A Mosman High School student has made her professional football debut in the A-League Women’s competition, contributing to Central Coast Mariners’ championship win.
A Mosman High School student has completed her first season in the A-League Women’s competition, finishing with a grand final appearance for the Central Coast Mariners. Blake Hughes, a Year 12 student and defender, joined the Mariners midway through the season after a video highlights package caught the attention of club coach Emily Husband.
Photo Credit: Blake Hughes/Instagram
From Local Matches to National Stage
Ms Hughes had previously represented North Sydney and the NSW Combined High Schools team. After a few in-person assessments, she was signed by the Mariners with expectations of a gradual introduction to the league. However, squad injuries and her strong form led to an accelerated promotion to the top team, where she played a handful of matches before being called up for the semi-finals and grand final.
During the grand final against Melbourne Victory, she was brought on in the 72nd minute while the Mariners were holding a narrow lead. Though Victory equalised shortly after, Ms Hughes remained on the field through extra time. The Mariners went on to win in a penalty shoot-out.
Mosman Support and School Balance
Originally from Colorado, Ms Hughes moved to Australia in Year 8. Since then, she has remained enrolled at Mosman High School, balancing studies with her growing football career. She noted strong support from both her teachers and her mother, who assists with travel to and from the Central Coast.
Mosman High School Principal Susan Wyatt said Ms Hughes performs well both athletically and academically, and is respected in the school community.
Photo Credit: Blake Hughes/Instagram
Looking Ahead
After completing her HSC, Ms Hughes is weighing future opportunities, including the possibility of playing and studying in the United States or continuing professionally in Australia. Her family is also considering citizenship options, which could lead to future eligibility for the national team.
On social media, Ms Hughes expressed gratitude for the experience, praising her teammates, coaching staff, and family for their support throughout her first season.
A proposal has been lodged with the NSW Planning Department by Queenwood School for Girls, a private school located in Mosman, to construct a new multi-sport precinct at Oxford Falls. The site spans 2.14 hectares and was acquired by the school for $10.7 million in July 2024. The location is situated on Oxford Falls Road, directly opposite Oxford Falls Grammar School.
The school has submitted a State Significant Development (SSD) application. As part of this process, an environmental impact statement will be released for public comment.
According to the scoping report, the proposed precinct includes an outdoor field designed for soccer and hockey, which also accommodates eight tennis courts. An indoor hall is planned to support sports such as basketball and netball. Additional infrastructure includes a canteen, change rooms, and a car park positioned beneath the main hall.
Usage and Educational Purpose
Queenwood intends the precinct to be used during school hours as well as after hours and on weekends, with floodlights allowing activity throughout the winter months. The development is positioned as part of the school’s broader commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through sport.
Photo Credit: Queensland School
School Communication and Community Engagement
In 2024, the school hosted a ceremonial sod-turning and smoking ceremony at the Oxford Falls site to mark its acquisition. Communications to parents and students have emphasised the intended role of the precinct in promoting teamwork, leadership, and long-term academic performance through physical education.
The proposal will undergo further planning assessment and public consultation. No construction timeline has been confirmed. The application remains under consideration by the NSW Planning Department.
Chemist Warehouse executives have quietly bought a key commercial site on Mosman’s Military Road for $11.8 million, setting the stage for a possible retail shake-up in one of Sydney’s most affluent neighbourhoods.
The property at 886–888 Military Road was bought for $11.8 million by a group tied to Chemist Warehouse leaders Jack Gance and Mario Verrocchi, following their recent ASX listing. It sits just a few doors from their existing store and is currently leased to Harry Hartog Bookseller until August 2029.
The site spans between 398 and 507 square metres and earns about $400,000 a year in rent. With a yield of 3.3 percent, it reflects strong investor confidence in Mosman’s retail market. The Verity family had purchased it for $8.6 million in 2022, showing a notable jump in value.
Signs of a Bigger Plan
Chemist Warehouse executives have been steadily snapping up prime retail spots across suburbs like Richmond, South Yarra, Brighton and Grafton. Some of these properties now house active stores, while others remain investments.
The Mosman site follows this pattern and is zoned E1 Local Centre, allowing future development up to 11 metres. Though no post-2029 plans have been announced, industry watchers believe an expansion or relocation is on the cards.
