Matilda Lowa, 14, and her younger sister Penelope, 11, were last seen around midday on Tuesday, April 15, in the Redfern area. When family members were unable to contact or locate the girls, authorities were notified, and Port Stephens/Hunter Police District officers began investigations.
Investigators have expressed significant concern for the welfare of both girls due to their young ages. Recent police inquiries suggest that Penelope may still be in the Sydney area, but authorities believe the sisters may have become separated.
Matilda is described as being of Caucasian appearance, standing 168 cm tall with a medium build and complexion. She has light brown shoulder-length hair.
Penelope, despite being younger, is slightly taller at 170 cm, with a thin build and medium complexion. She has distinctive curly dark brown hair and brown eyes.
Police note that the sisters are known to frequent several areas including Maitland, Newcastle, East Maitland, and Redfern.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of either sister to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. All information provided will be treated with strict confidence.
Caption: GM Marcella Guilfoyle (front) and Executive Chef Toby Wilson (centre, back) Photo Credit: The Norfolk
Historical Venue Reopens Following Change in Operators
The Norfolk Hotel on Cleveland Street is set to reopen on 23 April, marking its return after a period of closure. The venue had previously operated under Public Hospitality, which faced financial difficulty in 2024.
Solotel is one of Sydney’s largest hospitality groups. It has since acquired The Norfolk. The group also acquired three former Public venues—The Strand in Darlinghurst, Oxford House in Paddington, and Camelia Grove in Alexandria.
Refurbishment Reflects Redfern’s Local Heritage
Solotel has completed extensive internal renovations at The Norfolk, retaining art deco elements while updating finishes with a palette of pale greens, warm reds, and soft creams.
Timber features and exposed brick have been preserved, with new custom carpet reflecting the venue’s architectural history. The revamp marks The Norfolk as the first of Solotel’s four new venues to undergo full restoration.
Photo Credit: The Norfolk
Food Offering Combines Pub Staples and Local Partners
Executive Chef Toby Wilson, best known for his work at Rico’s Tacos, now leads the venue’s food operations. While Rico’s continues to operate in the courtyard space, Chef Wilson has designed a broader menu focused on pub classics.
Dishes include pork and fennel sausage rolls sold by the inch, beef and VB party pies, an Aussie rissole burger, roast chicken and sage rolls, crumbed fish sandwiches, and pastrami-cured ocean trout served with rye toast.
The menu also features collaborations with local partners. Good Ways Deli supplies daily-baked focaccia served with French onion dip, while Ciccone & Sons contributes to a lamington ice cream sandwich. The drinks menu includes a rotating wine list curated by Solotel’s Master of Wine and a dark lager brewed in partnership with Yulli’s Brews.
The Norfolk will relaunch with an “Everyone’s Welcome Party” on 23 April from 6 p.m., featuring 50 per cent off drinks, free menu tastings, live music, and giveaways.
Ongoing weekly events include:
Happy Hour (Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.) offering $7 schooners, $12 cocktails, and sausage rolls from $2 an inch
Trivia Tuesdays with prizes, $18 rissole burgers, and $15 beer jugs
Thursday Raffle (Spin the Wheel) with changing prizes
Friday Meat Raffle & Badge Draw
Sunday Specials including roast rolls and $10 Bloody Marys
On ANZAC Day (25 April), the pub will host 2UP in the beer garden from midday and donate $1 from every Resch’s schooner and pint sold to Legacy Australia. Raffles, food specials, and DJs will follow from 5 p.m.
Solotel has clearly intended to return The Norfolk to its origins as a neighbourhood pub. General Manager Marcella Guilfoyle and Executive Chef Toby Wilson are leading efforts to rebuild community connection and deliver a space grounded in local flavours and relaxed hospitality.
The reopening follows several prior branding iterations, including House of Crabs, The Norfolk House & Hotel, La Salut, and Rico’s Tacos under different operators. Solotel aims to re-establish the venue as a welcoming corner pub serving the Redfern community.
In the heart of Redfern, a 15-seat restaurant is shaking up Sydney’s dining scene with a theatrical twist on Japanese fine dining. At R by Raita Noda, each dish is a performance and guests are part of the act—seated just steps from the chefs as they craft a constantly evolving 10-course menu.
