North Sydney Sun February 2022

North Sydney schools guide | Jilly Gibson’s mayoralty remembered | Robyn Read

February 2022 Issue 10

News and views for North Sydney’s residential and business communities

www.northsydneysun.com.au

It’s Mayor Zoe Baker, plus a bonus two deputies over the next two years Zoe Baker is the new mayor of North Sydney Council after she secured backing from a newly elected bloc of six self-described progressive councillors under a power-sharing arrangement Baker is a former deputy mayor and was first elected to council in 2012. Her mother, Carole, was a councillor for much of the 1980s and was mayor for a year between 1979 and 1980, immediately prior to the Ted Mack era.

Baker was one of two Real Independents to be re-elected as councillors, the other being MaryAnn Beregi.

Her candidacy was backed by four new councillors: Labor’s Godfrey Santer and Shannon Welch and the Sustainable Australia Party’s William Bourke and Georgia Lamb.

The bloc of six backed Baker in return for Bourke being elected to deputy mayor. He will stand down in September and be replaced by Labor’s Santer who will serve for the next year.

Labor has also released a “manifesto” it agreed on with the Real Independents, which appears to serve as a defacto policy agenda for the new council. This includes: “A commitment to addressing overdevelopment in-

cluding advocacy to the State Government in relation to State policies and projects which detrimentally affect our community.”

Also agreed on were commitments to more council transparency, increased open space, including parklands, gardens and other green space, a connected cycleway and support for social/affordable housing developments.

Other goals agreed on were improvements to public amenities, enhancing the garbage disposal system to include a dedicated bin for compostable kitchen and garden scraps as well as measures to attract small business to North Sydney and promote more tourism.

This includes more outdoor theatre, music venues and art galleries.

There appears to be no such manifesto between the Real Independents and the Sustainable Australia Party.

Bourke told the North Sydney Sun he supported Baker because she had a superior voting record on development issues.

Baker herself said: “it is truly a singular honour to represent the incredible North Sydney community.”

“For the last four years, MaryAnn Beregi, Tony Carr and I were a persistent and vocal minority voice on Council. If it were not for the intelligence, strength, perseverance and good humour MaryAnn and Tony have always

brought to their roles, it would have been a lonely and difficult endeavour.”

Baker continued: “I am really touched by, and aware of, the faith and Continued page 2

Omicron hits North Sydney hardest The spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has hit North Sydney harder than previous variants as local businesses and communities face their third year running living with a pandemic.

Federal North Sydney MP told North Sydney Sun: “Obviously there is a lot of anxiety about the current outbreak. I think that it’s different this time, because for example, during Delta, our case numbers were much, much, much lower on the north shore.

So this is the first time really during the pandemic where we’ve had such widespread cases on the lower north shore.”

Zimmerman says COVID issues are dominating feedback from the community presently. “You get both sides of the coin, actually. You get a lot of people contacting me saying ‘please don’t go back in lockdowns’, others saying we’d like more restrictions in

place. And, really what’s been keeping me busy is giving advice to people about what they should and shouldn’t be doing, but also working with GPs and pharmacies to make sure that they’re getting the supply they need, where there’s been disruptions and supporting them in whatever way I can with vaccine boosters. And also now the paediatric vaccine as well. “ Zimmerman said a key part of his messaging to the community has been: “please don’t delay in booking in the boosters and also please be prepared to shop around. I mean, we’ve seen that there are tens of thousands of vacant spots available at state vaccination hubs that are going unused.”

“So, if you can’t get into your first choice, consider a second.”

Zimmerman added that North Sydney residents have been “responsibly following the health advice and that’s something I’m very proud of our com-

munity in supporting.”

“And the other aspect of that, which I’ve been really, really proud of, is the way in which residents have been helping neighbours either through just small individual acts or through the volunteers that are helping our community centres.”

“One of the things that we’ve done continuously through the pandemic has been reaching out to individuals, ringing, in particular, older residents that might be isolated and making sure that they’ve got everything they need.

That’s been a really important part of my work over the last six months as that’s continued.”

The NSW government has also chipped in with a $1 billion program to help businesses through the Omicron wave. This includes increasing funding for small business fees & charges rebates to $3,000 and inclusion of rapid antigen tests expenses. There is also a

new Small Business Support Program to assist the hardest-hit businesses to stay afloat through payroll support.

There is also extended protections for small business tenants and funding for the Commercial Landlords Hardship Fund, and additional funding for the heavily impacted performing arts sector.

Poll: ALP & Kylea Tink in battle for 2nd spot in North Sydney A new opinion poll measuring voting intentions in the North Sydney federal electorate has revealed that ALP candidate Catherine Renshaw and high profile independent Kylea Tink are in a neck-and-neck battle to claim second spot on primaries and position to overtake incumbent Liberal Trent Zimmerman on preferences.

An Australia Institute poll of around 850 North Sydney voters on 24 January found that ALP candidate Catherine Renshaw would attract 22.9% of the vote and Tink 20.0% of the vote. Zimmerman attracted 34.1% and the Greens 11.2%.

The poll posited that Zimmerman’s vote would only increase to 41% after preferences and Tink would win with 59% of the vote, apparently winning from third position.

This would be tantamount to a 20% swing against Zimmerman, who scored over 50% of primaries and 60% of the two party preferred vote in the 2019 election.

The poll also found that the Greens would get 11.2% of the vote, One Nation 2.5%, New Liberal Victor Kline 1.6% and United Australia Party 1.5%.

The numbers do not account for a remaining 7% or so of voters.

The strategy for the two leading

challengers to Zimmerman is to obtain enough preferences from the other eliminated candidates to poll ahead of him and claim a majority of the two party preferred vote.

This will make Greens preferences key: they have the potential to shape which of Tink and Renshaw finish in second spot. If Tink finishes ahead of the ALP, she is likely to secure a high share of Labor preferences. However, conversely, if Tink is eliminated her preferences are likely to flow more erratically, given she positions as a disaffected former Liberal voter and has indicated she will not be preferencing Labor.

The numbers are likely to provide extra motivation for the Liberals, who hadn't even preselected Zimmerman as their candidate as we went to press.

This has had the effect of preventing Zimmerman from formally campaigning yet, even though Tink, Renshaw and Kline have all been active on the hustings in recent weeks.

ALP candidate Renshaw is a Professor in the Law School at Western Sydney University, where she teaches and researches human rights.

For about a decade, before entering academia, she practiced as a lawyer with large commercial law firms and

for the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales. She is married to the son of the former NSW premier Jack Renshaw.

Greens candidate Lynne Saville is an incumbent Willoughby councillor.

She lectures in health sciences and is a registered nurse.

Zimmerman is still the overwhelming favourite to win if betting markets are any guide.

As at 30 January, Sportsbet was offering $1.25 on a Zimmerman win in North Sydney—essentially giving him a 80% chance of victory.

Tink was paying $3.70, Labor $21 and the Greens $101.

This compares to a clear preference for Labor to win the next federal election overall—paying $1.40 compared to $2.85 for the Coalition.

The Australia Institute also found a anti-government swing in the eastern suburbs seat of Wentworth where independent Allegra Spender is polling ahead of Liberal incumbent Dave Sharma.

The primary purpose of the poll, ostensibly, was not to gauge polling intentions but attitudes towards the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The poll found that in North Sydney, 67.3% of voters support

Australia Institute poll of North Sydney voters Liberal Labor Kylea Tink Greens PHON UAP TNL Victor Kline

34.1%, 22.9% 20.0% 11.2% 2.5% 1.5% 1.6%

“restoring the $84 million cut from the ABC.” For the record, the government deny they have cut funding from the ABC. 67.9% of North Sydney voters support the ABC being “funded on a fiveyear cycle, rather than a three-year cycle, for more certainty and independence from Government pressure.”

70.6% of North Sydney voters support changing the ABC board appointments process so the government must choose new ABC board members only from those nominated by a committee with members from all parties, rather than government only appointments.

And 65.2% of North Sydney voters said they would be more likely to vote for candidate who advocates for an independent, well-resourced ABC.

