City Hub 17 October 2019

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Sydney’s LBGTQ wrestlers give stereotypes the body slam!

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Dangerous buildings on the rise in Sydney.

Alec Smart reports Page 4

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city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

Snippets by ALEC SMART Anglicans tell progressives: “Bugger off!”

The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Glenn Davies, told Anglican supporters of same-sex marriages they should “leave” the church. Addressing the 51st Synod of the Diocese of Sydney on Monday, of which he is also president, he said, “My own view is that if people wish to change the doctrine of our church, they should start a new church or join a church more aligned to their views - but do not ruin the Anglican Church by abandoning the plain teaching of Scripture. Please leave us!

“We have far too much work to do in evangelising Australia to be distracted by the constant pressure to change our doctrine in order to satisfy the lusts and pleasures of the world.”

Dr Davies continued: “I fear for the stability of the Anglican Church of Australia. These developments [the legalisation of gay marriage] have the potential to fracture our fellowship and impair our communion,” he decried, whilst simultaneously calling for a fracture in the Anglican congregation.

The Sydney Anglicans donated $1 million to the “No” campaign lobbying to prevent same-sex unions during the 2017 national plebiscite on marriage equality, Whilst accepting that the Anglican Church’s views were now contrary to law – on 15 November 2017, the results of the $122 million national postal-vote revealed 61.6 per cent of Australians had voted ‘Yes’ to allow same-sex couples to marry - Dr Davies insisted that blessing “sinful” same-sex unions would be to “betray God’s word”.

Preyer Prayers Hazard Last week former Anglican priest and Melbourne City councillor Nic Frances Gilley suggested signs be attached to the front of the churches warning that safety of children cannot be guaranteed if they enter.

In a motion put before council, Cr Frances Gilley

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Coroner recommends pill testing A NSW coroner investigating the deaths of six young people at music festivals, attributable to poisonous ‘recreational’ drugs, is reportedly recommending pill testing be introduced, and police drug search operations scaled back.

Coroner Harriet Grahame, who has been overseeing an inquest into the deaths of six people at music festivals between December 2017 and January 2019, won’t release her findings until 8 November. However, on Tuesday, The Daily Telegraph reported 40 draft recommendations have already been sent to the NSW government departments and police. These include the suggestion that pill testing stations be set up at festivals to determine whether ecstasy and equivalent illicitly-sold recreational tablets contain harmful ingredients.

Painting a cow with zebra stripes was found to significantly reduce painful fly bites. Photo: Alec Smart

asked officers to “write to all churches and places of worship requesting assurances that all staff and associates will abide by the law of mandatory reporting.” If this assurance was not forthcoming, Cr Frances Gilley said the council should “clearly advise people of the risks of using such institutions.”

In September, Victoria passed the Children Legislation Amendment Act 2019, which added religious leaders to the list of people legally mandated to report child abuse to the authorities when they learn about it.

“Should we put up great big signs, or should we write on the pavement?” said Cr Frances Gilley, former executive director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence who was himself a victim of childhood sexual abuse.

The law was introduced following the conviction of former Melbourne archbishop Cardinal George Pell, once Australia’s most powerful Catholic, for child molestation.

Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli insisted he would sooner go to jail than comply with the new law.

Holy soles MSCHF, a creative arts company in Brooklyn, New York, modified up to two dozen pairs of Nike Air Max 97 jogging shoes, filling the soles with ‘holy water’ and advertised the renamed ‘Jesus Shoes’ on its website for $US1,425 each last Tuesday.

The transparent air-cushion soles of the shoes were injected with water sourced from the River Jordan, tinted blue.

Blessed by a priest from Brooklyn, they sold out

within minutes and were relisted on the Stock X website where they’re fetching bids of $US3000 or more.

The Nike shoes, which retail in Australia between $175 and $260 without holy water, were purchased

new by MSCHF before they added a crucified Jesus gold charm on one shoelace, an icon of a red droplet on the shoes’ tongues to symbolise the blood of Christ, and scented them with frankincense (one of the gifts presented by the Three Wise Men to Jesus when he was born).

Christians regard the River Jordan, which flows through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, as holy because many of the apocryphal myths of the New Testament Bible ascribed to Jesus – such as walking on water and feeding the five thousand – include the Sea of Galilee.

MSCHF (ie, ‘mischief’) Internet Studios, whose LinkedIn profile says they’re a ‘dairy company’, employ publicity stunts to promote themselves.

City Hub wonder whether a Hindu shoe – with water from the River Ganges – and a Moslem shoe – with water derived from the Well of Zamzam by the Great Mosque of Mecca – might be the next holy shoe option.

Cow-mouflage Painting a cow to resemble a zebra was found to significantly reduce fly bites, according to a study

by Japanese scientists, published in the scientific journal Plos One on Oct 3.

Not because flies dislike the flavour of zebras, but scientists believe the striped pattern confuses the fly’s visual sensors, called ‘modulation brightness’, thus deterring the airborne pests.

Biting flies attack cows whilst they’re feeding, grazing and sleeping, creating distress and causing them to bunch up defensively, which adds more stress.

According to the study’s findings, “painting zebralike stripes on cows can decrease the incidence of biting flies landing on individuals by 50%.”

Previous studies have found stripes confuse a fly’s motion detection, causing them to approach at higher speeds but failing to slow in time, so they crash into their targets.

This is the first time cows have been zebra-striped for a scientific study, but researchers are aware flies are less likely to annoy horses wearing striped blankets.

Although zebras probably evolved their stripes as a form of crypsis camouflage – making them harder for predators to see – studies on them in 2012 and 2014 found stripes also cause ‘motion dazzle’, confusing biting tsetse and horseflies. Motion dazzle is familiar to people watching TV Westerns when wagon wheels appear to turn in reverse, or stripes on a barber’s pole are perceived as turning.

“This work provides an alternative to the use of conventional pesticides for mitigating biting fly attacks on livestock..” the study concluded.

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Building safety on the edge

BY ALEC SMART Residents of a four-year-old building in Sydney’s inner-southern Rosebery have been warned not to let their children play on the balconies, or allow more than three people to stand on them, after safety investigators found they were of “inadequate strength”.

Otto Rosebery, an ‘island site’ of 298 multistorey apartments bordered by four streets – Queen, Mentmore, Cressy and Rothschild – failed an inspection of the integrity of the building by Broune Group, which specialises in investigations into structural defects.

Broune’s inspector found the aluminium posts that support the balcony balustrades and window glazing did “not comply with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards”.

Strata management has since issued an urgent safety latter to residents warning “all possible precautions should be taken to avoid purposeful or accidental leaning” on the balcony balustrades because they are “structurally defective”. Additional warning posters were taped onto balcony doors.

Builders Collective of AustraliaPresident Phil Dwyer told The New Daily that the strata management “wouldn’t have put out that notice without justification”.

Drama harmer Otto’s realtors, SW Group, describe the apartment complex as “a brilliant master-planned community, featuring a mix of brand new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom light-filled apartments .. [and] .. designed to bring the spectacular views.. flooding into your home. Otto’s views are extensive, panoramic and truly dramatic...”

