Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe A Hunters Hill home known to locals as the “abandoned mansion” has clocked the blue-chip suburb’s record on Sydney’s lower north shore selling at a frenzied auction for $26.1 million to retired industrial property developer Oscar Gonzalez and his wife Maria The European-style mansion with gun-barrel views of the Harbour Bridge was sold by Chinese businessman Ma Kin Kwan who purchased the property for $9.08 million in 2012 SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Link copiedShareShare resultsBy chief election analyst Antony Green posted Fri at 2:00pmFriday 2 May 2025 at 2:00pmFri 2 May 2025 at 2:00pm Updated 4m ago4 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 12:05pm updated 4h ago4 hours agoMon 5 May 2025 at 7:50am | (*) - The party status of this electorate has changed. See notes on redistribution below. Bennelong covers 60 sq.km on Sydney's lower north shore and includes most of Ryde and all of Hunters Hill and Lane Cove Councils areas, along with much smaller areas from Parramatta and Willoughby councils. It stretches along the Parramatta River from Greenwich to Meadowbank, extending north to the Lane Cover River and the Pacific Highway further east. The electorate includes Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Gladesville, Ryde, Eastwood, Macquarie University and the business estate at Macquarie Park. (Victories by a party of government are indicated by thick coloured underlining.) Yung was born in Sydney to migrant parents and started his work career as a teller at a local bank branch. He later went on to hold a Head of Recruitment role at an ASX-listed wealth management company. Yung was previously the Liberal candidate for Kogarah at the 2019 NSW election, coming close to defeating Labor member and future Premier Chris Minns. Devine grew up in Haberfield but has spent the last three decades living in the Bennelong area at Denistone East and Beecroft. He entered the telecommunications industry in the 1980s, starting out with technical work before advancing over the years to work as a project manager and operations manager. In the 1990s he ran his own business for a number of years, worked for other organisations in various managerial roles before returning to operating his own small business. Laxale was a small business director and had served on Ryde Council for a decade before winning Bennelong at the 2022 election. He served as Mayor of Ryde Council for five years from 2016 until the 2021 local government elections. Laxale had previously been the Labor candidate Ryde at three NSW state elections. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) NSW 21104 3 5SoldAuctioned for $3,960,000 on Feb 17 2025Hunters Hill Family Home - Renovate or Rebuild1 Joly Parade 4 Bed 3 Bath 5 Car ( inc 2 lock up garages ) Charming Family Home in Hunters Hill offering water views This property is ideal for families wanting to move in Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Hunters Hill this 4 bedroom brick 1980s residence offers outdoor living this property is perfect for families seeking space and tranquility 4 spacious bedrooms all offering Built in Wardrobes while an additional 3 open parking spaces Landscaped garden featuring and outdoor alfresco area a formal dining room perfect for entertaining and a comfortable family area that flows effortlessly into the outdoor spaces Don't miss this opportunity to secure a wonderful family home in one of Hunters Hill's most sought-after locations Whether you're looking to create lasting memories or invest in a property with potential Selling Principal - Raine & Horne Hunters Hill [email protected] Asset manager April Group has picked up the Hunters Hill Private Hospital from Australian Unity’s Healthcare Property Trust Ramsay Healthcare is on a lease expiring in 2035 but with options can stay until 2050 The transaction took nearly two years for AU to seal – concluding at the end of last year after being listed in February, 2023 Hunters Hill is about nine kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD Developed in 1922 and extensively refurbished in 2010 the three level hospital contains 39 wards with 40 beds (15 inpatient surgical beds and 25 inpatient rehabilitation beds) On 3648 square metres with three street frontages It was valued at $31.5m when it was listed two years ago “The sale is in line with the trust’s strategy to selectively divest properties with proceeds being used to reduce debt initially before deployment,” AU general manager represents wholesale investors including family offices Stanton Hillier Parker’s Chris Veitch and Shirley Fan marketed 9 Mount St The deal comes nearly three years since April acquired Sydney CBD’s c1920 Lisgar House – an office – from Brookfield for $32.5m Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page A former property analyst and print journalist Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password Back to login Muddying the waters is not only fierce opposition from locals objecting to the sale of public land, but fears it would sell for potentially a lot less. The 527-square-metre block on the north-facing foreshore of the Lane Cove River is described in council’s proposal as “remnant land” and surplus to the current or future needs of the community. This is despite being valued as one of the suburb’s most expensive vacant blocks 22 years ago when council bought it from the owners of the historic Mornington mansion next door. At the time there was a legal stoush that preceded its price determination. Evidence to the Supreme Court in 2002 revealed the Porters estimated they were owed $900,000 to $1.8 million, and council argued it was worth $300,000, with a “worst-case scenario” of $1.2 million. Ultimately, the Valuer-General made the call, putting it at $2.515 million for the bushland known as 16c Vernon Street, Hunters Hill. “This plainly came as a shock to the council and perhaps a pleasant surprise to the Porters,” said Justice Roger Giles in his NSW Court of Appeal judgment in which he found in favour of the Porters. Council not only paid, but had to cover the Porters’ legal costs as well. ‘Downward pressure’: Sydney suburbs where home owners are selling now Australia’s last capital city with a median price under $600k: Pack your bags for Darwin The Block 2024 Auction: Biggest Shocks and Unexpected Results At the time the median house price in Hunters Hill was $1.2 million, according to Domain data. It has since risen to $4.1 million. The block was originally part of the landmark Mornington estate that was built in 1906 to a design by architect Henry E. Budden, and from 1918 until 1999 owned by generations of the Meggitt family, of the pioneer linseed oil industry. It is a landmark residence at 16 Vernon Street that was long known locally as the “eyes of the river” given its distinctive windows. It was a decision in the 1980s to rezone the waterfront portion of the estate as open space that has made valuing the land a matter of conjecture because it meant that part of the estate could not be developed, and the owners could force council to acquire it. And that’s what happened in 2000 after the Meggitt family sold Mornington for $3.2 million to Meredith and Graham Porter, founders and owners of the Four Seasons Condom company. Council officially acquired the land in 2002 by subdividing the foreshore into two lots, of which the smaller part was left to the Porters and the larger 527-square-metre block became public land. A recent proposal by Hunters Hill Council to sell the block back to the Porters would effectively reverse the compulsory acquisition with little likelihood of raising the equivalent of $2,515,000 in 2024 dollars, said the submission of Jim Sanderson, who was until recently an Independent councillor. The Porters did not respond to requests for comment. The waterfront bushland is one of four blocks proposed for sale as part of council’s Long Term Financial Plan to fund operations or asset maintenance costs. A spokesperson said no valuation was required at this stage because no formal sale process had started. The plan has received more than 60 submissions, of which more than a handful of locals, former councillors and the Hunters Hill Trust have lodged objections that are fiercely critical of the proposal. “Selling council land to fund continuing operations is not sustainable nor does it respect intergenerational equity,” Sanderson stated. “This is the wrong thing to do,” said councillor and former mayor Ross Williams. “It’s public land, the public have access to it, it has beautiful beaches on it, it has a boat shed that should be public, and it’s full of trees and beautiful rocky outcrops. These are all the reasons why you wouldn’t sell it.” The neighbour David Griffith said the best outcome for the community would be to redirect the Great North Walk down the unmade part of Serpentine Road Reserve so people can access the beach, bushland and the boat shed. The submission of Hunters Hill Trust president Karyn Raisin disputes council’s claim the block is only accessible from Mornington. “An on-site visit clearly demonstrates this tract of land is accessible via Serpentine Rd Road Reserve. Unfortunately, the access has never been improved by council even though nearby signs point to the Great North Walk and Mornington Reserve further along the shoreline.” A council spokesperson said the accessibility issue will be reviewed in the upcoming council report given recent feedback, and a report is due to be handed to council by the end of the year. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate banking on resilient healthcare demand and the long-term value of scarce metropolitan land despite broader headwinds facing the private hospital sector offloaded the property on a capitalisation rate of about 6 per cent Akin to an investment yield and loosely correlated to bond yields a rise in cap rates typically signals falling asset values The deal marks a strategic shift for April Group which has historically focused on office assets in inner-city Sydney But with rising construction costs and surging leasing incentives challenging the commercial sector’s fundamentals the group is turning its attention to assets underpinned by long-term leases and potential for increasing land values The acquisition comes despite private hospital operators facing a wave of challenges post-COVID-19 the country’s second-largest hospital operator has put itself up for sale and is looking to streamline its hospital footprint due to rapidly rising medical costs and struggles to make rental payments as a result Healthscope has been working to hand over its Northern Beaches Hospital into public hands but the NSW government has so far refused to enter negotiations to buy back the asset Despite those headwinds within the private hospital sector April views the hospital as a strategic land bank due to it being in tightly held blue-chip location and having Ramsay Health Care as its tenant Australia’s largest private hospital operator has the lease at Hunters Hill Private Hospital where it is paying over $2 million a year in rent The near-3650-square-metre freehold site is also among the largest non-heritage landholdings in the exclusive Sydney north shore enclave of Hunters Hill which is one of the oldest and wealthiest suburbs nationally deaths outstripped births by 113 in 2022-23 “This acquisition was in response to strong investor demand focused on a prime landholding with a secure income profile,” April Group capital head Jim Robertshaw said “Considering the current challenges being experienced in the private health sector we spent a significant amount of time analysing the local demand for healthcare services which we anticipate will grow given the ageing demographic of the Hunters Hill population.” April joins other investors in eying the healthcare sector for its perceived resilience and demographic tailwinds April’s acquisition follows a series of similar moves by other players which secured $150 million for its $1.5 billion Barwon Institutional Healthcare Property Fund last month The deal was brokered by Chris Veitch of Stanton Hillier Parker Sydney commercial real estate Melbourne commercial real estate Brisbane commercial real estate Adelaide commercial real estate Perth commercial real estate Canberra commercial real estate Darwin commercial real estate Hobart commercial real estate NSW properties for sale VIC properties for sale QLD properties for sale SA properties for sale WA properties for sale ACT properties for sale NT properties for sale TAS properties for sale NSW properties for lease VIC properties for lease QLD properties for lease SA properties for lease WA properties for lease ACT properties for lease NT properties for lease TAS properties for lease Rural & Farming for sale in NSW Rural & Farming for sale in VIC Rural & Farming for sale in QLD Rural & Farming for sale in SA Rural & Farming for sale in WA Rural & Farming for sale in NT Rural & Farming for sale in TAS Rural & Farming for sale in ACT Sydney Toowoomba City Surry Hills Melbourne Dandenong Brisbane Morton Vale Noosaville TRG founder Gavin Rubinstein is smashing records in Hunters Hill with a waterfront selling $1m over reserve at auction this week The Clark family’s longtime home on a 1640sqm absolute waterfront block, with plans for a tennis court, large garage and dual occupancy at 17 Nelson Parade There were a dozen registered for the home listed via Rubinstein and colleague Mel Angelis with all but one participating in the bidding Princess Di’s Aussie wedding escape It’s the fourth street record for TRG in Hunters Hill since they opened an office there a few months ago “It’s the highest price paid in the street and the fourth street record for us since opening our office just a few months ago.” The other sales included the Rowell family’s six-bedroom home at 18A Ferdinand St Monday night’s purchasers in Nelson Pde were a family from the south-west not surprisingly since TRG has its HQ in Sydney’s exclusive eastern suburbs two of the registered parties came from there There are multiple outdoor entertainment areas But they’re planning to renovate — or even rebuild you’re greeted by incredible water views taking in the city skyline to Pulpit Point Reserve and beyond North-facing terraces offer outdoor entertainment areas to enjoy the outlook Right in front of the bay there’s a solar-heated pool The property is perfect for growing or multi-generational families with four well-sized bedrooms all with water views The buyers are planning a big reno or rebuild third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. 