City Hub 12 March 2020 by Alt Media

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The mother of all cutural festivals, Parramasala, celebrates 10 years

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THE BLACK SORROWS motor ace tim rogers cass eager

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city hub 12 MARCH 2020

Why is $50 million in bushfire aid stalled? (See p.5)

HubARTS NAKED CITY: A Brief History Of Paranoia From War of the Worlds to Y2K to toilet paper! (See p. 7)

Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city.

HubNEWS Sky-high buildings on the way By ALLISON HORE ydney City Councillors have endorsed a proposal that could see dramatic changes to the city’s skyline. The plan will lift a cap on building height across the city’s CBD to allow for more intensive commercial development around Barangaroo, Circular Quay, Central Station and Town Hall. The current 235-meter limit for buildings in Sydney’s CBD was set in the 1980s, to be shorter than the occupiable floors of the city’s iconic Center Point Tower, which stands at 309 meters. Exempt from the height restriction was Crown’s $2 billion casino tower in Barangaroo, which will stand at 275 meters high upon completion.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore wants to raise the height of city skyscrapers from 235 metres to 300 metres. Photo: Alec Smart

Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons News Editor: Alec Smart Contributors: Alec Smart, Allison Hore, Austin Norman, James Harrison Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair

New cap

The new cap, unveiled in 2016 by the City of Sydney in the draft Central Sydney Planning Strategy, will see skyscrapers of up to 300 meters in height allowed for buildings marked exclusively for commercial use. The proposed changes would also require all new towers over 55 metres to have at least half their floor space allocated for commercial use.

Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Erika Echternach, Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Olga Azar, Renee Lou Dallow, Rita Bratovich, Olga Sedneva Advertising Manager: Georgina Pengelly Cover Photo: Cara Lopez provided by Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. George Gittoes’ Julian Assange Portrait Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney

 we need to follow

evidence-based work that considers the current and future needs of our city Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, believes that changing the height restrictions is essential to accommodate the city’s growing population, which is projected to reach 8 million by 2056. Two million people are expected to be travelling through the city’s CBD on a daily basis by 2036. “If we want Sydney to maintain its status as a global city and economic powerhouse, it’s vital that we safeguard economic floor space whilst allowing residential development to continue in the city centre,” Moore told City Hub.

NSW planning minister Rob Stokes supports the proposed changes, which would allow for buildings more than 20 floors taller than Chifley Tower, the tallest commercial building in the CBD at present, to be constructed. “Sydney CBD is Australia’s economic gateway to the world, generating nearly $110 billion each year,” Mr. Stokes told the AAP in a statement. “This strategy means we will deliver nearly three million square metres of new office space to ensure Sydney remains the commercial hub of the nation.”

Fire worries

But changes to the city’s skyline have always been controversial in Sydney. In 1912 the city introduced anti-skyscraper laws, citing worries about the difficulty

of fighting fires if they broke out. These laws, which limited building height to 150 feet, were not changed until the 1950s. Today it’s the loss of heritage values and visual impact that people cite as major concerns against the development of skyscrapers. Concerns have also been raised about plans to redevelop the area around Central station to include buildings of up to around 206 meters tall, including a 39-storey tower for tech company Atlassian. Residents are worried the buildings will overshadow the heritage sandstone buildings in the area, with the National Trust telling Sydney Morning Herald the increase in the allowable building heights was “totally out of context with the surrounding area.” city hub 12 MARCH 2020

HubNEWS

Replacing Sydney’s fireworks

By JAMES HARRISON ity of Sydney Councillor Craig Chung has put forth a motion to replace the New Year’s Eve fireworks with silent, non-incendiary alternatives that do not risk starting fires. This motion, which was originally deferred from earlier this year to this month, has come after the summer’s catastrophic bushfires, with many local government councils looking for safer alternatives that still create the spectacle of the fireworks.

are doing their aerial displays,” said Chung.

Alternatives to the fireworks

“People were calling for a change and I looked at this and I thought, well, why are we exploding fireworks in the sky when there are plenty of other alternatives to consider?” Chung told the ABC.

