Hunters Hill Town Hall will transform into a hub for local storytelling as the women-led company Gente, gente! presents a rare double bill of maritime tragedy and natural wonder.
The upcoming production scheduled for 25 February, 28 February, and 1 March 2026 marks a shift in how local stories are told through music. The company has chosen to pair a famous work about the Irish coastline with pieces by a composer who studied under the original creator.
This choice highlights the deep connection between a teacher and a student while focusing on the lives of women who live by the sea. By choosing a community hall instead of a traditional city theatre, the organisers hope to make the experience feel more like a shared local event than a formal night out.
Supporting Local Talent
This project does more than just put on a show; it creates a bridge for artists who often find themselves stuck between being a student and a professional. Many formal training programmes in New South Wales stop helping singers once they turn 26, leaving many talented people without a clear path forward.
This production intentionally hires early and mid-career musicians to work alongside experts. Conductor Dr Joanna Drimatis noted that the music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Elizabeth Maconchy was selected specifically to show off the strength and vocal range of these local performers.
The organisers are also changing how people pay for their tickets to ensure everyone in the community can attend. Instead of fixed high prices, the company allows guests to enter based on an optional donation.
This approach reflects the name of the company, which translates from Italian to “People, people!” Artistic Director Sarah Cherlin explained that the goal is to tell stories that feel real and honest to modern audiences. By focusing on the roles of mothers, daughters, and sisters, the group aims to move away from old-fashioned ideas and show the true emotional weight of the characters.
The entire leadership team for this double bill is female, which is still quite rare in the Australian arts world. Director Bec Moret and the rest of the creative staff are working to ensure that the female characters on stage are seen as strong and enduring rather than just victims of their circumstances. The first half of the show tells a story of loss on the Aran Islands, while the second half uses songs about mermaids and the natural world to find a sense of peace. This balance of sadness and wonder is designed to stay with the audience long after they leave the town hall.
Australian actor Rose Byrne, a former Hunters Hill High School student, has won her first Golden Globe, marking a significant career milestone after more than two decades working across film and television.
Byrne received the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 83rd annual ceremony for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. The independent film was produced by A24 and premiered at Sundance in early 2025.
Her performance also earned the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin Film Festival. The film was shot over 25 days and is scheduled for wide release on 20 February 2026.
Born in Balmain on 24 July 1979, Byrne attended Balmain Public School before completing part of her secondary education at Hunters Hill High School. Her connection to Hunters Hill is established through her schooling, which formed part of her early development prior to university and professional training.
After finishing high school, Byrne studied an arts degree at the University of Sydney. She also trained with the Australian Theatre for Young People from the age of eight, encouraged by her family.
Early Career And Progression
Byrne made her screen debut in the 1994 Australian film Dallas Doll. Throughout the 1990s, she appeared in local television productions including Echo Point and Heartbreak High, building experience before transitioning into international roles.
Her career later expanded across a range of genres, including drama, science fiction, horror and comedy, allowing her to move steadily between Australian and international productions.
Photo Credit: GoldenGlobes/Facebook
Comedy Roles And Industry Reputation
Byrne became widely recognised for her work in ensemble comedies such as Bridesmaids, Neighbors and Spy. Her performances were noted for their consistency across both film and television, contributing to a long-running international career rather than a rapid rise.
Family Life
Since 2012, Byrne has been in a long-term relationship with actor Bobby Cannavale. The couple have two sons, born in February 2016 and November 2017. In 2026, Byrne publicly referred to Cannavale as her husband.
The Golden Globe win represents a defining point in Byrne’s career and brings renewed attention to her early education, with Hunters Hill High School now counted among the formative stages of an international acting career.
A proposal to expand Woolwich Marina in Hunters Hill has been refused after authorities found the development would result in unacceptable visual and heritage impacts on surrounding foreshore areas.
The Woolwich Marina proposal involved alterations and additions at 2C Margaret Street, Woolwich, with the aim of increasing berthing capacity from 45 to 79 vessels. The development application was refused by the Sydney North Planning Panel in February 2024.
Following that decision, the applicant appealed to the NSW Land and Environment Court, triggering extended legal proceedings involving local objectors.
