City Hub 12 December 2019

from Bondi to Balmain !

c i t y h u b sy d n e y. c o m . a u

NYE fireworks under much public scrutiny as Sydneysiders look for alternative celebrations

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city hub 12 DECEMBER 2019

HubNEWS

Supporters of sacked UNSW prof threaten boycott (See p. 8)

Traders railroaded by trams

HubARTS David Campbell & Syd Symphony Orchestra to open the Coliseum Theatre.

(See p. 12)

Tram crossing a Glebe viaduct. New trams on the southeast line won’t fit on the inner west network. Photo: Alec Smart Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons News Editor: Alec Smart Contributors: Alec Smart, Ashna Bharkhada, Wendy Bacon, Allison Hore, Veronica Anassis Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Erika Echternach, Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Olga Azar, Renee Lou Dallow, Rita Bratovich, Olga Sedneva Advertising Manager: Georgina Pengelly Cover Photo: Supplied. Harbour Party NYE - Palaise view Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au

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BY ALEC SMART fter months of delays and a $1.3 billion cost overrun, Sydney’s L2 tram line extension, the CBD and South East Light Rail from Circular Quay to Randwick via Surry Hills and Moore Park, will open to the public at 11am on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Regular services on the L2 will run between 5am to 1am every day, with 15 services per hour between 7am and 7pm.

Each 2-carriage tram can hold up to 450 passengers, equivalent to nine standard buses. All light rail stops are wheelchair and pram accessible.

Sydney’s tram network will soon consist of three passenger routes: the L1 Dulwich Hill Line, the L2 Randwick Line and the L3 Kingsford Line. The L3, a spur from the L2 to Kingsford via Anzac Parade, is still under construction, with completion expected in March 2020.

Part of the reason Sydney city’s unpopular Lockout Laws are being repealed is to enable southbound commuters departing late from events and nightclubs to use the light rail. However, although patrons will be permitted to re-enter licensed venues after 1.30am, trams will halt nightly at 1am.

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“Revitalising” the city

Premier Gladys Berejiklian estimates the new network will move up to 13,500 commuters an hour during peak times in both directions.

“The CBD and South East Light Rail is a big step towards revitalising our city and will transform the way we live, work and go out,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Construction on the 12km CBD and South East Light Rail route, begun in October 2015, was staged across 31 construction zones. The final price tag for the L2 and L3 construction is expected to reach $2.9 billion, almost double the original cost predicted by Ms Berejiklian in 2012, when she was NSW Transport Minister.

New trams lack

‘interoperability’ with existing network

The primary reason for the cost over-run and nine months’ delay in completing L2 is attributable to the NSW Government’s long-running dispute with Acciona, part of the ALTRAC consortium responsible for delivering the infrastructure.

The Spanish subcontractor sued the NSW Government for $1.2 billion, claiming it received misrepresented data about hidden utilities (submerged electricity cables, water and sewage pipes and gas conduits) along the route before the signing of contracts.

In June 2019, the NSW Government agreed to a $576 million compensation payout, withholding $129 million until construction deadlines were met.

Construction delays and impediments

like barricades and pedestrian diversions have caused severe distress and loss of business to multiple traders along the route. According to a spokesperson, TfNSW “supported 179 businesses by providing more than $39.8 million in financial assistance,” and the City of Sydney Council offered some rent relief. Nonetheless, many businesses were forced to close, bankrupted by a massive drop in customers.

There are also hundreds of longsuffering residents along the light rail route whose homes have suffered major damage. The residents are still waiting for rectification works to take place.

New trams incompatible with existing lines

It was revealed in July 2017 that the new trams scheduled for the L2 and L3 services – a fleet of sixty Citadis X05 trams from France, each 67 metres long – lack “interoperability” with the existing L1 inner west line between Ultimo and Dulwich Hill. This inhibits the ability to introduce new routes across a broader network, which might include access to the Balmain peninsula via a renovated Glebe Island Bridge.

This incompatibility effectively means that passengers travelling light rail from the inner west to Moore Park for sporting events and concerts will have to change trams at Central Railway Station to continue their journey. city hub 12 DECEMBER 2019

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HubNEWS

Hubbub would love to hear from you!

Sent tips and local absurdities to hubbubsydney@gmail.com.

Catch a fire As god’s paradise chokes, the business of government goes on. The thick smoke has been used as a ... hmm, what’s the word? Some kind of curtain or covering, maybe a screen? But in a week that has shown that the debate in climate science is not whether change is man-made or not but how quickly are we going down the gurgler, the government behaves as if all’s right with world and that we don’t need democracy.

Firstly it was revealed that television mediocrity Scott Cam, a good old knockaround bloke, will be paid $345,000 to be a jobs ambassador. No one can quite explain what this is, but it must be Very Important, as there were cuts to the National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum, the peak body representing 14 groups who support victims of domestic violence in indigenous communities.This body cost $244,000 a year. It was a vital resource, as it was where the other bodies could be represented, heard and advised.

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Bushfires approaching Big Smoke

By VERONICA ANASSIS Fears about Sydney’s air quality are escalating as NSW’s unprecedented fire emergency continues. Fires are still surrounding the city from northern and southern regions, ravaging wildlife and blazing a black veil of ash that smothers Sydney’s skyline.

In the south-west, Lake Burragorang fires have now hit Oakdale, half an hour away from Campbelltown, where 112,000 hectares burn out of control.

From the north, Lithgow fires rage as far as Kurrajong. Wollemi National Park and surrounding area fires circle Sydney over a staggering 345,000 hectares.

In the CBD, inner-city buildings are completely cloaked in smog and views of the sun have been eclipsed by grey smoke in Bondi Junction. At Malabar Beach, and Balmoral, ghastly chunks of black ash have mounted-up on the shore, washed in from remnant-ridden waters.

