Chatswood is now home to a new hearing clinic backed by renowned cricketer Justin Langer. Lions Hearing Clinic, operated by the Ear Science Institute Australia, has opened its doors in Chatswood, offering world-class hearing care to the local community.
The Chatswood clinic is part of Lions Hearing Clinic’s recent expansion into New South Wales, with four new locations across Sydney. This marks a significant milestone for the organization, which has built a reputation for excellence in Western Australia with 16 clinics.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Ear Science Institute Australia (Ear Science) are the powerhouse behind Lions Hearing Clinic, and are the only clinic network in Australia owned and operated by an ear and hearing medical research institute. All proceeds from Lions Hearing Clinic solutions are reinvested into Ear Science’s world-renowned research into ear and hearing disorders.
Former Australian cricket captain Justin Langer, who serves as a brand advocate for Lions Hearing Clinic, has personally experienced the benefits of the clinic’s services. He credits them with discovering and treating his own hearing issues, including tinnitus, vertigo and vestibular migraines.
The Chatswood clinic at Level 2 of 202/443 Victoria Ave is well-positioned to serve the diverse local community. Staffed by experienced audiologists and audiometrists, the clinic offers a range of services, including hearing assessments, tinnitus management and hearing aid fittings.
Notably, the Chatswood clinic features a Mandarin-speaking clinician and audiologist, Kate Lau, providing an invaluable resource for the area’s significant Mandarin-speaking population.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“The expansion of Lions Hearing Clinic into NSW is about improving access to excellent hearing care and outcomes across Australia,” says Ear Science CEO Sandra Bellekom. “We are committed to ensuring that Australians receive the right advice and solutions for their hearing challenges.”
With the opening of the Chatswood clinic, local residents now have access to the expertise and resources of the renowned Ear Science Institute Australia, along with the backing of a cricketing legend. This new addition to the community promises to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by hearing-related issues.
The store, located at Chatswood HQ, 12 Help Street, officially opens 10 October. To celebrate the launch, the company is providing free Face Mapping Skin Analysis and LED treatments, usually valued at $75, as well as giveaways and exclusive offers to customers who visit on the opening day.
The Chatswood location will feature the full range of Dermalogica’s skincare products, including best-sellers and in-store treatments.
Dermalogica’s General Manager for Australia, Kristie Millgate, expressed excitement about bringing the company’s skincare expertise to the Chatswood community. She emphasised that the new store will offer highly customised skincare regimens and treatments tailored to individual needs. The skin analysis, provided by Dermalogica’s trained therapists, will consider factors such as lifestyle and skin conditions like breakouts or premature ageing.
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Stacey Hemming, Dermalogica’s Regional Manager, highlighted the skills and experience of their skin therapists. She noted that their team in Chatswood brings years of expertise, having treated thousands of clients across Sydney. The centre aims to provide the same professional-grade products and transformative treatments that have made the brand well-known globally.
Founded in 1986 by skin therapist Jane Wurwand, Dermalogica is known for its professional-grade skincare products and commitment to skin health. The company prioritises clean formulas and offers advanced education for skin therapists, training over 100,000 professionals annually. With headquarters in Los Angeles, Dermalogica’s products are used in more than 100 countries.
DOPA by Devon, the fast-casual Japanese eatery known for its vibrant flavours, officially opened its ninth location in Chatswood Chase, welcoming the community to experience its unique culinary offerings.
The new Chatswood store continues DOPA’s tradition of blending traditional Japanese culinary practices with modern design elements.
“Opening in Chatswood allows us to bring our unique blend of flavours and community-focused dining experience to more Sydneysiders,” said Zachary Tan, Executive Chef at DOPA.
The venue, designed by award-winning studio Tom Mark Henry, features a 40-seat space adorned with Japanese cultural graphics and modern urban design, creating an inviting atmosphere for diners.
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The restaurant also introduces the ‘DOPA Boy’ in its decor, a character who gains superpowers after eating at DOPA, symbolising the empowering experience of their food.
DOPA’s menu at Chatswood offers a variety of over twenty donburi options, including favourites like teriyaki chicken, karaage, and more exotic choices such as wagyu beef tongue and unagi.
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Starting 14 October, a special yellow fin tuna donburi will be available, featuring a mix of premium ingredients like diced tuna sashimi, ponzu, egg crepe, and salmon caviar.
The dessert menu doesn’t fall short, featuring the popular DOPA Shibuya toast in flavours such as matcha and lotus Biscoff, and traditional kakigōri, a Japanese shaved ice dessert, available in matcha, strawberry, or mango.
