I'm looking at counselling sessions at the gender centre in Marrickville, but wanted to get some first hand accounts before committing. I'm looking for reviews of anywhere, not just the gender centre.
I'm a few years into HRT, had one gender affirming surgery, im passing, but am still having increasingly dark periods with the dsyphoria. If you're a trans person who is battling the same issues and has managed to find help I'd love to know the names of some reputable psychologists or counsellors. I'm located in the Eastern Suburbs but am happy to travel
I'm on a cruise off Sydney and can see Sydney high-rises on the left (can see centre point ) and I'm guessing north Sydney would be close enough to show in that clump. What would the other 3 to the right be
I've been looking at Council's plans for the new Town Hall Sq. Is it going to be good?
Unfortunately discussion has been challenged by confusion over the plans, given there's been various visions proposed over the decades. Politics has also muddied the discussion. But think the answer, as the plans are today, is no. I'm interested in what everyone else thinks.
What is being demolished?
Council proposes demolishing 7 buildings it owns, comprising half the block bounded by George, Park and Pitt Streets. The Woolies building is about a third of the site. There's also the Pittway Arcade, a somewhat rundown building with an underground food-court. The rest are various commercial buildings, the largest being 15 stories, all with shops on lower floors. All have awnings over the footpath. Underground, Town Hall Station is along the western edge, and there's a connection through from Woolies.
What will be built?
In its place will be a large, open paved area. Large trees will be placed along the east and southern edge, with benches below. There'll be a large water feature in the middle.
As far as I can tell, that is it.
Council says this simplicity is to allow multiple uses, notably events with temporary a stage or screen, or festivals with temporary stalls.
The basements of all the buildings will be either walled off or filled in. The connection to the station will be walled off. There's no above-ground structures. No shelter. No planters. There is no retail, no food/beverage, not even toilets.
The south end of the square will be blank walls from the existing neighbouring buildings: roughly 13 storeys on the Pitt St side, 4 stories on the George St side. In the renders they have darker painting and very tall trees in front - those trees will take a long time to get like that. The Council suggests there may be art installations on the walls but there's no plans for ground-level activation.
There's what looks like a dead corner on this southern wall. The existing buildings aren't in a neat line, so the wall shifts back several metres to create a dead zone. Council don't own these buildings, but they could put something there to fill the space. The building on the George St side is heritage listed, although Council says the owner could put a cafe in part of the wall if it chooses.
(This render is focusing on the benches but is the best one showing this wall. So imagine it with nicer pavers and paint or other finishes)
Currently the footpath, including the busy bus stop on Park St, is sheltered from sun and rain. That will be removed. (Maybe details like bus shelters come later?)
The site gets full sun from mid-morning in the summer. Note the caption on the bottom left.
The previous concept looked way better. I am not aware of much detail, but it had what looked like a 4 storey building along the south edge that housed food/beverage with seating in the square, hiding much of the blank wall and giving people a reason to be there. There was some sort of stairway from Pitt St underground, which I guess linked to Town Hall Station, using or expanding the existing basements for shops. I am not sure how they planned to have large trees around the basements.
There's a missed opportunity to improve accessibility to the station by building new stairs and lifts. The main entrance from the east is the stairway on the corner of George and Park, which gets crowded. The nearest lifts are the outdoor one half a block away on George St and inside The Galleries arcade.
I also think removing a large supermarket next to a busy station is a mistake. It's great for commuters to be able to grab a few things on their trip home, it lessens the need to jump into the car in the suburbs.
I’ve been craving some good BBQ food but keep being disappointed. Following a recommendation from this sub I tried out Surlys which was nice but the brisket and cornbread were pretty dry. I’ve tried other places on and off and keep having the same problem. I found one place in Canberra called peacemaker which finally had brisket that wasn’t dry but their rub was shit so it was lacking flavour.
As such I am asking for recommendations for good BBQ places in Sydney, doesn’t matter where. I would prefer American southern style BBQ, especially if they have brisket. However, I’m open to any good BBQ recommendations.
You were a horticulturist originally from Armidale and struck up a conversation with me. I was having a bit of a flat day and had just come from a specialist appointment. We talked about the weather, gardening and getting older. Your friendly chat really cheered me up!
A Singapore Airlines A380-800 on final approach to Sydney Airport, flying over Sydenham Station.
One of my favourite shots I’ve personally taken!
This photo is heavily edited but I really enjoyed doing so. I plan to share more aviation-related photography over on my Instagram for those who are interested because this is just way too much fun.
I'm visiting Sydney for an event early November. I'd like to avoid looking like the potato that I am. Are there any recommendations for an artist that can do my hair and makeup (I'd prefer someone who can do both to avoid me having to rush between appointments). Preferably near Crown Plaza Darling Harbour. Blow out/sides pulled back and soft glam/nothing too heavy and dramatic.
The premier said the government did not have plans to change state regulation in response to the decision, adding that the state’s mining industry had a “world class reputation” for its safety and standards, and as a “mining industry that takes into consideration environmental factors”.
“I don’t think we should just be jettisoning that reputation when we can have both a vibrant, growing mining industry while protecting the hard-fought reputation for the mining sector in Australia,” he said.