RFS spokesperson James Morris warned: “Fires continue to increase in remote and rugged terrain relatively close to smaller Sydney suburbs,” adding “2.2 million hectares of land in more than 7,000 fires.”

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city hub 12 DECEMBER 2019

Balmoral Beach in Sydney Harbour is covered with ash washed inshore from the bushfires. Photo: Alec Smart

Homes left in rubble

The RFS reports that now 692 homes in NSW have now been destroyed. The Government are not providing restoration support for many homes incinerated in the disaster. Regions such as Nambucca and Byron are eligible for up to $15,000 grants, while others have been left in the cold, or rather the heat.

Billy Morris, whose family lost their mountaintop home in Colo Heights, revealed to City Hub they will not receive any aid to remove debris materials to begin to rebuild. The family house, one in five homes that were damaged in the Colo Heights area, was ravaged three weeks after they lost their mother to cancer. influx of support from the community has been ‘overwhelming’ according to

Billy and Georgia, who together with their sister Matilda have raised $61,000 in funds so far.

Donations towards the Morris family’s home rebuild can be made at an on-line GoFundMe appeal at “Rebuild for Bill.”

There are a number of funds which have been established to support those affected by the bush fires. The RFS recommend: Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief www.redcross.org.au Salvation Army Disaster Appeal www.salvationarmy.org.au St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal (NSW) www.donate.vinnies.org.au

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HubNEWS

The fear is that the bodies that were represented won’t have the skills time or ability to maintain their funding, being busy with the victims of domestic violence.

But see, we’re told, or at least they imply, that that’s ok.You see, shortbarrelled rifles are being issued to federal police officers at 7 airports, including Kingsford-Smith. Oh, you say, there must have been an incident.

No, we reply.

The airport is ridiculously safe.

Probably because very few terrorist groups can afford the parking. Oh no incident? Well obviously they must have received intelligence that these airports are under threat. No, in fact.

The prime minister assures is that there is no conceivable threat. Hubbub is now wondering if cruise ships are a viable way to get to New York.

But don’t worry, it gets worse.

There are proposals to raise skyscrapers building heights - not in the CBD but in the suburbs. Developers are pushing for it. The claim is that more buildings will create jobs and help ease housing shortages. Except they probably won’t. If one ventures out of the region you can see an oversupply of units in suburbs like Canterbury, Lidcombe and Burwood.

It’s not really about solving social or political issues though. Hubbub is not a regular reader of the Daily Telegraph, though we acknowledge it’s good to keep an eye on the competition. The Telegraph reports that if Chatswood or Parramatta raise their limits it might allow the city of Sydney to finally relent and build the Star Casino.You know, the one that no one in the city wants.

That one where the promise was all this foreign money pouring into our pockets.

Except it’s now owned by a Chinese consortium. So it’s a flight in, a drive to the casino, a week in the high flyers room and back home. Not even a glimpse at the Harbour Bridge. Not a good look.

We must save Christmas!

As our esteemed glorious leader flies off to New Zealand for a crass photo opp - I mean, to help our New Zealand cousins in the time of their tragedy - Sydney becomes the city with the worst air quality in the world.

Struggling to see across the harbour to the opera house, one wonders just how much gratitude the people of New Zealand have in their hearts for this magnanimous show of generosity.

The prime minister, we know, has the bushfires completely covered with prayers and thoughts.

Why else would he stand up In a city that is smoke filled from the worst bushfires in at least a generation and talk about solutions? Not solutions to the fires - solutions against

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Ghost town’s revival plans

Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter is facing competing plans to upgrade it from a ‘ghost town’. Photo: Supplied

By ALLISON HORE Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter is set for a face-lift, which developers say will “breathe new life into a ‘tired’ and ‘forgotten’ part of Sydney” and revitalise the precinct, which many think is like a ghost town.

Late last month leaseholders of the Entertainment Quarter, Carsingha Investments, made an unsolicited development proposal to the NSW Government. Their vision for the precinct includes four hectares of parkland, a fresh food market, eateries and bars, a wide pedestrian boulevard and a 4.5 star hotel.

Not reaching its potential

Guy Pahor, Chief Executive of the Entertainment Quarter, told City Hub that he thinks the Entertainment Quarter doesn’t attract enough foot traffic for the space to meet its potential.

“Without a critical mass of people during the day and night, even the best designed public spaces will fail, as the previous 20 year history of the Entertainment Quarter clearly demonstrates,” he explained.

Carsingha Investments, a consortium consisting of investors John Singleton, Gerry Harvey and Mark Carnegie, took out an 80-year lease on the entertainment quarter property in 2014 for $80 million.

Development plans will breathe new life into a ‘tired’ and ‘forgotten’ part of Sydney However, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has been championing the City of Sydney’s own master plan for the Moore Park area, told News Corp journalists that she finds the lack of transparency in the proposal process to be problematic.

Carsingha’s proposal has proceeded to

stage two without sufficient input from the community or council.

“20 million people visit the Centennial and Moore Parklands annually and three out of every four people living in the City of Sydney live in an apartment - Moore Park is their backyard,” she said.

But Pahor told City Hub that the planning process for the proposal was part of a “detailed master planning exercise” which involved input from relevant stakeholders.

Further consideration needed

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet confirmed that they received Carsingha’s proposal and said it was “of sufficient interest, and merit, to warrant further consideration.”

The proposal is currently not available for public viewing.

Dodging cars saves lives

By ASHNA BHARKHADA nother pedestrian was struck by a moving vehicle on an intersection bordering Enmore, Newtown and Marrickville. The crossing, on the junction where Alice Street and Llewellyn Street meet Edgeware Road, has been the scene of multiple accidents over the years.