Zoe Baker elected mayor, bloc of six unite on motions Continued from page 1 trust that has been placed in me ... without the incredible energy, creativity, intelligence and enthusiasm of The Real Independents candidates together with our incredible volunteers and supporters I would not be in this position today.”

“Over the past four years, it became very clear that the people of North Sydney wanted something different.

On December the 4th, 2021, the people of North Sydney overwhelmingly voted for change. Our new and progressive council is committed to, and guided by the exceptional people of North Sydney that we serve.”

Baker later told the North Sydney Sun: “Like all of the councillors, I am focused on addressing the urgent issues facing North Sydney including overdevelopment, the Western Harbour Tunnel and improving transparency in decision making.

On the biggest contemporary issue—the COVID-19 pandemic—Baker said: "Council understands the huge impact that COVID-19 has had on our community and has adapted services and programs to support residents, families, schools and businesses.

While State and Federal Governments are directly responsible for public health and financial measures to manage the pandemic, Council will continue to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic at a local level."

The block of six appear to be working in harmony at Council level. In the

first two meetings of the year, they have voted together on 25 of 26 matters before council in its first two meetings of the year, only splitting on an amendment to a motion requiring a three month review of a policy mandating COVID testing of attendees at council meetings.

Baker has certainly changed the role of the mayor in her first few weeks. Whereas predecessor Jilly Gibson often used the power of the chair in council meetings to advocate her arguments and marshal votes, the Real Independents have effectively split the role with Baker acting mostly as a “speaker of the house” and colleague MaryAnn Beregi as the “leader of the house”, taking the lead role in speaking to motions.

Councillors from Labor, the Sus-

tainable Australia Party and the Real Independents also attended a Save Cammeray Park rally on 30 January along with independent federal candidate Kylea Tink and independent state candidate Larissa Penn.

They oppose the works in the park supporting road tunnelling and have a formed a united front to take on the state government.

Meanwhile, the December election results have brought an end to Jilly Gibson’s nine year mayoral tenure as well as the council careers of Jessica Keen and Stephen Barbour, both Liberal independents.

For Gibson, the election was a close run. Her number two candidate in Cammeraygal Ward, Hugo Bauer, was beaten to the 5th position by the Sustainable Australia Party’s Georgia

Lamb by just 153 votes.

If Bauer had been elected, that would have provided five nominal votes for Gibson in council for re election to the mayor position against five for Baker—a dead heat which would have seen the winner pulled from a hat. In the end, Gibson decided not to run for the mayor position. Independent Ian Mutton ran instead, attracting support from Gibson, Alanya Drummond and James Spenceley. The block of six combined at the new council’s January 10 meeting to block an amendment, proposed by Gibson, to allow candidates for mayor to make a pitch and answer questions.

This meant that the vote was conducted without either candidate making the case on the council floor for why they should be mayor.

5 facts about Zoe Baker, our new mayor 1) Baker is a North Sydney local, having attended Neutral Bay Primary and North Sydney Girls. She is in her early 50s and lives in the High St area of North Sydney.

2) Her mother, Carol Baker, was an alderman in the 1970s and elected mayor for one year in 1979 before stepping down.

3) Zoe’s activism began young. As a year 9 student she wrote a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald complaining about federal funding for private schools in the dying days of the Fraser government, setting off a debate that lasted weeks in their letters section.

4) She works full time as a litigation assistant for Wilshire Webb Staunton Beattie, a Sydney law firm. She works in both Environmental & Planning Law and Local Government Law, listing both private developers and local councils as clients.

5) She has been a member of council since 2008 coming second in Wollstonecraft Ward with around 2,000 votes, just behind Trent Zimmerman. In 2012, she increased her ward vote to 3,500. She also contested the Mayor position, scoring 33% of the vote behind Jilly Gibson, who won with 40%. By 2017, Baker’s ward vote increased to 4,500 but she again pulled up short in the Mayoral election, winning 30% of the vote to Gibson’s 42%. In the 2021 election, ward numbers were reduced to two and boundaries increased accordingly. Baker’s vote was 4,700 in the new St Leonards Ward, but proportionately the overall vote for her Real Independents group fell by a third.

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 2

New Service NSW centre in N Syd New council moves to restrict a raft of developments North Sydney Council has asserted what some have described as its new "progressive mandate" through passing a raft of motions aimed at resisting new development and State Government activity in the area.

The centrepiece of its January 24 extraordinary general meeting was a rescission motion designed to reverse earlier council approval for the controversial Military Rd Corridor Planning Study and its future directions report.

This would have allowed several sites at Neutral Bay Junction to increase heights to 6 and 12 stories, in return for a community plaza and other benefits.

The plan was a major issue in the December election and was credited with helping the Real Independents, Labor and Sustainable Australia Party gain election and power.

The rescission motion was proposed by independent councillor James Spenceley who said 12 storeys at Neutral Bay was clearly a major issue of concern for constituents while another independent, Ian Mutton, said while he previously supported the plan, he had now changed his mind.

The two voices of opposition to the rescission motion came from councillors Jilly Gibson and Alanya Drummond. Gibson made the claim that in the absence of a council planning policy, the owner of the Woolworths Neutral Bay site was free to add another four or five stories with no mitigating concessions such as an enhanced solar footprint or a new plaza - potentially resulting in a worse outcome than under the study.

Both she and Drummond said that the five new councillors following the election had not been fully briefed on the study, while Drummond added that in her view that members of the community had been misinformed about what she suggested were exaggerated impacts.

Speaking for the motion, deputy mayor William Bourke said that community understanding of the ramifications for Neutral Bay were lacking while Labor councillor Shannon Welch said it had been one of the most talked about issues by voters.

Council voted 8-2 to rescind the study.

The EGM also passed a number of other motions against what is seen as overdevelopment. Notably it passed a motion 10-0 to state "its strong opposition to the Western Harbour Tunnel and Northern Beaches Link projects due to the devastating impacts of the proposed projects on the North Sydney Local Government Area and the absence of any public benefit to be gained from the projects."

While the council has no real jurisdiction over the project, the motion does empower the mayor to be directly oppositional to the state government over the tunnels, which have caused

Cr James Spenceley tree destruction in Cammeray Park and threaten plans for a North Sydney pedestrian plaza.

Council also unanimously passed a motion to pursue a state heritage order over the Cremorne Orpheum and neighbouring historical cottages in Parraween St, while also controversially seeking to pursue an interim heritage order over eight properties in Holt St, Cremorne which date to the early 20th century.

This was despite representations from two heritage consultants prior to the meeting that the properties in question have been subject to no less than six heritage assessments over the past thirty years and found not to have met the listing criteria each time. Proponents of the heritage listing say the properties date to the original Thrupp estate in the area and represent rare examples of Federation Queen Anne and Italianate styles.

Council also voted to push back on negative impacts on green space from the proposed Sydney Harbour Bridge cycle ramp in what was a de facto rejection of three linear ramp designs circulated by Transport for NSW as well as against generous State Government height allowances in its Crows Nest St Leonards development plan.

Earlier at its 10 January meeting, Spenceley also moved to remove the addition of residential flats developments to so-called R3 medium density zones. R3 represents the intermediate zone between low and high density areas across North Sydney’s suburbs.

Spenceley’s motion passed unanimously. The decision impacts potential flat developments across wide swatches of north Cremorne, Cremorne Point, residential areas of Crows Nest, Waverton above the train line, Cammeray and Neutral Bay east of Forsyth Park.

Finally, Cr Spenceley successfully proposed a motion that aims to upgrade the audio visual and web streaming platforms used by council to broadcast meetings - which have been exposed as notably subpar in the Covid era. This was on show at the last meeting where the audio levels of councillors participating by Zoom were notably two to three times the levels of councillors in the room.

Customers in North Sydney and its surrounds will soon have access to a new modern Service NSW Centre in the heart of the business hub with a location now secured.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson (pictured) said a lease had been signed for the new Centre at 213 Miller Street, North Sydney.

“I made a commitment to our community for a new Service NSW Centre locally and securing this central location in the North Sydney CBD will see this Centre delivered,” Wilson said.

