Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the worldwide head of the Greek Orthodox Church, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The event, described by Albanese as “historic,” was part of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s tour of Australia, marking 100 years since the founding of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country. Albanese and Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a procession at the Redfern cathedral and met with parishioners.
This visit to Redfern is significant as it’s only the second time Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has toured Australia, with his first visit occurring in 1996. As the leader of 300 million Greek Orthodox Christians worldwide, including over 400,000 in Australia, his presence drew many members of the Greek Orthodox community to Redfern.
Albanese, who represents the nearby electorate of Grayndler, highlighted the importance of the Greek community in Sydney’s inner west. He stated, “As someone who has had the honour of representing Marrickville for nearly 30 years and called the inner west my home for even longer, I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable contribution that generations of Greek Australians have made to our nation.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s tour of Australia is set to continue over the next week, further commemorating the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country.
A massive coffee roastery and café called The Grounds Coffee Factory has opened in a historic Eveleigh building, bringing a new level of coffee culture to Sydney.
The venue, which opened on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, is the latest project from the team behind The Grounds of Alexandria. Located at 2 Locomotive Street, the factory occupies a former railway workers’ cafeteria, blending industrial elements with old-world charm.
The Coffee Experience
At the heart of the factory is a complex coffee transportation system that moves beans across the space, reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Visitors can watch Nick Ferguson, the head roaster at work, while enjoying their brew.
“Our goal is to make the art and science of coffee clear and approachable,” The Grounds’ founder and director Ramzey Choker said. “Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply seeking a great spot for a casual meal, there’s something here for you.”
The factory offers 12 different beans and roasts daily, as well as coffee cuppings, brewing workshops, and latte art classes for those keen to expand their coffee knowledge.
Food and Atmosphere
While coffee takes centre stage, the food menu is equally impressive. Former Otto Ristorante and Cafe Sydney chef James Kidman heads the kitchen, offering a range of breakfast and lunch options.
The breakfast menu, available until 11:30 a.m., includes dishes like eggs soldiers with smoked salmon and dill, and traditional hotcakes with maple syrup. Lunch offerings feature items such as a fresh fish sandwich, vodka pasta, and veal parmy.
Kidman has added an “Australian fleck” to the menu, including lamingtons with Davidson plum jam. He’s also put a twist on classic dishes, like serving steak with deliberately undercooked onions to evoke memories of sporting club barbecues.
Design and Development
The Grounds Coffee Factory, designed by ACME & Co, pays homage to the site’s railway heritage. The project, six years in the making, faced several delays, including COVID-19 and technical issues with the coffee transportation system.
Photo Credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory
“Fortunately, we’d locked in a lot of things pre-COVID. With the way costs have gone up, there’s no way we’d have been able to do this today,” Choker explained the long development process.
The new venue will become a hub for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. It will serve as a café and roastery and an educational space where visitors can learn about coffee production and brewing techniques.
At approximately 6:00 PM, emergency services were called to the corner of Elizabeth and Redfern streets following reports of a car crashing into a power pole. The impact reportedly split the power pole in half.
The incident drew a substantial response, with eight police cars attending the scene. A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed that no live wires were exposed as a result of the crash.
A 33-year-old man, identified as the driver, was freed from the wreckage by responding police officers. He was subsequently transported to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Receivers and managers have been appointed to take over The Norfolk, a popular pub in Redfern, due to the financial struggles facing Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group.
The decision came earlier in September 2024 when insolvency specialists from FTI Consulting stepped in to manage not only The Norfolk but also four other Sydney-based properties including Oxford House, The Strand Hotel, Camelia Grove Hotel, and The Exchange Hotel. All venues are to be put on the market promptly, aiming to find new ownership to secure their operational future.
In the heart of Redfern, The Norfolk is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the cult food favourite, Ricos Tacos. The community has shown concern over the potential changes in management, hoping the venue maintains its unique character and continues to serve as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Photo Credit: The Norfolk/Facebook
FTI Consulting’s Vaughan Strawbridge remarked on the situation, saying, “We will work closely with the management of the venues to ensure they continue uninterrupted by this process while we seek new owners for the venues to secure their future.”
He expressed confidence that the hotels would sell quickly due to substantial interest in these properties.
Meanwhile, other parts of the Public Hospitality Group’s portfolio, including venues in Melbourne and Noah’s Backpackers in Bondi, remain unaffected. This financial restructuring follows a series of setbacks for the group, which lost management of the hatted Alpha restaurant and parted ways with the team behind the award-winning Maybe Sammy cocktail bar earlier in the year.