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Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time It’s an unusual pocket of land on a Sydney street populated with multimillion-dollar homes But what exactly can be done with the axe-shaped property on the exclusive Hunters Hill peninsula is a puzzle is a piece of land up for sale.Credit: Edwina Pickles The 164-square-metre block between Alexandra and Foss streets in the heart of the waterside enclave boasts dual street access It also has a green Ausgrid “kiosk” – a small electricity substation – atop it that will remain in use The property is one of a number of former Ausgrid sites in sought-after suburbs on Sydney’s north shore The estimated value of the Hunters Hill land was $259,000 as at July 1 last year Bigger blocks in the street are valued at well over double or triple that sum per square metre said the Hunters Hill land was “probably one of the more challenging of the sites that are available” but “they’re all attracting quite similar buyer interest” “In my 25 years I’ve never sold anything like them,” Harrison said “There’s some interest in almost all of them from one or more of the neighbours That would make sense for those neighbours to land bank and increase the foothold of their existing dwelling.” Harrison said the properties were also attracting interest from “first home buyers and just mum and dad-type buyers who are looking at it as an entry into fairly affluent suburbs” The size of the blocks made the price “very affordable for those areas based on other sales around them” “Those buyers are then assessing what they can actually do there Almost all of the inquiries that we’re receiving from buyers are [whether they] can do some kind of dwelling A series of former Ausgrid sites in prized suburbs on Sydney’s north shore are slated for auction in coming weeks “But they are restricted because they’re obviously small sites you’ve got the various standard council building restrictions .. [and] there’s an electrical kiosk on the site so there’s an easement that’s created around that You’re going to have to be creative in terms of what you build But there are some people with good imaginations and looking to take on the opportunity.” including in Lane Cove (499 square metres) and Willoughby (227 square metres) “People are talking about doing two-bedroom bachelor-style properties and things like that,” Harrison said a buyers’ agent with Propertybuyer who specialises in Sydney’s north shore said the Hunters Hill property was “unusual” the value of the land would be assessed by considering “the highest and best use of the land” I can’t see how it’s going to be potentially redeveloped because of the size of the land and the shape of it,” he said The two street frontages would be “a real bonus if the land was bigger” Neighbours snapped up a similar property in nearby Gale Street The owners of a multimillion-dollar terrace with harbour views bought the former Ausgrid site next door for $320,000 in 2023 They want to extend the home into the 126-square-metre space A smaller kiosk substation is expected to be installed on the Woolwich site allowing a larger brick structure impeding redevelopment to be dismantled The Woolwich terrace and the adjoining land.Credit: Hunters Hill Council An Ausgrid spokesperson said the electricity distribution company “regularly reviews the land it owns with a view to disposing of properties that are no longer fully in use by the network” The Hunters Hill property “was formerly an Ausgrid asset and is one of a number of past Ausgrid sites currently on the market” “Disposal of surplus properties reduces ongoing maintenance and holding costs which leads to lower power bills for Ausgrid customers.” The spokesperson said the properties were sometimes sold with “operational assets still in place .. “Whilst these assets will still be maintained by Ausgrid the remainder of the land will be unlocked for a range of uses “Feedback from past and prospective purchases suggest there are a wide range of potential uses for old Ausgrid sites that could be appropriate, including parking spaces, art studios, granny flats, hobby spaces, community gardens and even small cafes.” The Hunters Hill property is zoned low-density residential A council spokesperson said that “council has minimum lot sizes for subdivision … ranging from 700 square metres to 1000 square metres” “Council also has significant planning controls that would affect any proposed development Potential purchasers should make their own enquiries on the development potential of the site.” The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here It\\u2019s an unusual pocket of land on a Sydney street populated with multimillion-dollar homes It also has a green Ausgrid \\u201Ckiosk\\u201D \\u2013 a small electricity substation \\u2013 atop it that will remain in use The property is one of a number of former Ausgrid sites in sought-after suburbs on Sydney\\u2019s north shore said the Hunters Hill land was \\u201Cprobably one of the more challenging of the sites that are available\\u201D but \\u201Cthey\\u2019re all attracting quite similar buyer interest\\u201D \\u201CIn my 25 years I\\u2019ve never sold anything like them,\\u201D Harrison said \\u201CThere\\u2019s some interest in almost all of them from one or more of the neighbours That would make sense for those neighbours to land bank and increase the foothold of their existing dwelling.\\u201D Harrison said the properties were also attracting interest from \\u201Cfirst home buyers and just mum and dad-type buyers who are looking at it as an entry into fairly affluent suburbs\\u201D The size of the blocks made the price \\u201Cvery affordable for those areas based on other sales around them\\u201D \\u201CThose buyers are then assessing what they can actually do there Almost all of the inquiries that we\\u2019re receiving from buyers are [whether they] can do some kind of dwelling \\u201CBut they are restricted because they\\u2019re obviously small sites you\\u2019ve got the various standard council building restrictions .. [and] there\\u2019s an electrical kiosk on the site so there\\u2019s an easement that\\u2019s created around that You\\u2019re going to have to be creative in terms of what you build But there are some people with good imaginations and looking to take on the opportunity.\\u201D \\u201CPeople are talking about doing two-bedroom bachelor-style properties and things like that,\\u201D Harrison said a buyers\\u2019 agent with Propertybuyer who specialises in Sydney\\u2019s north shore said the Hunters Hill property was \\u201Cunusual\\u201D the value of the land would be assessed by considering \\u201Cthe highest and best use of the land\\u201D I can\\u2019t see how it\\u2019s going to be potentially redeveloped because of the size of the land and the shape of it,\\u201D he said The two street frontages would be \\u201Ca real bonus if the land was bigger\\u201D An Ausgrid spokesperson said the electricity distribution company \\u201Cregularly reviews the land it owns with a view to disposing of properties that are no longer fully in use by the network\\u201D The Hunters Hill property \\u201Cwas formerly an Ausgrid asset and is one of a number of past Ausgrid sites currently on the market\\u201D \\u201CDisposal of surplus properties reduces ongoing maintenance and holding costs which leads to lower power bills for Ausgrid customers.\\u201D The spokesperson said the properties were sometimes sold with \\u201Coperational assets still in place .. such as the green electrical kiosks\\u201D \\u201CWhilst these assets will still be maintained by Ausgrid \\u201CFeedback from past and prospective purchases suggest there are a wide range of potential uses for old Ausgrid sites that could be appropriate A council spokesperson said that \\u201Ccouncil has minimum lot sizes for subdivision \\u2026 ranging from 700 square metres to 1000 square metres\\u201D \\u201CCouncil also has significant planning controls that would affect any proposed development Potential purchasers should make their own enquiries on the development potential of the site.\\u201D The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories A series of former Ausgrid sites in prized suburbs on Sydney\\u2019s north shore are slated for auction in coming weeks Transport for NSW is proposing a number of safety and congestion improvements at the intersection of Gladesville Road and Joubert Street (south) Hunters Hill - proposed changes mapImage controls: We’re inviting the community to provide feedback on these proposed safety improvements: See the notification for more information here (PDF, 392.84 KB) Joubert and Church Streets experiences heavy congestion and delays due to current traffic flow movements through the area.  Based on feedback from Council and the community Transport has identified potential improvements to the intersection to increase pedestrian safety especially for students crossing both the Burns Bay Road exit ramp and Joubert Street (north) towards the nearby bus stop Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG) If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us we would like to provide construction updates to the community via email Distribution Lists  Gladesville Rd and Joubert St (south) Hunters Hill Safety Improvement Email ListValues to always add Personal Information Collection Notice: Transport for NSW is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal and health information is managed according to law. Find out why we collect your personal information and how we use and manage it by reading our privacy statement or phone 13 22 13 to request a copy For further information about this project Email: projects@transport.nsw.gov.au Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. It\\u2019s an unusual pocket of land on a Sydney street populated with multimillion-dollar homes, including historic sandstone residences. And it\\u2019s searching for a new owner. But what exactly can be done with the axe-shaped property on the exclusive Hunters Hill peninsula is a puzzle. The 164-square-metre block between Alexandra and Foss streets in the heart of the waterside enclave boasts dual street access. It also has a green Ausgrid \\u201Ckiosk\\u201D \\u2013 a small electricity substation \\u2013 atop it that will remain in use. The property is one of a number of former Ausgrid sites in sought-after suburbs on Sydney\\u2019s north shore, including Longueville, Castlecrag and Chatswood, that are on the market. The estimated value of the Hunters Hill land was $259,000 as at July 1 last year, or $1579 per square metre, according to NSW Valuer General figures. Bigger blocks in the street are valued at well over double or triple that sum per square metre. The valuations exclude structures. Belle Property\\u2019s Simon Harrison, the listing agent for the properties, said the Hunters Hill land was \\u201Cprobably one of the more challenging of the sites that are available\\u201D but \\u201Cthey\\u2019re all attracting quite similar buyer interest\\u201D. \\u201CIn my 25 years I\\u2019ve never sold anything like them,\\u201D Harrison said. \\u201CThere\\u2019s some interest in almost all of them from one or more of the neighbours. That would make sense for those neighbours to land bank and increase the foothold of their existing dwelling.\\u201D Harrison said the properties were also attracting interest from \\u201Cfirst home buyers and just mum and dad-type buyers who are looking at it as an entry into fairly affluent suburbs\\u201D. The size of the blocks made the price \\u201Cvery affordable for those areas based on other sales around them\\u201D. \\u201CThose buyers are then assessing what they can actually do there. Almost all of the inquiries that we\\u2019re receiving from buyers are [whether they] can do some kind of dwelling. \\u201CBut they are restricted because they\\u2019re obviously small sites, you\\u2019ve got the various standard council building restrictions ... [and] there\\u2019s an electrical kiosk on the site, so there\\u2019s an easement that\\u2019s created around that. \\u201CIt\\u2019s not for everyone. You\\u2019re going to have to be creative in terms of what you build. But there are some people with good imaginations and looking to take on the opportunity.\\u201D Some of the sites, including in Lane Cove (499 square metres) and Willoughby (227 square metres), are on larger blocks. \\u201CPeople are talking about doing two-bedroom bachelor-style properties and things like that,\\u201D Harrison said. Nicholas Taylor-Fick, a buyers\\u2019 agent with Propertybuyer who specialises in Sydney\\u2019s north shore, inner west and Hills District, said the Hunters Hill property was \\u201Cunusual\\u201D. As in every case, the value of the land would be assessed by considering \\u201Cthe highest and best use of the land\\u201D. \\u201CTo me, it has more value to an adjoining owner. I can\\u2019t see how it\\u2019s going to be potentially redeveloped because of the size of the land and the shape of it,\\u201D he said. The two street frontages would be \\u201Ca real bonus if the land was bigger\\u201D, Taylor-Fick said. Neighbours snapped up a similar property in nearby Gale Street, Woolwich. The owners of a multimillion-dollar terrace with harbour views bought the former Ausgrid site next door for $320,000 in 2023. They want to extend the home into the 126-square-metre space. A smaller kiosk substation is expected to be installed on the Woolwich site, allowing a larger brick structure impeding redevelopment to be dismantled. An Ausgrid spokesperson said the electricity distribution company \\u201Cregularly reviews the land it owns with a view to disposing of properties that are no longer fully in use by the network\\u201D. The Hunters Hill property \\u201Cwas formerly an Ausgrid asset and is one of a number of past Ausgrid sites currently on the market\\u201D. The spokesperson said the properties were sometimes sold with \\u201Coperational assets still in place ... such as the green electrical kiosks\\u201D. \\u201CWhilst these assets will still be maintained by Ausgrid, the remainder of the land will be unlocked for a range of uses, subject to zoning and council approvals. \\u201CFeedback from past and prospective purchases suggest there are a wide range of potential uses for old Ausgrid sites that could be appropriate, including parking spaces, art studios, granny flats, hobby spaces, community gardens and .\\u201D The Hunters Hill property is zoned low-density residential. A council spokesperson said that \\u201Ccouncil has minimum lot sizes for subdivision \\u2026 ranging from 700 square metres to 1000 square metres\\u201D. \\u201CCouncil also has significant planning controls that would affect any proposed development. Potential purchasers should make their own enquiries on the development potential of the site.\\u201D The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. . A series of former Ausgrid sites in prized suburbs on Sydney\\u2019s north shore are slated for auction in coming weeks, including: A heritage-listed three-bedroom home that was formerly a post office on Sydney’s lower north shore sold for $350,000 above its reserve at $2.85 million as auction results pushed beyond 75 per cent in the city The NSW capital clocked a 76.6 per cent preliminary clearance rate, up from the previous week’s 73 per cent which was the city’s most successful week of auctions since July At the time, the six-bedroom mansion with a Turkish spa, views to the Harbour Bridge and private berth was reported as one of an increasing number of high-end sales to cashed-up buyers coming from mainland China. Unreported was the fact it was a cash purchase by Ma, although a Westpac mortgage was taken out in 2015. Corporate records show Ma’s purchase coincided with his investment and a five-year stint as a director of Woden Retirement Development, which is part of the Hindmarsh construction and development giant headed by developer John Hindmarsh. But little has been heard from the Ma family in recent years. The house at the end of Pulpit Point has stood empty for years, still with the owners’ personal belongings and effects in place. Locals, who call it the “abandoned mansion”, say it was as if the owners went out unexpectedly one day and never returned. There were teacups on the kitchen bench, shoes lying by the front door, the letter box overflowing, and the lawn left unmowed. Adding to the intrigue was a notice stuck to the door earlier this year that stated: “The property is in possession of the mortgagee acting under power of sale.” But there will be no mortgagee-in-possession sale. An updated search shows that last month the Westpac loan was paid off, and in its place the Mas have taken out two mortgages from non-banker lenders, totalling more than $8 million. Servo mogul shrugs off liquidation, aims to sell record-setting $10.5m home The Sydney suburb where nobody is behind on their mortgage Buy a house in a capital city on a $700k budget What’s more, the family’s personal effects have been removed, and the six-bedroom residence has been recarpeted, painted, and the curved marble staircase polished. The Mas have listed it with Ray White Kingsgrove agent George Boghos, who said the owners are in China now and do not want to talk about the sale. He added that he has had cash offers of $10 million and $11 million but will not set a guide until after this weekend’s first open inspection. James Browning, founder of touring company and artist booking agency Niche Talent, is set to emerge as Marrickville’s $6 million record-setter in coming weeks. Browning’s purchase of the 1894-built house with the Palm Springs-style rear extension, known as Roma, was sold by Cobden Hayson’s Alex Mastoris on behalf of Julian and Natalie Oliver, topping the suburb high by more than $1.1 million. Meanwhile, the Olivers