“Our menu is designed to cater to a range of tastes, offering both sweet and savoury dishes that blend traditional Japanese ingredients with a modern twist,” explained Markus Andrew, Executive Pastry Chef.
DOPA Chatswood is now open and operates Monday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Shop B-033, Chatswood Chase, 345 Victoria Avenue.
Chatswood will transform into a vibrant celebration of urban trees with the Tree Veneration Society’s latest exhibition, “Sacred Grove in Your Street.”
Running from 17 October to 3 November, this multi-disciplinary showcase at the Incinerator Art Space highlights trees’ vital role in our urban landscapes, drawing inspiration from the rich bushland of Willoughby City.
The exhibition promises to be a feast for the senses, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a captivating arboreal world. Towering trunks, swirling leaves, and tangled branches will come alive through diverse artistic media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and even film.
About the Tree Veneration Society
The Tree Veneration Society is a Sydney-based eco-arts collective dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world, particularly trees and their ecosystems. Through sensory experiences, intergenerational workshops, and multidisciplinary exhibitions, their mission is to inspire respect for nature and a commitment to its protection.
Society believes in the power of art and nature to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, bring together diverse communities, and facilitate inclusivity. They create spaces for reflection, conversation, and action, ultimately envisioning a society that truly appreciates and protects the invaluable services that trees provide to all living beings.
The “Sacred Grove in Your Street” exhibition is just one facet of the Tree Veneration Society’s ongoing efforts. They also deliver an annual exhibition called “Arboreal Narratives,” offer artist-led classes and performances, and conduct community workshops led by facilitators with Working with Children clearance.
Looking Ahead
Chatswood will transform into a vibrant celebration of urban trees with the Tree Veneration Society’s latest exhibition, “Sacred Grove in Your Street.”
Running from 17 October to 3 November, this multi-disciplinary showcase at the Incinerator Art Space highlights trees’ vital role in our urban landscapes, drawing inspiration from the rich bushland of Willoughby City.
The exhibition promises to be a feast for the senses, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a captivating arboreal world. Towering trunks, swirling leaves, and tangled branches will come alive through diverse artistic media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and film.
The Tree Veneration Society is a Sydney-based eco-arts collective dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world, particularly trees and their ecosystems. Through sensory experiences, intergenerational workshops, and multidisciplinary exhibitions, their mission is to inspire respect for nature and a commitment to its protection.
Society believes in the power of art and nature to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, bring together diverse communities, and facilitate inclusivity. They create spaces for reflection, conversation, and action, ultimately envisioning a society that truly appreciates and protects the invaluable services that trees provide to all living beings.
The “Sacred Grove in Your Street” exhibition is just one facet of the Tree Veneration Society’s ongoing efforts. They also deliver an annual exhibition called “Arboreal Narratives,” offer artist-led classes and performances, and conduct community workshops led by facilitators with Working with Children clearance.
The Society plans to expand its programming to Western Sydney and beyond in the short term. Their long-term vision includes a touring program to regional centres in NSW, emphasising public engagement.
Highlights of the Exhibition
A Sensory Journey: Visitors will be greeted by the Green Man, a mythical figure representing nature’s cycle of growth and renewal, before stepping into a darkened space filled with light, sound, and imagery that brings the grove to life.
Family-Friendly Experience: The exhibition is designed for all ages and offers an intergenerational experience that celebrates the wonder of nature.
Diverse Artistic Expressions: Over 20 artists from the Tree Veneration Society will showcase their unique perspectives on trees’ beauty and significance.
“Sacred Grove in Your Street” is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a call to action. It encourages communities to recognise, preserve, and cherish their local “sacred groves,” ensuring these natural treasures thrive for future generations.
Construction could soon begin on the Hammond Greens project in Chatswood, marking the introduction of a new 27-storey mixed-use apartment tower that promises to offer luxury living in Sydney’s North Shore.
Located in a suburb celebrated for its cultural diversity and commercial activity, the development on 5-9 Gordon Avenue aims to embody the latest in innovation and luxury, contributing significantly to the area’s architectural evolution.
The project reflects Chatswood’s ongoing development and its growing importance in the region’s urban landscape.
Spearheaded by LFD Developments under the leadership of Ben Zheng Lin, this $61-million venture proposes the demolition of existing structures on the 1520 sqm site to make way for a tower that promises not just residences but a lifestyle.