Except the drama is substantially increased if residents fall off their balconies trying to appreciate those views.

A letter sent to Otto apartment owners from PRDnationwide Norwest real estate, concerning possible legal proceedings, said the owners’ corporation would be “notifying the builder and

However, they have to wait until the NSW Govt deals with Icon Co. and Ecove before the compensation claims are heard to determine allegations of negligence and safety violations.

Standards must improve National building standards across Australia need to be improved, because it will improve investor confidence in the Australian property market and reassure purchasers that their home won’t become a liability, where their children fall off unsafe balconies or the buildings themselves collapse.

A report from former Prime Minister’s department head Peter Shergold and industry expert Bronwyn Weir in February 2018 warned: “Until relatively recently, there has been almost no effective regulatory oversight of the commercial building industry by regulators. Those involved in high-rise construction have been left largely to their own devices.”

A team of University of New South Wales building industry experts suggested increasing transparency around construction quality for purchasers, based on the current five-star rating system used for regulating car sales. Previously implemented in the 1990s, this failed under former New South Wales Labor Premier, Bob Carr.

Thereafter, any company, contractor or individual involved in the design, construction and acquisition of materials is expected to be qualified to NSW standards, which will presumably improve standards.

However, the NSW Govt has not confirmed whether it will repeal the NSW system of private certification, nor the exemptions from mandatory insurance for buildings over three storeys.

Of most concern to purchasers is the need to extend the statutory warranty periods of only two years for minor defects and six years for major defects. Otherwise, residents face the bill for repairs, and that can cost millions; unacceptable if the dodgy developers currently prevalent in the construction industry continue cutting corners and passing the buck.

Cracked and dangerous buildings are uninhabitable - like these Erskineville flats. Photo: Alec Smart

developer ... and, to the extent necessary, seeking to include the balustrade system within the existing Supreme Court proceedings relating to defects”.

Because Otto is four years old it is within the statutory six years warranty that covers defective buildings in NSW after completion.

Otto was built by Icon Co., the same company behind the infamous Opal Tower in Olympic Park in which cracks appeared on Xmas Eve 2018 and residents were hastily evacuated for their own safety.

In January 2019, reports emerged that horizontal support beams in the structure were possibly “not strong enough to hold precast concrete panels installed on top of them”.

The TV program A Current Affair broadcast footage obtained from a subcontractor alleging structurally unsafe materials were used in the construction of the residential high-rise. Concrete slabs, used for the hob beams, were severely cracked and patched up with filler instead of being replaced.

The Opal Tower debacle still drags on: over

150 of the 392 apartments, which were purchased for between $800,000 to $2.5 million, remain uninhabited.

Just last week, on 6 October, the NSW Government’s Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) subpoenaed Icon Co. and developer Ecove into litigation, which effectively postpones a multi-million-dollar class action launched by Opal residents in July.

Critics allege reduced inspections, shoddy work and fast-track development caused dangerous buildings Documents lodged with NSW Supreme Court reveal Opal Tower apartment owners are suing the NSW Government and SOPA, the owner of the land on which the Opal Tower sits, for compensation.

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Climate group cop bikie bail terms

BY VERONICA ANASSIS Extinction Rebellion (XR) environmental demonstrators were arrested at Broadway last Monday where they were detained and “starved” into signing “unfair” bail agreements, according to the climate change activist group. The peaceful protestors were offered “extreme” bail conditions after they claimed they were refused food for long periods by Police whilst in detention for their obstructive marches. The conditions, usually enforced on organised bikie gangs, included bans of contact with other members and even entering 2km of the CBD. At Railway Square on the day, hundreds were forcibly removed by police “aggressively” according to witnesses at the event - including pain compliance methods used to extract elderly men from being seated and lying on the road they’d blocked.

Most of the 38 members taken to local Police stations were held for over ten hours despite being allowed to be held for a maximum of six. The two members who refused to sign the bail terms were held for 17 hours - with no food.

Spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, Elly Baxter, says what occurred is a “blatant misuse of bail”: pressuring protesters to sign arbitrary terms that would have been thrown out of Court. “[After ten hours] in the middle of the night when they are exhausted and starving - they are asked to sign bail conditions,” Ms Baxter told City Hub. “They won’t be released unless they sign those bail agreements, and the Police are able make those conditions whatever they like.

“The peaceful protest was a very minor offense of blocking traffic or not following directions, where the maximum penalty is just over 2000 dollars. And [NSW Police] were using bail conditions that are imposed to break up bikie gangs,” she said.

The following day the bail terms were promptly

lying down on the street being dragged off by police and having to be taken to hospital, and he’s [sic] doing that because he wants there to be a future for his grandchildren and their grandchildren. We want the government to act but they simply won’t.

“The last thing we have left as citizens of democracy is to sacrifice our personal liberty and we do believe that it’s that serious.”

XR on Bondi Beach demonstrating against environmental disaster. Photo: Extinction Rebellion

thrown out by a Magistrate and the two XR participants were granted unconditional bail. NSW Police had no comment on their methods to secure bail agreements but said safety was always the “first priority”.

Spring surge Many major cities have been stormed with stunts of “peaceful civil disobedience” by XR as part of their one week of Spring Rebellion.

In Brisbane a protester hung suspended in a hammock from the Story Bridge last week, and 35 members were arrested for blocking traffic on William Jolly Bridge. Melbourne protestors have blocked busy roadways in underwear-clad marches showing they are “vulnerable” and “overexposed”.

The disruptions have roused hostility from Government officials for being “extreme” and a public nuisance. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told Nine Network they were radical

“outliers,” while others have branded them as “attention seekers”.

Ms Baxter admitted they have been driven to sacrifice civil liberties to get noticed.

The last thing we have left as citizens of democracy is to sacrifice our personal liberty “There is an element of it that is about attracting attention,” she told City Hub, “because we’ve been on the A to B marches that the police have approved. We’ve signed petitions. We’ve written letters. We’ve lobbied Government. And nothing has changed.

“None of us want to be here doing this,” she responded, pointing fingers at the Government who accuse them. “We’ve got 75-year-old men

Head in the sand XR’s Sydney group continued their week-long protests and hit the beaches on Friday with nondisruptive symbolic visuals concerning climate change denial. Over 100 protesters buried their heads in the sand of Manly Beach for one minute, to bring home the futility of wilfully ignoring the “climate emergency”.

The following day at Bondi Beach a giant hourglass was formed by a human chain of protesters to symbolise planet earth on borrowed time. The event also featured 20 members cloaked in crimson and painted white faces - the now recognisable Red Brigade get-up, which features in many of XR’s world-wide protests.

“As we face into the Climate Emergency, it seems many around us have their heads in the sand, afraid to face the reality of what is coming,” said organisers on the event’s Facebook page.

Locked up for lock-ons: Queensland is now banning protest lock-on devices following the XR August protests, where protesters glued themselves to roads and forced their arms into steel cylinders.