Local Impact and Market Movement
For now, Harry Hartog Bookseller will keep trading, with no immediate changes expected on the Mosman site. Still, the sale highlights growing investor interest in the area’s tightly held retail strip.
Agents say demand from developers and retailers remains strong, with Military Road seen as a key commercial hub. Any future redevelopment could reshape the local mix of shops and services along this busy stretch.
A Move That Reflects National Investment Trends
While centred in Mosman, the purchase reflects a wider trend of wealthy investors funnelling money into commercial real estate nationwide. Gance and Verrocchi are among those focusing on high-street sites with solid rental income and future development potential.
In a shifting market, areas like Mosman offer steady foot traffic and a strong sense of community, making them appealing investment targets. This deal reinforces Mosman’s reputation as both a desirable suburb and a smart place to invest.
A fatal collision occurred outside Taronga Zoo on Bradley’s Head Road in Mosman around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 6 June. Emergency services responded to the scene where a cyclist, later identified as Tim Miles, was declared dead. The bus driver involved was uninjured and underwent mandatory hospital testing. No passengers on board the bus were harmed.
Police erected a visual barrier at the site while conducting a forensic investigation, prompting access restrictions for zoo visitors and vehicle owners in the area.
Tim Miles, 58, was a businessman originally from Ashburton, New Zealand. He was well known in Australian and New Zealand motorsport, having co-founded Miles Advisory Partners in 2002. His career spanned over three decades and included leadership roles in corporate advisory and motor racing teams. He co-owned Triple Eight Race Engineering and played a role in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011 and again in 2021 to RACE.
Mr Miles previously led Tasman Motorsport, managing its entry into the Supercars Championship in the early 2000s. Under his leadership, the team achieved multiple podiums, including second-place finishes at the Bathurst 1000 in 2005 and 2008.
Photo Credit: Tim Miles/Facebook
Recent Racing Activity
Earlier this year, Mr Miles competed in the Mustang Challenge Invitational during the Le Mans 24 Hours in France. He also partnered with fellow New Zealander Brendon Leitch in the GT World Challenge Australia, with the duo securing a race win at Phillip Island. In January, he also raced in the Taupo Historic GP.
Community and Industry Response
Family members described Mr Miles as a dedicated father and husband with a strong presence in motorsport and business. Tributes from the racing community noted his long-term involvement, from mentoring young drivers to competing and managing teams. Supercars and other organisations recognised his contributions as both a competitor and advisor, highlighting the influence he had on the sport’s development.
Taronga Zoo issued a statement confirming changes to site access following the incident. While the zoo remained open to visitors, buses from Mosman Junction and Taronga Wharf were not operating. Access was maintained through the zoo’s lower entrance, with ferries continuing to run as scheduled.
NSW Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. The collision is being examined by the crash investigation unit. Authorities have asked for any dashcam or mobile footage from the public. Traffic diversions remain in place, and motorists have been urged to avoid the area.
Plans to revitalise the Sky Safari cable car at Taronga Zoo in Mosman have been revised and placed on public exhibition until 10 June following a period of community consultation.
Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari cable car, which operated from 1987 until its closure in 2023, is set for a proposed $77 million upgrade. The project, submitted as a State Significant Development application (SSD-46807958), seeks to modernise the aerial transport system between Taronga Zoo Wharf and the main entrance on Bradleys Head Road. It forms part of the zoo’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan and was revised after feedback gathered during 2024.
The planned 1.5-kilometre route will retain the alignment of the former cable car while reducing the number of pylons from nine to six. It will introduce around 25 larger gondolas with a ten-passenger capacity, offering improved accessibility for prams and wheelchairs. Upgraded stations at both ends will feature covered queuing areas up to 100 metres long, alongside new landscaping, seating, and paths.
Taronga Zoo has stated the Sky Safari will incorporate interpretive elements themed around “Saltwater to Sky” to support its conservation and education efforts. The zoo also expects the improved ferry and public transport connectivity will reduce private vehicle use and assist in achieving its Net Zero by 2030 target.
Photo Credit: SSD-46807958
Concerns Over Visual Impact and Construction Disruption
Several Mosman residents and local stakeholders raised objections over the revised plan. Key concerns focused on the increased height of some pylons—specifically towers 3, 4 and 5—which are estimated to reach up to 35 metres, exceeding Mosman’s height limits for foreshore areas under the Local Environmental Plan 2012. Critics argue the structures would interrupt bushland views and impact the headland’s scenic profile.