look to be headed to Balmain, where they have paid about $2.9 million for a sandstone house sold by legendary Labor Party strategist Rod Cameron and fellow Labor pollster Margaret Gibbs, of ANOP Consumer Research. CobdenHayson’s Matt Hayson declined to reveal the exact sale result. As liquidators take control of the sports, games and furniture retailer T & R International directed by Rita Shanshan Han and headed up by Tony Hui Xiong, the couple’s grand resort-style mansion in Turramurra has come up for sale with a $10 million guide. The seven-bedroom mansion gives no indication of the financial troubles of its owners. The 10,000-square-metre property is set behind a gated driveway and boasts park-sized gardens, as well as a championship-sized tennis court, swimming pool, fully equipped cabana with pizza oven, and garaging for 10 cars. But on title the registered mortgage has been joined in recent months by four caveats from small business loans and finance providers. The liquidators report more than $7.2 million is owed by the company to its creditors. Since March, NSW Fair Trading has received almost 400 complaints related to false representations, unreasonable delays and partial deliveries, prompting the department to issue a public warning in September not to deal with the company. Queensland’s Fair Trading received more than 50 complaints about the company, and followed with its own public warning. The couple bought their Turramurra home in 2021 for $9,751,000, just two months after they purchased a $1,675,000 block of land in Wahroonga. Sotheby’s Wendy Xu has the listing. Three time Olympic equestrian Vicki Roycroft has listed her Mount White equestrian property, Roycroft Stables, with a $6 million guide with Sotheby’s Harriet France. Roycroft, who represented Australia at the Olympic Games in LA in 1984, in Seoul in 1988 and in Atlanta in 1996, has owned the property since 1981, paying $153,000 for the 16 hectares with then husband and fellow Olympian Wayne Roycroft. At the time the Roycrofts were coming from across the road at Pokey Hill Stud, which was later renamed Strawberry Hill by ad man John Singleton and sold for more than $30 million last year to Coolmore Australia boss Tom Magnier. The well-heeled folk of Hunters Hill have been known for their strident stance against overdevelopment since 1971 when about a dozen local mums joined with the late union organiser Jack Mundey and his “green bans” movement to stop Kellys Bush becoming a housing estate So an application to the council to almost double the size of Woolwich Marina met a groundswell of opposition in what is being billed an “existential battle” against the privatisation of a public waterway Hunters Hill councillor Ross Williams and volunteer coordinator David Griffith are leading a community battle against the expansion of Woolwich Marina into one of the busiest parts of Parramatta River.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos On the drawing board is a proposal to expand Woolwich Marina from the current 45 berths to 79 and to moor larger vessels up to 35-metre super yachts The estimated cost of $8.5 million seems to be the least of the hurdles facing the marina’s ultimate owner given it was unanimously rejected by both Hunters Hill Council and the North Sydney Local Planning Panel The next step will be an on-site conciliation meeting with the Land and Environment Court on September 19 and 20 Chief among the 11 grounds for refusal – including maritime visual impacts to the state heritage-listed Kellys Bush Park the existing use of public space and public consultation – are what former mayor Ross Williams cites as the privatisation of a public waterway and the safety risk to children sailing in what is already a congested section of the Parramatta River An artist’s impression submitted by Micheal Fountain Architects of how the expanded marina will look from Kellys Bush Park.Credit: Hunters Hill Council Then there are the heritage concerns of a native kelp forest and a shipwreck in the Parramatta River as well as the endangered White’s seahorse recently discovered living off Cockatoo Island Less represented among the local community groups objecting to the proposal are the casual boat users and kayakersy but there are a lot of them,” lifetime local David Griffith said in his submission to the planning panel “The only winner in all this is the owner who will get a wonderful financial windfall from privatising a public waterway.” referred queries to architect Micheal Fountain whose firm designed the proposed expansion and who said any comment would be inappropriate given the matter is before the Land and Environment Court Hunters Hill locals and community groups have mobilised against a proposal to expand Woolwich Marina.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Chan family corporate interests bought the marina in 2015 for $10 million The historic Glen Mahr residence behind it was added in 2019 for $6.6 million Idy Chan made no secret of lans for the marina telling Good Weekend magazine in 2018 that she had a waiting list of Chinese emigres wanting berths for their smart yachts There were 406 submissions to the council for and against the proposed new marina the 285 form letters were counted as a single submission The 117 objections included a formal objection by the elected members of Hunters Hill Council opposing community groups include the Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club Friends of Kellys Bush and the Hunters Hill Trust “Even the kindy P&C are involved one way or another It’s a proper community outrage,” said Chris Stannage president of the Hunters Hill Sailing Club An artist’s impression showing the proposed berths for Woolwich Marina.Credit: Hunters Hill Council “The key issue is that unlike most working marinas on the harbour this one is set in a working channel and has roughly 150 ferry movements through it a day “We already exist alongside the ferry drivers party boats and everyone else on the harbour but we also have fairly substantial duties of care and if it means our sailors will be put at undue risk then we would have to look at where we sail That has turned this into a pretty existential battle from our perspective.” The well-heeled folk of Hunters Hill have been known for their strident stance against overdevelopment since 1971 when about a dozen local mums joined with the late union organiser Jack Mundey and his \\u201Cgreen bans\\u201D movement to stop Kellys Bush becoming a housing estate So an application to the council to almost double the size of Woolwich Marina met a groundswell of opposition in what is being billed an \\u201Cexistential battle\\u201D against the privatisation of a public waterway The estimated cost of $8.5 million seems to be the least of the hurdles facing the marina\\u2019s ultimate owner Chief among the 11 grounds for refusal \\u2013 including maritime the existing use of public space and public consultation \\u2013 are what former mayor Ross Williams cites as the privatisation of a public waterway and the safety risk to children sailing in what is already a congested section of the Parramatta River as well as the endangered White\\u2019s seahorse recently discovered living off Cockatoo Island but there are a lot of them,\\u201D lifetime local David Griffith said in his submission to the planning panel \\u201CThe only winner in all this is the owner who will get a wonderful financial windfall from privatising a public waterway.\\u201D \\u201CEven the kindy P&C are involved one way or another It\\u2019s a proper community outrage,\\u201D said Chris Stannage \\u201CThe key issue is that unlike most working marinas on the harbour \\u201CWe already exist alongside the ferry drivers That has turned this into a pretty existential battle from our perspective.\\u201D In a city brimful of Victorian terraces and Federation brick houses, this little cottage in Sydney offers something different.  16 Ferry Street, Hunters Hill is a pocket-sized piece of nineteenth-century history.  Over a century ago, the shopfront was used as a bustling post office by James Stephen Stanner, a wharfinger, blacksmith and unofficial postmaster.  Stanner distributed mail to the local community and ran a telegraph station from the shop.  By 1879, the post office moved locations and the cottage’s chapter as a community hub ended.  Today, the sandstone building has been transformed into a unique family home.  Fashion businesswoman Jodhi Meares offers her sweet Watsons Bay 'fisherman's cottage' for sale House for sale has barely been touched for 500 years Abandoned cottage unrecognisable after luxury renovation  A large shopfront with geometric facade and sliding glass doors sets the cottage apart from the heritage buildings that line the street.  The old shop is currently set up as an office, but it could lend itself to use as a third bedroom or a small home business, subject to council approval.  The former shop is one of the cottage’s best features. The ceiling is covered in rose-patterned wallpaper which sets off the ornate cornicing and wrought-iron chandelier.  Hidden behind the shopfront is the main cottage, a warren of compact rooms that overlook the leafy garden.  In many rooms, the original honey-coloured sandstone blocks are on show, lending the property a feeling of warmth.  A cosy living room leads onto an airy kitchen and dining area with sloping timber ceilings.  There is one bathroom in the main house, along with an outdoor toilet.  Outside is a deck with plenty of space for entertaining, and a mature garden fringed with agapanthus and ivy.  The house is on the market for $2,300,000 with Nicholas McEvoy of BresicWhitney Hunters Hill. If you stood out the back facing this Hunters Hill villa you might think you’ve up and landed in Tuscany such is its classic warm tone and superb arched loggia and the absolute waterfront location of 3 Yerton Avenue tells the real McGrath’s Tracey Dixon says punters appreciate its singular vibe an ease that evokes the sensory pleasures of warm stone on bare feet and balmy zephyrs ruffling hair The house itself is in good order – a lofty timber-lined ceiling and fireplace combine to create a fine central living area with views across that expansive covered terrace to the water You’d scarcely be off that sublime terrace or away from the splendid gardens when a fine entertaining area leads you down to broad lawns and on to the lovely pool tracking alongside the water boat storage and jetty complete the Mediterranean magnificence The November 23 auction price guide is $13 million Resting on the renowned Ben Buckler sea cliffs this rare block boasts two titles with never-to-be-built-out views and a sun-soaked north-easterly aspect “The oceanfront site has DA-approved plans for a stunning architect-designed trophy home or the option exists to purchase each title individually,” the agent says “Just moments from Bondi’s surf and lively beach village it’s a perfect canvas for a coastal masterpiece.” Defined by house-like proportions and luxurious spaces this remarkable apartment spills onto a terrace and gently sloping lawn that reaches toward the shimmering harbour’s edge “Open-plan interiors framed by floor-to-ceiling bifolds embrace the waterfront’s allure,” the agent says this home grants the finest of Darling Point living.” Cascading over the westernmost point of Seaforth Bluff with views of spectacular sunsets over Middle Harbour this four-level residence harmonises fine craftsmanship with the natural landscape,” the agent says it’s the ultimate retreat for those who relish the outdoors.” Spanning 2214 square metres across two titles the landmark 1913 Fieldhead estate invites a life of leisure amid landscaped gardens sprawling lawns and a full-sized tennis court “The hand-carved sandstone double-arch facade leads to interiors of soaring ceilings cedar panelling and exquisite leadlight windows,” the agent says “DA-approved plans by Smart Design Studio could elevate this estate into one of the North Shore’s most coveted residences.” this 1960s mid-century-style beach house has been sensitively revitalised with warm marble and timber touches framing perhaps one of Sydney’s most spectacular views the vendors dive into the infinity pool and venture to the beach,” the agent says “They’ll miss sunset cocktails in the spa and watching the golden glow of sunrise wash over the timber deck and sandstone accents.” Moments from Manly’s lively surf and cafe scene this penthouse sits quietly above the bustle atop a boutique building of nine positioned perfectly for easy city commutes directly across from Manly Wharf “The vast terrace is made for al fresco entertaining with stunning Mediterranean-inspired views of the harbour,” the agent says the generous glass-framed living area continues to capture those captivating vistas.” this apartment is expertly designed to maximise every millimetre – effortlessly shifting from weekday functionality to weekend entertaining fold-down tables and integrated lighting allow for flexible reconfiguration,” the agent says and Harbour Bridge panoramas make it a rare find in this exclusive enclave.” This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission you might think you\\u2019ve up and landed in Tuscany McGrath\\u2019s Tracey Dixon says punters appreciate its singular vibe and that\\u2019s what people like about it There\\u2019s a breezy feel to these places The house itself is in good order \\u2013 a lofty timber-lined ceiling You\\u2019d scarcely be off that sublime terrace or away from the splendid gardens \\u201CThe oceanfront site has DA-approved plans for a stunning architect-designed trophy home or the option exists to purchase each title individually,\\u201D the agent says \\u201CJust moments from Bondi\\u2019s surf and lively beach village it\\u2019s a perfect canvas for a coastal masterpiece.\\u201D this remarkable apartment spills onto a terrace and gently sloping lawn that reaches toward the shimmering harbour\\u2019s edge \\u201COpen-plan interiors framed by floor-to-ceiling bifolds embrace the waterfront\\u2019s allure,\\u201D the agent says this home grants the finest of Darling Point living.\\u201D \\u201CConceived by architect Craig Shelsher this four-level residence harmonises fine craftsmanship with the natural landscape,\\u201D the agent says \\u201CWith direct access to a sandy beach it\\u2019s the ultimate retreat for those who relish the outdoors.\\u201D \\u201CThe hand-carved sandstone double-arch facade leads to interiors of soaring ceilings cedar panelling and exquisite leadlight windows,\\u201D the agent says \\u201CDA-approved plans by Smart Design Studio could elevate this estate into one of the North Shore\\u2019s most coveted residences.\\u201D framing perhaps one of Sydney\\u2019s most spectacular views the vendors dive into the infinity pool and venture to the beach,\\u201D the agent says \\u201CThey\\u2019ll miss sunset cocktails in the spa and watching the golden glow of sunrise wash over the timber deck and sandstone accents.\\u201D Moments from Manly\\u2019s lively surf and cafe scene \\u201CThe vast terrace is made for al fresco entertaining with stunning Mediterranean-inspired views of the harbour,\\u201D the agent says the generous glass-framed living area continues to capture those captivating vistas.\\u201D this apartment is expertly designed to maximise every millimetre \\u2013 effortlessly shifting from weekday functionality to weekend entertaining fold-down tables and integrated lighting allow for flexible reconfiguration,\\u201D the agent says and Harbour Bridge panoramas make it a rare find in this exclusive enclave.\\u201D This article was originally published by Reproduced with permission The stunning property at 16 Le Vesinet Drive on Sydney’s lower north shore sold at auction for $26.1 million Known as ‘the upside-down house’ – all five bedrooms are on the ground floor and living space on the upper level – the trophy home has a Turkish spa views to the Harbour Bridge and its own private berth Businessman Ma Kin Kwan purchased the European villa-style home in 2012 for $9.08 million The price was the highest sale in the suburb that year Last year, it was reported the sale was a cash purchase by Ma, although a Westpac mortgage was taken out in 2015. Little was then heard from the Ma family, with the house at the end of Pulpit Point standing empty for years, and personal belongings remaining untouched.  