The latest project from renowned chef Raita Noda, who launched Sydney’s first omakase restaurant over two decades ago, R by Raita Noda is a more immersive spin on the tradition. Now joined by his son, Momotaro, Noda shifts the focus to guest interaction, offering diners a front-row seat to the kitchen and chefs all night long.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. until late. Located in Redfern’s Wunderlich Lane, it was designed by local architect Koichi Takada to feel like a rainy night in Tokyo. The space features mirrored ceilings, dim lighting, and black chain curtains to create a moody, cinematic feel.
There’s no set menu here. Each dish highlights seasonal Australian produce, crafted with Japanese technique and theatrical timing. Some courses arrive on custom Perspex staircases, like the “Stairway to Heaven” sashimi with aged wild tuna, Tasmanian sea urchin, and house-made ravioli.
Each night’s service is choreographed into acts, chefs prepare, plate, and serve each dish in a way that draws the eyes as much as the palate. The aim, according to the team, is to entertain and surprise guests through both flavour and visual drama.
To complement the food, the restaurant offers more than 200 wines, 70 new-world whiskies, and 30 premium sakes. Guests can choose between two drink pairings: one with boutique wines and sake at $180 per person, and another featuring more rare and prestigious selections at $240.
The team recommends booking early, as the seating is limited to just 15 people per evening. Dietary requirements, including a vegetarian option, can be handled with prior notice, but not on the day of dining.
While the restaurant brings high-end dining to Redfern, it also aims to connect with the local community. Its small size encourages conversation, and its theatrical style draws attention to Sydney’s evolving food culture.
R by Raita Noda carves out a unique place in the city’s dining scene by focusing on seasonal ingredients and personal service, turning each meal into an experience rather than just a meal.
Caption: 107 Presents the Museum of Faces with the Lumiphonic Creature Choir (2018) Photo Credit: Museum & Galleries of NSW
From Artistic Hub to Cultural Heart
The future of 107 Redfern Street, a large community space previously managed by social enterprise 107 Projects, has been a topic of debate. The space, located in the heart of Redfern, has historically served as a hub for artistic and community activities, including exhibitions, rehearsals, and cultural programs.
In September 2024, 107 Projects returned management of the site to the Council, sparking discussions on its future use.
A Historic Decision
Following amendments proposed in February to expand the site’s use as a broader creative space, local official Yvonne Weldon, a Wiradjuri woman, moved a motion to prioritise Aboriginal community use. The motion was approved unanimously on 17 March, committing the Council to focus on local Aboriginal creative and cultural use while maintaining broader community access.
The City of Sydney will conduct an open expression of interest process, inviting local Aboriginal groups to apply for tenancy. Authorities will ensure targeted engagement with the local Aboriginal community and make short-term tenancy arrangements while undertaking necessary maintenance and upgrades.
Caption: 107’s and City of Sydney’s Cartographica exhibition (2019) Photo Credit: Museum & Galleries of NSW
Celebrating Culture
Local official Weldon expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasising the importance of a community-led approach, particularly in Redfern, a suburb deeply rooted in Aboriginal activism and culture. Ms Weldon noted the value of the space as a contemporary setting for preserving and practising Aboriginal culture.
Local groups, including the Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group and the Aboriginal Medical Service, have previously expressed long-standing interest in the site. The City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel has consistently advocated for the space to support Aboriginal-led initiatives.
The authorities have committed to ongoing community involvement. A three-year review is planned to assess the space’s impact and management. If no Aboriginal management emerges, they will establish a panel to oversee community engagement and usage.
A new luxury boutique hotel, The EVE, has opened its doors in Redfern, bringing a blend of local artistic design and high-end hospitality to the revitalised Wunderlich Lane precinct.
The EVE Hotel Sydney, located at the meeting point of Redfern and Surry Hills, has been designed to reflect the area’s rich cultural history and modern lifestyle. The hotel, owned by TOGA Group and operated by TFE Hotels, features 102 rooms and aims to provide a unique Sydney experience.
The building integrates heritage architecture with modern design and is part of a larger precinct with restaurants, shops, and event spaces.
The hotel’s design connects with nature, blending indoor and outdoor areas with biophilic principles. The exterior is covered in climbing ivy and various plant species, while the interior features cream tones, curved lines, and natural light. Local designers and architects contributed to the hotel’s aesthetic, including Adam Haddow from SJB, Daniel Baffsky from 360 Degrees, and George Levissianis.
