City Hub 11 February 2016

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city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

Further bullying complaints emerge from City’s ranger unit

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS An email from a City of Sydney employee to Councillors claims the City’s CEO dismissed further complaints of bullying, just days after the suspected suicide of a council ranger.

The employee from the City of Sydney Council ranger unit wrote to councillors last week “as a last resort” after his complaints were dismissed without explanation and he was indefinitely suspended from work.

It states that his complaints were dismissed on June 26, just days after ranger Leong Lim was found dead in his apartment.

Just the month before, Lim had emailed Council CEO Monica Barone and Lord Mayor Clover Moore complaining of “corruption” and poor mental health with the Council’s ranger unit.

In a June 26 meeting with the second employee, his solicitor, the Lord Mayor’s chief of staff and CEO Monica Barone, Ms Barone said that she was satisfied that council policy and procedures had been followed.

In the email, the employee said he was not sure what investigation had actually taken place to arrive at this conclusion.

It was agreed that the employee would not be penalized for raising his complaint.

But that all changed when he returned from annual leave on November 11, when the employee was informed he was immediately suspended from duty and was escorted off council property.

“I am happy for all Councilors to view the material which will be relied upon should I be dismissed or demoted for talking to my Union Representative!” the email reads.

Because of the looming possibility of a coronial inquest into the death of ranger Leong Lim, the employee said he could potentially be called upon as a witness in the coronial inquest.

“I therefore ask you in the interest of fair play, to consider intervening on my behalf and take whatever steps are available to you as a Councilor to delay consideration of my termination or other disciplinary

City of Sydney Town Hall. Source: Takver

action by the Chief Executive Officer until after the Coroner’s determination,” the employee wrote to the councillors.

The Coroner is expected to conduct an internal in-chambers review on February 12 for Leong Lim’s death. Following that, it will be decided if a coronial inquiry will proceed.

Councillor Edward Mandla said that it was “extraudinary” that the City was having these sorts of discussions around the same time that Leong Lim died.

“Unfortunately I am not surprised this has come up again because there has been this recurring theme of

bullying in the council rangers unit,” Clr Mandla told City Hub. He said it was concerning that the complaint was dismissed again by the CEO at a meeting just days after the death of Leong Lim. He said an external review was overdue.

“I think we are all fed up with the City doing internal investigations on itself.”

“The City is full of people doing internal investigation and human resources people. People who make a complaint feel like they are going through a termination or execution process, not a complaint process.”

“I have been on this 18 months talking about mismanagement of rangers unit. We had Warfield report talking about bullying and cronyism, and all the copies of that report have been substantially redacted.”

He said the email revealed to him for the first time a recommendation from the 2012 Warfield report, which said that the council should let rangers know the ” progress of grievances and code of conduct breaches so they don’t think the grievance has been “swept under the carpet””.

Clr Mandla said “For the first time we saw a recommendation from that report in the email, that people know about the complaints process, and then we learn that there has been no intention of the City to follow that recommendation”.

A spokesperson for the City of Sydney said that the City was taking the allegations seriously and denied the matter had been dismissed by the CEO, but rather offered the employee “options” to resolve those matters.

“After a staff member in the rangers unit wrote to the Lord Mayor last year, the CEO met personally with the employee to hear about their concerns,” The spokesperson said.

“The matter was not dismissed by the CEO, who reviewed the complaints raised with senior managers and HR staff before offering the employee options to resolve those matters.”

“The complaint was managed in line with the City’s personnel policies that set out a system and process for making and dealing with complaints.”

“An investigation has been conducted internally, according to the City’s policies and processes, and the City is satisfied the complaints process has been applied fairly.”

“The City ensures all employees and managers are aware of their responsibilities in preventing, reporting and dealing with complaints about harassment and bullying.”

The City spokesperson said that they would not be commenting further on the matter to respect the privacy of the employee involved.

Sydney’s nightlife “destroyed” Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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BY ANDREW BARCLAY The City of Sydney is failing in its ambitious plan to become a “vibrant latenight economy” according to a council report which found a large decline in nighttime visitors.

The report blamed the lock out laws introduced by the state government as having a large role in dwindling numbers.

The City’s late-night economy plan, OPEN Sydney, said the night-time economy is one of the most important issues facing cities around the globe.

The City had hoped to double its annual night-time economy turnover to $30 billion as part of the plan.

The shuttering of numerous late-night businesses and decreasing visitors has led one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs Matt Barrie to label Sydney an “international joke”, after an opinion piece he penned went viral on social media and elicited strong support.

“The total and utter destruction of Sydney’s night-life is almost complete,” he said. “A succession of incompetent governments has systematically dismantled the entire night time economy through a constant barrage of rules, regulation and social tinkering.”

The study highlights a large drop in night-time foot traffic through Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and the CBD, suggesting that controversial lockout laws are to blame.

“The 2015 survey shows pedestrian numbers have decreased since 2012 in almost all precincts,” the report found.

“It is anticipated that significant drops in pedestrian numbers… may be due to the lockouts.”

Lockout laws, introduced by the Liberal state government in 2014 response to alcohol-fuelled violence in Kings Cross, intended to make Sydney a safer night-time destination.

A local business organisation said the declining visitor numbers were not only a threat to their business, but also Sydney’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination.

President of the City North Liquor Accord, Simon Barbato, said the findings weren’t a surprise given how difficult it has become “to have a good night out” in Sydney.

“In comparison to cities around the world, everything is just closing,” he told City Hub. The September 2015 Late Night Management Areas Report also showed alcohol-fuelled violence had decreased, yet campaigners questioned the real cost of the laws.

Mr Barbato said the conflicting positions of the council and the state government were very confusing for industry, as they continue to oversee the closure of many business throughout the city.

“We’re witnessing the slow death of our city because of rules and regulations.”

In response to the report, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said when the laws were brought in by the state government she initially expressed concerns and called for an early review.

She said the study should not be considered an evaluation of the NSW Government’s lock-out laws as they only cover a snapshot.

“The face of Sydney’s late night economy may be changing but the City remains entirely committed to supporting a diverse night time economy that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors and a strong business community,” she told City Hub “The City works closely with all stakeholders in our late night precincts to ensure we can respond and adapt to these changes.”

She said they City supports effective measures like more small bars and increased public transport as other possible reforms.

“We have always recommended an evaluation of lockout laws and their impact on Sydney’s late night precincts.”

Mr Barbato said that Melbourne was an example of a city that has appropriately developed a late-night economy, through its promotion of late-night dining and 24-hour transport. “Melbourne is using Sydney’s decline to its advantage,” he said.

It was also reported on Saturday the manager of wine bar ‘10 Williams’ was told by police his wine list was “unsavoury” and “anti-social” as it was too close to the front of the street front and may encourage heavy drinking, which ignited further complaints from social media users.

On Saturday, the NSW government announced a one year extension of the ban on all new pub and club licences in Sydney’s CBD, Darlinghurst and Kings Cross. city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

3

Cyclist protest new “totalitarian” laws

BY KE N J I SATO Borella, told City Hub that there was Hundreds of cyclists will rally in no evidence to suggest that harsher Martin Place next Thursday February penalties for cyclists would improve 18 to protest against the state road safety. government’s controversial new laws “The government has introduced for cyclists. a range of measures that in no way Under the new laws, which will address or improve safety for cyclists be enforced from March 1, fines for on the roads.” road infringements will more than Mr Borella told City Hub the new quadruple, and cyclists must carry photo I D or else be slapped with a $109 fine.

Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards said that the new laws “smacks of totalitarianism,” and will discourage people from cycling.

“Bike riding has been growing rapidly around Australia because it appeals as a healthy activity that everybody can participate in regardless of age or status,” he said.

“But now you need the official stamp of government approval— you can’t leave the house Sydney cyclist. Photo: Bicycle Network. without your officially mandated, government laws were “political” in nature. issued I D card.”

“If this were genuinely about “In a time where we need greater cooperation from all road users, these cycling safety, the government would reconstitute its Cycling Safety Action proposals will result in bike riders Plan. The plan has 37 action points being seen as a fringe group that and none of which - not one - has needs special rules to keep them in anything to do with providing safe check.” infrastructure.”