Locals think it’s only a matter of time until someone is killed.

Nearby resident Amanda Dearing said there’s an absence of suitable turn signals and signage, and vehicles are regularly seen zipping through and running reds without paying attention to pedestrians crossing.

“I can’t count how many times I’ve nearly been hit and I’ve literally seen my children almost being wiped out before me,” she said.

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Concerns raised

Nearly five years ago, Dearing raised concerns about the crossing with Greens MP Jenny Leong when a teenager was knocked down by a passing vehicle. As a result, the city added zig-zag road pavement markings and a flashing school sign on Alice Street. However, she hasn’t noticed much improvement to the safety of the intersection since.

It’s only a matter of time until someone is killed Resident Nemira Schick said she’s “terrified” for the safety of children walking home from school, after witnessing a car mounted on the footpath that had collided with a bus.

“If it was two hours later, there are

normally twelve kids waiting on that corner,” she said.

Westconnex and the new Metro rail construction sites, both nearby, have also raised fears for many parents who regularly witness double-barrel trucks charging through. Recently, a cyclist was hit by a turning truck that was suspected to be speeding. The victim suffered some injuries but police have been unable to find the driver.

Preparations are being made to bring forth the issue again with the Inner West Council and Roads and Maritime Service (RMS). A number of improvements will be suggested to control traffic and rectify pedestrian safety, including adding speed cameras, reduced speed zone, a fence to protect children in corners, and having turn-light signals.

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religious discrimination. Hubbub is not a constitutional lawyer, but we are pretty sure that there are laws protecting anyone from persecution on religious grounds. Of course, this applies to all religions that obey the law. And Hubbub believes that freedom of belief or non belief is vital to a strong democracy. We ourselves do not subscribe to any religion (like most Australians), but have no problem with others personally held genuine beliefs. We have also read the Bible many times. In its entirety. It makes for great reading. It’s full of violence, sex, betrayal and other adult themes.

Its uncomfortable reading if you have a narrow view of things. But just because it doesn’t move us it doesn’t mean it doesn’t move others. And we know very few, if any people, who are confronted by others’ beliefs.

Which leads us to the War on Christmastm. This bizarre American import rears its head every year, sure as Coles Myer board members exhort us to break the spending record. Every year we hear about a primary school that has banned the nativity.

We have several thoughts about that: One - we live in a secular society, so does the nativity have a place in public schools in any case? Two - often the schools are in a strong Muslim or Hindi or Jewish area, so the nativity isn’t banned as much as it’s been deemed irrelevant to the students.

Before we all clutch our pearls and faint dead away, let’s look at this war: from the middle of November we are bombarded with Christmas songs, ads, decorations and images of Santa Claus.

If there’s a war, the anti side is not doing well.

So one gets distracted by all this, and well put to the side Angus Taylor’s major victory against Naomi Wolf, which totally happened, no really, let’s look at another piece of news that slipped under the radar.

Australia’s democratic ranking was moved from open to narrow by the Civicus monitor, a scale developed from the data of civil rights groups.

The ranking was lowered for obvious reasons: Raids on journalists, punishment of whistleblowers and crackdowns on peaceful protests.

Hubbub is slightly worried that we are becoming the allegorical frog in the water. The water is fine and slowly heats up, and then it’s boiling. The frog of course hasn’t noticed. So too, this is how oppression happens.

You can help, dear reader. Let us know your snippets, your tips, your information. Let us strengthen the community by telling us what you have going on. Tell is about your local heroes.

Email us, as anonymously as you like on hubbubsydney@gmail.com.

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HubNEWS

UNSW sacks an Indigenous artist

Uncle Vic Chapman AM speaking outside the Elwyn Lynn Conference. Photo: Supplied

BY WENDY BACON hirty artists and academics, including several significant Indigenous artists, have vowed to boycott University of New South Wales galleries unless they reappoint long-term Indigenous staff member and Director of Indigenous Programs Tess Allas, whose contract was terminated in October.

Allas was told by the Dean of Art and Design Professor Ross Harley in October that her contract would not be renewed. Allas has been responsible for teaching courses about Aboriginal art and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other students. She is a practising artist with a masters in curatorial studies.

It is not unusual for contract staff members to be terminated in universities. What is extraordinary about this situation is a public campaign calling for a reversal of the decision and an outpouring of support for Allas from the Indigenous and the academic art communities.

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#StandwithTess

A student-led campaign #StandwithTess launched an online petition with more than 1600 signatories, and scores of letters of support have been sent to Professor Harley from people familiar with Allas’ work as an artist, educator and academic.

At a #StandwithTess rally on November 5, artist Tony Albert called for the boycott of UNSW galleries. At the rally, Albert said Allas was a “proud Aboriginal woman and a teacher beyond comparison. I’m appalled at the way the university is treating Tess Allas”.

Albert described the decision to terminate Allas as one of institutional racism and asked, “Where is the

recognition for the oldest, living, surviving culture in the world?” Albert is currently working with leading contemporary artists Richard Bell and Daniel Boyd. “We are calling for all Indigenous artists and their allies to boycott UNSW Galleries. We will never exhibit in the confines of this university again” unless Allas is re-employed.

Indigenous students have accused UNSW of wrecking their Arts and Design program, traumatising them and opting for silence rather than addressing their concerns.

A gallery of opposition

Signatories to the boycott call also include artists Joan Ross, Dale Harding, Reko Rennie, Julie Gough, and New Zealand-born artists Hayden Fowler and Angela Tiatia. First Nations Canadian artist Adrian Stinson of the Siksika Nation in Southern Alberta sent letters to UNSW Vice-Chancellor Ian Jacobs and the Dean Ross Harley and has posted a video in support of Allas on Instagram.

