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Air pollution levels alarming BY WENDY BACON Community groups and school parents are calling on the NSW government to explain disturbingly high levels of dangerous air pollution around WestConnex works in Haberfield. The calls follow reports that two WestConnex Haberfield air quality monitors in Sydney’s Inner West recorded higher average levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2018 than any Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) monitor anywhere in NSW for 15 years. (City Hub’s reporter is an author of these reports.) Particulate matter is tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in air. PM2.5, which is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, is linked to cancer and heart disease. No safe level of PM2.5 Children are particularly vulnerable as research has shown that PM2.5 can impair lung and brain development. It can worsen pre-existing respiratory illnesses including asthma. There is no evidence of a safe level of PM2.5 below which negative impacts cease. Six Westconnex monitors have been operating along the M4 East tunnel route since Deember 2017 as a requirement of conditions for the M4 East. These monitors are comparable to NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) monitors. We compared 2018 annual average results recorded at the OEH monitors with results recorded at WestConnex monitors owned by the Sydney Motorway Corporation (SMC) controlled by tollway giant Transurban. One monitor on Ramsay Street Haberfield near Wattle Street recorded an average of 11.6 µg/m³ over 2018. Another monitor inside the grounds of Haberfield Public School recorded 11.2 µg/ m³. The national limit for PM2.5 is 8 µg/m³. The global World Health Organisation limit is 10 µg/m³. All WestConnex monitors breached the national limit. The results are well above levels predicted in any scenario in WestConnex Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).

effects of WestConnex construction on their respiratory health over the past two years”. The Haberfield School monitor is in the playground, away from the road and the massive construction zones. Thousands of people are living in areas where PM2.5 levels are could well be worse. The zone between the two Haberfield monitors has been one of concentrated traffic and road building since 2016. Nixon said, “Within weeks of the monitor switching on, levels of PM2.5 lifted above the annual average ambient air goal and stayed there. Over the past year, the Haberfield P&C has fought for more transparency in the air quality data and asked authorities to investigate the elevated levels of PM2.5 at our school’s monitor. We have not received a satisfactory response that explains why PM2.5 is higher here than anywhere else recorded in Sydney, and repeat our request for an investigation… the Department of Education should also push for an investigation into these elevated levels. We also believe the Department should direct school staff to check air quality live readings and decide if children should be kept indoors when pollution levels are unsafe.” Haberfield School parents and students protesting in 2018. Photo by Wendy Bacon

The high levels also raise questions about whether impacts of years of construction should have been quantified in the EIS, as was suggested by independent Council experts in 2015. Instead, it was assumed that impacts would be mitigated by watering and other techniques which, as the Parliamentary Committee into Impacts of WestConnex found, have often been insufficient. The EIS predicted that some areas of Haberfield, Ashfield and Strathfield will have worse air pollution after WestConnex opens. The results are particularly upsetting for parents at Haberfield Public School who, since 2015, have been writing submissions, letters and complaints warning of their concerns about air pollution. In October, they wrote to the NSW Planning

Department warning of their concerns about four more years of construction and demolition for Stage 3 of WestConnex. This demolition began last Saturday. On Tuesday, workers stopped work after broken asbestos was found.

The Department of Education should push for an investigation into these elevated levels Sherrill Nixon, head of the WestConnex committee of the Haberfield P&C Association said, “The analysis showing levels of PM2.5 are higher on average at our school than any other site in Sydney is deeply concerning for Haberfield parents. Many students are sensitive to air pollution, and parents have seen the negative

Immediate filtration demanded The well known Haberfield Association issued a media release stating that the air monitoring results for 2018 alarmed residents and parents. Jozefa Sobski, Haberfield Association’s Westconnex Liaison Officer, condemned the government for not caring about the health of inner west residents and their children, and said, “The Haberfield Association wants to preserve and improve the heritage of the suburb and the quality of the community amenity, but if the air is toxic, the ventilation stacks unfiltered, and the surface traffic increasing with widened road capacity, then the quality of the community amenity has been permanently damaged and the ruin can only be progressively worse over time.” The Haberfield Association is demanding that the government immediately commit to filtration of the ventilation stacks.

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BY RHIANNON SOLIMAN For the past 27 years, Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade has begun with the roar of hundreds of motorcycles. The women riding at the forefront of the 12,000-strong parade are part of Dykes on Bikes, a motorcycle club for queer women. One of Australia’s oldest LGBTQI community groups, the club originated in the USA but now has chapters in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland. Dykes on Bikes made its way to Australia after Sydneysiders Kimberly O’Sullivan and her partner Sue Perry attended San Francisco’s Mardi Gras parade where they saw thousands of women riding bikes through the crowd in what O’Sullivan described as “a spectacular demonstration of lesbian power, sex and visibility”. First contingent rides in 1988 Thoroughly impressed, the couple told Deb Thompson, who spread the word to Sydney’s small lesbian community in an effort to get more women involved in Mardi Gras. Then, in 1988, eight women riding in that year’s parade made up the first Sydney contingent of Dykes on Bikes. According to Lyn Doherty,

Mardi Gras will once again begin with the roar of the Dykes and their Bikes. Photo: Dykes on Bikes

President of Dykes on Bikes, this low turnout was not surprising. “People were nervous… this was back in the 80s when people were being bashed and killed for being gay,” she said. “So the idea of coming out as a lesbian back then was a big step.” As tolerance for Sydney’s LGBTQI community grew, Dykes on Bikes’ membership grew with it. Ten years after they rode for the first time, over 250 bikes took part in the festivities, and last year’s parade saw around 300 riders. The theme of this year’s Mardi Gras is “Fearless”. Dykes on Bikes will be leading the

With the club’s focus on individuality, it’s not surprising that their bikes are no different. “We accept everything from tiny little Vespas and scooters to 2000cc Harley Davidsons and cruisers,” Lyn said. In the future, she hopes to challenge some of the stereotypes commonly associated with the club. “There is a perception out there that Dykes on Bikes are all big, hard-drinking, leather-clad, butch swearing women. And some of us are… [but] getting the diversity of the club out there is nice,” she said.

parade as they have since 1991, We accept everything when they were asked to ride in from tiny little Vespas front of the crowd for “logistical and scooters to 2000cc and ideological” reasons: to prevent the bikes from overheating Harley Davidsons due to the slow pace of the parade, and to clear the way for the rest of Despite coming a long way from the marchers. the small group of women who made up the club over 30 years Spectacular demonstration of ago, Lyn still believes Dykes on lesbian power Bikes plays an important role in Dykes on Bikes holds a range bringing a marginalised group of associated social and charity together. events for its members, from “I don’t think it’s easy for the their annual “Black and White” lesbian community… there are Ball to various charity rides for very few places they can go organisations such as Pink Ribbon nowadays, so keeping things like and the RSPCA. this up and running is great.” city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

Paddington local hero: Will Mrongovius

At the launch of Paddington:A History is Woollahra Mayor Peter Cavanagh,Will Mrongovius and Jack Thompson. Photo: Supplied

