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.
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”.
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.
In the early 2000s, a small Sydney-based startup, Where 2 Technologies, worked on a new way to navigate the world. Led by Australian software engineer Noel Gordon, the team developed the foundational technology for Google Maps. Their ideas and designs were first mapped out on a whiteboard in a spare room in an apartment in Hunters Hill.
By 2004, Google saw the potential of their work and acquired Where 2 Technologies. They incorporated their innovation into what is now known as Google Maps.
Since its launch, Google Maps has transformed how people travel and explore. In 2024 alone, the platform provided directions covering 1 trillion kilometres—equivalent to Earth orbiting the sun over 1,000 times.
Beyond navigation, Google Maps has evolved to help users track bushfires, check air quality, compare petrol prices, and even plan trips using augmented reality. More than 500 million users contribute to its accuracy each year through reviews, ratings, and real-time updates.
Australia’s Most-Reviewed Places on Google Maps
To mark its 20th anniversary, Google Maps released a list of the most-reviewed locations in Australia. The rankings, based on user reviews, highlight the nation’s favourite eateries and attractions.
These rankings provide a unique insight into the preferences of Australian locals and tourists, showcasing a mix of iconic attractions and hidden gems.
Legacy of Hunters Hill’s Role in Google Maps
Caption: The most reviewed attraction on Google Maps (Australia). Photo Credit: Darling Harbour/Instagram
The story of Google Maps’ origins in Hunters Hill is a testament to Australian innovation. The platform has grown into a global tool. It helps users find their way, supports businesses, enhances urban planning, and improves disaster response efforts.
As Google Maps celebrates its 20th anniversary, the significance of that simple whiteboard in a Sydney apartment remains a reminder of how big ideas often start in small places.
A failed home invasion at radio personality Kent “Smallzy” Small’s multimillion-dollar Hunters Hill property has highlighted ongoing security concerns in the affluent suburb.
Four masked individuals armed with large hunting knives attempted to break into the Nova presenter’s $3.7 million five-bedroom home at 2:30am Tuesday. The intruders, captured on Ring doorbell camera footage, were unable to gain entry to the property where Small and his partner Zach La Cava were sleeping.
The incident adds to Hunters Hill’s growing security challenges. The exclusive suburb, known for its heritage-listed properties and wealthy residents, has seen an increase in targeted break-ins. Small reported that the same group also attempted to enter a neighbor’s property the same night.
This attempted burglary follows a broader trend across Sydney. According to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data, more than 8,000 homes across Greater Sydney experienced break-ins during the last financial year, with over 20,000 incidents reported statewide in the 12 months to March 2024 – marking a four-year high.
Small purchased his Hunters Hill property at auction in March 2020. The radio host has since used his platform to warn listeners about home security, urging them to “lock it down like Fort Knox” following his own frightening experience.
Nestled in the heart of Hunters Hill, this 160-year-old sandstone cottage offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Sydney’s rich heritage. Built in 1866, it once served as the local post office before transforming into a unique family home that blends heritage charm with modern convenience.
With its exposed sandstone walls, period features, and versatile layout, this property is perfect for buyers seeking a unique home or investment in one of Sydney’s most sought-after suburbs.
A Home with a Rich Story
This property isn’t just a house—it’s a historic gem. James Stephen Stanner, a local blacksmith and postmaster, built it as a post office, creating a vital hub for the Hunters Hill community. For years, he distributed mail and operated a telegraph station from the building. Though the post office moved in 1879, the home still carries its rich history in every sandstone wall.
This home offers unmatched flexibility. Downsizers, families, or professionals seeking a work-from-home setup will find it ideal. Convert the former post office into a guest room, art studio, or office, or even extend the property to add more value (subject to council approval).
Beyond the home itself, Hunters Hill remains one of Sydney’s most sought-after suburbs. The Parramatta River, village cafés, restaurants, and boutiques are just a short walk away. Plus, families will love the proximity to Hunters Hill Primary School.
Why This Home Stands Out
-Own a piece of Sydney’s history
-Enjoy a versatile layout for living, working, and entertaining
This Hunters Hill sandstone cottage offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a property with historic charm and modern comfort. Listed at $2,300,000, this home isn’t just a place to live—it’s an investment in Sydney’s architectural heritage.
Residents and environmental authorities in Hunters Hill are working to save poisoned trees, including a century-old Port Jackson fig, following a recent act of vandalism at Horse Paddock, Woolwich.
The Harbour Trust learned on 2 January 2025, that eight trees had been purposefully poisoned and about 30 others had been chopped down at Horse Paddock, which is next to Alfred Street in Woolwich. The affected trees include a 100-year-old Port Jackson fig and a Sydney blue gum. This incident follows a recurring pattern of tree vandalism in Sydney’s lower north shore suburbs, including Castle Cove and Lane Cove.
Past incidents, such as the illegal removal of another century-old fig tree at Goat Paddock, have raised ongoing concerns about environmental protection in the area.
Efforts to Save the Poisoned Trees Underway
The Harbour Trust, in collaboration with arborist contractors and Hunters Hill officials, is actively attempting to treat the poisoned trees using Seasol, a liquid seaweed concentrate known for aiding plant recovery. While six she-oak trees could not be saved and were removed, efforts continue to salvage the remaining trees.
The damaged cut trees have been pruned back, leaving their lower trunks intact in the hope they will regenerate over time.
Community Reaction to the Vandalism
Local residents and environmental groups have expressed deep disappointment over the incident. Lisa McLean, leader of the community group Save Our Shores, described the act as a “calculated attack” on public assets and natural heritage.
Resident Beverley Bennett shared similar sentiments, emphasising the cultural and environmental importance of these trees to the Hunters Hill community, highlighting their role in maintaining the area’s green and pleasant character.
Photo Credit: The Harbour Trust/Instagram
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Harbour Trust has reported the incident to NSW Police, and investigations are ongoing. Temporary signage has been installed at the site to raise awareness about the vandalism.
Authorities urge community members with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. The Harbour Trust will continue treatment efforts and consider further steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
