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North Sydney Drivers Rewarded with Demerit Point Removal in Road Safety Push

In a key initiative to promote road safety, more than 13,000 drivers in North Sydney have benefited from having a demerit point removed from their licenses, as part of a statewide campaign to encourage responsible driving.

Enhanced Road Safety in North Sydney

North Sydney, with its 76,020 license holders, has led to significant results in the NSW Government’s effort to improve road behaviour. According to Minister for Roads John Graham, “North Sydney drivers have responded commendably to our safety initiatives, with 13,069 motorists successfully maintaining a clean record and benefiting from the demerit point removal. This not only enhances individual driving records but also contributes broadly to road safety.”

State-Wide Impact and Continued Efforts

The demerit point removal program is part of a broader campaign targeting over one million NSW drivers who have kept a clean driving slate over the past 12 months. This initiative was designed in response to the alarming rise in road fatalities, which reached 369 deaths in the past year.

The program was conceived as an election promise to shift the focus from penalising to rewarding drivers, which has seen widespread participation across the state.

Demerit points North Sydney — *Photo Credit: Freerangestock.com*

Additional Insights from Broader NSW

Data from other parts of NSW also shows substantial benefits from the program. The Central Coast, for instance, had the highest number of drivers receiving a demerit point back, totalling 54,971. Western Sydney regions like Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Liverpool, and Parramatta also saw significant numbers of points removed, reinforcing the program’s reach and impact across diverse communities.

As Minister Graham further elaborated, “The reward of a demerit point removed has proven most valuable in areas where people heavily depend on their cars. This incentive for safe driving is making a tangible difference, with fewer fatalities and more responsible driving behaviours emerging as a result.”

Looking ahead, the NSW Government plans to extend the demerit point trial for another year while introducing stricter road safety measures. These include the integration of seatbelt enforcement through mobile phone detection cameras and an expansion in the number of mobile speed camera locations. These efforts underline the government’s commitment to reducing road tolls and enhancing driver safety across the state.

Check Your Demerit Points

Published 4-June-2024

Infosys Invests in Sydney via a New Living Lab

Photo Credit: Infosys / Facebook

Next-generation digital services and consulting company, Infosys has opened its 160sqm Sydney Living Lab joining its network of more than 20 established digital co-creation spaces globally.

The opening of the co-creation space was announced at the Infosys headquarters in Bengaluru, India in a ceremony attended by the Premier of New South Wales, Dominic Perrottet as part of his visit to the 81-acre Infosys Bengaluru Campus. The launch of the NSW Living Lab follows the unveiling of the Melbourne Living Lab last April 2022.

“Infosys’ further investment into New South Wales signifies its commitment to driving innovation and collaboration in the state to help us further strengthen our digital economy and drive jobs.” – NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet

“Sydney is an important digital hub in Australia, being home to many of the nation’s largest enterprises, start-ups and leading universities. We believe our local Living Lab will support the state’s world-class digital innovation sector through the introduction of a digital co-creation space where ideas can spark and incubate and collaboration can take place.” – Executive Vice President Infosys and Region Head, Infosys Australia and New Zealand Andrew Groth

The NSW Living Lab is more than two storeys high and sits on a 2,030sqm site at 100 Arthur Street in North Sydney. Over a hundred digital experiences are featured at the co-creation space including Infosys Metaverse Foundry, Cloud services via Infosys Cobalt, Cyber Security, Sustainability, Edu Tech (Digital Learning), and co-creation workshops with Infosys Consulting’s product and portfolio development offerings.

The opening of Sydney Living Lab follows a recent announcement of new partnerships between the NSW Government and Indian technology companies HCL Technologies, Mach33.aero, Cloudnine and Kosmoderma Healthcare Private Limited.

Mr Perrottet said that the state government is “working to attract Indian technology investment into NSW across sub sectors including edtech, medtech, fintech and space technology.”

“We are focused on linking the NSW and Indian technology ecosystems and through the expansion of our international network and programs we are providing better support for NSW exporters to reach their target markets and help open more doors,” he added.

Salvage Operations For MV Baragoola At Waverton Continues

Salvage operations continue for the historic MV Baragoola, four months after it has sunk along the western foreshore of Balls Head Reserve near the Coal Loader at Waverton on New Year’s Day 2022.

Read: This May Be the Oldest House in Waverton and It’s For Sale!

