City Hub 10 December 2015

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Birds, bees, trees first to go in WestConnex plans

BY KENJI SATO Hundreds of trees were wrapped with blue ribbons on the weekend, marking those which will be cut down to make way for the WestConnex tollway.

The picnic protest on December 6, which took place in St Peters, Haberfield and Kingsgrove, aimed to highlight the environmental devastation that will occur if WestConnex is rolled out in the inner west.

The protest marked the beginning of a campaign to wrap trees in parks, gardens and across scores of hectares of other green spaces that are being acquired by WestConnex.

The bright blue of the ribbons reflects the colour WestConnex uses in its own branding.

The NSW Government has been flooded with thousands of submissions objecting to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the M4 East tollway.

The new M5 EIS has been lodged, allowing the community only until the end of January to comment.

WestConnex Action Group has already sent hundreds of letters to the Minister for Planning calling for an extension.

The government’s proposal is for two new nine kilometre tunnels linking St Peters with Kingsgrove. This will add to the existing M5 tunnel which is already tolled.

Critics of the plan warn that the new roadway will mean unsustainable levels of pollution because of ventilation stacks, tunnel exits at Kingsgrove and a massive interchange at St Peters.

There are also concerns that the years of tunneling and construction works at Kogarah golf course in Arncliffe will threaten one of only two surviving colonies of the green and golden bell frog in Sydney, who live on the course.

Spokesperson for the WestConnex Action Group, Pauline Lockie, told City Hub that local residents’ knowledge of the road was growing, as was the number of problems they found with the project.

She said that the weekend community rallies involved children who will be affected by how close their school will be to increased pollution, or homes slated for demolition, and the knowledge that they or their friends will be forced to leave the area.

“We have a lot of kids who come up to our information stalls and events who are going to be very deeply affected by the project,” Ms Lockie said.

“We’re finding that people understand that this is a project whose cost is blowing out, is going to involve huge amounts of extra traffic on our streets.”

“It’s going to involve huge increases in pollution, not just from the stacks, but also from the extra traffic and the entry and exits from the tunnels. So that’s been very good to see and that means people have been coming with their own comments to the submissions as well,” she said.

Federal Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher said in a statement that the tollway will benefit local communities.

“This will bring relief to hundreds of thousands of motorists battling congestion, including the 100,000 who use the M5 East every day, and reduce traffic on local roads, bringing benefits to local communities,” Mr Fletcher said.

But president of Alexandria Residents Action Group Ben Aveling said he believes the road will wreak havoc in his local area.

He disputes the traffic and time saving figures put forward by the government, and described the project as “political madness, it’s ideology gone mad”.

“What’s proposed is horrific. The volumes of traffic [predicted for inner-west roads] are completely off the scale. They currently carry about 7000 cars per day they want us to carry about 60,000.”

He said that the loss of trees and green space was an additional issue on top of congestion.

“They want to wipe out a lot of the trees along the edge of Sydney Park and claim a big chunk of the park. The most offensive bit about it is that they are saying ‘don’t worry, the traffic will dissipate’ which, as far as we can tell, is going to rat run because Euston Road cannot carry that volume of traffic,” Mr Aveling said.

“Euston Road already doesn’t carry as much traffic as it’s rated for and it’s congested because there’s nowhere to go from Euston Road.”

“All of the other roads are congested too. The same thing is true of King Street as well, north and south.”

Mr Aveling said he wondered where the government’s numbers were coming from.

“If you have a look at the EIS the numbers are strange, because under the ‘do nothing’ strategy it becomes less congested, which makes me wonder where their number are coming from.”

Source: Facebook

He also said there were concerns about the levels of carbon monoxide which would come from the tunnels.

“Traffic will bank back into the tunnel and that will block up the whole tunnel which is a threat to life, because those tunnels are polluted and you don’t want to be in them longer than you have to.”

“There’s a lot of monoxide and it’s just not clear how it’s going to work. You’re going to have to limit the number of cars that go into it. A couple of billion dollars, the whole project’s $18 billion for a road that’s going to carry less traffic than the current road does,” he said.

“They’ll be charging $20 a day to use it – it’s not a good deal for anyone. It goes up at 4 per cent per year, nearly double the rate of inflation. It’s just appalling.”

Community organisations, councils, government departments and members of the public can make submission until January 29, 2016. You can read more about the project at www.m5eis.org.

With additional reporting by Christopher Harris and Wendy Bacon

Photo: Lorrie Graham

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By Andrew Barclay Shooters and Fishers party. However, all have The State Government has kept NSW publicly opposed the move. local councils in limbo a month after the SOCC campaigners have argued the IPART review recommended forced decision should rest with the community and mergers. not with Cabinet or the Premier.

Raffaele Catanzariti, member of the Save “If the government knew what local Our Councils Coalition (SOCC), told City government was about, they would realise it’s Hub that there had been a complete lack of more than just cogs in a machine…it’s about consultation with stakeholders. communities,” said Mr Catanzariti.

“The community consultation has been Marrickville Greens Councillor Sylvie very poor and everything is just up in the air,” Ellsmore also emphasised the need for Mr Catanzariti said. community involvement.

He said that he thought a decision on “Local councils belong to their residents, not forced mergers was “imminent”.

Premier Mike Baird. The community should “This is clearly about developers, big decide on any merger,” she said in a statement. business and removing the democratic “The Liberal Government would like representation for citizens,” he said. nothing more than to abolish progressive The IPART report found sixty per cent of inner city councils like Marrickville and local councils were not ‘fit for the future’ after Leichhardt. It is these councils that have stood assessing 139 proposals from 144 councils. up to WestConnex and will look out for the Few councils nominated voluntary communities’ interest,” Clr Ellsmore said. mergers, despite the NSW Government Yet the NSW Government remains steadfast committing $1 billion in incentives to in its plans for mergers, with Minister for Local encourage councils to merge.

Government Paul Toole arguing “NSW An anti amalgamation rally in Double Bay. Photo: Supplied Mr Catanzariti told City Hub that needs councils that are financially sustainable both the government and various councils had been pursuing legal and able to deliver efficient and effective services”. The government has options around forced amalgamations. argued that mergers would reduce waste and red tape.

Marrickville Council recently decided to receive legal advice Premier Mike Baird has poised the situation as “critical” and said about their options if forced to merge. amalgamations could “free up $2 billion over the next 20 years”.

Mr Catanzariti said he thought the government’s preferred Experts and campaigners have continued to question the benefits approach would be negotiating amalgamations through parliament, the government has put forward around efficiency and better as opposed to applying to the independent Boundaries Commission, infrastructure. because it would be less likely to be delayed by legal challenges.

The countdown to the decision by the NSW Government has been For this approach, the government would require the support of Labor marked by protests, as 600 people rallied on November 17 against the or the Greens, in addition to either the Christian Democrats or the planned mergers in Sydney’s Martin Place. city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

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Protestors fed up with ‘the wealthy always winning’

BY KENJI SATO Thousands of protesters are expected to picket the streets of Newtown on December 12, blocking traffic as a “demonstration of the gridlock the WestConnex will cause” and to demand a “liveable city for all”.

The protest will double as a street party, with a ‘multi-stage mobile protest festival’ starring local bands and DJs filling the streets of Newtown.

The protests are being run and organised by the Sydney branch of community activist organisation Reclaim the Streets, who has long been using street parties as their method of protest.

Reclaim the Streets activists will be protesting a range of Sydney-based issues, including the lockout laws, the relocation of the Ultimo Powerhouse Museum, the A previous protest. Source: Supplied.

Barangaroo Casino, and the WestConnex liberties, one can’t say there haven’t been corresponding roads project.

James Loch, a spokesperson for Reclaim the Streets Sydney, benefits,” Mr Blank told City Hub. “There are competing civil liberties involved in licensing told City Hub that local residents were fed up with “the super wealthy always winning”. laws: one is the ability to obtain services at licensed premises “The common issue is that the State Government is more at whatever time of day suits you, versus the ability to walk interested in looking after lobby groups that have given them the streets safely,” he said. money than the interests of the average citizen,” Mr Loch said.

“There are choices to be made about where to draw the “Take the lockout laws, for example. We saw a bunch of line, and balance competing interests, and those should be property developers smashing up our old venues and putting regularly looked at.” in plans to build massive apartment blocks on them.”

Mr Loch told City Hub that he believed a lot of young people do not protest anymore because they feel it doesn’t “The NSW Government has deprived us of a dancefloor, achieve anything, but he said that “at the very least, you’re so we’re just going to have to dance in the streets instead,” he making yourself heard.” said.

“Even if we don’t see any changes in the law, at the very Stephen Blanks, the president of the NSW Council for least we’ve shown everyone who’s turned up that you can Civil Liberties, told City Hub that the lockout laws limited individual freedom. have a safe fun party in a public space and that you can use “While the lockout laws represent a restriction of civil roads for something other than cars.”

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Wasting time, wasting money: Trigen too expensive

BY LUCAS BAIRD City of Sydney councillors have questioned plans to install renewable energy trigenerators on the roof of Town Hall House.

Sydney Liberal Councillor Christine Forster has indicated that the price of the trigeneration technology far outweighs the benefits.

“It is overly expensive, it is beyond our core business; councils got out of power generation in NSW for a good reason,” Clr Forster said.

“It is a poor use of an extensive amount of ratepayers money to make a very minimal difference to our carbon emissions. I have opposed it from the very start,” she said.

Council have estimated that the entire project will cost upwards of $5 million.

Labor Councillor Linda Scott said this cost was additional to the waste spent on other trigen projects elsewhere.

“I am a supporter of the concept of trigeneration. My concern, however, is that the council has spent $6.4 million on trigeneration but not a watt of energy has been produced.”

“The Lord Mayor’s two previous trigen projects at Prince Alfred Park and at Green Square have now been cancelled,” she said.

When asked about the cancellation of these projects, a spokesperson for the council told City Hub that the city “investigated a fuel cell option for Prince Alfred Park pool two years ago. At the time it was not economically viable but the City will revisit this option in the future.”