 Some possible

alternatives to fireworks include drone and laser shows

A Sydney City Councillor proposes replacing New Year’s Eve fireworks with silent, non-incendiary alternatives Photo: Miquitos

Some of these possible alternatives include drone and laser shows, which Chung cites as being successful in instances such as the annual Vivid festival of lights and the Super Bowl (American football’s annual championship). The recent call for alternatives was mainly a reaction to the recent extreme bushfires. A petition on Change.org received over 300,000 signatures to give the 5.8 million dollars spent

on Sydney’s New Year celebration fireworks to farmers, firefighters and animal carers.

Could these alternatives work? Many are sceptical of whether drone or laser shows would have the same visual appeal as the fireworks. “I looked at the best practice around the world and it seems to me that there are a number of ways in which people

Tech giant Intel used 1,218 lightweight drones for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics opening to display a dove, a snowboarder and the Olympic rings. A year earlier Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl half time show used 300 drones to create an American flag behind her. In July 2018 Intel used 1,500 drones to create a light show that mimicked fireworks in California. The fireworks industry is, understandably, offering their own alternatives. Safer versions of fireworks called close-proximity fireworks are what Clive Featherby, the president of the Australasian Pyrotechnics Association has described as “very spectacular.” They are less noisy, do not produce smoke or debris and are much more environmentally-friendly. Featherby also said lasers “just don’t cut it on their own,” and that they can be more expensive and not as impressive. He added that drones can only be seen at a close range and hence the display would not have the same effect as the fireworks.

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HubNEWS

Bushfires: new battle over aid allocation By AUSTIN NORMAN illions of dollars in bushfire donations from across the world are being handcuffed by the fine print. In January 2020, Australian comedian Celeste Barber’s bushfire charity fundraiser Facebook event surpassed $50 million dollars in donations, making it the largest ever fundraiser organised via Facebook. However, that money, originally intended for the Trustee for New South Wales Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donation Fund, is still lying dormant some two months later, as the allocation of the funds is being discussed between Barber, her legal team, and the Rural Fire Service Trust.

Service (RFS), which is legally obligated to follow these regulations.

Confusion between recipients

As Barber’s fundraiser began to gain popularity and the donation numbers spiked earlier this year, Barber seemed to change her focus as to what the funds should be used for. The Daily Telegraph reported that Barber said the funds should be used to support South Australian and Victorian firefighting organisations, the Red Cross and for

But many who donated were under the impression that the money was going toward bushfire relief and firefighters in general because of its popularity and the popularity of Barber.

What’s a cy-près?

Over $50 million raised for bushfire charities will need a Supreme Court ruling to allocate it. Photo: Geralt/Pixabay

the widows of firefighters who died battling the flames.

 donations must be

spent on firefighting equipment and facilities But, according to Sonia Hickey of NSW Courts and Sydney Criminal Lawyers, there are some legal restrictions as to where the donation money can be spent.

“It became very clear that because of legalities written in the Trust deed, donations are actually prevented from being spent on anything other than firefighting equipment and facilities, training and some administrative costs of the brigades,” Hickey said. Barber’s Facebook fundraiser page plainly lays out that the money being donated on it is being given to the Trustee for New South Wales Rural Fire Services & Brigades Donation Fund, headed by the state-run Rural Fire

A spokesperson from the FRS told Business Insider Australia: “We’ve been working with Celeste’s team, as well as the companies which conducted the fundraising and collection of donations online, to work out how the funds can be distributed but at this stage the options are very limited.” Legal solutions are being ironed out by Barber’s team and the case could go as far as the NSW Supreme Court where they would seek a cy-près ruling. A cyprès doctrine allows the court to amend the terms of a will or a charitable trust, if the original objective of the settlor’s trust becomes impossible, impracticable, or illegal to perform. This case serves as a reminder to always read the fine print, even when it comes to charity.