Kelly’s Bush Park, immediately north of the marina site, is listed on the State Heritage Register and is recognised as the site of Australia’s first Green Ban in 1971.
On 19 December 2025, the Land and Environment Court dismissed the appeal, confirming that development consent could not be granted. The ruling found the proposal would significantly diminish views from publicly accessible foreshore locations.
The authorities determined that these visual impacts were closely linked to heritage impacts, particularly affecting views from Kelly’s Bush Park and towards nearby harbour islands.
Photo Credit: Hunters Hill Council
Amended Proposal Assessment
During the appeal, amended plans were submitted that reduced the marina footprint, altered the layout, limited vessel lengths to 25 metres and introduced additional public facilities.
The amended proposal was placed on public exhibition in mid-2025, with submissions closing on 27 June 2025. Further heritage-related documentation was submitted in July 2025. The authorities found the changes did not adequately address the identified impacts.
Photo Credit: Hunters Hill Council
Community Response
Community groups welcomed the decision but have expressed concern that further development proposals could be pursued in the future. The legal process has also placed financial strain on those involved in opposing the application.
Outlook
The refusal confirms that the existing Woolwich Marina approval remains unchanged. Any future proposal would require a new assessment process.
The decision represents a definitive outcome for the current application in Hunters Hill, with visual and heritage considerations remaining central to future planning outcomes.
Anyone who walks, drives or catches a bus through the intersection of Gladesville Road, Joubert Street and Church Street in Hunters Hill knows it can be a challenging spot, particularly during busy periods. After community consultation and design refinement, Transport for NSW has confirmed a set of safety improvements aimed at reducing congestion and making crossings safer, especially for students and pedestrians heading to nearby bus stops.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, following several months of consultation with Hunters Hill Council and the local community.
Why This Intersection Was Flagged
The intersection experiences heavy congestion due to the way traffic currently moves through the area. It also sits close to schools, shops and public transport, meaning pedestrians frequently cross at points where traffic volumes are high.
Transport for NSW identified particular safety concerns for students crossing the Burns Bay Road exit ramp and Joubert Street (north) when accessing bus stops nearby. Feedback from Council and residents highlighted the need for clearer, safer crossing points without significantly restricting local vehicle access.
What Was Proposed and What Changed
Initial concepts shared with the community included changes to traffic movements at Joubert Street south, including removing some turning options to reduce conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.
Community feedback showed strong support for improved pedestrian crossings and lighting, but also raised concerns about access and traffic flow if certain turns were removed. Following the consultation period, Transport for NSW revised the design to address those concerns.
The Final Design
The final plan keeps the right-hand turn from Joubert Street south onto Gladesville Road, responding directly to feedback received during consultation.
The project will be delivered in two stages:
Stage one will install a pedestrian island that blocks through traffic from Joubert Street south to the Burns Bay Road on-ramp.
Stage two will deliver two new pedestrian crossings and new lighting to improve visibility and safety.
The new pedestrian crossings will be located:
Across Joubert Street north, near the Hunters Hill Hotel
Across the Burns Bay Road entry ramp
Kerb ramps and upgraded lighting will support safer access for pedestrians of all ages.
What Happens Next
Transport for NSW is finalising the detailed design and preparing for construction, which is expected to start in early 2026. Community updates will be provided before works begin and as the project progresses.
While the intersection will continue to function as a key traffic route through Hunters Hill, the changes are intended to improve safety outcomes while maintaining reasonable access for drivers, pedestrians and public transport users.
Locals in Hunters Hill are standing together to protect Kellys Bush as plans to expand Woolwich Marina threaten one of Sydney’s most treasured public spaces.
Plans to expand Woolwich Marina have faced strong opposition from Hunters Hill residents, who fear the $8.5 million project will damage a valued public foreshore. The dispute focuses on Kellys Bush, a site linked to the 1970s Green Bans movement. The NSW Land and Environment Court is reviewing the case after previous rejections by local planning bodies.
Developer Chan Hoi Li aims to increase berths from 45 to 79 for larger boats. Despite revised plans reducing vessel size and marina area, residents remain worried about safety, visual impact, and loss of access.
