the Newssheet of the Balmain Association PO Box 57•Balmain•NSW•2041 www.balmainassociation.org.au

Vol 51 No 3 Issue 340 Founded November 1965 September 2016 Tom Uren Walking Trail n a wet Saturday morning, 28 In recognition of Tom’s May, a large number of people legendary hat, the trail Oturned out at Illoura Reserve in is marked by timber Balmain East to pay tribute to Tom sculptures bearing the Uren with the launch of a walking trail hat. Attendees at the named in his honour. ceremony were all , MP for Grayndler presented with a badge and Darcy Byrne, Mayor of Leichhardt of the hat to attach to were among the many speakers who their own hats and a told of Tom’s commitment to fighting prize was awarded to the for social justice, civil liberties and best hat. steps and the end of Simmons St. environmental issues. Members of The trail winds its way from Thornton The walk finishes by going along his family and extended family spoke Park along the foreshore to Peacock Gallimore Ave to Darling St and about the more intimate side of Tom as Point and on to Datchett St, traversing downhill back to Thornton Park. a family man. the Water Police Base to Ewenton Along the trail there are story panels John Doyle who emceed the ceremony Park. Heading up Darling St and and signage at Illoura Reserve, made the point that he had had a crossing over to proceed along Hart Ewenton Park, Propellor Park and connection with Tom Uren for longer St to Propellor Park near Tom’s home. Zigzag Reserve telling the story of than he can remember. In 1955 his The trail continues along the foreshore Tom’s life and public work. mother worked at Woolworths in to Duke St, passing Origlass Park and For further information contact Lithgow when Tom was the manager on through to Nicholson St. There are Leichhardt Council 9367 9270 or and John was in his mother’s womb. some scenic lookouts at the ZigZag go to www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au/ TomUrenTrail. Ross Mackenzie. A Fortuitous Friendship - Fergus Fricke om Uren is still alive and kicking loved by many for his numerous connection with Tom until he moved in my memory even though he achievements. He was, amongst back to Balmain. In the late 1980s Tdied on Australia Day 2015. Perhaps many other things, a champion it was clear that the main industries that is an indication of Tom’s influence boxer, a war hero, a Federal Member in Balmain were going to close. The on me and of how important he was to of Parliament, a Deputy Leader industrial sites of Unilever, Ampol, my generation. He may be forgotten, or of the Labor Party, an enlightened Caltex, Monsanto, Colgate Palmolive never even known, by most Australians, Minister for Urban and Regional and Balmain Power Station were up but once met, Tom and his achievements Development, the Chairperson of for grabs and were snapped up by were not easily forgotten. the Parramatta Trust and a fighter for developers. One of these sites was Tom Uren is probably the preeminent social justice and the environment. Ballast Point. The fight to save Ballast member of the Balmain Pantheon. He helped establish the heritage and Point from high-density residential He was one of Balmain’s best known conservation movement in Australia development and create a park was but least approachable residents. He and, in particular, worked to preserve bitterly fought over many years. was hidden behind a massive frame, the heritage of inner . Tom was Contd page 5. a formidable reputation, a serious also a supporter of the East Timorese in their fight for independence and for IN THIS ISSUE unsmiling face and a deaf ear. For P. 1 Tom Uren Walking Trail; A Fortuitous Friendship most locals who knew Tom by sight the independence of Irian Jaya. P. 2 Inner West Council, BTE Update, AGM 2016 he will be remembered for his hat I first met Tom in 1983 when he P. 3 & 4 Mary Quirk, creating history (the way-finding symbol for the Tom launched the book “The Lost World of P. 5 A Fortuitous Friendship contd, B to B Day Uren walking trail) and his lone walks Irian Jaya” written by Bob Mitton in p.6 WestConnex, White Bay Power House p.7 Refugee Centre, Callan Park around Balmain. I was fortunate to get collaboration with friends and admirers Skinny the Dog to know him a bit better. and published after Bob’s death. P.8 What’s on at the Watch House, Book Launch Tom was known, admired and After the book launch I had no further Jack’s Story. Telstra BTE Update The Inner West Council - John Stamolis Telstra is pleased to have finalised an agreement with Council to enable In May, the Premier, Mr Baird, filled on an interim basis but will be the conversion of the area at the dismissed 42 Councils and created formally advertised in early 2017. front of the Balmain Telephone 19 new Councils. Specifically for us, Employment for the 1,200 staff in the Exchange for public use. Telstra Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield Inner-West Council will be protected for continues to work productively Councils were merged into the Inner- the next 3 to 5 years. with Council in progressing the West Council. The cost of the merger is big … building separation and demolition The Inner-West Council commenced The merger process will involve big under an Administrator, Mr Richard works, with a current forecast and high cost challenges for Council. completion by mid-2017. Pearson, and will remain under Over the first two months, the