The law changes announced by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, will give police search and seizure powers where they suspect possession of devices that can attach protesters to objects. They have been deemed “dangerous devices” by the Premier due to the potential hazards and delays they pose to police to extract them from obstructed areas.

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city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

Pyrmont in the cross-hairs

BY ALLISON HORE Following the release of the results from the Greater Sydney Commission’s review of the planning protocols in Pyrmont at the end of last month, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the NSW Government’s intentions to “transform” Pyrmont into “the next jobs hub”.

“For our city and State to continue to be the jobs capital of the nation, we need this area to be revitalised. We have successfully transformed Barangaroo into a spectacular waterfront precinct and are in the midst of revitalising Central,” she explains in the announcement. “Pyrmont is the next frontier.”

Ms Berejiklian called for the review in August after the NSW Department of Planning refused to support Star Casino’s proposal for the construction of a 66-storey tower which was set to include a $500 million Ritz-Carlton hotel and 204 residences.

The tower development was part of the Star Casino’s strategy to remain competitive with Crown’s controversial luxury resort and casino development in Barangaroo, which is set to be completed in 2021. The Department of Planning ruled that the tower was not in the public’s best interest due to its poor design and “unacceptable visual impacts due to its scale”.

Market,” she said in a press release. “A simplified planning framework replacing the restrictive, outof-date planning controls must now be a priority for Government.”

Planning Minister Rob Stokes, despite rejecting the Star Casino’s proposal, thinks there needs to be a balance between new developments and heritage.

“We can support larger-scale development and maintain the unique heritage nature of Pyrmont.

It’s not an either/or choice,” Mr Stokes said in a press release. “However, we must plan for the precinct strategically, rather than on a site-bysite basis, to ensure the long-term livability and sustainability of the area.”

Star Casino’s initial tower proposal is now before the NSW Independent Planning Commission for review. Although there is still a chance that the proposal will pass the Independent Planning Commission’s review process, the commission usually follows the advice of the Department of Planning.

Pyrmont, seen here in 1892 with the original timber bridge, will be ‘revitalised’.

Photo: FredHardie_ WikimediaCommons

Pyrmont into its separate sub districts, including Darling Harbour, Ultimo and Wentworth Park, and identifying the defining characteristics of these areas. The new regulations would then be based on the character and potential of each area.

The report also stressed the importance of a “collaborative approach” between state government, industry, council and community representation in making planning decisions.

Place-based approach needed The commission held meetings with, or collected written submissions from, representatives of the NSW government, local government, members of the community and representatives of industry.

The review determined that a place-based approach Berejiklian, ignoring report, must be implemented for the planning procedures to insists Pyrmont will be the next be “fit for purpose” and to deliver on the plans laid new development hub out in the NSW government’s 2018 “Greater Sydney Region Plan” and “Eastern City District Plan”.

This place-based approach would look at the Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomed area more “holistically” for planning purposes, and the recommendation of a place-based approach, not make decisions on a site-by-site basis. but told the Sydney Morning Herald that in order for it to work the NSW Government needs to be This approach would also involve dividing

transparent with council and the community about its plans for public assets.

“We need real place-making that takes into account transport, public space, solar access and, importantly, community consultation, like we’ve done across the city,” she says.

“The City of Sydney stands ready to lead this process, but such a collaboration will require the state government to be more transparent about its intentions for development of sites it owns, such as The Star casino, Fish Markets and the Powerhouse Museum sites.”

Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, Katherine O’Regan, also welcomed the recommendations to the building guidelines which she says are “confusing and complex and in need of overhauling”.

“This will allow the Western Harbour precinct to thrive, completing the corridor from Barangaroo to Darling Harbour and the new Fish

Challenging to the eye However, things are not looking good for the Star Casino. A review from Yvonne von Hartel, the architect appointed by the Independent Planning Commission to assess the proposal, is even more damning than the initial analysis.

“The built form of the proposed development is challenging to the eye and the mind; a tower that tapers inwards at its base is contrary to common sense; the eye expects a thickening at the base not a constriction,” she concludes. “The tower itself is not sleek – rather it is a combination of cylindrical and part cylindrical forms which start and stop apparently randomly.”

Whether or not the recommendations and conclusions drawn by the Greater Sydney Commission will influence the Independent Planning Commission’s decision remains to be seen. Public comments on the proposal closed at the end of last month.

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city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

7

Opinion

Discontent over TAP Gallery DA

BY ANDREW WOODHOUSE The former TAP Gallery site at 87 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst, is subject to a NSW Land and Environment Court case beginning 5 November 2019. At issue is the new owner’s development application (DA) for a multi-storey apartment block in this historic precinct.

The TAP Gallery was formed in 1989 and was reminiscent of an older, bohemian kind of Sydney. Boasting a year-round program of group shows and solo exhibitions, it had the community at its heart and a deep affection for honest art. The artist-run initiative favoured more inclusive and diverse programming, inviting artists to hang their work in their themed group shows.

Originally at 10 Taylor Street, Surry Hills, TAP Gallery was approved in 1993 by the then South Sydney Council as a “Community Arts Centre”.

this is a “a shocking design” that is out of character with its Heritage Conservation Area and its quaint 1860s former Darlinghurst Gaol staff homes.

“The developers are real buggers,” she said, “and at no stage did they take the time to talk to residents. Everyone in the street knows each other and looks out for one another.”

The conciliation meeting called by Sydney Council in March 2019 failed to achieve anything. DA 2017/1332, estimated to cost about $2.8 million, was rejected by council’s Expert Design Panel. The DA was formally rejected on 7 November 2018. The issue has been dragging on ever since.

Not happy, Council Lesley Dimmick OAM, TAP Gallery Founder and Manager, remembers they changed the name to TAP to reflect its history; Taylor at Palmer [street]. She recalls the gallery was booted out of its Palmer Street site by Sydney Council and said she is “not happy” with the way they were treated by the new developers and council and the fact that the site has been left vacant for so long.

The TAP relocated to its present intimate space at 259 Riley Street, Surry Hills late last year, where it also curates plays and art classes as well as its previous program. See www.tapgallery.org.au The first 2017 DA for the site was for part demolition and ten new apartments.

The developer has appealed the Planning Panel’s decision and lodged an amended design for nine apartments, but this does not satisfy objectors. Ms Ingram notes that four storeys is overbearing and out of keeping with the local area. The amended plans are substantially the same as those refused by the Local Planning Panel in November 2018.

The DA fails to address the real reasons why it was refused. Rather than maintaining the strong two-storey horizontal plane, the DA increases the proposed height by up to five metres in places, and this has an overbearing physical and visual effect. The plans also propose an “adaptable” apartment, although it’s not clear what this is.

it’s not a DA but an EA – an exploitation applications

The former TAP arts hub and gallery redevelopment may increase urban density.

Photo: Andrew Woodhouse

The DA proposal backs onto Sherbrook Street with a four-storey façade faced with metal cladding in a two-storey streetscape.

