City Hub 16 July

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Jury remains out on Oxford revitalisation

By CHRISTOPHER HARRIS AND LYDIA WATSON-MOORE Once the jewel in the city’s crown, attempts to revive the ailing Oxford Street have been as ineffectual as they have been numerous.

But with both Woollahra and City of Sydney councils investing strategies to give the strip a sense of place, the Darlinghurst Business Partnership has abandoned any attempt to revive the area.

Stephan Gyory, president of the Darlinghurst Business Partnership, labelled any effort as null and ineffectual, as RMS had converted the strip into “a six lane highway” and ignored the commercial need for parking.

“This is the problem, every revitalisation attempt you try and do is going to run up against this hurdle, so all you can really do is cosmetic stuff to Oxford Street. So we as a business partnership stopped talking about revitalising Oxford Street because it’s undoable,” he told City Hub. “Oxford Street still has a bunch of cute little things happening all over it, but our strategy is to show people Darlinghurst- show people these other hotspots and cool little street corners,” he said.

Yet despite the group’s refocus, Woollahra and City of Sydney councils are continuing to pledge significant funds to Oxford Street revitalisation.

In 2013, Woollahra Council employed urban consultants firm Village Well to create a sense of place around the strip, and earlier this year created the Manager of Placemaking position, which the council said demonstrates its commitment to the strip.

A spokesperson from the council said there was still room to implement more recommendations from their Activate Program that stipulated engagement with the community and a diversified retail and hospitality mix.

“The successful implementation of these recommendations rely on the co-operation of individual property owners. Woollahra Council is grateful to those businesses who have demonstrated leadership in this regard and we are looking forward to working with more local businesses who are interested in taking a proactive approach to activating Oxford Street,” the spokesperson said.

Sydney’s Oxford Street has become a ‘six lane highway’, which is blamed for the street’s decline Source:wikipedia

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the council was working hard with local businesses, Woollahra Council and property owners to invigorate the street.

“Over the last six years we have invested over $45 million on projects to improve Oxford Street, including upgrading footpaths, installing new lighting and providing new seating and landscaping.”

The council claimed it has brought 73,000 new visitors into the area and that tenants had spent $1.4 million since the program began.

Oxford Real Estate agent Sally-Anne McQuillan said that over the past few years the vacancy rate has

decreased dramatically because the landlords had dropped rents.

“Oxford Street has really turned around from a few years ago when there were around 70 ‘for lease’ signs from Hyde Park to Moore Park, at Oxford Agency we now currently only have three active listings along Oxford Street.”

Later this year, owners of Ivy nighclub Merivale, will open two new venues on the street.

A City of Sydney Council spokeswoman said the council was committed to the strip.

“The City works closely with the business chambers and we recently awarded a grant of $75,000 to the

Darlinghurst Business Partnership to undertake a range of projects including marketing.”

However Mr Gyory said the partnership won’t be trying to ‘market’ the strip to locals anytime soon.

“People in Darlinghurst don’t respond to advertising,” he said.

“Most people up here have pretty good bullshit detectors and the kind of people who would like Darlinghurst aren’t going to respond to marketing anyway, so the whole aim is to empower.”

Mr Gyory said the partnership was empowering local Darlinghurst business to collaborate through quirky events, under the hastag DoDarlo.

“DoDarlo is not a brand, it’s actually an imperative.

We want shops to do events with their neighbours, have fun and use their spaces,” he said.

Ms McQuillan said that better public transport and infrastructure would improve the street.

“If the light rail was to run up Oxford Street, on to Flinders Street and across to Moore Park this would be great for business and would further activate the local area,” she said.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian has previously said that the government would consider further light rail options along Oxford Street once the CBD and South East Light Rail is underway.

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich agreed that traffic issues were a key turmoil for Oxford Street.

“There is strong support for allowing parking for longer hours along Oxford Street to improve business and pedestrian conditions. I continue to push for the government to further reduce clearway restrictions,” he said.

Mr Gyory said that while RMS is unlikely to change their “19th century mentality” anytime soon, the business partnership would like to see Oxford Street as a “sophisticated night economy”.

“What we would like to see on a state level is a recognition that Darlinghurst isn’t the CBD, and have them carve it out of the area as well, and we would like to see it as a more sophisticated 24 hour economy, with movies that screen at midnight and shops that stay open late and wine bars – a late night economy that isn’t based on getting pissed and passing out.”

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By CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Although she’s a politician, City of Sydney Councillor Irene Doutney doesn’t behave like one.

Modest, unassuming, “with a common touch” and a discerning eye for art, Irene Doutney was lauded for her contribution to the Australian Greens and the Sydney community last Friday evening, July 10, at Redfern Town Hall.

Doutney’s motivation for politics came from grassroots Green campaigns and convictions, which fostered her determination to fight discrimination and inequality, and campaign for Aboriginal and refugee rights.

Never the loudest in the room, although one of the most persistent and perseverant, Doutney’s contribution within the Green movement has been prodigious.

This was acknowledged by Balmain MP Jamie Parker and Newtown MP Jenny Leong, both of whom organised the event as a gesture of thanks to the party elder for her lifetime contribution.

Following thanks from various community groups, Doutney’s own gratitude lay undoubtedly with her family.

“I particularly want to acknowledge somebody who stood by me my entire life and that’s my brother.”

Doutney and her brother grew up in a small flat on Victoria Street in Kings Cross during the 1950s.

She was elected to the City of Sydney Council in 2008 after working for years within the Greens movement and was reelected in 2012.

In 2012, Doutney spoke publicly about her heroin addiction in the 1980s.

As an addict, she held down two casual jobs. With speakers repeatedly praising her perseverance and dogged determination to a

Party faithful gathered to honour Irene Doutney on Friday July 10 Source: Lawrence Gibbons

room packed full of those she had fought for and alongside, it was difficult to imagine even drug dependence slowing Doutney down.

In the 1990s, she finished a history degree at the University of Sydney and began to turn her life around.

Federal Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said living in social housing meant as a councillor, Doutney had brought an air of grounded humility to public life.

“The big thing that is so important and these speakers have identified it, yes she is a councillor but she always recognised that the strength of her position came from the strength of the voice of people. So whether it was Millers Point, Aboriginal actions she supported, or refugees, she was out there taking their voice into the City of Sydney Council” Ms Rhiannon said.

Waverly Greens Councillor Dominic Wy

Kanak said Clr Doutney had been a strong friend of Sydney’s indigenous community.

“I like the fact that she is a small but gutsy lady, and one of the things that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community respect about her is that she has been a strong voice on the City of Sydney Council for a lot of indigenous social justice issues,” Clr Wy Kanak said.

True to form, Doutney was thankful but more modest than others about her achievements.

“I look at the people here and you’ve done so much more than me, and to be honoured by you tonight is something I couldn’t in my wildest dream have expected,” Ms Doutney said.

“It has been an honour to march the streets with you all, to come into your homes.”

“I still want to keep going as long as I can representing the true supporters. It will be a short run, but I am here for it.” city hub 16 july 2015

3

BY KIERAN ADAIR Advocacy group Scarlet Alliance has accused Visa and Mastercard of discriminating against sex workers, following a recent announcement that the companies would begin blocking payments to backpage.com, a popular adult-listing website.

The ban follows pressure from Americanbased anti-sex-trafficking activist Tom Dart, who claims the service is linked to trafficking and child prostitution. Mr Dart said the site had been connected to more than 800 arrests since 2009, however it is unclear whether these arrests may relate to voluntary sex work, as it is still illegal in America.

In Australia, where sex work is decriminalised in most states, the ban is causing outcry among sex workers whose ability to advertise has been impacted by the ban.

One Sydney sex worker, Rose*, told City Hub that her business has dropped off significantly as Mastercard’s ban prevented her from placing ads on the backpage site.

“I actually make most of money through backpage, there’s not many other places where you can advertise,” she said, “I’ve got less of an income than I did before and this is really unfair because it’s a perfectly legal job.”

Backpage is widely used by sex workers in Australia, particularly those new to the industry who can’t afford more expensive advertising or their own private websites.

Scarlet Alliance CEO Janelle Fawkes did not mince words when she accused Visa and Mastercard of discrimination.

“We have anti-discrimination protection for sex workers in some parts of Australia, and much of that legislation is framed

Photo: Tomas Castelazo

around treating sex workers differently and disadvantaging them,” she said.

In a statement released following the ban, Visa spokesperson John Earnhardt claimed that “Visa’s rules prohibit our network from being used for illegal activity.”

It is unclear how this justifies the ban in

countries such as Australia, where sex work is not considered a criminal activity.

It is this point that has raised concern among free speech advocate, The Electronic Frontier Foundation, who has questioned whether Visa and Mastercard are going beyond their limits in imposing the ban.

“Payment processors and banks shouldn’t be in the position of deciding what type of online content is criminal or enforcing morality for the rest of society,” a spokesperson said.

Backpage.com is no stranger to controversy. Beginning its life on the back page of the Village Voice, a New York based alternative weekly, it quickly gained notoriety as a platform for sex workers to advertise their services.

Liz McDougall, an attorney serving as general counsel for former owners Village Voice Media, said that backpage is an “ally in the fight against human trafficking”.

She said that the adult services section of backpage is closely monitored, and that shutting it down “would simply drive the trafficking underground”.

The company has responded to the ban with an interim measure that allows sex workers to place free adverts on the website, however according to Rose* this measure is far from perfect. Now that anyone can post ads freely on the site, most adverts simply “get lost” in the noise.