BY IRINA DUNN As President of the Paddington Society and Convenor of the Paddington-Darlinghurst Community Working Group, Will Mrongovius is kept very busy. The Paddington Society is concerned with “heritage, and the built from and the amenity of Paddington, so it’s everything, it’s the urban landscape, it’s all of it,” Mrongovius explains. The community working group, which has been around for 30 years, is a loose group of residents with no constitution, no regular meetings, and nearly all its work done my email. It was formed to fight the huge amount of traffic that flowed through Paddington streets.” Like many other suburbs, Paddington has been feeling the pinch from the State Government’s grab for power over local planning controls. “We are concerned about the huge changes the NSW Government has implemented over the last eight years to deny community and council involvement in planning matters. And they’ve done that systematically,” Mrongovius says. Private certifiers Mrongovius notes that there have been three particular legislative changes which have wrested power away from local councils. The first step was the private certifiers, which Mrongovius says goes back to the Labor, who brought them in at the behest of the developers, ostensibly to speed up the process. Previously, when residents or businesses lodged a DA, it had to be approved and certified by the councillors. Now this function has been privatised, and the applicant can appoint a certifier who knows nothing at all about, for example, Paddington’s heritage values. The interest of the certifier is to get the job through as quickly as possible for the client. “Private certification is a joke,” Mrongovius says. “It leads to poor compliance, a conflict of interest, and bad outcomes. This is an abdication of responsibility by governments.” He adds that councils “own” the consent process and bear the consequences, yet they have no control over Private Certifiers. Mrongovius notes that last year, the State government brought in complying development certificates, which don’t have to be advertised, they just get approved because it’s within the guidelines. The city of Sydney has DCPs (Development Control Plans) which provide for some flexibility. For example, if the DCP says you can’t exceed something that is supposed to be three metres high, it’s not a hard and fast rule, 4

city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

it’s a guideline. Now the State Government brought in a rule that said, in the City of Sydney, the guidelines can be exceeded by up to 25%, whereas in other councils they can only be exceeded by 10%. A more recent action by the State Government was the introduction of planning panels which were promoted by the State Government as being more efficient and less time-consuming. Controversial developments would be referred to an independent planning panel, but as Mrongovius says, the panel is not that independent because the members are appointed by the government, and although councils can pick one or two members they don’t have the majority vote. “Once again, responsibility has been taken away from councils for planning approvals on DAs,” he says. “But the worst thing about this one is that the councillors you elect have no say in the planning controls any longer.” Previously, if there were objections to a DA, it would go to a council meeting and the applicant could go and talk directly to the councillors about his or her DA. According to the new State Government laws, you now need 25 objections to a DA within the City of Sydney LGA, and the objections have to be unique. So if you have a petition of 10,000 signatures, it will be counted as one objection. The State Government is targeting the City of Sydney especially, because it wants fewer delays in development approvals. Developers prefer South Paddington Paddington is covered by two councils, Woollahra and the City of Sydney. The boundary is right down the middle of Oxford Street. Mrongovius says, “If you look at both sides of Oxford Street you will see that they are slowly growing apart. It’s not one suburb any longer. In the Woollahra area you won’t have all the dormer windows and “eyelid” windows and attics, and you’ll get bigger extensions at the rear of residences in south Paddington, and if you’re a developer you’d rather buy in south Paddington rather than north Paddington.” “Quite simply, the State Government does not want proper process by residents and ratepayers. So what you’ve got is a very deliberate plan to reduce the input and effectiveness of community consultation.” “There has been very well coordinated structured change in the whole legislative framework by the NSW Government to ease the path of developers and to minimise community involvement in development.”

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T2 not a great legacy BY JOHN MOYLE Yes, Dorothy, you can take the rainbow way to Kansas this Mardi Gras, but if you are going via Oxford Street it might be a bumpy ride. Six years after its predecessor in the heart of Taylor Square was rubbed out for safety reasons, last Friday the City of Sydney launched a safer and curvier version nearby on the corners of Bourke and Campbell streets. Three weeks out from Mardi Gras, the crossing is the only obvious gay addition to Oxford Street as T2 and the three City of Sydney buildings that constitute 40 per cent of the north side of Oxford Street from Taylor Square to Whitlam Square languish from disuse and disrepair. “The City hasn’t maintained the buildings to an acceptable standard,” Councillor Christine Forster, City of Sydney, said. “The City purchased the property in December 2009 for $6.45 million following the closure of the T2 nightclub and years of complaints from the community about violence, drugs, noise and anti-social incidents,” a spokesperson for the City of Sydney said. Dereliction of care The operators of the T2 nightclub were later found to be operating without a development approval and an entertainment license and was closed by the City of Sydney in 2008. While the City of Sydney can no longer be held responsible for T2, which it sold to a private developer in February 2016, it did fail to maintain the building while it was empty of tenants. The same dereliction of care is occurring around the corner on Oxford Street with the Darlinghurst Collective of buildings and shops. “The two floors above us have been neglected for 20 years, with virtually no maintenance,” Wayne Nicol of Sax Leather said.

Property Trust, which had previously redeveloped Leichhardt’s post office, and property lawyer and developer Peter Prilis. Neither could be contacted for comment, with phones that had either been disconnected or were ringing out. Last year the City of Sydney’s property division paid private contractors $264 million to manage its property portfolio, much of which is in prime locations such as Taylor Square and Oxford Street. Many of these properties have been in a state of disrepair and empty for years. The unimpressive fact that City of Sydney sold T2 at the peak of the market and only realised a profit of around $400,000 also needs answers. “We hear that they are looking for a lead tenant to go into the upstairs site,” Stephan Gyory, President of the Darlinghurst Business Partnership, said.

Taylor Square’s T2 building might be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Photo: John Moyle

However, the City’s property division was on a hiding to nothing from the moment it paid $1.5 million more than their own valuation for the 350sqm block with its three-level building and a lettable area of 923sqm.

The two floors above us have been neglected for 20 years, with virtually no maintenance Council documents obtained last year show that the City of Sydney’s valuers placed their own valuation at $5 million. Since the City’s purchase, T2 briefly saw small operators such as Deus Cafe and various pop-ups until 2015, when City of Sydney councillors voted for a $14.7 million bicycle hub in the ground floor.

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

At the time, one councillor labelled it “a flagrant misuse” of public money. The project withered in Town Hall and the arena of public opinion and the building continued to fall into disrepair. “The uptake of cycling in the City and the investment in end of trip facilities by the business community was more rapid than expected and there is no longer a need for a bicycle hub, a spokesperson for the City of Sydney said. Back on the City of Sydney’s drawing board to ready the building for sale, its distinctive pink and blue artwork by artist Reko Rennie, a Kamilaroi man, was returned to its original heritage colours. Also gone is the “Always was, Always Will Be” artwork commissioned by the City of Sydney that wrapped the building. T2‘s eventual $6.85 million sale was to Archon EXHIBITION

Likely tenant found After a long period with no definite offers, a change of real estate agents may have finally secured a tenant. “We have just started to do a deal with an office tenant for the top floor and we would like to see a restaurant and bar in the ground floor,” Dimitrios Franze of Oxford Commercial said. Due to the run-down condition of the building, a common complaint for property owned by the City of Sydney in the Oxford Street area, it may not be a straightforward deal. “When a newspaper got inside a few years ago it was looking pretty derelict,” Wayne Nicol said. “The new owner will be required to restore it in context with its architectural heritage and in character with the surrounding area,” Cr Forster said. As of last year, the City of Sydney owned 220 properties worth over $2 billion. EXHIBITION

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Heffron

Public transport a key election issue BY ALLISON HORE Public transport is driving the debate in Heffron in the lead up to the state election on 23 March. The Heffron electorate encompasses suburbs in Sydney’s inner south from Redfern and Waterloo to Kensington and Tempe. Since the seat was established in 1973, it has been held by the Labor Party. In the last State election, Labor won 44% of the primary vote, followed by Liberal with 29% and the Greens with 21%. Newcomer Alexander Andruska will run for the Liberal Party this year. He works in finance, and was previously financial controller for Skyfii and an accountant for Tom Waterhouse.

