City Hub 15 October 2020 by Alt Media

OCTOBER 15, 2020

C I T Y H U B SY D N E Y. C O M . AU @CityHubSydney

New laws create significant concern for the future of long running popular shows

BY RIDA BABAR new announcement by the Morrison Government will see changes in the regulation of film and television content laws in Australia, throwing a massive spanner in the works for the industry’s COVID-19 recovery plan. Australia’s arts and entertainment sector, which has already seen massive devastation all year due to production restrictions, will further be subjected to an approximate 50% reduction in content produced. This will see the loss of thousands of jobs within the industry, as well as a reduced capacity to display Australian stories and talent. The CEO of Screen Producers Australia (SPA), Matthew Deaner, commented on the

changes, saying “The announcement today is an unfortunate backwards step that we predict will result in the demise of many Australian businesses and livelihoods. “Deregulation of legacy platforms without a transition plan into regulation of new platforms creates a disjointed and incomplete policy response that tinkers around the edges, appears to have been driven by old-world thinking and has scant regard to the future of Australian screen content. “A once in a generation chance to reset the foundations for Australian stories for future generations and bring regulation into the 21st century has been presented to the Government in a unified way by the screen industry and the response presented today falls short and needs rethinking.”

There has been significant concern from Aussies over the future of long running popular shows like Neighbours and Home & Away. Chris Oliver-Taylor, CEO of Fremantle Media in Australia gave insight into the issue and its estimated impact on Neighbours. “It [Neighbours] is commissioned by Channel Ten, and Channel Five in the UK so we’ve always got to make sure Neighbours works for those two main audiences. The market changes and the world changes, Netflix and other streaming giants commission more and more stories, so we’ve got to make sure Neighbours remains relevant to a global audience. “As long as the show continues to be commissioned by Channel Ten and

Channel Five, the employment levels will remain as they are. “Fundamentally, the most important thing (that doesn’t affect Neighbours) is the tax offset which has increased from 20% to 30%, which is a really important uplift in funding television shows. “Neighbours doesn’t qualify for that, but most do. This could have some negative aspects which some producers would like to change. It talks to the regulatory environment. There’s some winners and losers definitely. “The government has said that it will put some regulation in place to support Australian stories and that’s good. It is a bit less than current, so there’s some change there but I don’t think that there’s anything we [Fremantle] really have to do. Continued on page 2

NEIGHBOURS EVICTED?

(Continued from the cover)

TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

HERE TO HELP As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems you have with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, superannuation, Child Support payments, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Veterans’ Affairs, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the National Broadband Network (NBN), universities, employment, training, Commonwealth funding and grants.

STAYING IN TOUCH To keep up to date with my activities (incuding my mobile offices), issues and events - both locally and nationally, please subscribe to my eNews at tanyaplibersek.com.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES My office can arrange messages of congratulations for people who live in my electorate and are celebrating their golden (50th) and diamond (60th) wedding anniversaries; and 90th and subsequent birthdays. Please allow for 6-8 weeks for congratulatory messages from dignatories.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE My office offers Justice of the Peace (JP) services on Mondays (2pm-4.30pm); Tuesdays (10am-1pm); and Thursdays (2pm-4.30pm). Please contact my office to make an appointment.

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP 1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 TanyaPlibersek.com to Help 2020 1 2020 HUB 15V1.indd OCTOBER 2 SSO HereCITY

02 9379 0700

Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au 28/09/2020 1:23:20 PM

Benny Turland, April-Rose Pengilly, Tim Robards. Photo: Supplied

“The government has said that it will put some regulation in place to support Australian stories and that’s good. It is a bit less than current, so there’s some change there but I don’t think that there’s anything we [Fremantle] really have to do. “In a regulatory environment, you have to really understand it and build your business and stories around that environment. We’ll just keep understanding what’s going on to make sure we can try to build a set of dramas that work.” Neighbours’ dual alliance with both Australian and UK commissioners has seen the impact on the show kept be minimal, however, fully Australian owned shows like Home & Away do not have this privilege. Sarah Hanson-Young, spokesperson of the Communications, Media, and Arts sector of the Greens Party commented on the changes, saying “Without legal requirements on the global giants, our screens and children’s devices will become even more clogged with trashy, cheap shows from America. Our Aussie kids deserve better than this. “It’s time to ensure the big streaming giants like Netflix, Disney, and Amazon who are flooding the domestic market contribute to Australia’s local screen industry, jobs, and telling local stories. “Local stories are important for helping us understand who we are as Australians, what values we share, our cultural

heritage and where we see ourselves in the rest of the world. “The Greens will fight for local content requirements on streaming services to be legislated.” A spokesperson from Screen Producers Australia revealed that “the advocacy situation is delicately balanced; however, we will be engaging with the government to reconsider some of the more damaging changes and we will continue to demonstrate how they will negatively impact our industry and outcomes for Australian viewers.” On the topic of the changes impacting Australia’s locally produced entertainment industry in the long term the spokesperson said, “If there are no changes to the government’s policies, the industry will likely be less diverse, with a concentration of activity in major capitals, fewer small businesses and a move away from film to TV production. “The competitive position of producers will also deteriorate, as they are forced to compete for fewer commissions, which weakens their bargaining position. This will mean less opportunities for development of unique and engaging ideas.” Overall, these changes have resulted in dire prospects for most components of the film and TV production industry in Australia and are currently the subject of immense backlash.