Stinson says that he is “baffled by the decision” because Allas is the “most wonderful professional director of indigenous programming that UNSW could ever have.”

I’m appalled at the way the university is treating Tess Allas For some years, Allas has held contracts as both a lecturer and a professional support staff member. She has curated and co-curated significant exhibitions including the award-winning With Secrecy and Despatch, which was commissioned by the Campbelltown Arts Centre in partnership with UNSW Art and Design in 2016.

Tess Allas declined to be interviewed for this story. UNSW responded with a statement which said in part: “UNSW Sydney is unable to comment on individual staffing matters because of confidentiality considerations … UNSW understands the concerns and interest in how it supports Indigenous students and staff. UNSW has a long and proud history in the education of Indigenous people. The University is committed to providing learning opportunities that embrace Indigenous knowledge, culture and histories.”

The Faculty Student Council President Jack Poppert says that the notion of confidentiality is being used to “stifle community inquiry, and as an excuse for their unsubstantial and unsatisfactory manner of dealing with our sincere concerns.”

Indigenous student Aneshka Mora responded to UNSW in this way: “If we are to ‘decolonise’ our institutions it needs to be done with the prioritization of community. Tess embodies community like no other. What we are concerned about, is not the filling of the position of the Director of Indigenous Programs or the lecturer of the course that Tess runs, we are concerned about the necessity of Tess Allas the person and we refuse to let false institutional promises dehumanise our experience and our community. “ Elder In Residence Vic Chapman, an 87year old Yuwaalaraay man, told City Hub: “Tess is well known locally, nationally and internationally in the art world, with international curatorial awards, etc. Her strong support of students and staff in the workplace – Indigenous and nonIndigenous – surrounding her dismissal speaks volumes for her concern for them, her commitment and capability as a teacher.”

NotificatioN aNd iNvitatioN uNder clause 60 of the NatioNal Parks aNd Wildlife regulatioN 2019 Sydney TrainS propoSeS To carry ouT The following projecT at sydNey yard, ceNtral statioN: Brief overview of the proposed activity that may be the subject of an ahiP application

location of the proposed activity

Proposed applicant contact details

upgrading existing electrical infrastructure within Sydney yard, central Station, including the following kinds of works:

within Sydney yard, lot 118 dp 1078271, in the Sydney local government area.

steveN Nix sydney trains

upgrade of life expired overhead wiring system and rectification of associated non-compliances. including:  installation of new overhead wiring structures, including excavation for new footings  replacement and upgrade of existing overhead wiring system  removal of redundant existing overhead wiring structures

including works across central Station platforms 1-15, and to the south of these platforms

environment division, Ser level 4, 36-46 george Street Burwood nSw 2134 02 9536 8440

Sydney Trains invites aboriginal groups and individuals who hold knowledge relevant to determining the cultural heritage significance of aboriginal objects and places at central Station and the surrounding area to register their interest in the Sydney Trains project.

The purpose of community consultation with aboriginal people is to assist Sydney Trains, as the proposed applicant, in the preparation of its application for an aboriginal heritage impact permit (ahip) and to assist the coordinator-general energy, environment & Science of the department of planning, industry and environment in the coordinator-general’s consideration and determination of that application.

pleaSe regiSTer your inTereST in The projecT By 6 JaNuary 2020 By coNtactiNg: gareTh holeS, artefact heritage level 4, Building B, 35 Saunders Street pyrmont nSw 2009 0295 188 411, gareth.holes@artefact.net.au

Please note that the consultation guidelines require the proponents to provide details of registered aboriginal parties to the department of planning, industry and environment and Metropolitan local aboriginal land council. in your response please advise if you would not like your details provided.

NotificatioN aNd iNvitatioN uNder clause 60 of the NatioNal Parks aNd Wildlife regulatioN 2019 traNsPort for NsW (tfNsW) ProPoses to carry out the folloWiNg Project at sydNey yard, ceNtral statioN: Brief overview of the proposed activity that may be the subject of an ahiP application Infrastructure upgrades within Sydney Yard, Central Station, including the following kinds of works:  Modification of overhead wiring including installation of new overhead wiring structures  Extension of platforms  Modification and installation of track  Installation of associated infrastructure including drainage and signalling

location of the proposed activity

Proposed applicant contact details

Within Sydney Yard, Lot 118 DP 1078271, in the Sydney Local Government Area.

gleN isBester tfNsW

Including works across Central Station platforms 1-15, and to the south of these platforms

Senior Manager Planning Level 4 Tower A, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 0406 122 767

TfNSW invites Aboriginal groups and individuals who hold knowledge relevant to determining the cultural heritage significance of Aboriginal objects and places at Central Station and the surrounding area to register their interest in the TfNSW Project.

The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist TfNSW, as the proposed applicant, in the preparation of its application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) and to assist the Coordinator-General Energy, Environment & Science of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in the Coordinator-General’s consideration and determination of that application.

PLEASE rEGISTEr Your INTErEST IN THE ProjECT By 6 jaNuary 2020 By coNtactiNg: GArETH HoLES, Artefact Heritage Level 4, Building B, 35 Saunders Street Pyrmont NSW 2009 0295 188 411, gareth.holes@artefact.net.au

Please note that the consultation guidelines require the proponents to provide details of registered Aboriginal parties to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. In your response please advise if you would not like your details provided. city hub 12 DECEMBER 2019

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Coffin Ed’s NAKED CITY

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FIREWORKS OR FIZZER!

t’s about this time of the year that the PR machine of the City Of Sydney Council swings into overdrive to promote the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks. We always hear that the pyrotechnics will be bigger and better than ever, along with the gross exaggeration that a billion people will be tuning in worldwide to watch the display. This year however that hyperbole has a very hollow ring to it as NSW burns and the city is shrouded in a choking post-apocalyptic smoke haze.

