Cleaver’s Organic began as a family butcher shop in Neutral Bay, Sydney in 1998 and has grown into a national brand now stocked in Coles, turning organic red meat from a niche product into a regular choice for Australian families.
What started more than 20 years ago as a small business serving Neutral Bay families has grown steadily by sticking to its core values. Cleaver’s Organic offers 100 per cent grass-fed, organic-certified meat with clear health benefits.
Its community focus has built a loyal customer base that values taste, traceability, and ethical production. The company balances tradition with meeting the needs of today’s health-conscious Australians.
Shaping Consumer Understanding Through Education
The “Seriously Organic, Seriously Good” campaign, which ran from September 2024 to April 2025, helped change how Australians view organic meat. It shifted focus from just ethics and sustainability to clear benefits like health, animal welfare, and caring for the environment.
This fresh messaging framed organic meat as a smart, everyday family choice rather than a luxury product. The campaign attracted over 115,000 new shoppers and boosted online sales by more than 50%, marking a significant shift in the organic meat market.
Leadership in Sustainable Farming
Cleaver’s Organic is part of Hewitt, Australia’s largest organic meat producer managing over 5.6 million acres of certified organic farmland. The company was a pioneer in Australia to receive Regenerative Organic Certification, reflecting its commitment to soil health, animal welfare, and sustainability.
Hewitt supports hundreds of thousands of animals raised under organic standards and helps set industry benchmarks. Leading producers like the Schutt family in Queensland exemplify the brand’s dedication to certified organic livestock farming and build trust in the Cleaver’s name.
Recognition and Industry Impact
Cleaver’s Organic received the Campaign of the Year award at the 2025 Organic Industry Awards, recognising its success in educating consumers and expanding the organic meat market in Australia.
The award highlights the brand’s rise from a local butcher shop in Neutral Bay to a national presence in Coles stores. It demonstrates how the combination of community values, clear communication, and sustainable practices can drive industry success and benefit Australian consumers.
The Oak Hotel has announced that bookings are now open for Father’s Day, giving local families the chance to enjoy a traditional celebration beneath the venue’s famous oak tree. The iconic Neutral Bay establishment is positioning itself as an ideal choice for families seeking a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of local history.
The venue’s appeal lies in its combination of traditional pub fare and family-friendly environment, making it particularly suitable for multi-generational celebrations. The famous oak tree that gives the hotel its name continues to provide a unique dining backdrop that sets it apart from other local venues.
Located in the heart of Neutral Bay, The Oak Hotel offers convenient access for local families who prefer to stay close to home for their Father’s Day celebrations. The venue’s reputation for hearty pub classics makes it a comfortable choice for dads who appreciate straightforward, quality food in a relaxed setting.
Families interested in dining at The Oak Hotel this Father’s Day are encouraged to make reservations, as Sunday bookings typically fill up quickly for special occasions. The venue’s combination of traditional charm and family-friendly atmosphere continues to make it a popular choice among Neutral Bay residents.
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, 7 September 2025, giving families across the Lower North Shore numerous options to show their appreciation for the dads in their lives. For those seeking a local, traditional pub experience, The Oak Hotel’s famous oak tree setting offers a distinctly Neutral Bay way to mark the occasion.
We’ve combed Kurraba Point, Neutral Bay, and Neutral Bay Junction for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
David and Frances van Gestel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The beer garden at The Oaks is absolutely magical – shaded by a majestic oak tree draped in fairy lights, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. We ordered the chicken schnitzel, oysters, and fish tacos – all were fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. The oysters in particular were incredibly fresh. I also had the lychee cocktail which was light, sweet, and delicious. Great vibes, friendly service, and a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. A favourite spot for a reason!
Ryan Nikoo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great food! Unbelievable atmosphere upstairs with a vintage hotel turned into pub rooms including pool tables! Fantastic place to have some beers and enjoy time playing pool, darts, fusball or basketball shots! Service can be a bit slow on busy days. Interesting experience and will definitely go back!
Lucy Honey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love it here! Especially the huge courtyard shaded by the magnificent Oak tree. Great atmosphere day and night. Delicious food, very generous portions. The steak sandwiches are absolutely delicious, so tender!! Excellent value for money 😋Love it here! Especially the huge courtyard shaded by the magnificent Oak tree. Great atmosphere day and night. Delicious food, very generous portions. The steak sandwiches are absolutely delicious, so tender!! Excellent value for money 😋
Kathreen Louise Del Rosario ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love their wings! Reasonable price with the quality of their food. Will definitely go back for my regular wing fix. PS hubby ordered his burger and he said it was good too!
David ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Probably one of the best burgers that we have ever had. Also the wings… we tried 6 different flavours… all on point. Nice cocktails aswell. Well done guys. This is my new go to!
Jonathan Malota ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently tried the chicken wings, and they were really impressive, crispy and packed with flavor. The chicken burger was also lovely. We arrived around 9 PM, and they were gracious enough to take our order just before closing, which we appreciated. Whether you choose to eat in or take away, this place offers a great experience. I highly recommend giving it a try! The staff is friendly and welcoming as well. Looking forward to returning!
Tash Toohey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ SoCal Mexican’s bottomless brunch was easily one of the best I’ve tried! The food was excellent plenty of it, fresh, and full of flavor. The Tommy’s margaritas were unreal, and the staff were some of the friendliest I’ve ever experienced at a bottomless brunch. They were super generous and really added to the overall great vibe. All around, an amazing time I’ll definitely be back!
Alice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fantastic place to visit! Gorgeous rooftop dining and nice interiors. We went for Taco Tuesday and ordered every single one, all of which were delicious! Our favourite was the pork belly with pineapple, cabbage & Jalapeños. Even better paired with their Margaritas & Happy hour!
Janette ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My friends and I frequent this restaurant every tuesday after our volleyball games – there is a reason we keep coming back! from the staff at the front, to the bar, to the tables and all the way into the kitchen. every single one of the staff is amazing. special shout outs to the chefs (hope i got all their names right) scotty, chris and annie. thank you for making each time we dine with you so memorable. i recognise i havent spoken about the food but it speaks for itself! highly recommend this restaurant! thank you for being amazing!
Harvey Broadbent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just as we walked into the beautifully designed restaurant, I was greeted by Karla a staff member there. She made it her mission for us to have an awesome time, and provided amazing service! We had an absolute blast, and the food was amazing. Will definitely be back soon. Thanks!
Gabriela Bolzan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible atmosphere and amazing food! We had a wood fire bread and carpaccio as an entree and lamb ragu pasta for the main. It was my first experience at this restaurant and it definitely won’t be the last! I’ll be recommending it to all my friends. Great customer service and unforgettable food. 5 starts without a doubt!
nat ber ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were small group of five and we all had different dishes from pizza , to steak, chicken, pasta… All dishes were good. Definitely recommend calamari fritti and also loved mango and macadamia tiramisu. It was refreshing and not too sweet. I noticed they have nice selection of different paninis during the lunch time so will be back to try
Teddy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have been going to this restaurant for ten years and their food is always excellent. A lot of choices. From Sushi to sashimi, Undone and Raman. The staff are helpful and friendly. We went there with a baby this time and he is well looking after. They provided plastic utensils for kids, a baby friendly cup with straw, a toy to occupy the baby etc.
James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great, fresh sushi. Nice service. We would recommend paying $3 for the lucky dip – they come out with an old arcade style game and you put a coin in and get a prize. Ours was a free dessert. Other prizes are vouchers, free drinks etc
Nin Roberts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’ve been coming here on and off for 10+ years and it’s always been a good experience. It’s quite a small cozy space so bookings are recommended for evenings but lunchtime usually just a short wait. They have really yummy crab fried rice. 10% surcharge on weekends though and some of the booths probably need new cushions as they’re falling apart but the food and service has always been great.
For 53 years, Pearsons Jewellers was more than just a shop on Military Road in Neutral Bay. It was a cornerstone of the community. Known for its expert watch repairs and fine jewellery, the store has touched the lives of countless locals. But now, after five decades of dedication, the couple behind the business, Nick and Louise Pearson, have made the difficult decision to close shop.
As the sign on the window announces its “closing down” sale, the memories of the many customers who have walked through Pearsons’ door flood in. From the loyal regulars who came in for repairs on their treasured timepieces to those seeking the perfect engagement ring or gift for a loved one, the shop was always buzzing with life.
A Shop Built on Trust and Dedication
The story of Pearsons Jewellers begins in 1972, when Swiss-trained watchmaker John Baumann opened the business as Baumann Jewellers. With a reputation for quality and reliability, the shop quickly became a trusted destination for Neutral Bay locals.
In 1989, Nick Pearson, a young watchmaker with a second-generation legacy, joined the business. Trained by his father Ron, Nick brought a passion for craftsmanship and a strong work ethic to the team.
By 2000, the two watchmakers formed a partnership, and the business became known as Pearsons Jewellers. John Baumann retired in 2006, leaving the business in Nick and Louise’s hands. Over the years, Louise helped expand the shop’s offerings, introducing more jewelry options while Nick continued to hone his skills in watch repair.