HubNEWS

Inner West Council CEO calls it quits (See p.7)

Alex Greenwich backs puppy farm prohibition HubARTS: Money & Friends Former Thirsty Merc member returns to the stage with his solo show (See p. 8)

Published weekly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody Advertising Managers: Mal Moody 0404 042 615 Dan Kinsela 0400 319 934 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editor: Allison Hore Contributors: Allison Hore, John Moyle Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar, Linc Jenkin Cover Photo: Supplied. Georgie Stone (centre) with Neighbours’ co-stars Zima Anderson, Matt Wilson, Ben Hall, Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney

BY ALLISON HORE tate member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, has announced that he will be co-sponsoring a bill to ban puppy farming in NSW. The legislation, being proposed by Emma Hurst of the Animal Justice Party, would bring an end to the practice of puppy farming where large numbers of puppies are bred for profit in intensive operations. “Mother dogs are forced to pump out litter after litter in small, barren pens until their bodies can no longer cope,” Ms. Hurst said. “Because of the lack of exercise and pressure on the body to produce repeat litters, many breeding dogs also suffer from painful health conditions.”

On Tuesday Mr. Greenwich lent his support to the bill and announced he was signing on as co-sponsor for it. “The Animal Justice Party NSW have worked hard to expose the cruel dog breeding practices that occur in NSW, this bill will put an end to that,” Mr. Greenwich said. “I’m looking forward to working with Emma and other parliamentary colleagues to get the bill passed through parliament as soon as we can.” Victoria has recently passed legislation banning puppy farms and Western Australia is moving to do the same. But running a puppy farm is currently legal in NSW, and there are few regulations about who can do it. Due to this, puppy

Alex Greenwich (right) has backed a bill to end puppy farming put forward by Emma Hurst (right). Photo: Facebook/Alex Greenwich

farms from interstate have begun relocating to NSW. “Puppy farmers like this are now surging across the border, knowing that our weak laws fail to protect dogs from this sort of cruelty,” Ms. Hurst said. The Animal Justice Party’s online petition in support of the bill currently has just under 33,000 signatures.

Win for pet owners in NSW Court of Appeal BY ALLISON HORE o apartment building in NSW will be allowed to have a blanket ban on pets following a NSW Court of Appeal decision which overturned the right of strata committees to pass bylaws prohibiting animals. The decision comes after an expensive four-and-a-half-year long legal battle by Johanna and Leo Cooper who live in an apartment building in Darlinghurst. Johanna Cooper’s miniature schnauzer, Angus, was prohibited from living with them in their apartment in the prestigious Horizon apartment complex where strata scheme by-laws prohibited all pets. Ms. Cooper decided to bring Horizon’s strata committee to court to contest the laws.

Strata pet bans may soon be a thing of the past. Photo: The Cat Protection Society

In a case before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal the Horizon building as well as the 280-unit Elan in Kings Cross lost the right to ban pets. However, in an appeal to the NCAT in May of 2020 the decision was overturned, granting both buildings the right to uphold their pet bans. A decision Elan’s legal team described as “a victory for democracy”. Not one to back down, Ms. Cooper continued her fight. “I’m absolutely going to appeal this. [NCAT] has got it wrong, and I don’t know how they could get it so wrong,” she said at the time. Finally, Ms. Cooper brought the case before the NSW Court of Appeals. The three judges hearing the case unanimously agreed that pets do not adversely impact other occupants’ properties. They said rules banning pets in buildings were made mostly for the convenience of the strata committee rather than the benefit of residents. “This decision effectively changes the way owners’ corporations can govern their strata schemes,” said Sharon Levy, a Bartier Perry partner who represented Ms. Cooper in her case. “The court has found that banning animals breaches strata scheme legislation which provides that by-laws can’t be “harsh, unconscionable or oppressive.” Ms. Cooper said the lengthy and expensive legal battle which set her back $250,000 has been very difficult for her but she stands by her decision to pursue the case. She said the precedent it sets has ramifications for apartment dwellers across the state. “Today is a win for Angus but it’s also a decision that will hopefully ensure owners corporations take a more balanced approach to the governing of apartment owners,” she said. CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