cost to administration until September 2017. ratepayers is well into the $-millions. At the monthly Ordinary Council It is difficult to find any examples in Changes to computer systems will require Meeting, the Administrator will make the history of local government where a extensive resources and funding for the final decision on resolutions which Premier has placed all newly proclaimed some years ahead. All policy documents, come from the IAG and LRACs as well Councils under administration for such all service charges across the Councils as on the range of other agenda items an unprecedented period. will need to be reviewed. Processing of that the Administrator and General It’s also hard to excite communities about development applications will need to be Manger decide to include on the agenda. generational change of local government made consistent over the three Councils. A quick look at the new Council … when, for the first 16 months, the Council Then, in three years’ time, there will be a The Inner-West Council has 185,000 is under administration. major rebasing of rates which will affect people (Leichhardt had 58,000). It Most unexpected, however, was a all residences and businesses. Who knows covers 36 km² compared with 10 km² decision made just after the Council what this will bring? for Leichhardt Council. The Inner- merger to dismiss every committee of When the merger is finally done, it is best West Council includes: Annandale, all three Councils – even the Precinct not to ask what the cost has been. Simply Ashfield, Balmain (& East), Birchgrove, Committees and the management and do as the Baird Government has done; Dobroyd Point, Dulwich Hill, Enmore, events committees which are run by ignore the merger costs and over-estimate Haberfield, Leichhardt, Lewisham, community volunteers. Shutting down its benefits. Lilyfield, Marrickville, Petersham, community groups and community So what has happened to the Mayor and Rozelle, Stanmore, St Peters, Summer input is not a great way to start a new the Councillors? … Hill, Sydenham, Tempe, parts of: Ashbury, Council and it shows that community The Administrator has set up Camperdown, Croydon, Croydon Park, engagement doesn’t appear to rate on two committees to keep ex- Hurlstone Park and Newtown. the priority list for the new Council. Councillors involved in Council. The Operating income for the new Council The dismissed committees were given Implementation Advisory Group in 2016-17 will be $281 million (it was no reason why they have been shut (IAG) consists of the three ex-Mayors $90 million for Leichhardt). Expenses down and there has been no contact with and three ex-Deputy Mayors. They meet will be $239 million (about half being them for nearly three months about their once a month to discuss issues which employee costs). Average residential future. For 30 years, the residents who relate to implementation of the merger. rates (based on the old municipalities) saved and now manage Clontarf Cottage The other committee is the Local are: Leichhardt $1,240 per residence, have been dismissed and they have no Representation Advisory Committee Ashfield $1,187 and Marrickville $901. idea why! Closure of the Precincts is (LRAC). There are three LRACs – one For businesses, average rates are: a big loss. So often they have led the each for Leichhardt, Marrickville and Leichhardt $7,300 per business, Ashfield charge on many issues when Council Ashfield. The LRACs meet once a month $5,200, Marrickville $5,667. Note that was inept or slow-footed: Tigers, Bays to discuss local issues. For example, IPART has recently approved an 8% Precinct, Birchgrove Oval, acquisition we have discussed Westconnex, the special increase in rates for Ashfield. of open space and cruise ship pollution. Parramatta Road Urban Transformation I nearly forgot to mention, there is the The new executive team… Strategy, Councils’ 2016-17 budget, grant option of changing the name of the The initial weeks of the Inner-West funding and other things. Council at some stage in the future but Council has seen the creation of the Not all Councillors chose to participate given the large costs to date i.e. banners, new executive structure. Ms Vanessa in an LRAC. For Leichhardt, 9 of our website, media, letterhead etc, I doubt Chan was appointed the interim General 12 ex-Councillors are in the Leichhardt that anyone will want to raise this issue. Manager (GM) until September 2017. LRAC. All 12 ex-Councillors from John Stamolis is the Independent Ms Chan was the GM of Ashfield. Ashfield decided to participate in the Councillor for Balmain. The two GMs (from Leichhardt and Ashfield LRAC while 7 of the 12 ex- Marrickville) have left. Councillors from Marrickville are in the Balmain Association AGM There were 11 Directors across the three Marrickville LRAC. 6pm Wednesday 5 October 2016 Councils. The new Council will have 7 While the IAG and LRACs make at the Watch House Directors. As such, 4 have resigned (a recommendations (resolutions), these Keep the date free. 5th Director has just resigned!). The 7 committees have no power to make their Notice will be posted separately. Director positions are currently being resolutions become policies of Council. 