The Resident, David Anderson

This month we chatted to Neutral Bay resident, David Anderson, who since 1980, has devoted himself to educating boys at Shore School in North Sydney. David is a Geography teacher, has served as Senior Boarding Housemaster for 25 years, and was on the School Executive for 20 years.

David shares his local favourites with us, why he loves living in the area and what it’s like to live in Neutral Bay having lived his early life in Wahroonga.

How long have you lived here and why did you choose Neutral Bay?
Together with my wife and family for twenty-five years we lived on the Shore Campus throughout the time I was Senior Boarding Housemaster at Shore, North Sydney. Therefore when we moved off the School campus it was important for us to continue to enjoy living around Sydney Harbour and the close proximity of the city. We have enjoyed living in Wycombe Road, Neutral Bay for seven years.

Best thing about the area?
The region is definitely becoming more diverse and interesting. ‘Eat streets’ are now commonplace across Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay. I am also very interested in the original thirty-three fine heritage homes (Howard Joseland, Walter Liberty Vernon) that have been preserved in the area once part of the Neutral Bay Land Company Estate 1889. I am an active member of Bennett Street Precinct Committee that has been involved in ‘saving’ some heritage homes from development. Greatest achievement was protecting ‘Lansdowne’, Anderson Street, Neutral Bay in 2017 from demolition.

Worst thing?
Summer traffic on Military Road!

What’s your favourite café/restaurant and dish?
After a busy day, my wife and I frequently enjoy a meal at Chedi Thai at McMahons Point. Favourite dish – Tempura Prawns w/ macadamias & tamarind dressing is a regular choice.

Best coffee in the area?
Essence Coffee, Wycombe Road, Neutral Bay

Where do you like to have a drink?
Percy’s in North Sydney for a Friday afternoon debrief with friends.

Any local hidden gems you’d be kind enough to share with us?
A walk along Taylor’s Track, Bradley’s Head.

What’s your favourite room at home and why?
The study has numerous elements of the Queen Anne pre-Federation as the home was built in 1896. Some rather unique fixtures and fittings.

What’s your perfect weekend?
For many years on Saturdays, I have been involved in the sports program at Shore and visiting other GPS schools on Saturdays. Rugby and Cricket at the Northbridge Memorial Playing Fields and Rowing on the Parramatta River have given me great satisfaction as coach and spectator. Sunday is family time and golf.

If you had to live anywhere else in Sydney or the World, where would it be?
Pienza, Tuscany, Italy

And can you tell us what have been the highlights of working at such a prestigious boys school on the Lower North Shore of Sydney?
The wonderful environment of the School working with colleagues, boys, parents and friends has provided a rich and rewarding profession. I could never have chosen a better career. I have always enjoyed the classroom, boarding life, school sports and representing the School throughout country NSW and overseas. I was Vice-President of the International Boys’ School Coalition, an association of three-hundred and fifty single-sex independent schools for boys throughout the world. It allowed me to meet other teachers dedicated to the education of boys at annual conferences over two decades, mainly in North America. I learnt that educators around the world are more similar than different. Always aiming to provide a wonderful learning experience for boys in a fair and safe environment.