It’s no surprise that public transport is a key concern “I believe it’s time for change in Heffron and I will campaign tirelessly for that change,” Mr Andruska told City Hub. “The Labor member has grown complacent. I’ve been talking to the people of Heffron who tell me they are sick of being ignored.” Need to protect green space Greens candidate Kym Chapple agrees. “The thing with safe seats, no matter who holds them, is that it’s easy to take them for granted,” she says. Ms Chapple is also a newcomer

the community, and see what a proper timetable looks like.” He also says that it was at his insistence that Labor has committed to a judicial inquiry into the light rail and WestConnex should they win the next election.

Alexander Andruska, Liberal Party. Photo: Supplied

Kym Chapple, Greens Party. Photo: Supplied

Ron Hoenig, Labor Party. Photo: Supplied

in the Heffron race. She describes herself as a lawyer, activist and policy professional with extensive campaign experience. She is passionate about the need to protect green space within the electorate. She decided to run because she has been politically involved for a long time and wanted to see more representation of women in the NSW parliament. “Heffron is not necessarily a seat that the Greens are likely to win, but I feel that representation is really important. There just are more male candidates.” Mr Andruska says that should he be elected, he will work to deliver more public transport to the area and will push for an acceleration of the investigation into the extension of the Light Rail project further down Anzac Parade.

“Out door knocking, I’ve found the people of Heffron are most concerned about cost of living pressures and access to reliable public transport,” he explains. With 37% of people in Heffron using public transport for their daily commute, according to the 2016 census, it’s no surprise that it’s a key concern. Ms Chapple echoes Mr Andruska’s concerns about public transport, saying that the buses and trains “desperately” need to be upgraded. But she doesn’t think the Liberal government’s push for privatisation is the answer. “There’s an ongoing pattern of privatisation of infrastructure projects which Labor and Liberal have both been part of,” she says. “I think Heffron is a really good case study because we’ve got WestConnex on one side ... and then on the other

side we’ve got the light rail.” Ron Hoenig has been the member for Heffron since former Premier Kristina Keneally stepped down in 2012 and he won the resulting by-election. He says that in this time he has got funding for a new school in Alexandria Park, secured funding for public housing and delivered reforms to change the business model of exploitative boarding houses, which he says were “rampant”. In regards to public transport, Hoenig told City Hub, “the problems of transport and development really are at crisis point. “The Liberals introduced a new bus timetable in December of last year, and it’s largely been a disaster. We need to go back to square one, work out a new timetable, in consultation with

The electorate is changing Although Heffron is a safe Labor seat, Ms Chapple says the electorate has changed a lot since the 2015 election. “The electorate going to the polls in March is very different to the one that went to the polls in 2015. It’s grown by 50%,” she says. “The people we’ve been speaking to are very receptive to what we’ve been talking about, and they care about climate change.” In the northern part of the electorate, the Greens have strong support, but this has historically been much weaker in the Bayside and Randwick council areas. Asked whether he was confident of his chances of winning another election, Mr Hoenig said that he takes his responsibility as a representative seriously, and for him it isn’t about winning or losing elections. “I have been accessible to every corner of the electorate, I have helped thousands of people, I care deeply about all of my constituents, and I live here. Most of my opponents don’t even live here,” he says. “The people of the electorate of Heffron will make their judgment on who they want representing them and I am comfortable in submitting my name for their judgment.”

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The ugly face of racism BY VANESSA LIM Yearly Chinese New Year celebrations lit up all of Sydney last week, but Chinese people still experience discrimination within the local Sydney community. Chinese people make up 24.6% of Sydney but the colourful celebrations weren’t enough to hide racism experienced by some Chinese people in Sydney. For example, 19-year-old “Bobby,” who is using an alias in this article to protect his identity, is all too familiar with racism expressed against him and his family. When asked about his experiences, he described a scenario when an angry Caucasian family told his grandfather to vacate disabled seats at Central Station. Family left shaken by attack Bobby said, “The lady tried attacking and tackling my grandpa but she was stopped by another passenger who blocked her. “Then she shouted insults at us, like calling us ‘chinks’, and saying our culture is ‘disgusting’. She walked upstairs on the train and continued to shout insults. She tried to get the other passengers on her side.” Despite other young passengers sitting on the disabled seats, Bobby’s family was directly attacked. Unfortunately, 34.8% of people who experience racism say it is on public transport or on the street. “The lady yelled, “MOVE!” as soon

overall, these areas also have the least racism in comparison to rural and western Sydney. However, regardless of the high percentage of supporters, a minority still undermine it. The Western Sydney University’s Bystander Anti-Racism Project identified common tactics used by bystanders who intervened in racist incidents, such as, “confronting or disagreeing with the perpetrator,” “reporting it to the authorities,” or “expressing upset feelings”. The Project also mentioned the reasons why bystanders don’t intervene. These included “a perception that action would be ineffective,” “fear of violence or vilification,” “being targeted by the perpetrator,” or “lack of knowledge of how to intervene”.

Chinese New Year celebrations marred by racism. Photo:Vanessa Lim

as she saw us. We were all shocked but since she had a baby, my aunt and I moved hesitantly. “She then demanded my grandparents’ seats and my grandparents are both over 80 years old.” “We said ‘no’ because senior citizens are allowed to sit on public transport anyways and there was more than enough room for the lady to sit down.” These experiences left Bobby and his family shaken. “The lady kept looking in my direction and I thought she’d attack. I kept wanting to retaliate, but my family said we shouldn’t bother with low-class uneducated racists. “I got scared, and I got nervous. But I wished to speak up.”

Racial attacks not only occur on a large scale but also in smaller incidents. Bobby mentioned his casual racist experiences, when he and his family were the butt of comments such as, “you eat dog,” “whites are superior to chinks” and more. According to a national survey conducted by Western Sydney University’s Challenging Racism Project 2015-2016, 80.4% of people supported diversity, 4.4% of people were against and the rest were undecided. The project also revealed that 7% of Australians had negative feelings towards Asian-Australians while the rest were neutral or positive. Even though the most reported racial discrimination complaints occurred in Inner Sydney and the Eastern suburbs,

Regardless of the high percentage of support [for diversity], a minority still undermine it According to the Bystander Anti-Racism Project, being aware of what racism is defined as, the harm it can cause, and a perceived ability of how to intervene are just some of the ways bystanders can be more proactive. School education critical Educating people about racism in schools is also important to make sure young people get it right early.