“I think there will be a lawsuit, and I think Visa and Mastercard will realise that sex workers are a force to be reckoned with.

We sleep with the most powerful people in every sector of society, they are our clients and they respect and adore us.”

Cartoon: Peter Berner

Mastercard ban rubs sex workers the wrong way

*Not her real name

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5

Seven story “eyesore” to cast shadow over Newtown

By LYDIA WATSON-MOORE Residents have been left dumbfounded following the announcement that a controversial Newtown development may expand even further.

The Alice Street site is currently being constructed by the elusive Al Maha company as a five storey residential block, which will house more than 200 units.

The developer has now appealed to the NSW Land and Environment Court to extend the site even further, seeking another two storeys to a development residents have labelled as “unbelievably overpowering”.

Concerned local residents, such as Maja O’Dell, are not only frustrated by the construction, but are anxious about future privacy, traffic and noise issues.

“There’s going to be a five, potentially seven storey building across the road from me with apartments and balconies that we know are going to be staring directly into my bedroom [and] my girl’s bedroom” she said.

Richard Elliott told City Hub that his Holmwood Street home would lose significant sunlight with the development.

“The extra two storeys they’re trying to build are going to cast a big shadow over our place in winter time.

We’re going to lose the sun about midday,” he said.

Mr Elliott also expressed his concern about the potential road congestion in a difficult time for public transport in the area.

“It’s putting a lot of cars on the road at a time when the state government’s cutting back rail services to St Peters and Erskineville stations.”

Angered resident Emma Rafferty said that there had been no plan to coordinate the increased traffic flow in an already busy area.

“I can see major bottleneck problems there, and there doesn’t seem to be a plan to manage that,” she said.

Ms Rafferty also said that the development did not suit the inner west suburb, with surrounding terrace housing from the late 19th century.

“A building of seven storeys is completely out of the local Newtown character and streetscape. It’s going to be this huge eyesore,” she said.

Concerned residents standing with Greens MP Jenny Leong outside the development. Source: Jace Armstrong

Residents are not just concerned with the end result, as many told City Hub of the construction ‘nightmare’.

Debra Donnelly, a long time resident, said she was fed up with the noise and mess of the construction site.

“In summer we couldn’t open our windows because the noise and dust was so stifling,” she said.

Ms Donnelly she had been verbally “abused numerous times by workmen” and that council rangers had simply watched on.

Several residents told City Hub that the developer had been frequently fined for breaches of construction regulations, and that they thought Marrickville Council’s fines were not deterring the malpractice.

Ms O’Dell said that the developer seemed “to just pay the fine and get on with business”.

“It’s frustrating as it feels like there isn’t anything we as residents can do to ask them to clean up their act,” she said.

A council spokesperson told City Hub that “the site is the subject of ongoing monitoring by council and to date a total of 14 penalty notices have been issued totaling a large number of fines.”

“Given the large scale of the construction activities in this established location, and with the known breaches to date, the site remains a significant focus for monitoring services staff,” the spokesperson said.

Residents rally against Alexandria demolition

By EMIKO REED Residents have rallied with local politicians to seek an interim heritage order for the Alexandria Hotel, as it faces proposed demolition.

The heritage proposal, discussed at the Alexandria Residents’ Action Group public meeting on Wednesday 8, aims to have the pub’s historical industrial significance recognised by the City of Sydney and the NSW government.

The building is one of Sydney’s few remaining hotels that maintains its original features, such as it’s U-shaped bar counter dating back back to the pre-war period.

During the meeting, the Action group’s co-convener Ben Aveling mentioned six other hotels in Sydney that were comparable to the Alexandria Hotel. Unlike the Alexandria Hotel, all six hotels are heritage listed, and he informed the meeting that “very few of them are as nice as the Alex”.

Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong was one of more than 100 locals who attended the meeting in favour of the conservation plan. She asserted her support, stating that the Heritage Minister Mark Speakman must recognise the site’s value.

“It’s critical that we recognise the hotel’s industrial heritage, but also the significance of the hotel in the recent days, its contribution to the community, its Sydney Swans fans that gather and watch the games there,” said Ms Leong.

Hotel licensee Darren “Harry” McAsey expressed his grief over the potential demolition, and said he was “powerless” in the owner’s decision to close the hotel. The former Sydney Swans player, who has operated the hotel for the last 13 years, told City Hub that it was “a sad day for the hotel and the local residents”.

Head of Security at the hotel, Rudy 6

city hub 16 july 2015

Residents rallied at the Alexandria Resident’s Action Group meeting on July 8 Source: Emiko Reed

Azimullah said that Mr McAsey was largely responsible for the pub’s status in the community. “[Harry] put his heart and soul into this place, he’s made a lot of changes to the way it is now. Before it was a very old, very dark and dingy little pub,” he said.

Mr Azimullah has worked at the hotel since the start of Mr McAsey’s management, and said that the Alexandria was an inviting pub for all of Sydney.

“We like to provide the best of service where people feel relaxed, comfortable and safe. How many pubs in Sydney open the door if a car pulls up at the hotel?”

The DA, submitted by a company owned

by Centennial Property Group, seeks to

demolish the hotel and replace it with a four storey residential and commercial building.

As previously reported by City Hub, a Centennial Property Group spokesperson said that the development would bring “much needed” housing to an area that was “not heritage listed”.

The deadline for public submissions to City of Sydney had been July 14, but after an overwhelming response, the deadline has been extended until July 21.

The social media campaign ‘Save the Alexandria Hotel’ has continued to gain momentum through Facebook and Tumblr, and there have now been more than 115 comments on development forum PlanningAlerts.

All attempts by City Hub to contact the private Al Maha developer failed, and their design partners, SJB Interiors, did not reply in time for print.

Ms O’Dell said that while she understood the common inconveniences of large development, such as noise and dust, she believes the workmen are inconsiderate.

“The developers are just really bad neighbours, and they don’t have consideration for anyone,” she said.

Ms Rafferty told City Hub that the original plan for the development had included the seven storeys, but this was rejected by Marrickville Council.

The developer had then taken the DA to the NSW Land and Environment Court, under a controversial legal loophole that allows developers to bypass council.

City Hub was informed by Marrickville Council that this process was now again happening with this attempt to add two additional storeys.

“They [Al Maha] appealed before Council had made a decision. We are defending the appeal because, at this point in time, we do not support the application,” a council spokesperson said.

Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong said that this was “a clear example of what is wrong with planning laws in NSW”.

“Successive NSW governments have introduced planning laws which make it easier for developers to override community concerns,” she said.

Residents informed City Hub that the Land and Environment Court appeal from the developer included a ‘conciliation conference’ on July 21 between the council, the developer and the community.

All residents City Hub spoke to said that they would be attending the conference to express their concerns.

Emma Rafferty, along with fellow resident Miles Larbey, were preparing submissions to make at the conference.

“That’s an opportunity where residents can turn up and have their say, so we know that people are turning their minds towards that,” Ms Rafferty said.

Recycling rewards Sydneysiders

By JAZ SINGH-BRAR Two more reward based recycling machines have been placed in Wynyard and Redfern following a successful 12 month trial that collected over 75,000 plastic bottles and cans.

The scheme, implemented by the City of Sydney, started with machines in Haymarket and Circular Quay, and rewarded participants not with cash but various prizes.

The expansion of the scheme comes following the trial, in which enough beverage containers to build a tower 30 times the height of Sydney’s Centrepoint Tower were collected.

For donating unwanted beverage containers, individuals are rewarded with the chance to receive such things as an iPad mini, bus tickets, a family pass to the New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Dawes Point or a positive message thanking individuals for recycling.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore is delighted with the success of the innovative idea to urge residents to recycle.

“In NSW only around 42 per cent of bottles and cans are recycled annually so it’s important to increase that figure, reducing waste and protecting the environment from plastic

pollution,” Clr Moore said.

“The success of these machines shows that people are actively looking for options to recycle and I’m pleased the State Government has introduced a container deposit scheme to come into effect in 2017.”

But Greens Environment MLC Mehreen Faruqi said it is the NSW Government’s responsibility to implement a scheme across the state.

“It is good to see the City of Sydney taking action to reduce litter but we need a Statewide regulated container deposit scheme urgently- not in 2017, the date mooted by the NSW Government,” Ms Faruqi said.

“We shouldn’t need individual councils taking action; we need a state wide scheme that puts more responsibility on the manufacturers of the waste” she said.

Inner city local Jesus Gutierrez was pleased that the city had made the scheme a permanent fixture.

“I’ve heard of this idea before over in Europe and South Australia, it’s good to see Sydney has finally picked up the idea,” Mr Gutierrez said.

“It certainly gives good incentive for people to recycle more.”

Emirates sues passengers after flying them to wrong destination

By ALEXANDER LEWIS When Australians Vjeckoslav Matic and Matt Atkins boarded an Emirates flight in 2012, they knew they were flying into a storm.

But it would be a different kind to the hurricane they’d been watching ravage their destination on TV screens throughout Sydney airport.

It was a legal tempest with the world’s largest airline that would envelop the environmental engineer and film sales professional for the next three years and test the sea wall of Australian consumer law.

It was no surprise to the pair that when their plane landed in Dubai to refuel, their following flight to New York was cancelled.

As per standard industry practice, Emirates gave them a coupon to stay in a hotel for three nights until the next available flight to New York.

But in the middle of that night, they received a knock on the door.