the letter box overflowing and the lawn left unmowed locals referred to the home as the ‘abandoned mansion’ It was as though the owners went out unexpectedly one day and never returned The luxury penthouses with prices so high they're on the market for years 8 of the best luxury homes for sale across the country Scotch Hill Gardens: Inside the development delivering the ultimate 'quiet luxury' a notice was stuck to the door stating: “The property is in possession of the mortgagee acting under power of sale.” an updated search showed the Westpac loan was paid off In its place the Mas took out two mortgages from non-banker lenders the family’s personal effects were removed and the mansion was soon repainted and recarpeted ready for sale Ray White Kingsgrove agent George Boghos said the owners are in China now and do not want to talk about the sale He added that he has had cash offers of $10 million and $11 million but that a price guide wouldn’t be set until after the first open inspection with the final $26.1 million price a shock “If we got $16 million before auction, my clients probably would have sold it, given the interest was around the $12 million and $13 million mark,” Boghos told the Australian Financial Review. He said the vendors, “were just amazed”. They had been listening to the auction over the phone. The AFR named the new owners as retired industrial property developer Oscar Gonzalez and his wife Maria. 4 Baths4 ParkingView listing 7 Woolwich Road, Hunters Hill NSW 21106 Beds6 Baths10 ParkingView listing 21A Farnell Street, Hunters Hill NSW 21105 Beds6 Baths4 ParkingView listing Residents of an affluent lower north shore suburb have launched a desperate bid to save a beloved 100-year-old fig tree after what they suspect was a “calculated” attack to secure better harbour views Vandals drilled numerous holes into the trunk and poisoned the Port Jackson fig at Horse Paddock in Woolwich Six of the poisoned trees could not be saved and have been removed Unknown vandals drilled holes into a 100-year-old fig tree and poisoned it.Credit: Rhett Wyman Initial assessments reveal the damage occurred most likely in the past week arborists at the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and rangers An arborist will attempt to flush out the poison with Seasol a liquid seaweed concentrate that may improve the tree’s chance of survival The incident marks the first of its kind to use poison in Woolwich but it is the latest in a years-long string of alleged vandalism against harbourside trees In 2023, more than 260 trees were hacked, chainsawed and poisoned in Castle Cove and up to 300 trees and other plants were razed in Lane Cove took place at Goat Paddock when another 100-year-old fig tree was illegally removed The harbour trust has erected a large sign at the tree’s former location to warn copycat vandals An investigation spearheaded by the trust is under way leader of the local community group Save our Shores called the vandalism a “strategic attack” to clear space for a harbour view Resident Beverley Bennett with the recently poisoned fig tree.Credit: Rhett Wyman “It’s a calculated act of vandalism,” McLean said “This is not just an act of vandalism but a real disregard for public assets and natural assets These assets belong to the community – they are priceless Smaller trees that have been cut back by vandals.Credit: Rhett Wyman the smallest local government by area in NSW said: “We’ve got this history of caring for our community that goes back many years Resident Beverley Bennett said: “It’s a really integral part of what makes this community green and pleasant to live in; it should not be sacrificed for a view People come to this area because of the beauty that they can find within an urban landscape We value it – it’s really sad that other people who live here may not.” Offenders found guilty in the Land and Environment Court can be fined up to $1.1 million and receive a criminal record Local councils can also issue on-the-spot fines of up to $3000 Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Harbour Trust The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here Residents of an affluent lower north shore suburb have launched a desperate bid to save a beloved 100-year-old fig tree after what they suspect was a \\u201Ccalculated\\u201D attack to secure better harbour views a liquid seaweed concentrate that may improve the tree\\u2019s chance of survival chainsawed and poisoned in Castle Cove and up to just a stone\\u2019s throw from Horse Paddock The harbour trust has erected a large sign at the tree\\u2019s former location to warn copycat vandals called the vandalism a \\u201Cstrategic attack\\u201D to clear space for a harbour view \\u201CIt\\u2019s a calculated act of vandalism,\\u201D McLean said \\u201CThis is not just an act of vandalism but a real disregard for public assets and natural assets These assets belong to the community \\u2013 they are priceless said: \\u201CWe\\u2019ve got this history of caring for our community that goes back many years Resident Beverley Bennett said: \\u201CIt\\u2019s a really integral part of what makes this community green and pleasant to live in; it should not be sacrificed for a view We value it \\u2013 it\\u2019s really sad that other people who live here may not.\\u201D Slivers of land occupied by electricity substations have been sold off as “prime” home building sites across parts of Sydney in a move that’s stirred bemused and angry reactions online The narrow lots were being offered for sale with live green boxes bolted to the ground and easements that allowed maintenance workers access to the electricity kiosks for repairs and upkeep Some have labelled the sales “disgusting” and an example of “greed” while others have expressed concerns about the potential noise and disruption of living around functioning electricity infrastructure The properties – most of which are about 100 sqm – are spread across prestigious north shore suburbs including Hunters Hill A Longueville block with a substation goes to auction MORE: Nuns, showgirls: real estate agent’s bizarre house ad Three of the eight sites went to auction earlier this month No price guides were released ahead of the auctions but selling agent Belle Property’s Simon Harrison said three lots at Lane Cove Longueville and Willoughby all sold under the hammer for between $800,000 up to circa $1.8 million each The listing describes it as offering “untapped potential” It’s understood the properties are being sold off by a subsidiary of Ausgrid They are zoned R2 for low density residential MORE: Aussie landlord’s horror after 12 homes stolen The Hunters Hill substation is one of the smaller lots This 101sqm block with a substation in Mosman has a guide of $475,000 MORE: $15m baby! 19yo reveals property empire “There’s nothing to compare them to,” he said The properties were attracting “a lot of interest” because they were an opportunity to get into popular north shore suburbs for a cheaper price “We are getting some interest from first-home buyers and mum and dad-types who want to build something Social media has erupted over one of the listings – the Longueville block that already went to auction – with comments ranging from puzzled to furious which ended up selling for up to $1.8 million claimed the “compact block offers endless potential for those with vision” “This has to be a late April fool’s joke,” said one comment MORE: ‘Finally’: When to expect multiple RBA cuts An aerial view of the Longueville block housing a substation A common theme was disappointment that the site was not being used for open space instead create a small park for wild life and people to access That block is not suitable for a home or town house That would be a shoebox of a unit with no yard with comments like “Living the Australian dream” and “Kentucky Fried Tenant when the substation explodes” Mr Harrison explained that the properties were being sold with easements for the continued operation of the electricity kiosks He said they did not “make noise” and “were safe” MORE: Aussies to get $5k back amid US tariffs The blocks have easements to allow service workers access Some of the strongest interest was from direct neighbours wanting to expand the sizes of their blocks This was especially true for the substation site in Hunters Hill “That’s one of the trickier ones,” he said “There’s one in Lane Cove West that would be wide enough for a driveway you could build smaller one- to two-bedroom houses but it needs creativity.” Nagi Maehashi with Dozer checking book proofs has scrapped plans to sell her Hunters Hill home She has instead embarked on $950,000 worth of renovations to the 1883 sandstone house that cost $7m last year The new garaging and rear renovations are by Cradle Design MORE: Nat Bas celebrates $2.9m post-divorce windfall Nagi Maehashi will renovate rather than sell her Hunters Hill home The much-traded picturesque Victorian Gothic-style home was built for the Lenehan family They held it until the early 1920s when it became the home of the Hayne family who renamed it Daybreak which had been a reference to their local school Riverview which featured in the 2000 Rachel Griffiths movie Me Myself I Its previous owners include Jacob’s Creek winemaker Philip Laffer and wife Beverley and the retired Saatchi executive Michael Rollins and his wife Pauline MORE: $130m mystery over ‘Elton John’s Aussie home’ Her latest book, RecipeTin Eats: Tonight has sold 78,000 copies and has broken the record for the highest first week of sales for a Non-Fiction title since BookScan Australia records began in December 2002 It beat the previous record holder, Scott Pape’s The Barefoot Investor For Families (HarperCollins) which sold 75K copies in its first week in September 2018 MORE: Ex-PM Malcolm Turnbull’s private $150m home revealed 2024Raine & Horne is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest office in the prestigious northern Sydney suburb of Hunters Hill spearheaded by highly successful real estate specialist Mrs Emma Parsons Challen whose family boasts four generations in the Hunters Hill region brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience and a deep understanding of the local real estate market and community to her role as principal of Raine & Horne Hunters Hill having lived and worked in Beijing for a number of years Mrs Parsons Challen has built a strong reputation as an adept professional with an extensive local and international network of clients “Strong connections in China have been instrumental in connecting high-net-worth buyers with local property owners to achieve record prices often for properties sight unseen in the Hunters Hill and Gladesville region,” Mrs Parsons Challen said “I’m proud to use my international experience and multi-lingual ability to help my clients achieve their property goals I see this as my unique point of difference for Hunters Hill homeowners and one which has resulted in numerous record prices in the Hunters Hill and Gladesville region.” Mrs Parsons Challen holds an MBA in Management from Macquarie Graduate School of Management Mrs Parsons Challen also previously operated an Australian business that imported from China for nine years "Having lived and worked in China allows me to understand many of our local and international buyers intimately while my family has lived in Hunters Hill for generations so I am very familiar with the area and can provide local insights often overlooked by other agents,” Mrs Parsons Challen said “My success in real estate sales is built on a straightforward approach an intrinsic understanding of people and the Hunters Hill community Commitment to Hunters Hill through real estate and community involvement Mrs Parsons Challen’s self-confessed obsession with real estate is matched by her enthusiasm for Hunters Hill and its surrounding areas such as Woolwich She is actively involved in the community as a member of the Hunters Hill Club She also serves on the boards of the Women’s Plans Foundation and the Australia China Business Council (ACBC) “I know lots of people in this region and don’t have to think twice about where a street or road is situated I know Hunters Hill and the nearby suburbs like the back of my hand My MBA and prior experience working with multi-national high-profile companies also provides me with the insights needed to run a business successively and recruit top real estate talent.” Collaborating with Raine & Horne is a strategic choice backed by industry-first technology Mrs Parsons Challen stated that her decision to join Raine & Horne was driven by the suite of industry-first technology, as well as the highly anticipated brand refresh announced in February[i] “I am familiar with Raine & Horne’s cutting-edge technology such as the AI-powered social media marketing platform Amplify These tools offer a unique point of difference and will benefit my clients immeasurably,” she said “Combine this with the sophisticated new-look branding that Raine & Horne are unveiling I’m excited to be joining an iconic but also very progressive brand,” Migrating Western Sydney business owners drive demand for Hunters Hill housing Mrs Parsons Challen noted a recent trend of successful business owners relocating from Western Sydney to the region “This migration is fuelling the Hunters Hill particularly among buyers seeking near-new properties with minimal work to do,” she said “These buyers typically seek properties on larger blocks access to the water while still being within 25 minutes of family and friends in Western Sydney There’s also plenty of buses into the city and lots of ferries and Rivercats from Woolwich and Huntleys Point “Buyers are also attracted by the plethora of excellent private and government schools in the area,” added Mrs Parsons Challen whose children attend local schools Hunters Hill is well-known for prestigious educational institutions such as St Joseph’s College while St Ignatius College at Riverview is just a short distance away The area also boasts The Marist Sisters College at Woolwich and Villa Maria Catholic School for girls State schools in the region include Hunters Hill High School For all your real estate needs in Hunters Hill contact Emma Parsons Challen of Raine & Horne Hunters Hill at 0402 955 437 [i] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/news/news-media/raine-horne-unveils-game-changing-brand-refresh-at-be-more-24-conference-in-sydney The landmark sandstone house is best known for wooing viewers of The Bachelor reality television series a decade ago when Perth real estate agent Blake Garvey was breaking hearts amid the rose-festooned gardens. But beyond Clifton’s ratings pull, it also offers a history of prominent owners. The seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom residence dates back to 1890 when it was built to a design by architect Walter Liberty Vernon on behalf of Sydney Stock Exchange chairman John Rider Jones. Only a few families have owned it since. In 1930, it sold for £5000 to Sydney Lord Mayor Sir Archibald Howie and remained home to three generations of Howies before it was sold to the late retail dynasty heir Michael Grace in 1973. Grace, of the family who founded Grace Bros, purchased it for $400,000. In his almost 20 years in residence, his net worth soared to land him on the rich list of the now-defunct BRW magazine, only to fall a few years later. Clifton was sold by Westpac in 1993 for $2.75 million. Since then, it has been owned by senior obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Simon McCaffrey and his wife Felicity, who have shared it with their 11 kids and renovated throughout in recent years. Set on 5125 square metres, its headline features include a gymnasium, cellar, self-contained apartment, tennis court, swimming pool, pontoon and a berth for a 15-metre boat. The capital-city suburbs where unit sales are making more profit than houses Australians are making a median of $326,000 from selling their houses, new data finds The figures that show why building costs are no longer going through the roof Spectre Real Estate’s Christian Ziade is yet to