Bobby details an experience of a half-Chinese half-Caucasian student in his high school whose racist remarks were directed against his own Chinese ancestry as well. Bobby said, “He was super pro-white and he’d make that very clear in front of everyone. “He would say positive things about white people but was against Chinese things. “On the bus he and some white kids were talking about being white. He was saying he’s basically white except with the Asian eyes and things such as that. “When people pointed out he was half-Chinese, he would get defensive. “He would sit with the white kids, which was very obvious because my school was mainly Asian.” According to the 2017 project Promoting Intercultural Understanding through Student Exchange, a citycountry multi-school program found that cross-cultural contact is the most effective way for people to open up to other cultures. It is also noted that there should be opportunities for detailed and continuous interactions. These chances for more interactions between cultures should be encouraged in high school. While 8/10 high school students have not experienced racism, according to this report, it noted that those who did experienced it in school. By encouraging inclusivity and a more open conversation, Chinese people such as Bobby will be less likely to experience racism in Australia.

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Jen Der Unpacks

6:30pm, Friday 1 March, 2019

Factory Theatre 105 Victoria Rd Marrickville Friday 1 st March, 8pm

Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au 10

city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

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Opinion

The ALP’s Tunnel Vision? BY PETER HEHIR When the ALP’s Jodi McKay said last Saturday at the Birchgrove tennis court meeting, in front of about 200 residents, that “If elected, the ALP won’t build the Western Harbour Tunnel,” what she really meant was that they wouldn’t build the remaining 60%. She neither acknowledged nor addressed the fact that a fair percentage of the Western Harbour Tunnel (WHT) has already been approved and the contract has been let for that part of the tunnel. She just kept repeating that “The ALP won’t build the WHT”. McKay, who is the Shadow Minister for Transport, couldn’t be drawn on this point and wouldn’t concede that a substantial portion of the WHT is going ahead, unless of course the ALP lowers the boom on Stage 3b, which they’ve said time and time again that they just aren’t going to do. Stage 3b consists of the Rozelle Interchange, the Iron Cove Tunnel and the so-called “spurs” or “stubs” for the WHT. Berejiklian government criticised by inquiry These spurs comprise an estimated 40% of the WHT, formerly known as Stage 4 of WestConnex before it was given over to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), and are part of the Stage 3b contract – a contract that was signed on 18 December. This was just one day before the WestConnex Parliamentary Inquiry released its findings in a document that was highly critical of the process that the Berejiklian government had followed. You’d be forgiven for thinking that these bits were minor, something just

tacked onto the Rozelle Interchange, just in case at some point in the future the WHT is given the go ahead, but that isn’t the case. These works consist of two huge tunnels totalling eight tunnel lanes, four heading north towards Louisa Road and four heading south to the Rozelle Goods Yard.

Our hands are tied. Sovereign risk. Remember?” McKay wouldn’t be drawn on whether the ALP would buy back that part of the Stage 3b contract. Any mention of buying back contracts was met with the “sovereign risk” bogeyman. She did stress though that the 43-year-toll component was the heaviest fiscal burden in relation to that risk. In spite of being asked both before and at the meeting whether the ALP has or will quantify the sovereign risk, she sidestepped this question. So, at present, 40% of the tunnel will be built, and if the ALP does form Government on 23 March, does McKay’s promise of “Having a look at Stage 3b” mean that they may consider buying back that part of the contract? Who knows?

Leaving four tunnel lanes each way, sitting empty, halfway under the peninsula, is a ticking time bomb The Stage 3 EIS shows these tunnels stopping at the postal boundary between Rozelle and Balmain. This is somewhere under Evans Street near Henry and Clare Streets, close to Phoenix Kindergarten, which, geographically, is about halfway along the peninsula. That the ALP opposes the WHT is either a misnomer, at best, or just a considered election ploy. It ignores the fact that unless the ALP agrees to buy back the stubs, then at least 40% of the tunnel will be built. No ifs, no buts. There are no prizes for guessing what would happen then. Leaving four tunnel lanes each way, sitting empty, halfway under the peninsula, is a ticking time bomb. You can hear the howls of protest now. “What are you proposing we do with these unused tunnel sections? Grow mushrooms?”

Does the ALP suffer from tunnel vision? Photo: Flickr

Headlines citing charges of fiscal mismanagement would scream from the Murdoch press; “A shocking waste of taxpayers hard-earned…” The ALP would ultimately be forced to succumb to the “fiscal pressure” of having to complete the WHT. And so Stage 4 of WestConnex, aka the

WHT, would then cease to be a political football, finally becoming a concrete reality. But would anyone really be surprised? I can hear the ALP now. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I know we promised you we wouldn’t build the Western Harbour Tunnel, but you must understand.

Prize handed to the Greens As a signature on the WHT contract is still some way down the track, the tolls component argument in relation to dropping that part of the Stage 3b contract simply isn’t a consideration, the logic being, no tunnel, no tolls. No tolls means substantially reduced sovereign risk. So will the ALP stop the WHT? Is the promise just an election ploy, a bit of peninsula pork barrelling? A spurious attempt to win back the seat of Balmain, which had been a permanent possession of the Labor Party? This was a prize handed to the Greens because the ALP lost sight of, and refused to act on, the environmental concerns of this aware and informed electorate. You be the judge.

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FEATURE

Mardi Gras 2019

By Rita Bratovich Mardi Gras celebrated a milestone birthday last year and the party was huge. For this year’s festival Creative Director, Greg Clarke, wanted a theme that would propel the organisation into its fifth decade with gusto, hence, “Fearless”. “We really wanted a theme this year to come off the back of the 40th. To kind of look still back at our history but be really forward thinking too,” says Clarke. “We wanted to acknowledge all those fearless trailblazers that had come before us, but also ask ‘who are the new trailblazers - who are the young, fearless trailblazers?’” This year’s program will reflect the theme in a variety of ways: through debate and questioning in Queer Thinking forums; by sharing emotional journeys in My Trans Story; by presenting subversive art and ideas; by being fully exposed in performance. Being visible as an LGBTQI person requires fearlessness, but Mardi Gras provides a safe and supportive environment to allow queer people to be seen and heard. And for those who fear exposing too much skin in public, Mardi Gras is offering the security of a kaftan. The Strictly Kaftan Party is being held at Ivy Pool Club and will feature entertainment from The Topp Twins, DJs, prizes for best outfits, and optional dining. “For all those people who maybe don’t want to get out there in their swimmers the kaftan is the perfect garment,” says Clarke. One of the highlights this year is Mardi Gras Central and Festival Club. “We’re transforming the entire Seymour Centre into the Mardi Gras Central hub, so it’ll be the place to meet friends, to go and see shows and then to go to the Festival Club late at night,” explains Clarke, who is clearly excited about the return of this feature. “It’s so important for a festival to have a

