Local Shire Woman Stuns ‘Across the Bridge’ Boyfriend with Flawless Newtown Reverse Parallel Park

Sienna Rivers | Lifestyle & Trends Reporter | Sutherland Shire Gazette

9 March 2025

A Sutherland Shire woman has left her inner-west boyfriend absolutely gobsmacked this weekend, after executing a textbook flawless reverse parallel park on a notoriously tight Newtown street—without a rear camera, parking sensors, or any of the modern luxuries soft drivers rely on.

Lauren Mitchell, 29, from Gymea, pulled off the move in her 25th Anniversary Holden Astra hatchback, a vehicle known for its early-model power steering that requires the upper body strength of an Olympic rower. On her third date with boyfriend Tom Richards, 31, a proud Newtown resident, Lauren seized the moment to prove that years of navigating Westfield Miranda’s rooftop car park had prepared her for anything.

“It was like watching an F1 pit stop, but in slow motion,” Tom said, still in awe. “She lined it up, cranked that wheel like she was wrestling a crocodile, and slotted it in first go. No cameras, no beeping sensors—just pure instinct. I almost clapped, but I didn’t want to distract her.”

Bystanders were reportedly left in stunned silence, while one passing cyclist briefly considered stopping to take notes. Local barista Jordan Hayes confirmed, “Mate, I’ve seen grown men abandon their cars and walk home rather than attempt a park on this street. That girl deserves a statue.”

Lauren remained humble about her feat. “It’s not that hard,” she shrugged. “Once you’ve parallel parked outside Northies on a Sunday, you can park anywhere.”

Sources say Tom is now questioning everything he thought he knew about Shire drivers. Meanwhile, Lauren is considering introducing him to the real test of skill: reversing a boat trailer at Yowie Bay boat ramp.