#SydneyIsOpen happens this weekend! There are still tickets left for a few of the new After Dark tours, giving you one-of-a-kind tours and access to unique buildings and sites. For history buffs, there’s the tunnels of Newington Armory, for mystery lovers, the stories of the Justice & Police Museum, and for design lovers, a soirée at Stylecraft’s showroom in the sky… others have booked out, nab a spot now!

#SydneyIsOpen happens this weekend! There are still tickets left for a few of the new After Dark tours, giving you one-of-a-kind tours and access to unique buildings and sites. For history buffs, there’s the tunnels of Newington Armory, for mystery lovers, the stories of the Justice & Police Museum, and for design lovers, a soirée at Stylecraft’s showroom in the sky... others have booked out, nab a spot now!

Published on October 29, 2019 9:44 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Nothing brings people together like a community garden: it was wonderful to join the Kings Cross community yesterday at the launch of 12 Fine Oranges, a beautiful new garden they’ve created at Lawrence Hargraves Reserve. Clover and I visited in May 2018 when the garden was just a dream, and thanks to the hard work of a few motivated green thumbs, and a City grant, the reality is flourishing today. It’s not too late to be a part of it: sign up here https://www.kingscrossgarden.org/becomeamember

Nothing brings people together like a community garden: it was wonderful to join the Kings Cross community yesterday at the launch of 12 Fine Oranges, a beautiful new garden they’ve created at Lawrence Hargraves Reserve. Clover and I visited in May 2018 when the garden was just a dream, and thanks to the hard work of a few motivated green thumbs, and a City grant, the reality is flourishing today. It’s not too late to be a part of it: sign up here https://www.kingscrossgarden.org/becomeamember

Published on October 26, 2019 10:17 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

I’ve got to plug @bloommountainsdesigns – my super talented sister Cass – for these spectacular floral extravaganza arrangements she brought over on the weekend. I can’t stop looking at them! (Every house looks 400% less overwhelmed by nappies when styled with sisterly assistance. Thank you Shorty!) Book her, you guys!

I’ve got to plug @bloommountainsdesigns - my super talented sister Cass - for these spectacular floral extravaganza arrangements she brought over on the weekend. I can’t stop looking at them! (Every house looks 400% less overwhelmed by nappies when styled with sisterly assistance. Thank you Shorty!) Book her, you guys!

Published on October 21, 2019 7:25 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

A live video recap of #Emergent2050 from @jessmillersydney & I… #Sydney2050 #cities #sparkfestival #startup

A live video recap of #Emergent2050 from @jessmillersydney & I... #Sydney2050 #cities #sparkfestival #startup

Published on October 19, 2019 5:48 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

@jessmillersydney & I explored #Emergent2050 today: a showcase of innovative ideas, startups & orgs creating the city we want, as part of #sparkfestival & our #Sydney2050 consultation and big-picture imagination process. We chatted with @indigilab working on VR storytelling, Seer working on data-led decision-making, @vigilantidesign working on #affordablehousing (playfully through the #SurvivingHousing board game)… thanks to everyone imagining and working on new ideas for Sydney!

@jessmillersydney & I explored #Emergent2050 today: a showcase of innovative ideas, startups & orgs creating the city we want, as part of #sparkfestival & our #Sydney2050 consultation and big-picture imagination process. We chatted with @indigilab working on VR storytelling, Seer working on data-led decision-making, @vigilantidesign working on #affordablehousing (playfully through the #SurvivingHousing board game)... thanks to everyone imagining and working on new ideas for Sydney!

