming environment. The interior features a relaxed blend of modern and industrial details, with high ceilings, steel accents, and exposed wooden beams. An array of vibrant indoor plants adds an inviting pop of greenery. When weather permits, outdoor seating allows guests to soak up the sunshine.

The food menu showcases Mecca’s dedication to seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Pastries and breads are supplied daily by renowned Sydney bakeries like Brickfields and Flour and Stone. Under the direction of Head Chef Brett Barbuto, the kitchen turns out creative dishes like Soft-Shell Crab Karaage Burger, Dutch cream potato & chive pancake, and lamb shawarma.

Address: 26 Bourke Rd, Alexandria

Website: https://www.mecca.coffee/

Social media: https://www.facebook.com/MeccaCoffeeRoasters

The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria is a Sydney staple known for its playful spirit, abundant brunch options, and sweets galore. Stepping inside the vibrant space feels like entering a wonderland.

The menu runs the brunch gamut, dishing up classics like smashed avocado toast, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, loaded breakfast sandwiches, and crisp garden salads. Fresh juices, milkshakes, and smoothies provide a boost of fruity flavour. For those looking to imbibe, wines, beers, and brunch cocktails like bloody marys and mimosas are available starting at 10:00 a.m.

Beyond the delicious meals, The Grounds’ real draw is the whimsical setting across multiple structures. There’s the lively main cafe and bar, an airy potting shed which currently features the ‘Candyland,’ a homey licensed house, a sun-soaked patio, and sprawling gardens dotted with seating nooks. Families will delight in the mini farm featuring goats and chickens.

Address: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria

Website: https://thegrounds.com.au/

Social media: https://www.facebook.com/thegrounds

Meet Gerard

Meet Gerard is a charming neighbourhood cafe that has quickly become a go-to brunch spot thanks to its top-notch coffee and craveworthy food menu.

Meet Gerard shines with its dedication to serving specialty coffee from local award-winning roaster Single O. Experienced baristas craft lattes, flat whites, pour-overs and more using Single O’s seasonal beans and single-origin offerings from guest roasters. For those seeking something cooler, fresh-pressed juices and cold brews hit the spot.

The all-day brunch menu satisfies with classic options like avocado toast, bacon and egg rolls, and honeyed granola bowls. Those craving heartier fare can dive into Korean fried chicken burgers, wagyu beef burgers, or the signature Gerard’s Big Brekkie. However, the star of the show is the chicken sandwich, served with thick-cut bread.

Address: 54 Henderson Rd, Alexandria

Website: https://www.meetgerard.com.au/

Social media: https://www.facebook.com/meetgerardcafe/

Read: Redbird Chinese and Ciccone & Sons in Redfern Unveil an Unconventional Limited Edition Gelato Fusion

Published 11-August-2023

Redbird Chinese and Ciccone & Sons in Redfern Unveil an Unconventional Limited Edition Gelato Fusion

How would you like to try a limited-edition gelato bursting with delicious Chinese flavours from classic oriental ingredients like Sichuan pepper, star anise, ginger, cinnamon, mandarin peel, and sticky caramelised soy ripple? Two of Redfern’s leading hospitality brands – Redbird Chinese and Ciccone & Sons – have announced a special collaboration that’s sure to fire up the tastebuds of Redfern locals and other Sydneysiders.

Starting 12 Aug 2023, the duo will launch a limited edition gelato that ingeniously combines the rich flavours of Redbird’s famous red braise with Ciccone & Sons’ artisanal small batch gelato, creating a one-of-a-kind sweet and savory masterpiece.

Ciccone & Sons will be offering the creation in its pure form, in traditional cone or cup variations, while at Redbird Chinese around the corner, the gelato will be served deep-fried with a verjus caramel, in signature local Chinese restaurant style.

While the Chinese culinary staples used to create the new gelato are typically used by Redbird’s Co-owner and Executive Chef, Hamish Ingham, to braise the restaurant’s namesake dish – a rotating choice of duck, chicken, spatchcock, or pigeon – he says the flavours also translate perfectly to a gelato.

“Our red braise is developed from a traditional Chinese master stock recipe, and features sweet and savoury elements including fragrant Chinese spices, citrus and other secret ingredients,” he explained.

“While we normally use this ‘red braise’ to steep our signature red bird, the flavours lend themselves equally well to a sweet preparation such as gelato.

“When we brought the idea to the team at Ciccone & Sons, they were super keen to experiment with the ingredients, and what we’ve come up with is very exciting – we’re sure it will be popular with customers at both venues.”

Mark Megahey, Co-owner and Gelatiere at Ciccone & Sons, explained the creative process behind the new gelato.

“Hamish brought us a handpicked sample of the specially sourced Chinese ingredients he uses at Redbird, and we then incorporated them into our gelato base, which uses the best Australian milk and cream we can source,” he said.

“We left this to infuse with mandarin peel for 24 hours, and once we were all happy with the intensity of the spice levels, the gelato was churned in our traditional small batch way and a sweet soy ripple added for balance.

“The end result is a gelato that pops with uniquely identifiable Chinese flavours.”

The limited edition gelato will be available while stocks last.

Redbird Chinese | Deep-fried Redbird spiced gelato with verjus caramel $24
Ciccone & Sons Redfern | Redbird spiced gelato – 1 scoop $6.50, 2 scoops $9 and 3 scoops $11

For updates, follow Redbird Chinese and Ciccone & Sons Redfern on Instagram.

Published 4-Aug-2023

Redfern’s Aplenty Elevates Communal Dining To A Whole New Level

Tucked away on Cleveland Street in Redfern, Aplenty is a restaurant bringing people together through the simple joy of delicious, communal dining.

Read: Savour the Taste of Mexico, Make a Difference at Coyoacan Social

Aplenty, founded by chef Michaela Johansson in March 2021, is all about abundance, surprise, and generosity.

Originally from Sydney, Ms Johansson honed her skills as a general manager at a London bakery before COVID-19 hit. She began delivering picnic packs around Hackney by bicycle during lockdown, sparking the idea for her own restaurant. Returning home to Australia felt like the perfect time to make her dream of running her own hospitality business a reality.

Chef Michaela Johansson (Photo credit: Aplenty/Facebook)

Ms Johansson drew inspiration from her mother’s home cooking in Marrickville and from the communal dining experiences of historical supper clubs.

“Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a picnic in the park, a wedding or work event, our ethos remains the same: good food for good times that fill both stomach and soul,” her website explains.

Their food is freshly made in-house or sourced from top-quality local producers, with care taken to craft each component of the dining experience.

They have boxes which feature seasonal salads, slabs of focaccia, barbecue meats, sausage rolls, galettes, and signature spread. But it’s the lively, social atmosphere that makes them stand out. Ms Johansson wants to bring people together over delicious food, ideally with strangers who become friends.

The restaurant’s recent addition of Aplenty Kitchen communal dinners takes the convivial dining concept further. Long tables and shared plates encourage mingling and conversation. The interactive, surprise-filled menus keep things exciting. As the website puts it, “Each dinner will be different, bringing together friends old and new over a delicious meal.”

Read: Tacos Muchachos Brings Back Salsa Nights at Its Permanent Redfern Home

With its generous spirit and celebration of human connection through food, Aplenty brings a dash of cosy Hackney supper club culture to Australia. For Sydneysiders seeking both tasty eats and new friends, there may not be a warmer, livelier place to enjoy a meal than this Redfern restaurant.

Published 18-July-2023