President of B I KE Sydney, David

“I would call for an independent review of these measures, significantly improve spending on safe cycling infrastructure and have a long-running community awareness campaign.”

Mr Borella said that cyclists long been suffering under state government policy, and said the laws were one of many areas in which the government had clamped down on civil liberties.

“These new laws are highly disturbing, particularly in the context of other government initiatives that restrict civil liberties and undermine the democratic process – for example, the forced council amalgamations and the two-for-one business vote.”

“This is something of grave importance to the wider community that should be resisted and thwarted.”

“We’re encouraging people to talk directly to their members of parliament and sign our online petition and attend the cyclist rally on the morning of February the 18th.”

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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR COUNCILLOR ROBYN KEMMIS A memorial service will be held to commemorate Robyn’s achievements in public sector management, higher education, community development, and advocacy for the people of Sydney as Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney.

Thursday, 18 February 2016 1pm–2pm, followed by refreshments for all attendees from 2pm–3pm Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall For enquiries phone 02 9246 7602 or email protocolrsvp@cityofsydney. nsw.gov.au The family of Robyn Kemmis would like donations to Centipede www.centipede.org.au

With a gift for community engagement built on mutual respect, Robyn was able to forge effective coalitions of residents, businesses, community groups and government interests to serve the needs of local communities.

Her transformative approach was particularly successful in Glebe, where she lived for more than 35 years. Robyn’s legacy will be celebrated, as will her lifelong commitment to social justice, equity and equality of opportunity.

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5

Inner City residents demand concrete affordable housing targets KENJI SATO Affordable housing is urgently needed in the face of soaring house prices in the inner city, according to local residents and the REDWatch community group.

The concerns were raised last week at a REDWatch meeting in Waterloo, a suburb which has been slated for extensive redevelopments.

These include the demolition of two public housing towers in Waterloo, which are being cleared to make way for the construction of a Metro station and 10,000 new dwellings.

The redevelopments are part of the State Government’s “Future-Direction” overhaul of the social housing system, which will shift government-owned public housing into private and non-government organisation hands.

The NSW government has assured the community that there will be a mix of new private, social, and affordable housing, with no loss of social housing from the current 2000 dwellings.

But REDWatch coordinator Geoff Turnbull raised concerns about the lack of details surrounding affordable housing – such as what proportion of homes will be affordable housing, and just how “affordable” those houses will be.

“So far UrbanGrowth has put up no proposal for increasing affordable housing in the Central to Eveleigh corridor. The sale of government land without some form of inclusionary zoning or value capture for affordable housing should be resisted.”

“There have been government decisions around the social housing sphere based upon ideas that people are somehow going to transition from social housing into the private market, which is almost impossible in Sydney. And yet there have been no discussions around affordable housing,” he said.

REDWatch members gather in Waterloo. Photo: Kenji Sato

Dr Louise Crabtree, senior research fellow at Western Sydney University, said that affordable housing was a “vital” stepping stone for people attempting to leave social housing.

“Not having housing choices can be really detrimental,” she said at the meeting.

“It will have an incredibly negative impact on people who think they’re going to have to leave an area and their access to their community if they try to improve their lives.”

Dr Crabtree said that local governments were often “hamstrung” when it came to providing affordable housing, because there were no statemandated affordable housing targets.

She said that developers, such as Lend Lease and PAYCE, have been calling for concrete affordable housing policies and an audit of state

land for the use of affordable housing.

“We’ve heard this from big developers, who are saying ‘we’re used to doing this internationally, we know how to cost this into our models, we’re just waiting for the state to show leadership, and we’re not seeing that leadership at a policy level.’

They’re operating in a wilderness at the moment.”

Dr Crabtree said that affordable housing targets were essential given the “rampant speculation” in Sydney’s housing market.

“The market is just not working. Historically, we could rely on supply and putting more and more housing on the outskirts of town, but it doesn’t work anymore. Demand is just too high and we’ve got so many investors. If we have targeted supply, then we can start addressing price.”

Waterloo Social Housing tenants seek security

BY KENJI SATO AND housing on the table at the city, CHRISTOPHER HARRIS most of which have been rejected Public housing tenants in by the lord mayor. It’s my view the Redfern – Waterloo area that the City of Sydney has a have voiced fears that they strong role to play in ensuring that could be forced to leave their the inner-city is an affordable place neighbourhoods, according to City to live and we need strong action of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott. to address the city’s affordability The Labor councillor told City crisis, and it’s disappointing that Hub that she had been approached the Lord Mayor continues to reject by public housing tenants, who a role for council in addressing had expressed fears that they housing affordability. evicted following the government’s Member for Sydney Alex announcement of private Greenwich said that the redevelopment in the area. government’s new policy could She said residents were most work. But he warned that the concerned that they would not new policy must not be used as a necessarily be allowed to move punishment. back into the suburb following the “Redeveloping large estates with 30 redevelopment, which is expected per cent social and affordable housing Linda Scott is a long-time advocate for more affordable housing. Photo: Twitter. to take three years. won’t result in enough low cost “I’ve written to Minister Brad housing to meet community needs, Hazzard to call on him to provide an iron clad guarantee but it makes sense to reduce concentrations of disadvantage,” for current tenants to given priority to return to Redfern said Mr Greenwich in an email to constituents.

– Waterloo,” Clr Scott said.

“The government’s ‘Future Directions for Housing Minister for Family and Community Services Brad in NSW’ is a welcome step forward after many years of Hazzard has not yet responded at the time of publication. declining budgets, reducing numbers of homes and big Clr Scott also said that the City area needed more maintenance backlogs, tied with increasing waiting lists.” affordable housing for essential service workers such as “The key strategy of handing public land to developers police, nurses and teachers, who are otherwise priced out in exchange for redeveloping social housing will get of the area. the government out of the current limbo, but leave “The liberal state government’s planned redevelopment the community with a smaller asset base in future. must provide additional housing for key workers and Redeveloping large estates with 30 per cent social and at the very least retain the number of public housing affordable housing won’t result in enough low cost dwellings in Waterloo and Redfern.” housing to meet community needs, but it makes sense to “I’ve put a series of measures to increase affordable reduce concentrations of disadvantage.”

6

city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

Geoff Turnbull said that there was also a need to dispel some of the myths surrounding affordable housing in order to prevent a “kneejerk reaction” from the community.

“We’ve seen a number of incidences were community has opposed affordable housing, and a number of affordable housing suppliers find themselves not so much part of the community, but often more on the development side of the equation.

“But people need to understand that this is housing for people who, overwhelmingly, are working and they just can’t afford to live in the area.”

One such person is Mel, an affordable housing tenant in Darlington and a single mother of two, who said that affordable housing had been a “lifesaver” for her.

At the REDWatch meeting, she said she had been on the verge of homelessness before she found affordable housing slot.

“I couldn’t believe it. It actually didn’t sink in until I moved in. Because I was so worried that it was going to fall out underneath my feet,” she said.

“Everyone was telling me to go to live out west because it’s cheaper, but the problem is that my work’s in the city. I’ve done that in the past, travelling an hour or two hours at the start of each day. But I’ve got two children, and I’ve no family around to help me. I just can’t do it.”

Mel said that public housing was “not an option” for her, because she wanted her children to live in a working environment.

“Everyone’s in a similar boat. We’re all working people - none of us are wealthy, and none of us are poor and not wanting to be working. We’re all trying to get ahead in life, and we wanted to provide for our children well.”

Compensation denied due to loophole

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS A man whose unit building is scheduled for demolition to make way for the controversial WestConnex toll road has been denied compensation, despite others in the area receiving it.

St Peters resident Andrew Potts sought legal advice after he was told he would have to move out of the home he had rented for the past ten years, due to the construction of the toll road.

Mr Potts told City Hub he was initially surprised to learn that tenants as well as property owners could receive compensation from the government.

But after an investigation by his solicitor, he discovered he was not eligible as a tenant, because the building he rented was owned by the NSW Government.

It was bought a decade ago by the then Roads and Traffic Authority, for reasons still unclear to Mr Potts.

Under the legislation, because the property was not purchased from a private person or company, but rather retained by the government, it made Mr Potts ineligible for the compensation others in his situation had received.

He said it was difficult to establish his legal position because it took some time to obtain a lease agreement from the company that managed his building.