Published on October 19, 2019 5:23 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

There’s one famous Swede in the news as a climate leader: today I met another one. Carl Bildt was Prime Minister of Sweden from 1991-94, foreign minister 2006-14. He has been committed to #climateaction since then: Under PM Bildt in the early '90s, Sweden implemented several schemes to promote investment in renewable energy, and had a carbon tax. Swedish emissions have dropped 26% since 1990.Today, Sweden is the largest per-capita donor to the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund. Sweden's 2018 Climate Act mandates net zero emissions by 2045. I also met Magnus Schöldtz, Senior Advisor to Wallenberg Group, to talk about the upcoming Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) Conference in Sydney, February 2020: we talked about what can we learn from Nordic leadership in social and environmental sustainability, and how we get Australia on a future-focused path.

There’s one famous Swede in the news as a climate leader: today I met another one. Carl Bildt was Prime Minister of Sweden from 1991-94, foreign minister 2006-14. He has been committed to #climateaction since then: Under PM Bildt in the early '90s, Sweden implemented several schemes to promote investment in renewable energy, and had a carbon tax. Swedish emissions have dropped 26% since 1990.Today, Sweden is the largest per-capita donor to the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund. Sweden's 2018 Climate Act mandates net zero emissions by 2045. I also met Magnus Schöldtz, Senior Advisor to Wallenberg Group, to talk about the upcoming Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) Conference in Sydney, February 2020: we talked about what can we learn from Nordic leadership in social and environmental sustainability, and how we get Australia on a future-focused path.

Published on October 18, 2019 5:04 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

I love artist Fionn McCabe’s interpretation of the distinctively noodley exterior of our new Darling Square Library!The #library officially opens at 12:30pm on 9 November, and there are already some unique creative events lined up at the Library, including @readtome_ Over 3 Tuesdays in November, cartoonists, writers, illustrators, comedians, musicians and radio makers will present a night of graphic storytelling like no other. It’s happening Tues 12, 19 and 26 of November, you can book your spot by clicking through to @readtome_ Presented by City of Sydney Library as part of Late Night Library, #ReadToMe will be sharing stories about identity, family and place at the @cityofsydney‘s newest #publicspace for creativity and community.

I love artist Fionn McCabe’s interpretation of the distinctively noodley exterior of our new Darling Square Library!The #library officially opens at 12:30pm on 9 November, and there are already some unique creative events lined up at the Library, including @readtome_ Over 3 Tuesdays in November, cartoonists, writers, illustrators, comedians, musicians and radio makers will present a night of graphic storytelling like no other. It’s happening Tues 12, 19 and 26 of November, you can book your spot by clicking through to @readtome_ Presented by City of Sydney Library as part of Late Night Library, #ReadToMe will be sharing stories about identity, family and place at the @cityofsydney‘s newest #publicspace for creativity and community.

Published on October 3, 2019 7:52 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Looking to inspire a girl in your life? We had a cuddly visit from Girl Geek in Chief, @girlgeekacademy CEO Sarah Moran, just before she launched the second round of amazing #GirlGeek novels – the Babysitters’ Club of C21. I’m most excited by the fact that they’re evvvvverywhere – I can imagine 8 year old me finding them in the book section of Big W & it changing my life forever. Check them out & scoop them up for the creative, young maker in your life!

Looking to inspire a girl in your life? We had a cuddly visit from Girl Geek in Chief, @girlgeekacademy CEO Sarah Moran, just before she launched the second round of amazing #GirlGeek novels - the Babysitters’ Club of C21. I’m most excited by the fact that they’re evvvvverywhere - I can imagine 8 year old me finding them in the book section of Big W & it changing my life forever. Check them out & scoop them up for the creative, young maker in your life!

Published on October 2, 2019 3:05 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Great news for Sydney: it looks like lockouts are on the way out. The NSW Parliamentary Committee report released today maps a way forward, to help fix the damage done by the lockouts and rebuild a safe, diverse and creative nightlife we can be proud of. Sydney Independent MP @alexgreenwich was deputy chair of the Inquiry, watch Alex and I go through the report highlights.

Great news for Sydney: it looks like lockouts are on the way out. The NSW Parliamentary Committee report released today maps a way forward, to help fix the damage done by the lockouts and rebuild a safe, diverse and creative nightlife we can be proud of. Sydney Independent MP @alexgreenwich was deputy chair of the Inquiry, watch Alex and I go through the report highlights.