It was an Emirates staff member who told them the carrier, which in 2012 raked in US $575 million of profit, was no longer prepared to pay for their short stay in Dubai.

Instead they were told they would have to fly to an alternative destination that morning.

Their options were San Francisco, Washington DC and Dallas, all of which being more than 2400 kilometres away from the destination printed on their tickets.

With Washington airport likely to be also closed, and Dallas being the next closest destination to New York, the pair opted to fly there.

They then drove for five days in budget rental cars to New York, where they were moving to work.

It was the cost of car hire and accommodation during their journey from Dallas to New York that they sought from Emirates.

After attempts from Mr Matic and Mr Atkins to settle outside of court, in which they were prepared to settle for as little as $1000 reimbursement, they

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

took Emirates to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) and won.

Last May, ACAT ordered that Emirates pay the passengers $1891.68.

But not only did Emirates refuse to adhere to the judgement, they sued Mr Matic, Mr Atkins and ACAT in the Federal court later that month.

Emirates demanded that ACAT revoke its decision and claimed $11,000 in legal costs from the passengers.

“It was clear to us on that first night in Dubai, bullying was a tactic they were happy to use when dealing with customers,” Mr Matic said.

The airline cited the 1999 Montreal Convention, of which Australia is a signatory, which states in article 33 that “an action for damages must be brought […] either before the court of the domicile of the carrier or of its principal place of business.”

Emirates has argued that ACAT did not have the

jurisdiction to deal with the case as it is not a court.

It costs more than $3500 to initiate proceedings in the Federal Court. A room for two people at the Copthorne Airport Hotel, where Mr Matic and Mr Atkins were initially accommodated, costs around $100 a night in today’s prices.

“Who would want to spend tens of thousands of dollars to try recover $2000 or less?” Mr Matic said.

“We dared to take them to ACAT and we won.

They are now punishing us for that by suing us in the Federal Court, trying to inflict upon us high costs, and, in the process, sending a clear message to anyone else who would dare to seek similar compensation for their breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.” Should Emirates win in the Federal Court, it could set a precedent rendering Australian consumer law powerless and allowing international airlines to bully Australian consumers into forgoing

their right to receive the service they paid for.

Appeal president William Stefaniak, who presided over the ACAT hearing, said Emirates was creating a storm in a teacup.

“It does not seem to me to be good commercial sense to appeal this matter regardless of the technicalities of law,” Mr Stefaniak said.

“It is simply good business sense, and secondly, perhaps, a bit of a moral obligation to ensure that the customer is reasonably happy.”

“Most people in the position of Emirates would not spend thousands of dollars on counsel to fight a matter where they may not have a very definite chance of winning, where there does appear to be law against them and where common sense and public relations would indicate that it would be far more sensible settling.”

Just last week, Emirates customer service was criticised after passengers on EK419 “vomited with fear” due to the crew’s handling of the discovery of a “suspect package” on board which turned out to be a mobile phone.

Mr Matic, who now lives in Los Angeles with Mr Atkins, said they were shocked by Emirates’ persistence in pursuing the case.

“While we firmly believe we are entitled to the damages we were awarded, we can understand why a corporation would be motivated to challenge cases which might set a precedent,” Mr Matic said.

“To put those costs on to your customers is shocking. Then to seek damages after we offered a no-cost settlement is simply perplexing.”

“This is a cautionary tale for any Australian traveller who mistakenly believes that when they purchase in Australia tickets for international travel they are protected under Australian consumer law.”

A ruling is expected when the case is heard next in the Federal Court on August 4.

An Emirates spokesperson said the airline could not comment on the matter for legal reasons.

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7

Scots College fails to increase student cap

By PETA GILBERT Bellevue Hill residents group Concerned Scots Neighbours has raised the prospect of legal action against Scots College, following a decision by the NSW Land and Environment Court last week.

Last week, Scots College’s appeal to increase its student cap by 30 per cent was dismissed by the court, after the court found it did not have jurisdiction to handle the appeal.

Commissioner Susan Dixon said even if the court did have the jurisdiction to decide on the student cap, the appeal would have been dismissed due to parking and traffic concerns.

“Even if I did have jurisdiction, based on the traffic and parking evidence before me, I am unable to be satisfied that the proposed increase in student numbers would not have unacceptable impacts on traffic and parking in the vicinity of the school,” the Commissioner said.

The school was seeking an increase from 1120 to 1470 students, although residents argue the school is already over 1400.

Spokesperson for the residents group, Paul Blanket said the decision pleased local residents in the area who believe the school has been concealing its student numbers for years.

“We are very happy with the outcome, we are just waiting for our legal opinion to come back and then we will make a decision about where we go from here.”

Fairfax Media reported that the legal action the group may pursue is in relation to whether Scots is already in breach of its existing student cap.

The group of 250 Bellevue Hill residents has been working towards resolving the problem for three and a half years, after finding discrepancies between enrolments and actual student numbers on the campus.

“We only want one single thing...all we want is the traffic and parking problems solved,” Mr Blanket said.

Woollahra Mayor Toni Zeltzer welcomed the court’s decision.

“We have been concerned about the safety of children in circumstances where the college has increased student numbers without making provision for appropriate drop off and pick up and without adequate provision for off-street parking,” she said in a statement.

A statement from Scots said the judgement was “disappointing”.

“The document is lengthy and the college will consider it carefully and in full before making any further decisions.”

Art Money scheme is “subsidising” investors

By STEPHANIE TILLER The Sydney art community is divided over an interest free loan scheme that was implemented by City of Sydney Council in March this year.

The Art Money scheme, administered by the 10 Group, is part of the City of Sydney’s Creative City Policy and aims to support artists and galleries by stimulating the art market.

City of Sydney Labor Councillor Linda Scott said that although the City should support art, the scheme fails, as it supports investors of art rather than creators of it.

She told City Hub that “the City would be better off directly supporting local, emerging artists than subsidising interest free-loans for investors”.

The program provides interest free loans between $750-$20,000, and Art Money retain a 10 per cent deposit as a service fee.

The remaining balance is then paid off in nine equal installments over nine months.

Marketing Manager of Art Money Georgia Scholl said that alongside buyers being able to take artwork home immediately, “galleries are paid within 10 days of the sale, which is a hugely important cash flow benefit for artists and galleries”.

However, the NSW Chair of Commercial Galleries Stella Downer opposes the scheme, due to the fact that Art Money deducts 10 per cent of each artwork sold.

“I think it’s a money making exercise for the CEO Paul Becker. All of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association galleries are commercial of course and I don’t begrudge anyone who makes a buck out of enterprise but I don’t agree with taking 10 per cent from artists and galleries.”

Artist and manager of Tap Gallery in Darlinghurst Lesley Dimmick told City Hub another concern of the program was that it primarily targeted well-established artists and

Lesley Dimmick of Darlinghurst Tap Gallery. Source: Stephanie Tiller

galleries.

“Bottom of the rung artists that are painting like mad and trying to sell their art aren’t benefitting yet,” she said.

“Obviously investors have money and they can invest in high profile art but it’s wrong, the whole thing is just working to help the top end of the market.”

Director of The Commercial gallery in Redfern Amanda Rowell is one of 44 Sydney galleries that have signed up to the program since its implementation this year.

Ms Rowell said herself and the artists she represents have found the Art Money scheme to be very valuable.

“It’s a great initiative, anything that helps sell more contemporary art for the artists

and the galleries, because the art industry is tough,” she said.

“Interestingly we’ve had about four or five sales through it, all to young people generally involved in the art world, but they’re sales that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise,” she said.

City of Sydney Independent Councillor Jenny Green said that during consultation for the City’s cultural plans, “ interest-free loans for artwork purchases was recognised by the sector and the community as a valuable opportunity to build new markets.”

“The City will have a fuller picture of Art Money as of the 1st of August when we receive the first quarter data and evaluation results from Art Money.”

FEATURE

Celebrating Sadness: Q Bar Closing This Week

BY Jemma Clarke One of Sydney’s oldest and most iconic venues is set to close by the end of this week. Q Bar (known best for its hospitable acceptance of all things alternative, quirky and sexy) announced last month that after 22 years they will be closing their doors leaving a sticky mess of memories soaked into the carpet, and into our hearts and minds.

Many of the much-loved events that lived in Q Bar have had to move out, find a new home and start over again elsewhere - but not before they celebrate one last time.

Tonight (July 19) Hot Damn is hosting their sold-out party with headliners Final Frontier, Lifes Ills and Hallows who will all drown out the tears with their killer guitar riffs and raging vocals. Positive Era will also be there, bringing that pop-punk sound. The tickets sold-out in less than 12 hours and those who missed out have pleaded, bargained and struggled to find someone who will willingly sell their ticket.

Hot Damn has called Q Bar its home for nine years and has become Sydney’s biggest and most popular weekly punk/pop/hardcore club. At its peak it would pull in over 1000 people, however after the implementation of the Sydney lockout laws those numbers dipped dramatically. “Less people were inclined to come out because they knew their night would be cut short,” said Cael Johnston, National Events Manager of Destroy All Lines, who runs Hot Damn as well as a number of events and tours around the country including MMRS. He says these changes have made it very hard not only for club goers but venues and organisers as well.

Master Tom from the Sydney Hellfire Club suspects that many of the club nights at Q Bar would have felt the restriction from the lockout laws, persuading the owners to finally sell it to investors. “If you have to stop letting people in at 1.00am (sic) and you have stop 8

city hub 16 july 2015

THE HELLFIRE CLUB GRAND OPENING PARTY July 24. Midnight Shift Club, 85-91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. Entry: $25.