HubNEWS

Trans rights protesters arrested

A protester is arrested in Sydney following a trans rights rally on Saturday. Photo: Allison Hore

BY ALLISON HORE wo protesters were arrested at a transgender rights rally in Sydney’s Taylor Square on Saturday. The “kill the bill” rally was organised in opposition to a set of legislation to strip schools of educational content relating to transgender and gender diverse people. The Education Legislation Amendment bill proposed by One Nation’s Mark Latham would “outlaw gender fluidity teaching, course development and teacher training” in NSW schools. Saturday’s rally against the bill was deemed unauthorised to go ahead in a Supreme Court decision on Friday. The court ruled in favour of police, who had hoped to block the protest, citing COVID-19 health and safety orders. But organisers, Community Action for Rainbow Rights, announced later that same day the rally would go ahead as planned. Before 1pm on Saturday, when the rally was due to start, there was a small group of activists gathered in Taylor Square and heavy police presence. When it hit 1pm, dozens of people emerged from the bars around the square to join the protest chanting “out of the bars and into the streets.” Two speakers took to the stand before police ordered everyone to move on. Greens member for Newtown, Jenny Leong, was due to speak at the event but wasn’t able to. On Sunday morning she took to facebook to express her

CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

support for the cause with a recorded video. “It is nothing short of bullying by Mark Lathan who represents One Nation in the NSW Parliament,” Ms. Leong said of the proposed bill. “We will not allow this bullying to go on and be silenced by the police when we are trying to stand up for trans rights and trans human rights in this state.”

 We welcome all kinds

of gender identity and sexualities and this should be celebrated, not hidden in the closet anymore When introducing the bill before parliament Mr. Latham said “promotion of gender fluidity” was akin to child abuse and “the Parliament should legislate to defend the family unit and the biological science of gender.” If the bill passes, teachers, counsellors and other school staff could face dismissal if they offered support or advice to transgender and gender diverse students. Parents would also be allowed to withdraw their children from any class where LGBTQIA+ issues were discussed.

“EXCESSIVE OVER POLICING”

After police issued move on orders to the gathering at Taylor Square, the protesters made their way down Oxford Street towards Hyde Park. When the crowd reached Hyde Park police forced everyone to disperse. Protesters who did not comply with orders to leave the gathering were slapped with on the spot fines of $1000. Overall, thirteen trans rights protesters face fines. Eleven were issued $1000 on-the-spot fines and two were arrested. “People were fined, some people arrested, and we were subject to an excessive over policing of what was a peaceful protest,” said. Ms. Leong. “Everyone was wearing masks, as much as possible people were trying to social distance. And certainly it was no more risky than what I’ve seen in shopping centers, in markets, and people going to football matches in the last little while.” Protest organisers say the COVID-19 safety plan they had designed, which included free rainbow face masks and appropriate social distancing, was not able to be properly implemented as heavy police presence compacted the rally into a smaller space. “We oppose this draconian use of fines to scare activists from fighting against bigotry and oppression,” protest organisers said. “And we oppose the presence of police forces during protest, who

demonstrated little concern for COVID Safety and were a barrier to us carrying out our plan.” Ms. Leong said while she is disappointed she was not able to deliver her address on the day she was pleased to see so many had turned out in defiance of police orders. “We have a right to peaceful protest in NSW, we have a right to engage in peaceful assembly and to express our views publicly. And we need to keep doing that,” she said. “It was wonderful to see a crowd of people so passionate about equality and so caring about what’s going to happen for young people in our education system if we don’t stop this horrific bill.” Over 80,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to Latham’s bills. Petition organiser, Sam Guerra, encourages people to keep signing the petition and to write letters to parliamentarians to oppose the bill. “We are a progressive society and we welcome all kinds of gender identity and sexualities and this should be celebrated, not hidden in the closet anymore, especially in such a safe and accepting space where children spend most of their developing years,” Sam said. Protest organisers have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the fines. In less than 24 hours the fundraiser had already reached $12,000 of the $15,000 target.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT 1.

3. 4.

Rooftop Facility, 3 Hornsey Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 Optus Ref: S0383, www.rfnsa.com.au/2039005 The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m in length) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 30 October 2020.

FULLY LICENSED PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT Alberto’s Pizzeria Restaurant was established 38 years ago and has been successfully catering to the locals of the Inner West ever since. Quality food, huge servings and a wide selection make Albertos a must-dine experience.

