Celebrating TOWNMAG Issue #2 at Rising Sun Workshop!
Uncle Allan Madden, Welcome to Country
The Newtown Enmore Business Community (NEBC) and the TOWNMAG team gathered to celebrate the official launch of TOWNMAG Issue #2. Hosted inside the workshop area at Rising Sun Workshop on Whateley Street, the night brought together local business owners, artists, and community leaders to honor the collaborative spirit and ingenuity of our precinct.
Highlights of the Night
Warm Welcomes & MC Duties: Local musician and comedian Rodney Todd kept the energy high as host for the evening, while Elder Uncle Alan Madden from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council delivered a grounding Welcome to Country.
Presidential Reflections: NEBC President James Thorpe (who also penned the opening letter for Issue #2) delivered a thoughtful speech on the essence of our neighborhood, reminding us that "Newtown is a place where Sydney remembers to come and be itself." He shared personal stories from his early days as a student bar manager at the Newtown Hotel, reflecting on how learning to show radical hospitality—looking after people regardless of the circumstances—built the foundation for true operational excellence in this precinct.
Live Beats: DJ Global Rations set the tone with an electric live set running through the night.
Spotlighting Local Culture: Issue #2 delves deep into the heart of Newtown, Enmore, and Erskineville, featuring in-depth profiles and inspiring stories of the people behind our local enterprise and culture.
A Local Culinary Mashup: Guests enjoyed a special collaborative spread, featuring catering from local favorites Clem's Chicken Shop and Rising Sun Workshop.
Honoring Precinct Resilience: The informal evening served as a heartfelt thank-you to the hardworking operators, creatives, and partners who keep our trading precinct unique, vibrant, and independent.
What’s Next?
Issue #2 of TOWNMAG is out in the wild! Be sure to grab a copy as you visit local venues across the footprint.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate, to our hosts at Rising Sun Workshop, and to the Inner West Council and NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Fund for supporting our community initiatives.