2 Mary Lilly May Quirk, MLA “Creating History” - Andrew West As the first Labor woman, and only the second woman, to be elected to the Parliament, Mrs. Quirk carried the hopes of many women that she might be able to bring about a change in the way women were perceived. When John Quirk, the Member for As the first Labor woman, and Balmain, passed away in December only the second woman, to be 1938, it was suggested that his wife elected to the New South Wales Mary contest the by-election for his seat. Parliament, Mrs. Quirk carried Her reply was that politics had hastened the hopes of many women that her husband’s death and she was not she might be able to bring about interested. She relented and was duly a change in the way women were elected in January 1939 with a small perceived. She was determined absolute majority.1 to demonstrate that women were capable of playing an important role in politics and embarked on her parliamentary career by declaring, “I want all to watch me and if, at the end of this term in the House, I cannot break down the feeling against women, I will think that the prejudice against women is justified.”3 As she entered the Legislative Mary Quirk, photo courtesy her grandson Anthony Dickson Assembly on her first day, the new member for Balmain would have observed would apply a boycott. 5 Her stand was the public galleries crowded with women strongly supported by the president who had come to see her sworn in. She of the Housewives Association, Mrs. later remarked, “A lot of people told me Eleanor Glencross who called on the that I only got in on a sympathy vote and John Quirk c. 1920s (Fairfax Collection) Prices Commission to end price zoning, that the women of Balmain would be too Her election, however, was not without which she claimed was inflating prices catty and jealous to let me get in again. rancor. Both Quirks strongly supported by continuing wartime restrictions on But at the next election they stood by Jack Lang, whose dictatorial attitude these staple foods. Mosman Councilor, me, as I knew they would. After I got in and firebrand policies split the Labor Mrs. J.L. Digby described it as an a second time a member of parliament movement in the 1930s and lead to opportunity for grocers to charge what said to me, Mrs. Quirk you have created lasting divisions within the Party. The they liked, while newspapers described history. “4 6 lingering bitterness between the factions it as “a war on housewives”. was evident from the time Mrs. Quirk Mary Quirk went on to serve the people Mrs. Quirk believed that more women was declared to have won the seat of of Balmain for a further eleven years should aspire to be politicians. “There Balmain for the Party. Two from 1939-1950. She established a should be at least half a dozen women in unsuccessful Labor candidates present at reputation in the House as ‘a skilled Parliament, but only women of mature the declaration of the poll, were reported and able fighter’ for people in industrial experience like myself. Of course men to have behaved “with extraordinary districts and was known more widely are necessary for the big industrial coolness” towards Mrs. Quirk. One as a fervent advocate for the rights of problems, but women understand men candidate, Mr. S. Western, refused to the housewife. In 1946 she successfully very much better than they understand shake her hand and both said that they argued against an increase in the price of themselves. Men are really nothing objected to the methods employed by bread and milk saying that housewives more than overgrown babies. I always Lang faction supporters.2 during the war had been forced to make tell the members I know just by looking all the sacrifices, while distributers Mary Quirk faced opposition throughout at them, if they are well or happy or if benefited at their expense. She her career, not only from within the Labor they are being sincere on the floor.” For threatened that if an attempt was made Party, but also from those who felt it was not the most part, the men conceded in good to increase the price of bread or milk a woman’s place to be in parliament. These humour, that she knew them better than when zoning ended, Sydney housewives 7 sentiments were not confined to one political they knew themselves. Although there were many who opposed party, but were evident on both sides of the 3 Daily Advertiser (Wagga) “Mrs. Quirk, House and at all levels of society. M.L.A. Will Attempt To Remove The Preju- 5 Sydney Morning Herald “Housewives Protest 1 Hobart Mercury, “Woman MLA – Mrs. dice Against Women”, 18/1/1939 p1 Milk and Bread Prices” 8/2/1946 p3 Quirk’s Election” 17/1/1939 p6 4 The Sun (Sydney) “Human Stories” 6 The Sun (Sydney) “War Declared on Food 2 Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah) “Mrs. Quirk 26/3/1950 p 34 Published in Australian Dictio- Front” 24/11/1946 p5 Declared Elected” 18/1/1939 p7 nary of Biography, Volume 16, (MUP), 2002 7 op. cit. The Sun 26/3/1950 p34 3 women in politics, or sought to limit root cause of the problem, Quirk quoted newspaper circulated in the Balmain- their role, Mrs. Quirk received support from a doctor in the ‘Medical Journal’ Rozelle area. from a wide cross section of society. who said: “Poverty is the greatest single Although her name was not mentioned, Her election was warmly welcomed by cause of disease and death in the world the article appeared to be directed against Dr. E. Kent Hughes, Armidale’s only today.” She added, “We must show that Mrs. Quirk; suggesting she was a slum woman representative on the Municipal any attempt to get physical fitness is a landlord. Mrs. Quirk owned a terrace of