The rooms feature a colour palette inspired by Australian flora and fauna, handcrafted clay elements, bespoke lighting by Sydney designer Henry Wilson, and locally sourced fabrics. The hotel’s general manager, Ben Mellor, stated that the design aims to offer a distinctly Sydney-inspired experience rather than looking overseas for inspiration.
The EVE offers a range of room types, including courtyard, sunset, balcony, and suite options. All rooms include either Juliet balconies, full balconies, or private terraces, with views of the courtyard, Wunderlich Lane, or the surrounding area. The largest suites are equipped with deep bathtubs.
The hotel also features a 20-metre rooftop pool, surrounded by native plants and retro-style umbrellas. The rooftop is designed to evoke the feeling of a pleasure garden, paying homage to the precinct’s history.
The hotel includes two dining venues operated by Liquid & Larder. The rooftop hosts Lottie, a contemporary Mexican restaurant and mezcaleria, offering panoramic views of Surry Hills and Redfern. The lobby bar, Bar Julius, provides an all-day continental dining and drinks menu inspired by European-style bistros. Both venues offer a carefully curated selection of cocktails, wines, and food.
The EVE aims to connect guests with Sydney’s cultural scene, featuring curated art throughout the hotel. Pieces by Sydney artist Louise Olsen and Australian artist Tarryn Gill are displayed, and in-room amenities and glassware are provided by Australian brand Saardé. The hotel’s leaders have emphasised a desire to celebrate local creatives.
Launch Offer
To mark its opening, The EVE offers a special launch package called “The Reveal.” This package includes overnight accommodation, signature cocktails at Bar Julius, and a gift. The offer is available for stays between 14 February 2024 and 30 June 2025, with bookings required by 1 June 2025.
A new contender for Sydney’s best pizza has arrived in Redfern, with Regina La Pizzeria offering an authentic Italian experience unlike any other in the city. Co-owned by experienced pizzaiolo Matteo Ernandes, the pizzeria brings a unique mix of woodfired, deep-dish, and fried pizzas to the vibrant Wunderlich Lane dining precinct.
Regina La Pizzeria is the realisation of Matteo Ernandes’ lifelong ambition. Growing up in his family’s pizzeria on the remote Sicilian island of Lampedusa, Mr Ernandes learned the craft from his father before moving to Sydney in 2014. His experience includes time at Matteo (Double Bay), Da Orazio (Bondi), and Avoja, where he worked with Federico Zanellato, the chef-owner of Lumi Dining and Lode Pies.
Photo Credit: Regina La Pizzeria/Instagram
Now, in collaboration with Mr Zanellato, chef Karl Firla (Restaurant Leo, Oscillate Wildly), and Lumi co-owner Michela Boncagni, Mr Ernandes has launched Regina, meaning “queen” in Italian, with the goal of elevating Sydney’s pizza scene.
Three Distinct Pizza Styles
Unlike most pizzerias that focus on a single style, Regina La Pizzeria offers three:
Woodfired Pizza: Made in Sydney’s only Fazzone oven, known for its volcanic stone base and superior heat retention. The pizzas, including the classic Margherita and the Bocelli (a blend of six cheeses with truffle honey), emerge with a perfectly crisp crust and airy interior.
Padellino (Pan-Baked) Pizza: A lighter deep-dish style, blind-baked and then stuffed with ingredients like white bolognese, provolone, or duck ragu. This Sicilian and Calabrian tradition is given a contemporary twist by Ernandes.
Pizza Fritta (Fried Pizza): A twice-cooked pizza that is first fried and then finished in the oven. Unlike traditional deep-fried pizzas, Regina’s version remains light, airy, and crisp.
Each pizza showcases Regina’s signature high-hydration dough. The dough undergoes extended cold fermentation for optimal flavour and texture.
Regina La Pizzeria’s 85-seat restaurant combines a mid-century Italian aesthetic with modern design. The cream and emerald interiors, checkerboard floors, and an open pizza kitchen provide diners with a front-row seat to the pizza-making process.
Photo Credit: Regina La Pizzeria/Instagram
The wine list, curated by Angelo Cristella, features organic and sustainable wines, while the cocktail menu includes a Negroni Sbagliato (Campari, prosecco, sweet vermouth) among other Italian-inspired drinks.
For those who prefer a more immersive experience, counter seating allows guests to watch the pizzaiolos at work, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.