Public Notice

Atlassian Building, Central, Sydney NSW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment – Community Consultation Stage 1 Atlassian Pty Ltd (the Proponent) are preparing a State Significant Development application (SSDA) for the redevelopment of the former inward parcels shed, YHA Railway Square, 8/10 Lee Street, Sydney (hereafter referred as the subject area). Urbis is assisting the Proponent in undertaking an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) to inform the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to support the SSDA. The proponenT can be conTacTed direcTly via: avenor, level 4, 15 casTlereagh sTreeT sydney, nsW, 2000 aTTenTion: Joseph ravi, email: Joseph.ravi@avenor.com.au In accordance with Section 4.1.3 of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents (DECCW, 2010) and Clause 80C of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009, the Proponent is seeking the registration of Aboriginal persons or groups who may hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or place(s) that may be present in the subject area. The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist the Proponent in the preparation of the ACHA and the assessment of the cultural heritage significance of the subject area. please register your interest in writing to the contact details provided below by 5.00pm 25th march 2020. meggan Walker urbis pty ltd level 8 angel place 123 pitt street sydney, 2000 nsW phone: + 61 2 8233 7626 email: mwalker@urbis.com.au Please be advised that the Proponent is required to forward the names of Aboriginal persons and groups who register an interest to the Department of Planning and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council; unless the person or group specifies that they do not want their details released.

city hub 12 MARCH 2020

HubNEWS

WestConnex privatisation likely

by ALEC SMART he NSW Govt is planning a scoping study to consider divesting its remaining 49 per cent stake in WestConnex toll roads and sell it to the private sector. NSW Treasury will seek to appoint advisers to conduct the scoping study with a report expected to be handed to the Government in the second half of 2020. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the intention of the privatisation study was to examine whether the government should use the capital to invest in new infrastructure projects. “No decision has been made – we will await the outcome of the scoping study and will always do what is in the best interest of the people of NSW,” he added.

Asset recycling

Perrottet described it as an “asset recycling strategy” and claimed the money from the previous sale of Sydney Motorway Corporation, used to fund the M4-M5 link (final stage of WestConnex) had also enabled investment in infrastructure such as “schools, hospitals, roads and rail NSW needs as part of our record $97.3 billion infrastructure pipeline.” In Sept 2018 the NSW Govt sold 51 per cent of its stake in the Sydney Motorway Corporation (which is building WestConnex), to Sydney Transport Partners, a consortium led by Transurban Finance Company, for $9.26 billion. Transurban is one of the world’s largest toll road builder-operators with tollroad networks in Australia, USA and Canada. The consortium also included Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Tawreed Investments (a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) and AustralianSuper. A statement the NSW Govt sent to City Hub said: “Concessions for the right to operate all stages of WestConnex will revert to the Government in 2060. Any sale of the State’s 49 per cent stake will not impact this outcome. The construction, operation and tolling of WestConnex will continue unchanged.” What the government statements don’t

The NSW Govt is considering selling its remaining stake in the WestConnex toll road construction. Photo: Alec Smart

say is that the companies involved will of course have to pay off those steep prices via tolls paid by drivers. This creates a disincentive for drivers to use those roads. Whichever consortium takes over the WestConnex operation will be able to reclaim their investment via vehicle tolls until 2060.

 the toll revenue for the

next 40 years will funnel entirely into private coffers”

However, Pauline Lockie, an independent councillor on Inner West Council who has campaigned against WestConnex, revealed: “It means the toll revenue for at least the next 40 years will funnel entirely into private coffers the government will get a one-off cash injection with the sale, but the ongoing revenue (which would have to be greater for any private company to want to get on board), which could have been spent for public good, will be lost.”

Questions, questions..

City Hub asked the NSW Govt: Because WestConnex will be a revenue-earning facility once it’s in operation and collecting tolls from users, why not retain

that stake to claim a share of the toll income? Surely the NSW Govt is not so cash-strapped that it will have to divest this asset in order to invest in other infrastructure schemes? However, they declined to answer our query. Ms Lockie added: ”If construction’s still going, the contractors will only be beholden to the owners - not the government - so we’ll be in even less of a position to get them to stop making a mess of the community and people’s lives. And any transparency and public accountability over the project will go from near-zero to zero.” City Hub also asked the NSW Govt: Once the concessions to operate the different stages of the WestConnex project are removed from Govt supervision - from tunnel digging to spreading bitumen to landscaping to maintenance to ultimately collecting users’ tolls - doesn’t this weaken accountability? There are already issues with reported violations of night curfews by large construction trucks around St Peters.. [In recent weeks residents around the St Peters’ WestConnex construction sites have reported on violations of the night curfew with heavy