“Our community knows how transformative the Service NSW model has been for government services, never more so than during

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 3

the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Local residents will see the new Centre take shape with construction starting soon and doors expected to open to customers mid-year.”

The Centre will offer more tha 1000 NSW Government transactions at one convenient location including vehicle registration, driver licences, Seniors Card applications, owner builder permits, housing payments, and more. Customers will benefit from the centralised location on Miller Street with a 650-metre walk from North Sydney Train Station and nearby bus stops. The Centre will also have a dedicated Cost of Living Specialist.

Tim James defends Gladys’ 71% Electors in the state seat of Willoughby will have a pick of six candidates in the February 12 by-election following the departure of Gladys Berejiklian.

Liberal candidate Tim James is defending the fourth largest party majority in the state, with Berejiklian scoring 54% of the primary vote and 71% of the two party preferred vote.

Labor aren’t running a candidate this time, preferring to save their resources for Catherine Renshaw’s run for the federal seat of North Sydney in May. This leaves a field of five to take on the Liberals: the Greens, the Sustainable Australia Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Reason Party— formerly known as the Sex Party, and independent Larissa Penn.

The preselection of James over rivals business executive Kellie Sloane and former Willoughby mayor Gail Gidney attracted national media attention. He previously unsuccessfully sought Liberal preselection for the neighbouring seat of North Shore and although he lives in Mosman, is highlighting the fact he grew up in the Willoughby area.

TIM JAMES SPEAKS: “I am asking the people of Willoughby to support me, as I fight for local road and infra-

structure improvements, further growth in school facilities, better planning and more public transport services. As a father of two, about to be three, young kids I want to see more local public green spaces for local families, which is a real passion of mine,” he told the Sun. “I also want to see the Royal North Shore Hospital, which my family helped to found and where my Mum worked as a nurse for twenty years, grow as a world-class teaching hospital,” he continued. “Our community has been through a lot in the last two years, and our recovery depends on having a strong, stable and experienced government that can manage the impact of the pandemic on the community and our small businesses.

I will be able to be a strong voice in the Government, advocating for our community and its needs.”

“If elected, my extensive corporate and government experience will help me to serve the community, and deal with the complex issues that we currently face from day one. I was incredibly humbled to have received the endorsement of Gladys Berejiklian and, given the opportunity, I will work incredibly hard to continue the great

work that she has done for this community. I know and love Willoughby deeply and have served this community since I was a teenager.”

James however resiled from descriptions of him as right wing, and attempts by opponents to lump him in with Tony Abbott with whom he posed in a historical campaign photo.

“I find that these labels are something that the media like to use, which are pretty meaningless – an accurate label for me would be a Liberal. Just like Gladys, I started in the youth movement, and went on to learn about politics by working for great members of parliament like Joe Hockey and John Howard, before going on to forge a career in the private sector. This is my opportunity to give back to the community that has raised me, supported me and has given so much to me and my family.”

GREENS & SAP: Mathematically, James’ most significant competitor is likely to be the Greens given the absence of an ALP candidate. Lynn Saville, who is also running locally for the Greens at the upcoming federal election, told the Sun she is running on the themes of climate, integrity and social justice.

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 4

“The NSW State Government acting with the Greens and Labor is establishing Renewable Energy Zones across the state – a national Greens Initiative from 2018. On the other hand, and over the opposition of climate scientists, the Liberal State Government with Federal Government support has just approved a new gasfired power station in the Hunter Valley,” she told the Sun. “A lot more needs to be done across NSW, and in our home territories of North Sydney and Willoughby in the areas of green power generation, transport using electric vehicles, and building design for insulation, LED lighting and onsite power generation.”

Saville also notes that the former member also resigned because of her entanglement with anti-corruption hearings. “ Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed that she and her Liberal Party colleagues engaged in pork-barrelling, the misuse of public money for political gain prior to elections. Some Liberal politicians continue to argue that this is OK. I would ask the voters of Willoughby to send their political leaders, including members of the NSW Right faction of the Liberal Party, a message: that it is not OK.”

majority against five challengers Saville also claims strong community credentials, having served as a councillor in Willoughby for four terms. “I was born, raised, educated, and have worked on the lower North Shore. My husband Doug has a longestablished small local business in the arts on the North Shore, so am aware of many issues facing small business today. Our sons attended local public schools, and we have been active members of many school, scouting and community organisations that enrich our communities,” she said.

Competing with the Greens is the Sustainable Australia Party. Their candidate William Bourke was buoyed by his 13% vote in the recent North Sydney Council elections in St Leonards Ward, which overlaps the southern part of the Willoughby electorate.

Bourke, who is now North Sydney deputy mayor told the Sun: “As an independent community movement, Sustainable Australia Party is committed to representing local residents. In particular, we aim to protect our local environment and green spaces, and stop overdevelopment, including both toxic private toll road tunnels like Beaches Link and excessive high-rise apartments. Further we want to reform the state’s planning system which is effectively corrupt in that it favours

property developers and construction companies over local residents.”

He emphasised that SAP has no ties to big donors or vested interests.

“That means we can act solely in the interests of the local community, as has been shown already at North Sydney Council. We also have a community-driven set of policies, so you actually know what we stand for. Our policy platform empowers local communities and is underpinned by direct democracy tools such as plebiscites and citizen juries, not the whims of vested interests or an individual candidate,” he added. “Sustainable Australia Party has a goal to be elected into the NSW Parliament in 12 months, particularly in the Upper House. We believe this Willoughby campaign will demonstrate our solid an growing level of support and assist the community to send a message to the major parties that we want to protect our environment and stop overdevelopment.”

LARISSA PENN: The by-election’s only independent candidate is no stranger to local contests, having run in 2019 and scored nearly 10% of the vote.

Penn told the Sun: “I am a true local and have grown up and worked here and I am currently raising my children, volunteering and advocating

for the best for Willoughby. I am a true independent without party allegiances.

I am passionate about Willoughby and it's community.”

“I am currently actively involved in assessing and opposing overdevelopment and protecting our green spaces and liveability,” she added, pointing to active involvement in a range of local community groups and committees.

“In other words my knowledge is up to date and I would hit the ground running for Willoughby. Other candidates live out of the area or are focused on broader issues. These issues are important but the immediate issues facing Willoughby need to be addressed with some urgency ie the Beaches Link Tunnel, pressure on our open spaces and waterways, a lack of schooling, pressure on our health care systems and overdevelopment” “People are also concerned about a lack of transparency and effective action around climate, education, transport and the pandemic response with a background in science and business, and a particular focus on risk assessment and best practice, these are all areas I can speak to. It is time Willoughby had a true independent voice which is free of party agendas.

Continued next page

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 5

Tim James Liberal

Lyn Saville The Greens

Six contenders vie to replace Gladys in the seat of Willoughby Continued from previous page We are clearly being taken for granted and far more could and should be done to ensure a sustainable and liveable future.”

LIB DEMS AND REASON: Centre right voters who might not want contemplate a swing to the Greens and SAP have other alternatives.

The Liberal Democrats are running Sam Gunning, a former North Sydney councillor who lives in the Crows Nest area, told the Sun: “Its no secret the Liberal Party are in the box seat coming into this election, it’s classically a blue ribbon seat in Willoughby but what we want to offer is a point of difference to Liberal policy. We have Liberal ideals in a classically liberal sense such as reducing the burden of tax.”

“The ultimate issue of the day for the Willoughby by-election; given it’s the ex premiers seat, is figuring out where do we want to move now with this virus. We’re seeing shops closed, everything’s for lease, mortgage stress, people under huge financial pressure.

If it doesn’t end this year, when does it end? It has come at a huge cost to business and to mental health” “My major point of difference I bring is my 4 years as a councillor on North Sydney Council. During that time I consistently voted against rate rises, fees and charges be it parking tickets or whether it’s land rates I’ve decided we are already under too much financial stress on all levels of government. The governments taking

half of your hard earned money. Most years even more for some people. For me I’ve got a track record as a councillor trying to reduce government intervention and spending at a local level.”