Published on September 30, 2019 10:35 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Whatta cutie! Pat @poisontofu and I would like to introduce you to Elinor, our most excellent new boss and muppet-in-chief. It has been a helluva week, but we’re getting there, together. Thanks to everyone who has/is helping us so so so much so far.

Whatta cutie! Pat @poisontofu and I would like to introduce you to Elinor, our most excellent new boss and muppet-in-chief. It has been a helluva week, but we’re getting there, together. Thanks to everyone who has/is helping us so so so much so far.

Published on September 26, 2019 11:51 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Wow, what a night: I’m so thrilled to be able to tell you I was elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney for the next year. I love this city, and I think we have the potential to be the fairest, most inclusive, sustainable and creative place in the world: but we won’t get there if we don’t stand up and fight for it. The City of Sydney is home to a community that represents double the national average of high income earners and double the national average of low income earners: it’s a place that embodies the polarisation of Australia, caused by governments which have allowed wealth to trickle upward and our priorities to go awry. #TeamClover fights for fairness: we arm David against Goliath when communities are undermined or steamrolled by other levels of government. More than that, we model and experiment and innovate, to show another kind of government, another kind of city, is possible. We fight for a city that is more fun, more creative, and stays up late too. Hopefully, a city we can dance in. Thank you to everyone who helped today and so far, and to @thesocialoutfit for lending me this rad jacket, it was the night for it!

Wow, what a night: I’m so thrilled to be able to tell you I was elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney for the next year. I love this city, and I think we have the potential to be the fairest, most inclusive, sustainable and creative place in the world: but we won’t get there if we don’t stand up and fight for it. The City of Sydney is home to a community that represents double the national average of high income earners and double the national average of low income earners: it’s a place that embodies the polarisation of Australia, caused by governments which have allowed wealth to trickle upward and our priorities to go awry. #TeamClover fights for fairness: we arm David against Goliath when communities are undermined or steamrolled by other levels of government. More than that, we model and experiment and innovate, to show another kind of government, another kind of city, is possible. We fight for a city that is more fun, more creative, and stays up late too. Hopefully, a city we can dance in. Thank you to everyone who helped today and so far, and to @thesocialoutfit for lending me this rad jacket, it was the night for it!

Published on September 9, 2019 1:04 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

This morning I joined the community (including Balmain MP @jamieparkergreen and Inner West Councillor @marghanitadacruz) in a protest at Buruwan Park.The chainsaws are scheduled to arrive today, to destroy this green lung, cycle and pedestrian connection, and for what? For WestConnex: this time, a grossly over-engineered freeway off ramp from the Rozelle Interchange to The Crescent, where it will funnel traffic into the residential streets of Harold Park, Glebe, Forest Lodge and Annandale. We’ll lose trees (some over 100 years old) and active transport connections (right at the Rozelle Bay tram stop), cut people off from the waterfront, and we’ll see thousands more cars pour past homes and our new skate park at Jubilee Park, the Tramsheds, and past kids trying to get to school at Forest Lodge Public School, just for a start.When people question why we oppose a project like WestConnex, why we support the communities all over the city fighting against this toxic tollway – this is why. This is a backward 1950s project stealing from the future: from investment in public transport, and leaving a permanent scar on our neighbourhoods. Sydney deserves better and #TeamClover is proud to back our neighbours and residents in opposing this destruction. #stopwestconnex

