Secret suburb: Strathfield is a mix of old-style architecture and its vibrant cultural diversity
FROM its Aboriginal roots to its modern mansions, inner-west Strathfield is awash with vibrant colour covering stunning heritage architecture and a kaleidoscope of cultures and people.
FROM its Aboriginal roots to its modern mansions, inner-west Strathfield is awash with vibrant colour covering stunning heritage architecture and a kaleidoscope of cultures and people.
Choco Pie: Looking at the packaging of the Orion Choco Pie, a Korean treat similar to a Wagon Wheel, you’d be surprised to learn there is more to it than the marshmallow centre. This chocolate-covered cookie sandwich with its gooey filling is a sugary delight every child has to have and every adult can remember. Its nostalgic connection may be why Orion Confectionary supplies Choco Pies to newly conscripted South Korean soldiers in their first week of training — it’s comfort food that reminds you of home.
Russian Club/White Russian history: Walking around the town centre plaza and there is ample evidence of a large Korean community, but interestingly enough, it was Russians who were some of Strathfield’s earliest residents; more specifically, White Russians from China. All cocktail references aside, the explanation Nina Sheina of the Russian Club provided is just fascinating. To put this story in context, there are two things you need to know: First, during the construction of the Trans Siberian railway in 1890s, many Russians moved to China for work. Obviously.
Secondly, and seemingly unrelated but relevant, fighting the infamous and subsequently victorious Red Army of the Russian Revolution (1917) was the White Army. (Be honest, did you know that? I didn’t.) Defeated, they, along with others opposed to communism, were exiled, so many joined families already in China. Of course, when the communist party took control in China (1947) the Russians had to flee again and with the help of the World Council of Churches managed to get to Australia and partially because of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral having just been built in Strathfield, the suburb became the social centre for Russian activity…and that’s just the quick part of the story.
Sunil Jassal: 12-year-old Strathfield Youth Achievement Award winner and Cancer Council fundraiser: While other 12 year-old boys are worried about high scores on Halo, Sunil Jassel has even loftier goals – like the cure for cancer. Last year alone, he raised over $11,000 for the Cancer Council via the 26.6km 7-Bridges-Walk, an effort that garnered him a Strathfield Youth Achievement Award. That donation is impressive enough but his motivation is even more inspiring. “I do it because of the unknowns,” explains Sunil. “For the others that are suffering and the faces that can’t get up.” With unwavering commitment, he attends events like the Strathfield Spring Festival and Colour Runs to promote awareness of cancer research and with an attitude like that you can feel pretty confident he will indeed achieve his goals - one bridge at a time.
Korean Food tour: With all the Korean restaurants, take-away shops and groceries spread throughout Strathfield, it can be a bit intimidating trying to figure out your Bolgogi from your Bibimbap. That’s where Wee Lynn Teo steps in. Her private and personalised tours are tailored to your very own culinary needs – with her guidance and professional opinions of course. Her most popular excursions though are the ones that troll the narrow aisles of the Strathfield’s Korean grocers pointing out foods and explaining their purpose. Holding up a large jar of kimchi (mainly fermented cabbage), Wee Lynn explains the ageing process and how it goes back to the 7th century.
“However, the addition of chilli to the mix is relatively new, it didn’t arrive till the 14th century,” she says.
And on that note, it’s time for the banquet lunch.
Jeremy Yong: “When I grow up, I want to be a rock star,” says every kid who has ever played air guitar with a broom or sung lead vocals into a hairbrush. Following that logic, nine-year old local lad and amazingly talented musician Jeremy Yong, is either an old soul or fibbing about his age. Considering he loves the blues, channels Led Zeppelin on electric guitar, and has the emotive stare of a musical poet, he’s definitely wise beyond his years. At the ripe old age of seven, he was the youngest semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent. Since then, he has bulked up his CV with television appearances and headline acts at festivals the Strathfield Spring Festival (where he’ll appear again this year). “I want to share my music with my community,” says Jeremy. “Strathfield has so much culture, and the people here have a lot of soul.”
Rock on, little man.
Australian Catholic University – McGlade gallery’s HSC image exhibit: Don’t let size fool you. The relatively small campus of the Australian Catholic University in Strathfield just happens to have one hugely impressive art gallery. Naturally, it facilitates the visual arts program but what sets it above other school-based galleries and subsequently attracts reputable artists is the professional standard of the space itself. From low-level light to natural wood flooring, these are part of the reason that ARTEXPRESS – an annual competition of HSC art projects – chose McGlade Gallery to exhibit 30 of the best pieces. And former Governor-General Quentin Bryce has opened one of the exhibits which just goes to show that not only have they made their mark in gallery spaces, they’ve set a new benchmark for many others.
Australian Catholic University – Mount Royal Villa: One of the things that gives Strathfield so much character is the diverse range of architecture in a relatively small area. There are the tightly packed shop fronts with tiny living spaces, 1970s apartment block and high-rise dwellings, all of which are of massive contrast to some of the massive heritage mansions and modern multi-million dollar houses. One heritage-listed structure that encapsulates the Victorian period is the Mount Royal Villa at Australian Catholic University. Built in 1886 for wool merchant and future mayor of Strathfield, John Hinchcliff, it boasts a tower that at that time provided a view of the Sydney Harbour. From that height, John was able to see the ships arrive and was then able to make his was into the city in time to conduct business. It’s now mainly administrative offices but the lovingly maintained and clearly appreciated features inside the old mansion prove that this place is forever valued.
History: Strathfield has had a number of name changes since the 578- acre piece of land was granted to James Wilshire in 1808. How it got to its current name is a rather roundabout story. It was first called Wilshire’s Farm (for obvious reasons) but after Samuel Terry acquired it, he named it “Redmire Estate” after his own birthplace. The next owner didn’t change the name, but he did break the lots up into three pieces and by 1885, the government was formed and it was renamed Strathfield. Now, Stratfieldsaye was the name of the house that was originally built for the Mayor of Sydney (1868), that name being the Duke of Wellington’s place back in England. By 1885, John Hardy of Hardy Brothers Jewellery owned the place – so the town is named after the house, not the Hardy Brothers. Over the years, Strathfield has been home to many people that have had a large influence – in one way or another – on Australia. Like William Arnott of Arnott’s Biscuits, Washington Soul of Soul Pattison Chemists, Frederick Peters of Peters Ice Cream as well as three prime ministers and one premiere. Seems like lots happens off the train line from Central.
Splashdown! Day of disaster for Aussies in women’s America’s Cup
The women’s America’s Cup dream of an Australian crew is over after just two days of racing, a disastrous touchdown, a broken start penalty and erratic conditions. How it played out.
Council awarded more than $600k in compo battle over park, golf club
A Sydney council has secured a legal win against the NSW Government after disputing the amount of compensation it would receive for land forcibly acquired for a major tunnel project.