Community Reception and Customer Reviews
Since opening, Regina La Pizzeria has received glowing reviews. Local guide Elia Longo described it as a “true gem” with pizzas that transport diners “straight to Italy”. Another reviewer, Grace, praised the staff’s hospitality and recommended sitting at the pizza bar to watch the process unfold.
Diners have also highlighted the friendly atmosphere, high-quality ingredients, and authentic Italian flavours as standout features.
Regina is located in Wunderlich Lane, accessible from Cleveland Street or Baptist Street. Free two-hour parking is available in the Wilson Car Park on Baptist Street.
Graduates from St Andrew’s Theological College and the Byzantine Music School were honoured in Redfern during a Doxology Service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Doxology Service, recognising the dedication of the graduates and awarding certificates to those who successfully completed the four-year Byzantine Music course.
His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia also awarded the degrees. He was joined by Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia.
Alongside them are senior clergy and academic representatives, including the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Christophoros Krikelis, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis. Families, faculty members, and friends gathered in support of the graduates during the ceremony.
Byzantine Music School’s Role in Church Services
During his address, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the significance of the Byzantine Music School. He founded the school shortly after his arrival in Australia. He highlighted the school’s vital role in preparing individuals to serve within the Church, particularly in sacred chanting alongside clergy and bishops. The Archbishop praised the graduates for their commitment to preserving this integral tradition within the Greek Orthodox faith.
Photo Credit: St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College/Facebook
Theology as a Transformative Gift
Addressing the graduates of St Andrew’s Theological College, Archbishop Makarios emphasised that theology is not merely an academic pursuit but a divine gift. Citing James 1:7, he described theology as a revelation that offers believers an encounter with God’s love and truth. The Archbishop urged the graduates to carry forward this transformative knowledge in their future ministries.
The Archbishop underscored the importance of theology’s role in shaping Christian life and ministry. He stressed that theology must remain genuine and forward-looking, ensuring it continuously reflects Christ’s kingdom’s essence.
The graduates will embark on their respective journeys. The Greek Orthodox Church of Australia will remain committed to fostering theological education and musical training for future generations. The completion of studies at St Andrew’s Theological College and the Byzantine Music School marks the beginning of new opportunities for service within the Church and broader community.
A new free exhibition in Redfern highlights one of Australia’s most significant civil rights protests. On the Road to Justice: Remembering the Freedom Ride commemorates 60 years since a group of university students took a stand against racial discrimination in regional New South Wales.
Caption: The Freedom Rides SAFA (Student Action For Aboriginals) Photo Credit: NSW State Library
A Protest That Sparked Change
On 12 February 1965, 29 students from the University of Sydney set off on a journey that would make history. Led by Arrente/Kalkadoon activist Charles Perkins, the Freedom Ride was inspired by similar protests in the United States. The students wanted to expose the racial segregation and discrimination faced by Aboriginal communities.
Over 15 days, they visited 16 towns. The group witnessed and challenged segregation in cinemas, swimming pools, and Returned Servicemen’s League (RSL) clubs. In Walgett, their bus was forced off the road after they protested outside an RSL that refused entry to Aboriginal people. In Moree, they attempted to break a long-standing ban on Aboriginal children using the public swimming pool, leading to a heated confrontation. Their efforts attracted widespread media attention. This placed the issue of racism in Australia under the national and international spotlight.
Caption: An example of racial segregation. Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Capturing History Through Photography
The On the Road to Justice exhibition features powerful archival photographs documenting the Freedom Ride, from the students’ protests outside businesses to their interactions with local Aboriginal communities.
Alongside these historic images, the exhibition includes contemporary portraits and personal stories from people who were there. Some were children at the time, watching the protests unfold, while others share first-hand experiences of the discrimination the students fought against.
Caption: Students preparing picket signs in Walgett. Photo Credit: Wikipedia
A Legacy That Lives On
The Freedom Ride played a crucial role in Australia’s civil rights movement, helping to pave the way for the 1967 referendum, which gave the federal government more power to legislate for Aboriginal people and ensured they were counted in the national census.
The protest also inspired grassroots activism. In Redfern, efforts toward Indigenous self-determination gained momentum in the 1970s, leading to initiatives like establishing Aboriginal-run services. Though the original Freedom Ride lasted just over two weeks, its impact continues to shape conversations about Indigenous rights and equality in Australia today.
