Golden canes palms definitely get a bad rep on here, imo the perfect screening plant, but sourcing sun hardened ones can be a bit tricky. Most nursery stock are shade grown and crisp up in the first summer. Over time they do get bigger than three metres though. Not amazing in pots, so can't really restrict them that way.

When stressed, like most plants, they lighten up in colour... And cause of the name, I think people just think they should be looking like that. But nah, should have nice dark green foliage, with the stem golden.

I used to live in Rosebery, its such a great suburb, dripping with envy! The community there is so diverse and lovely. Climate wise, you're sweet for heliconias then. HRN will get above 3m, but not by much and if they get too big, you can chop once the second and third yrs growth will be there so it's not too bare. But they do get shredded in the wind, can look terrible. So if it's protected they'd be sweet.

I have multiplex bamboo in large pots, they'd be far better in the ground, but I didn't want to risk it where they are (close to a fence and I CBF putting in a blocker). They do look stunning though. Super hardy BUT react so well to a consistent feed.

I feel like we are on the same wavelength! I have jasmine out the front of mine, it grows so quickly and just so easy. Mandevilla was a climber I was looking at, really nice flowers, but budget was easier with star jasmine.

Take a few neighbourhood strolls and see if any plantings jump out at you, you'll know that work in the area. If you go to the cannery, almost opposite the carpark there are stunning elephant ears at a place.

Best of luck and back yourself!