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.
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.
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.
Fiona Kelly McGregor, a writer based in Redfern, has been shortlisted for the 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award for her recent historical novel, Iris.
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.
Photo Credit: Fiona Kelly McGregor/Facebook
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.
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).
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.
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.
The owner of “the greatest convenience store in Sydney,” Hazem Sedda, has made a bold move that has left customers raving about his establishment in Redfern.
Known for its selection of rare and limited edition snacks and beverages, the Redfern Convenience Store has become an icon. Now, the store’s legacy has been immortalized in a new song titled “The Greatest Convenience Store on Earth,” which was released on Spotify last Friday.
The 3-minute and 56-second electronic pop bop, composed and performed by Mr Sedda, has garnered instant success and admiration from customers. Mr Sedda, who has gained Instagram fame for his infectious personality and boundless positivity, expressed his joy over the song’s reception.
“Since we started playing the song last Friday, customers have walked in and used their phones to Shazam the song,” he said. “The smile and the reaction when people start dancing to it – it makes me so happy.”
The lyrics of the song pay homage to the store’s meticulously curated product list, which includes cult American candies, cereals, and nearly a dozen varieties of Cheetos. Redfern Convenience Store has been a pillar of the community since its establishment in 2001 by Sedda’s father, Ali Ata, who immigrated to Sydney from Palestine. The store has never missed a day of trade throughout its 22-year legacy, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Sedda family.
The Redfern Convenience Store has not only earned a loyal customer base but has also become a beloved fixture in the local community. Mr Sedda has witnessed customers grow up, move away, and return to visit both him and the store. It has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from both within and outside of Redfern.
The store has even hosted birthday celebrations for some of its patrons. He attributes the store’s success to his strong customer relationships, convenient opening hours, the store’s appearance, and friendly customer service.
The popularity of Redfern Convenience Store received a significant boost when Sedda’s close friend, radio host Ben Fordham of 2GB, encouraged him to create an Instagram page in 2015. Since then, the store’s Instagram account has garnered thousands of followers, including notable figures like Annabelle Crabb of the ABC, American singer Slayyyter, and Australian DJ duo Peking Duk.
Mr Sedda regularly features “customer of the day” posts on the account, showcasing happy shoppers with their unique and delightful purchases. The Instagram page has not only increased the store’s local profile but has also allowed Sedda to launch an online shop and expand the business further.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved,” Hazem said. “I’ve changed something from a corner store to a destination for people that travel to Australia, not just the local Redfern people.”
“It’s become an icon of Redfern and it makes me really happy to think of creative ideas to keep people happy.”
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.
