RSLs provide a much needed service and are of great support to the community, young and especially…read moreold. It's worth supporting them therefore with your membership fee and frequent visits. If you live within 5km radius of the club you're required to sign up for an annual membership ($10) but this allows you to sign other guests in and visit other RSLs in the area without having to sign up again. Spread out over 3 levels they provide a whole range of entertainment: Bingo, Trivia, Members Draws (gotta love a meat tray), Raffles, Poker as well as Live Entertainment every Friday and Sunday. Sibyl's Bistro (doncha love the name) serves up good counter meals at reasonable prices. The usual fare of meats, fish and deep fried entrees but the food is really very good and there a selection of fresh salads to accompany your meals. It's a great spot for families with plenty of room for the kids to wander though be aware that children aren't allowed in the 'cocktail' area of the bar in the evening. This isn't a problem though as there's so much space. Now for the best bit, Mosman RSL is rivalled only by its Kirribilli brother in terms of view. The view from the rooftop bar here is stunning. Sitting here, schooner in hand as the sun sets is very special indeed.

When I first moved to Mosman, I though that the local RSL had really dipped out on location - most…read moreseem to be in prime positions, on headlands and waterfronts, yet here was the Mosman branch in a non-descript building in the middle of a retail strip. Once inside and upstairs, though, it's clear that this is no poor-cousin. Its roof-top view of the city is exceptional, especially when the high-rise lights are sparkling after dark or the coat-hanger of the Harbour Bridge is etched into the sunset. Like most RSLs, expect a good basic cheap meal. There's lots of space for groups, though the bigger the crowd the more challenge the kitchen seems to have getting the meals out anywhere near on time or together - in fact, even getting the right meals out at all!

Trust me when I tell you it pains me to say the State Government got something right but the…read moreService Centres are a great idea. Basically they have centralised the front-facing functions of a number of agencies so you're not traipsing all over town on your State Government related errands. I was able to renew my licence, replace my E-Tag and request a copy of my Birth Certificate, all in one go. It seems like most people still come here mostly for RTA services (I know I should say RMS but I don't cope well with change). Being the Government, of course they will never manage to combine all their process so I did have to run my bank card through the machine three times to pay for all this but still I appreciate the saving of my Tax-Payer dollars that this amalgamation will eventually achieve. The staff are clearly KPI'd on smiles which overall made for quite a pleasant bureaucratic experience.

Every so often Leichhardt Town Hall hosts a number of exciting events and sales within its…read morepremises. No, I'm not talking about voting, though that is pretty exciting. 'Wow! You mean I get to have a say in how the world is run?' "No, but you do get a vote." I'm talking about book fairs, vintage clothing sales and for some strange reason, ski gear. I'm always excited when I walk past the intersection of Marion Street and Norton to find a banner tied to the public school proclaiming, 'Leichhardt Book Fair!' I small rush of blood goes to my head and I begin to plan how I will get there first. It's important to get there early to make sure all the best books haven't been snatched up already. I get there on the day it opens, before it opens. Scores of people wait outside, those bastards! The doors open and we pile in. A pulsating mass of people trying to both see all the books, but take the time to look at the books in front of them with enough detail not to miss a pearler. We're animals, our instincts turn to the hunt, the hunt for good literature, manners and pleasantries are thrown by the way side and pushing and shoving take their place. There are fiction books, theatre, military, children's, CD's, records and sheet music. I always go straight for the kids section and let me tell you why, the Seuss books are always the first to go.

Ugh, Medicare. It's a term synonymous with 'nightmare'. Nobody likes a trip to Medicare even though…read morethe outcome is usually money back in your pocket. Medicare typically means long waits, noisy crowds and abrupt staff. So I am going to let you in on a secret... Medicare North Sydney. No long waits, maximum three or four people waiting and very friendly, helpful staff. Enough said!

Missing home? Miss hearing your native language? Want to revisit India, without having to board a…read moreflight? Well, then come in to the Gujarati Community Centre. Any Gujarati speaking individual can become a member by paying the annual fee online. Discounts available for students. A great place to meet fellow Gujarati's and make new friends. The centre organises Navratri every year. A festival of dance and celebration of music. The other proposed activities include Yoga classes, cooking classes and religious discourse. You can hire the hall for a reasonable fee any day of the week for engagement and wedding or just a party celebration. Come in and say Kem Cho!

Community centres, by nature, are supposed to offer an array of services that can be used and…read moreenjoyed by the whole, well, community - and Ultimo Community Centre doesn't disappoint. For the sportier members of society, there is one indoor court for soccer, badminton, basketball and volleyball, while the 2 outdoor courts on the rooftop allow for games of netball, soccer, basketball and tennis. From what I know, there are definitely soccer competitions held here, so check those out if you're looking for somewhere to show off your competitive side. There's also a few table tennis tables and martial arts classes if you're that way inclined. For the not so sporty, there are arts classes and space for workshops etc, as well as playgroups and after school care for the smaller ones. So basically it's chock full of community centre goodness! And if you're wondering if they have what you're looking for, just give them a call, they seem friendly enough!

Fancy a bit of b-ball? Perhaps you want to kick around a soccer ball or take a Zumba class - well…read moreyou can at Ultimo Community Centre. If you need to build up a sweat or get your body moving - this is a fun cheap place to go. The centre has quite a lot to offer a multipurpose court suitable for volleyball, badminton, basketball and soccer, arts and crafts rooms and places to hold classes and lectures. They have regular classes whether that be for artists who want to learn to paint, or zen masters wanting to connect with their inner chi through yoga ($10 - $15 depending who's teaching) . Outdoors on a sunny day, why not play some tennis or basket ball? Outdoor courts cost $22 an hour and indoor courts $30//// The staff are super friendly and have always been helpful to me.... It's not a "stunning place" but it's really really functional and a great place to shoot and score.

Oh, the charm. Such charm! This rec centre and all-purpose function room must have been built…read morearound 1970, there's those old parquetry floors gone shiny with use and beige carpet and brick, which makes it sound dull and terrible but I'm here to tell you that it all just works. It's got some kind of wonderful nostalgia value, the place makes you think of school camps and learning tae kwan do or ballroom dancing in church halls down the local park, and these days the place is used by the City of Sydney to hire out to people doing fun things - like the Laneway Learning crew, who teach ace stuff like Bollywood Dancing and crafternoons. There's a pool table and a tea trolley and a small kitchenette, everything you need to feel like you're hanging out in your friend's rec room or your mum's basement. So good.

Wonderful facility for all ages - and great community spirit that is often lost in inner cities…read more When so much is disappearing in Kings Cross, the Reginald Murphy Centre is a hub of activity and a place for all - all sorts of fun and informative adult classes, mother & baby groups, seniors groups and lots more.n Recently attended the fabulous Refugee Week celebrations and looking forward to the 50th Anniversary on 9th November. Long may it live!

This prison never fails to deliver, top marks every time. The staff are always friendly and service…read moreis prompt. I was a little hesitant to interact with the other patrons but within a few days was getting into the groove. I would recommend this establishment for the older crowd as the younger generation might not enjoy it. Ample parking and long stays are possible. Best accommodation is located in pods 9 and 10.