After last week's story about what we call locals of Leichhardt, Teresa wrote in with a reminder about some local lore. "In the 1970s and 1980s Leichhardt was a popular, safe and comfortable place for lesbians to make our homes. Many of us are still here." she wrote. "Leichhardt was (and is) known as Dykeheart!" Amazing, and that one has definitely stuck. Gotta love this place.

Leichhardt is home to plenty of boarded-up shops. They are a sad reminder of decay, and beautiful because they present possible of what could be. So I thought it would be fun to start dreaming out loud about what should go in some of these. A roast chook shop? A proper deli? Someone who just sells nice things again? So let's put it to you – what do you reckon Leichhardt actually needs from its shopfronts. Have your say below and I'll share the results next week.

The synthetic turf question at Callan Park has been argued over for a long while, with opponents worried about the switch to plastic grass and what it sheds into the ground. That fight is settled for now: the diggers are in, and work has started on a new $2.2m all-weather field on Balmain Rd, with energy-efficient LED lighting and accessible paths around the ground.

The council says the surface will cut wet-weather washouts and lift ground use by up to half, which means more game time year-round for the Leichhardt Saints and other clubs. A second all-weather field at Waterfront Drive is still in the works, with the council reworking its plans to answer concerns raised by the local planning panel. (Source: Inner West Council FB Page)

No club, no rego, no commitment - just bring your boots and a mate, or come on your own. Greg's posted here about getting a friendly football game together at Robson Park, and word is it runs every Sunday. New to the area or haven't had a kick in years? That's exactly who it's for. (Source: Leichhardt Community Group)

There's a new table worth finding in the Forum. Tashkent has opened downstairs, a family-run spot doing Uzbek and Uyghur food - think steaming tea poured from glass pots, plates of grilled meats and fresh salads, all under woven canopies and warm fairy lights. The courtyard has been quiet for years, so it's a small joy to see it filling up again. Go say hello and let them know we're glad they're here. (Source: Leichhardt Community Group)

Leichhardt's police command has welcomed eight new probationary constables, Class 369, lined up smiling on a heritage verandah for the occasion. They'll spend the coming months learning the streets and faces across Leichhardt, Annandale, Lilyfield, Glebe and the rest of the patch. The command's asking us to give them a wave if we see them out and about. (Source: Leichhardt Community Group, Leichhardt PAC FB Page)

Council was due to consider a new Affordable Housing Policy on Tuesday night, built on a simple idea: when developers gain from planning changes and rising land values, renters should share in it through affordable homes built to last. The aim is to help nurses, teachers, police, childcare and hospitality workers and young families keep living in the area as it grows.

Major community housing providers and Shelter NSW backed the policy ahead of the meeting. If adopted, the council said it would look at further measures, including partnerships with registered providers and pooling developer contributions. Mayor Darcy Byrne said the real question isn't whether the Inner West grows but who benefits. (Source: Inner West Council news)

Sincerely,

The Hardt