Expected to be finished in weeks, the salvage operations are being done after the NSW Government has allocated $5 million for the ferry’s removal.

The Transport for NSW earlier announced its plans to retain heritage items from the ferry, such as the propeller, helm, bell or anchors, and recycle them if possible. After the operations, the next phase would involve cutting the vessel into segments and removing them with heavy machinery.

The department has also confirmed that reports found there were only small amounts of pollutant on board and the fuel tanks were empty, so residents need not worry about the safety of waterways.

Whilst authorities want to remove the wreck as quickly as possible, the contractors would have to be careful in pulling the ferry from the water, since it’s unlikely that it would be re-floated.

About the MV Baragoola

mv baragoola history — MV Baragoola in 1922 (Photo credit: Baragoola Preservation Association/Facebook)

Considered as one of the most historically important vessels in NSW, MV Baragoola was built in 1922 and will be celebrating its 100th year in 2022.

It operated between Manly and CCircular Quay for around 60 years before its final voyage in January 1983.

It was previously owned by the Baragoola Preservation Association, a non-profit organisation dedicated to restoring the ferry, before the sinking happened in January 2022.

The association recently confirmed that the ferry has been handed to a caretaker as the pandemic and the lack of access made it more challenging to maintain.

This May Be the Oldest House in Waverton and It’s For Sale!

A rustic sandstone house, built around the 1860s and believed to be the oldest house in Waverton, is back on the market after 16 years.

The cottage’s former owners, Natalie and Cameron Gentle, have not been living in the house for some time since expanding their family with two kids and moving to Coffs Harbour. However, they’ve kept the two-bedroom property as an investment but have now decided to let go of the oldest house in Waverton.

Known on the block as the Blacksmith’s Cottage, this house on Euroka Street is dripping with a lot of appeal for its rich history and charm, where the potential new homeowners will be able to use and enjoy some of its original elements: the cabinetry, the gas kitchen, and the brick fireplace.

However, the kitchen also has a modern gas oven and cooktop installed sometime in the 1980s by architect Marcus Lang for the Stocks family, who lived in the house until the 1990s. Mr Lang added more cabinets and the breakfast nook with bench seating.

From the outside, the house might appear small but it’s quite spacious at the back with plenty of room for the children to play or for entertaining guests. The loft-style master bedroom actually connects to the backyard deck.

Mr Gentle said that the house stood next door to the former home of Henry Lawson, the famous Australian writer and poet, who used to visit the Blacksmith’s Cottage.

The house is located in a quiet, laidback harbourside neighbourhood with plenty of parks and foreshore walking areas. It takes about a 10-minute commute to get to the business and commercial hubs in Sydney.

ALDI Launches New Experimental ‘Corner Store’ Layout in North Sydney

Plans are in the works to revamp ALDI North Sydney, turning the supermarket into a smaller corner store as part of the company’s desire to rebrand.

The renowned German grocery and retail company ALDI has set its sights on creating “corner stores” in Sydney in a bid to rebrand, stepping away from supermarkets and instead operate outlets on a smaller scale.

One of the primary motivations pushing for this rebranding is due to how small-format stores can meet the needs of customers in densely populated areas, according to an ALDI spokesperson. The company had reported that smaller stores in these areas outperformed larger ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development plans have been lodged (DA 11/21) with North Sydney Council asking permission to turn its branch in North Sydney into a smaller corner store complete with local coffee, new signage and street art as they explore and experiment with different formats and layouts.

Sydney-based street artist Mulga, real name Joel Moore, will be commissioned to create the street art and murals present outside the corner stores (DA 89/21), drawing inspiration from some of the area’s local landmarks such as Luna Park.

Mulga and his work at Poppi’s Preschool and Long Day Care.
Photo credit: Facebook/Mulga the Artist

These plans will cost a total of $37,900, and the North Sydney branch won’t be the only one to receive such drastic changes. ALDI has also announced that they intend to open other convenient, small-format stores in neighbourhoods all over Australia.

Though the development plan has yet to be approved, ALDI promises that these new changes, if implemented, will make for a much more convenient shopping experience. These plans are currently under assessment by North Sydney Council.

ALDI North Sydney can be found at 99 Mount St, North Sydney, open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the supermarket chain and their bid to rebrand.