Council. “I am indeed pleased to see farce unless everyone, especially every seven houses in Coulon Street, Rozelle, that Mrs. Quirk has taken her place child, is adequately fed. that she had bought in 1938, a year before among our legislators,” she said in People are not poor because they are she became the Member for Balmain. an address to the Armidale Country stunted and stupid. They are stunted and The rent of each house, 12/-, had not been Women’s Association. “Women in stupid because they are poor.” 10 changed since. The article described one Australia, who are so slow to take Speaking from her own experience house as in poor condition, and alleged their part in the government of their amongst her constituents she continued; the tenant said the rent had been raised country, lag far behind the rest of the “Mothers bring to me children suffering from 10/- to 12/-. Mrs. Quirk stated she world in this respect,” continued Dr. from malnutrition and rickets. It is had always been kind to her tenants and Kent Hughes. “However hard they work terrible to see their little white, pinched allowed them, if unemployed to remain in their homes or among the various faces. Their faces showed that they had without making payments. She said she charitable institutions it is our legislators not enough food. had spent money renovating the house who have the most power to make our 12 The dole was not sufficient to prevent and installing electricity. Judgement was country a happy and healthy land.” children from being hungry. The cost of made for Mrs. Quirk who was awarded She went on to say “Mrs. Quirk has providing for children’s welfare should £250. always been interested in her husband’s not be too great for the Government when Mrs. Quirk lost her seat in the 1950 parliamentary career and working the defence of Australia depended on the election. She continued her work with conditions for women and children. proper care of the rising generation…. women and children, becoming a director Living in the heart of Sydney she knows Surely it is time someone called a halt and of the Sunshine Home for Children. She that slum clearance is an urgent matter, demanded justice for these little sufferers.” died on 4 March 1952 and was buried and has announced her intention of In seven years, she said, 3664 prospective in the Field of Mars cemetery beside her endeavouring to improve the housing of mothers, and the same number of babies second husband. Perhaps she had the last the people.8 had been lost to the State many as the word, however, requesting that on her Mrs. Quirk chose to make her maiden result of malnutrition.11 tombstone be inscribed with “Mary Quirk speech on the second reading of the 13 Throughout her political career Mary (Ex. M.L.A.)”. Child Welfare Bill. As she rose to speak, Quirk campaigned tirelessly to improve Mrs Quirk is recognised on a foundation Mr. O’Sullivan, the Labor Member for the lives of her constituents, particularly stone for the Housing Commission Paddington drew the Speaker’s attention women and children. Politics she said Apartments in Curtis Rd Balmain, 1948. to the lack of a quorum. As the division had become her life’s passion. She lived Grandson, Anthony Dickson lobbied bells sounded summoning members simply and devoted most of her waking for a plaque to recognise both John and to the chamber, Mrs. Quirk began her hours to this work. Despite her undoubted Mary Quirk in O’Connor Park, named carefully worded speech, reading from hard work and the urging of her after Ricky O’Connor, the last mayor a typewritten script in a soft, muted supporters, Premier (Sir) William McKell, for Balmain, in Quirk St, Rozelle. The voice, that belied the forcefulness of her refused to appoint her to the cabinet. plaque was unveiled on 10 December, argument and the intensity of the feeling Whether this was because of factionalism 2004. behind it. or for other reasons is not clear. Soon the chamber was filled with In May 1950 Mrs. Quirk members, aware that this was indeed a announced that having moment when history was being created. failed to secure pre- In her speech she advocated that selection from the Balmain- women should be appointed as judges Rozelle branch of the Party in Children’s Courts because they more she would contest the next than men, had a natural empathy with election as an Independent children and could better understand Labor candidate. The them. “I believe that those courts would announcement came on the prove excellent places in which to test heels of a bitter dispute that the capacity of women to handle judicial resulted in Mrs. Quirk filing a suit for problems,’ she declared. ‘I would like to libel against Thomas Dowling of the 12 Newcastle Morning and Miners Advocate, see them tested in this way. I know they Waterside Workers’ Federation. 23/51947 p6 wouldn’t fail.”9 Mrs. Quirk asked for £2000 damages 13 Leanne L. Blackley, ‘Quirk, Mary Lilly Urging the Government to address the alleging her reputation had been May (1880–1952)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, 8 The Armidale Express, “Mrs. Quirk MLA impugned in an article that appeared on Australian National University, http://adb.anu. – Spheres of Activity – Best Wishes From 9 May 1946 in “The Link”, a weekly edu.au/biography/quirk-mary-lilly-may-11473/ Armidale Women” ” 24/2/1939 p4 10 ibid. p6 text20457, published first in hardcopy 2002, 9 The Mercury (Hobart) “Women’s Viewpoint” 11 Newcastle Sun, “Her First Speech as MLA” accessed online 24 July 2016. 20/3/1939 p6 18/3/1939 p7 4 A Fortuitous Friendship (contd)

