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Professor Markus Müllner from Camperdown at the Forefront of International Science Collaboration

Photo Credit: Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering

Associate Professor Markus Müllner from the University of Sydney, based in Camperdown, is among nine Australian innovators awarded a share of $6 million in funding to foster international science and technology partnerships.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund—Strategic Element (GSTDF-SE), aims to bolster collaborations between Australian researchers and their counterparts in countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Professor Müllner’s project, focusing on developing a revolutionary injectable hydrogel, has secured funding to partner with researchers and industry leaders in the Republic of Korea. This innovative hydrogel holds immense potential for various medical applications, including reconstructive surgery, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

Professor Markus Müllner — *Photo Credit:* *Markus Müllner/ Linkedin*

He is heading the Polymer Nanostructures Group in the Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids. He is renowned for his expertise in polymer chemistry, particularly in synthesising and applying molecular polymer bottlebrushes. His research group explores various polymer-related topics, from self-assembly and nanomedicine to photocatalysis and polymer-templated nanomaterials.

Other grant recipients are tackling diverse challenges, from advancing next-generation solar cell manufacturing to creating novel rare-earth magnets. For instance, Professor Rose Amal from the University of New South Wales will lead a collaborative effort with teams in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore to establish a research and development hub dedicated to commercialising solar hydrogen production technology.

This funding, announced by the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, and delivered by Australia’s two Learned Academies for Science and Technology, represents a crucial step in strengthening Australia’s position as a global leader in innovation.

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering emphasised the significant demand for such grants, highlighting the eagerness of Australian researchers to engage in international collaborations and address global challenges.

The Australian Academy of Science underscored the importance of science and technology exchange in Australia’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. The GSTDF-SE strengthens links between Australian researchers and their regional partners.

This initiative, aligned with Australia’s science priorities, will run for four years and support international collaboration with strategically important partner nations. The goal is to enhance Australia’s capability and profile in scientific and technological research and its applications while simultaneously promoting the commercialisation of cutting-edge products and services.

Published Date 23-December-2024

High-Tech Taverna with a Traditional Heart Opens in Redfern

Photo Credit: Olympus Dining/ Facebook

Redfern’s burgeoning Wunderlich Lane precinct continues its impressive debut with the launch of Olympus, a sophisticated taverna from the acclaimed team behind Potts Point’s Apollo.

Hot on the heels of the recent opening of South East Asian eatery Island Radio, Olympus arrives with a flourish. It boasts a state-of-the-art retractable roof, a mature bougainvillea as its centrepiece, and a menu showcasing the talents of rising culinary star Ozge Kalvo.

Chef Kalvo, formerly of Baba’s Place and Ester, was handpicked by Olympus co-owner and chef Jonathan Barthelmess after he was impressed by her cooking at a pop-up event. Despite her Turkish heritage, Kalvo displays a remarkable affinity for Greek cuisine, which is evident in her meticulously crafted spanakopita and loukoumades.

While the menu predominantly features traditional Greek fare, Kalvo has subtly incorporated some Turkish influences, such as pepper paste and pomegranate molasses, adding a unique dimension to certain dishes. Diners can expect to savour classic dishes like fried lambs’ brains, stuffed zucchinis, and king prawn saganaki, with the semolina cake predicted to become a signature dessert.

SEE THE MENU

Complementing the culinary offerings is an impressive drinks list curated by Matt Whiley, previously of the acclaimed South Everleigh bar Re. Whiley’s innovative cocktails, including the Ouzo Colada and the “Karpouzi Slushie” with Aperol, watermelon, and vodka, promise to tantalise taste buds. Co-owner Sam Christie and head sommelier Zoe Brunton have assembled a diverse wine selection featuring classic Greek varietals alongside Old and New World producers.

Barthelmess envisions Olympus as a Sydney-based taverna reminiscent of those in the heart of bustling Greek villages. However, the restaurant’s ambience is far from rustic, featuring a high-tech glass roof that automatically responds to weather conditions.

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The roof retracts in response to rain or high humidity and can also close if noise levels become excessive, ensuring a comfortable dining experience. A 50-year-old bougainvillea, transported from Bowral and carefully positioned in the courtyard using a crane, adds to the atmosphere.

The Wunderlich Lane precinct is rapidly establishing itself as a premier dining destination, with further exciting openings planned for the coming months. Before Christmas, the team behind Pyrmont’s acclaimed LuMi will launch Regina La Pizzeria, followed in January by R by Raita Noda, an intimate 15-seat omakase experience.

