The Street Stories Project

Hi! We’re Sharon and Ann, we’re creating the first project as part of The Erskineville Project – a new community mural along Mitchell Road.

This is our love letter to Erko. At its heart it is trying to convey a sense of community with reminders of the small everyday things that make you feel part of something bigger. The person you see at the dog park, the friendly face at the cafe, the annual wander down Pleasant Ave to look at the Christmas lights.

Photography: Humans of Newtown

Jackie Daniels | The Street Stories Project

Peter Rabbit | The Street Stories Project

The Imperial | The Street Stories Project

Miss Nana Miss Koori | The Street Stories Project

Tango the Poodle | The Street Stories Project

Our
Mural

We're creating artworks of our favourite people and places, you can see some of them here

Jackie Daniels

When I moved from Uralla to Erskineville, it felt like the heart of a country town in the city. I used to be the publican at The Erko before becoming a Drag Queen at The Imperial. I have nothing but love for Erskineville.

Peter Rabbit

I love and miss Peter. He was so friendly, and I'd see him most mornings. He'd play with our dog, Biscuit - they'd sniff and dart around together.

Alby

I like living close to Shenkin and my friends. I love seeing people when we walk around and playing in the parks. I also love when Santa visits in the fire truck on Pleasant Ave at Christmas, and we smash the piñata together and taking my dog Nellie to the park to meet other dogs. My favourite hot chips used to be at The Erko, but now they’re from Cuzzies Kebabs.

Kelly

My favourite memory of Erko was opening my florist in 2000. It was so exciting to share my passion & creativity with the world. Over 24 years, it’s been an honour to create floral arrangements for couples through dating, marriage, and their firstborn. During COVID, I gave back by leaving arrangements out front to brighten people’s days. The Erko community
is truly special.

The Imperial

I love the Impy! It’s been around since I can remember. In the ’90s, my bestie and I would dance the night away downstairs, forgetting our worries until the early morning.

Nikki

My bittersweet memory of Erko is the closure of Revolve Records. The DJ crew held a funeral procession down Erko Rd to The Hive, where we hosted a wake. It was a special moment in time.

Laurie

Two of my favourite memories of Erko are the Rabbitohs’ 2014 Grand Final win, and everyone was out in their supporter gear. The pubs were packed, and the atmosphere was electric, and living on George Street. I loved visiting The Rose of Australia and watching The Eddys play on Friday nights, where the energy was unforgettable—especially the double bass player on the bar.

Miss Nana Miss Koori

I have so many fond memories of Erskineville. Performing at Drag and Dine at the iconic Imperial Hotel was a highlight. Being a Grand Final Judge for the Miss First Nations National Drag Competition in 2018. I used to love the Chinese shop and fish-and-chip shop on Erskineville Road that used to be here. PACT Theatre also holds a special place for me, thanks to working with Justine and her amazing team.

Daniel

Erskineville Oval is a little slice of heaven. I love the grandstand, the dappled light, and kicking off my shoes on the grass in summer. Friday nights with fish and chips on the field are the best, especially watching kids attempt field goals.

Maggie

My favourite memories in Erko are eating and drinking on the footpath late into the night with locals. When we celebrated Maggie’s 20th anniversary, it was standing room only, with everyone spilling out onto the street on a warm summer night.

Tango the Poodle

Along the strip I wander into the shops I roam
‘Is he lost?’, you ponder.
No, Erko is my home.

Paul

I met my wife in Erskineville, at the Rose of Australia when they had live bands. We raised our kids here, moving from Prospect Street to Pleasant Avenue. There’s nothing better than walking up Union Street on a clear night with a giant moon above. My home.

Nick

My favourite thing about Erko is the lovely personal conversations I have with locals. There’s a rich family history behind my deli, and I’m thrilled to relive my family’s dream by running it here in Erko.

Tara

My favourite memory is the overwhelming love and support we received during COVID. Locals were so grateful we stayed open, and we were grateful for their daily visits. I love seeing the friendships and connections made at the café.

Pat

My favourite memory of Erko is the people. After 45 years here, I’ve met fascinating people and shared so many laughs. I’ve watched Erskineville grow from a quiet suburb into a thriving, diverse community. The more you get to know the people, the better it gets.

Your
Submissions

Here’s some of the stories we have received so far. We can’t wait to see what you create.