Fortunately Tom Uren, although not to become more taking a public stance, did make it religious as he clear, with a nod and wink, that he grew older and I would help behind the scenes. He sometimes got the talked to politicians and gained us impression that access to relevant Ministers. To cut Roger and I were a long story short he and the Ballast being used to hear his Point Campaign Committee succeeded confessions. The devil in persuading the Carr NSW Labor in Tom’s later life was Government to announce in 2002 green not red or to be that it would resume the Caltex more precise, “The site and that the Sydney Harbour Greens”. Despite Foreshore Authority would be the environmental responsible for creating a public aims of Tom and Issy Wyner, left-wing political stalwart for many years, Roger Parkes, Tom Uren park there. The Greens being very similar, Tom’s than give the usual short, feel good For more than a decade after this religion was the Labor Party and the oration Tom gave the graduating announcement Roger Parkes and Greens were the infidels. architecture and urban and regional I would visit Tom in his house in Tom needed to be needed. He also planning students what amounted Gilchrist Place, drink tea, chat and, needed to be respected and to do to a lecture on the failures of their more importantly, listen to Tom things. He was a “doer” and was a professions. He was not one to mince reminiscing. Despite having read little bit dour in the doing (If he had a his words or hide his views. Tom’s autobiography, “Straight sense of humour it wasn’t like mine!) Left”, and other articles about It was almost as if he felt inferior and I miss our conversations, and his him and by him there were always needed to show he wasn’t. This was monologues and tea making expertise. new insights into the man. He was despite numerous honors, and even Thank you Tom Uren AC, AO, for amazingly open about his life in a more numerous portraits. Tom was your friendship, help, advice and way that some would call a “warts also awarded an Honorary Doctorate occasional scoldings. and all” approach. He seemed from the . Rather Fergus Fricke.

Issy Wyner, Roger Parkes, Máire Sheehan, at that time Mayor of Leichhardt, Fergus Fricke, Bruce Petty, cartoonist designed graphic on the plaque, Tanya Plibersek, MP Sydney, Sandra Nori, at that time MP Port Jackson, Tom Uren, Phil Jenkyn, renown community activist.

Back to Balmain Day 2016 Despite the council amalgamation, we’ve been told that funding (insurance cover) and support are in place for this year’s Back to Balmain picnic. So it will be the usual Elkington Park Sunday, October 30 from 10-30 am Again we are looking forward to the Rowing Club providing the sausage sizzle and in the unlikely event of wet weather that their premises will be available. Michele Hacking [email protected] Jamie Parker, MP Balmain with some committee members, Shirley Arthur, Elizabeth Stamoulis, Janice Swanson, Michele Hacking and Kath Hacking 5 What is WestConnex? WestConnex if completed will be the remove the need for the previously proposed will add to the already congested streets biggest underground motorway system spaghetti junction in Rozelle and the of Balmain/ Rozelle. A recent survey anywhere in the world and certainly per Government has announced plans to build done in Western Sydney by ReachTel kilometre the most expensive. Current a park above this section of tunnel over the for the NoWestConnex group found that estimates put the cost to the NSW Rozelle Rail Yards site. While all this is most 64% of respondents would not use the taxpayer at 16.8 billion. WestConnex welcome, there is no transparent information WestConnex motorway and would prefer will suck public funds out of vital public as to the exact details of this project, the an updated public transport system. transport projects. With the rapidly smoke stacks or the noise issues that this the AND already Mr Ian Wright of Rozelle escalating energy crisis in mind the rest project will bring. Village, developer of the Tigers site is of the world has turned to mass transit Most public transport and motorway saying he will be able to build higher solutions, rail and light rail in particular experts believe this plan like the others because the tunnel will solve the traffic but not in NSW. This path would avoid will not work and a new plan will be problem. the toxic pollution from the proposed released. There are many reasons why it is unfiltered stacks. It is possible to build Many houses in Rozelle will be imperative that the community opposes filtered smoke exhaust stacks but the ‘compulsorily acquired’ and destroyed. the WestConnex project. The project Government rejects this on the basis of Heritage listing is certainly no and associated corporations have cost. Emissions from these smoke stacks safeguard against this as many homes been dogged by corruption claims; will spread as far as two kilometres in Haberfield that were heritage listed heritage houses are being demolished from the site and will settle on homes, have been bulldozed in recent weeks. to make way for temporary site offices; businesses, sporting fields, playgrounds 27 homes and businesses in Balmain/ endangered species habitat is set to be and childcare centres. Rozelle, having first heard via