The Lord Mayor Clover Moore is obviously aware of this situation and the promotion so far has been appropriately subdued. The Council have made a large donation to the bushfire appeal, at the same time dismissing any suggestion that the fireworks might be cancelled. Given that the whole $6 million shebang was locked in months ago, they don’t seem to have much choice and it would be a brave and costly decision to pull the plug on the celebration with only a few weeks to go.

Nevertheless, the idea of Sydney skies lighting up on New Year’s Eve in a multi-million dollar extravaganza whilst much of the State is in turmoil is not easy to accept. With little rain forecast and what could be a pivotal moment when it comes to climate change, the current situation could continue well into 2020. Those with a vested interest in the fireworks must be praying that blue skies will once

THAT SNEAKY RABBIT

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city hub 12 DECEMBER 2019

again appear prior to December 31.

Each year thousands of punters, including many children, flock to the strategic viewing points from the very early morning, often sitting out their coveted positions for twelve hours or more before the 9 pm fireworks.

There’s a strong probability they could be in for a marathon inhalation of the acrid and toxic smoke that has been declared a major health hazard. If that’s the case face masks will clearly outsell the usual NYE merch of glows sticks and party horns.

If the smoke haze does persist in its current intensity it’s unlikely the

NYE fireworks will have little effect in exacerbating the situation. That was not the case back in May of 1959 when smoke from Sydney bonfires and fireworks was so bad it forced the closure of the airport. This was not NYE, but a celebration of British Empire Day, better known as ‘cracker night’.

With thousands of neighbourhood bonfires and backyard fireworks across the suburbs, Sydney was consumed by exactly the same kind of choking smoke haze we see today.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time that “the haze hampered

By Sam Mcnair

#thatsneakyrabbit

viewing at many drive-in theatres” and “on the Harbour ships’ fog sirens sounded continuously.” They also recounted how “hospitals and ambulance men treated nearly 100 people for burns” and “police and firemen answered dozens of calls to bonfires out of control.”

This, of course, was an entirely different era when it came to fireworks, which were freely available in shops and supermarkets and were a massive consumer item on cracker night. Apart from flower pots and Catherine wheels there were ‘bungers’ and ‘double bungers’, small exploding dynamite like sticks which could easily blow off a finger – and often did. Unlike today, cigarette smoking had few restrictions and it was not uncommon to see a dad, happily puffing away, perusing bags of fireworks with his kiddies in Woolworths.

The last cracker night was in 1986, after which the sale of fireworks was banned and today anyone caught selling, purchasing, or letting off fireworks without a licence faces a fine of up to $27,500 and 12 months in jail. And so we now get our fireworks hit in one big spectacular on NYE, regardless of whether there is a total fire ban throughout the city and State.

The ultimate irony here would be if it absolutely poured rain on NYE, bringing relief to the thousands of incredibly brave firefighters across the State, washing away the suffocating smoke pall over Sydney but turning the Harbour spectacle into a real fizzer.

We desperately need rain and if the heavens decide to open on December 31, it will certainly be a case of HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Up In Smoke

As the smoke haze continues to linger over Sydney the New Year’s Eve fireworks have come under much public scrutiny

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ust last week the City Of Sydney council officially unveiled their plans for this year’s NYE celebrations.

As always there is a heavy emphasis on fireworks. A decision which has frustrated many thousands of Sydneysiders.

As of writing over 149,000 people have signed the, Say NO to FIREWORKS NYE 2019, online petition. Asking for the money which is set to be spent on the annual fireworks display to instead be reallocated to bushfire relief and farming aid.

According to the City Of Sydney, the expected cost of this year’s NYE event is set to top out at approximately $6.5 million dollars. A figure which covers all aspects of the event from crowd control, lighting, staff, clean up and of course the fireworks display itself.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore explained that the revenue raised far exceeds the expenditure though.

“Sydney’s world-renowned New Year’s Eve fireworks have become a major tourist attraction and each year, they generate more than $130 million for the NSW economy.”

Of this revenue, the City Of Sydney Council has thus far donated $620,000 to drought and bushfire relief. Whilst also encouraging everyone “who visits our city on New Year’s Eve and those watching at home to donate to the Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund via our online fundraiser.”

For many though this is simply not enough and they will be seeking alternative options to celebrate the New Year. As such City Hub has put together this list.

Harbour Hoopla

Why not celebrate the New Year inside the lush, green surrounds of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens?

Harbour Hoopla is a spectacular event which is open to all ages. Spend the evening exploring the circus-themes sideshows, getting crazy at the selfie station, or hitting the dance floor to the funky music of the original NYE party person, DJ Mr Chad.

Each ticket includes a picnic hamper and a bottle of water plus, there are cash bars and food stalls available on site. With the proceeds from each ticket going towards the horticulture and scientific work of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Tickets & Info: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Harbour Hoopla Royal Botanic Garden Sydney New Year’s Eve. Photo: James Horan

and Thandi Phoenix what more could you possibly ask for?!

Tickets & Info: www.harbourparty.com

New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party

NYE 2019 Soirée

Celebrate NYE where no one has celebrated before, in the most sought after destination in Sydney, the Yallamundi Rooms at Sydney Opera House.

Exclusively yours and right next to the ABC NYE Concert, you can live the ultimate New Year’s fantasy as you dance the year away.

Wine and dine on a sumptuous array of tantalising canapés, whilst grazing from a series of live food stations, curated by Ambassador Chef Karen Martini.

Escape the city crowds and be part of this private, glamorous party for $650.

Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Garden Party at The Calyx

What do you get when you combine one mega-talented Triple J unearthed artist, 7,000 carnivorous plants, and a cocktail party in the heart of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden?

The answer, an intimate 18+ garden party hosted in the world-class horticulture exhibition space at The Calyx. Offering unreserved cocktail lounge seating for 320 guests to enjoy live music, interactive entertainment and displays themed to complement the current Plants With Bite horticulture display.

Get caught up in the captivating and indulgent sound of the Inner-West’s Soma Sutton and her five-piece band this NYE. Every ticket includes a cocktail and canapés on arrival, followed by endless roving drinks service, savoury and sweet

food stations and a glass of midnight sparkling.

Tickets & Info: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Commemorate the end of one epic year and celebrate the arrival of fresh start this NYE above the skyline of Sydney’s CBD. The Republic Hotel’s Rooftop Drinks & Canapés Party kicks off at 6pm with two hours of drinks, food, and a glass of Garden Party bubbly upon arrival for just $99 at The Calyx. per person. Afterwards, from Photo: Supplied 8pm a FREE night of live DJ’s slinging the very best house, disco and techno tunes will carry the party on long into the early hours of the morning.

Tickets & Info: www.republichotel. com

NYE at Fratelli Fresh

After the madness and feasting of Christmas why not get out of the house on NYE and treat the household chef to a night off and some wonderful Italian food.

All Fratelli Fresh venues will be offering up a special four-course share style Italian feast and two hour drinks package for just $79 per person.

Over at the Darling Harbour venue, they’ve also put together an extra special seafood feast which includes prawns, octopus, mussels, crab and scallops alongside their signature antipasti boards with cured meats, marinated olives and cheeses for just $89 per person.

For bookings: www.fratellifresh.com.au

Harbour Party NYE

If a concert/festival atmosphere is more to your liking then look no further than Harbour Party NYE 2019. Luna Park will once again be hosting as they celebrate 15 years as Sydney’s Premier NYE Party Destination.

With all-night access to Luna Park’s iconic rides and a soundtrack provided

by Hot Dub Time Machine, EXAMPLE,

NYE in the NSW National Parks

Whilst it seems like much of the State’s bushland is currently burning there are still a few picturesque locations to take in the grandeur of mother nature this New Years’s Eve. Firstly you could head up to the grounds of the heritage-listed manor Strickland House in Vaucluse for an elegant and relaxed NYE. The event is BYO food and drinks, with guests encouraged to bring a rug or folding chairs, pack their own festive picnic goodies and pop a bottle of champagne to ring in the New Year.

Another option is to party it up on Clarke Island.

The exclusive Clark Island Garden Party is situated right in heart of the harbour and provides attended with plenty of uncrowded grassy spots to relax and soak in the festivities.

Guests will receive a cocktail and canapes on arrival, followed by a variety of fireroasted meats and seafood served with gourmet sides, salads and indulgent desserts. The on-site bar will have a range of wine, beer, cider and specialty cocktails.

Enjoy sunset tunes and the island atmosphere and then dance the night away to party tunes by DJ Paul Guy. Tickets & Info: www.nationalparksnsw.gov.au city hub 12 DECEMBER 2019

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HubARTS

Swingin’ The Great Standards interprets the greatest songs of the 20th Century (See p.14)

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Christmas At The Coliseum

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n inspiring story of courage, hope and love comes to Sydney this Saturday. Presented by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre the upcoming performance of Liu Sanjie In Concert (Legend Of The Chinese Fairy Song) features a range of renowned folk songs from the original and much loved film of the same name.

This weekend’s performance will be the first time the show has been performed outside of its homeland.

With producer Zhao Haifeng hoping that by adapting the “beautiful story” from the film into an opera will “allow more and more people to know about these classic folk songs.”

Performed by 56 artists, including two of China’s most acclaimed performers Ning Jiang, Pan Wu, with a 40-person choir and accompanied by Biyan Duan on piano. Experience the allure and exuberance of iconic Chinese folk songs in this special one off concert event at the Opera House.

Dec 14. Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $59-$138+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

The Split

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young couple on a small fishing boat drift about in open water, moored by an anchor that ensures it never strays too far. From what, or where, is never specified; Tom (Max Garcia-Underwood) and Jules (Amy Victoria Brooks) seem to exist in a timeless place, and the audience, too, experiences a sense of timelessness. The Split sets a meditative tone from the promising opening scene and perpetuates it for 90 minutes, in which the slumber starts to feel like a coma.

Tom and Jules are a playfully clever couple, their longstanding relationship told through the intimacy of silly jokes (The Fart Will Go On, apologies to Celine Dion and fans of Titanic.) The reason for their excursion becomes increasingly menacing, but never quite revealed until near the end. Are they refugees from climate change? A suicide pact? Is it all their dream, or the audience’s?

Direction by Charles Sanders, in close collaboration with playwright Sarah

Photo: Lauren Alyce

REVIEW

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Hamilton, is expertly done. The sound and composition (Mario Spate with Garcia-Underwood) and lighting (Kobe Donaldson) beautifully mournful.

Despite the prolonged awkward silences, the rhythm of the over-long show graduates into something more. Haunting, terrific theatre. Prepare to becalmed with this couple in quiet waters, and unexpectedly mesmerised. (OA) Until Dec 14. Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza St, Newtown. $30-$45+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.old505theatre.com

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ave you ever fancied yourself an actor or future star of the stage?

Well now might be your chance to finally make the leap.

Opera Australia has announced that for the first time ever there will be a limited number of walk-on roles will be available to purchase for their upcoming Handa Opera productions Sydney Harbour.

The perfect gift for the opera aficionado who has everything – the chance to make their opera debut in Verdi’s classic La Traviata or the iconic La Bohéme, in front of an audience of nearly 3,000 people.