Mr Potts, who plans to run for a senate

seat for the Housing Affordability Party in this year’s federal election, said people should be aware of their rights.

“A lot of people are unaware that they could claim compensation. It could be renters. It could be people who rent small businesses who could be eligible for compensation.”

Mr Potts said residents in WestConnexaffected suburbs had been “bombarded” with pamphlets offering legal advice.

Under the WestConnex framework, legal fees for dislocated residents are paid by the government.

“Lawyers approached me. You get bombarded from lawyers who approach you, basically ambulance chasing,” he said.

Solicitor Director at Foulsham & Geddes law firm, Jacob Carswell- Doherty said there is potential for a tenant to receive money to compensate them for relocation and associated expenses.

“Provided a lease had a way to go before it expired, there would be a case to say that the residential tenant should be compensated,” he said.

“Commercial lease tenants are also entitled to compensation, which would be more than just a simple residential lease” “In all cases, the amount of compensation (if any) is determined with reference to the particular facts of the matter and the wording of the lease itself.”

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7

Darling Habour MAXed out

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS A new IMAX theatre has not yet been built, but it has already been labelled the “snail”.

The speed of redevelopment has been anything but at a snail’s pace in Darling Harbour, and has not had sufficient community consultation, locals have said.

Pyrmont resident Leone Huntsman said that the latest concept plan was “the last straw” for the precinct.

At 23 storeys with hotels and serviced apartments, 170 aboveground parking spaces, the new building will expand significantly, taking out attractions such as an historic carosel nearby.

The Department of Planning’s statement did not say where the carousel would be relocated.

“When they say think about it later, you could almost say forget it,” Ms Huntsman said.

“I think Darling harbor has lost any human scale. Previously it has been a place for families to visit on weekends and enjoy, but now the huge buildings have replaced the people,” she said.

“What has happened to Darling Harbor is appalling. It is no longer place for people of Sydney. It is totally overshadowed by looming buildings.

Convenor Pyrmont Action Group Elizabeth Elanius told City Hub she was concerned about the height and footprint of the new building, because it was significantly larger than the current one.

“The new IMAX, will completely block the northern sun from Tumbalong park and the children’s playground.”

A department of Planning and Environment spokesperson said that the community will have the opportunity to express their views on the proposed development.

“Community consultation is an integral part of the planning process and the applicant will have to respond to the feedback we receive.

“Feedback received is taken into consideration when we assess projects and develop our recommendations,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s easy to participate by going online and we encourage everyone to take a look and have their say.”

But Elizabeth Elanius said the consultation process was a “farce”.

“We don’t have a say. They put it on exhibition, and we make submission. It means nothing, all it is a tick a box exercise for the developer and the Planning Department.”

The concept design for the proposed 23 storey IMAX. Source: Supplied

Sparks fly as residents react to mergers

BY LUCAS BAIRD It may have a reputation for being posh and civilised, but it was anything but last Thursday, when residents from Woollahra local council area made it clear they were opposed to IPART’s proposed merger with Waverley and Randwick.

Over a hundred turned out to Club Rose Bay last Thursday February 4 to let their views be known at a public meeting between the three councils and their communities.

At a public forum residents had the opportunity to air their concerns to the independent delegate Dr Robert Lang who will decide the outcome of the proposed amalgamation.

Waverley General Manager, Arthur Kyron,Woollahra Mayor Toni Zeltzer and Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza all spoke at the meeting.

At the evening session of the meeting, Randwick made clear that it was keen on the three way marriage of the councils.

Waverley Council offered its support to Randwick’s decision to merge at the forum.

Waverley General Manager Arthur Kyron said that like Randwick, Waverley had previous problems with the global city option, but was in favour of the coastal merger.

“Waverly has never supported being a part of the very large, global city option and wanted to control our own future,” Mr Kyron said.

“Waverley is speaking in favour of the new, much smaller option. One which does reflect a community of interest.”

Many residents from Woollahra took this opportunity to speak out against the merger and sat in a sizeable bloc, jeering from the crowd and making their opinions on what was said known.

Mayor of Woollahra, Toni Zeltzer, was part of this bloc and took her time at the podium to voice her concerns on the matter.

“I am here to represent the unanimous support of my fellow councillors and 81 per 8

city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

cent of our community that want Woollahra to remain independent,” Cr Zeltzer said.

Cr Zeltzer noted that Woollahra residents would experience a rise in rates if the merger goes ahead, while Randwick would experience an apparent decrease.

“Essentially we will be footing the bill for the merger, while Randwick residents experience a decrease in their rates. How is that fair?” she said.

“The idea that bigger is better is a myth.

There is no evidence to support a bigger is better approach to reform,” Cr Zeltzer said.

One resident accused Randwick Council of turning their backs on the community by favouring the proposed amalgamation with Woollahra and Waverley Councils.

The Randwick resident, who would only identify as Dr Jayasuriya, took aim at his local councillors.

“Randwick councillors turned their backs on their colleagues on the unanimous resolution of council, on the affirmations that they made to their residents,” Dr Jayasuriya said.

“Ignored the plight of the community and succumbed to the pressure from the local government minister to join forces with Waverley to consume Woollahra.”

Dr Jayasuriya claimed that he could produce an “illuminating” example of these allegations.

“I submit that the fundamentally flawed process of how it conducted and analysed this community survey is an illuminating example,” Dr Jayasuriya said.

“Only 30 per cent of the survey respondents supported amalgamation, the remaining 70 per cent either don’t support or are not sure,” he said.

Labor Randwick Mayor, Noel D’Souza, did not directly reference that statistic in particular during his address to the forum and delegates earlier that day.

Cr D’Souza instead opted to assert that around half of the residents who responded to the survey were in favour of an amalgamation,

The hearing was held in Rose Bay. Photo: Adam JWC.

with the other half against.

Cr D’Souza indicated that the resident’s problems were not associated with amalgamations in general but with a previously proposed, much larger, global city option.

This option would have merged City of Sydney, Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra and Botany Bay councils.

“They [residents] feared a loss of local representation and thought that the area too big and that it lacked a community of interest,” Cr D’Souza said.

But, Cr D’Souza claimed that the community reacted positively to a smaller merger solution.

“When asked if mergers must occur, some 90 per cent of respondents chose a smaller eastern suburbs merger,” Cr D’Souza said.

“When we asked what people most associate with, the majority said the Eastern Suburbs.”

Cr D’Souza also identified that Randwick would benefit from a merger in several different

areas, from finance to services and facilities.

“In terms of our own financial modelling which was independently analysed, audited and verified, we estimate this merger option will result in increased services to the value of $235 million,” Cr D’Souza said.

“A merger of Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils provides an opportunity for improved coordination in planning and delivery of foreshore and recreational activities.”

“We now have an opportunity to expand our services to ensure we provide the highest quality service to our residents and community.”

“A new eastern suburbs council will be able to provide more services and benefits to my community,” he said.

Mr Kyron claimed that the majority of Waverly residents were in favour of the merger.

“The average for the first preference showed that 64 per cent of people in Waverley favoured a merger of some sort,” he said.

ARTS FEATURE

MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL

HOT PICKS THAT’S NOT US (USA) – A charming film which explores the relationships between three couples – one gay, one lesbian and one straight as they spend a weekend at a beach house on Fire Island, New York.

Deep and meaningful.

ECCO HOMO (AUSTRALIA) – An insightful documentary into the world of artist and performer Troy Davies, who became a focal identity in Melbourne’s pop and queer cultures in the 1980’s. His life is unveiled – drug addiction, prostitution, HIV and dark secrets. Fresh and absorbing.

REMEMBERING THE MAN (AUSTRALIA) - This engaging documentary details the real story behind the recent film Holding The Man.Timothy Conigrave and John Caleo were teenagers in the 1970’s when they met in Melbourne and their romance kindled a fifteen year relationship, tragically cut short by the AIDS crisis.

STARTING FROM… NOW!

Producer and actor Rosie Lourde with writer and director Julie Kalceff.

Photo Chris Peken

WHAT’S BETWEEN US (SWITZERLAND) – Caught between two worlds, a man leaves his wife and children after an 18 year marriage to be with the man he has fallen in love with.A story about self-discovery, this powerful and very topical film is not to be missed.

