Sydney Times

08/09/2026

“First look: Woollahra long-term housing transformation"
8 September 2026
Media release outlines the government's vision for the precinct.

"Thousands more people could have the opportunity to call Woollahra and Edgecliff home under the Minns Labor Government's new vision to deliver up to 9,400 new homes around Sydney's first new heavy rail station in more than a decade.”
The detailed draft rezoning proposal being revealed today will help tackle the state's housing challenge by opening up more housing close to the C*D, jobs and a new station, while rebalancing growth across Sydney."

You can view the draft rezoning proposals for the Woollahra long-term housing transformation in two ways:

* **Online**: You can view the proposal and submit feedback via the [NSW Planning Portal](https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/).
* **In-person**You can attend drop-in sessions held at The Lawns of Double Bay, taking place between 17 September 2026 and 29 September 2026. You can register for these sessions by visiting the [NSW Planning](https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/) website.

The proposal is on public exhibition until 5:00 pm on 7 October 2026.
Full article on www.sydneytimes.net.au

22/08/2026

Farewell Paddle Out for JOHNNY BOO by the North Maroubra SurfRiders on Saturday 22 August 2026

11/08/2026

New Town Hall Square Development Announced by Lord Mayor Clover Moore

SYDNEY — The City of Sydney has unveiled plans for a major upgrade to Town Hall Square, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore announcing the project today.

The development aims to create more public space, improve pedestrian access, and add new seating, greenery and lighting to the area outside Sydney Town Hall.

“This is about making the heart of our city more welcoming for everyone,” Lord Mayor Moore said. “Town Hall Square should be a place where Sydneysiders can meet, rest, and enjoy public life.”

Key parts of the plan include widening footpaths, adding shade trees, installing accessible seating, and improving connections to George Street and the light rail.

Construction timelines and budget details have not yet been released. The City said community consultation will begin next month, with designs to be shown to the public before work starts.

Local businesses and commuters use Town Hall Square daily, and the Council says the upgrades are part of a broader push to make the C*D more walkable.
See www.sydneytimes.net.au

11/08/2026

150M Town Hall Square plans released

Designs for the long-anticipated Town Hall Square have officially been released by the City of Sydney. The $150 million project will create a new civic space opposite Sydney Town Hall, complete with native trees, seating, and flexible areas for events.

Key takeaways:
• The Vision: A contemporary "living room" for Sydney to host festivals and community events.
• The Scope: Includes the demolition of seven buildings at the corner of George, Park, and Pitt streets.
• The Timeline: Development application to be lodged in coming months; demolition starts 2028; completion expected in 2031.
Read more on the full project details at sydneytimes.net.au.

07/08/2026

After 3 years and a $90M rebuild, North Sydney Olympic Pool has reopened.

The new design keeps the iconic harbour backdrop but adds a lot more:

**What's new:**
🏊 50m heated outdoor pool + 25m indoor pool for year-round swimming
👶 New splash park + leisure pool for kids and families
♿ Improved accessibility with beach-entry ramp and lifts
🌿 Upgraded changerooms, gym, cafe, and shaded lawn areas
🎨 Heritage features restored + new landscaping with native planting

The pool was first built for the 1938 British Empire Games. This rebuild keeps that heritage feel but makes it work for 2026 - more space, better light, and designed to handle crowds all year.

First public swim sessions start this week. Bookings open on the North Sydney Council website.

25/06/2026

Honoured to be in the room at Chiswick for the launch of Wander Woman’s new report on the rise of solo travel among Australian women.

The numbers confirm what we’re seeing everywhere: more women are choosing to travel alone, on their own terms. Curiosity over compromise. Slow mornings. Tables for one + a great glass of w**e.

What made the conversation even richer is _where_ this solo travel is happening. Holiday Parks is opening up NSW’s Crown land like never before — with *45+ holiday parks* from the coast to the hinterland, including camping sites and *luxury glamping* for those who want stars without sacrificing comfort. Think waterfront cabins in Forster, glamping tents at Coffs Harbour, and peaceful bush sites where you can hear yourself think.

It’s this combination that’s changing the game: safe, beautiful, accessible places to land when you’re traveling solo. Crown land, managed well, giving women more choice in how and where they explore NSW.

Wander Woman is capturing something important — this isn’t a trend. It’s a shift in how Australian women see freedom, time, and travel. And with Reflections creating more places to stay, the road ahead looks wide open.

If you haven’t read the report yet, do. Then start planning where you’ll go first.



---

*Quick tip*: Tag Holiday Parks NSW and Woman in the post so it hits both audiences.

Want me to also draft a 1-line pull-quote from the report you could overlay on a Chiswick photo for the image?

09/05/2026

Richard Lewer Claims the 2026 Archibald Prize

The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) was buzzing yesterday as Richard Lewer was officially crowned the winner of the 2026 Archibald Prize. The Melbourne-based artist took home the prestigious $100,000 award for his life-size portrait of Iluwanti Ken, a revered Pitjantjatjara Elder, traditional healer (ngangkari), and senior artist from the APY Lands. Lewer, a six-time finalist, spent significant time with Ken at Tjala Arts in South Australia to capture her "immense, quiet authority," setting her against a vibrant yellow ochre background that evokes the intense heat and light of her home Country.
The Board of Trustees noted they were "immediately drawn" to the power and energy of the work, which beautifully honors the deep respect between the two artists. While Lewer celebrated his "sixth time lucky" win, he emphasized that his primary intention was to bring a spotlight to Ken’s vital role as a cultural custodian. The exhibition, which includes other major winners like Gaypalani Waṉambi (Wynne Prize) and Lucy Culliton (Sulman Prize), officially opens to the public today, May 9, and will run until August 16. Don't miss your chance to see this year's 59 incredible finalists!

01/05/2026

Breaking News: Sean Layh Wins the 2026 Packing Room Prize!

The Archibald Prize finalists have been revealed today, and art school dropout turned self-taught painter Sean Layh has taken home the $3,000 Packing Room Prize!

While the prestigious $100,000 Archibald Prize (running since 1921) is judged by trustees, the Packing Room Prize is a 35-year tradition decided by the very staff who unpack the thousands of entries. This year, the team narrowed down a staggering 2,524 entries across the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes.

Under the guidance of curator Beatrice Gralton, the gallery staff participate in what she calls a "game of aesthetic Tetris," arranging the finalists to create the perfect flow. She famously likened the process to throwing a house party as a teenager—you have to get everything perfectly in place before the "parents" (the public and judges) arrive!
See the article by Matilda Cheshire on www.sydneytimes.net.au

19/04/2026

An amazing sunny Autumn Day in Sydney marked the opening of the incredible architectural monument known as the Cutaway Barangaroo located on Sydne Harbour at the northern end of the Rocks within walking distance of the bustling Barangaroo business and Dining Quarter ! The official opening of The Cutaway by the Premier of NSW with Project and Sydney stakeholders present was marked by a Speech and Ribbon cutting and a small Cultural performance comprising a performance from Sydney Dance Company and a Seniors Choir which capture the sounds and harmonies of the Aussie Bush ! This is a magnificent addition to Sydney and in the words of Steve Kamper The Minister for Sport and Culture “a Real game changer !”

03/04/2026