A rooftop restaurant from the group responsible for CBD favourites Bistecca and The Gidley is also on the horizon. With its diverse culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere, Wunderlich Lane is poised to transform the eastern side of Redfern into a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Published Date 16-December-2024

Heritage Meets Community at 119 Redfern Street

The historic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander structure on 119 Redfern Street has won this year’s Sustainability Awards in the Adaptive Reuse category, adding another chapter to its storied history. The transformed knowledge centre was recognised for its innovative approach to sustainability, guided by the Indigenous concept of ‘enoughness’.

Read: South Eveleigh at the Heart of Tech Central’s New Innovation Push

Sustainability in action

Project manager Tracey Duncan, a Gomeroi woman leading the centre’s development, emphasises that the space represents more than just a physical building. “It’s not a place filled with materials and objects, but with people who have real-life experiences and knowledge,” Duncan explains. “A place where stories, traditions, and knowledge can be passed down through generations and preserved, cherished, and shared.”

The centre, which opened its doors on 13 May, operates weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering free WiFi and computer access to visitors. Its true value, however, is as a gathering space for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Community-driven design sets new standard at 119 Redfern Street

The transformation of the heritage-listed building—a former post office—involved extensive collaboration between Aileen Sage, Djinjama, Jean Rice, and Noni Boyd, focusing on making the space accessible and welcoming. Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities played a crucial role in shaping the centre’s purpose through surveys, workshops, and pop-up consultations.

Lord mayor Clover Moore highlights the centre’s significance in the city’s Eora Journey program. “119 Redfern Street sits in the heart of an area synonymous with Indigenous community, culture, and activism,” Moore notes. “Purchasing the building and converting it for this purpose reflects our commitment to ensuring Redfern remains a proudly Aboriginal place.”

Future shaped by local voices

The centre’s programming remains intentionally flexible, reflecting the dynamic nature of community needs. Duncan invites local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and community members to propose their ideas, suggesting possibilities ranging from cultural workshops to choir performances and yoga sessions.

Read: Redfern Social Housing Project: A Game-Changer for Inner Sydney

Aboriginal City of Sydney employees currently manage the centre, with plans to develop community-led governance structures that support self-determination. This approach ensures the space evolves with the community it serves.

For ideas, contributions, or further details, contact Tracey Duncan at 119redfernstreet@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or by phone at 02 9310 4502.

Published 14-December-2024

South Eveleigh at the Heart of Tech Central’s New Innovation Push

South Eveleigh is emerging as a focal point in Sydney’s Tech Central precinct. Ambitious plans are underway to enhance the area’s technology and research hub role while integrating community living.

Transforming South Eveleigh into a Hub for Innovation and Community

As part of the six-square-kilometre Tech Central district, South Eveleigh is already home to global tech leaders like Atlassian, Canva, and Block (Afterpay), alongside over 150 research institutes and two leading universities. Plans are underway to further develop the area’s infrastructure, public spaces, and amenities to create a seamless blend of work, innovation, and everyday life.

The goal is to make South Eveleigh a vibrant community that attracts businesses, talent, and residents alike. Improvements in transport connectivity, housing, and entertainment options are expected to solidify its position as a dynamic centre for technology and community growth.

A Unified Strategy for Tech Central

A new strategy for Tech Central is being developed to align the needs of the area’s innovation ecosystem with broader priorities like housing, creative industries, and 24-hour economies. South Eveleigh is expected to play a critical role in these plans, offering a location where technology and community-building intersect.

The strategy aims to strengthen connections between startups, universities, and research institutes while fostering growth in other sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This integrated approach ensures long-term development that benefits both businesses and residents.

Sydney Startup Hub Relocation

A major part of the plan involves relocating the Sydney Startup Hub to Tech Central, with South Eveleigh as a central link for collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies. The relocation, scheduled for October 2025, will bring startups closer to universities and innovation facilities, enabling seamless collaboration and growth.

Efforts are underway to ensure a smooth transition for existing startups and investors, with services such as the international landing pad to support global partnerships included in the new location. These changes aim to enhance the innovation ecosystem while maintaining continuity for current businesses.

Building a Community-Driven Innovation Precinct

Industry leaders and innovation advocates have highlighted the importance of South Eveleigh’s transformation in creating a hub that supports both technological progress and quality of life. The precinct’s growing vibrancy will draw creative minds and businesses from across Australia and beyond.

Plans also include new accommodation models and enhanced services at the Tech Central Scaleup Hub to support businesses at all stages of development. This focus on integrating workspaces with community needs underlines the precinct’s commitment to fostering innovation in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Published 14-Dec-2024

Redfern Social Housing Project: A Game-Changer for Inner Sydney

Photo Credit: SSD-51274973

Redfern is set to undergo a significant transformation with the approval of a 355-home social and affordable housing development. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Bridge Housing, aims to address the pressing issue of housing affordability in inner Sydney.