set an official guide, but his early expectations are $40 million. A sale at that level would double Hunters Hill’s current house price high of $20 million set in June by McGrath’s Tracey Dixon for the non-waterfront home of telecom entrepreneur Tony Hakim, and would put it within coo-ee of the north shore’s all-time highest house sale of $42.2 million by Lavender Bay residence Idlemere. Freight tycoon Clive Thomas has returned to Sydney’s high-end property market, buying a sub-penthouse in the Quay West building at The Rocks for $7.35 million. Thomas’s purchase ends 30-plus years of ownership by the Luppi family, headed by US-based Italian businessman Frank Luppi, whose corporate interests purchased it in 1993 for $2.35 million. Following the apartment’s sale by Ray White’s Michael Lowden, it may well be set to be consolidated with the sub-penthouse next door, which he bought in 2012 for $5 million. Thomas’s interest in the building has also extended to a three-bedroom apartment downstairs purchased recently for $3 million. Consolidations are nothing new in the Quay West. Property magnate Jackie Waterhouse owns level 25 in the building, having purchased first in 2006 for $4.5 million and adding the pad next door last year for $10 million. Thomas, owner of C. T. Freight, is best known to property watchers for owning the Bayview trophy home La Joie de Vivre, which starred in season one of The Bachelor in 2013. Legal luminary Justice Michael Lee became something of a rock star among his judicial peers in May after his pithy turns of phrase captured the many minds (if not hearts) who had tuned in to watch the Bruce Lehrmann v Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson defamation case in the Federal Court. So it is in light of that celebrity moment that shoppers may like to check out the judge’s Woolloomooloo investment penthouse that hit the market this week with a $3.25 million guide. BresicWhitney’s Jeremy Brink said Justice Lee has long leased out the three-bedroom apartment in the Edo building, which he purchased in 2008 for $1.4 million. It is currently expected to rent for $1800 to $2000. Incidentally, long before Justice Lee sat through the detailed evidence of Seven’s former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach in the high-profile defamation trial, he might have taken a moment to reflect on his own happy dealings with Seven’s Ryan Stokes. Lee’s wife Penelope sold their former home in Darling Point to Stokes eight years ago for $15.75 million. In Woollahra, the Dutch colonial-style residence Roslyndale returns to the market a couple of years after Sandy Wiesel and her photographer husband Richard Wiesel bought it for $15.1 million. It was for 40 years home to the late barrister Frank McAlary, who was immortalised in the iconic image of the end of World War II as Sydney’s dancing man. Before it was listed with Forbes’s Ken Jacobs, the 1850s-built residence was approved for a Hancock Architects renovation and extension. The guide is $18 million to $19.5 million. Find out how to vote An elected Dutton Liberal Government will commit $800,000 to modernise and enhance facilities at Boronia Park in Hunters Hill.  Boronia Park is home to numerous sporting clubs pickleball players and many local Bushcare volunteers.  This commitment will ensure that Boronia Park Plan of Management can be completed with the inclusion of essential upgrades the installation of a water re-use system and LED lighting improvements.  said these upgrades will meet growing community demand and ensure Boronia Park remains a high-quality and sustainable recreational and sporting facility for Hunters Hill.  “This commitment will help ensure what was envisioned for Boronia Park can become a reality for the hundreds of local families which use the park each year,” said Mr Yung.  welcomed the commitment and praised Scott Yung for his dedication to the needs of Hunters Hill families.  “Scott will be a champion for what matters most to families in Hunters Hill and the entirety of Bennelong which is a growing and connected part of Sydney,” Senator Henderson said.  or simply taking a stroll on the picturesque Boronia Park Walk these upgrades will benefit the entire community.”  This commitment is part of the Liberals’ plan to get Australia back on track.  Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300 Privacy Policy Authorised by Chris StoneLiberal Party of Australia 131 Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000Phone: (02) 8356 0300 Privacy Policy A machete-wielding man has been arrested and a fire extinguished following a major police operation in an upmarket suburb in Sydney's north Emergency services were called to a property on Figtree Road at Hunters Hill following a concern for welfare check at about 9am on Monday When officers attempted to approach the property they noticed a man inside was armed with a machete Specialist police including negotiators were called to the scene and at about 1pm Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze. Police arrested a 56-year-old man who has been taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment.  An investigation into the incident is ongoing.  Major terror attack 'was just HOURS away' before it was foiled by the special forces and police:... 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Where 'soft-touch' Britain's asylum seekers are REALLY coming from Public ordered to 'stay away' by cops in upmarket suburbCommenting on this article has endedNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}} A man in his thirties is fighting for life after he was found with severe head injuries by paramedics who responded to reports of an alleged assault in Hunters Hill on Monday afternoon rushed to Joubert Street in Hunters Hill about 3.30pm The injured man was treated at the scene and moved to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical but stable condition Paramedics attended the scene of the alleged assault.Credit: Sam Mooy Offices from Ryde Police Area Command are investigating the alleged assault and have established a crime scene Nine News footage shows police cordoning off a block of flats on the street with police tape on Monday night While the victim remains in a critical condition in hospital a 42-year-old man will face Burwood Local Court on Tuesday after he was arrested in the early hours of the morning Police returned to the same Hunters Hill block of flats at 2am to arrest the man who was taken to Gladesville police station and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in the company of others Police are still investigating the incident Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories playing by the Parramatta River foreshore and working in vegetable gardens What they didn’t know was the extent of radiation contamination that has only now been cleaned up By Ben Cubby Workers at the Hunters Hill contamination site.Credit: NSW Government Radiation doses over four times legal levels were detected during the clean-up of suburban blocks in Hunters Hill on the site of a former uranium refinery that several state governments had repeatedly declared “safe” Over 3000 cubic metres of contaminated material has now been removed from waterfront blocks in Nelson Parade – some shipped to a troubled nuclear waste storage facility in the US the remainder trucked to a remote site in Western Australia The government is set to announce on Thursday that the three-year clean-up is complete A Herald investigation has uncovered a pattern of secrecy surrounding the site for much of the past century Some former residents were lied to about potential health risks bags of contaminated dirt were left piled on the foreshore where children played on them and barrels of radioactive material dug up in the 1990s and believed lost somewhere in Sydney were quietly being stored at a facility in Lidcombe for 30 years People on the site during the clean-up were exposed to the equivalent of 4.5 millisieverts – a unit of measurement for radiation doses – per year The limit for public exposure is 1 millisievert per year according to annual dose limits prescribed by the Australian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency Katie McGrath lost both her parents to cancer in their 30s when she was aged five She believes the former uranium refinery on her childhood street is responsible.Credit: Nick Moir Some patches of radioactive earth were almost three times higher than the level required to be classified as hazardous waste “The new information is startling in many ways but confirms my long-held concerns that the site was too radioactively contaminated for residential properties,” said Dr Gavin Mudd a radiation specialist formerly with Monash University who gave expert evidence during a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the site in 2008 The health risks caused by the radiation – which can damage cells and cause cancer - remain unclear The government’s consistent position has been that there is no known link between the radioactivity at the site and health problems of people nearby The most heavily contaminated area has been fenced off for decades and houses surrounding the three most polluted residential blocks were tested repeatedly during the clean-up and found to have relatively low levels of radioactivity – well below levels of concern in which some patches of earth were found to be nearly three times higher than the level to be classified as “hazardous”.Credit: Nick Moir But a string of cancer deaths among people exposed to the site during the 1960s 1970s and 1980s raised fears among some residents that the residues of the former uranium refinery in the soil were to blame both died of cancer a few months apart while in their 30s The family lived several properties down the road from the polluted site though her father built a retaining wall with soil that may have come from the former refinery site and the family spent much time on the contaminated areas No one warned the family of the radiation before they bought their home even though the state government had previously run tests and found alarming levels of radioactivity in neighbouring properties A historical photo of contamination sites at Hunters Hill.Credit: Fairfax Media “There was deliberate secrecy,” said McGrath who was unaware of contamination in her childhood street until she read a Herald article in 2008 “The government had an obligation to share this information “I think the government acted to clean it up because they were under extreme pressure from the community and they really had no other option,” she said “I’ve got to give them credit for having done that it doesn’t change the fact that the risks were hidden and it took 40 years to acknowledge the problem.” Historical photo showing the uranium refinery on Fern Bay The affected properties are undergoing a final audit by contractors and the NSW Environment Protection Authority They are then expected to be sold off as private housing bringing an end to a saga that started in 1911 when barrels of uranium ore were first unloaded on the Hunters Hill dock Building a uranium refinery on what was to become one of the city’s more prestigious residential streets was a direct result of early attempts to treat and cure cancer was seen as having huge potential for radiation-based cancer treatments For a time it was in high demand and literally worth hundreds of times its weight in gold Historical photo showing inside the Hunters Hill uranium refinery The Radium Hill Company established its Nelson Parade refinery in 1908 and started operating three years later shipping enriched uranium ore from South Australia and processing it in vats of acid to extract radium for export to Europe It processed around 2150 tonnes of uranium producing about seven tonnes of yellowcake slurry and about 1.8 grams of radium bromide – the weight of two paperclips Some of the processing byproducts were used to paint watch faces that glowed in the dark or used as ceramic glazing – some of the distinctive orange tiles in Sydney’s Downing Centre court complex allegedly used glaze from the site The health risks of radiation were not well understood and houses were built across much of the area even though hundreds of tonnes of uranium tailings were mingled in the soil Joan and Gerald Conlan outside their Nelson Parade home in 1978.Credit: Thomas/Fairfax Media Early reports described fine grey powder in the soil thought to be the residue of “radium slimes” A “black micaceous material” was found in the earth that was thought likely to be pieces of uranium ore authorities were becoming alarmed as evidence mounted globally of the long-term health impacts of radiation exposure Health Department officials visited the site with Geiger counters but concluded the risks were manageable and the test results were not made public Former resident Joan Conlan moved into the street with her husband Gerald in 1962 without being aware of the contamination Tests were undertaken on their property at number 9 Nelson Parade in 1965 but she was notified by letter that “the health hazard is at present negligible” In 1972 Gerald was diagnosed with leukaemia a huge mound of bags approximately three metres high kept me amused for hours on end,” wrote Julienne Nurse who lived with her family on number 11 when she was a young girl between 1974 and 1980 “These bags were damaged with soil spilling out of them There were no labels identifying their content.” The bags contained some of the most hazardous radioactive waste found on the site during a partial clean-up Julienne Nurse gives evidence at a parliamentary inquiry in 2008.Credit: Jon Reid “I have watched my sister being diagnosed with thyroid cancer … I constantly wonder whether this was due to our exposure as children to radiation and will I be next,” she wrote in a submission to the inquiry “I remember being told by my mother not to play on the bags anymore was alarmed by her next-door neighbour Gerald Conlan’s leukaemia diagnosis and began calling government officials An internal health department memo from 1977 said staff should “please stall and be non-committal” when contacted by residents Gaudron was requesting radiation testing for her family but “no action has to be taken on this matter until further advised.” Radiation testing should be continued in the street “provided that in doing so we do not conspicuously draw attention to ourselves and we do not discuss the matter with other persons Union officials and anti-uranium campaigners visited the site in the 1970s They are seen rolling up their trouser cuffs before entering the site.Credit: Grant Peterson/Fairfax Media McGrath recounts an idyllic early childhood with her family on Nelson Parade playing with her brothers by the foreshore as her parents worked in the vegetable garden Iris McGrath died of stomach cancer in 1975 and her husband Katie McGrath and her brothers went to live with a distant relative who abused the children for many years “We were never told even though the government knew there were risks I believe contamination on this site not only contributed to the death of my parents but it set in place a really significant chain of events which led to years of abuse.” The state government’s position has always been that no cancer deaths can be attributed to radiation on the street NSW Health presented evidence at a parliamentary inquiry that there was no evidence to suggest an increase in deaths from cancer or potential radiation-related illness in Nelson Parade as compared to the rest of Hunters Hill” said a spokesperson for the NSW Department of Planning which assumed management of the site during the clean-up “This evidence included maps produced by the Cancer Council which showed no concentration of cancer-related deaths in Hunters Hill The inquiry also heard council representatives refer to a census which did not suggest there were increased rates of cancer within Hunters Hill.” The 2008 inquiry heard that five people from the street who had contact with the former uranium refinery site had died of cancer One of the homes on Nelson Parade that was bought back by the government and demolished due to radiation risks.Credit: Trevor James Robert Dallen/Fairfax Media Associate Professor Tilman Ruff of