trucks thundering through private neighbourhoods at all hours. Residents affected claimed that once these noise concerns were publicly raised, instead of WestConnex contractors reinforcing the curfew, they merely removed the signs warning construction truck drivers a night time curfew was in operation.] Recently a female cyclist was run over in a hit-and-run incident by a construction lorry in the vicinity of a WestConnex site in Marrickville that police are still pursuing. How will the government prevent breaches in health & safety if in future contractors are only accountable to themselves? [In Dec 2019 a female cyclist was run over at the Edgecliff Road/Alice Street interface in Marrickville in a hit-and-run incident by a construction vehicle towing a trailer, which was highly likely to have been coming from a WestConnex site nearby.] However, although we received a generic statement from NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, they again declined to answer our questions. “We’re making sure NSW taxpayers get the best value for money from our assets.”

Climate strike on Friday: Uni students to leave classes By AUSTIN NORMAN limate change has been pushed to the center stage of international political issues in recent years, but the devastating bushfires of this past season have brought it to its apex.

C 6

city hub 12 MARCH 2020

Students across Australia are addressing the climate change problem head on in the form of a walk out protest this Friday, March 13. The student activist organization, Uni Students for Climate Justice, has planned this protest across the territories in 6 different cities: Melbourne,

Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Wollongong. The Sydney protest will take place outside Henry Deane Plaza near Central Station on Lee Street at 1pm on Friday.

Coffin Ed’s NAKED CITY

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PARANOIA

V footage of two women fighting furiously over packets of toilet paper in a Woolies at Chullora last week said it all. There are elements associated with fear of the coronavirus which simply defy any normal logic. Why toilet paper was targeted as the go to item by these and other would be doomsday preppers has yet to be explained, although it has at least created considerable mirth in the media. The always provocative NT News from Darwin even went as far as to print a special limited edition containing eight pages of simulated toilet paper. Throughout history mass paranoia is a recurring phenomenon, spawned by everything from pandemics, through financial crises to sinister Government generated conspiracies. The media has often been a willing partner in promoting this kind of fear and one of the classic episodes was Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds. His Mercury Theatre of the Air adaption of the H.G. Wells novel was presented in such a realistic way that many Americans actually believed they were being invaded by extraterrestrials. Here in Australia we’ve had our share of absurd overreactions from the craziness that surrounded the Y2K bug at the change of the millennium to a number of incidents where needles were supposedly found in punnets

THAT SNEAKY RABBIT

of supermarket strawberries. The latter resulted in hundreds of kilos of strawberries being dumped and growers financially disadvantaged when retailers no longer wanted their product. Only a few needles were ever found. When it comes to pandemics we have had our share during the last 120 years with an outbreak of the dreaded bubonic plague in 1900. The reaction from both the authorities and the public at the time was one of panic with the spread of the disease blamed on rats, although scientists today are more inclined to believe it was spread by person to person infection. Over 100,000 rats

were killed with a two pence per rat levy paid for any vermin delivered to an incinerator in Bathurst Street. In the following quarter of a century there were another 11 major plague outbreaks in Sydney, the most notable of them being the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic which hit Australia in 1919 and resulted in some 15,000 deaths with an estimated two million infected. Needless to say any paranoia then was well justified as the global pandemic is believed to have killed as many as 50 million people. Just what effect the coronavirus has in Australia in the coming months remains

By Sam Mcnair

#thatsneakyrabbit

a huge question, with the Government recently stating they were preparing for as many as 200,000 hospitalisations. When it comes to the kind of panic hoarding of food and toilet paper we have seen in recent weeks, some psychologists have suggested this is the way some people seek to assert control over a situation for which they feel they have very little control. National emergencies such as this generally bring out the best in people if the recent bushfires are any indication although there is always a minority who will either chose to profit or fail to comply with the public good. There’s already a thriving market in the sale of grossly overpriced face masks and who knows what quack remedies will be pushed forward to supposedly help you ward off the virus. In the meantime the rush on toilet paper only serves to illustrate the power of humbug and the endless misinformation that spreads like its own epidemic throughout social media. Are people worried about being quarantined for weeks and needing a shopping trolley full of dunny paper to tide them over, or are they actually worried about contracting the disease. If the latter is the case common sense tells us that you won’t feel like eating much and as such visits to the toilet may well be few and far between. Maybe the NT News had the right idea after all. If newspapers could be printed for the duration of the pandemic on a softer, more bottom kindly, type of newsprint we could well avoid those scenes of supermarket argy bargy that we recently observed at Chullora. Old newspapers often found their way into outdoor dunnies during the Depression and they weren’t there just for reading! city hub 12 MARCH 2020