This morning I joined the community (including Balmain MP @jamieparkergreen and Inner West Councillor @marghanitadacruz) in a protest at Buruwan Park.The chainsaws are scheduled to arrive today, to destroy this green lung, cycle and pedestrian connection, and for what? For WestConnex: this time, a grossly over-engineered freeway off ramp from the Rozelle Interchange to The Crescent, where it will funnel traffic into the residential streets of Harold Park, Glebe, Forest Lodge and Annandale. We’ll lose trees (some over 100 years old) and active transport connections (right at the Rozelle Bay tram stop), cut people off from the waterfront, and we’ll see thousands more cars pour past homes and our new skate park at Jubilee Park, the Tramsheds, and past kids trying to get to school at Forest Lodge Public School, just for a start.When people question why we oppose a project like WestConnex, why we support the communities all over the city fighting against this toxic tollway - this is why. This is a backward 1950s project stealing from the future: from investment in public transport, and leaving a permanent scar on our neighbourhoods. Sydney deserves better and #TeamClover is proud to back our neighbours and residents in opposing this destruction. #stopwestconnex

Published on September 9, 2019 12:05 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

You know I love Green Square Library, but I’m not alone: since its official opening last October, it has experienced higher rates of new membership than any of our libraries, ever! Tonight I’ll be asking council to expand the opening hours for Green Square Library, so even more people can enjoy its award-winning social, creative and learning spaces. Wish me luck!

You know I love Green Square Library, but I’m not alone: since its official opening last October, it has experienced higher rates of new membership than any of our libraries, ever! Tonight I’ll be asking council to expand the opening hours for Green Square Library, so even more people can enjoy its award-winning social, creative and learning spaces. Wish me luck!

Published on September 8, 2019 10:09 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

I hate talking Sydney down: and I’m optimistic, hearing the Premier concede that it’s time for the lockouts to go. But there’s precious little detail: why not Kings Cross? Will Oxford St be liberated from the lockouts? Why this announcement *before* the Inquiry hands down their report, at the end of the month? And importantly: how will the NSW help the industry and our city recover from the kick they’ve given it over the last few years? Still, it’s good she’s finally heard the message that @keepsydneyopen @cityofsydney the Night Time Industries Assn, and the tens of thousands of Sydneysiders who voted for change or made submissions. You kept the pressure up on this government and if we do see change, it’s because you demanded a city you could be proud of. Let’s keep it up!

I hate talking Sydney down: and I’m optimistic, hearing the Premier concede that it’s time for the lockouts to go. But there’s precious little detail: why not Kings Cross? Will Oxford St be liberated from the lockouts? Why this announcement *before* the Inquiry hands down their report, at the end of the month? And importantly: how will the NSW help the industry and our city recover from the kick they’ve given it over the last few years? Still, it’s good she’s finally heard the message that @keepsydneyopen @cityofsydney the Night Time Industries Assn, and the tens of thousands of Sydneysiders who voted for change or made submissions. You kept the pressure up on this government and if we do see change, it’s because you demanded a city you could be proud of. Let’s keep it up!

Published on September 8, 2019 8:17 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

A lil slice of @maxberry magic can make your day

A lil slice of @maxberry magic can make your day

Published on September 3, 2019 7:55 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

I really like the way Madeleine thinks. She’s only four years old now, but by the time she’s older, she would really like Sydney to have more places to dance. Same here (but sooner, pls)! If you’ve got an idea for Sydney in 2050, you’ve got less than 24 hours left to submit your big idea, here (artistic interpretation optional) – just search for “Sydney 2050 ideas” or go here: http://bit.ly/2050ideas

I really like the way Madeleine thinks. She’s only four years old now, but by the time she’s older, she would really like Sydney to have more places to dance. Same here (but sooner, pls)! If you’ve got an idea for Sydney in 2050, you’ve got less than 24 hours left to submit your big idea, here (artistic interpretation optional) - just search for “Sydney 2050 ideas” or go here: http://bit.ly/2050ideas

Published on September 2, 2019 9:32 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Whatta wonderful way to spend my birthday: hosting a panel on #housingaffordability at #Antidote, featuring the brilliant development renegade Jason Twill, author Peter Mares (read No Place Like Home, it’s an education) & community land trust guru Louise Crabtree. Featuring a happy birthday sung to me by the lovely Antidote crowd!