The business grew, with Pearsons becoming a fixture in the local community. In 2007, the shop was refurbished, giving it a fresh look and an expanded selection of fine jewellery and timepieces. By the time Pearsons Jewellers celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012, the business was well-established, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.
The Strain of Success
However, success often comes with its own challenges. In recent years, demand for repairs increased, especially after other nearby watchmakers closed their doors. As business boomed, Nick and Louise found themselves working harder than ever to keep up with the demand. Nick, who often worked 12 to 15-hour days, was managing the workload of several watchmakers by himself. Even though they had a skilled team member at one point, the shop had struggled to find a replacement for her after she left.
Nick and Louise’s commitment to their customers never wavered. Despite the exhaustion and the long daily commute from Winston Hills, Nick remained dedicated to his craft, working well into the evenings. Louise, too, played a crucial role in the business, overseeing the jewellery side and ensuring everything ran smoothly. But despite their best efforts, the reality of their situation was undeniable.
Photo Credit: Pearsons Jewellers
A New Chapter
Now, with a sense of relief and anticipation, the Pearsons are preparing to close the shop’s physical doors for the final time this July. But the story isn’t over. The couple plans to continue their watch repair business from home, offering a mail-in service for their loyal customers. It’s a bittersweet end to an era, but Nick and Louise are looking forward to slowing down after years of hard work.
For those who have visited Pearsons Jewellers over the years, the closing down sale offers a chance to take home a final piece of the store’s legacy. With discounts of 25-50% off marked prices, long-time customers can stock up on jewellery and mementoes of a place that has been part of their lives for so long.
While the physical store may be closing, the memories of Pearsons Jewellers will continue to live on in the hearts of the Neutral Bay community—a business built on trust, expertise, and a commitment to the people it served for over five decades.
Neutral Bay residents have a new place to shop after Coles opened a store on Grosvenor Street, replacing the Woolworths that shut down just 10 weeks earlier.
New Coles Brings Fresh Life to Neutral Bay Site After Woolworths Exit
Coles has stepped into Neutral Bay with a new supermarket on Grosvenor Street, transforming the site left vacant by Woolworths and giving the community a familiar, yet refreshed place to shop.
The new store began trading in April, just 71 days after Woolworths shut its doors. While the layout closely resembles its predecessor, Coles has made some upgrades to bring more variety and local flavour to the shopping experience.
More Than Just a Fill-In
Coles has bigger plans for the site, including future housing above the supermarket, a public underground car park and a plaza linking to Grosvenor Lane. The company is working with North Sydney Council to develop the concept.
Council issued an Expression of Interest in December 2024 to explore the plaza project, with submissions closing in February 2025. The proposal is still in the early stages, and for now, the supermarket is being treated as a “stop-gap” location while planning continues.
Familiar Faces, New Features
Inside the new Coles, shoppers will find a Snowfox sushi bar, a flatbread station with fresh baked goods, and a freezer stocked with mochi, mini ice creams and desserts.
Photo Credit: KweePhaik Lim/Google Maps
A new Liquorland has also replaced the former BWS, offering a selection of beer, wine and spirits, including products from local producers such as Manly Spirits, Nomad Brewing and Lord Nelson Brewery.
Coles says the store focuses on quality produce and well-stocked essentials, with food donations to SecondBite supporting people in need.
Neighbourhood Impact
The Big Bear Shopping Centre store, just 500 metres from the new site, will remain open. Coles confirmed it has no plans to close that location, giving locals more options as the neighbourhood continues to grow.
Coles’ regional team thanked locals for their patience and said they’re committed to revitalising the site. In the meantime, the new store keeps a key Neutral Bay spot active for daily use.
Young Street Plaza in Neutral Bay, once a lively pop-up space for locals, has sat in limbo for more than three years—its long-promised upgrade now sparking fresh frustration as council finally sets a timeline for partial reopening.
Young Street Plaza was closed to traffic in late 2020 for a short-term trial to test its use as a pedestrian space. It soon became a well-used spot with seating, greenery and pop-up events. But the temporary setup dragged on for years, and with little upkeep or clear updates, the space gradually declined.
In October 2024, North Sydney Council agreed to partially reopen Young Street to one-way traffic, while upgrading the rest into a permanent plaza. Work is set to begin mid-2025 and finish by year’s end.
The Original Idea That Inspired Locals
ASPECT Studios designed the temporary plaza with a people-first, low-cost approach, using playful seating and native-inspired graphics to liven up Neutral Bay. At first, it worked, drawing events, meet-ups and steady foot traffic.