A new entrant is the race is the Reason Party, previously known as the Sex Party, whose leader Fiona Patten is a member of the Victorian upper house. Lawyer and voluntary assisted dying advocate Penny Hackett said she was motivated to run by Tim James’ candidacy for the Liberals.

“I cannot stand by and allow this seat to be handed to a Liberal party operative who does not reflect the values of our community, or have its best interests at heart.”

“We cannot go from Gladys to Tony Abbott. Willoughby deserves better.

Following Mr James’ pre-selection there was an immediate and palpable sense of shock and anger in the community, especially among women who saw the obvious and popular choice for Liberal candidate, Gail GilesGidney, thrown over for a right wing political operative who has been described by a fellow Liberal as Tony Abbott’s “mini-me,” Hackett added.

Since 2016, Penny has fought for voluntary assisted dying laws as President of Dying with Dignity NSW which has over 100,000 supporters across the state. During 2021 she led a grassroots campaign across NSW, and was instrumental in the passage of a voluntary assisted dying bill through the NSW Lower House.

Penny Hackett Reason Party

Larissa Penn Independent

William Bourke Sustainable Australia Party

Sam Gunning Liberal Democrats

About the seat of Willoughby The seat covers most of the City of Willoughby and parts of North Sydney local government area. This includes the suburbs of Chatswood, Willoughby, Northbridge, Naremburn, Crows Nest, Middle Cove, north Cremorne and Cammeray.

Western Harbour Tunnel to proceed, but resident pushback grows Construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel will begin within months, after a $722 million contract was awarded to deliver the first stage of tunnelling.

However, news of the contract has ignited pushback from residents who are concerned by the construction’s impacts on Cammeray Park.

In a press statement, premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint venture between John Holland and CPB will build about 1.7 kilometres of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove.

“The tunnel will not only revolutionise how we get around Sydney but also take the pressure off other major roads including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor," he said.

The Western Harbour Tunnel will link WestConnex at Rozelle with the Warringah Freeway at Berry St, North Sydney via 6.5 kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour, with three lanes in each direction.

The state government estimates the new tunnel will reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 percent, Harbour Tunnel by 20 percent and Harbour Bridge by 17 percent.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said that early works, including geotechnical investigations into the

detailed tunnel design, start this month. “Major construction will begin in the middle of this year and I know drivers can’t wait to reap the rewards of this much-needed additional harbour crossing,” Wilson said.

The tunnel plan has been a controversial issue at local government level with fears expressed that the use of Berry St as a major endpoint for the tunnel will scupper plans to close neighbouring Miller St off Berry and turn it into a plaza.

There has also been considerable pushback on the use by the related Beaches Link project of space at Cammeray Park.

Local resident John Berry said: “Cammeray is to get 2 enormous unfiltered emission stacks near schools and homes pumping out carcinogenic emissions from many thousands of cars and trucks. Rozelle residents in the inner west are getting a new 10hectare park to compensate for the disruption caused by WestConnex. We are getting nothing and parkland destruction.”

“The freeway is to be widened and bought into the park destroying green space. Two enormous permanent industrial motorway control sheds would be built in the park destroying greenspace,” Berry said.

A state government graphic describing projected benefits of the new tunnels

Local councillors and independent political candidates support the criticisms. Deputy mayor William Bourke

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 6

said: “Better public transport is what's needed to take the pressure off roads, more not traffic-inducing mega roads.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Opposition continues to Milsons Point linear bike ramp As I know you are aware, Transport for NSW are finalising plans to introduce a linear ramp to replace/ supplement the staircase currently used by cyclists to access the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The community agrees that there is a problem integrating cyclists into existing, congested local streets and is committed to finding a solution that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders. A solution can be found for a safe, cost-effective integrated cycleway that links the cycleway on the bridge to the North and North-Eastern cycleways, while respecting the significant heritage features of the bridge and Bradfield Park, Milsons Point.

Regrettably all attempts by the community to engage in genuine and meaningful discussion with the TfNSW project team thus far have been fruitless.

Sound infrastructure planning is crucial to ensure that investment achieves the maximum benefit and minimal risk to society. The multiple shortcomings in the conduct of this project call into question the validity of the conclusions and the proposed solution. Shortcomings include: misalignment with Transport for NSW project objectives, questionable use of performance data, inadequate financial justification and an outcome not fit for purpose.

We note that the Heritage Council at its meeting in June 2021 prefered a design that:  avoids being a visually dominant structure that is incongruous to the existing station frontage and detracts from the SHB  should be harmonious with the setting  sits quietly in the landscape.

The three ramp designs proposed

by TfNSW do none of these. North Sydney Council at an extraordinary meeting in June 2021 unanimously called on the NSW Government to cease the ramp project immediately.

The community is now calling for a moratorium, so that all stakeholders, in a spirit of genuine consultation may work towards a solution that is acceptable to all.

Joan Street Received January 18

Overlooked and under-reported I write to you in desperation, simply as a concerned resident and not a member of any particular interest group, asking you to use your influence to ventilate an overlooked and underreported issue of public concern namely the proposed cycleway for the northern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge which, if left to politicians, will result in an ugly cycle ramp being attached to our historic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Concerned by what he saw as the drawbacks of three proposed linear ramp designs, McMahons Point resident George Gallagher has proposed his own spiral design which minimises impact on Bradfield Park

This will be an eyesore, and result in the destruction of an attractive park which currently runs beside the Bridge. Transport for NSW, under the guidance of Andrew Constance, then Minister, overrode community concerns and the Department has now put forward the laughable proposal that the community will be consulted about the best design when the community is very clear that they don't want any ramp at all spoiling the heritage listed iconic structure.

Helen Cox Received January 16

Labor commits political suicide?

Just for the record the North Sydney Labor Party has just committed political suicide in the medium term.

1) Labor preferences should not have been directed to the Real Independents (RI), nor any other faction, in the 4th December council election - independence is too valuable to throw away.

2) Labor should not be caucusing with non Labor factions for block votes for the Mayor as per the election of Zoe Baker - by all means vote for her but independently - I supported her for mayor but not immediately/this way.

3) From a Labor perspective, over 55 years experience, too often Labor is perceived as doing backroom deals/no transparency or open debate, and in this case many long term Labor members/supporters are very uneasy with non Labor Party factions/other parties determining Labor voting re 4 of the 6 councillors are not Labor members but have manipulated the 2 Labor council-

lors votes. Allegedly Labor councillor Godfrey Santer stood down for SAP Bourke’s successful candidature for Deputy Mayor?

4) The Labor councillors are going to be fiercely politically attacked/held accountable by the Liberals in North Sydney, state and federal parliamentarians, no matter what policies they advocate, good or bad. But better to be attacked for your own Labor policies rather than RI or SAP policies.

5) When the predictable breakdown/ policy disputation occurs between the 3 factions, the Labor councillors will have lost credibility for their present allegiance with RI, especially as there have been rumours for years, unsubstantiated, about a Greens connection - this has implications for the forthcoming Federal election by May? 6) Those Labor members like myself who have seriously disagreed with North Sydney Labor strategy/tactics over recent months, often excluded from meetings despite substantial financial contributions to the Labor campaign, are about to adopt the traditional Labor response - we will never vote for the Liberals though often supporting specific policies/projects as with former Mayor Jilly Gibson or Independent Ian Mutton, but will run dead - that is no financial contributions or intellectual/physical support during campaigning.

From a broader perspective think the Bill Shorten 2019 federal election defeat when many Labor members remembered his disloyalty to former Labor PM Rudd, but now recognise the loyalty of future PM Albanese.

Michael C H Jones, Received January 11

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 7

Jack of Jilly I was surprised by the tone of the December article which devoted much of its content to criticism of the author of the Jack of Jilly leaflet. You have claimed the author of the leaflet is "a company director with her own business ties to property developers”. It is not clear if you interviewed the author of the flyer before publishing your article. If you had, that may have provided more insight and understanding about the material contained in the leaflet.