 GENEROUS TOPPINGS  PROMPT SERVICE  UNBEATABLE VALUE FOR MONEY

TA PAS IAL

SPE

BUY ANY

PASTA AND GET

1 LARGE DRINK ORDER ONLINE

FOR

FREE

OPEN 7 DAYS

5:30pm till late

BUY ANY

PIZZ

CIAL

SPE

GOURMET OR EXOTIC PIZZA AND GET

d GARLIC OR MARGARITA OF THE SAME SIZE THE

FREE

FOR (Offer expires 30.12.2020)

 02 9519 4262 • 589 King Street NEWTOWN orders@albertospizza.com.au • www.albertospizza.com.au

CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

HubNEWS

Opinion

Bourbon development a total facade

Resident Vashti Hughes says Barncleuth Lane is too narrow for development. Photo: John Moyle

BY JOHN MOYLE he second attempt to get a development application passed on the Bourbon block in Kings Cross is a great exercise in façadism designed to obfuscate the brutal reality. Behind developer Iris Capital and designers Tonkin Zulaikha Greer’s submission is another facade of a design deeply flawed and one that will impact negatively on the area for years to come. The area deserves better than the rough shod application that will be under consideration by the Independent Planning Commission, not the City of Sydney. Despite the Development Application 2020/916 being much the same as the one submitted in 2017 its new costing is $65,444,808, which places it above the $50 million threshold that the City of Sydney can consider. The proposed development is now for 54 apartments, 59 hostel sized rooms, two mega-pubs, four retail shops and an underground medical centre. A height of nine stories exceeding 25 metres is proposed, with five stories basements bringing the overall height to 13 stories and over, a breach of height restrictions for the area. “It is the largest single DA for one site ever in the area,” Andrew Woodhouse, President, Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage and Residents’ Association said. “Only 70 percent of units will have cross-ventilation, which means that 30 per cent have no cross-ventilation, and 59 of the hotel rooms will be as small as 15.8 square meters, too small to be habitable,” Mr. Woodhouse continued. The site also has frontages on Roslyn

CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

Street and the tiny Barncleuth Lane which are to be used as ingress and egress points for the pubs and other businesses located within. Iris Capital also proposes “an enhancement of the Barncleuth Lane public domain, in the form of a new through-site link joining the lane to Darlinghurst Road”. This, for a small one-way lane just 4.9 metres wide, not the seven metres width claimed in the application.

 I’ll have to find

somewhere else to live as I just won’t be able to live there

Barncleuth Lane is already clogged and is an important through-way for police vehicles in and out of the holding cells. With its single-way access to Roslyn Street, Barncleuth Lane will also become a choke point during construction and will effectively become unusable to the public. To put more traffic and people into Barncleuth Lane will also severely impact the amenity of the many apartment dwellers on the side facing the development. While the basements will have capacity for 84 vehicles, the developer claims that this will only generate 30 vehicle movements per day, including external service vehicles such as booze and food delivery and garbage trucks. This extremely low traffic estimation can only be arrived at from a manipulation of data, not reality.

A “SPOOKY CHRISTMAS PRESENT”

Vashti Hughes is a performer who owns in Manhattan, an inter-war building bounded by Barncleuth Lane, Roslyn Street and Ward Avenue. She has lived there for 17 years with her partner Ross, and is not looking forward to a spooky Xmas present from Iris Capital. “I’ll have to find somewhere else to live as I just won’t be able to live there,” Vashti Hughes said. “There are a whole lot of people in the streets around here and they will also have to find alternative accommodation because no one will be able to live with the noise and dust.” The old Lido Hotel, now the Uno, on the corner of Barncleuth Lane and Roslyn Street is not part of the development. The only building left standing on the northern side of the block will be the magnificent rhomboid shaped Kingsley Hall, a 1931 Emil Sodersten designed structure. Among the nine-storey Kingsley Hall’s many outstanding design features is a light well running from level three to the top floor of the building. The light well provides light, fresh air flow and views to apartment dwellers and is an important design feature of the building. “They are going to build a tower the equivalent height to us right next door cutting off all the natural light and air to our corridors,” Martin Denny, a resident of Kingsley Hall said. Mr Denny also expressed concern about how the 90 year-old heritage listed building will fare during the demolition and excavation phases of the development.

“They are going to excavate a 12 metre pit right beside our southern wall, but even worse, in another part of the DA they say that they will go down another 1.5 metres to out in a lift well,” Mr Denny said.

“TOKENISTIC” HERITAGE RECOGNITION

The DA speaks a lot about the design addressing heritage issues, but keeping the Bourbon’s two detached arches and a token nod to Les Girls for the Empire is not addressing heritage, it is tokenism at its most cynical. In the DA submission the applicant said, “justification includes the proposal’s compatibility with emerging developments in the locality and lack of environmental impacts”. Not so. There are a lot of other issues such as overshadowing, amalgamation of site, shoddy analysis, poor building separation, fire safety non-compliance, adverse acoustic impacts, adverse reflectivity impacts and poor conceptual design for the link from Darlinghurst Road to Barncleuth Lane. Mr Woodhouse, who has broken down the DA to a readable 41 pages, said “An independent costing by Council is required.” After spending the past two weeks pouring over the 1,440 pages of the DA’s submissions Mr. Denny has come to the conclusion that “it is the most terrible DA.” This is not a development that even claims to care for the well being of the area and is nothing more than a money grab.