a news destroyed; local residents are being WestConnex is part of an overall scheme report have now received notification of evicted from their houses - and then for car based, high rise redevelopment their fate. In many areas where people’s not receiving proper compensation across vast areas of Sydney. That is why houses have been acquired they have and those left right on the edge of WestConnex and Urban Growth (NSW received below market value. polluting exit portals and left with an Government’s mass property resumption The increase in traffic from the induced unliveable house receive a maximum arm) have been working so closely traffic will clog up the exit points of of $15 compensation; and billions in together. WestConnex and all surrounding streets. public funds are being funnelled into the What does Westconnex mean for Already the Anzac Bridge is at maximum pockets of developers for a project that Balmain/ Rozelle/ Annandale? capacity during peak hour and in off peak is going to add to the very problem it is Just recently plan number three for this times, it will become a nightmare. trying to solve - traffic congestion. area has been released. This will link Iron The high toll proposed for the run from Ecotransit; Liz Butterworth, Member Cove Bridge to the proposed WestConnex Parramatta to the CBD $109 weekly of NoWestConnex Annandale; recent tollway and involves the construction of a (conservative estimate according to tunnel information from report by Jamie one kilometre tunnel under Victoria Road Government figures) will mean that Parker MP, www.jamieparker.org/. and the former Rozelle Rail Yards. It does drivers will use ‘rat runs’ to avoid tolls and

White Bay Power Station update June 2016 John Brogden, UrbanGrowth NSW of the site. UrbanGrowth NSW have advised the Chairman, recently announced that Urban “In our role as master developer, proponents of the decision to take on a Growth would assume the role of master UrbanGrowth NSW will divide the site more direct role in developing the site in developer of the White Bay Power Station, into smaller parcels of land as part of a keeping with international best practice, following the closure of the Request for staged development to attract a diverse and Urban Growth will focus initially on Proposals process. range of tenants, who will meet the securing suitable occupants for the White The NSW Government’s vision for the Government’s agenda” Bay Power Station by the end of the year. site is for it to become Australia’s leading, “We have set a very high bar to transform The White Bay Power Station, closed world class tech hub. In October 2015 this strategic asset and its surrounds since 1983, is an immediate priority UrbanGrowth NSW sought proposals into a tech hub that supports Australia’s Destination for The Bays Precinct from the private sector to transform the knowledge-intensive industries,” Mr Urban Transformation Program. It will iconic site. Brogden said. “As the custodians of this be adaptively reused to house major According to Urban Growth, while some heritage-listed building on public land, we knowledge sectors and high quality public proposals were strong in certain areas, owe it to Sydneysiders, the people of New spaces, activating the approximately 10 there were no complying proposals that South Wales and future generations to get hectare site and connecting it with the addressed the evaluation criteria set out this right.” waterfront. UrbanGrowth NSW plans to to achieve the Government’s vision. “We will draw inspiration from New commence the transformation of the White The private sector proposals relied too York’s emerging Roosevelt Island Bay Power Station in 2017. heavily on residential development to fund development in partnership with industry For more information go to decontamination of the Power Station, and and the community to create a new home https://www.thebayssydney.com.au which doing so would have changed the nature for Sydney’s high-tech sector.” is a link from UrbanGrowth NSW 6 The Welcome Centre and other Callan Park happenings I visited the refugee welcome centre on Monday and sat for a short History Week - Callan Park Talks & Tours while to hear a presentation to a group of approx 15 young men and women aged under 25 who had arrived in Australia within the Sunday, 11 September 2016 last 20 to 90 days. They were from Iran, Iraq and Syria and bused Talks: 2.00 – 3.30 pm in that day from Ashfield, Auburn and Liverpool. A couple of • Callan Park Mental Hospital - 19thC Context & Reality local resident group supporters were also present. Hear about the work of Dr Frederic Norton Manning. Learn about The bus was similar to that used by WHO’s or Council and there his influence on psychiatric care in the late 19th century and his role were 4 cars parked alongside Palm Court area so I don’t believe in the development of Callan Park. Dr Richard White worked as a this Centre will add to existing traffic or parking problems. psychiatrist at Callan Park 1971-1975 The presentation was part of Youth supported by SSI Ashfield • The First Forty-Four Patients at Callan Park and MRC Liverpool and communicated in both English and The first 44 patients – all men – were transferred from overcrowded Arabic language. Gladesville Hospital to Callan Park in 1876 and watched as the asylum As I was an unscheduled guest I did not stay for too long but was built. Sarah Luke is writing a book on Callan