Your article fails to elaborate sufficiently on the substance of the Jack of Jilly leaflet. The leaflet is a factual record of the way in which the Neutral Bay Village planning document was developed over the course of 12 months, and the fact that the community’s vigorous campaign against the plan was ignored. A factual record of the councillors who voted for and against the proposal. A factual record of the Liberal Party allegiances of some of the “Independent” councillors and candidates.

A more appropriate headline would have been "Angry residents retaliate against over development in Neutral Bay Village after Mayor uses her casting vote to press ahead with height increases.” It is ironic that since the distribution of this leaflet, the (former) mayor and some councillors who previously voted to support the height increases appear to have suddenly become sympathetic supporters of the community and are antioverdevelopment.

John Hancox Received 29 November (Edited for context and space)

LOCAL ANALYSIS & OPINION The Sun Says The people have spoken. The local political pendulum has swung against over-development. The new council has a clear mandate on issues such as high rise, open space and transparency.

But pendulums rarely stay in equilibrium. Indeed, they tend to swing equally far the other way.

The new council must be mindful that while they have a green light to reverse overdevelopment, they do not have a mandate for moribundity.

The new council has worked with haste to halt development in Neutral Bay Junction as well as reaffirm and strengthen opposition to loss of parks to tunnels.

It has even effected a technical change to planning regulations which will prevent development of blocks of flats across wide swathes of the area.

That’s fine. These actions were promised by winning candidates.

But they also promised to get North Sydney’s nightlife going again, to attract more tourism via initiatives such as the High Line, to encourage small business formation as well as promote cultural venues and events.

These policies cannot be effected by sternly worded motions and photo calls in local parks. They require imagination and initiative.

Sadly, there were no significant Council organised cultural events for either Australia Day or Lunar New Year this year.

The Council’s citizenship ceremony was held via a briskly paced video call with a minimum of ceremony. This contrasted with physical events in neighbouring council areas, addressed by parliamentarians and community leaders: befitting the importance placed by our newest citizens on what is a life milestone for them.

And as for the nearly 10 percent of our community for who Lunar New Year has direct cultural significance? Aside from one lion dance at a market, the symbolic message was clearly to take a hike to Chatswood or Haymarket.

North Sydney has taken a decidedly progressive tilt. There is no debate about that.

But that does not give license to turn North Sydney into No Sydney. The Sun is prepared to throw the weight of its reach and distribution to put some buzz back into an Omicron-dulled community.

We likewise encourage our representatives to be mindful that for every no, there should also ideally be an offsetting yes.

Why now’s the time to revive citizen participation in North Sydney LGA Democracy is an imperfect system, especially the “of the people” part.

Most citizens feel remote from State and Federal Governments. These levels of Government might claim they are “by the people and for the people” but are they “of the people”?

While major interest groups exert influence, the majority do not believe themselves able except through the ballot box, to influence many things that matter in their lives It is at the local council level where we can begin to give people back some control over their immediate world if they choose to exercise it.

At this level people can directly help shape the local environment they want for themselves and their children. At the local level issues such as appropriate development, accessible community facilities, environmental control, sustainability and traffic have a direct impact on daily lives. Those who believe they are being listened to and are helping to influence these aspects of their lives will feel empowered. In today’s busy world many feel socially isolated and alienated.

Public participation enables direct input to decision making in local government matters; being involved and having a say fosters community. While many councils may have different ways of involving people there are no stand-out examples of how citizen involvement is best implemented.

North Sydney was once a beacon of public participation and it is worth looking back to those days.

Donald Horne of “The Lucky Country” fame wrote another book called “Time of Hope”. Fifty years ago is a long time for clear sharp memories but I think it was in that book that he referred to the mother of new Mayor of North Sydney, Carol Baker, and to me, as among the Agenda Setters; in our case as very young Aldermen on North Sydney Council we were designing reforms that would later become commonly accepted across local government throughout the State Carol introduced the first family day care centres and together we promoted open government practices.

At that time, the council area had been divided into precincts by town planning consultants for research purposes. I jumped on the idea of precincts as a vehicle for public participation and successfully moved that committees be established in each precinct to provide council with feedback about development proposals and other relevant local issues. I was then studying for a Master’s degree in urban planning and was captured by revolutionary citizen involvement strategy, especially in San Francisco.

The North Sydney precincts were

Opinion by ROBYN READ, former state member for North Shore (1988-1991) and North Sydney Council alderman (1970-77, 1987-91). Picture from 1988

Citizen participation led to initiatives like the North Sydney Twilight Market

intended to become active partners in government, eventually managing their own budgets. Many councils emulated them.

Alas over recent years, although still active in some areas, there have been moves, both neglectful and deliberate, to weaken them. For example, I heard in the last council of some councillors refusing to attend precinct meetings to answer residents’ questions.

Now there is a new council with the majority of new councillors saying they want to listen to the community.

Carol’s daughter Zoe Baker is the new Mayor and I, with many others, have hopes of a new commitment to the development of public participation strategies.

In the interim 50 years things have changed, especially in technology and the pressures on society. Public participation needs a re-think. Besides precincts, what can be done?

Certainly use can be made of market research to reach those who do not have time to be engaged; online involvement through social media can be enhanced with specific projects and policies put out for comment in highly accessible formats; precincts can be respected and resourced; time limits could be placed on responses to citizen’s requests and enquiries, and nothing left hanging without a reply; council meetings could be held in local halls around the municipality; street meetings around developments which were a great Ted Mack initiative could be re-introduced as could ad hoc referenda in small local areas. New ideas can be trialled, for example, one council in Italy introduced a system where-

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 8

by the council had to show cause why it did not implement requests and ideas coming from its residents.

These are ideas off the top of my head. We have to keep looking for ways to empower citizens in this everincreasingly time-poor alienating society. We have to create opportunities for community in a world which is suffering from individualism.

We have to put people at the centre of a human scale environment. Without mine and others’ efforts to foster citizen participation back then, North Sydney would not have gained its reputation which was revolutionary for the times.

Without this willing and creative environment I would not have been able to initiate for example, the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre or the Friday night food market.

I wonder what great new ideas like the Waverton Coal Loader Centre, might emerge in a council which fosters involvement and creativity.

As part of a commitment to public participation, council must resource it, perhaps by providing each ward with a change agent to foster community involvement in different formats, perhaps by reaching out with innovative communication tools.

North Sydney could again show the leadership which decades ago set it apart as an innovative leader in local government. That leadership must not just come from the top but it must permeate all levels of the administration so that staff see their first responsibility being to serve the residents.

My best wishes go to the new council. May you create a wonderful new era for our community.

LOCAL ANALYSIS & OPINION Jilly, my mum and colleague, holds the honour of second-longest serving Mayor of North Sydney, even longer than Ted Mack, having clocked up close to a decade in the big chair.

Now that the system of appointing our mayor has changed from popularly elected to councillor elected, history shows that we will see frequent leadership turnover.

Councillors vote on a change of guard mid-term, every term, bringing new ideas to the top on a biennial rotation. As we enter this next phase, I would like to take a few lines to celebrate our last long-term Mayor, Jilly.

People often describe my mum as fierce, brave and strong. She is not afraid. Not afraid to say what she thinks, not afraid to stand up for quiet locals, not afraid to confront a vocal minority when their views do not represent the community.

She is also brave enough to say when she is wrong, when she has made mistakes, and to fix them. Jilly doesn’t hide in person, in the media or online. While some avoid the stage, or get others to do their debating, or use pseudonyms to avoid controversy, Jilly says what she thinks and takes responsibility for her comments.

Sometimes it creates awkward chat at family dinners, but so be it, that’s what transparent communication is about.

One thing no one can disagree with is how active and visible Jilly is in the community. Mum is always out and about, speaking to people.

My kids often complain that they can’t get through to Granny on the phone, because she is always talking to someone. We put appointments in Granny’s diary for fifteen minutes early, knowing that she always gets caught up in a conversation while walking from A to B. We cut her slack because we know these chats are how she stays on top of the community’s needs. And how she knows what is important.

Jilly has put forward 727 Mayoral Minutes, including 425 during the last four years, 401 of which were carried.