Community members also highlighted the removal of vegetation, referencing a history of tree loss within Taronga Zoo grounds. Prior developments reportedly involved the removal of at least 65 Category A trees and potentially over 100 additional uncategorised trees. Temporary closure of the Bondi to Manly coastal path and changes to the 238 bus route due to construction activity at Athol Wharf Road were also raised.
Concerns were also expressed about operational impacts, including the possibility of special event programming at sunrise and sunset, which some felt would extend noise and visual disruption beyond regular hours. These aspects prompted comparisons to entertainment precincts such as Luna Park, with questions raised about the effect on residents and animal welfare.
Cultural representation was also criticised by some submissions, questioning the use of Indigenous references such as the “Saltwater to Sky” narrative, which some described as loosely interpreted.
Photo Credit: SSD-46807958
Competition Concerns from Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo, located in Western Sydney, has formally objected to the project, citing concerns over the use of public funding. Its management argued the project may breach competitive neutrality guidelines by giving Taronga Zoo a market advantage. Sydney Zoo warned of potential impacts on visitor numbers, employment, and regional outreach programs.
The objection also pointed to confusion among the public over the zoo’s identity—an issue dating back to 2019 when Sydney Zoo first opened. At that time, Taronga Zoo raised concerns that the name “Sydney Zoo” could lead to public misunderstanding. The competitive tension resurfaced during high-profile visits from international celebrities, sparking renewed public debate.
Sydney Zoo questioned the conservation value of the redevelopment, contrasting it with its own privately funded attractions. It expressed concern that Taronga Zoo’s upgrade prioritises commercial tourism outcomes under the guise of conservation messaging.
Support for the Project
Some stakeholders, including Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Cox, supported the redevelopment. His submission cited improvements to accessibility, enhanced visitor experience, and stronger engagement with conservation messaging as key benefits. The integration of the upgraded Sky Safari with the existing ferry wharf was viewed as a strategic move to reduce local traffic and encourage sustainable transport.
The revised proposal for Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari is on public exhibition until 10 June 2025. The NSW Department of Planning will assess all feedback before issuing a determination. Taronga Zoo anticipates construction could proceed if approval is granted.
A children’s performing arts school is expanding its holiday program to Mosman, offering musical theatre activities designed to build confidence and creativity.
Creative Starz Academy, a performing arts organisation for children, is expanding its musical theatre holiday camps to Mosman this winter. The academy began in Willoughby, later extending to Manly Vale, and is now introducing its seasonal programs to both Mosman and Beacon Hill. Previous camps have featured musical productions such as “Annie,” “Mary Poppins,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
The academy also runs weekly performing arts classes for children aged 4 to 11.
This year’s winter school holiday camps will run across four Sydney suburbs, with the Mosman camp taking place at St Luke’s Anglican Church on Heydon Street from Monday, 7 July to Friday, 11 July 2025.
The Beacon Hill camp will be held at Beacon Hill Public School from Monday, 14 July to Friday, 18 July 2025.
Each program spans five days and culminates in a mini-musical performance, with Mosman students working on “Matilda.” Holiday camp enrolments are open to children aged 6 to 13, with a program cost of $460.
Daily Activities and Schedule
The camps are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, with drop-off available from 8:00 a.m. and pick-up until 5:30 p.m. (except on the final day, which ends at 4:00 p.m.).
Children participate in singing, dancing, and acting in the mornings, while afternoon sessions focus on rehearsals, peer performances, and group activities aimed at building teamwork and problem-solving skills. A final showcase for friends and family is held at the end of the week.
Creative Starz Academy does not position itself as a school of excellence but rather promotes inclusive participation for children of all skill levels.
The program is designed to support self-expression, independent thinking, and the development of communication skills. Its philosophy centres on nurturing creativity and fostering self-esteem in a structured but supportive environment.
The academy has also confirmed additional holiday programs scheduled for September and October 2025. Details for these upcoming sessions are available on request. With the launch in Mosman and Beacon Hill, Creative Starz continues its growth across Sydney’s northern suburbs.
Onice, a modern Asian restaurant in Mosman, is attracting attention for its fusion of Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese flavours paired with attentive service.