Info: https://www.facebook.com/ events/117685265234213/ HOT DAMN - GRAND RE-OPENING PARTY July 30. The Bristol Arms, 81 Sussex Street, Sydney. From $28.60. Info: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1575604562691585/ Hot Dam’s Michael Dawson, GiRLTHING’s Astrix Little and Mistress Ultra, Master Tom and Cat O’Nine Tails from Sydney Hellfire Club – Photo: Chris Peken

serving people alcohol at 3.00[am], and you have to shut at 3.30[am], then the venue is going to make less money,” he said. Hellfire’s door count saw a decline in numbers until their final celebration at Q Bar on Friday June 26, which saw the venue reach legal maximum capacity by 11pm.

“It was bigger than anyone had anticipated,” said Master Tom. “We hated having to turn people away but we had no choice, legal capacity is legal capacity… [but] everyone wanted to send Q Bar off with fondness and warm memories, because it had been a really warm and welcoming place to our rag-tag bunch of misfits.”

There were plenty of prize giveaways on the night, international latex fetish star Jean Bardot performed a ‘naughty kitty’ routine and there were some odd requests to take home squares of the notorious Q Bar carpet that would undoubtedly have a cult following of bidders if it happened to appear on eBay. GiRLTHING had their final Friday party last week

(July10), which also reached maximum capacity.

Opening in 2008, the regular evening plays host to plenty of DJs and a younger crowd of queer women dancing the night away. Astrix Little, long-term DJ of GiRLTHING says: “Q Bar was such a versatile venue and so big and kind of grungey and awesome…I think trying to find a new venue is going be difficult [because] it’s like the less venues we have, the less parties we can throw.” The last ever GiRLTHING at Q Bar will be on Sunday (July 19). It sold-out in minutes and will be packed full of old schoolers, regulars and is no doubt going to be a massive send off.

If you are worried you will never see your favourite events again, never fear, because the Q Bar management gave event organisers plenty of time to find new homes in venues around Sydney. There will always be venues that are willing to take in the outsiders. Let’s hope they are all as cool and easy-going as Q Bar was.

GiRLTHING is yet to announce their next venue and event. Stay tuned through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ GiRLTHINGPARTY?fref=ts

Hot Damn will be having their re-launch party at the Bristol Arms (aka Retro Hotel) next week, with two levels of punk and party goodness as well as a rooftop full of fun and games. As Silence Breaks will be there along with Your Weight In Gold to restart the Hot Damn memories.

Hellfire has moved across the street from their old home and settled into the Midnight Shift on Oxford St, where they’ll continue their perverse partying (paddles and all). “We’re not gonna get forced out. We are really, really happy to be moving right across the road,” said Master Tom. They are really very excited to make a good first impression.

EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Lan Yuan Pungent green fire is igniting my nasal passages, but I’m smiling! The genius addition of glossy wasabi mayonnaise to Lan Yuan Angus Beef ($26) makes it an easy favourite in Top Ryde’s new ‘bamboo garden’. Seek haven in Taoism or Buddhism – Tsing Tao ($8) or Lucky Buddha ($8) – to ease the pain. Designers Vie Studio have drawn their inspiration from traditional Chinese gardens (lan yuan); who knew plastics could look so luscious and

Mum’s Table “Pho is a beef noodle broth,” says Mylisa Nguyen (exLuMi Dining) emphatically, before continuing:“there’s nothing vegetarian in Vietnamese food.” It seems Surry Hills folk have been demanding vegetarian pho without realising it’s like asking for vegetarian chicken noodle soup. Rather than “just give it to them”, Mylisa is showing steely determination to be true to her cultural identity at Mum’s Table; and it pays off in a wonderfully balanced

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

substantial? Clever use of light over tables ensures you won’t squint at menus, but creates intimacy with darkened restaurant surrounds that remind me of a movie set. Alfresco tables offer the opportunity to peer through a Chinese bamboo fringe at a giant outdoor TV screen; and, with a little imagination, you’re in Hong Kong.The chefs also hail from the former British colony, meaning they’re adept at making the sort of Southern Chinese cuisine that suits people who don’t tolerate heat, starting with a very gentle XO sauce coating Live Pippies ($30/500g). Fortuitously for me, they’re making two versions of the Szechuan Chicken ($22), because I like my dishes hot. Lan Yuan Fried Rice ($18/small) proves worth the spend, with tender scallops, king prawns and glistening orange crab roe; while addictive Egg Yolk Tofu ($20) should test the willpower of those who mock bean curd.

Shop 4005, Level 1, Top Ryde Shopping Centre, Devlin Street, Ryde (02) 9808 1030 lanyuan.com.au Chinese $$$

Basement 33

By DJ Hookie Amidst the hustle and bustle of Goulburn Street’s Haymarket end, is nestled a brand new hidden bar gem, worthy of any nightlife veteran’s attention.

At present, the entrance looks like a cross between an underground karaoke bar (which I’m later told it once was) and a Thai massage parlour – although the delights found within far exceed that of the

bowl of Pho Tai Nam ($14) with rare beef and sliced beef brisket.This business is “all in the family” from the bright, modern spacious restaurant design featuring Vietnamese hats (Nón Lá) hanging from the ceiling, to Mum (Maria) and Dad (Ian) both playing starring roles.While it’s their first family restaurant, they have run takeaway outlets, including a bakery; so as you’d thus expect, the banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes) here are great, particularly Dad’s favourite: Banh Mi Heo Quay ($9.50) with crisp pork belly and ginger sauce.You’ll also find all the perennial favourites from Pork Stuffed Chicken Wings ($10.80/2) and Sugarcane Prawn Mousse ($10.80/4) to Crispy Pancake ($16.50) (which, incidentally, does come in vegetarian) stuffed with tender roast pork and prawns.

Trust me when I say Homemade Crispy Skin Chicken ($14) and a Hanoi Beer ($8) provide great comfort on a blustery winter’s day.

457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills (02) 8021 2701 mumstablesh.com Vietnamese $$

Char and Co

By Alex Harmon If you’ve worked in a Sydney office, you’ve probably experienced a Brazilian all you can eat meat-feast on the boss’s dime. The stop/go paddles keeping the meat coming/at bay, with the whole thing feeling hectic and wolfish. At Char and Co it’s different, their churrasco is intimate, and while the meat comes out on swords, you feel like it’s been freshly cooked just

POSITIONS Never Stand Still

VACANT DELIVERY PEOPLE

Medicine

Non-medication treatment for Depression, including Depression in Bipolar Disorder UNSW Australia is seeking volunteers for clinical trials of non-medication treatments for depression.

Volunteers must:

Your friendly local paper The City Hub is seeking equally friendly and reliable people (with a vehicle) to deliver our newspaper.

• Be aged 18 years or above • Currently be experiencing feelings of depression Treatments include novel brain stimulation techniques that may restore brain functioning in depression. Volunteers will come as outpatients to the Black Dog Institute in Randwick, Sydney.

HREC Approval Number: HC15010

Cricos Provider Code 00098G

For more information please contact the study coordinator on: (02) 9382 2987 Email: tmsanddcs@unsw.edu.au or visit the Black Dog Institute website www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

All enquiries please email chris@altmedia.net.au

aforementioned establishments (not that I’d know).

I arrive on time, but my friend is predictably late. I pull up a stool at the bar, and order a martini, after raising a respectful eyebrow to the ingenious cocktail list. The drinks, needless to say, are on point. I later enjoyed a ‘Mel-Ki’ ($17) boasting melon liqueur, Grand Marnier and fresh kiwi. The interior of this nouveau nightspot is a mix of trendy tiling and sleek modern finishing; slightly too cool to be called flashy, but certainly maintains a shiny element. It’s the perfect spot for a covert liaison, or when the regular haunts are getting too passé.

Owner and proprietor Nathanial Bourke hints to me that the prospect of live music at the venue is also close on the horizon. I’m starting to get a Frankie’s Pizza vibe. Oh yeah… they also serve pizza.

Basement Level, 27-33 Goulburn Street, Haymarket (02) 8970 5813 basement33.com Bar, Cocktails $$ for you. At $55 for an unlimited service of twenty Brazilian cuts, including garlic lamb, chorizo, chicken wings, charcoal beef, prawns and chicken hearts, it is the best way to truly experience chef and owner Bruno Da Motta’s fine fare. His charming waitstaff will explain each offering and suggest the best accompaniments from your army of salsas, sauces, beans, rice, and salads. Of course you go on a true expedition by partaking in some extras, like the delicate Salted Cod Fritters ($16) with fish crackling (as good as it sounds), and the Deep Fried Jalapeños ($10) which won me over with their goats cheese stuffing. And you cant go South American without two things – a Caipirinha ($17) and ending the night with dulce de leche. Find the latter in the Peanut and Honey Parfait ($15) with peanut brittle and fried plantain.

15 Knox Street, Double Bay (02) 9328 5542 charandco.com.au Brazilian $$

TELSTRA IS PLANNING TO RELOCATE PAYPHONES It is proposed that two coin /card payphones be removed from: outside 80 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Payphone ID’s: 02926743X2 & 02926744X2 And two coin /card payphones be installed: outside 69 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000 The relocated payphones will be located approximately 10 metres from the payphones that are proposed to be removed.