HubNEWS

Inner-West Council chaos BY ALLISON HORE he Inner-West Council is in search of a new Chief Executive Officer after months of tension and council infighting culminated in CEO Michael Deegan ending his contract. Over two meetings within council on Tuesday and Thursday last week, Mr. Deegan negotiated with council to end his $440,000-a-year contract. The council resolved to put Mr. Deegan on special leave and he will no longer be serving as the CEO. The council’s Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth Richardson has been appointed as acting CEO until someone can be found to permanently fill the role. Last month, Mr. Deegan emailed the council’s 1600 employees to inform them he was intending to resign and was receiving union advice about negotiating the end of his contract. Before being appointed the Inner West Council’s CEO in 2019, Mr. Deegan served as CEO of the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and

CEO Michael Deegan has been placed on special leave from the Inner-West council. Photo: Flickr/LGMA National

Infrastructure. He was appointed to the role by the state’s labour government in 2014 and was sacked in 2018 by the incoming Liberal government as part of their “reform agenda”.

HISTORY OF MISCONDUCT

But his stint as a public official in South Australia was controversial.

These types of

findings would be the end of a public service career

South Australia’s Ombudsman criticised Mr. Deegan’s use of public funds to purchase meals, alcohol and entertainment. The report also found Mr. Deegan guilty of misconduct in public administration for not making an effort to disclose a conflict of interest when he declined a freedom of information request into his own credit card spending.

It has not been smooth sailing for Mr. Deegan during his 19 months as the council’s CEO either. Before the resignation came to light, there were many reports of a strained relationship between Mr. Deegan and Mr. Byrne. The Sydney Morning Herald last week reported multiple sources within the local government claimed Mr. Deegan and Mr. Byrne hadn’t spoken in months. During his time as CEO, Mr. Deegan had not been subject to a performance review but an anonymous source told the Herald “generally people were very happy with his work.” But not everyone agrees. At the time of Mr. Deegan’s appointment, councillors John Stamolis, Vic Macri and Julie Passas presented a statutory declaration to the meeting outlining

their concern that only three of the six councillors on the selection panel had backed his appointment. Last month Liberal MLC Scott Farlow launched a scathing attack on Mr. Deegan and Mr. Byrne in the NSW upper house. Detailing Mr. Deegan’s alleged misconduct in his previous roles, Mr. Farlow said ordinarily “these types of findings would be the end of a public service career.” In reference to Mr. Deegan’s impending exit from his role as the council’s CEO, Mr. Farlow had this to say: “According to the word on the street, funnily enough is now trying to negotiate himself a fat golden handshake to walk away from the council, just as the relationship between him and the mayor goes sour.”

COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

OLD BUILDINGS REBORN

epurposing old and historic buildings is nothing new when it comes to both urban and rural communities. Go to any Australian country town and you are more than likely to find an old post office or bank that has been converted to a coffee shop or b’n’b. In the big cities many fine old buildings have been spared the wrecker’s ball by taking on a new life, often far removed from their original use. Look around Sydney and you will see many examples of buildings reborn. The nine storey Marcus Clark structure at Railway Square, with its distinctive central dome, was once one of this city’s finest department stores. Originally built in 1928, it was acquired by the Sydney Technical College in 1966 and now houses a bustling TAFE complex. The current Downing Centre courts had a similar retail life as the European inspired Mark Foys store, complete with its landmark piazza and an upper level ballroom. We usually associate court buildings with monolithic Victorian style edifices and the Downing Centre, despite a number

By Sam Mcnair #thatsneakyrabbit

of renovations, still looks very much like a swishy up market department store. However the heritage listed building now serves a major legal function with its Liverpool Street stairs the scene of many pre and post court interviews, captured by the omnipresent TV camera crews. Last week we learnt of a similar rebirthing in the lockdown city of Melbourne with Palace Cinemas announcing the opening of a 15 screen cinema complex

in Coburg’s once notorious Pentridge Prison. Some two million dollars has been injected into a restoration of the old hellhole which will include a 6,500 metre piazza and historic reminders of the jail’s somewhat sordid past. Back here in Sydney the perfect opportunity has arisen for some creative rebirthing before an imposing new structure has even been opened. James Packer’s phallic like monument to greed

and excess at Barangaroo has a huge question mark hovering above its 75 storeys. If Crown are declared unfit to hold a casino licence in Sydney, the building could soon become a $2.2 billion white elephant. If a fire sale follows, the State Government should be first in line to snap up the building and turn it into either public housing or subsidised accommodation for essential workers, like those health personnel who have performed so tirelessly during the current pandemic. Rename the tower, the ‘Berejiklian’ (as in the Berejiklian at Barangaroo – a nice ring eh), and promote it as an everlasting gift to the people of NSW for their COVID co-operation. There’s probably not a building standing in Sydney today, that sometime in the future might find itself reinvented to house a totally different facility. Even the Sydney Town hall might morph into a giant pizza hut. The State Government should move now, snap up Packer’s tower of Babel, and repent for the sin of the sale of the Sirius building at the Rocks. CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