“Years after the City started investigating precinct trigen for Green Square, the commercial case for it was undermined by changes to the regulatory environment and the Federal Government decision to scrap the future carbon price,” the spokesperson said.

A Trigenerator

However, the council still maintains that these plans are economically viable.

“The City of Sydney’s trigeneration projects are environmentally and economically sustainable,” the spokesperson said.

City of Sydney informed City Hub that the current project will be subsidised by the Federal Government, who will contribute $3.05 million to the project.

Clr Scott said that this isn’t enough, however, as she wants the council to adopt solar technology.

“I have repeatedly called on the council to move to renewable energy, specifically to look out how to better encourage the use of solar panels and solar technology in the city,” she said.

“The Lord Mayor recently defeated my motion to install solar panels on Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre and has consistently voted

against my proposals to change our planning controls that block people from putting solar panels on their houses in heritage conservation areas.,” she said.

A council spokesperson said that this issue was currently under review.

“The City is currently reviewing the Heritage Development Control Plan to look at ways to increase flexibility, including the issues of size, visual and structural impact and installation,” the spokesperson said.

University of Technology Sydney Professor Jiangou Zhu agreed with Clr Scott, claiming that trigeneration must be used in conjunction with other renewable sources.

He said that without help from wind and solar power, the amount of energy created would be negligible and would not effectively help fight carbon emissions.

Businesses clash over construction

BY LUCAS BAIRD As the light rail construction moves to the next stage on George Street, business owners have claimed they are feeling burdened.

City of Sydney Councillor and George Street cafe owner, Angela Vithoulkas, told City Hub that foot traffic had diminished on George Street in peak times.

“Many businesses including mine that survive from peak time traffic have been severely impacted,” Clr Vithoulkas said.

“There has been no real or solid measure to counteract that impact.”

Clr Vithoulkas sits on the Business Reference Group for the construction, and said that many of her complaints had been ignored.

Business owners at the other end of the light rail line aren’t happy either. In Randwick Council, Richard Walsh the owner of Walsh’s Pharmacy, told City Hub that the removal of all parking on Anzac Parade along with mass tree removal would “negatively affect the culture of the area”.

“Around 750 parking spaces will be removed from Kensington, Kingsford and Randwick. That must negatively affect trade in the area.,” Mr Walsh said.

However, the Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, Patricia Forsythe, has urged local businesses not to worry about light rail construction in their area.

Ms Forsythe told City Hub that Transport for NSW was constructing the light rail in the least disruptive way possible.

“They have looked at how it has been done in other cities, in other countries; what is being done in Sydney is the world’s best practice,” Ms Forsythe said. “There is a serious attempt to work with business, not make it difficult for business.”

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW told City Hub that the construction zones and work has been “staggered to minimise the impact of construction on those who live, work or do business along the road”.

Chairperson of The Spot Business Association, Janet Alexander, said that while improved traffic infrastructure was necessary, there needed to be more consideration of business concerns.

“A bit more tolerance on both sides would be really good, especially from Transport for NSW, who need to understand some of the concerns the small business owners have at the moment,” Ms Alexander said.

Thanks for being a part of it!

Small businesses provide crucial services, offer employment opportunity and make a significant economic contribution to our city – all while making our communities more diverse and interesting.

As the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards Program 2015 draws to a close, the City of Sydney would like to congratulate all regional and state winners and finalists, and thank all businesses who participated in 2015.

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city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

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Community rallies for theatre despite receiving eviction notice

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS The co-founder of an Annandale community arts centre has been handed an eviction notice requiring them to vacate one day before a scheduled community rally.

The eviction notice stipulated that the tenants must vacate by December 11, with the community set to rally on the issue on December 12.

For the past ten years, the Archway 1 Theatre Company and Art Studio has operated out of an enclosed archway, and has staged performances since 2012. It also provides dance and acting classes.

The eviction notice is the latest development for the community theatre’s three year battle to save the space in Annandale.

Co-founder Rachel Jordan said she still does not know from where, or why, the plan to shut down the theatre space came.

Ms Jordan said that the eviction did not make sense to her.

“I am wondering if this is racial discrimination, because there is no other explanation, and people have said it is looking discriminatory, but we can’t say for sure, because that is difficult to prove.”

“The council is all on the same page to get us out, and not interested in dealing with us,” she told City Hub. Ms Jordan said that at the start of the proceedings, she considered the attempts to shut the theatre down might just be the workings of local government bureaucracy.

But, after three years of dealing with the council, she said it has been hard to meet with anyone to discuss the arts centre’s future.

Agitation from the council to move the centre started after a 2013 Johnsons Creek Master Plan report suggested “opening up viaduct arches to increase views and access”.

Ms Jordan said with the master plan in place, she was not pleased about the prospect of moving, but had been prepared to accept the inevitable.

But then when the community rallied behind her, she said she realised that her theatre was of more importance than she had previously The Archway 1’ production of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Source: supplied. thought. the company has declined to meet further with She said she now has hundreds City cultural staff. To help it continue, local of local community supporters, many previously community spaces such as Glebe Town Hall, Peter unknown to her.

“Everybody has written a letter. We understood Forsyth Auditorium and St Helen’s Community Centre have been recommended.” when the development started, we might have to “The City has also advised the theatre company go, but when the community backed us being in of opportunities to apply for its Accommodation the archway, the reason why the train derailed Grants and Creative Spaces programs or hire was because the council has pushed the agenda other suitable Council venues.” to get us out quickly, because we have infuriated Balmain Greens MP Jamie Parker described people for wanting to stay where we are,” Ms the City of Sydney Council’s eviction notice as Jordan said. “cynical”.

Further problems for the Archway 1 art space “It is disappointing that the City of Sydney is arose when they were ordered by the council to not respecting the enormous contribution this stop selling coffee from the premises in September organisation has played or realising the benefit it this year, because they did not have council brings to the whole community,” Mr Parker said. consent to operate as a café.

“It is clear there is strong community “No development consent has been sought opposition to the imminent eviction. People want nor given for the current use of the premises for to see performing arts continue in the inner west.” theatrical purposes with an associated ticket sales “If Archway 1 must vacate the viaduct, a box office and coffee shop,” a notice issued to the suitable alternative venue needs to be found so premises said.

At a council meeting in October, City of Sydney they can continue as a genuine artistic hub.”

“While the master plan provides many excellent CEO Monica Barone said that the site was sporting and recreational facilities, it must also uncertified in accordance with standard fire codes.

City Hub has also previously reported that Ms ensure the unique cultural framework of our Barone told an Environment Committee meeting community remains,” he said. on October 19 that the threat of closure had been A City spokesperson told City Hub that the theatre does not have a lease agreement with the looming for a decade.

City. “As long ago as 2012, the operators were Ms Jordan said she is still not certain why there informed that theatre use was not authorised is a dogged determination to shut the theatre down.

She said that she could not participate in the Johnson’s Creek Master Plan because her submissions as a stakeholder were ignored.

A City of Sydney spokesperson told City Hub that the master plan responded to long-standing community calls to reopen the viaduct archways

BY CAROLINE WAGNER “All members of the community had the Proposed high rises in west Bondi have caused opportunity for input into the Master Plan controversy for exceeding the existing height consultation and into the refined concept plan, restrictions. which Council adopted in October 2015 following The residential towers, located on Oxford further public meetings,” a City spokesperson told City Hub. Street and Nelson Street, will each be 38 metres She said the council had offered the theatre high. a meeting room to use at Glebe Town Hall as a Waverley Council’s Local Environmental replacement space.

Plan (LEP) 2012 states that the buildings cannot Ms Jordan said this alternative would not be be higher than 15 metres, though a proposal to adequate. loosen the restrictions has been lodged with the “They haven’t bothered to come down here council. and see what we do, and if they did they would Waverley Labor Councillor Paula Masselos realise that what we do is not suitable for a single said the proposed towers were “way over meeting room.” height… certainly in breach of the LEP, big time.

A City of Sydney spokesperson said “the City “If the development goes ahead, the LEP will has offered the company alternative venues for have to be changed…to accommodate it,” Clr scheduled performances and will discuss waiving Masselos said. hire fees”.

“The community certainly feels that [the “After meeting to discuss the situation and buildings] are inappropriate and will create alternate venue options on October 22 this year, all sorts of issues, including traffic congestion,

and could not continue without approval.” The spokesperson said that the theatre was recently ordered to stop theatrical performances and coffee shop operations beneath the light rail viaduct, due to fire hazard and other safety risks.

City of Sydney Greens Councillor Irene Doutney said that the theatre had faced a series of unfortunate events over recent years.

She related the eviction to the recent issues between council and Darlinghurst’s Tap Gallery.

She said that council bureaucracy was not something creative people were adept at dealing with.

She noted rent had been paid consistently and that the space had been run successfully for ten years without council intervention.

“Creative people don’t give a stuff about bureaucracy. You find a space, you do what you want to do. They’re doing their thing, and they don’t think about the forms to submit to council,” she told City Hub. “I got involved with them [the theatre] in 2012, when they had problems. The whole thing has been a lot of mix-ups, a lot of crossed information and lost opportunities. I was under the impression they were going to get much longer to stay, and then suddenly they were going because of an eviction notice.”

The public rally is still scheduled for December 12 at the archway at 2.30pm.

Flying High in Bondi

From Top: Rachel Jordan, Greens Councillor Irene Doutney, Balmain MP Jamie Parker.

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city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

issues with parking and pedestrian safety. In the drawings I’ve seen it’s a very tall, fat building, which is very inappropriate for those sites.”

Community group Save West Bondi Junction raised concerns that the proposal from Stargate Property Group would be exempt from the parameters of the current design process.

City Hub understands that because the proposal is over 15 metres high, the decision whether to approve or not lies with the State Government.

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts told City Hub that the council would still have to see if there was any merit for the development, but that the State Government had decisive authority.

“If there is any merit, the State Government will arrange for a community consultation, which will happen sometime in 2016,” Clr Betts said.

The Waverley Council meeting will be held on December 15.

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The plan outlines how we notify the community when pesticides are to be used, the public places where pesticides are used, and information including dates, product names, and contact details.