The financial reshuffle extends to the creditors, including drinks producer Michael Clifford, who is anxious about the outstanding debts owed to his company. A creditors’ meeting is scheduled for October 21, where further details will be discussed and possibly clarified.
This transition period marks a critical juncture for the future of The Norfolk and its role within the Redfern community, with hopes high for minimal disruption and a continuation of the pub’s legacy under new stewardship.
In a celebration of the approaching spring season, the popular Dog Days event is making its anticipated return to Redfern’s newly renovated Bat and Ball Hotel.
Set for Saturday, September 21, 2024, this day-long party promises to deliver a diverse lineup of local DJs spinning house music from 1 PM until midnight.
Venue Spotlight
The Bat and Ball Hotel, located at 495 Cleveland St in Redfern, has undergone recent renovations, breathing new life into this historic establishment. Known for its intimate atmosphere, the venue’s small room provides the perfect setting for the relaxed vibe that Dog Days is famous for.
The “Dog Days Bat & Ball Bonanza” will feature six acts, each bringing their unique flavour to the decks:
Ciara
Nausheen
Cycle Sisters
Discoloro
Fightclub
Hor.c
Additional information about the Dog Days Bat n Ball Bonanza at Bat and Ball Hotel can be found through this event page or through Dog Day’s instagram page.
Music lovers and those looking to welcome spring with rhythm and style are encouraged to mark their calendars for this vibrant celebration of house music in the heart of Redfern.
The Redfern All Blacks, Australia’s oldest Indigenous rugby league club, marked its 80th anniversary at Redfern Oval, coinciding with the club’s appearance in the 2024 South Sydney District Rugby League A-Reserve grand final.
Over the decades, the club has been a hub of cultural pride and resistance, especially in the face of social and political challenges. From its early beginnings, when Aboriginal families moved to Redfern in the 1920s to find work, the club has offered many Indigenous Australians a sense of belonging and identity.
According to Nathan Moran, a former Redfern All Blacks player and now CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, rugby league was more than just a game.
“Footy and boxing were always our avenue out – literally off the mission and then later as a chance to get ahead,” Moran said, reflecting on how sports provided an escape for many in the community.
Photo Credit: Redfern All Blacks/Facebook
Generations of Family and Community
The club’s legacy is reflected in its people. Long-time members like John Young, known as “Uncle Blackdog,” have witnessed generations of players come through the ranks. At almost 70 years old, Young has been involved with the club for 47 years, working as a coach and, today, as a team strapper. He proudly described one player, nicknamed “Bubba,” saying, “I coached Bubba in nappy grade and now I am strapping him in men’s footy.”
Keith “Kip” Munro, the club’s junior convenor, has also been integral to the club’s continued success. A few years ago, the All Blacks were down to five teams. The club has expanded to 20 teams through Munro’s dedication, providing role models at every age level.
Photo Credit: Redfern Blacks/Facebook
A Symbol of Resistance
The Redfern All Blacks have been at the heart of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil rights movement. In the 1970s, the club established Aboriginal-controlled organisations in Redfern, including legal, housing, and medical services. In its early years, the club faced scrutiny for its links to the Black Power movement and activism, yet it remained a symbol of defiance against assimilation.
Even in today’s landscape, where gentrification is impacting Redfern and pushing some families to Western Sydney, the All Blacks remain a symbol of resilience. Members now commute back to Redfern to play, keeping the club’s spirit alive.
Growing Opportunities for Women
One of the club’s most significant developments in recent years has been the growth of its women’s program. Women and girls now make up 45% of the All Blacks’ players, with four of them representing Australia as Jillaroos.
Photo Credit: Redfern All Blacks/Facebooke
Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, a community matriarch who has been part of the All Blacks since she was 16, is thrilled to see women taking such an active role. She remembers when women were primarily responsible for fundraising and jersey washing, and she notes the positive change in opportunities for young girls.
A Narrow Grand Final Defeat
Despite the celebrations, the Redfern All Blacks were narrowly defeated in the grand final last 8 September, losing 16-12 to Mascot. The loss didn’t dampen the spirits of the team or its loyal supporters, who gave the players a standing ovation.
For Moran, the defeat was just a temporary setback. “We’re resilient, still here and strong, and there’s always next year,” he said.
The Redfern All Blacks have spent the last 80 years keeping the ball in motion, both on and off the field, and their story continues as a powerful example of community, resilience, and cultural pride.
A new martini bar, Dry Martini Sydney by Grant Collins, recently opened in a charming Sydney laneway in Chippendale, offering a well-curated selection that ranges from vintage martinis of the 1920s and 1930s to innovative versions like the salted caramel espresso martini.