Julia & Nicole

My favourite person/place/memory is my family and life in Erko ❤️. Because it’s a creative community where everyone is welcome.

James, 7

My favourite person/place/memory is Erko Oval. Because you can play and the birds love the bread.

Magna

My favourite person/place/memory is Jacaranda season in Erko. Because we moved into our first home in Erko during peak Jacaranda season. We love strolling through the purple streets with Herbie - the self-proclaimed furry 'Prince of Erko'.

Aarav, 11

My favourite person/place/memory is the happy family. Because it makes everyone happy.

Ana Sykes, 10

My favourite person/place/memory is Cat. Because this cat sometimes goes into the school.

Hunter, 4

My favourite person/place/memory is bugs and birds. Because I like finding them in the trees and under logs.

Will, 7

My favourite person/place/memory is my friend Max. Because he's the best friend I've ever met.

Carolyn

My favourite person/place/memory is the people. The village. Because it's a wonderful place to live. People are friendly and relaxed.

Lucy, 16

My favourite person/place/memory is Erko Public School. Because I had the best seven years. It felt more like a community than a school.

Jenny

My favourite person/place/memory is the memorial and procession we had to say goodbye. Because we took over the road from Erko Town Hall to The Hive.

Maxim, 7

My favourite person/place/memory is Will. Because he's my bestie.

Scarlett, 8

My favourite person/place/memory is the fairy garden and Tango the dog. Because they are both beautiful and Tango is cute and I love how the dairy garden changes sometimes.

Sailor, 8

My favourite person/place/memory is the skatepark. Because it's a little bit like being in the park but you're not running.

Emily, 8

My favourite person/place/memory is my cousin. Because she came from Canberra.

Stef

My favourite person/place/memory is when the star beings come to Earth. Because they are lovely and super advanced and we can learn so much from the stars.

Julia & Nicole Rojas | The Street Stories Project

James Allan | The Street Stories Project

Aarav Malhotra | The Street Stories Project

Hunter Squire-Fletcher | The Street Stories Project

Will Marlay | The Street Stories Project

Carolyn NasJones | The Street Stories Project

Jenny Leong | The Street Stories Project

Scarlett Leong | The Street Stories Project

Sailor Letang | The Street Stories Project

Stef Letang | The Street Stories Project

Our Art

We’ve created murals all over Erskineville including Olivia Newton John, the fairy wren walking trail, I Heart Erko, and the Flora Street Mural.

@sharonbillinge

@loveisa_sign

We’ve created murals all over Erskineville including Olivia Newton John, the fairy wren walking trail, I Heart Erko, and the Flora Street Mural.

@sharonbillinge

@loveisa_sign

We’ve created murals all over Erskineville including Olivia Newton John, the fairy wren walking trail, I Heart Erko, and the Flora Street Mural.

@sharonbillinge

@loveisa_sign

About the Erskineville Project

The Erskineville Project is an experiment in nurturing inner city culture–with new housing choices so those who love this community can live here.

There’ll be places to rent or buy, and affordable housing too. In a time when housing is in short supply, we’ll keep inner city living open to all.

As well as new homes, there’ll be lots of community projects–providing opportunities for everyone to share Erskineville’s special spirit. We’d love you to get involved.

Our huge 7500sqm park will be a place for pooches to run, kids to play, and the community to come together. We’re working with First Nations and other artists to create artworks that will add to the cultural richness of the area.

We’ll be bringing new park-side shops to Erko. We’re thinking small bars, cafes and speciality shops, and a new value-for-money supermarket. As part of our planning, we’ll be asking you what you’d like to see here.

Places to rent | The Erskineville Project

We’re changing how people rent, creating amenity-rich apartment living and flexible lease terms to enable you to live any lifestyle you choose.

We’ll be adding new apartments and terraces to buy for families, first home owners, or anyone who wants to call Erskineville home.

Affordable Housing | The Erskineville Project

Essential workers such as nurses, teachers and police officers need inner city places to live. So, 15% of our apartments will be low-cost housing that won’t compromise on quality.

Meet Our
Koodle

Let’s celebrate individuality and creativity! Our mascot is a nod to the Kooka Stoves that were once made here, blended with an Erko icon, Tango the poodle, who was a beloved regular outside The Hive.