Located at 161 Middle Head Road, Onice opened in February as a new addition to Mosman’s dining scene. Founded by Alex Nguyen, who previously worked as a flight attendant, the venue began as a daytime café before shifting to a full modern Asian menu in response to strong customer demand.
Mr Nguyen prioritised a welcoming atmosphere, offering both lunch and dinner daily in a space designed with glowing wall lamps, padded banquettes, and timber furnishings.
Onice’s menu blends influences from Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese cuisines. Entrées include dishes such as betel leaf-wrapped wagyu beef, grilled lamb cutlets, and sizzling scallops with nam prik pao butter.
Larger plates feature twice-cooked beef ribs with Penang curry, grilled Skull Island prawns with XO butter, and turmeric chicken with lemongrass and chilli. Two “Feed Me” options, priced at $89 and $119 per person, offer curated selections for shared dining.
Photo Credit: Onice Mosman/Instagram
Vegetarian choices include chilli salt tofu and wok-fried seasonal greens. Sweets range from matcha cheesecake to Vietnamese crème caramel. Drinks include a concise list of wines, boutique beers and limited non-alcoholic options. The restaurant also offers BYO on Sundays.
Patrons have praised both the food and the service. Reviews describe the atmosphere as quiet and relaxed, with one diner noting the attentive care shown by staff during colder weather. Dishes such as sweet and sticky chicken wings, crispy pork salad, and special fried rice with prawn and scallop have received positive mentions.
Photo Credit: Onice Mosman/Instagram
Customers also highlighted the venue as a welcome replacement for a former Japanese restaurant previously located at the same site.
Parking is considered accessible, with nearby council parking offering the first two hours free. Visitors also noted the extensive wine list for a venue of its size, including bottles from regions such as Adelaide Hills and Margaret River.
Onice continues to operate seven days a week, with hopes from returning customers that the lunch offerings will further evolve. With consistent service and a diverse menu, it has quickly positioned itself as a notable new dining venue in Mosman.
One of Australia’s steepest residential streets will become a sea of colour, laughter and sweat as the Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn 2025 brings thousands together in Mosman for a race that raises vital funds for children’s health.
Set for Sunday, 25 May, the 23rd Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn will see families, schools, athletes and even pets tackle the 420-metre Awaba Street climb to raise funds for vital children’s medical equipment.
More than a fun run, the Balmoral Burn is a community event backing better care for sick kids, with over $35 million raised since 2001 for 500+ hospitals nationwide.
While elite runners chase King and Queen of the Hill titles, many others join simply to be part of the day. Events cater to all levels, from family relays and the No Burn Walk to the always-popular Pet and Owner Race.
A Morning Packed With Colour and Character
This year’s program features over 20 races from 8:10 a.m. to midday, including the crowd-favourite Run Baby Run, where participants tackle the hill in inflatable baby suits to honour premature and sick newborns.
Other favourites include the colour-filled Celebration Run and Corporate Relays, where local teams compete in friendly rivalry. Adding to the energy are appearances from event founder Phil Kearns AM, Nine’s Amber Sherlock, and Mosman distance runner Ed Goddard.
Giving That Goes the Distance
The Balmoral Burn is all about impact, with fundraising rewards like race entries, merchandise, lunches, and even a visit to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Those who raise $10,000 or more earn a personal thank you from Phil Kearns.
Every dollar helps place urgently needed equipment into hospitals, from portable oxygen machines to neonatal monitors, changing the lives of sick children and their families across Australia.
Registration is open now atwww.balmoralburn.com.au, with entry prices ranging from $15 to $60 depending on the race. Community groups, families, schools and individuals are all encouraged to sign up, donate or cheer from the sidelines.
The Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn 2025 runs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, 25 May. It’s a chance to race, walk or simply cheer for a great cause in the heart of Mosman.
A combined residential site on Cowles Road in Mosman has been listed for approximately $40 million, becoming the latest large-scale amalgamation influenced by recent state planning reforms.
A large-scale property listing on Cowles Road, Mosman, marks the sixth major amalgamation in the suburb since February. Nine adjacent homeowners from 92 to 108 Cowles Road have unified their properties into a 2,151-square-metre block. The move aligns with the NSW Government’s updated Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, designed to facilitate more diverse residential development in key areas.