Photo Credit: DA 2023/170
Unveiling Hammond Greens
The development plans (DA 2023/170) reveal an impressive array of amenities aimed at fostering a community spirit and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. With 64 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms, including two luxurious penthouses, the project is designed to cater to a diverse array of residents. Each apartment is designed with the modern resident in mind, offering spacious living areas and breathtaking views.
Photo Credit: DA 2023/170
At the pinnacle of the tower, residents will find communal open spaces, a swimming pool, a barbecue area, co-working spaces, an outdoor gymnasium, a yoga room, and even a golf simulator. This emphasis on communal and recreational facilities highlights a shift towards creating more holistic living environments in high-rise developments.
Photo Credit: DA 2023/170
A Closer Look at the Design
The architectural marvel is the brainchild of FJC Studio, with CBRE taking the helm in marketing the project. Despite some suggestions from the Sydney North Planning Panel for improvements in the unit mix and a potential redesign of the floor level above the basement, the development is poised to set a new benchmark for luxury living in Chatswood.
Photo Credit: DA 2023/170
Hammond Greens is part of a broader movement towards embracing high-rise development in response to housing demand across Sydney’s North Shore. It joins a series of planned towers in Chatswood and its surrounds, following major planning changes by the NSW government.
Photo Credit: DA 2023/170
Notably, Antaeus Group and DPG Project 38 Pty Ltd are also contributing to the skyline with their own 27-storey buildings, indicating a significant transformation in the area’s urban fabric.
Chatwood’s vibrant culinary landscape welcomes a new addition with the opening of Kowloon Cafe, offering a unique dining experience that blends authenticity and convenience.
This latest venture by owner Howin Chui and Business Partner Howard Lee, Kowloon Cafe in Chatswood is the fourth in a series of successful outlets, following the footsteps of their popular locations in Haymarket, Burwood, and Eastwood.
The menu at Kowloon Cafe vividly represents Hong Kong’s culinary traditions.
Top picks include their renowned Hong Kong-style French toast, an exquisite blend of condensed milk, honey, and maple syrup. Equally noteworthy is the stir-fried black crispy butter pineapple bun, a delightful twist on a classic favourite.
For those craving something savoury, the Spam and egg sandwiches offer a comforting taste. The eatery also offers a range of beverages, including the quintessential Hong Kong-style condensed milk tea and coffee, red bean ice with vanilla ice cream, and lemon Ribena, ensuring a complete dining experience.
Each Kowloon Cafe, including the latest in Chatswood, pays homage to Hong Kong culture through its food and carefully curated music and decor. The design, led by Darren Kong of Sydney’s Kong Studios, aims to transport diners into the heart of Hong Kong with an authentic sensory experience.
Photo Credit: KowloonCafe/IG
The cafe’s atmosphere is designed to be both welcoming and evocative, offering a taste of Hong Kong’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
The inception of Kowloon Cafe traces back to 2019 when Mr Chui and Mr Lee opened the first venue in Haymarket. Inspired by a trip to Hong Kong and a longing for its authentic flavours, Mr Chui aimed to bring a slice of Hong Kong’s unique food culture to Sydney.
Kowloon Cafe in Chatswood is more than just a dining spot; it’s a cultural bridge, bringing the essence of Hong Kong to Sydney’s doorstep. Located at 3/370 Victoria Avenue, the cafe is open daily, inviting everyone to indulge in a unique culinary journey.
Coronation Property further expands into Sydney’s inner-city with the acquisition of a 2,000sqm site on Archer Street in Chatswood for their planned 130-apartment development project.
Located at 57-61 Archer Street, less than a 10-minute walk to the Chatswood Station, the site benefits from its prime location surrounded by key amenities including Westfield Chatswood and Chatswood Chase.
Coronation Property intends to utilise the site for its planned $200 million mixed-use development which will feature luxury residential units and 2,000 square metres of retail space. The company is looking into tapping the owner-occupiers and investors market with its latest project which they expect to commence construction in about a year and a half after development approval.
“The Chatswood site presented a unique opportunity for Coronation Property to contribute to what we see as one of Sydney’s fastest-growing precincts. With the State and Willoughby Councils’ commitment to further developing Chatswood as major employment and residential hub, we are excited to respond to the demand for more housing in the area and build upon an already highly sought-after community,” Head of Urban Transformations at Coronation Property, Aras Labutis said.
“The site is in an ideal location, in a blue-chip area that is currently experiencing extensive investment into its town centre and the surrounding infrastructure. These factors will drive further growth in the area and make Chatswood an excellent opportunity for owner-occupiers and investors.”