Whatta wonderful way to spend my birthday: hosting a panel on #housingaffordability at #Antidote, featuring the brilliant development renegade Jason Twill, author Peter Mares (read No Place Like Home, it’s an education) & community land trust guru Louise Crabtree. Featuring a happy birthday sung to me by the lovely Antidote crowd!

Published on September 1, 2019 7:10 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Such loveliness today at our baby shower! I resisted the heck outta having one, but let the record show my Mum was right about this one! An enormous thank you to both our mums & our sisters, who worked super hard, special shout out to @cassscullyflorist who was a felt & floral demon! Thanks to all our pals for coming (especially Becca for coming down from Qld) & for the amazing presents!

Such loveliness today at our baby shower! I resisted the heck outta having one, but let the record show my Mum was right about this one! An enormous thank you to both our mums & our sisters, who worked super hard, special shout out to @cassscullyflorist who was a felt & floral demon! Thanks to all our pals for coming (especially Becca for coming down from Qld) & for the amazing presents!

Published on August 31, 2019 11:34 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

‪Open letter in the SMH today: I’m proud to back the Pyrmont community and everyone who wants a fair, consistent and transparent planning system in NSW.‬ ‪At the @cityofsydney we’ve approved over 5700 hotel rooms in the last 5 years. We’re not anti-tourism. We’re against loopholes for the powerful.‬ The usual suspects are arraying themselves on the side of the influential few who expect the city to be built in their interests: I’m proud #TeamClover will fight for the rights of the future inhabitants of this city, and for the rules to apply to us all, equally.

‪Open letter in the SMH today: I’m proud to back the Pyrmont community and everyone who wants a fair, consistent and transparent planning system in NSW.‬ ‪At the @cityofsydney we’ve approved over 5700 hotel rooms in the last 5 years. We’re not anti-tourism. We’re against loopholes for the powerful.‬ The usual suspects are arraying themselves on the side of the influential few who expect the city to be built in their interests: I’m proud #TeamClover will fight for the rights of the future inhabitants of this city, and for the rules to apply to us all, equally.

Published on August 25, 2019 11:03 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Whatta lovely way to start the day: @freedomhuborg for a morning with the @franklyco_au community of women talking about how we make work work for everyone, and how we build active, purposeful, engaged communities. What’s not to love?! And I got to introduce the bump to @lisamessenger, to meet Ariane Virtue (flexible work #futureofwork thinker), meet lots of wonderful people and see some faves like @ngaioparr Thanks so much for having me, Frankly & Co! I love what you’re building.

Whatta lovely way to start the day: @freedomhuborg for a morning with the @franklyco_au community of women talking about how we make work work for everyone, and how we build active, purposeful, engaged communities. What’s not to love?! And I got to introduce the bump to @lisamessenger, to meet Ariane Virtue (flexible work #futureofwork thinker), meet lots of wonderful people and see some faves like @ngaioparr Thanks so much for having me, Frankly & Co! I love what you’re building.

Published on August 17, 2019 2:37 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Melbourne pals: my bruv from another muv, @omarbinmusa just got a 4.5 review for Since Ali Died: you can catch it at the Arts Centre till Sat! I’ve seen it and it is moving, funny & foot-stompingly good. Do yerselves a fave Melb! Get a ticket!

Melbourne pals: my bruv from another muv, @omarbinmusa just got a 4.5 review for Since Ali Died: you can catch it at the Arts Centre till Sat! I’ve seen it and it is moving, funny & foot-stompingly good. Do yerselves a fave Melb! Get a ticket!