Judy Ingram, a neighbour, may only be just over five foot tall but she can roar like a lion. Over 30 objections have raised

issues such as overshadowing, reduced privacy, height control excesses, loss of sunlight, excavation noise and structural instability, increased on-street car parking, and Airbnb letting for tiny apartments as small as 30 square metres. Ms Ingram says

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Other apartments include brutalist-style off-form concrete work and a bedroom with windows looking directly onto the footpath at eye level.

Spurious claims Council has previously been vigorous in maintaining the current height limits and recently rejected a DA for a dormer window facing Sherbrook Street. The newly amended DA would breach this planning principle and create a dangerous precedent. The proposed rear balcony with 100 square metres of glass and windows over three floors looks directly onto neighbours’ backyards and adds to adverse noise and amenity impacts.

“They are real pricks”, says a feisty Ms Ingram. “Council claims that loss of sunlight is not an issue as a large tree already does this.” However, the tree is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter, providing added winter warmth and vitamin D that is much needed by elderly residents living nearby.

Council’s argument is spurious.

So it’s not a DA but an EA; an exploitation application.

The developers paid $6 million for the site, hoping for a quick buck, but the market has slumped, putting financial pressure on them to maximise returns, and perhaps seeking to over-develop the small site.

Those still wishing to make submissions can ask for permission to lodge a late submission: go to dasubmissions@ cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Ms Ingram hopes council will not cave in at court and compromise local ratepayers’ liveability.

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city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

Ready to create some hubbub?

Send resume and cover letter to Publisher Lawrence Gibbons lawrence@altmedia.net.au

Houston, we have a problem with you

Pent-up problem Houston was investigated and censured by the Commission for covering up the paedophile past of his father, preacher Frank Houston, who molested at least

nine boys, although he only publicly admitted one prior to his death in 2004.

The Commission’s findings would be grounds enough for Trump’s administration to permanently prevent Houston junior from setting foot on American soil, let alone this week with Scott Morrison.

The Commission’s report stated: “We are satisfied that, in 1999 and 2000, Pastor Brian Houston and the national executive of the Assemblies of God in Australia did not refer the allegations of child sexual abuse against Mr Frank Houston to the police.

“We consider that a conflict of interest first arose when Pastor Brian Houston decided to respond to the allegations by confronting his father while simultaneously maintaining his roles as national president (of the Assemblies of God in Australia) and senior pastor.

A Royal Commission found Houston didn’t refer child sex allegations against his father to police “The commissioners express the view that the NSW executive failed to appoint a contact person for the complainant, interview the complainant, have the state or national executive interview the alleged perpetrator, or record any of the steps it took.”

Frank Houston, a Pentecostal Christian pastor in the Assemblies of God Church in New Zealand and Australia, was originally trained by the Salvation Army before

Hillsong Church, like the Catholic Church, has become synonymous with the cover-up of child molestation. Photo: Alec Smart

defecting from Methodism to Baptism. In 1977 Frank Houston moved his family to Sydney and founded the Sydney Christian Life Centre in Darlinghurst, which over time expanded to 20+ centres and eventually came under the leadership of his son Brian.

In 1983, the revised church, which started in the assembly hall of Baulkham Hills Public School, was renamed Hills Christian Life Centre, before merging into Hillsong Church.

Cover-up Over the years, Frank Houston interfered with several young boys, one of whom, Brett Sengstock, told Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes TV program that he had been systematically groped and abused during a five-year period, between

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Snails Snails in the shell with garlic parsley butter in the shell with garlic parsley

Building E, Level 7 695 Harris Street Ultimo NSW

LUNCH

DINNER

12:00 - 2:00pm

6:00 - 9:00pm

To book online: sydneytafe.edu.au/theapprentice Email:

SI.TheApprentice@tafensw.edu.au

Phone:

(02) 9217 5527

COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGE Enjoy a free glass of wine, beer or soft drink on our Tuesday service.

butter Calamari golden fried, tossed in salt and Calamari pepper…w aioli golden fried,garlic tossed in salt and Potato Gnocchi pepper…w garlic aioli tomato, basil, wine, garlic, Potato Gnocchi Shallots & parmesan

OO YS BBYY DA NN SSUU

BOOK NOW!

the ages of 7 and 12, which left him feeling “like he was murdered”.

In 1999, following a complaint by Sengstock’s mother that her son had been sexually abused, Hillsong Church investigated the allegations, many of which took place whilst Frank Houston was the leader of the Assemblies of God Church in New Zealand between Dec 1965 and June 1977.

Brian Houston, now National President of the Assemblies of God in Australia, asked his father to resign – Frank confessed, then retired on a pension – and despite investigations revealing further credible reports of Frank’s sexual abuse of at least eight other young boys, which Brian Houston and the Assemblies of God executive council were legally obligated to report to police, they chose not do so.

Another victim, known as AHA, reported to the Commission that Frank Houston, while staying with his family in 1970, would come into his room “nearly every night of the week” and sexually molest him.

The commission heard that in 2000, when AHA confronted Frank about the abuse, he was offered $10,000 in exchange for his signature on a dirty napkin at a meeting with him and a Hillsong Church elder at Thornleigh McDonalds.

Hillsong church has historically close links to the Liberal Party. For example, In 1998, Brian Houston met with then Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, and most of his cabinet in Canberra to conduct prayers. In 2002, Prime Minister John Howard reciprocated the friendship by opening a new Hillsong Convention Centre in Baulkham Hills. Following that, the Liberal Party Treasurer of Australia, Peter Costello, addressed its 2004 and 2005 conferences.

Hillsong Church, which declares the Bible as without error and the absolute authority in matters of faith, believes wrong-doers can be forgiven for past evils if they repent and embrace their evangelical Protestantism. Followers, of which there are hundreds of millions worldwide and perhaps 100,000 in Australia, embrace baptism, charismatic gifts, divine healing, miracles and speaking in tongues.

NSW Police recently confirmed that Pastor Brian Houston is still being investigated over his suppression of an unspecified number of sex crimes against boys committed by his father Frank Houston.

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BY ALEC SMART Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismissed as ‘gossip’ but didn’t deny the report in the Wall Street Journal that he sought a visa for his spiritual mentor, Pentecostal minister Brian Houston, to accompany him on his visit to the USA on his new jet – Shark One – for a state banquet with President Trump.

Houston himself tweeted via Twitter: “The story that is circulating in the media that Mr Morrison wanted to invite me to the Whitehouse is completely false. The PM never contacted me about this and I know nothing about it.”

In a further public statement, he said: “The PM never contacted me about this and I know nothing about it. As far as I’m concerned this is a baseless rumour and totally false news.

“Attempts to link this untrue story to the Royal Commission are unconscionable.”

The Royal Commission Houston refers to is the 2013-announced Royal Commission into the International Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which delivered its final report on 15 December 2017.

According to the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, “The Royal Commission inquired into how allegations and incidents of child sexual abuse and related matters that occurred in an institutional context have been managed and responded to.”