This exclusive offer allows dedicated opera fans the opportunity to experience the production from the performer’s unique perspective from behind the scenes, receiving the full opera-star treatment including: • Professional stage hair and makeup • Costume fitting • Stage directions from the Assistant Director • A ticket for a guest to watch the performance • Interval Dessert High Tea for two in the exclusive Travel Associates Platinum Club Bookings: www.opera.org.au/star Price: $4,999/person p.14

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city hub 12 DECEMBER 2019

REVIEW

School Of Rock - The Musical

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ndrew Lloyd Webber brings his take on the modern classic Jack Black comedy movie, School Of Rock, to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.

Sticking almost beat for beat to the plot of the film School Of Rock - The Musical is a rollicking good time for audiences young and old.

Whilst the show takes a little while to kick into gear once the children step onto the stage it becomes something magical.

These kids truly are rock gods and stars of not only today but the future. Each of the kids does a great job in their acting performances but it is their musical performances which you will be talking about long after the show. When these kids rock out on their instruments you quickly realise why there have obviously been questions about overdubbing, hence an opening announcement which says “they really do play the instruments live on stage.”

One young lady in particular though

Photo: Matthew Murphy

deserves a special mention. Sabina Felias’ vocal performance as Tamika sent chills down my spine. The moment when the shy and reserved Tamika breaks out of her shell to display her voice stills echoes in my mind. Certainly, keep an eye on this young lady! (JA) Until Feb 2. Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket. $69-$205+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.schoolofrockthemusical.com.au

avid Campbell will figuratively smash a champagne bottle against the bow of the stunning new Coliseum Theatre at West HQ when he performs his Christmas At The Coliseum show this week.

He will be the first paid artist to grace the stage of the just completed state-of-the-art venue in Sydney’s Greater West, and he couldn’t be more thrilled.

“It’s very rare for any artist anywhere to be the first person in a new venue,” says Campbell.

“The standard and the quality of that place is like nothing I’ve seen in this country for a long long time.”

Campbell visited the construction site two months ago and was deeply impressed with the attention to detail and level of technical design, including a world-class 60 speaker immersive sound system.

“As far as the teething problems, we won’t know until I actually get there,” he laughs, but isn’t expecting any issues all the testing has been done. Now it’s just a matter of discovering its secret gems. “It’s like a big present that I get to open.”

On stage with Campbell will be the full Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with an orchestra before but never for an entire concert, so it’s another first and another thrilling aspect of the evening.

The show will be classic variety. There’ll be screens displaying Christmas images and some production effects, but Campbell doesn’t want to “over-egg the egg nog” so to speak.

“The star of the show for me is going to be the symphony and the theatre itself, I really wanna focus on that. We’re all having this new experience in this brand new, beautifully built world-class theatre together.” (RB) Dec 12-13. Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, 55 Sherbrooke St, Rooty Hill. $79-$129+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneycoliseum.com.au

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his past Saturday The Art Gallery Of New South Wales awarded John Kaldor AO with its highest honour, Life Governor.The accolade recognises outstanding individual service, advocacy and support for the Gallery.

To further celebrate and honour the contribution John Kaldor and his family have made to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, director Michael Brand announced the Gallery’s entrance court is to be named the John Kaldor Family Hall.

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ith the festive season really beginning to ramp up now we’re sure that much like Riff Raff you too are beginning to get a craving for Christmas music.This weekend thankfully Sydney is spoilt for choice in this regard.

First up is the Brandenburg Choir’s annual NOËL! NOËL! concert.This year will see a sumptuous se-lection of musical delights feature in a special 30th Anniversary program drawn by Artistic Director Paul Dyer from the most memorable and lauded Noël! Noël! concerts in the company’s rich history.

Dec 14 & 18. City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney. $30-$179+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.cityrecitalhall.com p.15

Krapp’s Last Tape T

here are two stars of Krapp’s Last Tape, the Samuel Beckett one-act that opened in a Red Line Productions show at the Old Fitz Theatre. One is the set, by Brian Thomson, an accomplished worker on stage and film. A towering, glum phalanx of filing cabinets, battered and painted in a wan palette of shades, reaches three metres high; in front of it sits a solitary desk with a few other oddments of storage—a safe or two—and piles of old-fashioned audiotape. It’s a bleak metaphorical mindscape, and a perfect place for the titular Krapp to poke back into this life and memories.

The other star is our only actor, Jonathan Biggins, a rheumy, unstable, confused

REVIEW man searching for something that is lost in those cabinets and his reel-to-reel tapes.

We watch him listen to himself at the age of 39, as that version of himself, in turn, reflects back to the man he was at 20; and that, in this brisk 50 minutes, is it—if by “it” we mean the echoes of memory, regret, love, and loss, and the overtones of the macabre, eroticism and oblivion he conjures up in an uncompromising and

undeniable performance. Today, when our digital life makes the premise of Krapp’s Last Tape graspable by all with a simple look back into Facebook, this riveting and bleakly funny tour de force takes on whole new oceans of meaning. (BW) Until Dec 14. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling St., Woolloomooloo. $58-$65+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au

Photo: John Marmaras

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Tom Burlinson - Swingin’ The Great Standards

By Jamie Apps ollowing a muchapplauded run of performances as part of the cast of stage musical Chicago one of Australia’s great crooners, Tom Burlinson, is set to arrive in Sydney. Burlinson will arrive in Sydney tomorrow with his brand new show Swingin’ The Great Standards, which celebrates the greatest songs, composers, and lyricists of the 20th Century.

The concept behind Swingin’ The Great Standards is an evolution of Burlinson’s previous shows. In the past, Burlinson has created and performed shows which have celebrated the legendary Frank Sinatra, and some of his contemporaries.