Over time, with no upgrades or clear plans, the plaza lost momentum. Locals raised concerns about its worn-out state and questioned why places like Lane Cove had progressed while Young Street stalled.
Community Feels Left in the Dark
Despite pop-ups and online consultations, some residents feel left out due to patchy updates. Local businesses also worry about foot traffic and vague timelines, with many unsure if the plaza will ever fulfil its original goal.
What’s Next for the Plaza
The final plan includes new trees, benches, kids’ play areas and safer walkways, using materials that match North Sydney’s design standards. Funded by Transport for NSW, the upgrade stems from a 2018 deal linked to the B-Line bus route.
The design strikes a balance, keeping part of the street for traffic while upgrading the plaza. Locals were invited to give feedback during consultations in May and June 2024.
A minuscule 31 sqm triangular plot in Neutral Bay is attracting attention for its eye-catching price tag of just $60,000 – a fraction of the typical $3 million property cost.
Located at 9 Anderson Street, this postage stamp-sized parcel sits in the prestigious Lower North Shore area, with Sydney Harbour Bridge nearby and adjacent to a tennis court. The plot, formerly used as an easement or access site, is being marketed by BresicWhitney with an initial asking price of $50,000 that has since increased to $60,000.
The bargain price comes with significant limitations, however. Not only is the land barely large enough for a tiny home, but it also features an electrical transformer box at the front of the property, severely restricting development options.
Real estate agents expect interest primarily from neighbouring property owners looking to expand their footprint or from investors seeking an unusual opportunity in Sydney’s premium real estate market. The listing emphasises this as a rare chance to acquire land in an area where such opportunities “likely won’t be available again for some time.”
For context, the plot’s $60,000 price tag represents just 2% of Neutral Bay’s average property value, making it an intriguing, if challenging, real estate proposition in one of Australia’s most expensive markets.
Neutral Bay and other North Sydney locales will be the central point for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival, featuring a program designed to engage older residents and promote community connection.
The annual NSW Seniors Festival, themed “Time to Shine!” for 2025, will run from 3 to 16 March. North Sydney Council plays a significant role in organising and supporting local activities. The festival aims to acknowledge the valuable contributions of senior citizens and foster lasting connections within the community.
The program features a variety of activities, including musical performances, literary events, and social gatherings, across several venues in the North Sydney area, including community centres and the Stanton Library.
The festival includes a Seniors Morning Tea at the Neutral Bay Community Centre on Wednesday, 5 March, at 10:30 am. Other events scheduled throughout the festival include a “Swinging Sixties” musical event at the Crows Nest Centre, a literary performance called “The Bard and the Harp” at Stanton Library, and a variety show featuring scones, jam, and cream at the Seaborn, Broughton and Walford Foundation.
The Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre will host a Garden Party Luncheon, and the North Sydney Community Centre will provide a range of activities, including a playgroup for grandparents and grandchildren, an introduction to drawing, media literacy workshops, Tai Chi, fitness, and Zumba taster classes, and a creative writing session. A “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Northside Produce Market at Ted Mack Civic Park will conclude the festival events.
North Sydney’s Mayor, Zoë Baker, noted that the festival provides an opportunity to celebrate the crucial role of seniors in the local community.
She expressed that the festival is a platform for seniors to connect with local organisations and form relationships extending beyond the festival period. The council’s efforts focus on providing diverse activities catering to the senior community’s diverse interests.
Woolworths has filed a legal appeal over the redevelopment of its Neutral Bay supermarket, escalating a long-standing dispute over the $169 million project. The appeal follows delays in the decision-making process, which led to the application being “deemed refused.”
The proposed development (10.2024.00000281.001) was lodged by Woolworths subsidiary Fabcot Pty Ltd. It seeks to transform the existing supermarket site at 1-7 Rangers Road and 50 Yeo Street into a mixed-use complex. Plans include an eight-storey building with 70 residential units, a modernised Woolworths supermarket, additional retail spaces, a public plaza, and 326 basement parking spaces.
The project has been under review for more than two years, and NSC is under scrutiny for its prolonged assessment process. Community feedback has been divided, with some residents welcoming the revitalisation while others opposing the scale and height of the development.
Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001
Details of the Proposed Development
Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the project would replace the existing supermarket and commercial building with a structure ranging from six to eight storeys. It includes:
70 residential apartments (11 one-bedroom, 29 two-bedroom, 28 three-bedroom, and two four-bedroom units).
A redeveloped Woolworths supermarket spanning 3,850 square metres.
Specialty retail space covering 1,352 square metres.