HubARTS

PHIL STACK: Former Thirsty Merc member returns to the stage with his solo show (See p.9)

MONEY AND FRIENDS

f all Shakespeare’s villains, Richard III would have to be the most calculating, the most villainous, and yet the most beguiling, beating the infamous Iago hands down. This is why Jamie Collette, director/actor for the online theatre company Streamed Shakespeare, chose to present him to online viewers. Jamie said, “Richard of Gloucester is a nasty, horrible villain, but one the audience loves to root for as he schemes and murders his way into power, destroying everything and everyone around him as he goes.” Streamed Shakespeare was formed during the COVID lockdown in Sydney, and as its audience and technical capabilities grew, the company decided to move to fully rehearsed live shows, performed multiple times like a standard independent theatre company. Jamie chose Shakespeare because “The bard tells quintessential tales about relatable topics: Revenge, Ambition, Romance, and does so with both beautiful poetry, convincing characters and clear concise storytelling. He’s a writer who hides nothing from the audience, and we perform in a medium where everything is right there in

Ben Barber - Ratcliff

RICHARD III David Williamson. Photo: Robert Catto

front of your eyes at all times, so it fits surprisingly well.” Charles Mayer who plays Richard III and Jess Loudon who plays Queen Elizabeth were part of Pop-up Globe’s Richard III in 2018. (ID) Oct 16-18. Streaming online. $5$10+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.streamedshakespeare.com

magine a lovely relaxing beach holiday with friends. Sunset cocktails by the ocean or by the pool in your charming holiday resort, away from the grime, the noise, and the relentless pace of life in the city. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty it would seem. Keeping up appearances can be expensive and people’s circumstances change. The fear of letting others, even your besties, know of your vulnerabilities, financial or otherwise can be daunting, and can put great strain on relationships. David Williamson’s play Money And Friends explores the perplexing issues which occur when one friend is overgenerous and the other is not. How far can generosity go and how many times can a friend bail you out? What happens when the tables turn and the friend with money is suddenly broke and turns to you for help? This will be a moved reading of the play

ESCAC THEATRE, BACK IN BUSINESS

BY LINC JENKIN ne of the most miserable effects COVID has had on our lives is due in no small part to the forced closures of the creative and performing arts industries. This represented not only lost income for the artists themselves but also the closures of all sorts of venues, from performance theatres and cabarets to the halls and spaces that accommodated the rehearsals for such extravaganzas. It’s encouraging then, to hear that the East Sydney Community And Arts Centre (ESCAC) is once again providing rehearsal and meeting spaces for hire, open to all users who follow the strict physical distancing

CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

and personal hygiene protocols, as set out by the NSW Health COVID-19 Safety Plan guidelines. The modern and conveniently located facilities on offer to hire include a 168msq rehearsal hall with curtained mirrors, blackout blinds and a sprung floor, perfect for classes and workshops and The Meeting Room, an airy space with opening windows, WIFI and views of the city provides a place that’s made for auditions, script readings and business meetings or even as a writers getaway, for those that might be suffering a case of the dreaded writers block! Unfortunately, the ESCAC Performance Space remains closed until further notice.

with lighting and music evoking the setting and with stage directions read out to the audience to help them visualise a performance in their mind’s eye. There may be no set or blocking but, “there will be a little razzamataz,” said Director, Mark Kilmurry. Though the title of this play is decidedly apt it was written way back in the 90s and is actually a comedy. “David Williamson is a master with words and timing. Friendship and money are a lethal combination.” Kilmurry explained. “The shock is that we really haven’t changed at all. What is really important is that people need to have fun and forget where they are. It is wonderful to be bringing actors and audiences back together. (RLD) Oct 22-24. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $50+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.ensemble.com.au

HubARTS

SURRY HILLS & DARLINGHURST HAPPY HOUR

n a great big middle finger to COVID-19 and what it has wrought upon our everyday lives, Bruno Stefani the boho residents of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst will still get to enjoy the delights that abound, with a new initiative aimed at reintroducing the locals to their local. The Business Chambers of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst are really working hard to come up with new ways to revitalise the local business community and HAPPY HOURS is definitely a vibrant step in the right direction. Running from October 15-31, with over 80 businesses involved and a variety of offers available, including food and beverage deals, fashion, art and community events, you can find HAPPY HOUR deals in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst but also in neighbourhoods as far as Woolloomooloo, Potts Point and out to Paddington.