That’s a success rate of 94%, which demonstrated an almost unanimous agreement on her ideas amongst the elected body. Whatever the naysayers say, those stats show some solid unity.

Her ideas are progressive yet practical, results-driven, establishing fundamental shifts not only at local level but nationally. Creating our smokefree CBD was a first in the country, which others have followed.

I was 16 when my mum first ran for council. She came home and told my sister Maija and I over dinner, completely out of the blue. Up until then our mum had spent her time teaching chefs how to cook à la Cordon Bleu, trading unique works of art for up-ncoming artists or marketing local fashion designers, none of which was a typical lead into politics.

And yet Jilly smashed the vote tally out of the park. My scratchy memory

Remembering Jilly Gibson’s 9 years as mayor: “fierce, brave and strong” has it as a record for a newcomer but don’t quote me on that.

Since then, my sister and I have been involved in every campaign for 23 years. We have played a mixed role of campaign manager and emotional support crew.

More recently, Jilly’s heroic partner Martin has taken the helm, putting life on hold for months at a time to be first captain of the family. Martin’s election baptism was the same year he met Jilly; talk about testing the strength of a new relationship. Turns out it is titanium!

Much loved by all, Martin’s cravat and, sometimes, kilt has become as iconic around North Sydney as Jilly’s name.

For anyone who has been through a political campaign, at any level of government, it is gruelling. Campaigning takes months of focus and every last drop of energy, not to mention the thickest of skin on which to wear the many Facebook battle scars. And that’s all before the actual election day, a ten-hour pitch marathon. Your face at the 6pm closing of polls feels much like the end of a wedding day – cheek cramps from smiling and a raspy voice from talking over a crowd.

In 2012 Jilly became Mayor of North Sydney. It is hard to express the pride, so I won’t try to put it in words.

As the middle of five kids, my mum didn’t get help with homework or funds for university.

I sometimes feel guilty for how much help I have received by comparison, but I also know that education and money are not what make leaders.

It is grit and street smarts and intuition. And a damn good handshake.

My daughter Rosella, Jilly’s first grandchild, was born in 2013 and visited Granny in chambers often. A family joke developed that Jilly was blessed with a new grandchild for every year as Mayor. My sister and I called time at a combined tally of five.

While Jilly carried on, it’s lucky she wasn’t committed to one-for-one or we would have five each.

I decided to run for Council alongside Jilly in 2017. Why? Because since I was a teenager I have watched her capacity to make change happen. She inspires women to challenge expectations. Did you know that when Jilly began as Mayor the ceremonial robes were only available in an XXL men’s size? Jilly ordered the first adequately fitting “womens size” robe that hopefully petite Mayors of the future can wear proudly and comfortably.

To call out the highlights of Jilly’s Mayoralty, there are so many options.

Urban plazas? Public art? Community gardens? Kayak storage? Supporting small businesses? Reclaiming Hayes

Opinion by North Sydney councillor and daughter of Jilly Gibson, ALANYA DRUMMOND

Jilly Gibson with granddaughter Rosella in 2013 Street Beach? Upgrading our Oval?

Flying the Aboriginal Flag in Chambers?

Let’s start with Jilly’s citizenship ceremonies. They are – objectively – legendary. Jilly has always truly welcomed new citizens with warmth and humour. And terrible singing (sorry mum). I have lost count of the number of times that I have visited the home of a new friend and seen a picture of my mum on their mantlepiece, smiling alongside them as they became Australian.

Preserving Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Gardens is next. It has a soft spot for our family; hosting my sister’s wedding, our kids’ Easter Egg hunts, and countless family picnics.

I know how committed Jilly was to ensuring this special place could offer memories to other families, working with Wendy to secure a long-term lease on the land from the NSW Government.

And, of course, revitalising our

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 9

North Sydney Olympic Pool for future generations to enjoy. I spent afternoons there as a kid while mum did fifty laps and we did swim school.

Among amazing eateries, creative kids zones and world class fitness facilities, the pool’s heritage has been honoured at large and small scale.

I was there when Jilly noticed the original brass brackets under the grandstand seats and ensured they be individually removed, restored and reinstalled.

At this last election Jilly won more votes than any other candidate, which demonstrates her ongoing widespread support. Her legacy cannot be erased, nor should anyone try. Whether Mayor or not, I know that Jilly has and will represented the community with a whole heart.

When asked when Jilly will retire, I usually say “good question”. It is hard to imagine our Granny putting her feet up. Unless it’s to test out those brackets at the new pool grandstand.

SUN SCHOOLS GUIDE

Local students excel in latest NSW HSC results North Sydney Boys High School has again excelled at HSC results, ranking second in the state behind James Ruse.

On the measure of “The percentage of students who scored in the top band as a percentage of the number of course entries from that school,” North Sydney Boys scored an astonishing 59.29 percent. Results are split into six bands.

North Sydney Girls High School scored 9th in the state, with a measure of 49.25.

Loreto with 38.67 pipped Wenona at 38.26 into 3rd place. Aloysius followed at 36.06, then Monte at 25.69, Shore at 25.38, SCECGS Redland at 14.32, Cammeraygal at 10.40 and Marist College at 5.99. The median score was 5.47.

Several local students also topped the state in their courses.

Wenona’s Ginger Fitzhardinge ranked first for drama, North Sydney Boy’s Jerry Zhang for Indonesian.

Loreto’s Lydia Mae Colla for Maths Advanced, SCECGS Redlands’ Gabrielle Drage topped the state for textile and design while fellow student Carmen Brisson came first in Spanish Extension.

At North Sydney Boys, Ravi Mavilia topped the state in Information Processes and Technology. Astonishingly, five of his classmates also scored in the top ten in the subject for the state.

There were also significant clusters

North Sydney Boys High of representation in the top state achievers among Japanese, Latin and biology students at North Sydney Girls and textile and design students at SCECGS and Wenona.

The overall top ten schools across the state were, in order: James Ruse Agricultural High School (Selective); North Sydney Boys High School

(Selective); Baulkham Hills High School (Selective); Sydney Grammar School (Selective/Private); Sydney Girls High School (Selective); Reddam House (Private); Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus (Selective); Hornsby Girls High School (Selective); North Sydney Girls High School (Selective); and, Normanhurst

Boys High School (Selective). Over 70% of James Ruse students scored in the top band for a subject.

Loreto scored 21st overall in the state, Wenona 24th, Aloysius 27th, Monte 52nd, Shore 54th and SCECGS 126th.

Overall, 7 of the LGA’s schools featured in the top 55 in the state.

Two new deputy heads, leadership model at Shore In 2022, Shore will continue its sharp focus on delivering the best possible academic outcomes for students in parallel with character development programs and a wide range of cocurricular activities.

This year, it welcomes a number of new staff, including two new Deputy Heads: Ms Rowena Dudgeon, Deputy Head, Pastoral Care, joining from Barker College; and Dr Luke Gilmour, Deputy Head, Co-Curricular, joining from Cranbrook School.

These appointments coincide with a shift to a new leadership model for Shore, moving from a single Deputy Head model to four Deputy Heads, each with specific area of focus and expertise.

Also new to the school is Vanessa Shirriff, the school’s first full-time Head of Careers, who brings more than 18 years of experience in careers education at other leading Sydney private schools, most recently at Wenona.

Her appointment is in response to a growing desire from parents and students for even more support and guidance as they navigate tertiary path-

ways for life beyond school.

This year Shore’s Digital Device programme rolls out, providing a greater focus on technological and entrepreneurial initiatives that will better equip students for today’s digital world.

In addition, with the final stage of the ‘School House’ refurbishment now complete, it marks the finalisation of all renovations to Shore’s four boarding houses.

Other recent renovation work completed includes improvements to the library and ICT spaces, the educational services building, and the theatre.

With the return to campus this year, an exciting calendar of drama productions is ahead, including Shore’s 2022 Musical The Music Man. The RAI Grant Centre is now fully

operational, providing new and contemporary learning, teaching and physical education spaces for all students to use.

The Shore Community continues to be strong and active in providing an invaluable contribution to the fabric of School life through the Shore Parents’ Association, the Old Boys’ Union and the Shore Foundation.