It includes an updated pesticide spray schedule by suburb, and a hotspot register for residents to request pesticide use be limited or avoided in a particular area.

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The plan is online at cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pesticide–notification–plan and hard copies are available at: • Glebe Neighbourhood Service • One Stop Shop (CBD) Centre Level 2, Town Hall House, 186 Glebe Point Road 456 Kent Street, Sydney (cnr Wigram Road), Glebe Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm • Redfern Neighbourhood Service • Kings Cross Neighbourhood Centre Service Centre 158 Redfern Street, Redfern 50–52 Darlinghurst Road, Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Kings Cross Saturday: 9am to noon Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm • Green Square Neighbourhood Saturday: 9am to noon Service Centre 100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm For more information please contact Dean Adams, Contract Coordinator – Parks, on 02 9265 9333 or email dadams@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au For more information call 02 9265 9333 or email council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

9

Newtown residents win Trains change, art remains their day in court

BY LYDIA WATSON MOORE Newtown residents have breathed a sigh of relief after a controversial development application was refused in the Land and Environment Court.

The judgement, handed down on November 30, determined that the Alice Street five storey development could not be extended to six storeys as requested by the developer.

As reported by City Hub earlier in the year, residents had been fighting hard against the proposal, claiming the development was too big and damaging for the location.

Locals had engaged with Marrickville Council, who had knocked back successive DAs from developer Al Maha to extend the site.

Campaigning resident Emma Rafferty said the residents were relieved at the decision, and said they were appreciative that Marrickville Council had kept up the fight.

“We’re really appreciative that Marrickville Council did hang in there rather then try to settle to save time and money because the case has really proved that [the extra floor] would have had a negative impact,” Ms Rafferty said.

She said the residents had put forward “factual, not emotional arguments”, which meant council had been willing to listen.

“Its nice to know that where the objections are valid and when the community gets together and the arguments are put forward in a measured way, then you can be heard,” she said.

“Everyone’s just really happy that

common sense prevailed and we feel like the court has made the right decision for the community.”

The court decided that the floor space ratio proposed in the application exceeded suitable standards, meaning the development would be too dense for the location.

Traffic and parking issues also led to the refusal, as the Commissioner accepted resident evidence of the “regular traffic delays and congestion and significant competition for on-street car spaces”.

Greens Newtown MP Jenny Leong had also been campaigning against the DA, and told City Hub that the decision was a “wonderful win for the local community”.

“What it demonstrates is that developers like Al Maha need to learn and listen to the community and respect council’s planning provisions,” Ms Leong said.

She said the community’s “strong campaign against overdevelopment” had indicated that it was “not okay” for developers to exceed the floor space ratio.

Ms Leong also noted that while people may have argued the need for the extra floor due to Sydney’s housing crisis, this was not applicable here.

She said that the Marrickville Council LGA was in fact exceeding housing targets set in the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy by the State Government.

“I think a lot of people are like ‘oh the inner west is so anti-development’, but when you look at it, it’s other places that aren’t meeting their targets,” Ms Leong said.

City Hub’s efforts to contact Al Maha for a comment have consistently failed.

By ZAC CRELLIN An inner west mural by Portuguese-Australian artist Luis Geraldes has found a new home outside the underpass of Petersham Station.

Entitled Fragile World in Constant Expansion, the mural has been removed from its former site on the corner of Audery Street and New Canterbury Road in Petersham to allow for the redevelopment of the site.

Though the removal from the former site was seen

Australia had also called for the mural to be relocated to an equally prominent site, following a petition to save the mural in 2014.

The organisation noted that the mural, constructed using techniques dating back to the 15th century, was “made of 8,000 traditional hand painted tiles which took 14 months to put together and is of cultural, social and emotional significance to the Portuguese community in Marrickville”.

The mural. Photo: Newtown graffiti

as inevitable by the Marrickville Council, debate arose in the community as to the where the mural was to be moved.

The new location won the support of local MP Anthony Albanese, who previously spoke out against any relocation of the mural due to the significance of the original, highly-visible site.

“It’s great news that the mural has been kept in the Portuguese precinct at Petersham and that its new location will mean it is seen by even more people,” Mr Albanese told City Hub. “The Portuguese community leaders I have spoken to are very pleased with the outcome.”

The community organisation Portuguese in

Step into Sydney’S hiStory

“The mural is a fixture of the [Bairro Portuguese Festival] and an iconic meeting point in Petersham’s ‘Little Portugal’,” the organisation’s statement said.

In May, Sydney Trains advised council that it would not consent to the relocation, as the plan involved fixing the mural to the heritage boundary walls of the station.

But now, the new proposal positions the mural in front of the wall with a self-supporting frame.

Decided during a community consultation, the relocated mural is set to be unveiled next year at the Bairro Portuguese Festival on March 12 or on the Portuguese National Day on June 10.

FREE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

heritage open day at the auStralian technology park

SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER 2015 10am–4pm

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF TOURS AND ACTIVITIES:

BLACKSMITHS WORKSHOP AND INNOVATION PLAZA, ATP

• See live blacksmithing and performances • Participate in a public art project

(enter from Locomotive Street or Platform 10 at Redfern Station)

• Join a guided tour or take a self-guided

• See the new Eveleigh Workshops film

Australian Technology Park (ATP) wasEveleigh onceStories part tour of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops...

• Climb aboard a restored heritage train FREE TO ATTEND • Enjoy fun-filled kids’ activities www.3801limited.com.au ATP Open Day coincides with The Finders Keepers Markets Now an innovative business park is holding an Open Day. held in the Exhibition Hall www.thefinderskeepers.com Learn more and register for a tour to win the opportunity to ring the Timekeeper’s bell: www.atp.com.au www.eveleighstories.com.au 10

city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

ARTS FEATURE Lush Cosmetics Christmas Wishes Gift Pack

Lush’s Christmas Wishes Gift pack is the perfect way to help her relax and unwind once the festivities settle down. In the spirit of Christmas, this musical box is loaded with seven different all natural, organic products including bath bombs, mouldable soaps and 5 gold rings.

Price: $62.50.

Available at Lush Cosmetics stores or online: lush.com.au

“Roundie” Beach Towel

Round beach towels are all the rage right now. Available in many different patterns and styles, Roundie beach towels from The Beach People are a great gift idea for a sun-loving, beach-goer. Price: $110.

Available online: thebeachpeople.com.au

Emily Kiara at Tiara and Crown.

Photo: Chris Peken

With Christmas around the corner, Sydney-siders are faced with the inevitable struggle of Christmas shopping. To avoid the stress this holiday season, check out this guide for interesting gift ideas, along with quirky shops and stalls to visit.

For Him:

Ben’s Meat Bible

Ben O’Donoghue’s new cookbook, Ben’s Meat Bible, includes 150 meaty classics inspired by his travels and dishes from across the world. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for meat-lovers and culinary enthusiasts.

Price: $39.95.

Available at most bookshops.

Sydney 6ers Club Memberships

Club Memberships at the Sydney 6ers are the ultimate gift for cricket fans, providing a variety of benefits including premium seating, access to training sessions as well as priority access to finals tickets.

Price: $55 – $125.

Available online: membership.sydneysixers.com.au/Packages

Beard Grooming Kit by Pigeonhole

Know a beard than can’t be tamed? Birdsnest

presents this beard grooming kit from Pigeonhole which includes beard wax, beard oil, scissors and a moustache comb––perfect for keeping facial hair in top condition.

Price: $49.95.

Available at Pigeonhole Sydney stores (Central Park, Surry Hills, Bondi) or online: birdsnest.com.au/brands/ pigeonhole/50383-beard-grooming-kit

For Her:

The Aromatherapy Company Christmas Scented Candle

The Aromatheraphy Company have you covered this holiday season with their range of Christmassy scented candles, which will fill the home with the smell of Christmas spices and puddings.

Price: $14.95.

Available at Myer stores.

For the Kids:

Swimfin Swimming Aid

Swimfin swimming aids are a unique and creative tool to assist in teaching your children to swim. The shark fin floatation device is designed to boost confidence, comes in many colours and is fitted with self-adjusting straps, making swimming fun for children of all ages.

Price: $44.95.

Available online: swimfin.com.au

For everyone:

Sunnylife “Really Big” Inflatables

Ranging from giant tropical birds to ice cream cones, Sunnylife Inflatables are currently the hottest pool toys to hit the stores this summer, and provide the best comfort for lazy summer days.

Price: $59.95 – $149.95.

Available at Glue Stores or online: sunnylife.com.au

Assorted Pop Vinyls

These cute figurines are the perfect gift for any pop culture buff. Ranging from Game of Thrones to Adventure Time, there is a

pop vinyl of almost every fictional character, making these beauties the ultimate collector’s item.

Price: $15.95 – $18.95.

Available at Kings Comics, Pitt St. See their online store: kingscomics.com

Tiara and Crown

These beautiful floral headpieces and wedding hair accessories are all handmade and crafted by a family business: Perfect for the little girl in everyone, these designs add a touch of bohemian style and glamour to any occasion. Price: $5 - $50.

Available on Facebook - Tiaraandcrown

Places to shop: Oxfam Shop

The Oxfam Shop is a great spot to pick up ethical fair trade food, drinks and gifts. By shopping with Oxfam, not only are you bringing joy to a loved one, you are also helping to support a wonderful not-for-profit organisation in their fight against unfair work and trade agreements. When you spend $50 in store or online you are automatically entered in the draw to win a year’s supply of fair-trade chocolate. Various store locations throughout Sydney (including Broadway Shopping Centre), or go online: oxfamshop. org.au

Workshopped at the Village Bizarre Night Markets

If you’re looking for the quirkiest handmade products to gift this Christmas, you can’t go past Workshopped’s stall at the Village Bizarre Night Markets at the Rocks. Showcasing a brilliant selection of their finest unique home wares, jewellery and art, Workshopped is not to be missed.

Friday nights until Dec 18, 6:30pm–10pm.

Atherden Street, The Rocks.