The Chatswood project adds to the company’s development pipeline with more than $5.2 billion in major mixed-use projects currently underway including 8 Phillip Street in Parramatta, Charlie Parker in Harris Park, and Mason & Main in Merrylands, Ashbury Terraces in Ashbury and Moore Point in Liverpool.
Two other residential developments are also coming to the Chatswood area, namely, the 16-storey luxury apartments tower at 15 Ellis Street and the 25-storey mixed-use dwelling and commercial development at 44-52 Anderson Street.
Around $3.7 million will be allocated on early planning for a new primary school in Chatswood and though there’s no confirmation yet, there’s a likelihood that the new school’s location will be on the soon to be vacated lot on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Mowbray Road.
The subject site was once the location of an electricity depot that is now a tunnelling dive site for the Chatswood to Sydenham Metro. The site is due to become available by 2024, but the Department of Education confirmed earlier that a feasibility study has been launched into acquiring the dive site.
This project is part of a $7.9 billion investment in extra classrooms to keep up with New South Wales’ growing population.
Chatswood Public School’s enrolment cap is only 740 but the actual enrolment in 2021 has reached 1,219 — enrolling over 400 more students than recommended. The same dilemma happens to Chatswood High School, where the cap is 1,200 but the actual enrolment this year reached 1,605, exceeding its enrolment cap by 405.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said high growth areas are seeing more investment than ever before, with Western Sydney alone seeing $2 billion investment and over $1 billion in growing regional areas over four years.
“This investment takes our historic school building program to new heights with $7.9 billion being spent over the next four years on top of the $7 billion already invested since 2017,” Ms Mitchell said.
In 2020, the NSW government announced its plans to upgrade both Chatswood Public School and Chatswood High School, which includes more than 150 new and refurbished teaching spaces from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Here’s a flythrough video of these upgrades:
Aside from a primary school in Chatswood, the State Budget allocated $3.7 million towards initial plans for an education precinct in St Leonards whilst $16 million has been allotted for the Macquarie Park Education Precinct, which would include both a primary school and a high school on the site of the old Peter Board High School.
Renowned restaurant group Ho Jiak is happy to introduce Sydney to Amah, an all-new Malaysian diner scheduled to open in Chatswood sometime in May or June.
Amah, the latest restaurant lined up by the Asian restaurant group Ho Jiak, serves as chef Loong Oon’s tribute to his grandmother, who cooked for him and his family in his youth. The restaurant will be opened by chef Oon alongside Junda Khoo, Head Chef and Owner of Ho Jiak.
The restaurant draws its name “Amah” from the Teochew and Hokkien word of the same name, which roughly translates to “grandmother”. Chef Oon had named the restaurant after his late grandmother, who passed away earlier within the year, in order to pay tribute to the woman who’d inspired him to cook.
Amah’s menu, which draws inspiration from the recipes chef Oon’s grandmother used to make, is largely Malaysian and features Peranakan dishes such as Tau Yu Bak, a meal comprised of pork belly braised in soy sauce, as well as a special fish-ball soup featuring pounded Spanish mackerel and a broth made from pork, chicken, and flounder bones.
Oon’s own attitudes towards cooking even came from the lessons he’d learned from his interactions with his grandmother. He believes that cooking wasn’t for the chef, but rather it was for the person eating. As a result, he’d found his philosophy, believing that satisfying others is the meaning of cooking.
Those interested in eating at Amah can find it at Chatswood Interchange, District Dining, 436 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood. To learn more about Ho Jiak, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and special announcements concerning Amah and their other restaurants.
The planned five-storey development of Woolworths East Chatswood has received Council approval after a seven-year hitch. The building, to be constructed on 17 Smith Street, has been projected to cost $19.9 million and will have its own bottle shop, three retail tenancies and 205 car parking slots.
Woolworths initially asked Chatswood residents if they need a supermarket in this industrial district. The survey from 2014 received more than 3,500 respondents who supported the supermarket’s plans.
In 2017, Woolworths filed a development application (DA-2017/182) with Willoughby City Council, which received over 700 submissions. However, the majority of these submissions opposed the development, citing traffic problems and the impact on small businesses. There were also concerns over the loss of potential jobs for industrial or mechanical businesses that could set up shop on the said site.
Three years after the initial lodging, Woolworths submitted an addendum (DA-2017/182/B), which includes large spaces for its Click & Collect initiative, the supermarket’s online shopping option which was launched due to the pandemic.
Planning Portal/Willoughby City Council
In March 2021, Council determined that the development should proceed but the second application is still under assessment.