BEAUTIFUL SOMETHING (USA) – Revolving around a series of sexual encounters four young men experience in one night, this story of casual sex in a post-aids society is gritty, sexy and contains full frontal nudity.Titillating and mesmerizing.

GIRLS LOST (SWEDEN) – Three bullied teenage girls learn what’s it’s like to be men when they drink the sap of a flower and are given bodies of cisgender men for the night.This fantasy touches on sexism and deals with the confusion experienced by young people with genderidentity issues.

WEST NORTH WEST (JAPAN) – Three young women tackle sadness and confusion as they successfully attempt to fit into society. Sexual and cultural boundaries are

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explored in this beautiful film which premiered at The Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.

WAITING FOR B (BRAZIL) – A group of Beyoncé fans who camp out for two months leading up to her 2013 concert in Sao Paulo Brazil become best friends and lovers.This documentary highlights the inspiration Beyoncé has had on their lives and deals with their sexuality and self-identity issues.

ALL SHORT FILM SESSIONS (INTERNATIONAL) – Sessions of shorts exploring mixed, gay, lesbian and trans-gender themes. From coming-of-age films to exhilarating doco-dramas, these sessions should prove popular amongst audiences with diverse tastes.

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A highlight at this year’s festival is the world premiere screening of the fourth season of Starting From…Now!, an Australian web-series in which the first three seasons have generated a phenomenal 20 million views globally.

The series stars Rosie Lourde, Bianca Bradey, Lauren Orrell and Sarah de Possesse and surrounds the romantic entanglements of four young lesbians who live in inner-Sydney. Each season contains six episodes with varying running times from 6 to 11 minutes, and the screening of Season 4 is the first web-content ever presented at the Mardi Gras film festival.

The show’s creator, writer and director Julie Kalceff says what inspired her to create this show was that there simply wasn’t enough diversity and content on our screens.

“I wanted to create a show with complex characters – a show about women who are lesbians,” explained Kalceff.

“Initially we planned a standalone season and then waited to see what happened.We had a target lesbian audience but word of mouth spread.The show now has a wide demographic audience – gay, lesbian and straight.”

“The success of this show should definitely benefit local talent.We have so many talented people behind the scenes and great actors, but there’s not enough work in Australia – a wider audience can only bring more success leading to more shows being produced.”

Rosie Lourde, the series producer and actress who also plays the role of love-torn Darcy, says she is delighted audiences have embraced the show. “It’s a labour of love and everyone involved have their heart and soul in the project,” said Lourde. “The first two seasons were self-funded and some funds were raised from the public for Season 3. We’ve received funding for Seasons 4 and 5, but there’s never enough money… Fans of the show should spread the word – we’d like as many eyeballs as possible. More success means more projects as a producer and actor I can achieve.”

And what can fans expect from season 4? Lourde remains tight lipped:“All I’ll say is Darcy returns – but things are not as they seem...”

Kalceff added:“Come along and attend the world premiere of this internationally successful, locally made drama which touches on a subject you don’t usually get to see.”

Starting From…Now! Season 4 Screening + Q&A + VIP 20 Million View Party

Mardi Gras Film Festival Feb 18–Mar 03. Event Cinemas George St, Cremorne Orpheum Cremorne (check website for other venues). Single sessions $20, 5 & 10 multi-session passes available.

Tickets & info: queerscreen.org.au

061ICT1203

By Mark Morellini Presented by Queer Screen, this film festival promises to mesmerize audiences with a powerful programme, which boasts an impressive 58 features and 40 short films. Screening at even more venues and with added international guests, the filmmaker-focussed events should also heighten interest for film enthusiasts who’d like to learn more about the creative processes involved in filmmaking.

There’s something for all broad-minded audiences – with international comedies, dramas, documentaries, short film sessions and some of the best gay, lesbian and transgender related films in the world.

Paul Struthers, who has been the festival director for three years running, says that attendances have increased significantly, with high quality films generating audience interest. “The quality of films is constantly improving [in terms of] the acting, the stories and the writing...” explained Struthers.

“There’s a small market for these high calibre films, displayed by the fact that our opening night film Summertime will be having a national release soon.”

“Each year we screen a family film and this year Finding Nemo 3D, in which Ellen DeGeneres voices Dory, will be screened leading up to the release of the sequel Finding Dory.”

Struthers added: “this film festival is ideal for audiences who love good cinema with real human stories.”

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Tickets & info: queerscreen.org.au

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Blind Giant is Dancing

Photo: Brett Boardman

Arcadia

On the run from his murderous bother-inlaw, a balding, middle-aged businessman hops in a taxi and requests “take me where no one will find me!” When Gaetano Proclo is dropped off at The Ritz, he soon discovers the building is much more than the seedy hotel he sized it up to be…

Amidst puffs of steam our protagonist discovers dodgy detectives and gay orgies, he’s pursued by both a spindly chubby-chaser and wanna-be star convinced that he is a Broadway producer. The Ritz is a steamy Manhattan bathhouse running rampant with the frivolities of the gay sexual revolution, at a time before the AIDS crisis when anything was possible.

Director David Marshall-Martin elaborated: “It’s [set in] a period of the gay liberation when people were happy to come to places and enjoy each others company – but also to be entertained… The Ritz is basically based on The

leftie who works for the steel workers union.

Jackson has nothing but fond things to say about the 11 cast members she is currently rehearsing with.

“The company is amazing,” she said.“We’ve got the most incredible group of people working in the play.The rehearsal room is inspiring and passionate.

[The play is] a real ensemble piece so it takes a strong company of artists to put this on.”

For anyone who is a fan of political thrillers, political driven plays or even just intelligent dialogue, Jackson ensures this is a fascinating play you cannot miss. (AMal) Feb 13–Mar 20.Tues–Sun, various show times.

Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir Street Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $37-$72.

Tickets & info: belvoir.com.au

Photo: Richard Hedger

The Blind Giant is Dancing was originally performed back in 1983; audiences were stunned at the blunt truths it portrayed about the Australian political landscape during that time. Stephen Sewell’s political thriller focuses on a central character,Allan Fitzgerald, an idealist who gets wrapped up in a struggle. It focuses on his insatiable appetite for power. Now in 2016, it’s getting a reboot by artistic director Eamon Flack.

Actress Emma Jackson plays three characters in this play, a first for her career. She plays Janice, Jane and Robin.All three are very different to each other and a great challenge for her.

Janice is a strong-willed and smart woman who could have had a successful career in law, but focused her energy on her marriage. Jane is a leftie fighting the good fight, and Robin is an opinionated

The Ritz

a&e

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city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

10 STAGE 12 SCENE 13 Sounds 14 SCREEN

Often renowned as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia will be presented by the Sydney Theatre Company this month.

The production, directed by Richard Cottrel, dabbles in a mix of comedy, sleuthing, period romance and mathematical theory. The search for truth and knowledge in the face of mystery is one that underpins the course of events as the play lurches through time between the 19th century and the present day.

Set in a stately English country house, Arcadia begins with prodigy Thomasina and her tutor Septimus who stumble across the chaos theory ahead of time.

Two hundred years later, two scholars attempt to string together the traces of the past in the same room.

“Audiences are going to be so satisfied in watching the play because it’s like a detective story. If you feel a little bit lost it doesn’t matter because the scene after will establish and then re-establish what was just said,” explained Andrea Demetriades, who plays Hannah, a garden historian with an aversion to Romanticism.

The play deals with illicit romantic intrigues, duelling, hermits, landscaping and the second law of thermodynamics, but is perhaps not as complicated as it sounds.

“It’s magical, you will end up smiling when you leave. The whole ride of the journey is quite an extraordinary one because all the pieces that Stoppard plants all make sense by the end of the play. Everything is answered within it,” said Demetriades.

Filled with the contrasts and paradoxes

Continental Baths in New York where Bette Midler, Tiny Tim and a whole lot of very famous people used to go and entertain.”

In association with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, the New Theatre team have been working hard to portray Terrence McNally’s madcap farce and marvellous atmosphere of good-hearted debauchery on the stage.

With a cast of 15 (many of whom in little more than bath towels) and several choreographed musical numbers throughout, this production demanded an impactful set.