For this show though Burlinson has expanded the repertoire to also include works from the likes of Lloyd Cole, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and Lawrence Hart.

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By expanding the repertoire to include these artists Burlinson said it became incredibly difficult to narrow down the final setlist.

“There is simply so much to choose from… I had a great big list and realised I couldn’t do all of them.

So I chose to focus on either my favourites or some of the best known.”

In order to best represent the music Burlinson doesn’t simply sing the songs.

He has also done extensive research into the lives of the composers and the inspirations behind each track,

knowledge which he will pass onto the audience throughout the show.

Whilst Burlinson is adamant that he will “stay true to the original material” and isn’t trying to “reinvent the wheel” he is going to employ a big band and orchestra as backing for this show.

“We’re doing the songs with a big band and orchestral arrangements, so perhaps it’s not as simple as it was originally but it’s mostly in the traditional style.”

By adding the orchestral elements, particularly the

strings, to this show Burlinson believes it will allow him to “do some ballads with the beautiful harmonies that only violin, viola and cello can provide.”

Finally, Burlinson told City Hub that there was obviously some trepidation to tackling perhaps some of the most recognisable songs of all time.

“Of course before a show, you’re always a little nervous about how it’s going to be accepted. These songs, in particular, have been interpreted over the years by many many fine singers and instrumentalists, which is how they’ve become standards. So I think if I stay true to what the song is about and the melodic structure that’s the best you can ask for, and then people can judge for themselves.”

Dec 13. City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney. $82.15-$101.50+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.cityrecitalhall.com

Moonbase Heathen EP

Sydney producer Moonbase has been on an incredible creative streak in 2019. Just this year he has already released two EPs and is set to release his third, the Heathen EP, this week.

The upcoming release is filled with smooth jazz influences, an abundance of piano, and is topped off with vocal work from Florida MC Chester Watson. For fans of Kendrick Lamar’s recent work, the Heathen EP’s sound will be familiar.

Despite clocking in at a very short nine minutes the EP manages to build a very impressive sonic atmosphere. However, despite very crisp and skilful production, the EP is sadly largely forgettable and unlikely to be one you find yourself returning to after an initial few listens. (JA) WW

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BOOK REVIEW

Penny Wong - Passion And Principle

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uthor Margaret Simons sure set herself a high bar when she took on the biography of Labor politician Penny Wong, as despite giving interviews for the book, Penny Wong - Passion and Principle, Wong kept her cards close throughout.

The title is apt as passion and power are the two overriding traits that come through as Simons charts Wong’s life story from her early life in Malaysia to formative school and university years in Adelaide where her passion for politics developed.

Simons unearths a family history that dates back to colonial times and gives a fleshed-out account of how even in Kota Kinabalu life for

the Wong family was lived on the fringe.

Wong’s early years as an outsider meant that she kept her cards to herself while being astute enough to study party politics under some of South Australia’s Labor greats. A move which would prove invaluable as she strode the larger stage of federal politics, rising to become Labor’s leader in the Senate.

As Wong’s politics were developing so too was her sexual identity as it moved from an Adelaide Labor identity to her first committed same-sex relationship.

This powerful account of Wong’s life is raw, emotional and above all intelligent. (JMo)

he second major offering this week is the Sydney Children’s Choir’s presentation of Voices Of Angles: Twelve Days of Christmas.

Performed over two nights this concert is an escape into a Christmas fantasy land with uplifting music performed by the best young voices our city has to offer. The program is an elevating journey through the twelve days of Christmas, pairing the days of the popular Christmas carol with beautiful music from across the centuries.

Dec 16-17. City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney. $65+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.cityrecitalhall.com

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eferences to other (more original) movies, gross-out humour (phlegm and candles make a good match), bombs (whyyyy?), and a moral message about as subtle as a town called Assimilation (not kidding). The Addams Family is an amusing little waste of time sure to please a few…

Read our full review on CityHubSydney.com.au

Marianne & Leonard - Words Of Love

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ick Broomfield’s documentary focuses on the ill-fated relationship between Leonard Cohen and his Norwegian muse Marianne Ihlen. Their affair blossomed in the golden age of life on the idyllic island of Hydra in the late 60s, when the community of ex-pat artists who had found their way there, including Australia’s Charmian Clift and George Johnston, explored “free love” and consumed alcohol and readily available drugs in large quantities as they bathed in the warm waters of the Aegean under

the heady Greek sun.

But Leonard refused to be tamed, and Marianne, portrayed as the most compassionate of human beings, eventually gets the picture and returns to her homeland to live the ordinary life.

Having been there himself at the age of 20, Broomfield knows what it was like and stitches together a wonderful story from old footage and photos, interviews with people who survived the 60s, and of course, Cohen’s songs. (ID) WWWW

Photo: Aviva Layton

Black Christmas onestly, will filmmakers ever come up with an original story for a slasher/horror film? Every possible murderous plot has been done to death (no pun intended!) and yet these films continue to be rehashed!

Black Christmas surrounds a group of sorority sisters who are spending the cold winter Christmas break on campus and soon after are targeted by murderous masked assailants. Sound familiar?

Genuinely frightening jump scare moments initially maintain interest as the drop-dead gorgeous members of the sisterhood are introduced. Possible

suspects are revealed, an unlikeable literature professor and a boy’s club who seem to think that rape is acceptable.

The story unfolds slowly until the masked slashers emerge and then the race for survival accelerates to an unpredictably laughable finale, in a film that is already plagued by silly storylines of devilish black magic rituals.

There’s a twist and some good acting from the pivotal cast but unfortunately, it doesn’t compensate for a lousy script. No folks, there’s no Christmas cheer here!!

(MMo) WW

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