Currently, the next nearest payphones are located outside 545 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telstra intends making a final decision on this proposal by: 1st September 2015 To assist us in making a final decision, we invite your comments on this proposal. Please send us your comments in writing to: Telstra Payphone Siting Manager Locked Bag 4850 Melbourne Vic 3001 or by calling us on 1800 011 433 selection Option 2 or by email to Payphone.Solutions@team.telstra.com For more information on payphone services (including, any applicable payphone consultation document) see: www.telstra.com.au/ payphoneservices/index.htm city hub 16 july 2015

9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Love him or loathe him, Kevin Rudd will be looked back on as an interesting politician and fascinating character.Absent from politics since his election defeat in 2013, he has since fallen out of the public eye - until now.

Writing and performing team Nathan Lantern and Timothy Hugh Govers (who first teamed up for 2014’s Year of the Abbott) have combined their comedic talents to produce a new play focused on Kevin Rudd’s dramatic rise and ultimate fall from power. The premise is simple, taking place at the fictional book release of Kevin Rudd’s explosive autobiography. Being no stranger to controversy and ego, things do not go as planned and old friends with scores to settle unexpectedly turn up.

Lantern, who in addition to writing plays both Kevin Rudd and Bob Carr, says he has always had a strange fascination with the ex-Prime Minister due to his mixture of celebrity and politician.

While the action is politically motivated, Lantern says that The Book of Kevin is “not so much about transforming peoples views but more about having a light-hearted laugh at our more eccentric politicians, their blunders, gaffs and idiosyncrasies”. The Book of Kevin will be playing in two different spaces as part of the Rocks Pop Up initiative. (BM) July 16. Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. July 22 - 24. Merchants House, 43-45 George St,The Rocks. $12-$15.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com

ON VIEW: Live Portraits

The Book of Kevin

ON VIEW: Live Portraits is a unique performance brought to you by Carriageworks and choreographer Sue Healey. It is shown in a two-part exhibition about the wonderful medium of dance. The first piece is a daytime complimentary video artwork which showcases two great leaders in dance, Dame Lucette Aldous and Professor Shirley McKechnie AO. This is free to attend. Healey believes that it is ideal to see both parts to adequately experience the beautiful lineal story.

The main performance piece is a nighttime show of five great dancers. They are displayed as ‘living portraits’ and come to life throughout. Healey purposefully chose the performers and created an unbelievable work on the nature of portraiture. Fresh off her first feature, Virtuosi, Healey moves these contemporary dancers into beautiful works of art. Starring Martin Del Amo, Shona Erskine, Benjamin Hancock, Raghav Handa, and Nalina Wait; ON VIEW: Live Portraits is a love letter to Australian dance told through

video of the history and performance of the future. A live Q&A will be held after the show on July 23. (LB) July 17 – 25. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. $25-$35.

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au

Dylan Moran – Off the Hook

Image courtesy Adrian Bohm Presents

Dylan Moran is a man who needs no introduction in comedy-friendly Australia but what about Kazakhstan, Moscow and Kiev? Recently Moran has been fine-tuning his dry style in the most peculiar places you might find a rambling Irishman. 2014 was a busy year for the Black Books star as he toured the United States and became the first western comic to perform in St Petersburg.

Returning to Australia after four years with his new show Off the Hook, Moran promises to bring his trademark softly spoken, bizarre observations and unpredictable stage presence. He more often than not looks like the wisest drunkard in all of the comedy world, with an appearance that seduces you into a realm of unexpected comfort and just as quickly pokes the finger hilariously back at you.

Moran is performing in Australia throughout July and August. Off the Hook promises to be a hilarious hit. Be warned, tickets are hard to come by at this point. (BM) July 18 - 21. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney.

Tickets & info: www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100

a&e

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city hub 16 July 2015

12 STAGE 15 SCENE 16 SCREEN 17 Sounds

Edmond Two Peas are showcasing their second performance, Edmond, by American playwright David Mamet at the Old 505 Theatre.

Edmond comes home from work one day and decides to visit a fortune teller.This impulse move stirs something within him to stop working at his dead-end job to search for something more meaningful to his life.

The company chose this piece as their second performance due to their adoration of writer David Mamet and his pure talent when it comes to writing plays.

“Edmond is a work complete with all the qualities there are to love about his work: sharp dialogue,

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

razor wit, incredible characters and honest truths,” says Two Peas.

However, they are open to the idea that the audience may hate the play.

“Edmond is a morality play, designed to ridicule our own personal discomfort.We love it, and we welcome the possibility that some of our audiences might not.”

Their debut performance was We’re Bastards by Two Peas’ own Oleg Pupovac. (AMal) July 15 to 26. Old 505 Theatre, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills. $22-$33.

Tickets & info: www.thetwopeas.com

Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jacob Harrison, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olgar Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana.

Jordan Cowan in Bitch Boxer

The Odd Couple

Bitch Boxer is an intensely physical one-woman show where blood, sweat and tears are balanced with a contemplated, emotional and often downright hilarious dialogue.

“I think female actors are dying to play these roles,” said Jordan Cowan, who is slipping on the boxing gloves as Someone Like U’s production of Bitch Boxer comes to Sydney for two special runs, following a highly regarded season at Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Based around the true event of women’s boxing being green-lit as an Olympic sport for the first time at the London 2012 games, Charlotte Josephine’s acclaimed script meets tough-skinned Chloe in the hour before the qualifying fight that will decide whether she makes it into the Olympics.

For Cowan (a first-time producer on the project as well as first-time solo performer) art and life began to intersect in the making of the show. The sensation of sitting in the empty dressing room echoed that of Chloe preparing to step into the ring.

Months of intensive boxing training went into this through performance, along with overcoming an infected jaw – which apparently left the actor so unwell that her director and boxing coach both “yelled” at her and told her to “go home” as she insisted on showing up to rehearsals despite being very unwell.

Audiences who caught the previous production of Bitch Boxer to hit Sydney by Katherine Shearer of Bull Ant Productions (which ran at the Old 505 Theatre in May) will nevertheless find enrichment in appreciating the different takes on this groundbreaking script. (AM) July 14 – 17. Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. $20.Tickets: bondifeast.com.au July 21 – 26. District 1 Theatre, 7 Randle Lane, Surry Hills. $15-$25.Tickets: trybooking.com

What happens when two mismatched friends are put under the pressure of living with each other? Neil Simon came up with a stroke of comedy genius when he put the fastidious and slightly neurotic Felix Unger into the same apartment as the perennial slob, Oscar Madison.

The result was the masterful Simon comedy,The Odd Couple, which comes to King Street Theatre in its classic incarnation.

Audiences can expect to step off King Street, walk up some dimly lit stairs and directly into Oscar Madison’s New York apartment.

“We are not deviating at all from Simon’s original version, that has stood the test of time,” says Calib James, who plays Felix.“It really is old-fashioned, clean-hearted comedy – very well-written and very, very funny”.

James, who takes his inspiration from Tony Randall’s interpretation of Felix Unger, is a bigger fan of the (original) TV series than the film.“While the film had some darker moments, the TV series was a lot lighter and we are certainly going for the lighter style of comedy,” says James.

In a day and age dominated by reality TV, James sees plenty of attraction in an older style American comedy:“You just sit down, and without thinking too much, just watch the antics of these two great characters and the silly shenanigans between them.” (GW) Until August 1 (Tues - Sat). King Street Theatre, Level 1/644 King Street, Newtown. $30-35.Tickets: 0423 082 015.

The Cooch Tent There is a new burlesque in town. It’s called The Cooch Tent, and it’s here to dazzle your senses.

Promising a seductive evening of dance, tease and the bizarre, the show will see some of Australia’s top burlesque performers—including Zelia Rose, Miss Burlesque Australia 2014— enthral audiences at The Basement. “(The Cooch Tent is) burlesque meets ‘circus carney sass’! You will be transported to a bygone world of glamour, tease, vintage style dance and curious,” says producer Sheena Miss Demeanour.

“It offers a range of 1920s variety show performances including contortion, singing, snake charming and juggling.”

For Sheena, the show is a homage to elements of bizarre performance styles of the 1920s:“(It) was the era of sexual liberation for women...The Cooch Tent is a celebration of that liberation.”

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE THE ISHMAEL CLUB This play is centered around a mock gentleman’s club of the same name, where artistic types hung out in the heart of Melbourne around 1884-1915, making fun of everything and everyone. It focusses on Norman Lindsay, remembered mostly for The Magic Pudding and some risqué nudes, and talented political cartoonist Will Dyson. “It’s a play about the loss of innocence, the tension in Australia in The Arts, between populists and elitists, Lindsay who was an elitist in his politics and his art, and Dyson who was a Democrat and a Socialist,” says Jasper Garner Gore, who plays Norman. (MS) Until July 18.The Old Fitz Theatre,

129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. $22.

Bookings & info: www.oldfitztheatre.com THE DAPTO CHASER The greyhound racing industry has had a bad rap in the Australian media recently. Cue Mary Rachel Brown’s big-hearted theatre show: The Dapto Chaser. Laugh along at a comedy that gets its hands dirty and the adrenaline running, exploring a family whose hearts and cash are tied into the controversial dog racing subculture. Jimmy is the ‘black sheep’ of the Sinclair family. Lacking the ‘diehard dog person’ traits that his other family members possess, his decisions cause some interesting relational conflicts. (JC) Until July 24. Griffin Theatre, 13 Craigend St, Darlinghurst. $30-$38.