Assurances about COVID safety appear on the program, so you’re all good there - “All of our participants are COVID compliant, so you may be asked to make a reservation, book in small groups, be aware of reduced venue capacity, keep your distance, or register your name. Rest assured that the safety and well-being of local business, guests and our wider community is always on our mind.” Darlinghurst in particular is flying it’s rainbow flag during HAPPY HOURS, with plenty of great deals from local favourites on offer discounts on shopping from Aussie Boys, Bang, Sax Fetish and Teamm8, old school happy hour prices on bevvies at the Oxford Hotel, Stonewall, Universal, The Columbian and Trade with Belloccio

at Universal including $1.50 oysters in their offerings! Other great quintessentially queer experiences include a two hour guided tour around Sydney’s LGBTQI hub with the Fabulous WonderMama, there’s also Gender Bender Bingo at the Potts Point Hotel and you can “Meet the Bootblacks” at SOS with in-store window demos and leather advice from the experts. And if you’ve been feeling starved of cultural or artistic input in 2020, HAPPY HOURS has you covered! There are plenty of individual artists exhibiting at galleries dotted around the neighbourhood or there are a couple of Art Walks available - the Sydney East Art Walk has over 20 galleries included on it’s self guided meander through Sydney’s largest art precinct and the Darlo Art Walk takes in four more. Most of the experiences on offer are in ‘small batches’ to make COVID requirements more manageable, so make reservations to avoid disappointment! (LJ) Bookings at www.happyhours.sydney

PHIL STACK

“I’m excited to play live for people, I feel like it’s a good time for it and I hope people are keen to come out. They’re limited capacity shows, but I’m excited to play BY RIDA BABAR live with a brand new band and new material.” ustralian multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter In an interview with City Hub, when asked what the Phil Stack has announced two concerts to celebrate inspiration for the album was, Phil revealed, “I was the launch of his debut album, Colourful, Noisy. coming out of a pretty tumultuous time in my life and I He will play at Sydney’s Mary’s Underground on October started writing music as an anaesthetic for that. 15 at 6pm and 8:45pm. “I was encouraged by my partner and a bunch of The album, marking Phil’s first musical endeavour in five other people to put out a full length album. I’ve been years, has gained praise from critics and fans alike. writing for 30 years and I only just felt ready to do so. This is also Phil’s return to solo work since stepping out Plus, I recently moved to a new space down south of his five ARIA nominated rock group, Thirsty Merc. and it made me want to finish what I started 30 years Phil’s music encompasses jazz and rock sounds, ago.” delivering tender ballads and exuberant pop gems. Phil also shared how he hopes for his music to impact Joining Phil for both his shows is Abby Dobson, Australian listeners, saying, “I hope they can feel the honesty and local artist and former Leonardo’s Bride front-woman. rawness behind it. I have no control over how they’re In the COVID-safe concerts, Phil, joined by his band and impacted, if I can just display what I’m learning about Abby, will deliver songs from his 2015 EP Lap Around myself and the world, hopefully they can relate to it The Sun and his brand new album Colourful, Noisy, too.” (RBa) which is streaming now. Oct 15. Mary’s Underground, During the pandemic, Phil continued his art through the 7 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay. likes of “the Opera House online series, I also did a gig $29.92+b.f. Tickets & Info: with my band Lazy Bones in August. www.marysunderground.com

MISS JUNETEENTH S et in a sleepy town in Texas, a black mother tries to make ends meets and exclaims, “I’m gonna make sure my daughter is something I ain’t - she’s my dream now.” An all-black cast stars in this small budget Indie film about Turquoise, a mother whose dream is for her 15-year-old daughter Kai to enter the Miss Juneteenth Pageant, an event which celebrates June 19, 1865 the date slaves in Texas were freed by President Lincoln.

The winner receives a scholarship to any black institution of her choice, but Kai’s dream is to enter a dance competition, questioning, “I don’t even know why I have to do Miss Juneteenth – it didn’t do nothing for you!” Ultimately both their dreams are realised Miss Juneteenth highlights the black community’s importance on setting goals and reaching the highest heights possible. The film touches on racial inequality and evokes the ideology that resilience in the face of adversity is admirable, even though many blacks believe that the American dream is only for white communities. (MMo) WWW CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT: a) BONDI SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, MILITARY RD, NORTH BONDI 2026 b) 377 NEW SOUTH HEAD ROAD, DOUBLE BAY 2028 1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facilities involve: • Replacement of three Vodafone and three Optus’ panel antennas with three new panel antennas (six in total). Each replacement antenna will measure no more than 2.8m in length • Installation of three new 5G panel antennas for Vodafone and six new 5G panel antennas for Optus (nine in total)

1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility involves: • Installation of three new Vodafone and six new Optus 5G panel antennas (9 in total) on new mounts; • Replacing the existing Vodafone panel antennas with new panel antennas. Each antenna will measure no more than 2.8m long; • Reuse existing panel antennas for Optus;

• Reconfiguration of existing and installation of new ancillary equipment including antenna mounts, RRUs, GPS antenna, cabling and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility;

• Installation and reconfiguration of existing and new ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, RRUs, hybrid cables, breakout box, and other items;

• Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter.