Melbourne University a public health expert who gave evidence at the inquiry said pinpointing the cause of individual cancer cases in the street would be nearly impossible “It is difficult because low dose exposure to radiation broadly increases risk of cancer and other diseases but there’s no test that can flag that a particular cancer was caused by radiation,” he said “About a third of people in Australia die of cancer so to have a third of the people in a street die of cancer is not an unusual number.” The dose rate of 4.5 millisieverts a year detected during the clean-up is well over double the average annual dose rate received by workers at the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor in Sydney’s south and far more than most people evacuated during the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 were exposed to It is the equivalent for a male adult of getting about 250 chest X-rays a year - probably safe but with potential to lead to small but measurable increases in cancer rates The risks are higher for women and children But most residents the Herald spoke to were unconvinced by claims the site had caused a cancer cluster “We’ve been involved enough to know that there’s almost zero risk,” said one Nelson Parade resident who lives near the contaminated site “There’s been a huge amount of misinformation especially around the idea of a cancer cluster ANSTO has been sampling up and down the street There have been higher than background readings but nothing that is particularly dangerous.” it was obvious that the contaminated land needed to be rehabilitated The problem was finding a way to transport and store the waste Clean up operations at the Hunters Hill site Some of the most hazardous dirt had been scraped into steel drums in 1992 but the paperwork showing what was in the drums and where they were taken was lost “We do not know precisely where it went to,” a senior environment department official told the parliamentary inquiry The Herald has learned that the drums of radioactive material thought to be missing had been “temporarily” stored for almost 30 years in a concrete room in a NSW Environment Protection Authority building in Lidcombe Why the EPA didn’t share this information with the inquiry is unclear When a political furore erupted in 2011 over the mooted transfer of waste from Nelson Parade to Lidcombe the EPA also failed to point out that some of the radioactive dirt was already there A spokesperson for the EPA said information was provided to the inquiry in “good faith” The government has also faced allegations it attempted to keep media coverage of the site quiet McGrath says she was visited at her workplace by an EPA staff member who told her to stop speaking to the press “He said: ‘We will keep you across all the plans to remediate the site if you stop talking to the media’.” McGrath said The EPA said it has no record of the incident and did not make attempts to quash media coverage this would have been outside the staff member’s role and contrary to our organisation’s values,” a spokesperson said View over the site and up Parramatta River.Credit: Nick Moir after several aborted attempts to get a large-scale clean-up under way the government decided in 2021 to push ahead with a plan to carve thousands of tonnes of soil from the Nelson Parade properties and send it overseas for permanent storage “The residents of Nelson Parade were promised that a safe and secure remediation solution to the contamination issue would be delivered,” a Department of Planning spokesperson said when asked why the site was being cleaned up when the government had repeatedly declared it safe “The current NSW government has continued to honour that commitment and have undertaken this remediation program to ensure the stigma of radiological impact on the Nelson Parade residential properties is removed once and for all.“ American firm US Ecology gained the contract for transporting the waste across the Pacific for storage at a large containment site for radioactive and toxic chemical waste near the town of Grand View in the state of Idaho “The company has maintained a perfect environmental compliance record for the import of radioactive materials” it said in its management plan for the Hunters Hill waste An image showing an explosion at the Grand View waste facility in Idaho in 2018.Credit: KTVB a witness driving past the Idaho site saw “a big huge red ball explosion that kind of caved in One worker was killed and three injured by a blast apparently caused by a chemical reaction between materials brought into the site for treatment and storage Questions have also been raised about high levels of radioactivity detected in the air and water around the Grand View site “The US Ecology Idaho facility is causing widespread airborne radioactive contamination of south-west Idaho” according to a regional environmental monitoring group citing spikes in radioactivity measurements near the site Wreckage at Idaho’s Grand View waste facility after an explosion that killed a worker in 2018 The US Environmental Protection Agency lists a string of minor compliance faults for the US Ecology complex and the company was fined $US184,000 in 2012 for failing to report toxic releases at the Grand View site but there is no independent confirmation of widespread radiation leaks When asked about the Idaho site’s safety history a NSW Planning spokesperson said: “The USA facility where the Nelson Parade material was taken meets all USA and international standards for safe waste treatment and disposal.” the plan to transport the contaminated material from Hunters Hill ran into logistical problems The owners of a yard in Port Botany where the waste was to be stored A new strategy to take it by rail to Adelaide before being shipped to the US was thwarted when it was realised that the storage area was not licensed to hold the material An aerial view of the Sandy Ridge facility in Western Australia where some of the Hunters Hill waste was sent.Credit: Google where the waste would be transferred from trucks to begin its rail journey was found to be without a license to handle the material The EPA noted that “a number of matters … appear to be inconsistent with the lawful management and movement of the waste,” planning documents show a total of 139 containers packed with Hunters Hill soil were sent to Idaho but delays and escalating shipping costs forced the government to change plans yet again Bagged waste was backing up in Hunters Hill which was being used for temporary storage A new facility in the West Australian desert about 200 kilometres north-west of Kalgoorlie received a license in January 2023 to take radiological waste and the government decided to stop sending the waste overseas received the last truckloads of contaminated earth from Nelson Parade earlier this year The Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: “This is a great outcome for the people of Nelson Parade and the local environment and a major achievement for Property and Development NSW which has worked for many years to find the best solution to clean up the land and safely remove the contaminated waste “We will now begin work to make the land available to families to call Hunters Hill home.” McGrath said she was not seeking compensation from the government for not telling families about the potential risks She has previously sought one and was rebuffed Katie McGrath says there has been no apology from the government.Credit: Nick Moir And I asked for one specifically,” she said “There’s been no acknowledgment of what we suffered.” Associate Professor Ruff said it was astonishing that the situation had dragged on for so long when the public health risks had been known for decades “There’s a long history of bureaucratic buck-passing secrecy and dysfunction at this site,” Ruff said “It should have been cleaned up when the problem was diagnosed People should never have been allowed to live there.” on the site of a former uranium refinery that several state governments had repeatedly declared \\u201Csafe\\u201D Over 3000 cubic metres of contaminated material has now been removed from waterfront blocks in Nelson Parade \\u2013 some shipped to a troubled nuclear waste storage facility in the US People on the site during the clean-up were exposed to the equivalent of 4.5 millisieverts \\u2013 a unit of measurement for radiation doses \\u2013 per year \\u201CThe new information is startling in many ways but confirms my long-held concerns that the site was too radioactively contaminated for residential properties,\\u201D said Dr Gavin Mudd The health risks caused by the radiation \\u2013 which can damage cells and cause cancer - remain unclear The government\\u2019s consistent position has been that there is no known link between the radioactivity at the site and health problems of people nearby The most heavily contaminated area has been fenced off for decades and houses surrounding the three most polluted residential blocks were tested repeatedly during the clean-up and found to have relatively low levels of radioactivity \\u2013 well below levels of concern \\u201CThere was deliberate secrecy,\\u201D said McGrath \\u201CThe government had an obligation to share this information \\u201CI think the government acted to clean it up because they were under extreme pressure from the community and they really had no other option,\\u201D she said \\u201CI\\u2019ve got to give them credit for having done that But it doesn\\u2019t change the past for me it doesn\\u2019t change the fact that the risks were hidden and it took 40 years to acknowledge the problem.\\u201D Building a uranium refinery on what was to become one of the city\\u2019s more prestigious residential streets was a direct result of early attempts to treat and cure cancer producing about seven tonnes of yellowcake slurry and about 1.8 grams of radium bromide \\u2013 the weight of two paperclips or used as ceramic glazing \\u2013 some of the distinctive orange tiles in Sydney\\u2019s Downing Centre court complex allegedly used glaze from the site thought to be the residue of \\u201Cradium slimes\\u201D A \\u201Cblack micaceous material\\u201D was found in the earth that was thought likely to be pieces of uranium ore but she was notified by letter that \\u201Cthe health hazard is at present negligible\\u201D a huge mound of bags approximately three metres high kept me amused for hours on end,\\u201D wrote Julienne Nurse \\u201CThese bags were damaged with soil spilling out of them There were no labels identifying their content.\\u201D \\u201CI have watched my sister being diagnosed with thyroid cancer \\u2026 I constantly wonder whether this was due to our exposure as children to radiation and will I be next,\\u201D she wrote in a submission to the inquiry \\u201CI remember being told by my mother not to play on the bags anymore was alarmed by her next-door neighbour Gerald Conlan\\u2019s leukaemia diagnosis and began calling government officials An internal health department memo from 1977 said staff should \\u201Cplease stall and be non-committal\\u201D when contacted by residents Gaudron was requesting radiation testing for her family but \\u201Cno action has to be taken on this matter until further advised.\\u201D \\u201Cprovided that in doing so we do not conspicuously draw attention to ourselves and we do not discuss the matter with other persons McGrath\\u2019s mother Iris began to fall ill \\u201CMy parents just got wiped out,\\u201D she said \\u201CWe were never told even though the government knew there were risks but it set in place a really significant chain of events which led to years of abuse.\\u201D The state government\\u2019s position has always been that no cancer deaths can be attributed to radiation on the street NSW Health presented evidence at a parliamentary inquiry that there was no evidence to suggest an increase in deaths from cancer or potential radiation-related illness in Nelson Parade as compared to the rest of Hunters Hill\\u201D \\u201CThis evidence included maps produced by the Cancer Council which showed no concentration of cancer-related deaths in Hunters Hill The inquiry also heard council representatives refer to a census which did not suggest there were increased rates of cancer within Hunters Hill.\\u201D \\u201CIt is difficult because low dose exposure to radiation broadly increases risk of cancer and other diseases but there\\u2019s no test that can flag that a particular cancer was caused by radiation,\\u201D he said \\u201CAbout a third of people in Australia die of cancer so to have a third of the people in a street die of cancer is not an unusual number.\\u201D The dose rate of 4.5 millisieverts a year detected during the clean-up is well over double the average annual dose rate received by workers at the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor in Sydney\\u2019s south \\u201CWe\\u2019ve been involved enough to know that there\\u2019s almost zero risk,\\u201D said one Nelson Parade resident who lives near the contaminated site \\u201CThere\\u2019s been a huge amount of misinformation There have been higher than background readings but nothing that is particularly dangerous.\\u201D \\u201CWe do not know precisely where it went to,\\u201D a senior environment department official told the parliamentary inquiry The Herald has learned that the drums of radioactive material thought to be missing had been \\u201Ctemporarily\\u201D stored for almost 30 years in a concrete room in a NSW Environment Protection Authority building in Lidcombe Why the EPA didn\\u2019t share this information with the inquiry is unclear A spokesperson for the EPA said information was provided to the inquiry in \\u201Cgood faith\\u201D \\u201CHe said: \\u2018We will keep you across all the plans to remediate the site if you stop talking to the media\\u2019.\\u201D McGrath said \\u201CHe started to get really aggressive this would have been outside the staff member\\u2019s role and contrary to our organisation\\u2019s values,\\u201D a spokesperson said \\u201CThe residents of Nelson Parade were promised that a safe and secure remediation solution to the contamination issue would be delivered,\\u201D a Department of Planning spokesperson said when asked why the site was being cleaned up when the government had repeatedly declared it safe \\u201CThe current NSW government has continued to honour that commitment and have undertaken this remediation program to ensure the stigma of radiological impact on the Nelson Parade residential properties is removed once and for all.\\u201C \\u201CThe company has maintained a perfect environmental compliance record for the import of radioactive materials\\u201D its safety record wasn\\u2019t quite perfect a witness driving past the Idaho site saw \\u201Ca big huge red ball explosion that kind of caved in \\u201CThe US Ecology Idaho facility is causing widespread airborne radioactive contamination of south-west Idaho\\u201D When asked about the Idaho site\\u2019s safety history a NSW Planning spokesperson said: \\u201CThe USA facility where the Nelson Parade material was taken meets all USA and international standards for safe waste treatment and disposal.\\u201D The EPA noted that \\u201Ca number of matters \\u2026 appear to be inconsistent with the lawful management and movement of the waste,\\u201D planning documents show The Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: \\u201CThis is a great outcome for the people of Nelson Parade and the local environment \\u201CWe will now begin work to make the land available to families to call Hunters Hill home.\\u201D And I asked for one specifically,\\u201D she said \\u201CThere\\u2019s been no acknowledgment of what we suffered.\\u201D \\u201CThere\\u2019s a long history of bureaucratic buck-passing secrecy and dysfunction at this site,\\u201D Ruff said \\u201CIt should have been cleaned up when the problem was diagnosed People should never have been allowed to live there.