Tickets & info: www.griffintheatre. com.au or 02 9361 3817 BRENDAN COWELL’S MEN First premiering at the Old Fitz Theatre back in 2000, this play reemerges on that exact stage this year. The play focuses on three completely different stereotypes of men and the way they interact with each other. It stars Sean Hawkins, Ben O’Toole, Jamie Timony and Cheree Cassidy. O’Toole plays Crazy Bob - he is the male stereotype of the aggressive, testosterone-fuelled man. He enjoys the character for his complexity: “There’s serious stuff going on with Crazy Bob.” (AMal) Until July 25.The Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. $30-$35. ($25 Cheap Tuesday) Tickets & info: www.oldfitztheatre.com or 0422 198 955

OF MICE AND MEN At its Broadway premiere in 1937, John Steinbeck’s famous play was a striking commentary on how society treats its most vulnerable citizens, and how the human spirit somehow endures. This current embodiment continues to be as pertinent and moving as then. During the Great Depression, George (Anthony Gooley) and Lenny (Andrew Henry) are displaced migrant workers who dream of one day settling down on their own piece of land. Of Mice and Men is an eerily salient indictment of our current treatment of our disenfranchised fringe dwellers, our migrant peoples and our poor, while remaining an uplifting story of friendship pushed to the limits. (JH) Until July 25. Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre – Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale.

Set against a Jazz background, the music compliments the evening.“(Jazz) can be sexy, quirky and invigorating... it paints the backdrop for styles of dance that were prominent during the era,” says Sheena.

The headlining performers are keeping it fresh, entertaining and wild. Kelly Ann Doll, one of the principals, describes her performance as “the old school tattooed lady, a pocket rocket in a Charleston hurricane!”

“I will be presenting two brand new acts, one with jazz vocals and the other a 1920s floorshow tap dance,” adds headlining performer Zelia Rose.

Leave your inhibitions at home and get ready to revel in some naughty fun! (JR) July 17.The Basement, 29 Reiby Pl, Sydney. $30-$35.Tickets: www.moshtix.com.au

$25-$39. Tickets & info: seymourcentre.com/events/event/ of-mice-and-men/ MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN Belvoir’s interpretation of one of Bertolt Brecht’s most widely-staged shows is a lively, episodic depiction of wartime society, hedonism and profiteering.

Eamon Flack’s direction, and new translation by Michael Gow, somewhat modify the original to point of contemporary global affairs.

Musical interludes spruce up an essentially terrible tale. Robyn Nevin is forceful as Mother Courage, wearing a daggy outfit resembling a caravan park host rather than a seventeenth-century war profiteer.

With her droll delivery and elfin mischievousness, she dominates the show. (OA) Until July 26. Belvoir Theatre,

18 – 25 Belvoir Street Surry Hills. $39-$72. Bookings: belvoir.com.au or 9699 3444.

THE CHERRY ORCHARD Set in Russia in the year 1904 – a time when there was massive social change and the middle class was just developing – this is a period piece with the appropriate costumes, yet the themes are still relatable today.

We fall in love with the wrong people, we make incorrect choices, and sometimes we just like to stick our heads in the sand. These are the same issues people were facing in 1904. (MS) Until August 1.

The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville. $20-$29.

Tickets & info: info@thedepottheatre.com or 0428032838 city hub 16 July 2015

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T H E NA K E D C ITY

A MATCHBOX ODYSSEY

By Coffin Ed, and Miss Death and Jay Katz Before jazz boomed in America there were groups like Canon’s Jug Stompers, and before Oz Rock ripped through the pubs in Australia there was Captain Matchbox and the Conway Brothers. Now, some forty-five years after this home-grown musical adventure began, comes a definitive biography: Captain Matchbox & Beyond.

Meticulously and lovingly compiled by joint authors Catherine Fleming and John Tait, it details the life and times of the extraordinary Conway brothers, Jim and Mic. It’s often forgotten that just prior to the explosion of the Oz Rock sound in the mid 70s, there was a thriving folk scene in Australia.Whilst some purveyors looked to Anglo/Irish influences, others were inspired by the rich treasure house of early American ‘jug bands’, vaudeville and jazz artists. Amongst them Jim and Mic, who from a very early age were buying up old 78s from church fetes and discovering the likes of Fats Waller and Spike Jones.

The Matchbox story is a fascinating romp through decades of Australian music and social history during which the original ‘Whoopee’ band achieved national pop-star recognition and morphed into a number of later creations, like the National Junk Band and the Hiccups Orchestra – at the same time maintaining a strain of wicked humour and musical creativity that has defined them forever.

Retold through the recollections of Mic and Jim, in a largely conversational style, there are classic anecdotes from the days of Melbourne’s legendary T.F. Much Ballroom, Sydney’s fabled Yellow House in Potts Point,

Inspiration by Design:

GO EAST

For the first time in Sydney, audiences are able to see one of Pablo Picasso’s art books, fashion sketches by Dior and Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations as key features of Inspiration by Design: Word and Image by the Victoria and Albert Museum at the State Library.

Inspiration by Design is an international collection that celebrates over 150 years worth of collections from the finest and most talented artists, illustrators and designers from across the world. Originally displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, over 100 designs, illustrations and images will be on display throughout July until late September.

The State Library has taken this opportunity to also showcase Australian Design. Curator Sarah Morley says: “We have taken the opportunity to show how the striking form and style of the natural and built environment have continued to evoke bold new designs which has become a part of the Australian identity.”

Illustrations of the original Blinky Bill by Dorothy Wall are featured, as well as a Jørn Utzon’s original sketch of the Sydney Opera House.

The event is free and there is plenty for everyone to see with the hope to evoke inspiration, nostalgia and appreciation across generations and cultures. (JC) Until September 27. State Library of NSW, Macquarie St, Sydney. Free. Information: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/

Go East is one of those rare collections that have something mystic about them; it has that indescribable feeling of awe that overwhelms and stays with you long after the moment is gone.

Exploring a range of social issues through various styles of photography, installations and sculptures - the exhibition, despite being pieced together from works of different cultures, manages to come together to present one unified Asia.

Go East:The Gene and Brian Sherman Contemporary Asian Art Collection is a mesmerising installation of contemporary art, presented by the Art Gallery NSW and the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation (SCAF).

Installation view of Go East:The Gene & Brian Sherman Contemporary Asian Art Collection. Photo: Jenni Carter,AGNSW Featuring 20 artists from all across Asia—displaying works of Ai Weiwei, Jitish Kallat,Yang Zhichao and Lin Tianmiao, among others—it provides a visually appealing display of 31 works, spread across two different venues.

If this visually appealing exhibition has a flaw, it lies in one’s inability to take in the entirety of the exhibition in one go, due to splitting of the venues.

Move past this, and you have yourself a collection not to be missed by the art lover, the art collector, or the newly enthusiastic.

For those who are willing to experience beyond what’s on display, the Art Gallery of NSW and SCAF are hosting public programs including a Wednesday night program,Art After Hours, and a series of talks and workshops. (JR) Until July 26. Art Gallery of New South Wales. Free. Information: artgallery.nsw.gov.au or 9225 1744

Word and Image

exhibitions THE CHERRY ORCHARD Set in Russia in the year 1904 – a time when there was massive social change and the middle class was just developing – this is a period piece with the appropriate costumes, yet the themes are still relatable today.

We fall in love with the wrong people, we make incorrect choices, and sometimes we just like to stick our heads in the sand. These are the same issues people were facing in 1904. (MS) 12

and endless adventures on the touring circuit, both here and abroad.

It’s also a story of Mic and Jim’s individual projects from the 80s onwards. Jim of course took his

renowned harmonica talent to bands such as The Backsliders and Jim Conway’s Big Wheel, all the time battling bravely with the debilitating condition of multiple sclerosis.There’s one telling moment during its early onset whilst he was playing with American blues singer Brownie McGhee and appeared unstable on stage. Brownie later chastised him for being drunk, only to learn the real truth and naturally apologize.

Mic on the other hand kept the spirit of the large ensemble alive, with groups such as the National Junk Band and Mic Conway’s Whoopee Band as well as endless side projects including his amazing life sized puppets, his collaboration with The Wiggles and Whoopee, which won an ARIA for ‘Best Childrens Album’.

The book also includes a wonderful collection of archival photographs and posters, making it a joy to peruse.We particularly love an early 70s poster for a Paddo Town Hall concert billed as ‘Great Chunks Of Spunky Funk’ – no less than six bands on the bill for the princely sum of $1.50. At a healthy 400 pages it also includes detailed lists of band members, career highlights, a discography and a bibliography that would do a PhD proud.

Captain Matchbox & Beyond is published by Melbourne Books. Essential reading if you are a Matchbox fan, or just looking for a most entertaining insight into a remarkable chapter in Australian music history. www.melbournebooks.com.au

city hub 16 July 2015

Until August 1.The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville. $20-$29.Tickets & info: info@thedepottheatre.com or 0428032838 ART AS A VERB This group exhibition denotes the concept of art as action. Showcasing actions, performances, situational pieces, manifestos, interactive props, take home photographs, instructional works and intriguing takes on seemingly mundane activity. There are over 60 pieces in the exhibition that journey through the 1960’s to the present. Mixed medium is used

throughout including sculpture, performance and documentary.

There are many reflections on the social function of art itself, the relevance of interactions and all the situational, individual experiences and responses in between. A provocative and surreal exhibition, that requires an open mind. (RM) Until July 26. Artspace.