• Installation and reconfiguration of equipment within the existing equipment shelter

2. Vodafone regard the proposed installation as an Exempt Development facility under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (ISEPP) based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Jodie Leeds from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Thursday 29 October 2020. Further information may also be obtained from: a) www.rfnsa.com.au/2026016 b) www.rfnsa.com.au/2028002

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT 1-19 OXFORD ST, SURRY HILLS NSW 2010 www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024 The proposed upgrade consists of the following to improve Vodafone’s mobile phone network (including 5G). • Install 3 new 5G panel antennas and a GPS antenna - flush mounted on new mounts to the existing building; • Replace and reconfigure the existing panel antennas with new antennas to be flush mounted on new mounts to the existing building; • Install ancillary equipment including Remote Radio Units and cabling; and • Reconfigure equipment in the existing equipment shelter. 2. Vodafone regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above. In accord with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station WDeployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Request for further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Nokia Solutions on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Thur 29 October 2020.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 10-14 JOHN STREET MASCOT NSW 2020 INCLUDING 5G

CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

2. Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Cathy Chung at Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Thursday 29 October 2020. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2020029.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 5 Exell Street, BANKSMEADOW NSW 2019 including 5G 1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility involves: • Extension of the existing monopole. The existing headframe will be reinstated at a higher elevation on the monopole; • Replacement of 3 existing panel antennas with 3 new panel antennas to be reinstated at a higher elevation on the existing monopole. Each antenna will measure no longer than 2.8m; • Installation of 3 new 5G panel antennas on the headframe; • Relocation of existing lighting rod on top of the new extension; • Installation and reconfiguration of existing and new ancillary equipment, including RRUs, GPS antennas and other items; • Installation and reconfiguration of equipment within the existing equipment shelter 2. Vodafone regards the proposed installation as an Exempt Development proposal under State Environment Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Cathy Chung at Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Thursday 29 October 2020. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2019033.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT BONDI BEACH WITH 5G

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE AND OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT 606-610 PARRAMATTA RD, PETERSHAM NSW 2049

S0363 Bondi Beach: 152-162 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026 (RFNSA 2026001)

1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility includes:

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new panel antennas, 0.59m long, on an existing mounts on rooftop • Installation of new ancillary equipment, including thirty-three (33) Remote Radio Units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter, including removal of redundant equipment 1. Optus regards the proposed installations as Exempt Development under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007, based on the description above

• Installation of three 5G panel antennas for Vodafone and six for Optus (nine in total), to be attached on new mounts; • Replacement and reconfiguration of existing headframe and panel antennas; • Installation and reconfiguration of ancillary equipment, including RRUs, cabling, a GPS antenna and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility; and • Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter and on the facility. 2. Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as an Exempt Development under Schedule 3A of State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Thursday 29 September 2020. Further information may also be obtained from the RFNSA website at: www.rfnsa.com.au/2049001.

2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Chan Chen at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Friday 30 October 2020. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2026001

The Good Neighbour Project Supporting responsible cat ownership Protecting wildlife and feline welfare Keeping your cat happy and healthy Join our Good Neighbour Project. Visit catprotection.org.au

Rehoming Organisation Number R251000224

Ageing Support Supporting people living with HIV aged over 45, through the maze of aged care, disability, and healthcare services in NSW Contact Positive Life NSW on (02) 9206 2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall)

CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

THE INDIE IS BACK IN

THE INNER WEST! The print edition of the Inner West Independent will return to the streets of the Inner West this November offering local businesses the opportunity to target residents in this affluent inner city area. When News Corpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently closed its local news publication in the Inner West, people who live, work and play in the area lost a vital source of free information. The Inner West Independent will fill this void. From 2009 to 2014 the Inner West Independent was distributed in the formal Local Government area of Leichhardt Council. Since then the publication has continued online. Starting November the Inner West Independent will be letterbox dropped in the Balmain Peninsula, Leichhardt, Lilyfield, Annandale and bulk dropped to busy retail precincts around the Inner West including Newtown, Enmore, Petersham, Lewisham, Marrickville, Ashfield, Pyrmont, Ultimo and Glebe.

TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN ADVERTISE IN THE INNER WEST INDEPENDENT

call (02) 9212 5677

CITY HUB 15 OCTOBER 2020

Premier Publication Date:

12th November 2020

Advertising Deadline:

5th November 2020