Mains Mains

Coq au vin Coq au vinBoneless chicken Sous-vide Sous-vide Boneless chicken w bacon, onion, garlic, and w bacon, onion, and mushrooms in a garlic, rich red wine mushrooms in a rich red wine sauce

sauceBourguignon Beef The french slow cooked Beefclassic Bourguignon beef The classic french slow cooked Pork beef Belly Sous-vide finished w cumin & Pork Belly spice red wine glaze

Sous-vide finished w cumin &

Atlantic Fillet spice redSalmon wine glaze Sous-vide w basil, lime & aAtlantic chilli oilSalmon Fillet

Wagyu Rump* Wagyu Rump* steak 6+ 250 gm steak 6+ 250 gm Sous-vide grain-fed served with Sous-vide grain-fed green pepper sauceserved with green pepper sauce (ex tra $5 if part of set menu)

(extra $5 if part of set menu) Des serts

Desserts Crème Brulee Rich Chocolate Crème Brulee Mousse Panacotta Rich Chocolate Mousse Classic Crème Caramel Panacotta Pavlova Classic Crème Caramel Brie, and croutons Pavlova Brie, and croutons

Sous-vide w basil, Lamb Shoulder (forlime 2) & a chilli oil cooked, herb crusted, 14 hrs slow served w tzatziki(for and2)side of Lamb Shoulder SET rosemary & garlic sauce 14 hrs slow cooked, herb crusted, (also part of 3 Course Set Menu) served w tzatziki and side of grilled, Cypriot cheese with olives PRICE Scallops* Duck breast* rosemary & garlic sauce & artichokes salad, fig glaze large Canadian scallops, MENU Sous-vide finished, (also part & ofpan 3 Course Set Menu) seared on, eggplant & Scallops* served pink on sweet & Choice of any Duckcherry breast* sour sauce red relish largepepper Canadian scallops, Sous-vide & pan fi nished, (extra $5 if part of set menu) courses* (extra part of set seared$4 on,if eggplant & menu) served pink on sweet & Filet Mignon* (entree, main & dessert) King Prawns* sour cherrywrapped sauce in bacon, red pepper relish Sous-vide, Shelled and Sizzling with roasted (extra $5 if part of set menu) (extra $4 if part of set menu) served with medley of exotic garlic, butter & v olive oil mushrooms, sauce.

Filet Mignon* (entree, main also & dessert) a la carte menu available King Prawns* (extra $5 ifwrapped part of set menu) (extra $4 if part of set menu) Sous-vide, in bacon, tomato, basil, wine, garlic,

Halloumi Shallots & parmesan grilled, Cypriot cheese with olives Halloumi & artichokes salad, fig glaze

SET PRICE 3 MENU Choice of any 3$50pp courses*

$50pp

Shelled and Sizzling with roasted served with medley of exotic 99 Redfern Street Redfern P: 8073 4270 E: reservations@lagrillade.com.au W: www.lagrillade.com.au garlic, butter & v olive oil mushrooms, sauce. a la carte menu also available (extra $5 if part of set menu) (extra $4 if part of set menu) 99 Redfern Street Redfern P: 8073 4270 E: reservations@lagrillade.com.au W: www.lagrillade.com.au city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

9

FEATURE

Wrestling With Pride

the performers City Hub spoke with explained the wrestling fanbase in Sydney is incredibly warm and welcoming for LGBTQ performers.

Or as Milano explained with a bit of a giggle, “Wherever I wrestle now the reaction is incredible, and I don’t even have to do anything half the time. I feel that because I am so true to myself in my character and offer that fun perspective that helps people escape their own lives people have a different connection with me.”

This was a sentiment echoed by Van Blair, “companies that refuse to book LGBTQ wrestlers are only causing a detriment to themselves now because we’re doing so well at the moment. So to exclude that portion of wrestlers that could bring attention to your show means you’re also excluding a certain fanbase.”

The companies which have found success utilising LGBTQ performers have done so by being firmly on the front foot in regards to stamping out negative behaviour. Which has in turn seen the fan communities adopt this attitude themselves. According to Milano, “it’s often the crowd that will act first and tell people who are saying awful things to shut up and then security will intervene and remove the troublemakers.”

Looking forward, the next step in the LGBTQ wrestling revolution will be the elimination of gender-based divisions. Which is something Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) has been doing for some time informally, but only recently made

Scarlett Bordeaux vs Nikki Van Blair.

Photo: New Photography Studios

By Jamie Apps When people think of wrestling there are a few key names which immediately spring to mind.

Those names being Hulk Hogan, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena and Ric Flair.

What these names often represent to people is a very macho, testosterone-fuelled world.

When it comes to our homegrown Australian talent and wrestling scene we should think of wrestling in a very different light. In particular three local Sydney based performers are body slamming the macho stereotypes and proving that the LGBTQ community can be just as fierce, powerful and iconic as anybody else.

The three wrestlers at the forefront of the LGBTQ revolution in Australian wrestling are ‘The Python Powerhouse’ Steph De Lander, Silvio Milano and Nikki Van Blair. Whilst these three performers are still in the relatively early stages of their careers they have already helped to reshape the way wrestling promotions and fans view LGBTQ performers.

In the past wrestling tended to have very few LGBTQ characters portrayed on shows. And as a result, there were very few role models for young LGBTQ fans, which upon reflection Nikki Van Blair explained was difficult.

“It would have been nice to see a positive gay role model to identify with so that I didn’t feel like an outsider.”

Despite not having any LGBTQ role models Van Blair was unafraid to pursue his dream, and certainly didn’t feel it was necessary to hide his sexuality when he did so.

“The first day I walked into training I was myself 100%,” explained Van Blair,“I remember I had pink and blue hair, a top that I had tied up at the front and I was wearing my trademark tiny shorts.”

Whilst Van Blair was always open about his sexuality and received warmly by his trainers and fellow trainees that experience, unfortunately, wasn’t shared by Silvio Milano.

“I started training when I was 15 and wasn’t always open about my sexuality because I was obviously still very young and dealing with a lot of that inside myself,” recalled Milano. “I didn’t get much of an open vibe from trainers.”

Silvio Milano.

Photo: New Photography Studios

Thankfully for Milano, there are multiple training schools available to aspiring wrestlers in Sydney and as such he was able to switch to a more accepting environment at the Pro Wrestling Academy.

“Once I got a lot more creative control and the people around me were a lot more accepting of my sexuality I was able to push further. Which made me realise why I wanted to stick with wrestling,” said Milano.

Also training at the Pro Wrestling Academy when Milano joined was another LGBTQ wrestler, Steph De Lander. Although it wasn’t until recently that De Lander revealed to the world via social media that she was in fact bisexual.

“I wouldn’t say that I actively hid it but I also didn’t really talk about it until around the time I made my post,” De Lander told City Hub before continuing, “I just reached a point where I didn’t want to have to feel like I had to lie about what I was doing. I felt like I’m 22 years old so I should be able to be in a relationship with whoever I want to be in a relationship with or do whatever I want to do without feeling like I have to now start being secretive.”

As open and proud LGBTQ performers De Lander, Milano and Van Blair have been at the forefront of acceptance and positive attitude changes within the wrestling community.