43 – 51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, http://www.artspace.org.au/ LOCALS ONLY: CALIFORNIAN SKATEBOARDING 1975-78

The image of tanned bodies, sun splashed blonde hair and a ‘devil may care’ attitude is synonymous with California skaters of the 1970’s (namely the notorious Z-boys and Dogtown skateboarders). But who captured and popularised this image? Hugh Holland. Holland’s famous photographs are on display for the first time in Australia. Often imitated but never equalled, his work gives the viewer the opportunity to experience what’s its like to be there at the beginning of a movement. (BM) Until August 1. Blender Gallery,

16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington 2021.

(Closed Sundays and Mondays.)

Info: www.blendergallery.com 24 Frames The Carriageworks has been transformed into an immersive multimedia and dance experience, featuring 24 different works by 24 different artists.

Commissioned as part of a partnership between the Australian Council Of The Arts and Carriageworks, this exhibition is set to be one of the most ambitious and extensive presentations of dance on screen in Australia, occupying a

space that is 6000 metres squared.

The curators of the show placed very few limitations upon the artists, the only guidelines being that the works had to have a film element and also incorporate a dance element. Due to this philosophy the variety of works is astonishing, ranging from projections in various sizes and formats to works that incorporate the structural heritage elements of the venue itself into the art. (JA) Jun 18 – Aug 2, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Everleigh, FREE, info: carriageworks.com.au

NO, THANK YOU This erotic comedy/drama from Finland explores the ideology that sexual incompatibility and breakdown in communications can lead to infidelity amongst married couples.

Near middle-aged couple Heli (Anu Sinisalo) and husband Matti (Ville Virtanen) have seemingly been married forever. Matti is the perfect husband - he’s loving, good-looking and helpful around the house.

However Heli craves intimacy and tries to take it by force, owing to Matti’s preoccupation with computers.

She develops an attraction to younger men and encourages a steaming affair with her unattached, good-looking and much younger student Jarno (Kai Vaine).

Heli enjoys her forbidden love - until her husband makes an unwelcoming announcement which can potentially dissolve their marriage.

This bittersweet story about falling in and out of love is hilarious at times, comedy arising from Matti’s refusal to have sexual relations with his wife.

Strong performances make this voyeuristic viewing a most compelling and stimulating experience. (MMo) WWW 1/2 Screening at Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival, July 8-26, $19.50, Tickets & Info: scandinavianfilmfestival.com

RUBEN GUTHRIE

“Let’s get smashed” is the opening dialogue which aptly sums up this Australian comedy/ drama about alcohol abuse and one man’s inability to stop consuming it.

Ruben Guthrie (Patrick Brammall) is an advertising guru who loves to party and over-indulge on alcohol. His fiancée gives him an ultimatum – stop drinking within 12 months, or else they’re finished.

Surrounded by drinkers, can he refrain from participating in one of Australian’s favourite pass times?

Highlighting the difficulties in writing comedy, this film would have been more engaging solely as a drama. Most comical dialogue backfired, simply evoking a sense of awkwardness.

A stellar cast including Jack Thompson and Robyn Nevin as Ruben’s parents and Alex Dimitriadis (who portrays a clichéd homosexual) also disappointed, owing to limitations with the material they had to work with.

Targeted at the younger generation, this film does however successfully convey a clear message about alcohol abuse. (MMo)

ALL INCLUSIVE From Denmark comes this enchanting and feel-good comedy that will have audiences laughing out loud.

When estranged sisters Ditte (Danica Curcic) and Sigrid (Maria Rossing) take their newly-divorced mother Lise (Bodil Jorgensen) to Malta for her 60th birthday, Ditte pays a much younger and charismatic bar tender to date her depressed mother. A romance quickly builds, which Ditte then hilariously tries to alleviate.

Comedy also arises from the discussions these three ladies have about sex, marriage and lust - further fuelled by the peculiarity of patrons at their hotel.

A most likeable cast is led by Curcic as the black sheep of the family and stand-out performer TED 2 Ted (Seth MacFarlane) and his thunder buddy John (Mark Wahlberg) are back in the sequel to MacFarlane’s 2012 comedy about a foul-mouthed teddy bear who came to life. In the first film it was John who needed to grow up, now the narrative is all about Ted. Since the predecessor was a comedy that successfully walked the line between clever and crass, the same could be expected for the sequel.

Unfortunately Ted 2 falls more on the crass side and feels like a halfhearted attempt to milk the concept – MacFarlane is more successful when he breaks the mould. (LL) WWW OUT OF NATURE Filmed in the haunting beauty of the Norwegian wilderness, this quasi-documentary explores the anxieties of a man who feels detached from his wife and child and who yearns for a new life.

Martin (Ole Giaever) ventures to the mountains for the weekend on a habitual hiking trip. Cleverly scripted, this original and awardwinning movie is exquisitely filmed, with mesmerising close-ups of

Jorgensen as Lise, in her award-winning role.

Spoken in English and Danish with English subtitles, this film examines family ties, love, aging and bonding, whilst a poignant sub-plot concerning death and grieving briefly suspends the laughter.

Showcasing the magnificent sights of Malta and boasting a vibrant soundtrack of 70s music, this chick-flick should appeal to all mature audiences.

(MMo) WWW 1/2 Screening at Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival, July 8-26, $19.50, Tickets & Info: scandinavianfilmfestival.com

soaring eagles, sunsets and mountain landscapes. Gratuitous full-frontal nudity pervades the film, and audiences should be amused by the shameless wilderness masturbation scene. (MMo) WWW½ Screening at Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival.

Until July 26. $19.50.

Tickets & Info: scandinavianfilmfestival.com AMY This intimate and fascinating documentary by Asif Kapadia (Senna,The Sheep Theif) using Winehouse’s most poignant lyrics as the spine of the narrative, accompanied by never before seen footage.There is no creative editing or opportunistic re-appropriation of media footage to perpetuate the public perception of her, Amy is as honest, straightforward and complex as the ‘gobby’ girl herself. It is technically difficult to turn a disparate collection of shots and raw video into a flowing, accurate piece of cinema - but Kapadia has created a deeply honest and moving portrayal in Winehouse’s own

words (or more aptly, lyrics). (LL) WWWW JURASSIC WORLD It’s been 22 years since the first Jurassic Park left audiences enamoured with the concept of a dinosaur theme park, and that sense of wonderment has been successfully reinvigorated in this third sequel. It’s a testament to director Colin Trevorrow who has stepped up to take the reins of his first major blockbuster and knocked it out of the (jurassic) park. Leads Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard do a solid job of being coheroes. Romantic interest takes a backseat to the training relationship Pratt’s tough-guy Owen has with his team of raptors.While there are some weak points — twodimensional supporting characters and a shoehorned sub-plot — none of that will matter in one of the most anticipated sequels ever made.

(LL) WWWW SLM MOVIE CLUB SERIES: AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKERS Local filmmakers are being acknowledged in the Sydney Living Museum’s latest Movie Club Series,

WWW documentary screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.

88 (July 26) is a landmark documentary from Adrian Russell Wills and Micaela Perske, which delves into the events that led up to January 26 1988, triggering the largest assembly of Indigenous people in Australia.

Tender (Aug 30) from filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, is compassionate and inspirational, and revolves around a community centre in Port Kembla which is in the process of removing funerals from the business structure and placing it in the hands of the community.(MMo) Museum of Sydney, Cnr Phillip & Bridge Streets, $12-$15.

Bookings & Information: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au UNDERDOG Dino (Bianca Kronlof) is a 23-year-old Swedish woman who crosses the border to Norway in search of stability. She accepts work as a housekeeper for married man Steffen (Henrik Rafaelsen) and a love triangle soon develops. Hidden underneath this simplistic story of forbidden love is

the roaring theme of class division, as Dino quickly learns she is regarded disparagingly in Norway.

Power struggles between the two countries are noted, in which Swedes have topically become the servants of Norwegians.This powerful, award-winning drama contains stunning photography of picturesque Norway and a mesmerizing musical score, but may evoke restlessness in audiences owing to the excruciatingly slow momentum of the story. (MMo) WWW Screening at Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival, July 8-26. Info: scandinavianfilmfestival.com INSIDE OUT Pixar is famous for making animations that comment on the human condition and Inside Out is another triumph.This laughout-loud comedy about Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), who is guided by the emotions that live in the control centre of her mind, is funny for both adults and children. Featuring comedic star voices such as Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear,

Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust and Phyllis Smith as Sadness. As with all Pixar animations, the formula is simple — there’s laughter, fun, nostalgia and a good dose of tugging at the heartstrings, with an honest message to tie it all together — but this is by no means a formulaic offering. (LL) WWWW LAST CAB TO DARWIN This low-budget Australian road-trip film surrounds a dying cab driver called Rex who drives 3,000 km from Broken Hill to Darwin, hoping to take advantage of new euthanasia laws. But whilst on this incredible journey, he meets people who force him to re-evaluate his life and ultimately realizes that before he dies he must live life to the fullest, sharing it with loved ones. Michael Caton is a natural in the lead, supported by Oscar nominated Jacki Weaver in the role of a doctor who is a passionate advocate for euthanasia.This rewarding comedy/ drama explores themes of belonging, mateship, loneliness and family. (MMo) WWW½ city hub 16 July 2015

13

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps leaves audiences mesmerised by their supreme musical talents and abilities.

Sat, Jul 18, Hibernian House

Palms: Celebrating their recent signing with Ivy League Records, Sydney’s own Palm will be performing a special free show for their loyal fans.You can expect to hear some of the new tunes the boys have been working on for their forthcoming album.