These changes, introduced on 28 February 2025, permit higher-density projects within 800 metres of designated town centres and public transport. Cowles Road falls within this zone, making it eligible for the new development controls.
Caption: 92 Cowles Road, Mosman Photo Credit: Google Maps
Development Potential and Valuation
Selling agents JLL described the site as suitable for a six-storey residential project, with an estimated gross floor area of up to 4,732 square metres and a maximum allowable building height of 22 metres. Market expectations suggest the parcel could achieve as much as $43 million, depending on buyer interest and development conditions.
The proposal includes potential for harbour and city views from upper levels, subject to council approval. The current listing follows three other ongoing amalgamations in the same street: 65–77 Cowles Road (1,858 sqm), 74–78 Cowles Road with 17a–19 Wudgong Street (2,355 sqm), and 138–144 Cowles Road (1,664 sqm).
Strategic Policy Context
The NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy aims to deliver 112,000 new dwellings over five years across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Lower Hunter, Newcastle, and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven. Stage 2 of the policy expanded housing types allowed in mid-rise zones, including terraces, townhouses, and apartments.
Caption: 100 Cowles Road, Mosman Photo Credit: Google Maps
This policy sits under the broader State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 framework and responds to the state’s ongoing housing supply targets.
Property Details and Ownership
The Cowles Road listing comprises eight semi-detached dwellings and one free-standing house, with individual lot sizes ranging between 205 and 491 square metres. Among the nine properties, 102 Cowles Road is owned by the Anglican Church, which bought it in 1986. The most recent transaction was for 92 Cowles Road, purchased in 2021 for $2.715 million.
Some homeowners who bought prior to 2010 may stand to gain significantly if the amalgamated site reaches the upper price estimate.
Caption: 104 Cowles Road, Mosman Photo Credit: Google Maps
Local Response and Implications
Mosman official Marie Kimber stated that Council has limited authority to oppose developments that meet the new planning criteria. She noted that the LMR reforms are expected to alter the character of Mosman and similar suburbs across Sydney.
With increasing demand for well-located housing and relaxed density controls, further amalgamations may continue to reshape the area’s residential landscape.
An ensemble of internationally recognised musicians will present an intimate concert of Baroque pastoral music on historical instruments at the Mosman Art Gallery, bringing the sounds of 17th and 18th-century Italy and Germany directly to the local community.
The event, titled “Pastoral Fantasies: A Baroque Journey through Italy and Germany,” is scheduled for Sunday, 8 June, 2025, beginning at 3:00 PM. Hosted at the Mosman Art Gallery & Community Centre, located at 1 Art Gallery Way, Mosman, the performance is expected to last between one and a half to two hours. The concert aims to take listeners on a musical exploration centred around the theme of pastoral landscapes as imagined by composers of the Baroque era.
Featured Composers and Music
The programme will feature works from some of the period’s most prominent composers. Audiences can expect to hear music by German composers Georg Philipp Telemann, George Frideric Handel, and Johann Sebastian Bach, alongside Italian composers Arcangelo Corelli and Pietro Locatelli. The use of period instruments aims to provide an authentic listening experience, presenting the intricate beauty of Baroque compositions in a setting true to the time.
A quartet of highly accomplished musicians will perform these works. Adele Ohki will play the baroque violin. Ms Ohki studied extensively in Canberra and the United States, earning a Master’s in baroque violin from Boston University. She has performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles in the US before returning to Australia in 2020. She serves as Head of Strings at Newington College, Sydney, and performs with leading Australian ensembles.
Melissa Farrow, recognised as a leading Australian baroque flutist, will perform on Baroque flute. She holds principal flute positions with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Haydn Ensemble and performs regularly with other major Australian groups. Ms Farrow studied historical flute performance in Sydney and Europe and teaches at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Rosemary Quinn will perform on the Baroque cello. Ms Quinn is confirmed as the cellist for this specific “Pastoral Fantasies” concert, joining the ensemble for the performance. Further biographical details were not available in the information provided.
Anthony Hamad will play the harpsichord. Mr Hamad focuses on historical keyboard instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries, incorporating historical performance practices into his playing.
He studied in Sydney and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and performs regularly with prominent Australian early music ensembles, including the Muffat Collective, the Australian Haydn Ensemble, and the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra. He also teaches musicology and historical performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