Redferrn Social Housing — *Photo Credit:* *SSD-51274973*

The four-building complex, slated for construction at 600-660 Elizabeth Street, will offer social, affordable, and disability-supportive housing. It is designed to cater to a diverse range of individuals and families, including those escaping domestic violence, older women, Aboriginal households, and essential workers.

Bridge Housing CEO Laurie Leigh emphasised the project’s significance, highlighting its potential to alleviate the strain on homelessness services and provide much-needed support to vulnerable communities. The development is expected to be completed by early 2028.

Rents will be adjusted based on residents’ income to ensure long-term affordability. The project’s design, led by a consortium of renowned architecture firms, incorporates Indigenous cultural principles, reflecting the area’s rich heritage. Sustainability is also a key focus, with plans for solar panels and a commitment to achieving high environmental ratings.

The development will include a new community facility, replacing the old PCYC, and a Bridge Housing head office, which will provide on-site support services to residents.

NSW Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson praised the project as a model for collaboration between the community housing sector, government, and private industry in addressing the state’s housing crisis.

The public is invited to provide feedback on the proposal until 4 December.

Published Date 20-November-2024

Mountain Culture Brings Craft Beer to Redfern

Photo Credit: Mountain Culture Beer Co/ Facebook

Founded by the dynamic duo Harriet and DJ McCready, Mountain Culture Beer Co has quickly risen to prominence, earning accolades as a two-time winner of the GABS Hottest 100 and opening its third venue, this time in Redfern, a sure sign of its growing influence in the Australian beer industry.

The couple hopes Mountain Culture Redfern will become Sydney’s ultimate craft beer destination. They envision a place where people can enjoy the best beer in the country and have a fantastic time.

The new venue occupies the former Atomic Brewery site, which ceased operations in September. Despite recent challenges faced by the beer industry, including closures of notable breweries like Ballistic Beer Company, Big Shed Brewing, and Hawkers Brewery, Mountain Culture Beer remains optimistic about its future.

Mountain Culture’s story began in 2019 when Harriet and DJ McCready, passionate about craft beer, decided to turn their dream into reality.

The journey was not without hurdles but the couple’s vision prevailed. Facing setbacks like the devastating Black Summer fires and the global COVID-19 pandemic, their persistence and dedication to quality and innovation proved a winning formula.

The Redfern venue is poised to become a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts. It will feature diverse beers, including the award-winning Status Quo Pale Ale and a rotating innovative brewup.

Mountain Culture Redfern opened in Redfern on 21 November 2024.

Published Date 22-November-2024

First Nations Artists Transform Industrial Waste into Stunning Masterpieces in Redfern Exhibition

A new Redfern exhibition showcases the transformative work of First Nations artists from the Northern Territory’s Barkly Tablelands, where discarded metal from old mining sites has been turned into powerful expressions of cultural connection to Country.

Art from the Heart of Australia

The exhibition, titled “Reclaimed | Art from the Barkly,” is being held at Art Leven Gallery on Thurlow Street, Redfern, and will run from 23 November to 14 December 2024. The opening event on 23 November, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, will feature artists Susie Peterson and Dalery Bredd, who will be present to discuss their work.

First Nations Artists — *Photo Credit: Art Leven*

The Barkly Tablelands, a remote region of over 320,000 square kilometres in the Northern Territory, is home to a vibrant community of over 50 First Nations artists. The collective draws inspiration from the region’s vivid landscapes, marked by red earth, endless blue skies, and diverse flora. These natural elements, deeply intertwined with the artists’ cultural heritage, are central to the works on display.

Art Born from Adversity

At the heart of the exhibition is a collection of artworks painted on reclaimed metal objects sourced from abandoned mining sites around Tennant Creek. Once symbols of environmental exploitation, these materials have been transformed into evocative pieces that celebrate resilience and regeneration. Reusing industrial debris aligns with the artists’ enduring connection to their land and commitment to preserving its story.

Emerson Radisich, the Visual Arts Director of Barkly Regional Arts, explained that many materials initially came from everyday items such as buckets but were soon expanded to include other discarded items from the area’s mining history. Radisich highlighted how this process reflects creativity and the community’s relationship with their environment.

A Celebration of Culture and Unity

The “Reclaimed” exhibition features the work of sixteen artists who represent the broader Barkly collective, celebrating their individual artistic styles and their shared cultural heritage. The initiative fosters a sense of unity, bringing together artists from remote communities such as Wutunugurra (Epenarra), Owairtilla (Canteen Creek), and Kulumindini (Elliott).