Set designer Tom Bannerman is very much part of the furniture at the New Theatre, and this is “one of his more adventurous sets” – with several levels above the stage and numerous entrances and exits, “it lends itself to the sense of farce and people chasing each other around”.

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

Photo: James Green

typical of Stoppard’s work, Arcadia waltzes through the realm of opposites – dipping in poetry and science, reason and irrationality and theories of the Enlightenment and Romanticism to address the absurdities and chaos which surround human existence.

Demetriades explains that there’s a line in the play – “comparing what we’re looking for misses the point, it’s wanting to know that makes us matter” – which touches upon the role of curiosity and the nature of being.

“I feel like that line encapsulates our constant and endless search for why we exist and why we love – you feel as though if there’s going to be a finality to the struggle, there’s no kind of point in doing it.” (SH) Until Apr 2. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $78-$104. Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or 02 9250 1777

“[The audience are] gonna leave with a big smile on their face, it is very, very funny,” said Marshall-Martin. “There are a few little moments in the play that are quite strong, it makes some strong statements about relationships, and sexuality… but on the other hand its just a lot of fun for people to really sit back and laugh at the antics that are going on onstage.”

This is the very first season to run six nights of the week at the New Theatre. The final performance will run at 2pm on the official Mardi Gras parade day, meaning you can start your afternoon with this classic and celebratory theatre offering, continue on to the Mardi Gras Parade and party on into the night… just stay out of the steam room! (AM) Feb 16–Mar 5,Tues–Sun, various show times.

New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown. $17-$22.Tickets & info: newtheatre.org.au

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, Shon Ho, Jacqui Rothwell, Anvi Sharma, Emily Shen, Silvia Cheung, Andrew Hodgson, Irina Dunn.

Perch

A woman puts an ad in the paper for someone to watch over her while she sleeps. Ironically and bizarrely, she does this in order to feel secure. Fundamentally, Perch is about security and what people do in order to feel safe.

As part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras theatre offerings, Perch is a black, dark comedy – twisted because it occupies the sleep world and explores various realities – set in a down-market sort of boarding house, a slightly odd place that supports the idea of a dream space.

Perch looks at how fragile people are when they’re discovering their sexuality, their adult persona, about being vulnerable, naïve and really struggling for a place in the world.At that time it’s really important to have support, as the quest for identity can be fraught with dangers and disappointments.

Perch explores the lies young men are forced to tell so they can explore their sexuality. It’s an ambiguous play with two entirely possible scenarios. Mardi Gras audiences in particular will connect with it on a deeper level because it may speak to their own journeys.

“Perch is part of a new evolution of ‘gay theatre’,” explained sole performer and co-director Brian Carbee.“Now that ‘gay theatre’ has done its job, pushing issues into the political realm, there’s a lot more scope to look at other issues and get more microscopic about the human condition, [to] exist in a more pure theatre sense and not feel it has a job to do for the community and to be so much of an agent for social change.”

Carbee is originally from the United States, but has lived and worked in Sydney for the past 20 or so years.

“We performed Perch in New York and Boston but this is the first time we’ll perform at a gay [and LBTI] festival. It may sound heavy but people will be surprised at how much fun it is,” added Carbee. (MS) Feb 9–21, various show times. Downstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $25-$40.

Tickets & info: belvoir.com.au/events/perch/ or 02 9699 3444

The Punter’s Siren The year is 1967 and the famous 1966 image of socially awkward Helen has Shrimpton “standing there no turned up to Randwick gloves, no hat, no stockings just Racecourse alone. Helen can’t with this dress that everyone believe her luck when a thought was really short” stunning woman approaches surrounded by gawking her and sweeps her off her feet women dressed in 1940s-style – but blonde bombshell Linda conservative fashion. has ulterior motives…

Carnell is a stickler for detail, “It’s just a whacky comedy the play is “littered with little about people’s inner thoughts, connections to the past” from fears and desires,” explained the label on a bottle of director and producer Stephen champagne, to wads of Carnell.“It’s universal.” authentic 60s currency, to the Linda is a con-woman, she names of the restaurants they The Punters Siren: Jacqui Robson and Laura Viskovich would normally set her sights want to splurge their winnings in The Punter’s Siren. Photo by Vanessa Chaperon. on gullible men, but instead in. she lures Linda with the promise of a magical evening and Gina Schien originally wrote The Punter’s Siren as a radio play, convinces her to place a bet on a horse with the intention of but rewrote it as a stage play for the 2012 Gay & Lesbian Mardi stealing her winnings.

Gras Festival in response to feedback that women were being Carnell explained there were two reasons for setting The under-catered for in the Mardi Gras.

Punter’s Siren in the 1960s, the first is that “obviously The initial run was met with great praise and the original homosexuality was a lot more tenuous in those days, and fraught “amazing” and “powerhouse” performers are back, with Jacqui with difficulties”.The second was the fashion.“We wanted to Robson as Helen and Laura Viskovich as Linda. encapsulate the fashion change that happened the year before “This is the best Australian play certainly that I’ve ever done, but when Jean Shrimpton wore her famous white shift dress to the possibly that I’ve ever read,” added Carnell. (AM) races in Melbourne and changed Australian fashion forever.And Feb 17–Mar 5. Blood Moon Theatre,The World Bar, we found a dress just like that in a vintage shop in Surry Hills.”

24 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross. $21.89-$32.34.

The contrast in Helen and Linda’s costumes parallels the Tickets & info: eventbrite.com.au or theworldbar.com THE SECRET RIVER Adapted from the novel by Kate Grenville, this play tracks the story of the conflict between transported convict William Thornhill and the Dharug people, on whose land by the Hawkesbury River he attempts to settle. Joshua Brennan plays Dan Oldfield, another convict taken on by Thornhill to help work his land. Oldfield struggles between Thornhill’s dubious morality and the grim treatment of the local indigenous culture. A dark period in Australian history portrayed with respect for both sides. (GW) Until Feb 20. Sydney Theatre Company, Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. $69-$116.

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

THE GOLDEN AGE A production that still resonates with theatregoers since its inception in 1985, strikingly exploring Australia’s dark commencement as a nation by asking the questions at the very core of our history. “The score of this narrative is huge, the story spans from the wilderness of Tasmania through to war-torn Berlin…” said director Kip Williams. “The questions that [playwright] Louis [Nowra] was asking back in the mid-eighties are questions that we’re still grappling with 30 years later…” (AH) Until Feb 20. Wharf 1 Theatre, The Wharf, Pier 4/5, Hickson Road Walsh Bay. $64.Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or 9250 1777

THE PRIDE An emotional and poetic reflection on gay identity and sexual liberation, celebrating authenticity, empathy and understanding. The Pride jumps between two parallel love stories – one set in the repressive past, 1958, and the other in the more liberated present day. Through wicked humour and raw emotion, The Pride will get under your skin, exploring the ever changing attitudes to love and sexuality. After receiving incredible reviews in the UK, this highly topical play is one that will leave the audience talking for days. (NB) Until Mar 6. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $38-$45.Tickets & info: darlinghursttheatre.com

Review: Jack of Hearts

Jack Of Hearts: Chris Taylor, Paige Gardiner, Brooke Satchwell and Craig Reucassel

The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and Craig Reucassel take to the stage in this dramatic romantic comedy following a group of privileged 30-somethings as they yearn for fulfilment and happiness in their relationships.

Jack (Taylor) is a disgraced lawyer taking time to ‘explore his creative side’ when his wife Emma (Paige Gardiner) suddenly leaves him for an arrogant and unscrupulous television anchor (played to a tee by Carl Mochrie). Their close friends, sleazy real estate agent Stu (Reucassel) and his long-suffering wife Denys (Brooke Satchwell) get tied up in the drama.

Dismayed and broke, Jack takes a job as a porter at a remote resort, and of course on one fateful weekend everyone turns up there for ‘an escape’, along with Stu’s latest flamboyant woman on the side (Isabella Tannock).

While this destination trope is all a bit of fun in principle, two and a half hours is a bit of an indulgent run time – more so, it’s the lack of depth or likeableness in any of the characters that made things drag on.

The not-soon-enough introduced dynamic of Jack’s amateur stand-up comedy routines are a welcome change of pace and introduce an interesting shift in staging and audience involvement.