BarLume in North Sydney Brings Back Pleasurable Offices Lunches

A substantial part of workplace culture is co-workers sharing lunches or dining out together but that has been largely absent for over a year because of the pandemic. Not one to be easily discouraged, the owners of BarLume forged ahead and opened their newest lobby cafe in North Sydney to appeal to office workers despite companies adopting a work-from-home setup.

Adam Choker planned BarLume with his sister, Caroline Choker, well before the world shut down due to the virus. Whilst most food business owners would regret launching a restaurant in this uncertain period, Adam — who isn’t just any restaurateur — saw this as an opportunity to work with very accommodating landlords, the Winten Property Group.

They believed that Adam can turn the lobby of the tallest building in North Sydney into another dining destination.

His family is behind some of Sydney’s popular food venues like The Grounds of Alexandria, Happy Larry and Flower Child Cafe, which have flourished despite the lockdowns. Needless to say, Adam knows what will click with a specific dining crowd and tapped head chef Jimmy Ryu, sous chef Jonathan Dobbin and chef de partie, Hazahab Putragading, to run BarLume’s kitchen.

BarLume’s chefs planned out a mouthwatering menu perfect for Sydney professionals, executives and business people who crave healthy but appetizing meals before work, during lunch breaks, or after work. The choices include toasts, Panzella, healthy bowls, sandwiches, grills and pasta, and there’s a separate takeaway menu as well.

Thursday and Friday, between 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., is reserved for aperitivo with $6 to $10 drinks.

Meanwhile, Caroline took charge of putting together BarLume’s glamourous but cosy interiors with the help of the architectural company, Bates Smart. She came up with a sleek spot that would be irresistible to Nine and Microsoft employees, who are just some of the tenants of the building.

BarLume opened in mid-March. Follow the restaurant’s Instagram page for updates.

Coles, Uber Eats Partner to Deliver Ready-to-Eat Meals and Supermarket Essentials in North Sydney

Sydneysiders familiar with the Uber Eats app may now use the app for deliveries of Coles supermarket essentials, as well as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat meals, in North Sydney and nearby suburbs.

Following a trial phase in early 2019, the service will now be permanent in other Coles stores including Bondi Junction, Leichhardt, Pagewood and World Square outlets.

Using the app or the website, Uber Eats customers may simply search for Coles North Sydney and shop for what they need. They can go for ready-to-heat meals like soups, curry, roast chicken family dinners, pizzas and pies, or they may choose from the following packs:

Bundles – for essentials like milk, vegetables, fresh vegetables, avocado and cereals
Netflix and Chill – for candy bars, chips, popcorns, ice creams and chocolate snacks
Picnic – for bread, crackers cheese, salami, yoghurt, prosciutto and dips

Customers have over 100 grocery products to choose from and while Coles has its own delivery service, the Uber Eats app is more user-friendly with a faster time. The company commits to an under 30-minute delivery time, whilst customers may keep track of the route via the app.

Delivery is possible between 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an add-on fee of $5.

“Making food delivery more affordable and convenient for everyday meals are top strategic priorities for us,” said Uber Eats Regional General Manager Jodie Auster. “We’re extremely excited to work with Coles on this innovative partnership with a leading grocery brand.”

Coles is the first major supermarket chain to partner with Uber Eats in Australia.

Apartment Developments in Crows Nest, St Leonards Spark Protests Among North Sydney Locals

North Sydney locals are getting more and more vocal in protesting a series of apartment developments across the Crows Nest and St Leonards precincts.

Plans to erect several high-rise residential buildings, including a 64-storey tower along Pacific Highway, have residents giving it a thumbs down for fear that these areas would eventually become severely congested.

“There is no need for this massive overdevelopment nor is the necessary local infrastructure (schools, open space, sports facilities, community facilities) sufficient to manage any increase in population arising from additional residential and commercial development,” the residents said in a statement posted via a Facebook group.

“Our community has always supported appropriate development. What we object to is inappropriate, poorly planned, OVERDEVELOPMENT without the necessary supporting social infrastructure.”

A deluge of development applications (DA) has been filed with the North Sydney Council as the state government started infrastructure work around Crows Nest for its massive Sydney Metro Station improvements. Once completed, this railway system has been projected to grow North Sydney’s population thus the need for more homes in the area.

Thus, developers propose to demolish old low-rise buildings and detached houses to replace these with high-rise towers.