Park’s early during a break in proceedings had an opportunity to briefly talk history 1876-1900 and first patients to the Youth co-ordinator who said that Building 504 is a very good facility, they plan to use it often, and that at the end of Tour: 3.45 - 4.30 pm Tour Garry Owen and Kirkbride their sessions they take a 20 minute walk around the park. Come along afterwards to hear more about Garry Owen, where the first 44 patients lived – and the glorious buildings of the Kirkbride complex. It was an uplifting experience and I think we are indeed Venue: NSW Writers’ Centre @ Callan Park, Rozelle (enter Cecily St fortunate to have not experienced war or displacement. gates) I have committed to supply some information re Callan Park Cost: $20 per person = talks + tours Afternoon tea = gold coin and accompany the group on a short walk around. Children under 15 = free Member of the Friends of Callan Park. Questions: [email protected] Cynthia 0413 733 219 Bookings Essential by 8 Sept. https://www.trybooking.com/MBOU Skinny – The Neighbourhood Dog This is one of many stories that have come to light as Balmain residents shared their memories of the neighbourhood as they were growing up. “There is one story of a Ferdinand St. still in residence and there he stayed and identity which I think should be told and lived. It was his street and he protected that is the story of Skinny the Dog. us and our homes for the rest of his life. Skinny had been living in Louisa Rd., The men he tolerated, but the women perhaps he was left there when someone and children he loved. None of the other moved, I can’t remember. He had been dogs in the street seemed to object to him ill-treated and a man used to hit him with even Mittens, another dog owned by a his walking stick. So Skinny learned to neighbour who was well-loved and given hate men. One afternoon the children of tidbits too. Mittens showed Skinny the steps and he bore their unmeaning rough Ferdinand St. were gathered in the street ropes and on weekdays they visited the treatment with good grace. Our visitors playing hopscotch and skippings when two local butchers round the road who had to be escorted into the street as the down the road came this stray dog. No, gave them a bone or some meat, stopping faithful dog, thinking he was protecting that doesn’t describe his entry into our life at various homes and shops where food us wouldn’t let them past. Not once did I accurately. He strutted majestically like could be obtained with a wistful look. ever hear of him biting a child. a warrior king and with the sun behind In those days the milkman and the baker When I married and moved away and him this created some sort of heavenly delivered and when they complained brought my children back home they rode apparition to us. When he came nearer about being held up by a vicious dog on his back. Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Miles we all fussed over him and then went to in Ferdinand St., the police came and registered Skinny and for the last few obtain scraps of food from our mothers for tried to take Skinny away. We children, years of his life he was legal. He died as the skinny dog, whose ribs showed like unbeknown to our parents, hid him in the he lived, much loved among friends in an undernourished racing dog. So skinny laneway behind the houses; sometimes Ferdinand St.” was named. That night the children of taking him through a house and whose - Meg Chamberlain, 1995 Ferdinand Street tried to save food from yard backed onto the lane into Rose St. their dinner for Skinny. Some got away There was a lot of sympathy and much If you would like to add to this trove with it, but I didn’t and was told by my muttering about the poor persecuted dog or are just curious about what living in father he wasn’t feeding all the stray dogs without a home and people decided to Balmain was like in the post-war period in the neighbourhood. But when I looked get their bread and milk from the local join us at Dad after seeing he had left a good size shops because the milkman and the baker at the Watch House for our piece of meat on his plate, he mumbled wouldn’t deliver in our street unless Neighbours Exhibition about giving it to the poor starving dog if Skinny was got rid of. Skinny won – Open: Saturdays 3,10,17, 24 he wasn’t gone in the morning. much to the relief of the children, but we September 11am-4pm Morning came and Skinny was still in our had many an anxious day worrying about street. We spent an anxious day at school him. The small children clutched hold also Tuesdays - September 6,13 and rushed home to find Skinny was of his ears or tail to steady their tottering and 20 – 11am -1pm 7 What’s on at the Watch House www.balmainassociation.org.au