Shore was also proud of its results in the 2021 HSC results, with 18 Shore students listed on the Premier’s distinguished ‘All-Rounders’ list and 10 Shore boys achieving an ATAR over 99 placing them in the top 1% of the state Headmaster Dr Timothy Petterson said: “We’ve navigated an extraordinary couple of years and I’m delighted that there’s much to look forward to in the year ahead. In 2022, we will continue to honour and build upon the rich heritage of Shore tradition.”

Shirriff said: “I’m really excited to join the Shore community and share my experience in careers education which spans over 18 years. My aim is to create a whole school approach to careers education where students are equipped to explore possibilities, make

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 10

Luke Gilmour

Rowena Dudgeon informed decisions and lead meaningful lives.”

SUN SCHOOLS GUIDE

Wenona’s commitment to global learning In Wenona’s piazza space, Wenona’s Year 2 students are standing on one leg, slowly unfurling their arms as they attempt an arabesque alongside former ballerina, Wendy Wickham.

Retracing the steps of the SugarPlum Fairy is just one of the ways Year 2 have approached their ‘How We Express Ourselves’ PYP unit of inquiry.

It has prompted them to explore how different forms of verbal and nonverbal communication convey meaning.

But it is dance and its ability to tell stories in the most authentic of ways that has really captured their imaginations. Guided by their teacher, they’ve embarked on their own research into an exciting world of Russian ballet, Spanish flamenco and American hip hop, furthering their knowledge about the Arts and in doing so, challenging their perceptions about perspective, communication and self-expression.

With its focus on internationalmindedness and its inquiry approach to teaching and learning, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme aligns with Wenona’s strategic direction to educate and empower our students in a global learning community. PYP offers the School a framework in which to inspire our

Special advertising feature youngest students to learn about different cultures in innovative ways, to explore new ideas and concepts, and to respect and understand how people with different belief systems, languages, and traditions experience the world – all invaluable skills in our increasingly interconnected world. ] Everything we do at Wenona is informed by our commitment to diversity and inclusion, empowering students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to be open-minded, principled, and caring global citizens of the future. This is reflected in our approach to languages, with exciting opportunities in Senior School to study Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, and later this year, Latin.

Of course, the intellectual life at Wenona extends well beyond the classroom, with a wide variety of cocurricular and extra-curricular activities on offer, including Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh, trekking in Nepal and Kokoda, as well as endless student-led clubs and societies, all of which help

our young women to discover their talents and passions, and to critically engage in the world around them.

Wenona’s commitment to service learning – underpinned by the School motto Ut Prosim, that I may serve – enables students to get involved in local, national and global communities, and gain an understanding of so-

cial and environmental issues at home and globally.

Most importantly, we want all our students to develop the skills and sense of courage which will enable them to embrace challenge and change, so when they graduate from Wenona, they are fully equipped to serve and shape their world.

NORTH SYDNEY BUSINESS

Collectibles, coffee and rum. What can go wrong?

Two Neutral Bay locals who specialise in small-batch barrel-aged cocktails are teaming up with a coffee company in Perth to create an espresso with a difference, Kevin Jochelson and Elan Shilansky, 32, have teamed their Noble Sage Liquor Company, with Perth-based Timely Coffees to create Raven’s Espresso and are releasing it via a gamified smart waitlist, where coffee-lovers can battle their way to top positions to win over $450 in prizes, including prized first-release bottles.

The Noble Sage Liquor Company’s barrel-aged cocktails are designed to be limited edition collectibles, with each bottle featuring a poem and detailed graphic of the character that inspired the cocktail, and Raven’s Espresso is no different.

Described as an “espresso martini with a twist”, Raven’s Espresso is made with the Sage’s barrel-aged rum and is inspired by a hipster witch who is misconstrued as haunting the night but is actually just wired on caffeine.

“All of our drinks are dedicated to the mysterious characters in the Noble Sage’s universe. Our first release, Noble Negroni is centred around the Sage, whereas our last release, Elusive Bass, is about an intellectual big-foot character whom everyone wants to catch, but who really just wants to be left alone so he can read and enjoy a cocktail”, states Shilansky.

“We grew up in the 90s as part of the ‘Pokemon-generation’ so we wanted to create not just the highest quality cocktails you can pour straight from the bottle, but exciting stories that surrounded our spirits, encouraging you to “collect them all” and show them off and talk about them at your dinnerparty table”, states Jochelson.

Designed to be simply stirred over ice, Raven’s Espresso is using two different beans from Timely Coffees to create both a Caffeinated, for those who love a coffee-kick, and a Decaf version, for those who want to enjoy a coffee-based cocktail that won’t keep

them up all night.

Jochelson and Shilansky, (pictured) are best mates, have known each other for almost 25 years, and started barrel-aging spirits as a fun side project whilst living together during the 2020 lockdowns.

Jochelson is a serial entrepreneur and has spent 10+ years building tech startups. He previously foundedFiestafy, has worked for UBS, Jayride, and Blackbird-VC-backed, Workyard, and is currently on a Bootstrap Sabbatical launching a new business every two months, whilst building in public at Kevjoc.com. He’s since founded four businesses.

Shilansky has over a decade experience in hospitality, working across food, pubs and cocktail joints. He is also a healthcare professional, working as a paramedic and instructor in the Healthcare space.

The Collectibles sector has seen

explosive growth. eBay’s 2021 “State of Trading Cards” report claimed a 142% surge, selling 4 million+ more trading cards, than the year prior; Pokemon cards topped the list.

COVID created a collectibles trend, which has since evolved from sports trading cards to NFTs, spearheaded by people like Gary Vee and Logan Pau and blossoming into initiatives like NBA TopShot.

Recalling nostalgia, reboots of classic games, are some of the top performing games, with games like Pokemon, Mario Party and FIFA all in the top 10 selling games of 2021. The Gaming “niche” is growing exponentially. More people watched the “League of Legends” championship than the Super Bowl. Roblox has over 200 million monthly active users, up from 146 million the previous year.

More at: NobleSageLiquor.com.

North Sydney firm offers outsourced CFO services North Sydney’s Bramelle Partners, a company is offering outsourced CFO services As part of their outsourced CFO solution, Bramelle Partners is focused on continuous improvement across all parts of the finance function whether it be software implementation, process improvement, or migration of accounting software to another package, to make sure that the company’s finance function is run as effectively and efficiently as possible.

One client is Delivery Hero, which used the company to help with busi-

ness and tax compliance requirements. Delivery Hero is a startup company with shareholders from all over the world, tapping Bradley Seeto, founder of Bramelle Partners, who is experienced in international issues and also with the needs of a startup.

The client says, “With his experience in these areas, Brad has demonstrated to us his capability since day one and has been providing us with sound business and tax advice. We would recommend his services to any other similar businesses.”

The outsourced CFO services provided by Bramelle Partners are usually packaged with the tax and business compliance needs of the client for a fixed monthly fee. This ensures certainty with regards to the actual fees to be paid for all of the ongoing taxation, accounting and business compliance needs for the whole year. These services can be categorised as being focused on certain areas, such as the: outsourced financing and accounting division; business and tax compliance; and advisory services. Bramelle Part-

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 12

ners also works with various accounting software companies, such as Xero.

Services for outsourced finance and accounting division include: processing of transactions through to general ledger and management accounts; on time reporting as required by management; payroll processing; accounts receivable analysis and collection; accounts payable; cash flow management; creating additional management reports as required; documentation of procedures for each function for future handover.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Loulou excites Lavender Bay By Jilly Gibson You don’t need Google Maps to find Lavender Bay’s newest foodie haven – just follow the conga line of locals heading to grab a piccolo, honeycomb croissant, really fancy cake to take home, baked-on-site baguette or healthy fresh salad to offset the carb overload. Next door is the area’s latest exciting bistro, dine-in or dine-out.

More about that later.

Locals eagerly awaited the arrival of our suburb’s first fancy French eatery and when the doors opened just before Christmas there was no disappointment.