Sydney Living Museums Christmas Fare Sydney Living Museums Christmas Fare is your one stop shop for locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal foods,

EAT & DRINK More than just a menu change, this year Chef Gallery have changed their logo, livery and launched a unique art initiative showcasing Chinese (or Chinese-inspired) art, curated by Simon Chan.

Responsible for the gleaming red chair, artist Laurens Tan explained that China is “the nation or the culture that underwent the most change in the last two decades.” His piece The Depth of Ease represents the contrast between the new, seemingly comfortable Chinese life, and the underlying tension of living where people can be “executed for breaking rules that don’t exist.” The beautifully photographed menu may also create tension between real and conceptual, with King Prawns with Wasabi Mayo and Fish Roe ($24.90) not quite living up to the artfully scattered ideal.You’ll

By Alex Harmon Hellenic street food in a sleek modern restaurant, that’s the premise of Zeus, the second joint in the Sydney empire. Like their god, the food is lightning fast, and there seems to be a staff member for every guest on this busy Sunday. While their ‘paleo lunchbox’ is popular, we go down the traditional path and go gunning for gyros, the signature Uncle Tzimmy ($10.50) with chicken and chips wrapped

Meow Girl Jewellery at Finders Keepers Markets

Meow Girl is a Sydney based jewellery and object brand, specialising in hand painted miniature ceramic and porcelain pendants.

Stop by their stall at Finders Keepers Markets for unique, bold designs and cute jewellery fit for animal lovers. The markets are open all weekend and entry is only $2.

Dec 11–13 (Fri 6pm–10pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–4pm).

Australian Technology Park Exhibition Hall, Locomotive Street, Eveleigh.

Carriageworks Twilight Christmas Markets

Taking place just two days before the holiday season begins, the Carriageworks Twilight Christmas Markets is the place to pick up the best fresh produce for your Christmas feast.

With succulent turkey, hams, cherries and cheese on offer, as well as last minute handmade gifts, attending the Twilight Markets is a must.

Dec 23, 4pm–9pm. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh (corner Codrington Street).

Blender Gallery

Know of a music fanatic? As part of a special Christmas deal, Blender Gallery (Paddington’s cultural mecca for music photography) are offering up some of their best Rock’n’Roll prints at irresistible prices, including the photographic work of Elliot Landy.

Tues–Sat. 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington. Check them out online: blendergallery.com

BY NYSSA BOOTH

By Jackie McMillan experience no such disappointment with cold entrees like the Chinese Mixed Vegetable Salad ($9.90) with shimeji mushrooms, black fungus and bamboo shoots.Tom Yum Rice with Chicken ($16.90) overwhelmed with intense lemongrass, but the requisite noodle demonstration focused our attention where it matters – on the extraordinary Handmade Noodles ($16.90) with beef brisket and mince.

Roast Deboned Duck ($29.90) with lychees was over-sweet, but cooked so beautifully, nobody cared.The subversive new Piggy & Eggy Fairyland ($24.90) dessert tray offers the opportunity to stab your bun in the mouth so it vomits custard… artistically.

Shop 12, 501 George Street Sydney (02) 9267 8877 chefsgallery.com.au Chinese $$-$$$

Chefs Gallery

Zeus Street Greek

handcrafted by some of Sydney’s finest artisans. Entry to the Fare is just a gold coin donation and includes admission to the world-heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

Dec 17, 4pm–9pm. Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Queens Square, Macquarie Street.

up in fresh pita hits the target. Eyeing off the open rotisserie of meat, we order from the ‘nude’ menu, this is pots of char-grilled meat (not healthy stuff like I originally thought), the Lamb ($18/200g) does not disappoint, especially with the Tzatziki ($6.50) and House-made Pita ($3). Freshen up with roasted Corn Cobs ($9.50) smeared with kefalotiri (a deliciously salty Greek cheese). The owners are also behind the popular Crust pizza chain, so they know how to please an audience I think, as I devour the Tarama ($6.50). I could seriously eat this fish roe dip with a spoon. Alas I sensibly save room for the Chocolate Loukoumades ($9) – Greek doughnuts with chocolate hazelnut sauce and house-made ice cream that were the envy of the bustling room.

With scooters outside ready to deliver to the neighbouring suburbs, I think, maybe we need to move house.

2/34 Morely Avenue, Rosebery (02) 8315 5610 zeusstreetgreek.com.au Greek $-$$

Indu

Tantalising glimpses of working chefs through a George Street window box; a well-dressed hostess highlighting the way into the basement off Angel Place… restaurateur Sam Prince sure knows how to generate excitement and intrigue. Switching out guacamole for Tableside Coconut Sambol ($14) and milk buns, Prince harnesses what he did for Mexican at Méjico to give South Indian a much-needed facelift.The emphasis is on top quality ingredients, like fragrant curry leaves enlivening a soupy mix of Clams

Le Pub

By DJ Hookie Descending the stairs of the CBD’s go-to French bistro Le Pub, this seemingly trendy, tardis-like, Parisian-style establishment opens up to reveal an odd mix of the after work drinks’ crowd, family diners, and girls’ night victims. Nonetheless, the tastefully decorated venue is quite comfortable, albeit a little raucous on the evening I dined. Starting

and Mussels in Kerala Coconut Broth ($28).The dish calls for bread, and while Paratha ($6) could be flakier, a gluten-free Dosa ($18) from the same central dosa kitchen hits the spot, especially stuffed with smoked duck leg, zucchini raita and bacon jam. Summery Watermelon Salad ($16) stays thematic with the clever addition of hung yoghurt, but Chef Binal Kumar’s real triumph is the Bone Marrow and Lamb Kashmiri Curry ($36).The decadent, creamy fat offers respite against the curry’s spicy acidity; with visual appeal generated by accompanying yellow Lemon Rice ($9) and pink Beetroot Apple Raita ($6).Well-chosen wines are edged out by gin – from subtle garam-marsala enhancement in The Village Negroni ($18) to premium G+Ts balanced by carefully measured Capi tonic.Try Gin Mare, Mango and Peppercorn ($16) with saffron anglais accented Gulub Jamun ($16).

Basement Level, 350 George Street, Sydney (02) 9223 0158 indudining.com.au Modern Indian $$$$

with a traditional entree of Escargots de Bourgogne ($24 for SIX!) left me wanting for more garlic butter, and at that price, quite a few more snails.

For the same price, the Cocktail de Crabe ($24), was small, yet satisfactory, but reminded me of the 80s more than I’d have liked. Over a valid yet awkward conversation regarding the soundtrack (which ranged from Guns N’ Roses up to anything including David Guetta), we were presented with our mains of Pie Au Boeuf Bourguignon ($25) and Filets de Saint Pierre ($29). While the flaky topped beef pie didn’t adequately represent the ‘Bourguignon’ to which I’m accustomed, the John Dory fillet was cooked perfectly, with enough flavour to satisfy any pescatarian or fish enthusiast. Finally, the taste of the Creme Caramel ($16) was on point, and certainly sent out the message that Le Pub appears to be punching above the brulee.

66 King Street, Sydney (02) 9262 3277 lepub.com.au Pub Bistro, French $$$ city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

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EAT & DRINK FOOD NEWS

By Jackie McMillan

By Jackie McMillan

Korean Banquet Alongside the Consul-General of Korea,Whie Jin Lee, and a host of chefs and food media personalities from Danny Russo to Lyndey Milan, I attended the Korean Cultural Centre for a fabulous multi-course Korean Banquet Showcase.

We were treated to an array of dishes, including seasonal hwe (Korean-style sashimi) of abalone, salmon, kingfish and cuttlefish, and Korean pancakes (jun) with flavourings like zucchini, mung beans and oysters. However it was clear from the outset, starting with bright red kimchi mandu (dumplings), that the hero of the meal was kimchi.

Wearing a beautiful hanbok (traditional Korean dress), Professor Jia Choi from Ehwa University (Korea) took us through the place kimchi has in Korean culture, beginning by explaining that eighty percent of Korean households have a kimchi fridge; and ending with kimjang, the collective, community-building aspect of making kimchi together. It is said in Korea that the most humble meal consists of rice and kimchi, but the most extravagant

By Ryan Kennedy It is ‘Thirsty Thursday’ at the Dove & Olive, and in addition to $5 craft beer schooners, everyone seems to be tucking into the $9.90 burger special.

This would normally seem par for the course, but since it is 38 degrees outside I can’t quite face a burger and just need something cold. Lo, the cure to what ails me is a refreshingly bitter and citrus-smelling schooner of Willie the Boatman Corn Ale ($10). The food is prudently designed to encourage quaffing. Vegetarian Pizza ($17) comes heavy on jalapenos and balsamic vinegar, and oddly light on cheese; while a delightfully crisp Grilled Kingfish ($26) with roast and fresh vegetables is

One Ford Street

Newtown Sushi Train The words ‘sushi train’ don’t always fill me with the greatest of confidence. Too often I’ve been burned with boring, lack-lustre offerings. The first clue that this Newtown stalwart (opened in 2004) is different, is a glass cabinet featuring beautiful batons of sashimigrade fish. The second is a small, hand-drawn menu of Chef’s Recommendations. Chef Satoshi Yoshioka’s 12

city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

Woolpack Hotel 229 Chalmers Street, Redfern (02) 9698 2077 woolpack.com.au My approach to cooking steak usually involves buying whatever’s on special, overcooking it until it resembles old carpet, and then failing to rescue the taste by drowning it in tomato sauce. Since discovering this cool Redfern gastropub, my approach has changed... now I leave it to the professionals at The Woolpack to fulfil my meat cravings with a grilled slab of what I’m convinced is Sydney’s best steak. Seriously.

Imagine steak so tender you can tear it apart with a spoon. Meat with a gamey depth of flavour that’s so full of taste it doesn’t require any additional sauces. 600 day old

Dove & Olive

gelato in Italy in 1984, however here he’s most famous for running Gelateria Caffe 2000 in Rozelle.

“When I closed, they cried,” said Tonino. “I’m very proud, very happy, because the community accepted us – me, my wife and my daughter – straight away.