OCTOBER occurred at home. We invite you all to come magnificent art collections. Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 10am-4pm and see the latest results. This will be my fourth exhibition at The Watch In the middle of the game Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 10am to 4pm House. The other three successful shows have Sydney based artist and a student of interior WAG annual exhibition also been based on journey and the joys of design Sunmee Lee presents second solo Everyone is welcome to the group’s annual discovery and learning through travel. exhibition. Her works reflect her daily life as exhibition of drawings and paintings inspired www.catherineharry.com.au a play so she chooses photographs as a tool by a variety of Sydney locations. Members Opening Friday 25 6-8pm All wecome to visualise her concept. In daily life, she of the Wednesday Art Group will offer over a DECEMBER perceives the images from the walls, streets, hundred artworks for sale at very reasonable Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 10am-4pm buildings and nature. She explores her prices. For information about the group and its Crystallise emotions, experiences and thoughts in her Wednesday meetings email Patrick Connolly Crystallise brings together the artistic unique methods. Every individual wanders [email protected]. expression of Christine Young and Margaret `in the middle of the game called life’. Opening Friday 18 6-8pm All welcome Kelly and their social concerns with Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 10am-5pm Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 10am-4pm imaginative, visual and social cognition and REVERIE L’Art du Voyage how these forces crystallise as experience in Step into the whimsical imaginings of mixed “L’Art du Voyage” is based on three months the external world. Expressed through their media artist Alisa Burlington an artist from travel I did last year in the Autumn months. I vivid mosaics. the quaint town of Rylstone, NSW. She is a journeyed to London, Wales, Ireland, France, Opening Friday 2 December 6-8pm all graduate from The Sydney College Of the Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Malta with their welcome. Arts and is the Director of Jewellery label Mon Alisa Design. Her exhibition explores the art of transcendence through both History Week September 2016 physical and imaginative themes. Weaving narratives through varying collections to Remember to join us for our exhibition “Neighbours” reawaken perceptions of awe and wonder for Saturdays 3,10,17 and 24 September 11.00 am to 4pm the child within. Tuesdays 6, 13 and 20 September 11am to 1pm Opening Friday 7 6pm-8pm All welcome Come and read the stories Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ of individuals, families Mon-Alisa-Design-346917035336959/ Blog: http://monalisadesign.blogspot.com.au and communities living Saturday 15 10am-5pm and Sunday 16 near one another and 10am-4pm their connection to the SYDNEY SKETCH CLUB Exhibition showcasing members’ drawings churches, local sporting and paintings completed plein air at various clubs, schools and most locations across Sydney (including museums, importantly parks. galleries, historic houses, annual festivals, Add your story to the beaches and parks etc) – works on paper include watercolour, pastel, coloured pencils or number already there markers in a variety of styles whether you have lived More information available at: www.meetup. in Balmain. worked in com/art-494 click on “Join Us” to be advised Balmain, played sport in The start of the Dawny to Cockatoo race of a wide range of activities 2-3 times a month Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 Balmain, swam in the Dawn Fraser Pool or simply visited Balmain. Pop-up sale tba Watch House History Room We have many photographs of people and events. So please join us. open 11.30am to 3pm Saturday 29, Sunday 30 October, Saturday 5, Sunday 6 November 9am-6pm Book Launch - Jack’s Story : Growing up in Balmain Over to you 2016 mark 2 John Thomson, known to his many friends as Jack, has spent all his life in Balmain. Great opportunity to start your Christmas Born in 1927, Jack remembers the days of the Depression, when kind greengrocers shopping with original artwork by Richard put aside ‘specs’, fruit with spots on it that they gave to hungry children. As well, Sercombe, including mixed media and acrylic Jack’s childhood had its trials. Come and join us for this rich personal account. works of differing styles and sizes. Two relaxed weekend sales with wine and nibbles all Wednesday 7 September 2016, Balmain Town Hall Meeting Room 6pm for a weekend. Come along at any time and enjoy 6:30pm start Free event - All welcome - Light refreshments provided some wine, nibbles and the artwork. Bookings - online or call 9367 9266 or [email protected] Opening Friday 29, 6-9pm. NOVEMBER Saturday 12, 10am-5pm and Sunday 13 The Balmain Association Inc Representing Balmain, Birchgrove and 10am-4pm Our aims are to: Watercolours on Thursday - Following a successful exhibition last year The Balmain Association meets on we are returning in November with our latest •Improve the living, working and recre the first Wednesday of each month at work. We are a community based group of watercolourists who enjoy painting together ational amenities of our area; 6:00pm in the Watch House, 179 Darling and exploring our individual styles. •maintain all features having natural,- Street Balmain. We have formed a strong bond through architectural and or historical value of MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. our time spent painting and discussing all the area and keep a permanent collec - The History Room at the Watch House is manner of topics, from solving the problems tion of historical interest; open every Saturday from 11:30-3 of the world to the latest play or newest Material from this newsletter is not to be movie or even the mini crisis that has •seek the cooperation of everyone con reproducedPostal: PO Box without 57 Balmain acknowledgement 2041 cerned in the realization of8 the above.