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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

Australian Hospitals to Trial Heart Research Institute’s Anti-Clotting Stroke Drug

A new anti-clotting stroke drug developed by scientists at the Heart Research Institute in Newtown will be trialled on some hospitals starting August 2023.

Read: Living Beyond the Diagnosis: How a Redfern Resident Conquers Parkinson’s Disease

The drug, called TBO-309, could potentially improve blood flow to the brain and reduce or prevent brain injury. Researchers will begin Phase II clinical trials, administering the drug to 80 stroke patients across six leading Australian hospitals.

Professor Shaun Jackson, lead researcher of the Thrombosis Group at the Heart Research Institute, said preclinical models have already shown combining this new drug with current stroke treatments can boost blood flow to the brain and limit damage.

Professor Shaun Jackson announcing the start of the trial for the stroke drug (Photo credit: The Heart Research Institute/Facebook)

“If this drug can improve blood flow to the brain, without causing excessive bleeding, it could be a game changer in advancing the traditional methods of treating ischaemic stroke, improving the quality of life for thousands of stroke sufferers,” Prof Jackson said.

“We know people in rural parts of the country usually fare the worst, simply because of the time it takes to get treatment. Advance stroke care is only available in major hospitals. We think this drug can help balance the gap between rural and city health.”
Prof Jackson

The hospitals commencing the anti-clotting stroke drug trial in coming weeks are the Royal Prince Alfred and Prince of Wales Hospitals in Sydney, John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, Royal Adelaide and Royal Melbourne Hospitals.

Prince of Wales Hospitals in Sydney (Photo credit: George Sarspedo/Google Maps)

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting 16 million people annually. Presently there is only one approved thrombolytic drug for treating strokes, but it has drawbacks like bleeding risks that restrict its usefulness for many patients.

The trial received a $2.7 million government grant in 2021 but was postponed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, home to materials required for the drug.

Read: The Toll House Health & Wellness Centre in Moore Park Now Open

With limited and time-sensitive treatment options for stroke, if successful, this novel blood thinner will be the first drug breakthrough for the treatment of stroke in over three decades of research, according to Professor Jackson. The clinical trial is a collaboration between The George Institute for Global Health and the Heart Research Institute.

Published 14-July-2023

Redfern Writer Fiona Kelly McGregor Vies for Miles Franklin Glory

Fiona Kelly McGregor, a writer based in Redfern, has been shortlisted for the 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award for her recent historical novel, Iris.

Read: Owner of Redfern Convenience Store Releases Hit Song Celebrating Store’s Legacy

The Miles Franklin Award is Australia’s most prestigious literary prize, given annually to recognise the year’s best work of fiction “of the highest literary merit” that presents “Australian life in any of its phases.” The winner, which will be announced on 25 July 2023, will receive a $60,000 cash prize.

Ms McGregor’s novel Iris tells a fictionalised story set in the gritty underworld of 1930s Sydney, inspired by the real life of Iris Webber, a petty criminal and busker living in the city’s slums at the time. The book has been praised for its extensive historical research into the era and its ability to authentically capture the atmosphere of Depression-era inner Sydney.

In announcing Ms McGregor’s shortlisting, the Miles Franklin judges highlighted Iris as “grounded in extensive historical research, which Ms McGregor draws on to capture the authentic texture of the times.” They also noted the book “brilliantly reinvents” the tradition of Australian literature focused on the urban poor.

Photo Credit: Fiona Kelly McGregor/Facebook

The Miles Franklin Literary Award was established in 1957 according to the will of celebrated Australian writer Miles Franklin, best known for her classic 1901 novel My Brilliant Career. The award is presented each year to an outstanding work of Australian literature.

Read: Living Beyond the Diagnosis: How a Redfern Resident Conquers Parkinson’s Disease

Iris has brought further recognition for Ms McGregor this year, also being shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and long-listed for the Stella Prize.

Aside from being an accomplished writer, Ms McGregor is also an artist, critic and teacher with over 30 years of experience. She has published eight books, including Indelible Ink which won The Age Book of the Year and Suck my Toes which received a Queensland Literary Award (Steel Rudd).

Published 13-July-2023

Update: Redfern Station Upgrade

Photo Credit: Transport for NSW / transport.nsw.gov.au

November will finally see the long-awaited opening of the major upgrade to Sydney’s Redfern Station, after enduring three years of delays and exceeding the budget by $66 million.

Initially slated for completion by late 2020 with a budget of $100 million, the Redfern station upgrade encountered numerous setbacks. However, the project is now set to conclude in November, requiring a revised budget of $166 million. Transport for NSW pointed to pandemic-related shutdowns that hampered the progress of building contractors as the primary cause for the delays.

At the heart of this project lies the six-meter wide walkway, spanning the bustling rail lines at the station’s southern terminus. Additionally, new lifts and stairs have been installed, facilitating access to platforms one to ten.

Designed to alleviate congestion during peak periods, the new pedestrian bridge will alleviate pressure at the northern end of the station. The upgraded Redfern Station will greatly enhance connectivity with the surrounding areas, forging stronger links with key destinations such as South Eveleigh (previously known as Australian Technology Park) and prominent educational institutions.

Another interesting aspect of the upgraded station is the public’s ability to traverse the bridge unhindered by ticket barriers. This enhancement seeks to streamline the pedestrian movement and elevate the overall commuting experience.

Photo Credit: Transport for NSW / transport.nsw.gov.au

As part of the Redfern Station upgrade, a 130-year-old heritage building was moved to a new location. The building, weighing 70 tonnes, travelled 18 metres down Platform 1 at Redfern Station to its new home. The purpose of the move was to ensure that the construction of new stairs and lift shafts for the New Southern Concourse did not disrupt the building’s structure.

The heritage building, believed to have been built in 1884, has served various functions throughout its history. It has been an electrical workshop, a ticket office, a station office, and a railway telegraph office.

Beyond its immediate impact, the Redfern Station upgrade represents the initial phase of the redevelopment plan for the Redfern-North Eveleigh precinct. The state government envisions the construction of buildings reaching up to 28 storeys on a 10-hectare plot of railway land to establish a residential, entertainment, and technology hub.

This undertaking aims to align Redfern Station with accessibility standards, rectifying years of neglect in terms of upgrades. The project’s funding is sourced from the government’s $2.2 billion transport access program. Complying with federal law, Transport for NSW bears the legal responsibility to provide non-discriminatory accessible services for individuals with disabilities.

Despite its history of delays and budgetary challenges, the imminent completion of the Redfern Station upgrade is poised to be a significant boon for commuters and the local community. The improved accessibility and enhanced amenities are set to enhance the travel experience for the thousands of individuals traversing one of Sydney’s busiest train stations.

Published 3-July-2023