When we came from Italy we didn’t know anyone, and I tell people Balmain is my second family.”

Thankfully his cousins Nicola and Valerio convinced him to re-open at the rear of Da Vinci’s in Summer Hill. What you’ll find are simple, well-executed flavours – chocolate, fior di latte, lemon, passionfruit, hazelnut – available by Cup ($5) or Cone ($5). There are also a few special flavours, like my favourite: Orange Yoghurt ($5), or Lemon Zest with Fig Marmalade and Dark Chocolate ($5), which won a judges’ special mention at the 2015 Gelato World Tour. Tonino’s top tip for gelato exploration: first try fior di latte to taste the naked milk, then lemon to investigate acidity balance.

Rear, 25 Lackey Street, Summer Hill (0409) 265 000 wfacebook.com/GelatonyAU Dessert, Café $

headline act, Toro ($5.50/1 piece), is some of the best bluefin tuna belly I’ve tried, especially for the price.

Sinking your teeth into the white-banded, soft pink flesh is like biting into a stick of butter – pure sex. It’s such a revelation, my usual briny favourite, sea urchin - served here as Uni Ships ($5.50/2 pieces) – pales in comparison. Taking the daily hand-written list as my guide, I move onto sweet, creamy Scampi ($4.50/1 piece) served nigiri style on elongated fingers of sushi rice.You won’t always find delicate Imperador ($4.50/2 pieces) on the menu, but when you do, it’s one of my favourite white-fleshed fishes. The intimate seventeen counter seat setting allows you to order from the chefs as required, then watch them blowtorch your Aburi Salmon ($4.50/2 pieces) or spicier Salmon Volcano ($5.50/2 pieces). Firm-fleshed herb fed kingfish is another house-specialty, and well worth investigating in your Mixed Sashimi ($12.50/8 pieces).

Maybe I’ve misjudged Sydney’s sushi trains…

316 King Street, Newtown (02) 9557 4435 sushitrain.com.au Japanese $

By Amie Barbeler

Hereford Red Beef raised in Orange that’s only $12 on a Monday... Do I have your attention? Jonesing for some iron, my date and I shared the delicious Chargrilled Scotch Fillet ($24) before spending the afternoon drinking Sangria ($12/jug) by the jug in the sun. Steak, sangria and sunshine: I’m sold.

exactly the sort of dish this summer calls for, albeit a tad salty. More traditional pub grub, a Chipotle Pulled Pork Po’boy ($16) is also the Tuesday $9.90 special and plenty toothsome, if again encouraging of consumption through being heavy with salt and pickles. But craft beer is what the Dove & Olive is about, with ample offerings on tap including the Feral Hop Hog ($10), a heady American IPA that is intensely flavoured but not at all overwhelming. And if I’m compelled to another draught I muse, it isn’t the worst thing that could happen…

156 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills (02) 9699 6001 doveandolive.com.au Pub Bistro $$

Public Exhibition Outdoor dining and display of retail goods on the footpath Give us your feedback on new draft policies to manage the use of public footpaths for outdoor dining and displaying retail goods.

The draft Outdoor Dining Policy and Guidelines and Outdoor Dining Action Plan set out where outdoor dining can take place. They take into consideration accessibility, safety, topography, the width of the footpath, and how many pedestrians are using the area.

The draft Local Approvals Policy for the Display of Goods allows retailers to place displays on the footpath in specific circumstances.

The draft policies have been open for comment since 3 November 2015, with submissions closing on Friday 18 December 2015.

After exhibition the City will consider all submissions received and the results will be reported to Council.

The draft documents are available for inspection at sydneyyoursay.com.au in accessible electronic and audio formats.

Printed copies are available for inspection at: • Glebe Neighbourhood Service Centre • One Stop Shop (CBD) 186 Glebe Point Road Level 2, Town Hall House, (cnr Wigram Road), Glebe 456 Kent Street, Sydney Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm • Kings Cross Neighbourhood Service • Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre Centre 50–52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross 158 Redfern Street, Redfern Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm; Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm; Saturday: 9am to noon Saturday: 9am to noon • Green Square Neighbourhood Service Centre 100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm A braille copy of the documents is available at Town Hall House and Customs House and on request.

Please provide your comments in writing before 5pm on Friday 18 December 2015.

Submissions should quote reference: ‘S060627-02 Outdoor Dining’ and be posted to: Chief Executive Officer, Attention: David Fitzpatrick, Specialist Planner, City of Sydney, GPO Box 1591, Sydney NSW 2001 or emailed to dfitzpatrick@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au For more information call 02 9265 9333 or email council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Sydney2030/Green/Global/Connected

When I arrived at Gelatony, Antonino Lo Iacono was making gelato. This might not sound surprising, but with so many places buying in product or importing the base, it’s important. When we sit down over a Flat White ($3.50) he brings me the smoothest gelato I’ve ever tasted. “You make gelato today for tomorrow,” says Tonino, explaining the pistachio flavour will develop overnight. Tonino started making

banquet isn’t complete without it.While banquet Chef Heather Jeong did point out:“People say you don’t get good at making kimchi until middle age,” we even got to try our hands at making some kimchi ourselves! It’s currently fermenting in my everyday fridge! If you’re interested in making your own fermented cabbage, you too can visit the Korean Cultural Centre and take a cooking class ($50-70) with Heather.The classes come highly recommended by Lyndey Milan. www.koreanculture.org.au

bar fly

Lovers of theatre and intergalactic space cats,

Be Transformed

Newtown’s newest theatre, the Old 505.

2016 Season tickets and subscriptions ON SALE 15 December at old505theatre.com Lvl 1, 5 Eliza St Newtown

www.old505theatre.com city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SPOILER ALERT: Luke, he’s your Dad Mother Goose in the Woods Christmas is just around the corner and so are school holidays, meaning organising activities for the kids. King Street Theatre in Newtown will be hosting a number of school holiday shows, including Mother Goose in the Woods. In this live show Mother Goose will tell a number of fairytales to the audience.You’ll see modernised versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk and a special visit from Santa.

The twist to this performance is that it’s a pantomime where kids can yell and talk to the cast as they’re performing, they even get to decide the ending.

Actor Simon Ward is playing all four villains in the pantomime––The Big Bad Wolf, Tony Abattoir, The Old Wicked Witch and The Giant (plus Santa). Ward said this play is accessible for all ages and there’s a lot of jokes for adults too.

Ward also expressed his love for pantomime in Australia, because it’s a rare occurrence nowadays and when it happens everyone gets into it.

“Doing the panto in Australia is fantastic because it is a brilliant thing when people see it, they think it’s amazing. Producers have been reluctant [to use pantomime],” he said.

He also gave credit to the writer and director of the play Maria de Marco, who has been open to suggestions and experimenting from the cast: “Immediately the cast is on side and it’s fun. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s great to be able to chuck them in and say ‘lets not do that again and try this’.

It’s been a really rewarding experience.” (AMal) Dec14–23. Monday to Friday, 10.30am & 1pm.

King Street Theatre, Level 1, 644 King Street, cnr Bray Street, Newtown. $15-$25.

Tickets and info: kingstreettheatre.com.au

They’ve Already Won

They’ve Already Won, ‘A rigorous appraisal of our culture by two idiots at risk of overdosing on hyperbole’, is an experimental comedy, a performance piece that explores how humanity may have sealed its own fate and asks the question,‘do you believe that we as humans have done a series of selfish and destructive acts upon each other and upon the environment that are irreversible?’

“We talk quite extremely online about mundane things in our life and tend to avoid talking about the things that really matter. You can really care about the sea levels rising but you can also spend half an hour talking about an amazing muffin on the internet,” elaborated actor and playwright Harriet Gillies.

“They’ve Already Won shows how a generation that’s

grown up around social media charts language, and looks at the failure of language in contemporary society due to the rise of hyperbolic language in social media.”

“One of the big challenges of the piece is that we didn’t want to send a negative message. It’s about celebrating and embracing the darker things that are happening in the world and we try to sit in that contradiction. Pierce Wilcox [writer, director and performer] and I find it really dark and engrossing sitting in that paradox.

There’s a clashing of different styles and different ideas, a clashing that’s quite dirty, hot and messy.”

“I first had the idea for this show when I was travelling through Cambodia, talking with a local about businesses and how in Cambodia a lot of big business is owned by the Chinese and Thai, their neighbours.

We were talking about how to fix that and he said:‘It’s too late, they’ve already won’.The whole piece is about exploring these things that have happened in the world that are now so big, that have snowballed in size that it feels like now there’s no way back”, explained Gillies. (MS) Until Dec 20, various show times. Downstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $25-$30.Tickets & info: belvoir. com.au/events/theyve-already-won/

a&e

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city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

14 STAGE 16 SCENE 17 SCREEN 18 Sounds

Hosted by triple j’s Kyran Wheatley, Spoiler Alert is a “live film quiz panel show podcast extravaganza” held once a month at the Giant Dwarf Theatre with four film-crazed guests competing against each other.

After a successful (and hilarious) first episode, the next show will be focussing on the Star Wars saga, being held only a couple of days before the release of the much-anticipated Star Wars:The Force Awakens.

Join a panel of crazed guests including actor/ writer/director Brendan Cowell, comedian and selfproclaimed movie nerd Justin Hamilton, comedian and actress Laura Hughes and Angus Truskett (or, you know, the work experience kid on Star Wars Episode II), as they compete against each other in teams through pun-based games such as ‘Charades of the Lost Arc’ and ‘The Talented Mr. Scribbly’, crazed discussions about which Star Wars film is the best, along with numerous jokes and trivia from some of the great films of our time, and some

simply terrible ones. As well, there’s Gen Fricker playing a fun game of “if movies were songs” and some other movie madness throughout the night.

If you’re a Star Wars fan or into films at all, or perhaps you’re one of those IMDb people that happen to know a tonne of useless trivia and facts about movies, then this is a must-see event.

(ASha) Dec 15, 8pm. Giant Dwarf, 199 Cleveland St, Redfern, 2016.$17.