Jack’s troubled but kind demeanour however soon enough divulges into a classic “I’m such a

nice guy” rhetoric worthy of a complimentary fedora, as he attempts to try his luck with every woman he knows – including the only potentially likeable character, his headstrong boss Kelli (Christa Nicola).

The cast all managed to pull admirable performances from near nonsensical characters – the females are painfully twodimensional, but the blokes aren’t much better. In the end, the cheating arseholes face no repercussion and the women make their decisions based purely on their ticking biological clocks.

Jack of Hearts is a milestone for writer/director David Williamson, his 50th play; and an interesting project for a couple of blokes from The Chaser, one of the nation’s most politically charged satirical comedy groups. But watching this parade of obnoxious North-Shore characters on stage from amongst the packed opening night audience (in which is was difficult to spot anyone who wasn’t white or less than middle aged) under the shadow of the Harbour Bridge in Kirribilli, I felt uneasy about which cheek the proverbial tongue was indeed planted in. (AM)

WW1/ 2

Until Apr 2, various show times.

Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $25-$69.

Tickets & info: ensemble.com.au or 02 9929 0644

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY – REIMAGINED Expect a completely new view on an Oscar Wilde classic, quite controversial in its time. Nathan Farrow, an Australian playwright/actor, adapts the play; it’s a drama and a comedy with horrors and dark secrets.

Wilde is well known for his wit and sharp jabs against society, and his characters have clever quips that make you think about what’s happening in society today. (MS) Until Mar 19. Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent Street, Sydney. $25-$30.

Tickets & info: genesiantheatre.com.au

the consumptive seamstress Mimi, while Yosep Kang sings Rodolfo, her confused and fickle lover. In setting the story in Germany’s Weimar Republic of the 1930s, rather than Paris in the 1830s, director Gail Edwards modernised the production and gave set designer Brian Thomson the opportunity to create the interior of a spiegeltent on stage.

(ID) Until March 23. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $44–$330.

Tickets & info: opera.org.au or 02 9318 8200

LA BOHEME In this tragic tale of first love, Natalie Aroyan plays

LADIES DAY Written by Alana Valentine, this play focuses on a

female writer in Broome and her experience and conversations with gay men in the community.

All of these stories are based on real life interviews and heavy research. Valentine is seeking to express ideas and themes that normally aren’t publicly known or discussed with the community, regarding the LGBTQ experience in regional Australia. Darren Yap is the director of this evocative play, with a large musical portion

by Max Lambert. (AMal) Feb 15–Mar 26, various show times. SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross. $20-$55.

Tickets info: griffintheatre.com.au city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

11

THE NAKED CITY

NAUGHTY BUT NOWHERE! With Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death As the Sydney sightseeing bus moseys its way down Darlinghurst Rd, bemused tourists must wonder what all the fuss is about. No doubt the bus driver makes some reference to the halcyon days of strip clubs and streetwalkers but the current vista is hardly worth the snap of a digital camera. Even two of the Cross’s best known passion pits, Dream Girls and the Bada Bing, have been shut down for six months because of illicit drug dealing.

The scene is more suburban than salacious and almost every day another piece of the old Kings Cross succumbs to the onslaught of gentrification. We all remember Clover Moore’s endorsement of the precinct as one of “naughty but nice” but these days the label is more “nondescript”. Perhaps the looming edifice of the super upmarket Omnia building, perched right at the entrance to Darlinghurst Rd is the final nail in the coffin, and who knows what consequences its eventual completion will bring.

Those on the city side will enjoy spectacular views of the harbour from their multimillion dollar apartments. On the other hand those lower floor apartments on the Cross side will look directly across to 66 Darlinghurst Rd, the safe injecting room and the clients who regularly loiter outside. Dear oh me, not exactly the ‘neighbourhood views’ you would expect with a one million dollar outlay.

Even more apartments are scheduled to clog the old Golden Mile and with them an invasion of well heeled, cashed up, apartment dwellers – the complete antithesis of the old bohemian culture that once populated the area. Change of course is sadly inevitable, and despite

outpourings of nostalgia from those who remember the old Cross, as one long time resident recently told us – “the place is now fucked”.

That might seem an overreaction, after all the remarkable Piccolo Bar still survives, but what of the Sydney sightseeing bus and the visiting sailors who look to the area for the remnants of its licentious past.As in many gentrified areas throughout the world there’s often a faux attempt to preserve or regenerate something of the old historical character associated with the

Mayhem: Kings Cross 1945 This weekend, Elizabeth Bay is going back in time to when WWII was ending and the world felt right again. Held by Sydney Living Museums and the Festivalists, Mayhem will be transforming Elizabeth Bay House from the modern day to postwar 1945, where locals will celebrate the end of the war and the sad goodbye to the American GIs who transformed Kings Cross into a lively and liberal hub.

Business Coordinator Ed Champion explained this Mayhem event is about the last kind of hurrah they had to celebrate the end of the war.

He is hoping everyone will dress up in their best 40’s get up.

What you can expect when you attend this event is three levels of celebrations including dancing lessons where the Sydney Swing Cats IAN GRIEG A new series of paintings by Sydney-based artist Ian Greig. Whilst the paintings draw upon the natural environment, they are not rooted in the exploration of an outward material landscape. Greig brushes upon a metaphysical world beyond what can be measured or observed. A soothing fluidity is created through the bleeding rich colours and vibrant tones of the paintings, which seemingly seep into each other, generating a sense of calmness which captures the delicate tangle of light and shadows. (SH) Until Feb 20. Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay. Info: arthousegallery.com.au CHEN QIULIN – ONE HUNDRED NAMES This exhibition includes over a decade of photographic and video work focusing on the central issues of migration, 12

city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

will teach you the jitterbug, delicious food and drinks plus a well-stocked bar if you’re feeling in a very celebratory mood.

There will also be a photo booth and performance group Jetpack Collective will be reciting real letters sent from the front line.

Down below in the cellars will be a high stakes black market casino where you can put it all on black or see if you’re lucky with a little game of blackjack. For those who are curious there is also an adults-only peep show in a hidden room at the back. Get your tickets now to the best 1945 event in 2016. (AMal) Feb13, 6.30pm. Elizabeth Bay House, 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay. $65-$75.

Tickets & info: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au or 1300 448 849

displacement, ancestry, urban development and its disruption of traditional culture and way of life. Qiulin’s favourite piece is the installation ‘One Hundred Names for Kwong Wah Chong’, the latest iteration of her ongoing video w orks documenting the decaying process of one hundred common Chinese family names carved from tofu.

(AMal) Until Feb 27. 11am-6pm. 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, 181-187 Hay Street, Sydney. Info: 4a.com.au LUMINOUS WORLD An exciting new exhibition brings together a selection of 61 different paintings, photographs and ceremonial objects by some of Australia and New Zealand’s most significant contemporary artists. Collected from artists such as Paddy Bedford, Rosalie Gascoigne, Bill Henson, John Mawurndjul and Lena

district.Admittedly the Cross has its bronze footpath plaques which spell out some of the strip’s former landmarks and characters but what about a kind of living museum?

The City Of Sydney Council should immediately look to buying up empty shops in Darlinghurst Road – after all there are plenty to choose from. Once secured they could set about recreating some of the Golden Mile’s long lost attractions, like the Pink Pussycat, the Kings Cross Wax Works and even the notorious Cosmopolitan Café. Most would just be facades, with the interiors let out to backpackers or low cost housing, but the effect would still be captivating, with lots of neon and flashing signs.The punters in the Sydney sightseeing bus would never know the difference and visiting sailors could be redirected to the CBD’s thriving massage parlours.

Once the illusion of the various facades was introduced legitimate businesses on the strip would no doubt join the party, rejigging their shopfronts to create their own little piece of Kings Cross history.The $2 Shop could become Sweethearts with an autonotom of Jimmy Barnes sitting in the window.The Omnia could at least evoke the spirit of the old Goldfish Bar with a mural of inebriated patrons surveying the passing parade. Even the wonderful Kings Cross library could be rebranded as the Penthouse Snooker room – complete with the odd pool table and even Louis Bayeh himself occasionally manning the front desk to dispense borrowed books and collect overdue fines.

Just like the Australiana Pioneer Village at Wilberforce, a part of our history would live on in its own twisted Disneyland – a sanitized reminder of what the Cross was like when it was just plain naughty (forget about the nice!).