Mardi Gras Fair Day. Photo: Jeffrey Feng Photography

central meeting place - we haven’t had that for a while.” The Mardi Gras Central program includes Shaun Parker’s thrilling new dance piece, King; the hilarious, gothic, Bronte inspired The Moors; the circus/disco/cabaret, Club Briefs; a grand array of performers in Bent Burlesque, and plenty more. The outrageously fearless Yana Alana (aka Sarah Ward) is hosting Bent Burlesque. “For me creating this sort of superhero character enables me a freedom that I probably wouldn’t have in my life if I didn’t

have performance and drag and my community,” she says. Alana will be sharing the stage with international and local artists who are at the zenith of burlesque. “I’m gonna bring all of my most naughty material,” she says, because “fearless means to be unapologetic!” For those who’d prefer a more poignant experience, Requiem Mass: A Queer Divine Rite, is an original choral work by American singer and composer, Holcombe Waller, being performed at City Recital Hall. It pays homage to those who have suffered hateful intolerance because of how they identify. Koori Gras at Carriageworks is a program of events aimed at the First Nations queer community (though it’s by no means exclusive). It features workshops, talks, culture and arts, drag, and a club night. Bringing it out west is Q Indie Mini Gras at Q Theatre in the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, a program that provides independent LGBTQI theatre-makers with the opportunity to produce and showcase their work. It has allowed three theatre makers Charles O’Grady, Ang Collins, and Eliza Oliver to write and stage their “campy, silly story” about three playwrights named Charles, Ang, and Eliza. “[They] aren’t exactly us, but are kind of versions of us”, explains O’Grady. Project Bestfriendship is a self-aware, low budget, slightly cynical, mostly funny look at a theatre industry sullied by greed, commercialism and repressed creativity. It’s informed by the experiences of the three creators and by queer culture, especially The Wizard Of Oz. The three protagonists embark on an optimistic quest to create a wholesome, worthy work, only to be rudely disillusioned by the real world. Without giving away spoilers, O’Grady assures us that audience members will not leave the theatre dejected: “We couldn’t really consider it a homage to

Wizard Of Oz if it didn’t have a bit of a happy ending…they get back to Kansas City is what I’m saying.” Apart from the Parade, one of the biggest open Mardi Gras events is Fair Day. Virtually every queer organisation in Sydney has a stall in Victoria Park - from sports clubs and leisure groups to community services and activism to special interest and business and so much more. It’s an all age, all persuasion event, with rides for children, dog activities including the ever-popular Doggywood, food, bar, retail stalls and loads of entertainment throughout the day. Electro-soul/pop duo, Electric Fields are one of the headline acts for Fair Day. The ethereal vocal tones of Zaachariaha Fielding combined with the high energy melodies of keyboardist, Michael Ross have made Electric Fields popular not just in the queer community but in the mainstream. Separately and together they have faced challenges because of their queer identity. Ross grew up in homophobic suburbia, afraid to be his authentic self until his gradual immersion into the queer scene led him to realise that “gay is good.” It was a revelation that gave him strength: “Being fearless is not about not having any fear, it’s about living freely in the face of fear.” Fielding had a similar experience growing up. His solution was to take those negative triggers and unresolved issues “then to share that in a story or in a lyric of in a line or melody or feeling…go back to the archives of our lives and bring that forward.” Watching Electric Fields perform live is itself uplifting and joyous - true to their stated agenda: “Our main intention is to create great music with a beautiful message.” The Mardi Gras Festival program is very extensive. For a full listing, pick up a guide or browse and download it at www.mardigras.org.au

Wyngarde! A Celebration & Queen Bette: A Double Bill

Queen Bette

As part of the Mardi Gras Festival, G.bod Theatre have created a show which brings two of stage and screens biggest and most fearless icons together on one extraordinary bill. The first half of this double bill, Wyngarde! A Celebration is a world premiere one-man show by Garth Holcombe which explores the amazing life and career of British icon Peter Wyngarde. Wyngarde was an accomplished theatre, film and television actor who was the inspiration for Austin Powers until his fall from grace: 2 arrests and convictions for

gross indecency in public toilets in 1975. The second show on the bill is a highly acclaimed one-woman show retracing the remarkable steps of a true movie legend, from fledgling stage actress via an unrivalled glittering movie career. Bette Davis fought hard all her life, had four husbands, two Oscars and a reputation as the biggest bitch in Hollywood. Queen Bette tells the whole story as Jeanette Cronin returns to the role she was born to play. Feb 19-Mar 2. Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza St, Newtown. $25-$55+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.old505theatre.com

Wyngarde

Queer Contemporary The National Art School (NAS) opens its Queer Contemporary exhibition on February 15 as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.With several art exhibits, a pop-up bar, live music and performances, talks, tours, and the launch of a photographic publication, the historic grounds of NAS will be a buzzing Mardi Gras hub. Queer As Folk Lore features diverse artistic expressions of the queer experience in a selection of works loaned from distinguished collector, Dr Dick Quan and Holdsworth House Medical Practice.The artists come from all parts of the globe and represent a variety of disciplines. Finalists from India’s first national competition for LGBTQI artists, the InsideOut Art Prize, will be showcased in the Refracted Lives Exhibition.The

city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

brief for the competition asked artists to interpret “refraction” as it applied to their lives as queer people; how they are bent and split and altered, like light passing through a prism. Curated by two NAS students,Anoushka, and Fergus Berney-Gibson, Other(ed) Bodies features the works of another eight NAS students in an exploration of the queer body and its relationship to self, others, and society.The students all identify as queer but have their own unique take on “body” and how to express it in their art. Let’s Eat Cake is a social documentary photography publication by NAS alumna, Maylei Hunt depicting the protests and actions as part of the “Yes” campaign leading up to the Marriage Equality vote in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

The publication will be launched on opening night. Every good hub needs a bar and Queer Contemporary has a pop-up called Moonlite Bar, named after the notorious and openly gay bushranger, Captain Moonlite, who was a resident of the former Darlinghurst Gaol. DJ Sveta will be on deck(s) to fill the heritage sandstone halls with modern chill vibes. Anoush Jay Sansom will be performing on opening night, rounding out the variety of entertainment. The two week long Queer Contemporary will also include talks and tours. Most of the events are free, including Opening Night (you’ll need to register for this, though).

Feb 15-Mar 2. National Art School, Forbes St & Burton St, Darlinghurst. Info: www.nas.edu.au

FEATURE

JEN DER Unpacks

Photo: Mark Gambino

Since her coming out performance Bio last year Melbourne drag queen JEN DER’s life has been rolling along a little too smoothly and mundanely for her liking. In order to shake things up and turn her life technicolour again JEN DER is bringing her brand new show JEN DER Unpacks to Sydney for this year’s Mardi Gras. In order to get out, JEN DER needs to go within, unpack before she packs up - otherwise her emotional baggage is going to cost her a fortune at check-in. So she’s cranking up the salt lamps, cutting the energy cords, healing her chakras and syncing up with the moon cycles. JEN DER is ready to raise the vibration and raise the roof by wrapping her amazing warped lips around a killer pop, hip hop and rock soundtrack as she unpacks everything from gender norms, to female drag queen realness, to unrealistic expectations, to country blokes to how terrifying the world is and ultimately - how to truly step into your power, with arms open to the unknown. JEN DER is one of Melbourne’s hottest drag prospects and her show is one you desperately need to see to believe. Mar 1. Factory Theatre 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $25+b.f Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au

Sempre Libera A new one-act New Australian Cabaret written in the Blue Mountains by International Composer and Lyricist Jye Bryant and Nicole Ananda asks the question, ‘What happens when feminism meets opera?’ Sempre Libera is the journey of Genevieve (the Race of Women) taking us through her story with original costume, lighting, visuals and voice. Built around the La Traviata opera’s iconic aria Sempre Libera this show not only wants audiences to learn and understand but also feel the emotions and experiences of women. This will be a special show on the Mardi Gras program, and one certainly worth writing into your plans. Mar 1. Clare’s Kitchen at Le Salon, 35 Oxford St, Surry Hills. $99.99+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.moshtix.com.au