Kaleidoscope Of Culture

By Madison Behringer his weekend Parramatta’s Prince Alfred Square will transform into a hive of sound, colour and celebration as the city celebrates the 10 Year Anniversary of Parramasala, presented with Multicultural NSW. Parramasala is a music festival, food festival and international dance festival all rolled into one weekend and draws crowds of over 35,000 people from across Sydney and beyond. The weekend will kick off on Friday night with the iconic Welcome Parade, a celebration of culture, colour and dance. Following the parade, festivalgoers are invited to Parramasala’s 10th Birthday Party with a spectacular finale highlighting the endless colours of Sydney’s many cultures. Legendary party band Los Amigos Invisibles will then keep the festivities going into the night, with the Opening Night Party highlighting the five time Grammy nominated band and their combination of funk, driving Latin rhythms and big city beats. Saturday will see Parramasala morph into a large scale music festival with artists including Sampa the Great, Mojo Juju, Adrian Eagle, Mieesha and Yoni Yen.

Parramasala Festival highlights. Photos Supplied

Masala Music Festival celebrates the sounds and heritage of a huge range of musicians and will have festival-goers dancing late into the night. Across both Saturday and Sunday the International Food Village gives you a chance to taste and experience food and drinks from all over the world. Parramasala’s Food Village is a culinary passport to taste foods from all over the world all in one place. Other key events across the Parramasala weekend include Masala Nights on March 14, Masala World Movies and the

all-new Kids International Eco Village. Parramasala Festival Director Paul Osborne spoke with City Hub about the history of the festival and this weekend’s exciting line-up. “Parramasala is now about celebrating all cultures. The festival is about celebrating the cultures in the local area and also celebrating the city itself,” Osborne said. “Whilst there are many cultural festivals in Sydney... there isn’t a festival other than Parramasala that focuses on all cultures, and about bringing those cultures together.”

Yoni Yen is an Australian born Korean producer and vocalist who will be performing a set of her soulful RnB sounds as part of Parramasala’s music line-up. Yoni shared the importance of performing at a festival that celebrates culture in art saying, “my heritage definitely gives me a sense of identity, especially now as an adult. And it comes through in my music.” Middle Eastern belly dancer Laura Osweiller will be teaching workshops and performing throughout the weekend and also shared how important Parramasala is to her as a dancer and to the cultures celebrated across the festival. “For me Parramasala is really important because it’s a way for different cultures to come together to not only represent and celebrate what they do but also to interact with other artists.” Osweiller went on to say, “It’s a way of sharing areas where there is unity and commonality but also respecting and acknowledging difference within the communities.” Mar 13-15. Prince Alfred Square, 353 Church St, Parramatta. Info: www.parramasala.com

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HubARTS

(See p.11 )

David Strassman The Chocolate Diet

Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep

he simple act of ventriloquism is a complex art form, but when you add in multiple puppets, characters and some of the most advanced robotics seen on stage it becomes an entirely new beast. David Strassman does just that with his performances, combine that with his dedication to the art form and the grandness of his shows and it’s no wonder he has been performing all around the globe for three decades. “When I was younger I don’t think I ever thought about the future,” reflected Strassman, “I just worried about being good, being original and being unique.” Throughout the course of his three decade long career Strassman’s characters have evolved as personalities. “Each puppet has evolved over the years into their own personality with their own hopes, dreams, fears and nightmares. They started out very on dimensional but after doing so many performances over the years they’ve become completely three dimensional with the same level of character study that you’d find in a stage play.” The physical puppets themselves have also become much more complex. “Some of the puppets are very simple, Teddy Bear for example is just a hand puppet. While others like Kevin, my alien puppet, is made of movie special-effects-grade latex,

arms are fully robotic - some of the most complex robotic arms you’ll find anywhere, and the computer that controls it one of the most advanced special-effects computers on the planet.” As he now prepares prepares to bring yet another entirely new show, The Chocolate Diet, to Sydney, Strassman remains incredibly appreciative of the support he has received over the years. “I’m very fortunate to be a grown man who plays with dolls for a living.” (JA) Mar 15. The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $49.90-$79.90+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au

