Erskineville
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Erskineville, epitomises the “City Of Villages” Clover Moore envisaged when she became Lord Mayor! It overflows with interesting, eclectic personalities blending seamlessly and getting on with and enjoying life. It has blossomed from the “working class” suburb of years gone by and ‘poorer cousin’ of Newtown, to being superior in certain aspects. It is now, a suburb of choice for many reasons!
Erskineville reminds me of a country town, where they look out for each other and offers one or two of most services (Doctors, Dentist, Newsagent, Delicatessen, Fruit and Veg, supermarket, Bottle shop, Fish n Chips) etc. Even the pets are covered with a Vet Clinic that stays open till late. The Floral Decorator has won Florist of The year at least once and what they create is incredible. There are great cafes and restaurants, which are family friendly whilst the Chinese delivers in no time. Like country towns, you have to leave occasionally to do a ”big shop”, attend a specialist, buy some clothes, get a haircut etc. Suburbs are often judged by how they look after and provide for their young and their old!
Erskineville offers many things for many people. Three generations are well catered for in one suburb and blend effortlessly, which is incredibly refreshing. Locals certainly ’look out for’ each other. Children are certainly well catered for with Primary Schools, Erskineville Public and St Mary’s, both highly rated on the My School website and offer kids strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, environmental education plus performing and visual arts. Both offer after school care and activities to assist those parents who work longer hours! Erskineville Public was up for closure under the Carr Govt due to declining enrolments. They were down to about 30 students and locals fought the impending closure with true Erskineville passion. Enrolments are now at over 300 but it still maintains its small school charm. Day Care Centre’s are SND on corner of Swanson and Clara St’s and Lady Gowrie at the back of Harry Noble Reserve on Swanson Street and accessed from Fox and Elliot Ave’s. Again, both have great reputations. Mothers Groups meet in the local parks for both group fitness sessions and catchups! You regularly see them in Harry Noble Reserve and Sydney Park near the Kiosk.
Considering what a welcoming and friendly suburb it is, all would be embraced. There are many stay at home Dads in the area as well. Throughout the area are many, what are referred to as “pocket parks”. Many were set up in the 1930’s due to the area being working class and the belief that houses and yards being small, locals were entitled to outdoor areas! Some medium size ones where kids play are Lillian Fowler Reserve on Angel Street and there is also parks on Harold Street, Flora and Knight Street’s and Gowrie Street. So yes, Erskineville has loads of “green “ space! Again like a country town, where there is usually a ‘Top’ pub and ‘Bottom’ pub and one or two somewhere in the middle, Erko has 4 Pubs, plus an intimate Wine Bar.
The Bowling Club can be hired for functions or charity days, is north facing, so lovely on sunny winter afternoons. It is a great social venue and gathering spot for the “longer term” residents of the area. Its easy to pick up “supplies” for the evening meal, or grab something ready made from Woolworths. Certainly not the place for a big weekly shop! It is actually “basket only “ shopping. The family owned Service Station are 2nd generation and delightful. They have serviced my various cars for 20+ years are “as honest as the day is long” and will even assist with checking tyres which is a rarity these days. Friends of Erskineville Village, have both a website and Facebook page. An incredibly active, community group who meet monthly in the Town Hall to discuss issues that affect the community. Anyone can attend. Erskineville, has evolved into a “groovy” Inner City Hub. Many still remember (and refer) to it, as being the place where the bus started from, in the movie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
About Prue Holcombe
A local resident with an immense wealth of knowledge and vast real estate experience, dedicated to delivering the best result in a stress free manner. Offering straightforward advice, delivered with integrity, in a professional and friendly manner which puts both sellers and buyers at ease.