Jamie Cole - Booty Jamie Cole’s says his latest exhibition Booty “draws on my sexual encounters and experiences; hot and heated encounters, ‘men I haven´t known’ and, ...well, that would be telling... of course, with my husband.” Based off of that simple description it’s clear why this exhibition has been chosen to be a part of this year’s Mardi Gras program. The mixed medium artworks are designed by Cole to mimic the black light effect he explained, “I love the idea of black light showing up all the encounters that have taken place in a room or space, on a piece

of furniture, or clothing, over time. So I´ve captured that by giving these mixed media paintings an ultra-violet or heat map quality that exposes the chemicals, sweat and body fluids rampant in the scene.” Cole’s love affair with art began in the mid-80s when he first gazed upon the electric and vibrant pop world of Lichtenstein, Warhol, and the stained, saturated depths of Rothko canvas’. The passion developed with the influence of the political, abstract and revolutionary work of Basquiat and Keith Haring. Until Feb 24. Artsite Galleries, 165 Salisbury Rd, Camperdown. Info: www.artsite.com.au

city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW: Metamorphosis

Independent Theatre has never been so bizarre yet strangely enjoyable, as audiences must utilise their intellect to extract the underlying themes and messages, hidden under the surface of what appears to be a simplistic and easy to follow play. Based on the classic 1912 novella by acclaimed German writer Franz Kafka and adapted for the stage by David Farr and Gisli Orn Gardarsson, the story examines how the lives of a family are disastrously affected, when their son Gregor is metamorphosed into a monstrous insect. Initial horror and concern from his parents and sister predictably transform into persecution and disgust.

Overflowing with symbolism and open to differing interpretations, the play which is astutely directed by Amanda Stephens-Lee, makes a justifiable comment on society. How often have we estranged family members for menial discord? Relatable themes of alienation, isolation, self-degradation and guilt are prevalent and still as relevant today as when the novella was written. Creative staging and lighting are atmospheric and vigorous performances from a wonderful ensemble cast of six including Sam Glissan as the grotesque Gregor and Yannick Lawry (Freud’s Last Session) as the father, should ensure that audiences are profoundly mesmerised by what can only be described as a wickedly funny black comedy. The comedy which at time borders on slapstick quickly alternates into an explosion of emotions, as the unsavoury reactions from the family members infiltrate. This stylish, unconventional and uniquely remarkable play which resonates how ‘a quiet ordinary family life’ can quickly transform into a catastrophic nightmare, should prove to be an enjoyable night out for discerning theatre-goers who demand high quality and thought-provoking stage plays. (MMo) Until Feb 16. Chippen Street Theatre, 45 Chippen Street, Chippendale. $27.20-$34.70+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.clockandspielproductions.com

King

structure evolves and a leader emerges, but the group ultimately revolts against its own creation. It’s mostly told through dance and it is fast and intense. “There’s one scene we worked on for three weeks non-stop, It’s seven minutes long […] it’s highly detailed,” says Parker. There’s no dialogue but there is a singing narrator. Parker originally thought he would play the role then he saw a video of Bulgarian singer/artist/ phenomenon Ivo Dimchev. “He’s the perfect counterpoint,” thought Parker. “The perfect gender neutral, in a way.” Dimchev is world renowned for his unique, kid-leather voice and earnest, theatrical renditions. “I like the fact that he’s a very tall man, muscular, but very effeminate as well.” Dimchev very rarely collaborates, but Parker sent some videos of dance sequences and was thrilled to get “okay, where do we go from here?” in Shaun Parker’s exciting new dance work, King, is a response.Where they went was a full collaboration physical symposium on the subjects of patriarchy, in which Dimchev wrote songs, composed music, masculine identity, societal construct, and male and will be on stage singing during the entire sexuality, all played out in a cocktail lounge/jungle performance, an integral part of the narrative. setting.The director and choreography were “He’s definitely the puppet-master. He knows inspired by contemporary conversations in the what’s going on and he controls all the action,” public arena around entrenched gender behaviours. explains Parker. “I was looking at all the male power systems and The velvet purple jacket clad, visually stunning how the same things keep happening, and it is Dimchev with his ethereal vocals, coupled with exhausting,” says Parker,“But the thing is, people the intricate, powerful physicality of create it - other men create it.” extraordinary dancers promises to make King a The plot is a Lord Of The Flies type scenario in regal experience. (RB) which an elite group of well-dressed men arrives at Feb 20-24. Seymour Centre, Cnr Clevland St an undefined, surreal location. & City Rd, Chippendale. $39-$49+b.f. From the various male types and tropes a social Tickets & Info: www.seymourcentre.com

a&e

city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

16 STAGE 17 SCENE 19 Sounds 19 SCREEN

Lennon Through A Glass Onion Initially slated for a three week engagement at Sydney’s Tilbury Hotel 25 years ago, this tribute show which was devised by and stars John Waters and Stewart D’Arrietta, continues to pull in large crowds whenever it returns to Sydney. The critically praised twoman show has toured to New York, London and Tokyo and includes 31 of Lennon’s hits including Imagine, Jealous Guy, Woman, Strawberry Fields Forever and Working Class Hero. “The show starts with five gunshots. I thought, what would John Lennon’s dying thoughts have been as he lay on a sidewalk of New York City? I decided to put together random thoughts linked with songs that were very autobiographical, his songs both as a Beatle and in his solo career. That’s what we have, Lennon Through A Glass Onion, a collection of Lennon’s thoughts and memories which are illustrated by songs,” explained Waters. Is this show dark and heart-wrenching? “Not entirely – it has moments of liberty and

great moments of Lennon’s humour, it’s warm and funny as his life was and angry in other places. I think I’ve got the formula right and people are constantly coming back. The show has heart – and it’s me channelling John Lennon. I provide a blank canvas onto which people can paint their own John Lennon. Most people feel at the end of the show as if they’ve sat down and had a drink with John Lennon and he’s told them about his life.” Waters said that more young people are coming along to watch the show. “I think the demographic has just shifted slightly to a younger one and that’s one of the reasons why the show has been so enduring. We’ve had teenagers come along wearing their John Lennon and New York City t-shirts. It’s primarily a show for the baby boom generation but more and more their children and their children’s children are coming along to see it.”(MMo) Feb 19–24. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. $49-$109. Tickets & Info: www.lennononstage.com

My Night With Reg Presented in association with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, this play is set in London between 1983-1987 and centres around six gay men and the impact a charming man named Reg has upon them. “We never meet Reg which heightens the sense of mystery, but his effect is apparent. He’s promiscuous, dangerously seductive and one of those people whose spell everybody seems to fall under,” explained the director,Alice Livingstone.“It’s essentially a play about relationships and how people deal with each other in friendships. It’s about betrayal, guilt, obsessive love and the situations people are put in where they are suddenly keeping a secret.” In the mid-80s the devastating aids epidemic had emerged and even though this isn’t an ‘aids play’ it sits at the back of the story and has an impact. Livingstone is adamant this play is suitable for straight audiences. “The characters are gay men but the emotions and situations they experience are common for everybody. It’s also very funny so I think everyone can relate to those moments in life which are ridiculous or embarrassing.” The message this play sends out is that actions have consequences and that these consequences have to be dealt with down the track. “Life is a wonderful adventure, but it also has its traps and dangers.” And could there be a Reg in all circles of gay men?