Sherlock Holmes & The Death On Thor Bridge

he Genesian Theatre are pros at staging whodunits, and Sherlock Holmes & The Death On Thor Bridge, a world-first adaptation, is no different. With a visually stunning set by master set designer Tom Bannerman, the stage is meticulously suited to the confines of the small Genesian stage, superbly lit to evoke the interiors of the Victorian era while at the same time reflecting the rippling of the waters beneath Thor Bridge. The costumes and props too

have been researched and matched to the period so that nothing is out of place. Very fitting considering that the character of Sherlock Holmes played by Patrick Magee is extremely fussy and cannot abide things in the wrong place. No puzzle must be left unsolved. Magee has a unique understanding of Holmes character and shadows him to perfection. In fact the casting of all the characters leaves no stone unturned and all are believably multi-faceted. Stand out

Photo: Craig O’Regan

REVIEW

performances are from Myles Waddell as Detective Phillips and Krassy Alexandrova as Senhora Sofia. The play was chosen by director Carlin Hurdis because it is “unique in the Sherlock cannon in having female protagonists.” It’s not a case of, Did the butler do it?, but rather, Did the governess do it? A fiery Brazilian wife suspects the governess of her children of having an affair with her husband. When the wife is

found dead on Thor Bridge, Sherlock is appointed to solve the case. Adapted by Sandra Bass, this play is an authentic journey into the world of East London and the strange goings on in the domain of legendary sleuth, Sherlock Holmes. So I guess, “It’s elementary dear Watson.” (RLD) Until Apr 4. Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent St, Sydney. $30-$35+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.genesiantheatre. com.au

Margaret Leng Tan. Photo: Pier Carthew

What’s gone wrong with society?

resented as part of the Sydney Opera House’s 2020 UnWrapped festival, Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep presents the life and work of legendary musician Margaret Leng Tan. Coproduced by Chamber Made and CultureLink Singapore, the piece is performed by Leng Tan and combines spoken and recorded text, projected images and original music by Leng Tan’s long-term collaborator Erik Griswold. Directed by Chamber Made’s Artistic Director Tamara Saulwick, Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep is a celebratory and stunning exploration of Margaret’s work as a performer and musician. “She’s a powerhouse performer. She’s 74 going on 35. She’s totally unstoppable actually,” Saulwick said of Leng Tan. “We’ve been inspired by her as an artist and her life as an artist.” Saulwick shared the way in which the piece leans toward theatre, despite Leng Tan being primarily a musician. “There are these visual and narrative elements that are woven into the music in the piece. I’m really interested in works that sit at the intersection between performance and sound and music,” said Saulwick, going on to say, “Margaret is a natural performer and she does speak in the piece but she’s not an actor… so we wanted to find a way to frame what she does well.” “It’s gloriously beautiful and quite nostalgic,” Saulwick concluded. “It’s quite a transporting and beautiful work that invites you into someone else’s experience of the world. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.” (MB) Mar 18-20. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $30-$45+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com city hub 12 MARCH 2020

Miranda Lambert By Jamie Apps head of her debut Australian tour Texan country music megastar Miranda Lambert took some time out her busy tour schedule to speak with City Hub. During our conversation Lambert spoke of her love for the country music genre, the thrill of performing - regardless of venue size and her excitement to finally make her way Down Under. At just 36 years old Lambert has already surpassed legends of the country music genre, such as Reba McEntire, to become the most decorated artists in the history of the Academy Of Country Music (ACM). In her 15 year career Lambert has won two Grammy Awards from 16 nominations, the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year in nine consecutive years, and was the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Album of the Year twice. Despite these accolades Lambert remains incredible humble, “I always knew I wanted to do this, but I never knew exactly what level that would be at,” she says. “So the fact that it has become this beautiful career that has carried me to so many amazing places is crazy to me. I’m still the

same 18 year old girl that I was then, I’m just 36 now with the same dream.” Lambert has remained so grounded because she has a deep love for the music and performance. Although she can now travel the world and headline any arena she wants Lambert still loves to return to her roots. “Still to this day even though I’m headlining arena shows if I can go into a smoky bar somewhere and play a show I’m just as happy.” In March Lambert and her band will arrive in Australia to play the CMC Rocks Queensland music festival before then hitting the road for a headline tour of her own. With this being her first visit to Australia the excitement was palpable in her voice. “We’re all looking at this tour as a big adventure for us as a family. It’s something we’ve talked about for a long time so fans can expect a lot of adventure, energy and excitement.” The upcoming Australian tour will be the continuation of Lambert’s world tour, which began in January. This show celebrates her most recent album,