It’s not just the wrestling promotions which have made huge leaps forward though. As all of

formal when they made their women’s championship genderless. A move which according to De Lander can only be a positive step forward, “having fluidity between the championships and the fighters by not creating divisions based on gender is a very forward thing, and I hope that again this opens up more opportunities for people who are hesitant for whatever reason to start their career in wrestling.”

The progress of the Australian wrestling industry will be on show this weekend at PWA’s two-day event, Colosseum. As part of the Colosseum showcase, De Lander will be competing in a number one contenders match on night two.

PWA Black Label pres. Colosseum 2019. Oct 18-19. Max Watts,The Entertainment Quarter, Lang Rd, Moore Park. $24-$51.55+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.maxwattstickets.oztix.com.au 10

city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

IN LOVING MEMORY

TAKE THE ICONS OF SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE ON HISTORIC 1943 MOTOR LAUNCH HARMAN!

JOHN O’DEA 8 March 1932 - 20 September 2019 It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to long-time ACON volunteer, MAG member and much-loved community stalwart John O’Dea. Through his tireless community service, John made such a significant contribution to our communities.

John was an integral part of the ACON Packers team. The ACON Packers are a group of dedicated volunteers that assemble over 200,000 safesex packs every year for distribution throughout NSW – and John was instrumental in this effort for over 25 years! Since the early 1990s, John diligently and selflessly volunteered his time and efforts to ACON – a contribution that was recognised with a Health and Wellbeing Award at Honour 2012.

John was kind and gentle, a person who always put others before himself, and ACON pays a heartfelt tribute to him for his passion, commitment, kindness and service to our communities. He was amazing.

Guided group tours for 15-24 passengers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Ideal for Probus Groups, Clubs, Retirement villages and more Exclusive Meal Deal available when you book by phoning 02 9298 3888

Photo by Robert Knapman

Think you know all Sydney’s icons?

Our Sydney Harbour cruise will show you some lesser-known, even forgotten icons, best viewed from the water.

A controversial icon? We have that, too, and the first 21st century icon. Then there are five islands, two of which are no longer islands, and an island which is no longer a garden. Plus the garden that’s Australia’s oldest scientific institution. Join us, and explore them all!

John is greatly missed by all of us here at ACON.

Vale John – and thank you.

*Due to the heritage nature of this vessel, this tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

BOOK NOW! Phone: 02 9298 3888 Email: info@shf.org.au www.shf.org.au city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

11

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Morning Sacrifice It is a rare occasion indeed when audiences get to see a play by such a renowned writer from an earlier generation.

Thanks to Rough Hewn Theatre Troupe’s founder Geoff Cartwright, audiences can enjoy Dymphna Cusack’s play Morning Sacrifice, which is billed as her response to “years of dissatisfaction with teaching” in the education system of the day, namely the late 1930s.

What attracted director Geoff Cartwright to this play? He says that it “aspires to a more innovative and lively teaching practice.”

Cartwright admits that the syntax and dialogue may be out of common usage, but “the play’s dialectic on education’s purpose and its advocacy

for a greater place for women in the work force remain vibrantly alive.”

Love is a major concern of Cusack’s play, which “posits lovelessness as the root of bitterness and lack of generosity in human relationships,” Cartwright says.

“There are myriad reasons love may elude people. The absence of love in a life may lead to insularity and bitterness. The generous see love as a positive; the loveless often see it as irksome.”

Rough Hewn Theatre Troupe was formed 13 years ago at the invitation of Stella Maris College staff, who looked at the school’s resources and wanted to offer a place for wider community use.

The company provided opportunities for young

Evie McCutcheon & Taylor Owynns

people to practise their craft until such time as they might head off to drama school or become drama teachers.

It is a logical extension of Stella Maris’ education of young women as well as allowing more experienced women a place in the company. (ID) Until Oct 26.The Star Of The Sea Theatre, Cnr Iluka Ave & Collingwood St, Manly. $15$30+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.trybooking.com

Natives Go Wild their burlesque/cabaret/circus/theatre show, Natives Go Wild.

“It’s the other story of PT Barnum - his stealing and exploiting natives to use in his worldwide little conundrums of the circus world,” explains Haka.

The romanticised history of circus entertainment ignores an underbelly of horrible mistreatment, bigotry, oppression and worse.

Many indigenous people were literally kidnapped and enslaved.

“I have been amazed at the silence of the worldwide media,” says Haka, referring to the reserved response regarding The Greatest Showman. Natives Go Wild aims to redress the misrepresentation. “PT Barnum gets mentioned in a very caring, loving, new millennium kind of

A recent, very successful movie about a certain circus showman depicted him as a benevolent, charismatic entrepreneur, but failed to reveal the darker aspects of ‘the greatest show on Earth’.

Mika Haka and a talented troupe of First Nation performers present a very different picture in

Bondi Legal

Michael Arvithis & Jadie Bastow

Lightweight and fun, Bondi Theatre Company’s Bondi Legal is based on the true-life case playwright Toby Laumberg encountered early in his legal career. Directed by Richard Cotter, it’s much of a David vs Goliath situation, in which the plaintiff, Frances (Jadie Bastow) and her bumbling lawyer, Brad Pitt (Michael Arvithist), attempt to find justice against a chemical corporation’s product that allegedly caused her daughter’s prize pony to lose all its hair.

When her the regular solicitor Frank (Valentino Arico) goes on holiday, the overwrought locum Brad Pitt (no relation!)

a&e

12

city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

arrives, or rather stumbles, into Frank’s Bondi law office. Pitt is strictly a conveyancer, with a phobia of appearing in court. He has less than two hours to prepare, but Frank wants nothing else than to get out of town, and does. Whilst Pitt splutters and bumbles, Frances insists that the universe will provide, though also senses there is a disturbance in the alignment of the stars.

What follows is an amusing demonstration of the pratfalls and pitfalls of the legal system.

Faced with the superiority of the corporation’s legal counsel, Simon Crookwell (David Evan Samuels), the majesty of the Magistrate (Tricia Youlden) and the scathing indifference of the holidaying solicitor, the hapless Pitt has a meltdown. Believing himself to be a gorilla, his unconventional methods, bolstered by his client’s New Age hocus-pocus, provide a lively foray into courtroom proceedings. Including one piece of evidence, a photo of the pony’s hairless posterior, that was submitted as evidence in the actual trial. Neigh! (OA) Until Oct 26. Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. $20-$35+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au

12 14 15 15

STAGE SCENE Sounds SCREEN

way,” says Haka, tongue firmly in cheek.

Conceived and written by Rhoda Roberts, the show brings together an extraordinary cast of Aboriginal, Tongan, Fijian, and Maori performers.

“We’ve got singers and poets and contortionists and native dance and gospel singers and hip-hop and RnB; and then you’ve got queer, crazy, gender fluid…I think the cast is perfect for this type of thing,” says Haka.

The characters are based on real people and there is a narrative thread that ties the acts. It’s a stunning display of physical feats, incredible skill, cheeky humour, beautiful artistry, and cultural pride. (RB) Oct 22-27. Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $39-$59+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Art Attack So we see the famed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is coming to ANZ Stadium and … wait, Military what?