TIckets & info: giantdwarf.com.au/events/ spoileralert/ or facebook.com/ SpoilerAlertwithKyranWheatley

Jetpack Spontaneous Theatre Festival

Theatre groups bringing their improv talents to Jetpack Spontaneous include Impro Australia “who are one of the longest standing people when it comes to improvisation”; Lady Fingers, an all-female improv troupe fresh from an awardwinning visit to Wellington; the Sydney Uni Drama Society who will be performing a show based on the game Werewolves; and Bard to the Bone, a group performing Shakespeare inspired shows on the spot.

Left to right: Bryce Jetpack Theatre Collective have Halliday and Jim Fishwick. performed 12 shows in their first year of Photography by Michael running.“We do works that are improvised, Francis, Francis Fotography immersive or interactive,” explained Jim. “Our last show was on a boat, but we’ve also built mazes and chased people through them [for shows],” he added.

Spontaneous new life is overtaking a historic Their On The Spot Musical show Newtown venue, with the Jetpack Theatre Collective returns for Jetpack Spontaneous after an awardbringing the Jetpack Spontaneous Theatre Festival to winning debut at the Hayes Theatre last year, based The Old 505 Theatre’s new location. off a word from the audience and a key board.

Jim Fishwick is one of the pivotal members of Jetpack Along with musical theatre buff Bryce Halliday, Jim Theatre, who have brought together this five-night will be directing the nightly show featuring a steady celebration.“We’re in the middle of a very exciting time cast of four joined by two lauded guest stars from for improvised theatre in Sydney…we’re really starting the musical theatre world each night. “Directing to get some momentum…and we thought it would be improvised theatre is a bit of a strange beast,” great to get the whole community together and confessed Fishwick. celebrate by doing a week-long festival,” said Jim. One would think after performing on some out-ofEach night of the festival will showcase a new the-ordinary stages, a stage show would be rather instalment of the acclaimed On The Spot Musical series, straight forward.“All theatre is a challenge,” said Jim. in addition to a late night line-up featuring a different “But once you’ve had the challenge of competing with improvised show by some of Sydney’s best improvised power boats next door…it makes you appreciate how theatre groups. simple [standing on a stage] can be.” (AM) Dec 15–19 (6:30pm doors, 7:30pm start). Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza Street, Newtown. $22-$33.

Tickets & info: bit.ly/old505tix or find the Facebook event.

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah Maher For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Alicia Sim, Nyssa Booth, Lauren Edwards, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olga Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Jemma Clarke, Jacqui Rothwell, Anvi Sharma, Emily Shen, Silvia Cheung, Andrew Hodgson.

Dropped

Head to the Old Fitz Theatre to witness two women live through the struggles war brings, the isolation and the waiting game, in the one hour performance of Dropped.

Actress Deborah Galanos who plays one of these women, summarises Dropped as “two women in a difficult situation that they don’t seem to have too much control over, and what happens when you are in that state of limbo waiting and not knowing the outcome of something”.

“They are soldiers in the war, we used the detail of the script for the audience to find out they’re in Iraq,” she said. “They’ve been in combat and killed people, well at least my characters has. When you’re alone you contemplate your life and actions, you start A RIFF ON KEEF:THE HUMAN MYTH Playwright Benito Di Fonzo and director Lucinda Gleeson’s latest instalment stars Helpmann Awardwinning Terry Serio playing the legendary rock-n-roll icon, Keith ‘Keef’ Richards.An unforgettable evening full of “masterminding bands, coups and crimes” as the audience takes an uncharted and unofficial journey through Keef’s philosophy on life and his search for the secret chord in a hilariously absurd way.

(ASha) Until Dec 12, Mon–Sat. SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross. $20-$38.Tickets & info: griffintheatre. com.au or 02 9361 3817.

questioning why you end up where you are.”

Galanos said this is like nothing she has ever performed in before, most of her previous roles have been nurturing, sweet characters, usually mothers.

“It’s nothing like I’ve ever done before, the only time I did this was in drama school. It’s very Beckett. A bit of absurdity and ‘who are we?’ And ‘what do we do?’”

Another great thing about this production is that it’s full of women not only with the cast but the stage manager, lighting managers, and writer––a great ode to women. (AMal) Dec 8–20. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. $25-$35.Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com/dropped

THROUGH A BEADED LASH A friendship that has lasted since 1984, Adam and Zoe bond because they are survivors of the AIDS crisis and were part of the Oxford Street gay community back in the 80’s. Their social network, their friends and lovers have died. It’s about the impact that’s had on people. They were part of an amateur drag act for fundraising, and they relive that. “The older people from the gay community should come and enjoy a trip down memory lane, the nostalgia, the 80’s scenes are so much fun, the hope at the end is uplifting and life affirming,” explained playwright Robert Allan. (MS)

• • • • • • • • •

’Stralia – Zealand Experience Absurdist is the right word to define American comedy duo Tim and Eric. In fact, one could even go to the lengths of calling their brand of humor anything but sensible. It’s alright though, in a world of non-complicated, shooting straight, comic geniuses such as Danny Bhoy and Peter Russell, it’s good have a variety.

A bit unconventional, a notch different, and insanely weird, that’s Tim and Eric.This talented comedy duo is returning to Australia this December for a second round with their live show Tim and Eric ’Stralia – Zealand Experience.

Also promoting their first book, Zone Theory: 7 Easy Steps To Achieve A Perfect Life, the duo with their unique brand of humour, are here to take the piss out of kangaroos, meat pies and bogans!

Until Dec 12 (8pm Wed-Sat, 5pm Sun).The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville.$20-$29.

Tickets & info: thedepottheatre. com/through-a-beaded-lash or 0428 032 838

premiere at Festpiele Ludwigshafen in Germany last month. (ES) Until Dec 13. Carriageworks, Bay 20, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh. $35.Tickets & info: sydneydancecompany.com or 9250 1999 or carriageworks.com.au

NEW BREED A four-part program built by two Australian choreographers handpicked from the independent sector, and two selected from the Sydney Dance Company’s own ranks.

The choreographers selected their cast from the sixteen members of the Sydney Dance Company’s professional ensemble. New Breed comes to Sydney following its international

STC’s THE WHARF REVUE Celebrating 15 years and 21 shows of irreverent political satire, the Sydney Theatre Company is putting on a special birthday edition of The Wharf Revue. Offering a mix of new sketches alongside the most beloved highlights of previous productions, this year’s show features all three original creators: Jonathan Biggins, Phillip Scott

VISIT THE INNER CITY’S NEWEST MEDICAL CENTRE • • • •

Tim and Eric

100% BULK BILLED WALK INS ACCEPTED MINIMAL WAITING TIMES ONE MINUTE WALK FROM REDFERN TRAIN STATION CENTRALLY LOCATED AMPLE STREET PARKING FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS FEMALE AND MALE GENERAL PRACTITIONERS PSYCHOLOGOGITSTS CHIROPTRACTOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST DENTIST CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

Having started their career as University mates back in 1994, they have since gone on to please lovers of the farce with their peculiar satirical humour.Their journey has led them to venture into writing, stand up, animated series, television sketches, commercials, movies and much more.

Brought about by Live Nation, the Tim and Eric ’Stralia – Zealand Experience is here for you to escape to an alternate reality. Incredibly popular on YouTube, check them out for your dose of madness. (JR) Dec 11. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown. $91.65.Tickets & info: livenation.com.au or timanderic.com

and Drew Forsythe, with Amanda Bishop. The show displays an immense demonstration of satiric versatility and has outlasted the last few Prime Ministers. (ES) Until Dec 19. Wharf 1, Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4/5 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. $48-$65.

Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or (02) 9250 1777

and unfolds over centuries and nations to eventually end up as a seemingly 37-year-old woman in the present day.

With debauchery, bad poetry, time travel, a new body and a devastating first love all along the way. Orlando’s tale is illustrated by a chorus-like gang of male storytellers. Luxe costumes indicate historical periods on a minimalistic, moving set with a central rotating staircase. Riveting gender play abounds. (AM) Until Dec 19. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay. From $58.

Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or 02 9250 1777.

ORLANDO STC presents Sarah Ruhl’s theatrical take on Virginia Woolf’s 1928 novel. Orlando’s journey of self-discovery begins as a 16-yr-old nobleman in the court of Elizabeth I,

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THE NAKED CITY

ATTACK THE EVEN GRUMPIER GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE!

With Coffin Ed, Kay Katz and Miss Death Already Sydney hotels and those with harbourside apartments on Airbnb are offering rooms with views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks for prices starting around $1,400. It’s just one of the many manifestations of greed, opportunism and manipulation of the public that besets Sydney every NYE. Yeah, we are sick of it––especially the hype that’s rolled out every year telling us that Sydney’s fireworks are the best in the world and the envy of cities all over the globe––ike Aleppo, Kabul and Baghdad.Yet when you start to look behind the feverish promo pushing Sydney NYE, the ugly truth of the event starts to unveil.

Firstly, if you wanted a greater example of the division between rich and poor in this city, NYE is the classic example.The mega-

wealthy and the privileged get the best views of the fireworks from their luxury boats, penthouse apartments and Opera House parties whilst the hoi polloi suffer the indignity of queuing for hours beforehand to scramble for a poky spot on the harbour foreshore.

Secondly, you have to ask why such a large amount of money goes up in smoke every year, supposedly in the name of making everybody feel good (apart from the Council workers who have to clean up the puke soaked mess the next day).A half-hour of pyrotechnic euphoria is a cunning way of making people forget everything that is wrong about Sydney, fuelled on by alcohol and a communal hysteria, it leaves everybody with a visual imprint of the great international metropolis of Sydney: the Bridge, the Opera House and the Harbour.

Brainwashing?

Finders Keepers Spring Summer Markets – Flowers In Bloom

To celebrate the full emergence of the warm weather season, the Finders Keepers Spring Summer Markets return to Sydney soil this month.

The festival is all about the celebration of design through art and design stalls, food and live entertainment.

Finders Keepers came from humble beginnings: a market of 20 or so stalls based in a Surry Hills restaurant. Co-founder of the Finders Keepers markets Sarah Thornton said they made the leap the very next year at Carriageworks with 100 stalls, due to such a huge following and support from the local community.