Photo: Becky Fluke

HubARTS

Wildcard, and will be fine tuned to perfection by the time it arrives in Australia. Although this is Lambert’s first time in Australia she is already confident that she will have a wonderful connection with the audiences despite the massive distance between Australia and Texas. “One thing about music is that it is universal and can blend all sorts of worlds,” explained Lambert, “I feel like I’ve already met so many wonderful people from Australia that I know I will feel at home there.” Finally, there’s one crucial thing on Lambert’s itinerary that she feels she must do in order to have the full Australian experience, “I’m really excited to meet the koalas, that’s one of my highlights!” Mar 24. Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park. $99-$179+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.playbillvenues.com.au

Kingswood Juveniles

elbourne rockers Kingswood make a triumphant return with their new record Juveniles. Unlike what the name suggests, this is a record which has unmistakably been made by a group at the height of their powers following years of maturation. From the outset album opener, You Make It So Easy, showcases Kingswood’s rocking and infectious guitar driven sound. Complimenting the rock sound throughout the record are dynamic and mature lyrics and vocal performances by Alex Laska ad Fergus Linacre. There are bound to be a few big radio hits coming out of this record thanks to the growth shown by Kingswood. Certainly check out Bittersweet, Say You Remember, Snake Pit and Cigarettes In Bed. (JA) WWW1/2

Gregg Arthur - That’s Life

regg Arthur’s voice has been described by musical luminary Tony Bennett as “perfection.” Throughout March Sydneysiders can hear it for themselves, when Arthur and his trio take to the stage at The Magicians Cabaret in Darlinghurst every Friday night. The Magician’s Cabaret has an intimate charm and ambience that transports you to Greenwich Village in New York, magical, and not just because of the name. Singing with a trio on stage at this place makes perfect sense. According to Arthur, “telling stories through songs in an intimate venue with a fantastic bar and late supper menu is

the epitome of a Manhattan-esque Friday night on the town.” Despite fear of the coronavirus gripping the city Arthur and his trio - made up of Charlie Meadows on guitar, Craig Scott on bass and Cameron Reid on drums are pushing ahead. “It’s always a gamble but I’m in it now, so no point cancelling. I just have to sing like the room is full and give the people who do come along a really good night out,” said Arthur. Every Friday in March. The Magician’s Cabaret, 91 Riley St, Darlinghurst. $40.96-$164.27+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.eventopia.co

Martin Smith - Bondi Dreams

ondi Dreams is a photographic exhibition compiled by Martin Smith, a Bondi beach enthusiast from way, way back. Smith, has been taking photos of Bondi for 70 years to be exact and, his exhibition is a labour of love that documents his solo promenades along Sydney’s most famous beach. Also included will be photos of the lifestyle celebrated on this golden stretch of sand and sea, by those that worship sun, surf, style and sport. 10

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An ex-scientist who originally migrated to Australia from South Africa to work for the CSIRO, arriving in 1966, Smith said he would often take his kids to Bondi from where he lived on the North Shore, to eat fish and chips, and lick ice creams while feeding the seagulls on weekends. “Back then Bondi was a run down seedy sort of place. There was only one place for coffee and that was The Gelato Bar. No outdoor cafes. Nothing like it is today.”

On retirement from the CSIRO, Smith opened a bookshop on the beach, which he ran for 17 years. A perfect opportunity for taking photographs, with the permission of his subjects, of course. Martin’s photographs, however, are all about the imagery and often his subjects are unrecognisable becoming silouhettes and, shadow like figures, caught in changing light or blended together and overexposed appearing more like impressionist paintings than photographs.