Papunya Tjupi Arts 2016 Honey Ant Gallery is showcasing the immense talent of artists from central Australia’s most enduring remote arts hub – Papunya, the home of the Western Desert dotpainting movement.

Papunya has had a talent filled and tumultuous history since the dotpainting movement initially began in 1971, and then all but disbanded in the early 80s. Papunya was left without its own art centre for many years, but in 2007 the movement was revived with the formation of Papunya Tjupi Arts.

Women are currently artistically thriving in Papunya, this exhibition being dominated by their talents. Many of them are descendants of the founding members of the art movement; they capture ancestral stories on canvas and record them for future generations and the prosperity of country.

“The work is truly remarkable and such a credit to the art centre – the artists, their co-ordinator Helen Puckey, and also [eminent scholar] Vivien Johnson, who has played such a key role in the beginnings and profile development of the arts centre,” explained Lisa McLaren from Honey Ant Gallery.

“Papunya Tjupi Arts has always held a special place in out hearts [Honey Ant Gallery]. We have represented their work for many years, and it has been an absolute joy to see individual artists develop their style,” said McLaren.“The current work displays such confidence, sophistication and technical ability.The ladies of Papunya Tjupi Arts are very deserving of their growing profile, and we feel very honoured to represent their work.”

The exhibition will be officially opened this Saturday (Feb 13, 3–5pm) by Vivien Johnson, author of Streets of Papunya: the re-invention of Papunya painting. (AM) TALKS: Rae and Warren Walker, of Honey Ant Gallery (Noosa), will share some of their incredible experiences traversing Australia’s desert centre. Feb 14 & 17, 11am. Spaces limited, to confirm attendance email Lisa at sydney@honeyantgallery.com Feb 10–28. Weds–Sun,10am-4pm.The Incinerator Art Space, 2 Small Street, Willoughby. Free. Info: honeyantgallery.com

Yarinkura – the works all carry with them a message built around the theme of ‘light’, which carries with it a symbolic resonance.

(JA) Until Feb 27, 11am-5pm, Mon-Sat. National Art School Gallery, Forbes St, Darlinghurst.

Info: nas.edu.au/NASGallery

philosophy has allowed him to develop a certain understanding of chaos, which he has recreated through a visual element of object paintings. (AMal) Until Feb 28, Wed-Sat 11am-5pm & Sun 1-5pm. Galerie Pompom, 2/39 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale.

Free entry. Info: galeriepompom.com

STEFAN DUNLOP & ADRIAN COOMBS Galerie Pompom starts off their new year with two new exhibitions, Stefan Dunlop’s ‘I like your old stuff better than your new stuff ’ and Adrian Hobbs’ ‘Parental Guidance Recommended’. Dunlop focuses on the romanticising of natural landscapes, some within historical moments – candy and pastel colours juxtapose his themes. For Hobbs, research of chaos through mathematics, science, history and

DAMMERSCHLAF Exploring the liminal states of creative practice and the processes of translation involved in the making and interpretation of art, this exhibition showcases site-specific work of three of the inaugural Artspace One Year Resident Studio Artists – Nick Dorey, Mikala Dwyer and Clare Milledge.

Collaboratively creating an immersive experience, the artists address perceptions of reality, alternate spiritualties and the supernatural. The use

of organic materials and an interest in the processes of alchemy and natural flora unite the three practices. (SH) Until Feb 28. Artspace, 43-51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo. Free.

Info: artspace.org.au EL ANATSUI – FIVE DECADES Internationally acclaimed Ghanaian artist El Anatsui presents his first major exhibition in Australia. The exhibition presents more than 30 works collected from 1970 until the present, and covers a wide range of mediums from ceramics, drawings, sculptures and woodcarvings right up to the large-scale, intricate and expansive installations for which Anatsui is best known for. (JA) Until Mar 6, 10am–6pm.

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh.

Free. Info: carriageworks.com.au

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps High Highs: With the two core members of this synth and guitar laced indie-pop band (Jack Milas and Oli Chang) now based out of Brooklyn, the High Highs haven’t had many chances to return home to Australia until now.The two Aussie ex-pats will be bringing with them their American band mates Bobby Sinclair (drums) and Grant Zubritsky (bass) for this collectives first time in Australia, and only the second time in general that the band has toured here.

Thu, Feb 11, Plan B Small Club Horror My Friend: In the wake of early critical acclaim for debut LP ‘Stay In, Do Nothing’ this Adelaide post-punk group are eager to hit the road with a frenetic schedule seeing them perform 11 shows between the end of January and the start of April. Carefully filling the space between post-punk and indie rock, the group have rapidly developed a fanatical following.

Fri, Feb 12, Blackwire Jess Ribeiro: With her second album ‘Kill It Yourself’ coming out late last year, Ribeiro has been riding the wave of praise from critics and fans alike ever since as they unanimously accepted her transition from alt-country darling to a more sophisticated and complex singer/ songwriter.

Fri, Feb 12, Newtown Social Club Stories: After a resounding success with the release of their debut album charting in the top 50 of the ARIA charts, a tour has been eagerly awaited for fans of Stories and they are now set to deliver.With the band initially being

Seymour Centre Courtyard Sessions

discovered by Northlane guitarist Josh Smith, who went on to mentor them through their early stages, Stories have become a band renowned for their live performance.

Fri, Feb 12, Red Rattler Kerser: The past year has seen the Campbelltown emcee grow and develop as both an artist, a professional and a person as a whole. Kerser has now started his own label and released his new album ‘Next Step’, which traces his journey since stepping into the limelight without any fear of admitting fault.With his straight talking street style this show is bound to be hard hitting and emotionally impactful.

Sat, Feb 13, UTS Sydney Hush Honey: An exciting new Sydney band on the modern rock and roll scene is set to perform a show this weekend to celebrate the launch of the debut double A side 7” single, which consists of ‘Can’t Get Home’ and ‘Roadhouse Love’.

Sat, Feb 13, Botany View Hotel Waxahatchee: Next week sees the Sydney debut of Waxahatchee’s (aka Katie Crutchfield) five piece live band show. Last year was somewhat of a breakout year for the young star, who almost unbelievably has been in the music scene for years despite only being in her mid-twenties.With her emotional 90s style indie rock this show is bound to be a highlight for the week – and what a better way to celebrate hump day than to head out to see the show.

Wed, Feb 17, Oxford Art Factory

By Jamie Apps Last Friday the Seymour Centre in Chippendale, in association with the City of Sydney, kicked off the fifth instalment of their annual Courtyard Sessions.

Since its inception the main idea for the Courtyard Sessions has always been to provide an event which showcases emerging musicians from around Sydney, NSW or the nation more broadly in a relaxed and free outdoor setting. Over the years the event has stuck to this mantra while looking to improve it where possible. Event director Larry Heath explained:“the idea [for the event] has very much stayed the same since the beginning, we’ve just added things along the lines of performers, such as magicians and dancers that add to the environment and experience.”

As this is a very community focused event it has always been important for the organisers to keep the Courtyard Sessions open to as many people as possible, hence why it has remained a free event open to all ages and is even dog friendly. Heath

Ecca Vandal – End Of Time EP

explained that the response from the community has been very positive:“the community has been great, we have hundreds of people come every week to the event.”

For artists, this dedication and support from the community has not gone unnoticed.As Heath said: “every artist we spoke to wanted to be involved, it was just a matter of timing”. Having such a loyal community following has made the event highly attractive to artists because they don’t have to stress about drawing a crowd of their own fans, which allows them freedom to try new material or get back into the saddle of performing.

The program for the Courtyard Sessions has

What happens when you take a little bit of hiphop, some electronic synths, a hint of punk rock, and finally a heaping dose of pop, and dump them all into a blender? Well you get the debut EP from Melbourne starlet Ecca Vandal.

Throughout the majority of the adrenaline fuelled five track offering the young producer seamlessly fuses these diverse genres together to create her own unique sound, only rarely does one or two elements seem out of place.

The penultimate track on the EP, Divided, is the true standout here due to its impactful lyricism played on top of a 90s-esque indie-pop-rock guitar riff.