The overall fit-out is both inviting and upscale, making it a perfect backdrop for the sophisticated flavours being mixed at the bar. Whether it’s a casual after-work drink or a celebratory night out, the ambience at Dry Martini ensures a memorable experience for all guests.
Photo Credit: Dry Martini Sydney/Instagram
Menu and Experience
At Dry Martini, patrons can enjoy their drinks made right at their table with roving martini trolleys equipped with a selection of vodkas, gins, vermouths, and a range of seasonal offerings. The bar also features a snack menu specifically designed to complement the martini flavours, including dishes such as freshly shucked oysters topped with shaved dirty martini ice, wagyu sliders with housemade pickles, and jamon croquettes with Spanish béchamel.
For those new to martinis, or even for seasoned connoisseurs, Dry Martini offers a unique experience with its espresso martini tree—a tower that holds all six versions of espresso martinis for tasting, as well as a selection of four classic martinis.
Photo Credit: Dry Martini Sydney/Instagram
The bar also caters to budget-conscious visitors with its happy hours, providing $10 martinis and $15 cocktail specials on weekdays and early evenings during weekends.
Inspiration and Vision
Grant Collins, the mastermind behind both Dry Martini and its sister venue, Gin Lane, has crafted a space that reflects over two decades of expertise in mixology. His approach involves deep research into historical recipes and creative experimentation, resulting in a menu that respects martini tradition while also embracing contemporary tastes and techniques. This blend of old and new is poised to make Dry Martini a favourite local spot in Chippendale, inviting everyone to explore the art of martinis in a welcoming, sophisticated setting.
Dry Martini welcomes patrons to indulge in its martini offerings from 5:30 PM every Tuesday to Saturday. The bar extends its hospitality with varying closing times throughout the week to accommodate both early evening drinkers and late-night cocktail enthusiasts.
Additionally, Dry Martini offers enticing happy hour deals from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and a slightly earlier end at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it an ideal spot for after-work relaxation or a sophisticated start to the weekend.
Atomic Brewery had become a staple in Redfern’s vibrant community, known for its innovative beers and lively atmosphere. Established in 2019 and opening a year later, the brewery had offered a range of unique brews and hosted numerous community events.
Despite their best efforts and strong local support, Atomic Brewery succumbed to the same financial pressures plaguing many small breweries around Australia in the pandemic era. The decision to close was described as being made with a “heavy heart,” reflecting the emotional impact on both the owners and their patrons.
In their final message to customers, the owners expressed gratitude for the support and memorable moments shared.
“It’s been a pleasure Redfern, join us for a final froth and a nod to the good times,” the owners shared.
This sentiment was echoed on their website with a heartfelt goodbye, acknowledging the “excellent vibes” brought by their patrons over the years.
Industry-Wide Challenges
The closure of Atomic Brewery is part of a broader trend affecting the Australian brewing industry.
Experts like Nick Boots, an industry consultant, cite multiple factors contributing to these difficulties. The government-imposed excise tax, which is the largest expense for breweries, has been a significant burden, especially as it increases biannually with inflation. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, breweries were allowed to defer tax payments, a relief that has now ended with the Australian Tax Office demanding repayment.
Community and Economic Impact
The competitive landscape is also daunting for smaller players like Atomic Beer. The market is dominated by large corporations such as Carlton & United Breweries and Lion, which control up to 90% of the market, making it challenging for independent brewers to compete.
These larger companies benefit from tax advantages and economies of scale that allow them to produce and sell beer at significantly lower prices.
The closure of these independent breweries not only affects the local communities they serve but also has broader economic implications. The loss of these businesses contributes to job reductions and lessens the cultural richness of their locales.
Thousands of Sydney commuters experienced significant delays on Tuesday morning when a man was spotted near the tracks at Redfern Station, affecting multiple train lines and requiring adjustments to travel plans.
The disruption began just after 8:00 a.m. on 3 September 2024, when commuters were first alerted to the presence of a person near the tracks.
This led to halted services across several key lines, including the Airport & South Line, Bankstown Line, Inner West & Leppington Line, North Shore Line, Northern Line, and Western Line. Sydney Trains advised passengers to anticipate changes to stops and potential delays, urging them to stay informed via announcements, information screens, and transport apps.
New South Wales Police confirmed that the incident was mental health-related. Authorities safely removed the man from the tracks and into police care by approximately 9:00 a.m.
