June – July 2026
Following the activism masterclass on 24 June, community members began greening the Triangle of Shame (the concrete pedestrian island outside Newtown Station) with the vision of creating a Newtown Community Forest: a pollinator corridor and green gateway to the suburb. They even put a seat there.
The Forest took off! There was a barbecue hosted there, a soundscape and projection, and an increasing number of plants. It attracted quite a lot of social media attention beyond our small group of volunteers.
On 21 July, Transport for NSW removed the plants and the seating, citing safety concerns. Two trucks, five police cars, and several personnel were deployed. No complaint had been made. The community responded with a petition, a wake at The Town Hall hotel, and a renewed commitment to a greener Newtown.