The exhibition will feature 35 large images projected on a wall along with 100 other smaller photos, evoking memories and dreams of Bondi, capturing moments over time. (RLD) Mar 24-Apr 5. Bondi Pavilion Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach. Info: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au

HubARTS

Solar Springs

s our lives become increasingly technologically addicted and connected to work, a weekend escape for pampering is becoming ever more valuable. Thankfully just 90 minutes away in the picturesque village of Bundanoon, the Solar Springs Retreat offers an immersive health and wellness program. During a stay at Solar Springs, whether that be a two-night getaway or a week-long retreat, guests are treated to a specially curated program designed to help them reconnect with nature and themselves. Throughout a stay guests can participate in yoga, pilates, personal training, nature hikes, art classes or meditation sessions. In our recent experience at Solar Springs we found the yoga to be enjoyable, but tough. The session was certainly a harder workout than anticipated, particularly for a first-timer. Solar Springs also offer a range of massage, Chinese medicine and day spa treatments.

REVIEW During our weekend getaway we opted for the Earth Element package, which includes a reflexology massage session on the feet and lower legs. These sessions are incredibly relaxing, particularly when combined with a swim and spa session afterwards. At Solar Springs guests are encouraged to eschew technology for the duration of their stay. Phone use is discouraged in public areas and there are no televisions in the rooms, so be sure to take a good book or iPad if you enjoy a movie to relax at night. All meals are provided; however, be forewarned that Solar Springs serves an entirely plant-based set menu so be sure to check the offerings before your stay. For us, the breakfasts were always great, with a wide range of fruit available, all paired with delicious freshly made juices. The dinners, on the other hand, were hit and miss for our personal taste. Our favourite was the edamame and zucchini risotto. Overall Solar Spring is designed for those that

want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can cater the fitness and spiritual experience to your liking, but the food offerings are a little more strict, so be sure to check the menu beforehand. (JA) For more info and bookings visit www.solarsprings.com.au

In Fabric A War Of Compassion O

his insightful documentary details the charitable work of Rev Bill Crews, a remarkable and selfless human being who from humble beginnings 30 years ago opened an eatery for the poor and homeless called the Loaves and Fishes Free Restaurant. He eventually formed the Exodus Foundation which doesn’t receive government assistance and continues to operate from monies raised through the public. The foundation continues to supply food vans, free doctors, dentists, and social workers to those in need. His belief is that the general public doesn’t realise there are people living amongst us who need help and his mission in life is to help those people who the world would rather overlook.

He’s baffled that the Government spent $15 million on a meeting to discuss the homeless when he could’ve answered all their questions from experience for free! The camera follows Crews around the streets of Sydney where the rich and poor live side by side. Incredibly, more homeless people than ever before are sleeping on the streets. He interviews good mate John Singleton who has been by his side from the beginning with the homeless and drug addicts. Raw and gritty, audiences will laugh at times, but ultimately will be moved as this documentary explores the work of this ‘living national treasure’ who asks, what’s gone wrong with society to have caused this? (MMo) WWW

nce you see In Fabric, you’ll never try a dress on in a department store change room the same way again. You see, In Fabric is the tale of a dress. But not a normal dress. A dress that, once worn, unleashes a malevolent curse and unstoppable evil. From acclaimed horror director Peter Strickland, this is a film with a disturbing soundtrack, a twisted cast

of characters and a finale worthy of the freakish plot. Voyeuristic, highly original and creepy, it leaves you feeling unsettled. Which is exactly what a good horror film should do. Uniquely British and interspersed with bizarre comedic moments which alleviate the weirdness, In Fabric is an odd film, but one that retro horror aficionados will enjoy. (LS) WWW

Short+Sweet:

Licensed to thriLL! ToM Mann TheaTre 136 ChalMers sT, surry hills

More info and bookings: www.shortandsweet.org/sydney e: tickets@shortandsweet.org

13 feb- 26 apr Thurs-saT 7.30pm sun 1pm and 6.00pm city hub 12 MARCH 2020

SERVING CHILDREN, FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES

Could you be a Foster Carer? We want to work with you to make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children in your community. As a Key Assets foster carer we’ll provide you with 24/7 support, a dedicated social worker and on-going training. If you’re looking to provide love, safety and care for a child we’d love to hear from you.

1800 WE CARE | www.keyassets.com.au 12

city hub 12 MARCH 2020