The Paddo Stickybeak Edition 1

Welcome to the first Paddo Stickybeak. You’re here at the beginning, sticking your lovely long beak through the fence as our terrace gets built.

I hope to give you a little look into what's happening in Paddington - the monumental as well as the minimal.

And that's why this name. Because it's the one thing we all do as we stroll down Paddington streets. Take a stickybeak through the terrace window's into each other's lives.

It's a pretty modest promise: this newsletter will help you understand what Paddington residents are up to and build a stronger community. Or, more likely, it will help you find out what’s happening around the corner before walking past it three times.

Please hit reply with tips, questions, corrections and requests.

What you send will help shape what I look into and what appears in future editions, so the Stickybeak can be useful as well as nosy.

Thanks,

Nicolas

The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize turns 25 this year, and the exhibition of winners and finalists is on now at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf until Sunday 29 November. Entry is free, with artist talks and workshops running alongside it. You can also vote for your favourite piece for the Viewers' Choice award. If I get down myself, I'll report back on my pick. (Source: Woollahra Council news)

Last Sunday, lots of people (how many? I couldn't confirm, sources varied between almost 2000 to 5000) gathered at Moore Park to oppose the Commonwealth Government's planned sale of Victoria Barracks. This cross-party crowd included former PMs, Independent, Greens, Labor and Liberal MPs, RSL figures and Paddington Society members.

After the consultation period in 2025, the federal government announced its vision for the area in February this year as part of its Defence Estate Review. Of the 1000+ public submissions, there was strong support for public access and green space. There's arguments for both sides and if you want to have a say, write to your federal MP. (Source: Alex Greenwich MP news)

Woollahra Council shared its top five jacaranda spots yesterday. Two of the five are ours: the row along Victoria Barracks at Oxford and Glenmore, and Five Ways. They bloom for a few weeks and that's it, so worth a wander past if you haven't yet. This, along with the jasmine, are why I love spring in Paddington. (Source: Woollahra Council news)

Walk4BrainCancer is back at Centennial Park this Sunday 1 November, 9am from the Church Grounds on Parkes Drive. It's a 5km walk followed by a barbecue, music and activities for all ages. Come and join your community members, get some exercise and do good for the world. I cannot think of many better ways to spend a Sunday. Park access stays open as usual, and registration is still open at the link. (Source: Centennial Parklands FB Page)

Protect Paddington posted last week about the campaign that kept Juniper Hall from the wrecking ball. Built in 1824-25, the house was threatened with demolition for a shopping arcade. Friends of Juniper Hall and the Paddington Society rallied locals, who marched down Oxford Street, and helped secure Council's refusal and a Permanent Conservation Order from the State Government.

The National Trust purchased and restored it, with $750,000 in state funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and the restored house opened in 1988. Protect Paddo has many great stories about how residents have, in the past, united to protect Paddo's unique character. Definitely check it out! (Source: Protect Paddington on Instagram)

The NSW Government has opened a grants package for groups in Bondi and the eastern suburbs, with Woollahra Council among the councils involved. The funding covers community events, wellbeing programs and connection projects.

Two streams are open: grassroots microgrants of $1,000 to $10,000 close tomorrow (Friday 30 October, 5pm), and larger grants of $50,000 to $150,000 for not-for-profits close next Friday (6 November). Got an idea? Don't die wondering. (Source: Woollahra Council FB Page)

The P&C at Paddington Public School has launched an online auction as part of its Sip & Support fundraiser, backed by local businesses. Pre-bidding opened last Friday and runs until the event wraps up on Thursday 12 November at 9pm. You can find the auction link in the P&C's Instagram bio. (Source: Paddington Public P&C on Instagram)