A future medical centre occupying 2,389 square metres across two floors.
A public plaza of 1,100 square metres.
An underground five-level parking facility with 342 spaces, including dedicated spots for residents, retail, and medical centre visitors.
The project also incorporates sustainable design features. Green spaces and upgraded pedestrian pathways along Rangers Road and Yeo Street were also considered.
Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001
Community Concerns and NSC Response
The redevelopment proposal has generated mixed reactions among Neutral Bay residents. Some support the upgrade, citing the need for a modern supermarket and additional amenities. Woolworths has referenced a community survey indicating 57% of respondents were in favour of the development, with many describing the current store as outdated.
However, opposition remains over the height and density of the project, with concerns about overshadowing, increased traffic congestion, and compliance with NSC’s development controls, particularly regarding parking provisions.
In response to the legal challenge, the NSC stated that the application was complex and required careful planning consideration but did not provide further comments on the court appeal.
Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001
Next Steps in the Legal Process
With Woolworths’ appeal now before the Land and Environment Court, the final decision on the Neutral Bay redevelopment will be determined through legal proceedings. The case could set a precedent for future major developments in the area, particularly regarding NSC planning approvals and private sector investment.
Should the court rule in favour of Woolworths, the project is expected to create up to 263 ongoing jobs and introduce new residential and commercial infrastructure to Neutral Bay.
This incident, which occurred in late 1882 and early 1883, captivated the city and left a lasting mark on maritime history. For six weeks, the sight of four masts and two funnels protruding from the harbour waters became a daily spectacle for Manly ferry commuters.
The Austral, a 5580-tonne steamer owned by the Orient Steam Navigation Co., was a state-of-the-art vessel built on the River Clyde, Scotland, for the England-Australia route. After a successful maiden voyage in May 1882, the ship arrived in Sydney to great acclaim. Its luxurious dining room was praised and considered superior to anything Sydney’s cafes and hotels could offer. However, a foreshadowing incident occurred during coaling in Sydney when the ship developed an unexplained list, which was eventually corrected.
The Austral’s second voyage to Sydney concluded on 3 November 1882. The Bulli Coal Company’s collier, Woonona, was contracted to supply coal while the Austral was berthed at Circular Quay. The Austral had 15 coaling ports along its hull. After only 230 tonnes of coal were loaded, the Austral suddenly listed to starboard. The Woonona crew spent five hours redistributing cargo and coal to stabilise the ship, which was moved to a mooring off Neutral Bay.
Coaling resumed on 10 November at 10 pm. The loading rate was 25-30 tonnes per hour. The ship began to list again, but initially, it did not cause alarm. However, at 3:50 am on 11 November, water rushed into the coal bunkers, causing a dangerous starboard list that threatened the Woonona. Within 20 minutes, the Austral vanished beneath the surface, settling on the harbour floor, tragically trapping and drowning five men. The next morning revealed the surreal scene of the ship’s masts and funnels sticking out of the water.
A coroner’s inquiry found the Austral’s captain, chief engineer, and chief officer guilty of a “grave error of judgment” for not ensuring senior officer supervision during coaling. Controversially, the subsequent Court of Marine Inquiry was held in London, not Sydney.
Various recovery plans were proposed. English engineers suggested using caissons, while local engineers advocated for a cofferdam. The local approach was adopted. A team of 16 divers and over 80 other workers spent six weeks constructing the coffer dam, effectively extending the hull by five metres. On 27 February 1883, ten pumps began extracting water at 280 tonnes per hour. After four months underwater, the Austral was refloated and towed to shallower waters.
Over the next two months, the ship’s engines were overhauled, and temporary repairs were made. A successful sea trial on 28 May 1883, confirmed its seaworthiness for its return to England, which began on 9 June, seven months after its initial arrival in Sydney.
Back in England, stability tests finally took place. At the London inquiry, the ship’s designer admitted he had not previously deemed such tests necessary. The court determined the sinking resulted from several factors: lack of stability testing, insufficient senior officers on board, and inadequate supervision of the coaling process. A Sydney newspaper described the sinking as “an occurrence almost without precedence in the annals of maritime history.”
By April 1884, the Austral was reconditioned and returned to service, reappearing in Sydney Harbour in January 1885. However, further tragedy struck in February 1886 when three crew members drowned off Dobroyd Head after their whaleboat capsized. A gruesome discovery followed a week later: remains of one of the crew were found inside a shark caught on the day of the accident.
The Austral continued voyaging between England and Australia until its sale to shipbreakers in Genoa in late 1903, closing a chapter marked by grandeur and misfortune.