The Boulangerie & Traiteur is a new local concept with lots of pleasant surprises. My first two visits were just for coffee and a stickybeak. Interesting to see lots of Kirribilli regulars walking the extra distance to grab a takeaway.

The coffee was good – but so is most coffee in Kirribilli and Milsons Point.

My second visit was for a baguette and salad, both extra good. Last Saturday 500 baguettes marched out the door before 11.00am and around the same number of croissants. Locals are obviously not on the Atkins diet!

My third visit was for something special – my daughter Alanya’s birthday (41, sorry darling!) and the first meeting of our newly elected council. I figured sharing cake is good for team building so, on January 10, two delicious gateaux were purchased. All goodies are baked on-site under the eagle eye of Loulou’s head baker Brendon Woodward.

The first, a chocolate Eventail, would impress at any celebration.

Fluffy layers of chocolate ganache and hazelnuts were rich and velvety without being overly sweet. At $54 it isn’t cheap, but a smallish slice is all that’s needed.

The second was a Basque cheesecake. Let me say I haven’t tasted anything like this since - well - since I was in the Basque region. Simply amazing and true to the region’s version in both looks and taste. This cake is easy to overlook in a shop or restaurant as it is served totally unadorned and has a usual deep brown/black crust.

Also at $54 it is well priced for a cake that’s hard to make at home, great for morning tea (or breakfast even!), afternoon tea or with ice cream to complete a dinner party. Would otherwise make a lovely gift for the host instead of the usual chocolates or flowers. The leftovers tasted just as yummy five days later.

Onto the Bistro. Lots of S words spring to mind; sleek, sophisticated and yes, sexy! Even more S words

Bill Hannigan above, scenes from Loulou

flowed when I met the chef de cuisine; Sydney born (Summer Hill), super smart and, may I say, rather suave.

Let me introduce Billy Hannigan who started his apprenticeship with Guillaume at Bennelong, Sydney Opera House, age fifteen. By nineteen, Billy was off to try his luck in London where he nabbed a prized spot in the Ledbury’s Kitchen at Notting Hill (two stars and rated the tenth best restaurant in the world.)

Billy: welcome to Lavender Bay, locals are already appreciating you.

The Bistro food is modern French, the vibe contemporary Sydney. Stroll by and check out the atmosphere and

menus. Or do I what I did and pop in for an afternoon aperitif and browse the dinner specials.

WE ATE: Zucchini flowers with white anchovy, Salad Niçoise with Tasmanian octopus, Oxheart tomato with rhubarb vinaigrette, John dori farçi with sauce champagne, Rôtisserie chicken with sauce chasseur, moules frites, Leek bottarga, Roasted baby carrots, Pommes frites, Soufflé a la rhubarb.

WE DRANK: Mada Pinot Gris & Arnaude Rose.

SHARE WITH A FRIEND: A great combo is the John Dori Farçi plus the Oxheart tomato plate. The Dory was

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 13

stuffed with scallops then steamed.

The champagne sauce & spinach was the ideal complement. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe and served at room temperature. The dressing was so delicious I quickly asked the waiter for a spoon.

JILLY’S THOUGHTS: Vegetables (and sauces) were the stars of the show. Friendly relaxed service. Most of the diners were locals. Banquettes very comfy – stayed over four hours. We will go back soon.

Bon Appétit , Jilly Gibson

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Bears Juniors surge as 2022 competition kicks off

By James Mullan As a push continues in 2022 to get the North Sydney Bears reinstated to the NRL, it can be revealed that they are one of the few Rugby League clubs in NSW with a growing juniors player base.

The club has seen roughly a 56% jump in junior player membership in the last decade, now boasting 1,600 registered Juniors.

Part of this growth can be attributed to the club’s introduction of a Women’s team over the past few years.

In 2018, the Bears debuted in the NSWRL Women’s Premiership; the top competition in the state.

This year, the club will be debuting in the Tarsha Gale Cup, a NSW wide, under 19 female representative competition as well as in the Under 17s Lisa Fiaola Cup. The introduction of these new teams is part of the club’s strategic plan to increase female Rugby League participation.

“We are creating a strong Rugby League pathway for female players in the North Sydney district from U6s all the way up to our Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team” Bears CEO Gareth Holmes says.

Five local juniors, Georgia Clements, Maumi Faupula, Hannah Mcfayden, Grace-Lee Weekes, Summer Enasio form the Asquith Magpies will play in the Tarsha Gale side.

Meanwhile, in the junior men's teams, there has been also been an increase in the number of local talent representing the red and black.

In the Harold Matthews under 17’s competition, the squad will have 8 players from the local area. Over in

the SG Ball under 19 competition, 6 local players will suit up for the club.

Due to Covid restrictions, trials were limited, focussing the club more on local talent.

“It was important we look at our junior league potentially more than we’ve done in the past,” Holmes said.

In Harold Matthews, Jack O'Connor from the Berowra Wallabies joins Kye Stewart from Asquith Magpies.

The Lane Cove Tigers have three representatives; Joe Dillon, Malakye Enasio, Nicholas Ashdown as well as Marshall Le Maitre, Heath Turner, Oli McKellar from Ku-ring-gai Cubs.

Samuel Woollett and Jordan Dickson from North Shore Brothers will join Berowra Wallabies Juniors, Damien Nati and Max Sedgman in SG Ball.

Both the introduction of new women’s teams and increased local player representation is part of the clubs' strategy to provide more growth opportunities for players.

“It is important that we show a clear progression and pathway for the local clubs to the district club. The kids are aspirational and want to pull on the red and black jersey” NSW Junior Rugby League competitions kicks off this weekend.

What’s being planned around North Sydney?

100 WALKER ST Plans have been lodged for a new high rise building at 100 Walker St. A development application outlines the design, construction and operation of a 48-storey office building with a maximum building height of RL239 metres and a total gross floor area provision of 42,573sqm. The building will accommodate 40-storeys of commercial office space including terraces on the eastern elevation and building plant at the Low-rise Deck (Level 17), Mid-rise Deck (Level 31) and rooftop (Level 45 and 46). There will be retail premises (including food and beverage premises and shops) accommodated on the Lower Ground Floor, Upper Ground Floor and Basement Level B1.

There will be a 6 storey basement to accommodate a total of 74 car parking spaces, 2 loading bays, 4397 bicycle parking spaces, as well as associated end of trip facilities, storage, back of

pontoons; relocation of mooring piles, dredging works to provide for larger vessels and associated works.

ALFRED ST S, MILSONS POINT There appears to be a new all-day licensed restaurant moving into the ground floor of North at 118 Alfred St South. A December application seeks trading hours of 7am to 10pm. The restaurants will be called Mani and will feature outdoor dining. The applicant is named Elton Chen. house, services and substation. There will be provision of a 6m-wide open to the sky public pedestrian laneway The DA was lodged by Tactical Project Management.

BRADLY AVE, KIRRIBILLI A DA has been lodged for a replacement of a fixed jetty with a finger pontoon, installation of two new finger

CREMORNE APARTMENTS A DA has been received for the demolition of existing structures and construction of a five storey shop top housing development with basement parking at 75 Parraween St. Access to basement parking is proposed through adjoining building at 368 Military Road. The cost of work is estimated at just under $5 million.

North Sydney Sun | February 2022 | Page 14

Joe Dillon, Malakye Enasio Copyright Decisive Publishing.

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ACN 065 084 960 Responsibility for election comment taken by G Lynch Office address: Unit 3 20 Cliff St Milsons Point NSW Australia 2061 Phone: 02 9061 7048 URL: www.northsydneysun.com.au Email for editorial: grahamelynch@northsydneysun.com Founding editor and Decisive CEO: Grahame Lynch Associate publisher: James Mullan james@northsydneysun.com.au Advertising information: Amy Carswell amy@commsdaymail.com Distribution inquiries: Linda Salameh linda@commsdaymail.com Payment inquiries: Sally Lloyd sally@commsdaymail.com Printer: Spotpress, 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place Marrickville NSW 2204 15,000 copies circulated to homes and businesses in the North Sydney LGA Printer statement available on demand

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