Though most of these applications are still under deliberation, residents have come together to oppose the overdevelopment. A number of locals say they still prefer living in low-rise homes with terraces as apartment living is not ideal for every family. Residents also point out that the overdevelopment would change the suburb’s character.

“I want us to have a choice and a spread of different housing,” NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes said. “If we fail to meet the housing needs of our existing and future populations we will live in a city that is increasingly divided between the haves and the have-nots.”

Among these developments include:

1. 601 Pacific Highway 64-Storey tower

The tallest building development lodged with the North Sydney Council should provide 516 homes. The proposal is still in the early stages of review.

2. 500-520 Pacific Highway The Landmark

To stand next to the 64-storey building is The Landmark, a 43-storey apartment with 495 homes. The lower levels will have offices.

3. 472-494 Pacific Highway St Leonards Square

Next to the Landmark, this two-tower building has been approved and construction will be finished by 2020.

4. 617-621 Pacific Highway

This will be a 50-storey tower with 195 homes and the first six floors will be a commercial and retail space. North Sydney Council has partially approved the plan to include an arts centre in the building.

5. 575-583 Pacific Highway

Around 82 homes will be available in this 18-storey building.

6. 100 Christie St

Amidst this 36-storey commercial and residential building, the developer has also proposed a Christie Street Reserve with green open space.

7. 88 Christie St

Construction of this site with three towers and 654 homes is expected to be done by 2023. A public library has been included in this project.

To track some of the development applications, see these links: Development Application 1 | Development Application 2

ShoreShocked 2019 hits off this April at North Sydney

There is no better way to celebrate NSW Youth Week than by attending a FREE youth concert at North Sydney, ShoreShocked 2019!

This year’s ShoreShocked is happening on 13 April 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the St Leonards Park.

Since April of 2009, neighbouring councils such as the North Sydney Council, Ku-Ring-Gai Council, Lane Cove Council, Mosman Council, Hunters Hill Council, City of Ryde, Willoughby City Council, and the Northern Beaches Council, partner up to celebrate Youth Week by having a music festival that is open for all ages.

ShoreShocked brings together some of Australia’s best musicians to provide an unforgettable music festival experience for all. This year’s lineup include Japanese Wallpaper, Waax, Tyne-James Organ, Kota Banks, Erthlings, Sports, Bra, and ShoreShocked Battle of the Bands 2019 winners: Scoot the Loot and the Last Thursday.

ShoreShocked 2019 — *Photo credit: ShoreShocked/ Facebook*

Other Activities

ShoreShocked is an all day event filled with exciting activities that you and your friends can enjoy. Come in early and check out some of the featured market stalls for some amazing finds.

If you are interested and available in helping out at ShoreShocked 2019, you may send in your details here. With a number activities and expected guests for the festival, volunteers are very much appreciated by the managing team.

Photographers and videographers are also welcomed to join in at the press pit for ShoreShocked 2019. By being part of the official press team of the event, you get to have an all access pass at the pit and also at the backstage. Limited passes are available. You may apply for a press pass by typing in your details here.

Time to mark your calendars for this year’s ShoreShocked! Click here to register your free tickets to avoid the long queue at the venue.

For more information about ShoreShocked 2019, you may visit their official webpage or their Facebook page.

Twilight Food Fair in North Sydney Extended Until Last Friday of March

Photo Credit: Twilight Food Fair/Facebook

Since 1990, North Sydney has been holding the Twilight Food Fair every Friday evening during summer. This 2019, however, the event has been extended until the end of March.

From 5:40 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Civic Park on Miller Street becomes an entertainment and recreational centre for families and groups who want to try different international cuisines.

This year roster of food vendors at the Twilight Food Fair include:

*Photo Credit:* *Twilight Food Fair/Facebook*

*Photo Credit:* *Pasalubongs Filipino Food Soul/Facebook*

But the Twilight Food Fair is not just a food lover’s paradise. Apart from the gastronomic delights, guests are also treated to live entertainment from local bands and other acts. People sing along, dance and relax to the music; it’s the perfect way to end the work week!

Children, on the other hand, may join interactive games, glitter tattoo party, face painting activities, and story time sessions.

Each weekend has a different line-up and here are the entertainers for the last two weekends:

22nd of March The Vicky Turner Band and Bricks 4 Kidz
29th of March Crunching Numbers

Due to a couple of weather disturbances last summer, the North Sydney Council decided to extend this year’s run. Check the Twilight Food Fair page for schedule changes and other updates.