“It took really quickly because people loved it, and it was the right time for us since there wasn’t that many design markets around,” Thornton said.“It wasn’t about slapping a whole heap of tables together and selling bric-a-brac, it was about selling high quality pieces.”

Expect great designers, everything from children’s PARLIAMENT ZINE PROJECT It really only makes sense that Parliament on King would eventually come to showcase zines, this remarkable lounge room-come-café at the ‘less stylish end of King Street’ is very much the zine of bar/cafés––a creative, thinking community packed into a few square meters is now showcasing a library of indie publications. Browse and purchase from a small but diverse library of self-published mini magazines, 16

city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

toys to beauty products.There will also be a special food area with local produce and makers. For those who want to learn the tricks of the trade there’ll be art and craft workshops, live music and entertainment plus a bar and coffee stalls.

Thornton and her business partner Brooke Johnston both come from a background in design, Thornton with fashion design and accessories and Johnston with jewellery design.This background knowledge was a catalyst for their success.

“I think both of our skills combined, and we have passion for design and homewares, it really helped.

Everyone in the team has had stalls themselves, we know what’s it like on both sides,” she said.

For more details on the food, design and music line up head to their website. (AMal) Dec 11–13. Australian Technology Park Exhibition Hall, Locomotive Street, Eveleigh. $2 entry free, kids under 12 free.

Info: thefinderskeepers.com/sydney-markets

comics and anthologies presented by the Association for Dangerous Literature. A sure standout is the first printed edition of Super Lonely Mutant Girl, a vibrant, hilarious comic book about a butt-kicking mutant babe on an epic quest to heal her broken heart. (AM) Visit PZP at Parliament on King, 632 King Street, Newtown. Info: charlinetetiyevsky.wix.com/ thepzp (or find Parliament Zine Project on Facebook).

PLATFORM URBAN ART PRIZE Are you a young artist waiting for your big break?

Platform is a new urban art project where emerging and established artists have the opportunity to get their work out into the public sphere at Hurstville Central Shopping Centre. This year’s theme is artwork is city life in all its glory or grime. Centre owner Donovan Moodie is looking forward to seeing a range of

There are of course an increasing number of folk (call us party poopers if you like), that would love to see Sydney’s massive expenditure on NYE directed in far more needy areas.Take the crackers out of the equation and Sydneysiders could be encouraged to celebrate with neighbourhood street parties and family gatherings, a good old bonfire in the local park and even a free sausage sizzle. Old school you might decry, but at least thousands would not be crammed like cattle into the city’s hopelessly inadequate trains and buses, especially in the early hours of 2016.

Small kiddies, disappointed at the absence of a big fireworks bonanza, could be shown a recording of last year’s event and hey, they would never know the difference. Let’s face it––the pyros look the same every bloody year, despite us

being told that “this year will be something very special”. Thousands of police, paramedics, hospitality and council workers would get to celebrate NYE with their friends and family and the only real losers would be those shameless opportunists who see NYE as an orgy of overcharging.

So if you are seriously thinking of paying somebody on Airbnb $1,500 for the hire of their harbourside apartment for the night, think about this: once the smoke has cleared just after midnight and the last bottle of bubbly all but consumed, reality is bound to hit in. For that kind of money you could have had a holiday in Tasmania or a week on the Gold Coast.And then of course there’s that horrible pile of vomit all over the very expensive sofa, where one of your buddies has just thrown up.Whoops, there goes the security bond!

PhilJames – Smilex:3D

& Tara Marynowsky – Brain Rain Two significantly talented artists, PhilJames and Tara Marynowsky, are now showcasing their work at Chalk Horse Gallery throughout the month.

PhilJames’s Smilex:3D and Marynowsky’s Brain Rain collections contain notions that are distinct in style, but on closer inspection act as a perfect foil for one another.

Marynowsky uses the medium of watercolour to explore a softer and intimate style to the power of femininity. Much like a writer who writes about what they know, Marynowsky likes to work in an area that she knows inside out, herself.

“I can only really comment on what I know, being a female. That’s the basis, that’s where the focus comes from––working with a subject that I am connected to. I’m really interested in exploring different aspects of femininity, through either the [mixed media] postcard works or what I also work in, which is watercolour,” explained Marynowsky.

PhilJames’s exertions tend to highlight our image saturated society, but he insists that it’s not something he intentionally attempts to do, rather the way his work turns out as he has full faith in his ability.

“I don’t really think that hard about it, I guess I’m just part of it. So that’s just become urban art styles: “we want emerging and established urban artists in southern Sydney to have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the thousands of daily visitors to Hurstville Central Shopping Centre.”

(AMal) Applications close Dec 16.

Hurstville Central Shopping Centre, Cross Street, Hurstville.

Info: platformurbanart.org.au

my language I guess. I’m not setting out to make any overt political or social statements, it just happens to be how my work turns out,” said PhilJames.

It’s evident that the two possess divergent panaches, but there is one common denominator––they’ve both fashioned exceptional pieces. Come and see for yourself!

(AH) Until Dec 19. Chalk Horse Gallery, Lower Ground, 171 William Street, Darlinghurst. Info: chalkhorse.com.au

DISOBEDIENT OBJECTS Purely worth a visit to the Powerhouse Museum for its inspired collection of diverse objects from 30 years of political activism across the world, with items borrowed from non-commercial activists and activist groups. Disobedient Objects is currently on loan from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. It displays ‘how to protest intelligently’ with artifacts from international movements as diverse as improvised gas masks from the Gezi Park

protests in Istanbul, costumes from the Guerilla Girls feminist art movement, and the hauntingly stunning Tiki Love Truck featuring an executed man’s death mask amongst an encrusting of vibrant decorations.

(AM) Until Feb 14.

Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo.

Included in museum entry ($8-$15).

Info: maas.museum/event/ disobedient-objects/

Season 1

Crossbones is the addictive new television series from NBC. Filled with adventure and excitement, Crossbones offers a new tale of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard.

Set in 1729, Blackbeard, or Edward Teach as he is better known, reigns over a rogue nation of thieves and outlaws on the secret Island of Santa Compana. After attacking a British vessel in search of the valuable Chronometer, Blackbeard comes into contact with a British Spy by the name of Tom Lowe, who is on a mission to protect this British technology, and assassinate Blackbeard.

Hollywood legend, John Malkovich’s performance as Blackbeard is brilliant,

A thriller about journalistic ethics and practices may not be the flavour for everybody, but the performances by Cate Blanchett (Mary Mapes), Robert Redford (Dan Rather), Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace make this a film that you should see.

Telling the story of a 60 Minutes piece which aired in the Unites States in 2004, about George W. Bush potentially avoiding serving in Vietnam, and would eventually lead to the retirement of well known anchor Dan Rather. Truth explores the concepts of investigative journalism versus entertainment in our news sources, and how those in power react to anybody who seeks to LOVE THE COOPERS Setting the tone nicely for this holiday season, a laugh out loud hysteric comedy of a dysfunctional but loveable family called the Coopers.When four generations of the Cooper family come face to face with their inner selves, the artificial facades of who they are are shattered.

Even though it doesn’t offer anything out of the ordinary, the movie is nonetheless a fun ride. Boasting the acting talents of John Goodman, Diane Keaton,Amanda Seyfried, and Olivia Wilde among other big names, there is no way that you’ll sit through this comic caper and not Love the Coopers. (JR) WWW1/ 2 CREED Following much of the tried and true formula that we have seen from the Rocky film franchise over the course of the past three decades, Creed is a worthy addition to the stable and as a spin-off film is strong enough to stand on its own two feet. Michael B. Jordan’s performance as Adonis Johnson Creed is powerful and compelling, with a

as he brings a real sophistication to the show and to his malicious character.

Surrounded by an all-star cast, including Swedish-born Australian actor, David Hoflin, Malkovich’s portrayal of Blackbeard is not the only attraction.

As an action-packed, drama-filled pirate epic, Crossbones has a little something for everyone. Crammed full of extraordinary fight scenes, devious love triangles and haunting ghost stories, Crossbones explores a world where no one can ever be sure just who is the hero and who is the villain.

Crossbones is a must-watch television series and would be the perfect gift for pirate fans this Christmas. (NB) WWWW

challenge the status quo.

Blanchett’s portrayal of the story’s producer Mary Mapes is one which conveys strength, stress and sympathy in a highly combative television news climate. While Redford comes across as a solid foundation and fatherly figure that Mapes can lean on for reassurance and guidance.

The biggest takeaway from Truth is that in our current climate of television news is moving much more towards entertainment rather than being truly informative.

Perhaps the reason is because the risks can be far too high for those that want to conduct true investigative journalism. (JA) WWW1/2

simmering rage and intensity. Rocky fans will be pleased to see a number of homages to the originals. (JA) WWWW IN THE HEART OF THE SEA A film based on Nathaniel Philbrick’s 2000 non-fiction book of the same name, about the sinking of the whaling ship the Essex in 1820 by a mammoth whale, which inspired Herman Melville’s renowned tale of Moby Dick. It follows the Essex and its crew; Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), George Pollard (Benjamin Walker), Matthew Joy (Cillian Murphy) and a younger Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland).With incredible set detail, a hauntingly beautiful score, amazing special effects/ CGI, artistically stunning colour-grading and the perfect pace, the film manages to check off all the criteria of a great film. (ASha) WWWW THE PROGRAM Sport has an uncanny way of producing both heroes

and villains. It’s not often however that the same person can fulfil both roles–– until Lance Armstrong.The time period between 1999 and 2013 is the primary focus of Stephen Frears The Program, which is inspired by journalist David Walsh’s book Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit Of Lance Armstrong.The film follows a documentary style format. Ben Foster’s portrayal of Armstrong is uncanny and cannot receive enough praise.The biggest problem with the film is that it covers such a long time period it can sometimes feel rushed and as though it is only skimming the surface. (JA) WWW1/ 2 SECRET IN THEIR EYES This sinister crime thriller is a performancedriven film boasting a stellar cast. FBI detectives Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Jess (Julia Roberts) and District Attorney Supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman) are shattered when Jess’s daughter has been savagely murdered. Ray, who is obsessed with the case, returns 13 years later

with a lead which may lead to a conviction. Emotionally charged performances from Ejiwetel and Roberts are engaging and maintain audience interest in a story which is tediously slow to build. In the role of Marzin, Joe Cole is the most disturbing and memorable villain since Anthony Hopkins in Silence Of The Lambs.