Through this exhibition, organisers aim to invite audiences in Redfern and beyond to appreciate the enduring beauty of the Barkly Tablelands and to reflect on the deep connections between culture, land, and history.

Published 18-Nov-2024

Redfern Gallery to Host Major Indigenous Art Auction

Photo Credit: Arts Hub

A curated collection of 93 works by well-respected Indigenous artists such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Rover Joolama Thomas, and Lin Onus will be up for auction at the Art Leven gallery, which specialises in First Nations art.

The collection will feature a range of mediums, from traditional bark paintings and sculptures to contemporary works like limited edition prints and photographs.

The auction on 12 November, which will be held at the gallery’s Redfern location, aims to celebrate the diversity and richness of Indigenous art across Australia.

A particular auction highlight is an early Papunya board painting attributed to Timmy Payungka Tjapangati. This rare piece, created during a pivotal period in Indigenous art history, is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Art Leven Gallery Director Mirri Leven expressed pride in the gallery’s continued commitment to promoting Indigenous art and culture. The auction, she said, reflects the gallery’s dedication to showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists.

On 7 November, a gala preview will take place before the auction, giving guests an exclusive chance to see the collection.

Published Date 04-November-2024

E-Bike Fire Prompts Fire and Rescue NSW Safety Warning for Waterloo Residents

Fire and Rescue NSW crews have successfully contained an e-bike battery fire that threatened residents in a Waterloo apartment complex early Wednesday morning, 23 October. Six fire trucks and 22 firefighters from Alexandria, Redfern, and City of Sydney stations responded to the incident at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Raglan Street.

Read: Entertainment Bans Lifted at Erskineville Hotel

Incident details

The fire originated from an e-bike stored in the ground floor stairwell of the apartment building. According to FRNSW, the device’s battery entered a state of “thermal runaway” while charging, causing it to burst into flames. The technical malfunction triggered a chain reaction, resulting in battery explosions and the release of toxic gases.

Emergency responders worked diligently for an hour to contain and extinguish the blaze, successfully preventing the fire and smoke from spreading to the four residential units within the building. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Fire and Rescue NSW safety guidelines

Fire and Rescue NSW safety warning — Photo Credit: Vimeo/Shaun Fewings

In light of this event, FRNSW has issued critical safety recommendations for Waterloo residents who own e-bikes and similar micromobility devices. Key safety measures include:
(1) Avoiding charging devices during sleep hours
(2) Preventing overcharging of batteries
(3) Keeping emergency exits clear of devices
(4) Charging devices outdoors when possible
(5) Using only reputable battery brands
(6) Installing active smoke alarms
(7) Maintaining a home evacuation plan

Read: Sydney Seeks First Nations Artists for Redfern Terrace Transformation

FRNSW emphasises the importance of proper battery disposal to prevent similar incidents. Residents are advised not to dispose of lithium batteries in regular waste bins, as they pose a significant fire risk in garbage trucks and at waste facilities. Instead, community members should contact local approved recycling centres for proper disposal methods.

Published 24-October-2024

Dilapidated Redfern Terrace Attracts Young Families

Photo Credit: BresicWhitney

A small, dilapidated inner-city terrace house at 14 East St, Redfern is drawing the attention of young families despite its uninhabitable condition, thanks to its potential and unique features.

The two-bedroom, two-story home on a 101sqm plot was purchased by the late academic Alida Whiting over 30 years ago in 1993 for $169,000. Whiting, a linguist who taught at the University of Sydney, used the property as a meeting spot, filling the home floor-to-ceiling with books.

Since Whiting’s passing and the decline of her health in recent years, the property has fallen into disrepair. BresicWhitney sales agent Michael Kirk, who is tasked with selling the property on behalf of Whiting’s two nieces, describes it as “unlivable” — with peeling paint, a rudimentary kitchen, and the most unusual feature, a toilet bowl in the corner of the “master suite” without any surrounding walls.

Despite its uninhabitable state, the home is attracting interest from young families who can see its potential. Kirk notes that buyers “love the north-facing backyard and the potential” of the property. He has set a price guide of $1.2 million ahead of the November 2 auction, with the books included as part of the deal.

Recent sales in the neighbourhood have shown the potential payoff, with a home at No. 10 East St selling for $1.4 million in 2020 after being purchased for $1.01 million in 2013.

While the “unlivable” state of 14 East St may deter some buyers, the draw of its potential and prime Redfern location appears to be enough to capture the imagination of young families seeking an affordable foothold in the competitive inner-city market.

Published 25-October-2024