As families move and communities change and the fabric of a suburb changes. Upholstered in a black and white Aboriginal design, a large seat, the shape of Australia with a smaller stool representing Tasmania has a number of artworks strewn across the surface. This shop has had to diversify – besides the masks, there is a range of accessories and clothing items. War Memorial Park seems like any other park with children playing and adults relaxing on benches. Norton Street, Leichhardt, in the 1980s. You may also enjoy some of my stories from other travels both within Australia and Overseas. Subscribe to the news topics of interest to you. In another garden bed, a broken headstone carved with the name William Burton who died in 1876 lies forgotten. In little pockets, I discover small businesses and light industry side by side with housing. Discovering places like this is what makes my suburban discoveries so worthwhile. “YWorry” is a bit different. The last time I visited was a few years ago now. I take an average of 4-5 hours when I explore), Thanks Jo, made me smile reading this from Lecce in Puglia (the heel of the boot of Italy). Home to many Italians, the village has a distinct Italian flavour, and the family deli there is well worth the visit. The street art throughout this post is spectacular. The street art was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, my veggie pizza is soggy and I should have accepted the offer of chilli oil to provide additional flavour. “Leichhardt is known across Sydney, Australia and even the globe as Little Italy. “This honours the many thousands of Italian migrants who have built this country after landing in Leichhardt,” Byrne said. |, Leichhardt: Exploring a Little Italy in Sydney, Boomallli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative. The decision follows the successful naming last year of Little Portugal in Petersham, which recognises the close ties of that area with the Portuguese community. Grazie, giorgio, Grazie – if you have a photo, I would love to see it. There is also the Associazione Napoletana. A couple of busses pass me – on their way to Maroubra and Bondi Junction. A framed letter from the previous Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir, congratulates a Boomalli Artist on winning a prize. The old Cyclops Toy factory is just around the corner. There are many Italian restaurants and pizzerias in Leichhardt, as well as more than the usual number of cake shops. Words etched into the concrete reflect the freight that was once carried to and forth along the tracks here. All rights reserved. Take a walk through Leichhardt to discover more about the suburb and how it differs from Haberfield (next door to Leichhardt) and Five Dock (on the western border of Haberfield). From pizzas to espressos, the delissimo grip on Sydney's gastronomic landscape is as entrenched and authentic as ever. With only six hours, the viewer is expected to know whether it is morning or afternoon. Lucchitti Deli and Liquor store with a bottle in hand. Leichhardt | Five Dock | Haberfield | East Sydney | Bondi. Food has always been a key draw card of Leichhardt, with one of the first Italian coffee shops opened in the suburb in 1956 and it being the first suburb in Australia to feature Al Fresco dining. Another hint of Little Italy in Sydney. She jokes “Has it got any money on it?”. For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 2 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au. A young girl vacuums her little P-plated car. Opposite, The Grumpy Bean Café looks appealing, but as it is still early, I keep going. Fortunately, the kitchen at Moretti is not yet closed for the afternoon. We share grandparenting stories – like me, he has to travel far to fulfil his grandparenting duty. At the 36th Battalion Park a grandfather (probably in his 70s) keeps tabs on an energetic two-year-old. The Local Tart in Moore Street seems as good a place as any to stop for my late breakfast. Thanks Giorgio. They produce original patterns and print using traditional screening methods to create textiles, wall papers and clothing. Haberfield has a smaller Italian commercial presence with great specialty grocers and delicatessens. A walk through the shop makes me realise that the main income here is from the large selection of Italian wines and spirits. There are shops selling Italian goods as well as Italian restaurants lining the streets. Paintings by Mrs Lucchitti depict scenes from all over the world. Some are renovated and freshly painted while others desperately need some TLC. The Leichhardt Bus Depot warns against unauthorised entry with numerous signs and razor wire. LEICHHARDT. However, there are also three Japanese and three Greek restaurants as well as an Indian and a Thai. Plenty of people still linger over their lunch. We acknowledge that this land area traditionally belonged to the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora nation. Inner West is a uniquely creative community with vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods living side-by-side in harmony. The idea comes from a clock designed in the 1850s for a clock tower in Brisighella in Northern Italy. Here the houses have names. I must tell Vanessa Berry of Mirror Sydney about this one – she wrote a post about the various Harbour Bridges she has discovered. Other customers speak Italian, sprinkled here and there with a few English words. Harold Hawkins Court awaiting redevelopment (Art by Skulk). 5 affecting 436 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, Mayor slams State Government’s ‘unfair’ rates changes. We’re a proud community made up of different cultures, ideologies and experiences that define us. Our public transport really does do a good job getting people around. Inner West Council has voted to formally name a precinct of the Leichhardt-Haberfield area Little Italy. The round leadlight window above the door depicts a red old-style car. Street Art seems to be more and more accepted and mainstream these days. As the Joanne behind Travel with Joanne, I hope to encourage you to explore Sydney beyond the usual tourist sights. A plaque reminds visitors that the Pioneer’s Memorial Park, was formerly the Balmain Cemetery. Building certification services and forms, Principal certifiers and the role of Council, Corporate planning, performance and budget, Leichhardt to be recognised as Little Italy, Online: Researching and Writing Diversity, Public Art - Call for memories of community, Pay my rates (0.75% fee applies on credit cards), Inner West named Sport NSW Local Council of the Year, Revocation of Interim Heritage Order No. There is plenty around on other walls. I am starting to realise that murals and street art are becoming more mainstream these days. The first surprise (by Helen Proctor & Laura Ives). Some are modernised and others remain true to their original design. Leichhardts favourite iconic Italian restaurant. I pass a lead light supply place and a man fixing a large truck. Now you can enjoy the traditional cooking amongst your own family and friends. What a lovely story and addition to what I discovered. Walking into the Italian Forum, I look into The Merchant of Venice which sells beautiful handmade masks. But wouldn’t give it up for the world. Never mind. The concept of "Little Italy" holds many different aspects of the Italian culture. The Sydney Bus Museum is located here but unfortunately is only open a couple of Sundays each month. Thanks to waves of post-WW1 migration the suburb become well known as “Sydney’s Little Italy” due to the number of shops and businesses being run by Australians of Italian descent. The expected artwork has been painted over. It is past lunch time, and being in Sydney’s Little Italy, I really should eat pizza. Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 8:30am to 5pm. Council will apply to the Geographic Names Board to have a precinct including Norton and Marion Streets designated as Little Italy. Let me know and I will update the information. Thank you so much Robyn. I have vague memories of eating here many years ago. Leichhardt in Sydney’s inner west is one of three Sydney suburbs referred to as “Little Italy”. Apologies to those street artists whose work I have photographed, but have not named. Great to read about the differences and similarities of the three areas. Perhaps these were the original house names. Leichhardt is named after the persian (German) explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt, who came to Australia in 1842 for his study of rocks and nature. My Bircher muesli and coffee are worth the wait. How do I find Italian families friends looking for Lucy came from a family of 11girls from five dock or Leichhardt thank you. CI DOVREBBE ESSERE A LEICHHARDT ANCHE LA SCUOLA D’INFANZIA (CHILDHOOD SCHOOL) SAN FRANCESCO, dove la pittrice di FORLI’ (iTALY) HA FATTO UN GRAFFITO. But I’ll make do with Leichhardt until I get to Italy one day. Copyright © Joanne Karcz 2020.