Community Groups Lead Opposition
Local groups such as Save Our Shores, the Hunters Hill Trust, and Friends of Kellys Bush have joined residents in opposing the marina expansion. They say it would turn a public foreshore into a commercial zone for wealthy yacht owners.
Campaigner Tim Ross warned it would narrow harbour access and disrupt recreation near the Hunters Hill Sailing Club. Community spokeswoman Beverley Bennett said residents crowd-funded the legal fight to defend public space. Parents like Jennifer Edwards argue the area should remain open to all Sydneysiders.
Council’s Costly Legal Battle
Hunters Hill Council has poured more than $378,000 into defending its rejection of the Woolwich Marina expansion. Officials say the fight is about more than money, calling it a stand for heritage and public access on Sydney Harbour.
Many residents back the council’s stance, describing it as a test of how far communities will go to protect shared spaces. The proposal also raised red flags over nearby heritage sites and the ecological importance of Kellys Bush.
Balancing Growth and Heritage
The Woolwich Marina dispute has become a test of how Sydney balances growth with cultural and environmental preservation. Supporters say the upgrade would meet rising demand for larger berths, but locals argue it threatens community identity and access.
Kellys Bush remains untouched as the court weighs the developer’s appeal. Its outcome could shape the future of similar projects across Sydney Harbour.
Shane Florio, 46, passed away in hospital after his speedboat struck a moored yacht near Hunters Hill around 7.30pm on 6 October.
Mr Florio and a 25-year-old female passenger were transported to Royal North Shore Hospital with significant injuries following the incident. The woman was discharged on Monday, whilst Mr Florio succumbed to his injuries, which are believed to have been internal.
Acting Inspector Ryan Spong described the impact as severe, noting the collision caused immediate and extensive damage to both vessels, with the moored yacht sinking at the scene.
The speedboat involved was a 38-foot Brabus Marine Shadow 900 XC, which has been secured at the Marine Area Command headquarters in Balmain for examination.
Emergency services were called to a property on Herberton Avenue, where both injured parties were located after the crash.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities had not confirmed whether speed was a contributing factor to the incident.
Acting Inspector Spong noted there was no immediate indication that drugs or alcohol were involved, though investigations remain ongoing.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for boating safety on Sydney’s waterways. Inspector Spong emphasised that vessel operators bear full responsibility for safe navigation, urging boaters to abstain from drugs and alcohol, wear life jackets, reduce speed and ensure proper safety equipment is on board.
He noted the weekend saw several boating incidents, with some also involving vessels travelling at speed.
Mr Florio’s death has left family and friends grieving. A relative posted online on Monday expressing shock and disbelief at the loss, describing him as someone who “lived life to the fullest”.
The Hunters Hill Club is championing equitable access for women and girls in community sport with a major upgrade to its female changerooms, made possible by a $73,480 NSW Government grant that is part of a state-wide boost for local bowls clubs.
The funding for the Hunters Hill Club is targeted at a comprehensive upgrade of its women’s change room showers and toilets. The project aims to provide modern, high-quality facilities that reflect the growing participation of women in local sports.
Hunters Hill Club Board Chair Andrew Turnbull explained that the club actively provides facilities for local all-girls schools, community fitness groups, and women’s tennis and lawn bowls players. He stated that delivering equitable facilities is essential to meet expectations and cater to the rising demand from women who play, or wish to play, sport in the community. With 1,700 members, the club is focused on ensuring its infrastructure serves everyone equally.
Part of a Broader Community Boost
This local investment is a key component of a much larger state-wide program. The funds originate from the New South Wales Government’s Community Building Partnership 2025 Grant, which was approved in August. In total, the program has allocated $1,665,495 to 57 bowls clubs across the state to help them progress projects that deliver positive social and recreational outcomes for their local areas.
The successful funding applications show how local clubs are evolving into essential community hubs. Bowls Australia’s Head of Club Support, Brett Hughes, said the funding outcome was a fantastic achievement that demonstrated the dedication of clubs in submitting strong applications. He noted that financial support for bowls clubs under this program has increased dramatically year on year, which demonstrates the increasingly important role these clubs play in their communities.