The future is looking bright and full of energy if this initial outing is anything to go by. (JA) WWW1/2

been in development for many months in order to ensure that all of the artists chosen are able to “embrace the outdoor setting” and create a “really enjoyable, relaxed Friday afternoon event”. Heath added:“it’s an opportunity at the end of the week to sit down, relax and listen to some great music in the beautiful leafy surrounds.”

Artists performing throughout the course of the program include ILUKA, Jordan Millar, Microwave Jenny, Fanny Lumsden,William Crighton and HOWQUA. Each act will perform three thirty-minute sets throughout the evening, so you will be able to hear them perform whenever you are able to get there. For the first time this year the Seymour Centre will also be experimenting with a Sunday afternoon event on February 21, with a lineup of DJ’s performing throughout the day.

Every Friday 6–9pm, until Mar 18.

Seymour Centre Courtyard, cnr of City Rd & Cleveland St. Chippendale.

FREE. Info: seymourcentre.com

Catherine Traicos – Brave the Good Dark

Are you listening? Catherine Traicos is singing her songs.Though it sounds as if she is taking her own time, she will not linger just for the listener.

These individualised pieces come from experience, the kind that leaves a mark, so deep it can only heal with writing and reliving. Singing helps too, a bit of guitar and comraderie, so listen. They are not long and they are not hard to listen to.

Arriving and leaving without the bigness of a band or the attention-grabbing nature of choruses, Catherine Traicos is singing. They might be old stories, of two people, of one person and the rest of the world, of all the things that live inside heads, but they are the ones that listeners love to hear above all others. Listen, in a couple of songs she will finish her singing. (SP) WWW

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SUNDAY We’re family friendly for couples who haven’t organised a baysitter (kids menu’s available).

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WORLD SQUARE SILENT CINEMA The World Square is hosting its free outdoor cinema and it will be difficult to find a better way to spend those lazy summer evenings than just taking a seat back and relaxing as you get to enjoy the classics: favourites like The Holiday and Love Actually and cult-classics such as Muriel’s Wedding, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Romeo & Juliet will ensure that audiences are glued to the headphones and deck-hairs provided by the organisers. (JR) Until Mar 16, 7pm Weds.World Square, 680 George Street, Sydney.

Free. Info: ticketpro.com.au or worldsquare.com.au THE DANISH GIRL This poignant biopic drama set in Copenhagen in the 1920’s is inspired by the extraordinary true story of Danish painters Einar and Gerda Wegener, and details their mental anguish upon the realization that Einar was in fact a transgender woman. Eddie Redmayne delivers another astonishing and moving performance as Einar/Lily, he convincingly brings the alluring Lily to life.

Alicia Vikander shines as his loving wife Gerda, the catalyst to Lily’s emergence.

Mature audiences should connect emotionally with Lily and be inspired by the lady who inadvertently gave birth to the transgender movement. (MMo) WWWW STEVE JOBS In another biopic of the late, great co-founder of Apple, director Danny Boyle and writer Aaron Sorkin provide an update for the Steve Jobs story. Michael Fassbender is suitably intimidating as the inventor with a passion for perfection. His performance is fierce and compelling, and Kate Winslet is beautiful as Jobs’s emotional conscience and confidante, Joanna.

Although an intimate endeavour, Steve Jobs focuses more on his career highs and lows, moving his personal life to the background.The technique and subtle artistry involved in creating this film are mirrored in the life of the subject. (LL) WWW1/2 14

city hub 11 FEBRUARY 2016

Typical of a Nicholas Sparks film, The Choice felt awkward – cramped with every romantic sub-plot you could ever think of. There’s an affair, a car crash, and a ridiculous miracle, which totally wrote off any sort of credibility that the film may have had.

For me, the only redeeming quality of The Choice was the inclusion of overly cute puppies – but unfortunately they didn’t get much screen time. Disappointing. (NB) W1/ 2

DIRTY GRANDPA The aptly named Dick (Robert De Niro) takes his grandson Jason (Zac Efron) away from his control-freak fiancé for the weekend, aiming to get laid in the land of Spring Break.Apart from the strangely hypnotic banter Dick shares with college girl Lenore (Aubrey Plaza), there is little of interest. De Niro has shown a talent for selfparody in recent years;The Intern showed he could do it with a touch of class.What this movie shows is more than most of us would like to see.

(CCov) W THE WINTER’S TALE – LIVE ROOM A film essentially in two halves – the first exploring the horrifying circumstances as captives in a 10 by 10 windowless room that Jack (Jacob Tremblay) and his Ma (Brie Larson) live in before escaping.This is where the second half of the film kicks in, as Jack and Ma adjust to the outside world in very contrasting ways. Due to this structure the film does feel a touch disjointed, but thankfully the performances by Tremblay and Larson are outstanding. Both actors perfectly capture the emotions one would feel being so suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar environment. (JA) WWWW1/2 SPOTLIGHT The story of the investigative journalism team from the Boston Globe who uncovered the atrocities committed by a remarkably large number of Catholic Priests, firstly in Boston and then later around the world. This film could easily have become slow, plodding and depressing – but it masterfully avoids those pitfalls by mixing the overarching story of the Catholic Church with the day-to-day research and personal lives of the four journalists. Spotlight is a masterpiece in that it manages to perfectly balance all of these separate yet intertwined stories, and ensure each piece of the puzzle seems just as relevant as the last. (JA) WWWW1/2

LOOKING FOR GRACE A teenage girl is on the run, her panicked parents are in pursuit, and a large sum of cash is missing in this suspenseful, fragmented film. Writer/ director Sue Brooks is definitely more infatuated with the small moments than the overall plot.

Unexpected characters and twists are continually introduced, a bread crumb trail of clues reveals dark secrets of greed and passion, amusing anecdotes, pure moments of human connection and all eventually taking a much darker turn than you would have foreseen.

Patient viewers should find pleasure in this remarkably packaged Australian film. (AM) WWW1/2 THE HATEFUL EIGHT Quentin Tarantino’s eighth film is truly an epic, clocking in at over three hours long for the 70mm offering (which is highly recommended).The film sees eight despicable characters trapped together within Minnie’s Haberdashery as a means of escaping a brutal Wyoming blizzard.The ensemble cast, which has for a large part been drawn from past Tarantino films, all perform stunningly.This is very much a signature Tarantino offering, with extremely graphic scenes broken up by moments of dark humour that will have you cringing at yourself for even laughing. (JA) WWWW CAROL Cate Blanchett plays Carol, a glamorous and refined lady living in a loveless marriage who meets and falls in love with Therese (Rooney Mara), a much younger lady who is desperate to break away from her mundane life.

Undeniably the best film of the year, this is pure cinematic indulgence, artistically flawless with electrifying performances from Blanchett and Mara who are supported by a highcalibre cast.Audiences will be allured by their magnetic attraction and the love affair, which escalates sensually and erotically. (MMo) WWWW1/2

Brooklyn

The Choice Based on the inspiring romantic novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Choice examines the power of love from a couple’s rocky beginnings to their life-long romance.

Spanning across ten years, we are exposed to each of the decisions and choices that are made in order to keep the hope of love alive.

The movie is painfully cliché and predictable.

From the minute Travis (Benjamin Walker) began his opening monologue it was obvious how The Choice would unfold.

Audiences who enjoy quality cinema won’t be disappointed in this highly crafted historical drama, exquisitely filmed with memorable performances from a sublime cast.

This captivating story of a young lady who migrates from Ireland to Brooklyn in the early 1950’s, details the hardships endured for new beginnings and a better quality life in a strange new country. The separation from her loving family, the tragedy and loss which ultimately envelops her life and the emotional upheaval experienced when she’s torn between two loves, are storylines which deliver a highly dramatic and heartfelt motion picture.

Oscar nominated Saoirse Ronan is outstanding as Eilis Lacey and leads a strong cast including Julie Walters, who provides on-going comedic relief from the lingering heartache. Brid Brennan is fabulous as Miss Kelly, the villain of the piece.

This film is complemented by an intense script, a beautifully composed musical score and the incredible replication of the era, with much detail given to costumes, hairstyles and sets.

Soap opera elements and some needlessly melodramatic moments are evident, but ultimately this is a stylish and endearing film relevant to Australian audiences. (MMo) WWWW

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NILS is a community managed small loan program developed

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