Turns out a “tattoo” in this context is a massive military drum battalion, with a lot of other instruments thrown in for fun.

The basic idea: Phalanxes of Scottish drummers march around the field in front of a replica of the Edinburgh Castle. Sounds like a rocking good time to us.You’ll see a cast of some 1400 players. In the mix: Pipe bands, highland dancers, fiddlers and precision drill teams, with Australian Defence Force Bands thrown in for good measure, and all, as it says here, “in an inimitable mix of music, ceremony, military tradition, theatre, dance and Celtic folklore.”

And Art Attack has just heard from our host, the Michael Cassel Group, that all tickets are now $79!

Oct 17-19. ANZ Stadium, Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park. $79+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.edinburghtattoosydney.com In answer to your question, yes, Disney is in the process of taking over the world or at least the entertainment part of it, what with Marvel and Pixar and Star Wars and The Lion King and, in case you’ve forgotten, Frozen, the 2013 animated movie musical that turned into a 2017 hit real-live Broadway musical. That iteration is finally making its way to Sydney. It will hit town in July 2020; what you need to know now is that tix go on sale this weekend.

Our ruling Mouse Overlords suggest that you sign up for the waitlist to order tickets by Sunday at www.frozenthemusical.com.au whilst the tickets themselves go on sale Monday at 9 am.

Cirque Du So Lamp Jordan Raskopoulos has been working in the entertainment industry for over 15 years, making her way throughout Australia and overseas. She is a musician, a comedian and a live entertainment all-rounder, and through her work in the industry, Jordan noticed an empty space. The premiere of her new show Cirque Du So Lamp at the Giant Dwarf theatre will fill that space – a pandemonic variety show packed full to the brim with talent and entertainment. The show will include comedy, cabaret, drama, music, magic, drag and a whole lot more.

“I’ve found that in Australia and in Australian festivals it wasn’t really an environment to kind of marry all these disciplines, all these weird and wonderful things and acts into one festival,” said Jordan.

Cirque Du So Lamp is all about fostering a space for a wide and inclusive variety of performers, with Jordan saying, “I want to create a place where comedy and drag and cabaret and drama can all kind of blend as one in one show and create a place where all that can happen.”

Performers featuring on the night include Demi Larnder, Shanghai Sheba, Mama Medusa,

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

Cick Nave and Jordan Raskopoulos herself.

According to Jordan, audiences are in for a wild ride, “Audiences should expect the unexpected, I think we’re bringing back the phase of variety. I think come with a sense of humour, come with an open mind and expect to have an amazing time.You’ll see some weird stuff you wouldn’t normally see at a comedy!” (MB) Oct 18, Giant Dwarf Theatre, 199 Cleveland Street, Redfern. $25-$30+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.giantdwarf.com.au

Contributors: Irina Dunn, Mark Morellini, Rita Bratovich, Madison Behringer, Allison Hore, Renee Lou Dallow, Alannah Maher.

RETRO HORROR

MANGA EXHIBITION Love horror? Love manga? Check out RETRO HORROR: Supernatural and the Occult in Postwar Japanese Manga. See over 70 original drawings plus reproductions of iconic works, then get comfy in the reading lounge with more than 80 horror comics in English and Japanese.

ADMISSION FREE OCT 18 - JAN 24 The Japan Foundation, Sydney Level 4, Central Park 28 Broadway Chippendale 2008 (access via lifts)

jpf.org.au/retro-horror

Part of the HORROR MANGA JAPAN event program at The Japan Foundation, Sydney.

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

CHEERS TO 25 YEARS!

25 YEARS YEARS

Twenty-five years ago, we opened the doors on one of the most remarkable arts centres in Sydney. Join us for a special day to celebrate these 25 years of community, creativity and culture.

SAT 26 OCT

BELLBIRD

TRACEY MOFFATT

BODY REMEMBERS EXHIBITION

ON NOW UNTIL 10 NOV 2-3PM BRANCH NEBULA

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

returns to CPAC with a 30 minute choreographed performance where bodies and wheels collide on a custom skate ramp next to our graffiti tanks, fusing parkour, dance, BMX riding and hip hop.

3-5PM SPEECHES & TOASTS

Surprise guests will give toasts over the course of the afternoon. PLUS we've invited some of the most exciting young Australian artists to develop works that will be performed throughout the event.

Celebrate local, seasonal, affordable and accessible food at Bellbird Dining + Bar this spring!

OPEN DAILY 9AM-3PM 5-7PM CPAC LIVE

Join us for the finale of a talent quest, featuring the best of the West. With special performances from judges including Jet Valencia of Kookies n’ Kream and Dayong of Juse Crew.

WWW.CASULAPOWERHOUSE.COM OPEN DAILY GALLERY ENTRY IS FREE! city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

13

Much Ado About Nothing Zindzi Okenyo. Photo: Pierre Toussain

Like all of Shakespeare’s comedies, Much Ado About Nothing has its dark moments.

The play is about two pairs of lovers. One pair is of noble birth; their names are Claudio and Hero. The other pair is, let’s say, middle-class, and they are called Beatrice and Benedick.

The first pair have a somewhat formal relationship as befits their high-born status, while Beatrice and Benedick indulge in witty but often sharp-edged banter that reflects a more democratic relationship.

Claudio proves to be a jealous lover, and when he humiliates Hero at the altar in a shocking scene of betrayal, we feel for the rejected bride.

As director James Evans says, the play is “much ado about everything, – love, betrayal, trust, family and toxic masculinity,” the latter referring to Claudio’s behaviour.

Because Beatrice and Benedick

are able to listen to each other, Evans thinks this sets them up for “a healthier future than Claudio and Hero,” whose relationship starts with Claudio’s vicious conduct.

Evans believes that “Rather than endorsing one couple over another… Shakespeare backs the women and their struggle to be heard over the din of men talking.”

Evans has a favourite scene, the one in which Benedick and Beatrice first declare their love for each other.

Benedick says: “I do love nothing in the world so well as you – is not that strange?”

Beatrice responds: “I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest”.

“Beautiful!” says Evans. “Perfect Shakespeare.” (ID) Oct 22-Nov 24. Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $45-$85+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

THE NAKED CITY

SLEEPOVER SYDNEY

WITH COFFIN ED Spending a night or two in a unique location, often in your own city, is nothing new.Whether you are roughing it in a sleeping bag for charity, glamping on Cockatoo Island or throwing your own backyard slumber party, the popular concept has been around for years.

Taronga Park, which has conducted sleepovers at the zoo for many years, has recently announced a super upmarket 62 room ecoretreat. Room rates start at a whopping $790 for two adults, which includes meals and what they bill as “immersive and exclusive Australian animal experiences.” The money, of course, goes to a good cause, in particular, the zoo’s various conservation programs, but they are obviously targeting cashed-up tourists and locals.

We’ve certainly come a long way since the elephant rides were scrapped in 1976.