\\u201D The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media Mrs Parsons Challen, is fluent in Mandarin and with strong connections in China, has achieved a number of record sales in Hunters Hill and surrounds and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local real estate market and community Having lived and worked in Beijing for a number of years Mrs Parsons Challen has built a strong reputation as an adept professional with an extensive local and international network of clients “Strong connections in China have been instrumental in connecting high-net-worth buyers with local property owners to achieve record prices often for properties sight unseen in the Hunters Hill and Gladesville region,” Mrs Parsons Challen said.  “I’m proud to use my international experience and multi-lingual ability to help my clients achieve their property goals.  “I see this as my unique point of difference for Hunters Hill homeowners and one which has resulted in numerous record prices in the Hunters Hill and Gladesville region.” Mrs Parsons Challen holds an MBA and previously operated an Australian business that imported from China for nine years “Having lived and worked in China allows me to understand many of our local and international buyers intimately so I am very familiar with the area and can provide local insights often overlooked by other agents,” she said “My success in real estate sales is built on a straightforward approach Mrs Parsons Challen’s self-confessed obsession with real estate is matched by her enthusiasm for Hunters Hill and its surrounding areas such as Woolwich She also serves on the boards of the Women’s Plans Foundation and the Australia China Business Council (ACBC) “I know lots of people in this region and don’t have to think twice about where a street or road is situated,” she said “I know Hunters Hill and the nearby suburbs like the back of my hand.  “My MBA and prior experience working with multi-national high-profile companies also provides me with the insights needed to run a business successfully and recruit top real estate talent.” Mrs Parsons Challen said that her decision to join Raine & Horne was driven by the suite of industry-first technology as well as the highly anticipated brand refresh announced in February “I am familiar with Raine & Horne’s cutting-edge technology and the online proposal tool DigiKitPlus,” she said “These tools offer a unique point of difference and will benefit my clients immeasurably “Combine this with the sophisticated new-look branding that Raine & Horne are unveiling I’m excited to be joining an iconic but also very progressive brand.” Mrs Parsons Challen noted a recent trend of successful business owners relocating from Western Sydney to the region.  “This migration is fuelling the Hunters Hill particularly among buyers seeking near-new properties with minimal work to do,” she said “These buyers typically seek properties on larger blocks access to the water while still being within 25 minutes of family and friends in Western Sydney.  “There’s also plenty of buses into the city and lots of ferries and Rivercats from Woolwich and Huntleys Point.  “Buyers are also attracted by the plethora of excellent private and government schools in the area.” News Sitemap SaveLog in, register or subscribe to save recipes for later.You have reached your maximum number of saved items Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime The pocket of Pittwater Road occupied by Boronia Kitchen might not have much in the way of a vista, but there are plenty of glitzier strips missing the first-rate food this local hero offers. The menu, overseen by Aria alumnus Simon Sandall, is imbued with a sense of care and precision, while the floor team is warm and personable from your first foot through the door. The yuzu-spiked slab of prawn toast deserves its fandom, but smoked mussel and prawn escabeche – embellished with whipped roe and a bump of briny caviar – is also a must. Main courses are generous, and a crunchy, blistered round of roast pork belly elevated with native pepper jus hits all the comforting notes without being a snooze. Add a short but well-judged wine selection by the glass, and it’s no wonder Boronia’s star continues to shine. 14.5/20ReviewBoronia, Gladesville's textbook neighbourhood restaurantContinue this series Braci Osteria + PizzeriaPunchy pizzas, snacks and pasta in a cosy setting. Chat ThaiCrowd-pleaser thick with spice and smiles. Bert’s Bar & BrasserieMerivale’s northern showpiece. SaveLog in, register or subscribe to save recipes for later.You have reached your maximum number of saved items Hunter Hill and then-girlfriend Tiffany Smith were accused of emotional physical and sexual abuse by 11 tween YouTubers in a 2022 lawsuit Heather Nichole/Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 The single storey four-bedroom resort style property located at 18/2-10 Le Vesinet Drive had a private 12-metre marina berth and a four-car lockup garage. and $100,000 and $50,000 bids placed until the price soared $800,000 above the $8.75 million guide McGrath Hunters Hill selling agent Matt Ward said the majority of people living in the apartment building were empty nesters you’ve got nice garden areas that you can still enjoy but you don’t have to look after them yourself,” he said “And apart from the facilities of the estate gun-barrel view of the city and the Harbour Bridge,” he said Dee Why: This Sydney suburb is a family-favourite This ‘gorgeous’ French-inspired homestead in the Southern Highlands could be yours Optical illusion house hides a staggering secret The buyer was downsizing from a larger property in Hunters Hill The vendors purchased the property in 1999 and planned to buy a smaller home on the lower north shore The property was one of 470 scheduled auctions in Sydney on the weekend Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 67.7 per cent from 300 reported results Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate In Pymble, a four-bedroom home at 1 Grandview Street, next to busy Mona Vale Road, sold for $2.45 million. The sale price was $200,000 more than the guide and reserve of $2.25 million. Five registered and three actively bid for the property. The vendor’s $2.25 million reserve had been communicated to interested buyers in the week leading up to the auction. Bidding opened at $2.2 million and the home sold under the hammer. 3 Baths4 ParkingView listing McGrath Wahroonga selling agent Bronwen Lipscombe said she employed an unusual strategy by disclosing the reserve to every interested buyer before the auction “We actually disclosed the reserve with my vendors permission because we didn’t want people to think that “So very rarely do you get a property that sells at this price point in that location but because it was side-on to Mona Vale Road The home was the vendor’s first family home but had recently been an investment property They had spent six weeks styling the property and making it “move in ready” The buyers were a young family that were happy to be upsizing from an apartment in Chatswood The house last traded for $1.18 million in 2010 a two-bedroom apartment with ocean views and walking distance to the beach sold for $1.44 million $115,000 more than its $1,325,000 million reserve Five registered and four actively bid on the unit at 7/2 Ford Road . The property attracted mostly young couples and families, Ray White selling agent Jason Malouf said. 1 Bath1 ParkingView listing He guided at $1.25 million to $1.3 million and bidding opened at $1.15 million. The price went up in $50,000, $10,000 and $5000 bids before it sold to a couple who were renting in the area. Malouf said it was a tightly held enclave. “It was a nice, quaint, good unit. And it was [the] location and view. People just loved it. It was stunning, to be honest with you,” he said. “Things tend to be turning over. Not as many listings as we would be used to. But things are still selling, and they’re selling strong for the right property.” LJ Hooker head of research Mathew Tiller said the clearance rate of 67.7 per cent showed that Sydney’s auction market was still solid, despite low volumes thanks to the long weekend. “Clearance rates have been softening week-on-week over the past month or so as auction listings dry and affordability softens a little bit,” he said. Tiller said lack of supply was affecting the market, but buyer demand was still strong for both affordable and top-end homes. The middle of the market, which was mostly families with mortgages, were less active. “First home buyers are more active in the market at the moment, given the rental crisis,” Tiller said. “Rents are still rising, so there’s still buyers looking who are tenants, or looking at a home that they can afford a deposit [for].” 2000Place of BirthSydneyWallaby Number940Caps36SchoolNewington CollegeDebut ClubHunters Hill Rugby Club.css-7fnyia{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;padding:0.5rem 0;position:relative;min-height:1px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-list-item;display:-ms-list-itembox;display:list-item;font-size:1rem;}@media (min-width: 768px){.css-7fnyia{grid-column:span 2;padding:0.5rem 1.25rem 0.5rem 0;border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;}}Debut Test Match2020 4th Test vs Brisbane.css-cy3b83{margin-bottom:1.25rem;color:#6B6B6B;font-size:1rem;}Angus Bell has established himself as one of the premier all-round loose head props of his era Angus was such a promising talent that he made his Test debut Unusually athletic and agile for a front-rower Bell is a strong and technically proficient prop with strong mental application He also possesses a deeply ingrained winning attitude and resilience Bell played his first rugby for Hunters Hill U6s at No.8 He undertook his secondary schooling at Newington College the alma mater of Wallaby captains Dave Cowper Phil Kearns and fellow Wallaby Allan Ala’alatoa and played two seasons in the 1st XV (2017-18) From there Bell won selection for the Australian Schools & U18s side in both years A year later Bell was the lynchpin of a Junior Wallabies side that narrowly went down to France in the World Rugby U20s Championship final in Argentina In 2020 Bell made his Super Rugby debut at the age of 19 and replaced centurion James Slipper in the fourth Test against New Zealand in Brisbane In doing so the Bells became the eleventh father-son pairing in the opening game of the Super Rugby Pacific season Bell re-injured his right toe - the same toe that ruined his 2021 He underwent rehab as a part of the 2023 Wallabies Squad before returning against Argentina in the Rugby Championship Bell was one of the Wallabies' best at the Rugby World Cup despite the disappointing campaign with his 2024 Super Rugby season ended by a reoccurring toe injury As buyers with a spare $75 million or so were being quietly ushered through the Rose Bay trophy home of recycled shopping bag businessman Frank Qiang Geng and Juanjuan Zhao this week it didn’t take a genius to figure out why they might be selling The beachfront residence designed by architect Bruce Stafford at Rose Bay is tipped to be but a stepping stone up the local home market for Geng to the recently sold Point Piper waterfront residence Rockleigh The $75 million view from Rose Bay’s beachfront house of businessman Frank Geng.Credit: Domain Pillinger’s Brad Pillinger would not to be drawn on Geng’s reason for selling but he has listed it with Sotheby’s Michael Pallier which given the two agents rarely work hand in hand was the first big clue as to where Geng is headed next a well-placed source has stepped in to confirm Geng’s purchase of Rockleigh the long-held waterfront home of medico specialist Philippa Harvey-Sutton The Point Piper property Rockleigh sold recently for more than $80 million.Credit: James Brickwood The sale price of Rockleigh remains a vague $80 million to $85 million but at that level it still ranks as this year’s top trophy home sale to date Geng’s Rose Bay house is no slouch in the local trophy home stakes six-bathroom residence is set on the prime beachfront Dumaresq Reserve featuring living areas that open to an infinity pool and uninterrupted views to the Harbour Bridge The contemporary three-level house was commissioned by Skype early investor and founder of music downloader Kazaa who sold it to Geng in 2014 for $26.9 million A year later Geng sold his historic Hunters Hill home Cleverton for $6.55 million Geng hasn’t just relied upon his previous real estate to fund his handsome homes Geng was a professor of economics in Asia before he made his fortune in the innovative sustainable materials business wholesaling recyclable and calico shopping bags and later expanding the Intex business to include everything from coasters and bottle openers to portable coffee cups Architect Bruce Stafford designed the Rose Bay house on behalf of former owners Beverley and Kevin Bermeister.Credit: Domain Values on Rose Bay’s harbourfront have been recalibrated a few times over in the decade since Geng joined the neighbourhood Also drafting plans for a new house on the beachfront is foreign exchange dealer Tony Collick who paid $36.6 million to consolidate a house and block of apartments to create a single family home Telecom entrepreneur Tony Hakim is tipped to have set a Hunters Hill house price record this week when he sold his non-waterfront residence ahead of next week’s scheduled auction The Hakim family home in Hunters Hill is set on 2000 square metres and has one of the suburb’s few tennis courts McGrath’s Tracey Dixon won’t reveal the result, but she had a guide of $18 million-plus, and a local source said it sold for closer to $20 million, far in excess of the previous $19 million high set by the Windermere estate when it was sold by China’s property magnate “Sam” Kuizhang Guo to pub baron Sean O’Hara The end of the peninsular keeps its own record tab held by the Vailele mansion at $22.18 million since 2017 who made his money through the telephony bundling business National Telecoms Group has owned the 2000 square metre property with one of the suburb’s few tennis courts since 2002 paying $4.4 million and renovating it to a design by Glenda Barnes The Woollahra house sold by Tiffany Tilley was listed for $4.9 million and sold for $4.6 million.Credit: Domain Rich list-er Fiona Tudor Brown has purchased another eastern suburbs’ bolthole paying $4.6 million for the Woollahra home flip of socialite Tiffany Tilley Brown, who co-founded ASX-listed IT distributor Dicker Data in 1978 with her former husband David Dicker and ranked on this year’s AFR Rich List 200 with an estimated wealth of $752 million, is based in Mittagong, but also owns a $5 million terrace in Paddington she purchased in 2021. Fiona Tudor Brown co-founded IT distributor Dicker Data in 1978.Credit: Tilley did okay from the sale, despite having listed it with $4.9 million hopes last year before she relisted it recently with BlackDiamondz’ Courtney Wong and Maylin Liu. The house last traded two years ago for $3.32 million, and scored Marco Meneguzzi interiors since then. Tilley is downsizing to a $3.58 million pad in Potts Point’s Rockwall Gardens. The Bilgola Beach house known as Serpentine House has sold for $6.75 million.Credit: Domain Banking boss Clive van Horen has followed up his recent appointment as chief of superannuation and wealth giant Colonial First State by buying a $6.75 million home on Bilgola Beach. Clive van Horen took up the top job at Colonial First State early this year.Credit: The designer digs, designed by architect Michael Muir and called Serpentine House, last traded in 2021 for $5.35 million, and is somewhat of a mini-sea change for van Horen, who has long been based in Gordon on the Upper North Shore. As buyers with a spare $75 million or so were being quietly ushered through the Rose Bay trophy home of recycled shopping bag businessman Frank Qiang Geng and Juanjuan Zhao this week, it didn\\u2019t take a genius to figure out why they might be selling. The beachfront residence designed by architect Bruce Stafford at Rose Bay is tipped to be but a stepping stone up the local home market for Geng to the . Pillinger\\u2019s Brad Pillinger would not to be drawn on Geng\\u2019s reason for selling, but he has listed it with Sotheby\\u2019s Michael Pallier, which given the two agents rarely work hand in hand, was the first big clue as to where Geng is headed next. While that\\u2019s not a definitive giveaway, a well-placed source has stepped in to confirm Geng\\u2019s purchase of Rockleigh, the long-held