The variety of projects funded highlights this evolution. While Hunters Hill focused on equitable sporting infrastructure, the Kiama Bowling Club received $40,000 for a new community courtesy bus. Grant coordinator Ken Bryant reported that their previous 14-year-old bus was at the end of its life. He said the new vehicle will provide a comfortable and free transport service, supporting the ability of many community members to engage in the numerous social and sporting events the club provides.
One of the most influential mentors at Hunters Hill Public School isn’t a principal or a teacher, but a cleaner for government contractor Serco whose personal dedication has profoundly shaped the school’s culture.
Since beginning her role in January 2020, Akessa Seru has become an essential part of the school’s daily life. Employed by Serco, a company providing complex services to governments across the Asia Pacific in sectors like defence and facilities management, Ms. Seru believes her job requires more than just fulfilling a contract.
She has expressed that honesty and dedication are crucial to making a real impact, stating that ensuring the school is clean is always her first priority. She feels a responsibility to tackle any job, big or small, to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for the children.
Cultivating More Than a Garden
Ms Seru’s most visible contribution is a vibrant green garden she started and maintains on the school grounds. This labour of love produces a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices, including silver beet, beans, bok choy, and citrus fruits.
Some of the fresh ingredients are used in the school canteen to add homegrown nutrition to student lunches. Other produce is donated to the staff room for teachers to share, further connecting her work to the well-being of the entire school.
Her high standards and passion for her work have had a notable effect on those around her. Ms. Seru has shared that she always tried to mentor younger cleaners she worked with in the past. She was deeply touched when a former colleague, who later moved into nursing, called to thank her for the valuable lessons she had learned.
This influence is deeply felt at Hunters Hill, where the school principal has written a letter with glowing feedback. Each year, she is invited to the school’s Christmas party, where she receives presents and handwritten letters from students who talk about how amazing she is at home.
The daily interactions, from students and teachers greeting her in the morning to invitations to share lunch, show how appreciated she is. For Ms. Seru, who moved to Australia from Fiji, providing a clean and safe learning space is something she does with the care she would give her own grandchild. Her influence is so profound that one child told her they wanted to grow up to be a cleaner, just like her. She credits the flexibility and kindness from her Serco managers for enabling her to thrive and balance her work with her family life and faith.
We’ve combed Hunters Hill and Woolwich for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Alpha T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ La chouette (aka the owl) is a quaint little place. We found this little gem on the internet. It’s hard to find good French cuisine that’s not in the city. Loved the scallops, escargot, beef fillet and the soufflé!
Joseph Giandomenico ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our favourite french restaurant in the inner west, a lovely romantic spot in an old cottage. Have been there twice and the food is outstanding and transports you to France. The host, who is french, is so welcoming and completes a memorable experience.
Jw Zhang ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really sweet place to spend a night with the most important person in your life~ Cozy environment and reasonable prices. We love the foods and landlady Joy~ Come back here soon soon!
Andy Cheung ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can’t believe we have only bummed into this cafe after all these years. It has to be one of the most charming cafes with outdoor sitting. Surrounded by beautiful sandstone buildings and with a boutique flower shop and homeware store on site. You feel like you are sipping coffee in an European village.
Emily Do ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great location and I love the set up and decor. I had the scrambled eggs, smoked salmon & chives in a croissant with the hash brown. It was delicious though a bit expensive in my opinion for what it was. The coffee was great and perfect spot for a sunny day to be sat outside.
WHY Meannie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A very chill environment, awesome coffee and yummy food. Thanks for the nice lunch. I will visit again.
Liv Nix ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lovely spot for lunch, airy and clean. Staff are very friendly and a great menu with different dietary requirements catered for. We had the tacos and the Moroccan salad, both were really really tasty! Parking available with three free hours so plenty of time to relax with a glass of wine. Will go back in the evening soon
ANNE FERGUSON ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really enjoyed my time here after a long break between visits. I enjoyed my meal very much – steak cooked as ordered, chips crunchy and not soggy, lettuce salad was perfect – so simple and so tasty. Perfect for a quiet lunch at a very reasonable price. Great choices on the menu.