Thu, Jul 16,The Gladstone

Freedman Jazz Fellowship Finalists: Finalists from around Australia will perform in a special landmark event on the Jazz calendar.

The four finalists including Tal Cohen, Peter Farrar, Mike Rivett and Gian Slater will have the opportunity to perform in-front of distinguished Australian musicians and judges: Zoe Hauptmann, David Theak and Chris Cody.

Mon, Jul 20, Sydney Opera House

Ali Barter & Gordi: With both artists launching brand new singles, they have decided to team up for a very special double-headline show.

Both ladies perform a truly engaging and compelling show that often

After a year of slogging it out on multiple tours around the country, Perth’s Tired Lion are now beginning to reap the benefits of their hard work.Winners of a slot on the Splendour In The Grass lineup from all of the acts competing in Triple’s J’s Unearthed.The timing couldn’t have been more opportune for the band, as their second EP Figurine releases this month.

“I don’t think we ever really thought this was going to happen, we had already booked our tour around the Splendour dates” said drummer Ethan Darnell. Despite not expecting it, Ethan said the band is “super happy and really looking forward” to the festival particularly because they are “just a local Perth band” who now have the opportunity to showcase their talents alongside the likes of Mark Ronson, Blur and Florence + The Machine.

The lead-up to this moment has been a bit of a whirlwind ride for the band, particularly in 2015 which has included three tours around the country and now the release of their second EP.“[The tours this year] have been really fun and positive…we’ve found the little things we need to do to get through the days and we’re really comfortable with each other now,” said Ethan.

Amid their stacked tour schedule the group has been hard at work putting the finishing touches onto the follow up EP to their successful debut release.This time around it’s has been a much longer more methodical, thought out process for the group as they make sure each individual track is

Spyglass Gypsies: This everenergetic and playful group stop off in Sydney this week as part of their national tour, spending their unique modern take on traditional gypsy jazz.

Sun, Jul 19, Glebe Town Hall

Jenny Lewis: Acclaimed LA singer/ songwriter closes out our week of great musical events with her only Australian headline show. Touring Australia off the back of her hugely successful and popular third solo LP The Voyager, Jenny’s show has proven to be in high demand, forcing organises to upgrade to the much larger Metro Theatre - so make sure you don’t miss out on this one.

Wed, Jul 22, Metro Theatre

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“perfect before moving on to the next”. Given this new mentality Figurine has essentially been in production for over twelve months from initial recording sessions up until its release now, which Ethan believes means this record is “a different representation to our first EP, which we out-grew very fast in terms of a maturity in the songwriting, and is more so what we tried to achieve with the first EP but couldn’t because we lacked the experience.”

Looking ahead at the upcoming shows Ethan says laughingly:“We’re not going to be anything like the KISS tour with fireworks or anything, but we’ll play our best and hopefully get a good vibe going.”

Following the tour Ethan is “excited to get cracking on” more writing and hopefully achieving their next milestone of an album.

Jul 22. Goodgod Small Club, 55 Liverpool St, Chinatown. $10+b.f, Tickets & Info: goodgodgoodgod.com

Jackie Brown Jr – Dud Street

Julia Messenger – Live at Bennetts Lane

As fun as it is funky, Dud Street is new and wonderful.

It’s one of those songs that draws you in and blows your mind back out the other side.A single melody line and a couple of cymbals, and Jackie Brown Jr are singing the listener into their world for three minutes and forty-eight seconds.

The beat is so catchy, it seems to bounce a basketball over to the listener and tell them to dunk it.A lot of soul and a few quickly sung words and I want to play too, for the whole game. Give me more of this originality, this brass-fuelled fun, this exciting insight into Dud Street. (SP) WWWW

Julia Messenger masters the balance of music and patience in Live at Bennetts Lane. She teases her listeners, playing with their attention. Her songs are at once haunting and enticing, enhancing minimal elements (including pauses) with very little sound.The piano rolls along beside her, matching her levity and her musical quality.

Taking the tempo down to slow (but not too slow) Messenger and her sporadic backing don’t rely on the lobotomising effect of repetition, jumping with each note and then standing back to look at it hanging in the air. (SP) WWW

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Lucinda Drayton: She arrives in Australia from the UK this week to perform a free show of songs from her The Road Least Travelled collection, which explores the power of music and the strong memories and emotions it can evoke.

Fri, Jul 17, Leichardt Town Hall

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Dead Letter Circus: After spending the early part of this year in the studio perfecting their upcoming album, the Queensland based ban is dying to get back on stage. Performing some of their most intimate shows since their very early days, fans can expect an up-close sneak peak into the future of the band.

Thu, Jul 16, Newtown Social Club

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city hub 16 July 2015

Kings Court Massage

*Art is from 1990s

Kings Court is the only place to have twenty two massage rooms and eleven hot tubs, spas, and bubble baths.

Wall to wall beautiful ladies, pool tables and luxurious leather lounges. You can have a coffee and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Approachable managers help you choose a lady for your massage. There is a fair queueing system and no hidden charges or credit card fees. We are just along from Central Railway at 261 Parramatta Road Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037 Phone 02 9660 0666 Its a $10.00 Taxi Ride from the CBD Visit our web site at

www.kingscourt.com.au We are open 9 am to 1 am and 24 hours on Weekends. There is a 20% discount from 9 am to 12 noon and every day before 9 pm there is FREE ENTRY. After 9 pm a $20 entry fee forms part of the pricing structure.

Parking is available in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe, first 2 hours free. Check out the website at www.kingscourt.com.au and see information, funny stuff and pictures of pretty women. There are no photos of the regular girls as they are too shy and massage ladies don’t provide full service.

Also check out Big John’s Facebook to see a mixture of really funny pics, photos, stories and links to the best pages of our website. This is VACANCIES Kings Court is the best place to learn adult massage. You can work with us part time or updated regularly: be a casual and you are paid cash daily. Work times can suit students or young mothers. When you start

get one of the regular girls to show you how to do your first massage. We have off street parking for www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn we ladies with cars and for your interview you can park in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet

Kings Court Massage: Where the first time customer can meet the first time massage girl!

rear entry with two hours free parking. The 18 Grose Street Glebe NSW 2037 address is the best way to find us using GPS plotting. Ring us on 02 9660 0666. Some ladies from out of town stay over when they visit. We have the bestest and sweetest customers of any place.

The website is www.kingscourt.com.au On the home page have a look at, “Is this your first time” and see the ten tips that help customers to understand how we do business and how they must behave towards our girls.

HOW TO ENJOY A KINGS COURT MASSAGE

Why is Kings Court being firm with its customers? Why should Kings Court interfere with the customer who wants to push for more? Some customers are outraged by frustration because they think Kings Court Massage should roll over and allow the majority of customers to use their money and influence to push for sex and oral sex.

Big John says, “We provide what a man really needs and we do it well. At the end of the day he will walk away with a smile on his face and a tremble in his knees at a level more intense than sex can usually provide and all the while in a way that is harmless fun for the girl doing the job.

I also ran across this when I was driving taxi-cabs. Many passengers would think that by paying five or ten dollars for a ride allowed them to dominate the driver. This thinking sometimes comes up at Kings Court where a customer has the idea that “the customer is always right.”

A massage and a happy ending does not work well at home to the same intensity because at some point it always converts to sex before arriving at the end. With a Kings Court massage you have to accept that the destination can only come via the massage with hot oil process. The happy ending is, then, a very explosive event.

At Kings Court the very worst customer, who is bound to be disappointed, is the good looking guy who has lots of charm and personality until he gets to the room and he changes to insist that he needs to be in control. This leads to a very unhappy situation especially when he realizes that the rule at Kings Court really is that “the customer is always wrong.” The massage lady always has the intention to do her part but it can only happen when she is the one in control.

The Kings Court girls do less naughty stuff in a massage than they may have done in their regular relationships. Although most massage ladies come to us after their first two year sexual relationship, they are just learning how to say NO. Most of our young ladies have in fact had very little experience with men. For the Kings Court girl it really is fun because she enjoys the company of men and she is in control of the action. She says, “I am happy to do this as long as I am the one in charge.”

So, if you are a big strong tough guy who wants to be boss this does not work out for you at Kings Court Massage. You may want to control your rise to a climax but, at Kings Court the lady takes care of this and you should go with the flow. We suggest you enjoy what we do and don’t complain about what is not going to happen.

Paying for a sexual event can go well if you are polite about it but, you may actually be paying to perform a type of abuse if you create a situation of dominant control of the lady. This is not always the case but it happens often enough for the service provider to wish it was otherwise.

She may say to the client, “Stop being unhappy about what you can’t have and start being happy with what you can have.” It is funny to sometimes see a group of guys who have had a good time leaving with their unhappy charming ‘leader of the pack’ who has been asked not to come back. It is even worse for him when it turns out that he paid for everyone else to enjoy themselves.”

So, why does Big John talk this way? This is an advertisement and an invitation to you the reader to come as a customer (or come and learn to control men as a massage girl.) If you understand the principles above you will like the idea of meeting the girl-next-door who is happy to put a smile on your face and leave you to go home with a tremble in your knees. She will go back to the other girls and say, “He was a nice guy,” instead of saying, “He was too pushy.” If you don’t like any aspect of this then please, do us both a favour and do not come to Kings Court.”

When was the last time you really had a smile on your face and a tremble in your knees?

city hub 16 July 2015

15

rare delights

july is truffle month at the star come and indulge in the heavenly taste of these rare delights at stefano manfredi’s balla, black by ezard and sokyo this july. to book visit star.com. au

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