waterfront home of medico specialist Philippa Harvey-Sutton. The sale price of Rockleigh remains a vague $80 million to $85 million, but at that level it still ranks as this year\\u2019s top trophy home sale to date. Geng\\u2019s Rose Bay house is no slouch in the local trophy home stakes. The six-bedroom, six-bathroom residence is set on the prime beachfront Dumaresq Reserve featuring living areas that open to an infinity pool and uninterrupted views to the Harbour Bridge. Among the special extras are a fire pit, billiard room, six-seater home cinema, home sauna and a spa. The contemporary three-level house was commissioned by Skype early investor and founder of music downloader Kazaa, Kevin Bermeister and his wife Beverley, who sold it to Geng in 2014 for $26.9 million. A year later Geng sold his historic Hunters Hill home Cleverton for $6.55 million. Geng hasn\\u2019t just relied upon his previous real estate to fund his handsome homes. Geng was a professor of economics in Asia before he made his fortune in the innovative sustainable materials business, wholesaling recyclable and calico shopping bags, and later expanding the Intex business to include everything from coasters and bottle openers to portable coffee cups, and pens and notebooks. Values on Rose Bay\\u2019s harbourfront have been recalibrated a few times over in the decade since Geng joined the neighbourhood. Retailer Brett Blundy scored about when he sold to James Packer\\u2019s money man Lawrence Myers, and in 2021 veteran stockbroker Brent Potts sold Villa Florida to Coverforce founder Jim Angelis, the latter of whom . Also drafting plans for a new house on the beachfront is foreign exchange dealer Tony Collick, who paid $36.6 million to consolidate a house and block of apartments to create a single family home. Telecom entrepreneur Tony Hakim is tipped to have set a Hunters Hill house price record this week when he sold his non-waterfront residence ahead of next week\\u2019s scheduled auction. McGrath\\u2019s Tracey Dixon won\\u2019t reveal the result, but she had a guide of $18 million-plus, and a local source said it sold for closer to $20 million, far in excess of the previous $19 million high set by the Windermere estate \\u201CSam\\u201D Kuizhang Guo to pub baron Sean O\\u2019Hara. The end of the peninsular keeps its own record tab, held by the Vailele mansion at $22.18 million since 2017. Hakim, who made his money through the telephony bundling business National Telecoms Group, has owned the 2000 square metre property with one of the suburb\\u2019s few tennis courts since 2002, paying $4.4 million and renovating it to a design by Glenda Barnes. Rich list-er Fiona Tudor Brown has purchased another eastern suburbs\\u2019 bolthole, paying $4.6 million for the Woollahra home flip of socialite Tiffany Tilley. Brown, who co-founded ASX-listed IT distributor Dicker Data in 1978 with her former husband David Dicker and ranked on this year\\u2019s with an estimated wealth of $752 million, is based in Mittagong, but also owns a $5 million terrace in Paddington she purchased in 2021. Tilley did okay from the sale, despite having listed it with $4.9 million hopes last year before she relisted it recently with BlackDiamondz\\u2019 Courtney Wong and Maylin Liu. The house last traded two years ago for $3.32 million, and scored Marco Meneguzzi interiors since then. Tilley is downsizing to a $3.58 million pad in Potts Point\\u2019s Rockwall Gardens. Meet Sydney’s killjoy suburbA council’s refusal to allow development in inner-city Sydney explains why Australian housing is so expensive Charlie Colosi has tried to turn an abandoned colonial-era asylum into a thriving restaurant that would breathe life into a dull corner of privileged Sydney For much of the time, Hunters Hill Council has resisted him Joseph ‘Jack’ O’Brien has experienced a rollercoaster career to this point. Born in Dubbo and raised in Walgett, Joseph boarded in Bowral before moving to Sydney to attend St Joseph's College at Hunters Hill. He began rowing at school, and although it wasn’t his first choice of sport, Joseph immediately became recognised as a talented rower.  After competing for New South Wales at a youth level Joseph was selected to represent Australia at the U23 World Championships alongside Andrew Judge in the men’s pair. Following a fifth place finish the pair were awarded a chance to represent Australia at a senior level at the World championships in Poland. His performances over the year saw Joseph awarded a spot in the men's sweep squad in 2019 ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Throughout 2019, Joseph as part of the men’s four, claimed gold at the World Rowing Cups II and III before qualifying the boat for Tokyo at the World Championships. By the time of the delayed Tokyo Games were held, Joseph was selected in the men’s eight instead of the four. The Australian crew came fourth in both their heat and semi-final, to qualify for the A-Final and give themselves a shot at gold. However, a disappointing start to the final gave their opposition a head start they couldn't come back from. The team finished in sixth place and missed out on a medal. Joseph returned to the men's four in 2022 and returned to winning ways. He rowed in Australia’s dominant performance at the World Rowing Cup II before back-to-back second place finishes at the World Rowing Cup III and World Championships. In 2023, Joseph was again the unlucky man to miss out when Alexander Hill returned to the men's four. Illustrating again why he is a ‘Jack of all trades’, he once more was selected for the men's eight for the 2023 season. However, before Joseph could race again in the eight, he competed alongside Angus Dawson in the men's pair at the World Rowing Cup II. Impressive performances throughout the competition saw the pair claim a bronze medal. The World Rowing Cup III saw Joseph return to the men's eight. After progressing to the final, the Australian team were locked in a tense battle with heavy favourites Great Britain. After a tense race the Australian shot out from the 1000m mark to claim a stunning upset victory. In 2024, Joseph has continued to train and compete with the men's eight. At the World Rowing Cup II, he featured in the crew's fourth place finish. At the Paris Olympic Games, Joseph continued with the men's eight, rowing to a sixth place finish. Want to have a go at Rowing, or find the nearest club to you? The Australian Olympic Committee acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we are located. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. We celebrate and honour all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians. The Australian Olympic Committee is committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society and sport. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. A sandstone mansion in Hunters Hill that sold for $8.5 million – $2 million above guidance – was Sydney’s highest auction price of the weekend Bidding opened at $6.4 million and jumped in $100,000 increments among three parties An inner west couple secured the five-bedroom 1850s home originally built for Hunters Hill’s first mayor Sydney Roosters NRL captain James Tedesco buys $5 million Hunters Hill houseJonathan Chancellor State of Origin Blues captain James Tedesco bought a new Hunters Hill home with his fiancee Marie Glinellis State of Origin Blues captain James Tedesco and his fiancee Maria Glinellis have bought a new home They spent just over $5 million last month for a residence on the Hunters Hill peninsula That ranks the price as the highest known NRL captain’s outlay on a home during their playing career is five doors away from the abode of Maria’s family State of Origin Blues captain James Tedesco’s new Hunters Hill home which first sold for $3.25 million in 2014 comes with a lofty atrium that lets in natural light across both levels It comes with the open plan downstairs lounge opening to an alfresco space with outdoor kitchen There’s a rear level lawn on the 655 sqm block with an impressive glass edge pool MORE: Major stumbling block most first homebuyers face ‘No more handcuffs’: Kyle Sandilands buys $3m forever home James Tedesco and his fiancee Maria Glinellis attend the NRL 2021 Dally M Awards The couple snapped the home up just two weeks into its auction campaign through DiJones agents David Howe and Max Yue The Glinellis family are local hospitality entrepreneurs Hunters Hill is becoming known for its sports stars Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood bought a strikingly modern home in 2016 for $3.8 million, and the Wests Tigers legend turned Fox Sports presenter Benji Marshall and his podcaster wife, Zoe, recently bought their five bedroom home for $4.75 million after selling in Concord Good spot for a bit of backyard footy and/or cricket is a keen property ­investor who retains a number of long-time Western Sydney investments where he grew up certainly ranks among the league big spenders having spent $3.4 million at North Curl Curl in 2018 RELATED: NRL bad boy’s swish new digs revealed No surprise given his number one ranking on the last The NRL Rich 100 publication by The Daily Telegraph Of course plenty of players have bought more expensive homes but only after adding their post-playing windfalls NSW and Roosters captain Tedesco has invested wisely Tedesco has even outspent his Roosters coach Trent Robinson who recently finished extensive additions to his Bronte home which cost $4 million in 2020 Tedesco’s Blues coach Brad Fittler recently spent $8,225,000 with partner Marie Liarris on a Terrey Hills acreage after setting a nearby $12 million sale record The couple had bought the acreage in 2014 for $3.1 million In Fittler’s last year at the Roosters in 2004 he splashed $1.269 million for a semi at Clovelly MORE: Weirdest homes money can buy Record pokie payout in the Southern Highlands Cooper Cronk scores epic new $10m home The brothers built many fine sandstone homes in the area, with Coorabel believed to be one of the first. Constructed in 1850 on land bought from Mary Reibey, a convict turned businesswoman who today graces our $20 note, the heritage-listed, late Georgian/early Victorian home is a superb showcase for the skill of the Jouberts’ team of European stonemasons. The site-quarried stonework is impressively precise, and combined with the steep slate roof with dormer windows, and the cast iron detailing, presents a wonderful snapshot of colonial life. Take your time exploring the deep verandahs that wrap around the property and offer the perfect all-weather sanctuaries. All of the ground-floor rooms, including the stylish black bathroom and the black-and-white-themed kitchen, have direct access to the verandahs via double French doors, which means you’re never far from the beautiful gardens. Nurtured by the current owners over a tenancy of 28 years, the gardens are as delightful as the home itself. You’ll find magnolias and camellias, hydrangeas and jasmine, buxus hedging and a dining terrace shaded in white wisteria. The very private backyard features a lush and level lawn, a heated pool and a self-contained studio that works well as a home office. ‘One of the best houses in Bronte’ just listed for $30 million ‘Just unbelievable’: Designer Canberra penthouse just listed Cliff-edge South Coogee home of late Wallaby Alan Cardy is out of this world Inside the main residence, ceilings soar to over four metres high, giving the ground floor rooms an incredibly grand ambience. There are three large living rooms, each with a fireplace, allowing owners to create casual and formal zones to suit their preferences. The main bedroom rates special mention with its rose-red walls, high white skirtings and fireplace with white timber surround. There are four more king-sized bedrooms upstairs, one converted into a dressing room, and one with access to a north-facing balcony with views over the jacarandas to the Lane Cove River. The vendors are reluctant downsizers, having loved their time in Coorabell. They describe the home as beautifully cool in summer and warm in winter, have enjoyed the sense of history and say they will miss relaxing and entertaining on the verandahs, the birdlife in the garden, and the central location. Coorabell is set within a short walk of shops, cafes and St Joseph’s College, with buses nearby to other top schools. Across the road in Joubert Street Reserve, you’ll find pedestrian access under Figtree Bridge to Hunters Hill High School and peninsula eateries. Cate Blanchett’s former Hunters Hill home has sold for a $750,000 loss It’s hard to fathom amid the current Sydney sales euphoria but a trophy home in Hunters Hill has sold at a $750,000 loss The former Goldman Sachs investment banker Chris Barter and his wife have taken the hit when selling their $17.25 million Hunters Hill abode after three years ownership MORE: Inside Karl Stefanovic’s waterfront mansion Nicole Kidman leads celebrities moving to this NSW region 18 year-old buys $5m mansion in Dural Historic Bulwarra held the Hunters Hill house record when the Barters bought the stylishly updated 1877 mansion in 2017 for $18 million from theatrical couple Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton The on-sale of Bulwarra has been confirmed with the ­purchase by expatriate lawyer Brooke Lindsay general counsel at United Arab Emirates telco Etisalat a senior executive at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority The Barters have made the move to Mosman where they secured the $21.5 million clifftop home sold by KPMG ­special adviser Max Donnelly and his wife The Donnelly’s had listed it two years ago for $22 million so there are also swings and roundabouts when it comes to ambitions and actual sale prices as in 2015 she thought she’d sold Bulwarra on the Lane Cove River for $19.8 million But her mysterious buyer Richard Gu pulled out of buying the extended sandstone home due to problems getting funds out of China The creative couple bought the 3600sqm property in 2004 for $10.25 million from merchant banker Jim Dominguez and his wife Suzanne who’d bought it in 1982 for $700,000 The suburb was placed fifth in NSW in Australia’s Top Lifestyle Suburbs the Top 10 list is ranked on a suburb’s easy access to education beaches and the CBD by car or public transport REA Group chief economist Nerida Conisbee said more buyers sought Hunters Hill properties online particularly because of its access to education facilities and parks Eighty-two per cent of those browsing the suburb highlighted the easy access to education features while 75 per cent ticked off parklands as a desirable asset Ms Conisbee said Hunters Hill stood out as “a little bit different” in a list dominated by inner western suburbs with smaller properties “The ranking shows it’s a suburb with a great lifestyle and people are prepared to pay the price for that lifestyle,” she said “It’s a little bit different but very desirable.” Hunters Hill’s inclusion on the list did not surprise councillor and resident of 13 years Elizabeth Krassoi Elizabeth Krassoi says Hunters Hill is “so central in every direction” “Last year my daughter had to do an assignment on the livability of her suburb and she was struggling,” Mrs Krassoi said I don’t know how to make it any more liveable than it already is’.” Mrs Krassoi said Hunters Hill had an advantage over the other suburbs on the list as it was “15 minutes to everywhere” including Chatswood “It is so central in every direction,” she said McGrath Hunters Hill agent and long-term local Tracey Dixon called the suburb an “under-tapped gem” “A lot of buyers will look at Mosman or stop at Drummoyne — they think it’s a bridge too far,” Ms Dixon said “But for an extra 10 minutes they get all the extras like the wide open spaces has lived in the heart of the peninsula since he was six The young entrepreneur has witnessed the suburb’s growth from sleepy to vibrant village boosted by a bustling cafe precinct around the junction of Gladesville and Ryde roads to create arts- and music- based events all over the suburb that has natural assets such as Clarkes Point Reserve opposite Cockatoo Island on Parramatta River “I could only hope to live here forever,” Mr McCaffrey said you could hope for nothing better than Hunters Hill.”