Phoebe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nice bright, modern interiors suitable to fit groups of all sizes with comfy booth seating, space is good for with kids too. Food is good – elevated pub fare. I liked the chilli prawn spaghetti; rump steak w/ chimmichurri cooked very well too. Pricing is on par with other sydney pubs. Different food specials on different days of the week and happy hour M-F from 3-6pm. Decent beers selection on tap. Outdoor terrace is really nice – covered with transparent awning or umbrellas to let max light through. Water mist goes on during hot days. Huge screen in the terrace area (and multiple screens throughout venue) for live sports. Parking easy – either underground (free if validate at the counter) or plenty on streets surrounding.
Jaya Singhal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had a baby shower high-tea event at Deckhouse and everything was just perfect – the venue, food, harbor views, weather and especially the service from staff was amazing. Me and my guests had a great time. Food was delicious with lots of variety and generous helpings. Every person we interacted from the inception of event to conclusion was professional and helpful including Stephanie from sales and Alannah and Lara from events. Thank you for making it a memorable day for us!
Rodney Percival ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We went for a friends passing farewell. We had a room with a great view. Upon arrival, there was a suited gentleman advising us where to park and also took us to a luxury change room. We attended the function with two waiters looking after the group throughout the event 6 hours. Nothing was too much trouble for them. All in all, a great function building (next door there was a wedding) with great views and a great service. If you have a function, then I recommend the Deckhouse
Matthew Dooley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lovely lovely location. Perfect for a winter brunch or lunch. Food is at a high standard and nice ambience too. And great service. Hard to fault!!
Russell Duma ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious food and great service. Great value for money. This will be a regular for the family. I’ve been to a few of the stalwarts in Sydney and My Everest is right up there. If you like Indian and Nepalese food, you cannot go wrong.
Jordan Knox ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious authentic nepalese food, and awesome service! Would love to have some music playing in the restaurant, but otherwise 10/10!
Aussie Wan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have ordered 6 or 7 times in the past 4 months and I have never been disappointed with any of my experiences. While I do order the same meal, Paneer Butter Masala, 2 Naan breads & half a Tandoori chicken they get a 5 star from me. I’m not a big eater and the meal last over 3 meals. The meal is always delivered before the estimated time and still hot which makes it enjoyable.
A family from Sydney’s inner west paid a stunning $6.89 million for an “untouched” cottage in prestigious Hunters Hill, exceeding its reserve by more than $2 million. The significant sale occurred at auction on Saturday, the property’s first time on the market in 64 years.
The property, located at 19 Gale Street, had been guided at $4.5 million with a reserve set at $4.8 million. The bidding opened at the guide price and quickly escalated. Out of four registered bidders, three actively participated, driving the price well beyond expectations.
Nicole Robertson of BresicWhitney Hunters Hill noted that the property’s unique nature, given how rarely such homes become available, generated considerable excitement among buyers. The successful Inner West family plans extensive renovations to the home.
Known as ‘Blond Cottage,’ this single-level, three-bedroom house is described as being virtually unchanged for generations and lovingly held by one family for over six decades. It sits on a substantial 844 square metre garden block, boasting rare dual street frontages on both Gale and Hunter Streets.
The listing highlighted its original condition and its potential for redevelopment into a dream home, subject to council approval, due to its generous dimensions of 18.29 metres by 45.72 metres.
The appeal of ‘Blond Cottage’ is significantly boosted by its location within an exclusive and tightly held harbourside peninsula enclave. Residents enjoy immediate access to local amenities and natural beauty spots.
The home is just moments from Clarke’s Point, harbour foreshore parklands, and scenic walking trails. It also offers convenient access to the ferry, local sailing clubs, Woolwich Baths, a variety of local dining options, and top schools, providing a sought-after harbour lifestyle at its doorstep.
The extraordinary sale price reflects the strong demand for unique properties in the Hunters Hill area.
Domain data shows that the median house price in Hunters Hill has seen an 8.6 per cent increase in the year to March, reaching $4.4 million. The property was one of 965 scheduled to go to auction across Sydney this past week, underscoring a busy real estate market.