Caption: Student protest outside Moree Town Hall. Photo Credit: Wikipedia
The City of Sydney has recognised the exhibition as an important reflection on how civil rights movements, both here and abroad, have influenced policy and public attitudes.
On the Road to Justice: Remembering the Freedom Ride is open to the public at 119 Redfern Street until 13 March. The free exhibition runs on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A new player has entered Sydney’s bustling dining scene, and it’s setting its sights on becoming one of the city’s best-value banquets. Welcome to Island Radio, a vibrant Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant and noodle bar that’s already making waves in Redfern.
Opened in November, Island Radio is bursting with colour, music, and an inviting laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in bold flavours.
Photo credit: Island Radio/Google Maps
At the Noodle Bar, diners can pull up a stool from Wednesday to Friday as drinks start pouring at 4:00 pm, with the noodle action kicking off from 5:00 p.m. The menu boasts a tempting lineup, including spicy pork noodles with sambal matah and garlic shoots, and the must-try sambal fried rice loaded with calamari and prawns—smoky, spicy, and packed with flavour.
For those craving a more extensive feast, the Eating House delivers with a menu crafted by Chef Andy Wirya (formerly of Bondi’s Easy Tiger), drawing inspiration from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Great value abounds with a $39 three-dish lunch menu and a six-dish banquet starting at just $44.50. Wines start at $10.50 per glass, while spicy noodle bowls begin at $15, ensuring top-notch dining without the hefty price tag.
Cocktails, DJs, & Private Karaoke
Photo credit: Island Radio/Google Maps
Island Radio isn’t just about the food—it’s quickly gaining a reputation for its tropical-inspired cocktails and zero-proof refreshments. Whether you’re sipping an ice-cold beer or diving into a bold new cocktail, the drinks menu delivers perfect summer vibes.
Photo credit: Island Radio/Google Maps
If you’re after a little more action, Thursday to Saturday nights bring a live DJ into the main dining room, creating an electric atmosphere. Or, if you’re in the mood for a private party, their 12-person private dining rooms come equipped with a karaoke lounge, setting the scene for an unforgettable night.
With its dynamic energy, bold flavours, and unbeatable value, Island Radio is already shaping up to be Redfern’s newest go-to dining spot. Whether you’re after a quick noodle fix, a banquet feast, or a night of drinks and music, this lively venue has you covered. Pull up a stool, grab a cocktail, and let the good times flow.
A proposal to build a 24-hour McDonald’s in the heart of Redfern has ignited a firestorm of opposition from residents who fear the development will compromise the character of their historic suburb.
The proposed $3 million, two-storey restaurant on Redfern Street, the suburb’s main artery for dining and shopping, has become a lightning rod for community concern. The development application, lodged with the City of Sydney council, is open for public comment until February 6, and has already sparked heated debate online.
The proposed location, situated directly adjacent to Mr Charlies, a popular vegan establishment known for its playful parody of McDonald’s, adds fuel to the fire. This proximity and a separate application for another fast-food outlet, Charlie Chargrill, overwhelms many residents.
A call for feedback on the “Residential Redfern” Facebook page has been met with a torrent of responses, largely critical of the proposal. While some residents acknowledge the potential for increased foot traffic to benefit local businesses, the prevailing sentiment is strongly opposed.
Redfern resident Nicola Mansfield, representing a group of concerned residents, has formally complained with the council, citing “significant urban planning concerns.” The group believes the 24-hour McDonald’s will negatively impact the community regarding amenity, safety, and heritage. They are particularly concerned about the lack of prior consultation with police and the community.
Local business owners have also voiced their anxieties. David Jank, co-owner of Arcadia Liquors, located just two doors down from the proposed site, expressed concern about the “enormous change” the development represents, calling it “insensitive” to the area’s history and existing social issues.
Tom Whittle, the General Manager of The Dock, a bar across from the proposed site, expressed scepticism about the potential benefits while acknowledging the area’s inevitable change.
Gabriel, the Tudor Hotel’s licensee, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the development represents a “step backwards” for Redfern, which has undergone a positive transformation in recent years.
This view is shared by long-time resident Joe Ambour, who will soon close his hardware store, Ambour Hardware, after 55 years. Ambour lamented the changing face of Redfern, viewing the new McDonald’s as a symbol of shifting consumer preferences towards cheapness and convenience over traditional customer service.
A spokesperson for Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated that the council must remain neutral during the development assessment process to ensure impartiality.