Published on August 15, 2019 12:01 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

With my council fam (minus @jessmillersydney) to support @lousplace_sydneyWomen (esp. aged 55+) are the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness: from 2011-2016, there was a 56% increase in women sleeping rough in NSW. 1/3 of women seeking homelessness support were escaping domestic violence. We need more dedicated women’s services, like Lou’s Place, to support women sleeping rough. That’s why we’re backing their #sewingforhousing campaign this #homelessnessweek

With my council fam (minus @jessmillersydney) to support @lousplace_sydneyWomen (esp. aged 55+) are the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness: from 2011-2016, there was a 56% increase in women sleeping rough in NSW. 1/3 of women seeking homelessness support were escaping domestic violence. We need more dedicated women’s services, like Lou’s Place, to support women sleeping rough. That’s why we’re backing their #sewingforhousing campaign this #homelessnessweek

Published on August 9, 2019 2:44 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

So lovely to sing along at the launch of the wonderful With One Voice choir at Redfern Town Hall tonight, with my pal Cr @jessmillersydney. Big congrats to everyone who joined in, and to the organisers and choirmaster Mary Kiani.If you’re looking for a way to express yourself and make new friends in the area, they meet every Monday evening at Redfern Town Hall. I’m verrrrrrryyyy tempted to join! So glad this wonderful community connector is supported by the City of Sydney.

So lovely to sing along at the launch of the wonderful With One Voice choir at Redfern Town Hall tonight, with my pal Cr @jessmillersydney. Big congrats to everyone who joined in, and to the organisers and choirmaster Mary Kiani.If you’re looking for a way to express yourself and make new friends in the area, they meet every Monday evening at Redfern Town Hall. I’m verrrrrrryyyy tempted to join! So glad this wonderful community connector is supported by the City of Sydney.

Published on July 29, 2019 11:11 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

#NAIDOC in the City was so much fun today! It was an honour to represent the Lord Mayor and speak on behalf of the City, and to explore the markets, healing and elders’ tent with the new NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and Cr Philip Thalis. Great to meet Jarin from @jarin_street_ too, they’re making beautiful products with Indigenous design right in the heart of Redfern, check them out!This event just gets bigger and more exciting every year, it’s a wonderful way to connect with and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in our city.

#NAIDOC in the City was so much fun today! It was an honour to represent the Lord Mayor and speak on behalf of the City, and to explore the markets, healing and elders’ tent with the new NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and Cr Philip Thalis. Great to meet Jarin from @jarin_street_ too, they’re making beautiful products with Indigenous design right in the heart of Redfern, check them out!This event just gets bigger and more exciting every year, it’s a wonderful way to connect with and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in our city.

Published on July 13, 2019 4:52 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

I was excited to join @gooddesignaus 61st Awards night tonight, to present the *first ever* #WomenInDesign Award. As a member of the jury, I got to see the work of the brilliant nominees, all leaders across the design realm. Congrats to Sharon Gauchi, Executive Director of Industrial Design for General Motors, for winning the inaugural Women in Design Award. The other 4 finalists were also extraordinary: Sydney sustainability guru Liane Rossler, RMIT design & sexual health lead Judith Glover, Vanessa Bird, an architect shaping inclusive community housing, & Ros Moriaty of Balarinji, creating commercial opportunities & visibility for Indigenous design.What a list! Honoured to be a judge & to present this Award: thanks for putting gender on the agenda in the creative industries, Good Design Australia.

I was excited to join @gooddesignaus 61st Awards night tonight, to present the *first ever* #WomenInDesign Award. As a member of the jury, I got to see the work of the brilliant nominees, all leaders across the design realm. Congrats to Sharon Gauchi, Executive Director of Industrial Design for General Motors, for winning the inaugural Women in Design Award. The other 4 finalists were also extraordinary: Sydney sustainability guru Liane Rossler, RMIT design & sexual health lead Judith Glover, Vanessa Bird, an architect shaping inclusive community housing, & Ros Moriaty of Balarinji, creating commercial opportunities & visibility for Indigenous design.What a list! Honoured to be a judge & to present this Award: thanks for putting gender on the agenda in the creative industries, Good Design Australia.

Published on July 11, 2019 12:59 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way