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

“Yes - definitely! There are Reg’s everywhere – even in the straight world. People whose moral compasses may be a little bit more flexible than others and who have no shame in what they do.” Livingstone believes this gay play is accessible to everybody. “It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking and I think audiences will enjoy meeting these six characters and going on their little journey with them.” (MMo) Until Mar 9. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $30-$35+b.f.. Bookings & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au

Contributors: Emily Shen, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Rita Bratovich, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Riley Hooper, Erika Echternach, Joseph Rana, John Moyle, Madison Behringer, Allison Hore, Renee Dallow, Renee Dallow, Alannah Maher.

Girls On Tap

a female tap group and then one day thought ‘oh…I think it has to be me.’” Girls On Tap was then gradually formed and started to challenge the maledominated tap identity in Australia. Sally says, “our tap dance identity in Australia became really blokey and industrial and boyish…I guess I found the need to kind of claim it back.” From After waking up one morning with the realisation this, Sally and Girls on Tap started crafting their she needed to form an all-female tap group, own empowering and female-centric tap renowned Australian dancer and choreographer productions. Sally Dashwood started forming Girls On Tap. Sally “We really drive the message home of female is the Artistic Director of the tap dance company, empowerment and equality and sisterhood”, says and this February her and her Girls On Tap team Sally, going on to say, “the show is a celebration will be blowing away audiences at Glen Street of being a woman.” Theatre in Sydney with an all-new show. The With Girls on Tap bringing inspiring and group of female dancers will be bringing a high- exceptional tap dance to Sydney, the show is a energy performance to the theatre with high-energy dance production that’s not to be empowering and inspiring gusto. missed. (MB) Sally Dashwood described the moment that she Feb 14-16. Glen Street Theatre, Corner of realised Australia needed an all-female tap group. Glen Street & Blackbutts Road, Belrose. $17“I kind of waited around for someone to begin 55+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.glenstreet.com.au

Dr Jordan B Peterson 12 Rules For Life Renowned psychologist, professor and bestselling author Dr Jordan B Peterson is set to inspire and thrill audiences during his Australian 12 Rules For Life Tour. His show will hit Sydney on February 26 to an anticipated sell-out crowd. Dr Peterson’s show will feature a huge range of educational and entertaining talks, including coverage of topics such as how to improve oneself, overcoming life’s toughest obstacles, mythology, the psychology of religion as well as a sprawling range of other topics. Peterson has has dedicated his life and study to the psychology of the human mind and the origin of our psyche. He is also continually challenging the way we think, and is not known to back away from an educated argument. “You’re always looking for new information in the off chance that somebody who doesn’t agree with you will tell you something you couldn’t have figured out on your own!” said Dr. Peterson, going on to say, ““If you can’t understand why someone is doing something, look at the consequences of their actions, whatever they might be, and then infer the motivations from their consequences.” Dr Peterson’s 12 Rules For Life Tour has been a highly anticipated one in Australia. His writings and public talks have been viewed millions of

times both online and through his books. His approach and attitude to his psychological studies is both inspiring yet also thrilling. To encapsulate this attitude and view on his work, Dr. Peterson stated, “the purpose of life is finding the largest burden that you can bear and bearing it.”(RH) Feb 26, ICC Sydney Theatre, 14 Darling Drive, Sydney. $144-175+b.f. Tickets and Info: www.ticketek.com.au

THE NAKED CITY

THE EURO-EVERYWHERE SONG CONTEST

With Coffin Ed Congratulations to Kate Miller-Heidke, who has just been voted as Australia’s representative at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. As you probably know the public got to have their say this year as to who our chosen singer would be and Kate topped both the popular and jury votes. Regardless of the quality of the warblers we dispatch to fly the flag for Australia in Tel Aviv, the lingering question remains – WHY? Why Eurovision ever allowed Australia into the contest in the first place and why we persist in a cultural charade which is essentially just another manifestation of the dreaded cultural cringe. When Australian actors excel in Hollywood and strut the red carpet at The Oscars, we turn somersaults of jingoistic joy, despite the fact that our own once vibrant film industry has all but collapsed. Likewise Australian singers and bands, despite their

popularity and success at home, rise to a much higher level if they are lauded by the American or European public. It’s a stamp of international recognition that we have long craved for all our exports, be they bales of wool, tennis players, bottles of wine, track and field athletes, writers or painters – to name just a few. So we have crashed the Eurovision party, thanks largely to the efforts and enthusiasm of

Sydney Tomato Festival Returning to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens for another year of local produce, activities, talks, food, wine, and of course, tomatoes is Sydney’s Tomato Festival. Held within the gardens there will be something to do for everyone with kid’s activities during the day to a Retro Movie Night in the evening. With this year’s theme being “seeds” kids will be able to plant their own herbs to take home with them at the end of the day. Adults will be able to enjoy the Longest Tomato Lunch, with a degustation menu and drinks to match. Marketing and Brand Manager for the Tomato

Festival, Wendy Symonds, is sure that everyone who comes along will have a fantastic time. “The reason we put on the festival is all about friends and family coming together and experiencing the garden in a different way.” Wendy and her team have an intrinsic passion for all things produce, with Wendy saying, “we want to create further awareness of where food comes from and the importance of the role that plants play in our lives.” The newest addition to The Tomato Festival is this year’s Retro Movie Night, where cult classic

SBS, who no doubt blow a substantial part of their frugal budget on this now annual junket. Whilst record companies like Sony have provided financial assistance in recent years it now seems SBS is taking the entire hit. Maybe increased advertising justifies the cost expended but it can’t be cheap. Surely the sensible thing to do would be to initiate an Asian Song Contest and there have already been discussions over the past few years to formulate such an event. Surprisingly it’s being touted as the ‘Eurovision Asian Song Contest’ with a licensing agreement signed between the European Broadcasting Union and SBS. Why we need to adopt the Eurovision model and pay lip service to the name is beyond me. Surely anybody can organise their own song contest without following the often bitchy, flawed, at times super camp and kitsch ridden Euro-model. Judging by the website which is already up and running, the deal has already been made but

perhaps it’s not too late to do an ‘Ausexit’ and come up with our own song contest model – at least one that would avoid the politically charged block voting and conspiratorial skulduggery which has long undermined the Euro event. How refreshing it would be to see a shamefully exuberant K-Pop band from South Korea, battling it out with a funky diva from Vietnam, a reggae groover from the Solomon Islands and some of the incredible talent pool that exists in New Zealand amongst the Maori population. Not to mention the latest Voice/ Australian Idol/One Hit Wonder from down under! So what happens if the Eurovision Asian Song Contest does get up and running? Do we forsake the original contest to embrace the Asian version or do we hog the limelight and participate in both. God help us if South America or Africa decide to do a Eurovision – Australia will no doubt be clambering to join those contests too!

Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes will be screened. Wendy summed up what patrons can expect to enjoy on the night, “they’ll get late-night access to the exhibition…we’ve made a whole night around it. There’ll be a glass of sparkling wine, tacos, various talks and tours, and then you get to sit down and enjoy the screening!” With so many activities and experiences to engage in, this year’s Tomato Festival is set to be a fantastic weekend for family and friends alike. (MB) Feb 16-17. Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney. Free entry – some ticketed events. Tickets & Info: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

Artsite Galleries

Poets’ Picnic

Artsite is dedicated to promoting exemplary local and Australian artist practices

Under the Stars

This year’s theme: Changes

Grab a rug, pack a picnic and celebrate poetry under the stars by Sydney Harbour!

Tuesday 26 February 5pm–8pm Blackburn Gardens 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay

Enjoy a line-up of established & exciting new poets, live music, outdoor games and activities.

FREE ENTRY More info: 9391 7100 or woollahra.nsw.gov.au/poetspicnic

Pre-order gourmet picnic baskets and rugs online at: popuppicnic.com.au

UNIQUE GIFT SHOP 155 MARRICKVILLE ROAD HYPMOTIVE.COM

/HYPMOTIVE

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Contemporary Sydney Art Gallery with a strong curatorial approach to current visual arts practice. Artsite’s exhibition program supports and promotes local and internationally recognised Australian artists. Open Wed - Sunday 11am - 5pm during Exhibitions (02) 80959678 | 165 Salisbury Road, Camperdown, Sydney Open during Exhibitions Wed-Sun 11am-5pm | or by appointment

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SHOP OPENING HOURS: MON - FRI 10am - 5pm SAT - SUN 10am - 3pm *CLOSED TUE ART DESIGN FASHION CREATIVE WORKSHOPS LOCAL MAKERS

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city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

Missy Higgins By Jamie Apps Over the course of the last year or so Missy Higgins has performed alongside Ed Sheeran, hosted her own national headline tour and become a mother of two with the birth of her second child. Despite this hectic schedule, Higgins is planning one more major concert series before taking a break to focus on motherhood. The final concert series for Higgins will see her reuniting with longtime collaborator John Butler for their first ever co-headline show together. The two performances at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt come 14 years after Higgins and Butler first shared a stage together. “It’s funny to think that we’ve come so far. I started supporting him and now we’re doing a co-headline tour,” Higgins reminisced before adding, “We’ve played lots of shows with each other through the years and stayed good friends but we haven’t done an actual concert tour together, so this is going to be lovely.” Obviously, with two of Australia’s most prominent artists joining forces for these performances the first question which pops to mind is whether there will be any duets or collaboration on stage. Whilst not ruling anything out Higgins did have this to say, “I’m not sure, we haven’t planned any but that’s the kind of thing that happens organically if it happens at all.”

CPAC Live

Beginning this weekend Sydney’s community of fantastic musicians will have a brand new opportunity to perform live thanks to the introduction of CPAC Live. Introduced by Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC ) to tackle the lack of local live music opportunities, CPAC Live will shine a spotlight on the hottest up-and-coming

If Beale Street Could Talk

It isn’t just the people on stage which will make this event something memorable, the venue itself is very special explained Higgins. “Playing the Sydney Opera House Forecourt is particularly special because it’s such an iconic venue. The opportunities to play venues like this don’t come around very often, so it’s going to be a pretty special night.” Whilst playing the Sydney Opera House Forecourt is special Higgins was also quick to say, “I would love to play inside the big room of the Opera House one day, that’s definitely on the bucket list.” In the meantime, Higgins says she will be taking some time away following these performances to focus on motherhood. “I’m going to try to relax for a little bit and I’m sure I’ll start getting inspired to start writing a new album as well but I’ve got to live a little bit first in order to make memories and have experiences to write about.” Feb 14-15. Sydney Opera House - Forecourt, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $104+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

artists from the Western Sydney region, in the industrial grandeur of the Turbine Hall. Each show in the CPAC Live series will be curated around a particular theme or music style and will feature a headline act with up to four support acts. This weekends launch event is focusing on locally grown hip-hop and will be headlined by South Western Sydney rap crew Freesouls, with support from local conscious rapper Chris Onano and Leeroy Perez, from hip hop collective GLDN ODSY. “Let’s face it, Liverpool’s a tough town to get a gig in. But South West Sydney is a culturally diverse community with a vibrant underground music scene... not that you’d be able to tell,” said CPAC Director, Craig Donarski. “We’re passionate about celebrating the best that South West Sydney has to offer, so we’ve started this series of curated music events to showcase the very best in up-and-coming local talent.” Feb 16. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula. FREE. Info: www.casulapowerhouse.com

Based on the novel by American writer James Baldwin and nominated for three Academy Awards, this is a film which should stimulate heated discussion amongst audiences, long after leaving the cinema. The story follows the blossoming romance of Fonny and Tish, a young couple living in Beale Street in a black community and the tragedy which follows when a racist law enforcer engineers a plan to have Fonny falsely accused of rape. Much more than a romantic film, the underlying themes resonate the social issues which black communities endured in the 1970s and continue to do so today, to a lesser extent. Dark and pessimistic the hopelessness of trying to live a productive life in a white man’s world is highlighted by their belief that “this country really doesn’t like niggers” and that “white man has to be the devil.” And what would Beale Street say if it could talk?

Deprived of their civil rights, there is no truth, no justice and no equality for some black communities in America, but ultimately the power of love will conquer all. (MMo) WWWW

At Eternity’s Gate

In the biopic At Eternity’s Gate, director Julian Schnabel tries to communicate Vincent van Gogh’s relationship to art and nature vividly, using both filming style and colour to sometimes startling effect. In his time,Van Gogh was an “outsider” artist, practising his particular methods in self-exile in the small community of Arles in southern France, far away from the suffocating dictates and politics of Parisian salons. The outlines of his famous life are there – the ear, the life-long penury, the adoring brother – but fleshed out for a glimpse of the deeply troubled artist who was never happy unless painting, while

also suggesting his art was both symptom and remedy to his tortured mental state. Willem Dafoe makes for a memorably haggard and haunted Van Gogh (Oscar-nominated for the role) and Mads Mikkelsen has a brief but striking role as a priest. Despite moments of astonishing beauty and insight, the film can feel slow and repetitive. The resounding impact of the film lies in its powerful depiction of the artist and his visual perception, allowing the viewer a momentary immersion into that troubled, textured and multihued world. (OA) WWW

Gav Brown - Sound Circus Australian singer-songwriter Gav Brown recently released his debut album Sound Circus. Although he is no stranger to the live music scene, this is Brown’s first studio recorded collection of works. Gav Brown combines country-rock, folk and pop to create his own soulful sound. As a multiinstrumentalist, he incorporates numerous instruments, including the banjo, guitar, piano, harmonica, mandolin, cigar-box guitar, and ukulele, to achieve his unique blend of styles. These instruments make for interesting musical interludes in many of his pieces, such as Greatest Player and Lightforce. The songs featured on Sound Circus are whimsical and tranquil, which makes listening to the album is the ideal opportunity to kick back, relax, and admire a truly talented musician. (EE) WWWW city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019

city hub 14 FEBRUARY 2019