Despite the resolution, residual delays continued to affect the network, with Sydney Trains recommending that commuters allow for an additional half-hour of travel time.
Community Impact and Reactions
The morning’s events significantly disrupted the daily routines of many, impacting students, professionals, and other city dwellers. Social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter, saw a flurry of activity from frustrated commuters sharing their experiences.
Some praised the Sydney Metro for its efficiency and isolation from such disruptions, while others expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, with one commuter’s journey tripling in expected duration.
Sydney Trains reiterated the importance of passenger safety and the unpredictability of such incidents, reminding travellers to plan for additional travel time and stay alert to updates during their commutes.
Ongoing Effects and Future Precautions
As the morning progressed, normal train operations gradually resumed. Still, the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in public transport systems, especially in densely populated urban areas like Sydney.
Transport authorities continue to evaluate their response protocols and communication strategies to better manage and mitigate similar situations in the future, ensuring the safety and convenience of all commuters.
A new satirical play delving into the challenges faced by actors and filmmakers in Sydney’s creative scene is set to premiere at the Sydney Fringe Festival in Redfern.
The production, titled “I Worked With Heath Ledger Once…”, will run from 26 to 28 September at 107 Projects Redfern. Written and directed by Jarred Keane, the play is billed as “a real play about a fake documentary” and aims to blend humour with deeper themes of ambition and identity.
Story Background
The play centres on Maya, a young film student, who decides to make a documentary about an aspiring actor nearing 35 with a “make it or quit it” pact. As Maya faces pressure to tell a more personal story about her complicated past and issues faced by BIPOC in modern-day Sydney, she begins to intervene in the actor’s life to create a better ending for her film.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Keane describes the play as “a comedy… sort of” and explains its origins: “Originating as a disposal idea for a sketch/short film for the internet in between COVID lockdowns, I knew it was ‘the most unoriginal idea ever’ to make a Mockumentary about actors. Thankfully, I didn’t throw it away, but took that as a challenge to find something original and fresh where you’d least expect it.”
Community Focus
107 Projects Redfern, the venue hosting the play, is a repurposed car garage that now serves as a multipurpose creative hub. Since 2011, it has provided affordable facilities for artists, including exhibition and performance spaces, studios, and co-working areas.
The venue’s focus on community aligns with the play’s themes, offering a fitting backdrop for a story about Sydney’s creative industry. Its commitment to supporting local artists reflects the struggles and aspirations portrayed in the production.
Behind the Scenes
Keane reveals the personal nature of the project.
“This play is deeply personal for me as not only my first outing as a theatrical director, but as the writer – I have put so much of my life and the experiences of people close to me in this, I’ve never felt more vulnerable and terrified.”
The production features a cast of eight and additional crew members who will film and edit scenes to be played throughout as part of the “documentary” element. This unique approach blends live theatre with filmed content, creating a hybrid experience for the audience.
Themes and Relevance
Producer Westley Cornwell emphasised the play’s exploration of ethical dilemmas in pursuing creative dreams.
“This play offers a unique and humorous look at the struggles of actors and filmmakers, all while addressing deeper themes of ambition, identity, and the ethical lines we cross in pursuit of our dreams. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced a crossroads in their career,” he stated.
“While it is a Mockumentary, this is not at all about ‘mocking’ or making light of the struggles and dreams of creatives, it is about the universal need to be seen and heard. Both of the lead characters are intent on controlling how people see them, in fighting all of the expectations on them, but they make decisions that will hurt them in the long term simply because they are afraid of facing the entire scope of their identity,” Keane adds.
The play holds particular relevance in the current cultural climate, addressing the increased attention on diverse stories and the challenges faced by creatives in the industry.
Cast and Crew
The production boasts a diverse cast including Nat Astwood as Jennifer, Laren Bigg as DJ/Dominic, Richard Cotter as Clark, Lisa Hanssens as Ms Angelo/Kathleen Fennell, Jarred Keane as Jeremy, Koa Mcintyre as Ambrose/Raiden, Jade Nicholson-Lamb as Nikki, Ani Sidzamba as Maya, and Ricky Price as Terry.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Behind the scenes, Westley Cornwell serves as producer, with Lyndsey Fay Macnaught as production assistant and Indy Jo Woodward handling BTS videography.
Performance Details
The play will run for 115 minutes, with four performances scheduled:
“My hope is that people will see themselves in these characters, that they will double over laughing, and walk away with something personal and indescribable for themselves in their own journey of self-love. I optimistically believe that to be human is to find connection, and that even the most foolish and foolhardy among us deserves to be loved,” Keane concludes.