(MMo) WWW1/ 2 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 The epic conclusion to the trilogy. Fast-paced and action-packed, Mockingjay Part 2 is an enjoyable film that will captivate and entertain the audience. Jennifer Lawrence is a luminous presence who brings a real sense of raw emotion and unpredictability, highlighting the erratic behaviour of her character. Mockingjay Part 2 remained faithful to its literary counterpart, which for many fans will be a huge positive.Adequately concludes the series. (NB) WWW1/ 2

99 HOMES Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) is a single dad and a labourer, out of work as a result of houses in his town being foreclosed left and right.The family home he shares with his son Connor (Noah Lomax) and mother Lynn (Laura Dern) is soon also repossessed by real estate shark Rick Carver (Michael Shannon). In an unlikely turn of events, Dennis begins working with Rick and becomes his protégé.The money starts stacking up, but so too do the risks and dilemmas.

Writer and director Ramin Bahrani has created a taut and unsettling film about moral decline. (ASim) WWW1/ 2 THE CROW’S EGG Set in the filthy slums of Chennai India, this film surrounds two mischievous and resourceful brothers who follow their dream of tasting pizza for the first time. Deemed as too expensive to purchase, the young inventive brothers put their plan to purchase this dream food into action. A cast of

predominantly newcomers bring this enchanting fable to life. Cultural diversity, oppression and strong class divisions are examined; the mood change in the second half of the film will stun audiences, as themes of class division emerge. Spoken in Tamil with English sub-titles. (MMo) WWW1/ 2 FREEHELD A very society-relevant drama centred around Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a New Jersey police detective that learns of her diagnosis with lung cancer, and struggles to have her domestic partner, Stacie (Ellen Page), made beneficiary for her pension. A true story that had the resources and foundation to be a noble masterpiece, but instead fell into a political speech pageant, aimed at an audience who already concurs.

There are strong performances from the leads in the film, but little to propagate an ongoing connection to the characters. (RM) WW city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

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Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Waax: Hot off the heels of surprising fans with the sudden release of their Holy Sick EP, the Brisbane group are using December to continue their path to punk rock world domination by touring the country.

Thu, Dec 10, Oxford Art Factory Gordi: To finish up a mammoth year that has seen Gordi rapidly rise to prominence on the Australian music scene, Gordi won’t be resting on her laurels and will bring a brand new stunning live set of her unique folktronica to Sydney tonight.

Thu, Dec 10, GoodGod The Belligerents: Throughout 2015 this Brisbane based indie outfit have slowly amassed a larger and larger following thanks to support from community radio and Triple J. Since then they have released their new EP Outside:Inside, which marks the next chapter in their career.

Fri, Dec 11, Newtown Social Club PCYC Balmain Sleigh 2015: Teens aged 13-17 will have a unique party opportunity this week when the Balmain PCYC played host to a Christmas themed dance party boasting a DJ, photobooth and presents for the first thirty people through the door.

Fri, Dec 11, Balmain Town Hall Milwaukee Banks: Ahead of the release of their debut album Deep Into The Night in February, this Melbourne urban duo are set to perform in Sydney

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city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

this weekend. Combining a distinct flow with detailed electronica and southern hip-hop production they continue to win fans across the country.

Sat, Dec 12, GoodGod Mansionair: Returning home from an epic two-month jaunt across the US, UK and Europe with Chvrches, the Sydney band will return home to celebrate the end of a gigantic year with locals fans.

Sat, Dec 12, Oxford Art Factory Voices Of Angels - Gloria: Over two special concerts the young women of the Sydney Children’s Choir and Gondwana Voices will perform the renowned Vivaldi’s Gloria.Accompanying the ladies will be the young men of the choir staging Handel’s Anthem on the Peace.The two groups will then combine to close out the show with powerful performances of All Bells in Paradise and other Christmas classics.

Mon & Tue, Dec 14-15, City Recital Hall Young Lions: Before heading into the studio to record their third album, Young Lions are planning to close out the year with a run of killer shows across the country.The band’s previous albums have earned them critical acclaim from fans and media alike while also developing a fantastic reputation for their live performance.

Wed, Dec 16, Newtown Social Club

Gingerfest

By Jamie Apps Over the past couple of weeks music festivals have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but next weekend Gingerfest will change that. Gingerfest is a punk and rock-and-roll music festival which is held in honour of Nicholas Sofer-Schreiber, a dedicated punk rock fan who many in the scene knew as The Ginger Ninja, who lost his life under tragic circumstances in 2014.

Following a raging success last year with the inaugural event, this year the event organisers are hoping for an even greater success. Bringing together acts from across the country and from different stages of their career, Gingerfest 2015 is headlined by veterans Gay Paris and The Porkers with up and comers such as Bec Stevens and Josh Arentz also sharing the stage on the day.

Luke Monks from Gay Paris explained how the event is “bitter sweet, because of the reason behind its inception, but it’s nice to see the music community pull together” for such a great cause. Bec Stevens, who sadly never got to meet Nicholas personally despite him being “close friends with some of my friends, so when I was asked I immediately said yes.” She added: “so it’s pretty cool to be involved and to raise money for a good cause.”

For Gay Paris, festivals such as this one are a great chance to catch up and

The Ugly Kings – Of Sins

The fusion of blues storytelling with in your face, gritty rock-and-roll musical elements position Of Sins in its own distinct stream of music.

By straddling that divide between rock and blues, this offering by Melbourne band The Ugly Kings is certainly not for purists of either genre but leaves enough for wider music fans to appreciate.

Musically, the group employs charging guitar riffs and driving drum lines synonymous with rock while lyrically Russell Clark conveys emotions and tells compelling stories.

Standout tracks are Goodbye, Of Sins and Wicked Witch Of Wonder. (JA) WWW

mingle with good friends that they rarely get to see because of conflicting touring schedules.

“There’s always a whole bunch of bands that you’re friends with but never get to see because you’re always away touring, so there are a lot of acts we’re excited to see,” Monks said.“It’s actually one of these festivals where there is an overload of choice, so you almost have option paralysis but you just have to show up early and see everyone.”

Bec Stevens, who is quickly rising through the ranks on the punk rock scene, is excited about the festival for an entirely different reason.“I’m stoked because I haven’t been a part of enough things like this, so it’s awesome.

Playing to such a different crowd is exciting,” she said. Stevens, who has only been playing “proper shows” for the past four years, is making quite the name for herself in the scene with fans constantly asking for her CD’s after gigs.“I’ve been wanting to record an album for the last three years and I’m now finally happy with the songs I’ve got. I’ve been in the middle of recording this year and hope to have it ready by Gingerfest,” she explained.

Gingerfest is the perfect end to the year for music fans to come together for a wonderful cause, with funds going to Vision Australia.As Luke Monks said, music festivals also “make it cool to meet new people and make new friends”, so come on out and celebrate The Ginger Ninja together. (JA) Dec 19. Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $35+b.f.

Tickets & Info: factorytheatre.com.au

The Holy Soul – Fortean Times

A constant figure on the Sydney music scene,The Holy Soul are well established and they further cement their position with they latest effort Fortean Times which spans the breadth of indie rock rock during its 47 minute folly.

Throughout the twelve tracks the group constantly fluctuate between faster tempo songs, pushing the realms of garage rock into new areas, and the more melodic, hypnotising tracks.The faster tempo tracks are the strongest element of Fortean Times, particularly opener Family Magician and later Precious.

This is not to downplay the importance of the slower tracks, which create soundscapes that easily sweep the listener away. (JA) WWW

Kings Court Massage Phone: 02 9660 0666 Kings Court Massage where the first time customer meets the first time massage girl!

At Kings Court you can sit down on one of our luxurious leather lounges, have coffee and enjoy a friendly chat or a game of pool with the beautiful massage ladies. One of our approachable managers will help you choose a pretty girl for your massage.

OPEN 7 days, 9am - 1am weekdays 24 hours on weekends expect a $20 cover charge after 9pm each evening We’re on Broadway – to find us enter 18 Grose Street Glebe into your GPS and park securely in the Broadway Shopping Centre.

A taxi from the CBD to our front door should be about $15.

If you get up early you can take advantage of our Early Bird Discount of 20% OFF 9AM-NOON every day. Check out our website for news, special offers and useful information for your first time www.kingscourt.com.au or call and speak to one of the managers: 02 9660 0666.

Kings Court is the only place of its kind to have 22 massage rooms and 11 spas. We don’t do full service, but ask one of our helpful managers about Kings Confidential if that’s what you’re looking for.

We’re hiring Kings Court is the best place to learn adult massage. You can work part time or casual. When you start one of our experienced girls will show you around and teach you massage. All the girls here are nice, girl-next-door types and everyone gets along really well – plus we have the sweetest clients because we expect them to be on their best behaviour! To find us enter 18 Grose Street Glebe into your GPS and park in the Broadway Shops. When you start with us we have free staff parking available. Call us on 02 9660 0666 if you’re interested, or check out our website www.kingscourt.com.au

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It’s been a hard year, why not reward yourself with a Kings Court Massage!

We have the nicest sweet and shy ladies who have learned to do wicked things with hot oil.

Imagine their delicate hands on your naked body taking you to an intense climatic ending.

Kings Court holiday opening hours Christmas Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Eve New Years Day

Thursday 24th Dec Friday 25th Dec Saturday 26th Dec Thursday 31st Dec Friday 1st Jan

OPEN 8AM TO 6PM CLOSED OPEN 11AM - 24HRS OPEN 8AM - 6PM OPEN 11AM - 24HRS

(early finish) (closed all day) (late start then all night) (early finish) (late start then all night)

city hub 10 DECEMBER 2015

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