Meanwhile on Cockatoo Island, for a lot less financial outlay, you can bed down for the night in a well-equipped tent for the night or two. Laid out in rows and decidedly remote from the rest of Sydney, the tent city almost parallels the kind of refugee camp you would experience on Manus or Nauru.The only difference here being that you can get off the island anytime you like when there’s a ferry leaving.

Sydney has certainly embraced the sleepover concept, particularly the idea of roughing it in a sleeping bag for the night to enjoy an unusual location or raise money for charity.There are a number of winter sleepouts directed at the corporate sector with their CEO’s often rolling out their $500 dollar Paddy Pallin swags for the night.

We’ve had sleepovers at the Opera House and convict sleepovers at the Hyde Park Barracks where kids get to spend the night in a hammock and experience the life of a colonial convict, minus the floggings and abject cruelty. But what about some even more creative experiences that could well make us the sleepover capital of the world? Here are just a few suggestions: THE NSW PARLIAMENT DOZE OFF: What could be more boring than sitting in the public gallery of the NSW Parliament as accusations fly backwards and forwards in the bear pit.Yes, you have heard it all before but now’s the chance to settle in for the night in your specially built Smokey Dawson recliner chair.You spend a blissful night there and in the morning are awoken to the Premier herself serving you tea and an arrowroot

Art Attack

submission.

Mea Culpa takes the viewer on an absorbing and Cloé Fournier, French-Australian multisensuous journey, where women stomp their feet disciplinary artist, presents her newest work, a and hiss in quest of salvation, freedom and selfgutsy piece of dance theatre called Mea Culpa, liberation. with FORM Dance Projects at Riverside Theatres Oct 17-18. Riverside Theatres, Church and on October 18 and 19.

Market Streets, Parramatta. $35-$28+b.f.

Featuring intriguing movement and spoken word, Tickets & Info: www.form.org.au Mea Culpa depicts the dramas played out amongst seven female bodies in a futuristic society who Let’s get loud! This Friday, October 18, as it’s bear the pressures from an ever-present invisible Loud Shirt Day. Let’s all put on our loudest, power, referred to as “IT”, which keeps them in brightest, most cacophonous shirts, all for a good

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NIGHT TRAIN TO LITHGOW (and back): The homeless have been riding it for years but NSW Trains offers a unique nocturnal experience leaving Central at 12.20 am and returning in the early morning. Cheaper than staying even in a pod hotel and there’s a complimentary doona, fluffy slippers and snack pack.You might even get to meet some of the regular homeless passengers and learn how tough they are doing it.

THE HYDE PARK INTERACTIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE: If you can’t afford the Taronga Park eco-retreat who not bed down in Hyde Park for the night and enjoy all the assorted fauna that this urban oasis has to offer. Cheeky possums will root around your sleeping bag for any discarded snacks as will rats and the occasional seagull.A highlight of the sunrise is a group of marauding ibis surrounding you in homage to Hitchcock’s The Birds. Make sure you have a few food scraps to placate them!

THE GREAT DARLING HARBOUR LI-LO FLOAT IN: The idea of floating around Cockle Bay on a li-lo all night is definitely going to appeal to at least a section of the population.A Sydney Festival or Chinese New Year fringe event, it’s bound to create interest with each of the li-lo’s illuminated with flashing LED lights. Lifeguards would be on hand to counter any accidental deflation and a floating portaloo would be on hand for that call of nature during the night.

cause, which raises funds for kids with hearing loss in general and the Shepherd Center—a leading children’s charity giving these Aussie kids the gift of speech and sound—in particular.

How to participate? Go to the group’s web site at www.loudshirtday.com.au and sign up to pledge cash or raise money.

The Sydney Night Noodle Markets are here, all week in the CBD in Hyde Park.And this year Jacob’s Creek,Australia’s largest wine brand, is popping up to complement the bustling Asian street food festival

with a range of wines perfectly paired for every kind of spicy, salty, sour or sweet delicacy.

The Jacob’s Creek Wine Tipi will be waiting for those seeking an escape from the hustle and crowds, providing the perfect spot for those wanting to grab a seat under cover and enjoy a glass of wine with their favourite fare.

Jacob’s Creek wines have been expertly matched to Sydney’s best restaurants and dishes for you to enjoy the ultimate culinary wine moment in style and comfort. Blankets will be provided!

Oct 11-18. Hyde Park, Elizabeth St, Sydney.

Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art 2019

ABC SEAMLESS ROOFING DISCOUNTERS

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biscuit in a wonderful initiative to bring pollies and voters together.

city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

For yet another year the Performance Space at Carriageworks will welcome an illuminating and intriguing program of experimental art to Sydney.

The Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art draws works from all across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Each year the event brings some of the regions most groundbreaking and special artists together to push the boundaries of artistic work.

Another major part of the festival is the opportunity for artists and the public to partake in a range of workshops and seminars (known as conversations) detailing how various artists use their chosen medium to express ideas and meaning.

This year’s festival will be showcasing

Choy Ka Fai, Unbearable Darkness.

Photo: Katja Illner

five newly commissioned major works, and three Australian premieres. The festival has also expanded its free three world premiere performances,

event offerings this year, particularly in regards to the new late-night music program.

“This year’s celebration of experimental art converges around two central themes: our program of Feminist Sound features women and non-binary artists who champion the intersection of sound art, experimental music and performance. Elsewhere, an array of Culture Disruptors challenge the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, questioning the foundation and future of our cultural identities,” said Artistic Director Jeff Khan.

Oct 17-27. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. Various Prices.Tickets & Info: www.performancespace.com.au

By Jamie Apps Over the course of the last month Australia’s own Eurovision runner-up, Dami Im, has been crisscrossing the east coast with her own special redesigned headline tour.

Before arriving in Sydney next week City Hub was able to snag some rare time to speak with Im about the inspiration behind her new music and this redesigned show.

The Dreamer tour, as it has been dubbed, is a tour formulated in celebration of Im’s recently released Live Sessions EP. According to Im this particular record, unlike all of her previous releases, focuses on the uniqueness of the live performance experience for both herself and her audience.

“When I sing my songs live to an audience it only happens once, because no show is the same as another. So I thought with this record it was important to capture that special experience and share it with more people. Whether that is for people who weren’t there or for the people who were there and simply want to continue that memory.”

One song, in particular, has been resonating with fans more than any other on this particular tour. That song being Crying Underwater.

When asked why that song seems to be connecting with audiences Im explained that it all comes down to the song’s inspirations.

“Crying Underwater is about feeling like you’re crying but no-one can actually see you feeling that sadness… I wanted to talk in a really honest way about how everybody goes

Art Attack

Dami Im

It’s time for the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival!

Who’s playing? A dazzling list of stars: First Nations jazz legend Wilma Reading from Cairns opens the festival; later you can see fiery saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and 24 year old superstar vocalist Veronica Swift. Benjamin will

also be appearing with Sydney’s 10-piece women’s jazz ensemble Pharos, led by bassist Hannah James.

There’s more: singer/songwriter Anna Setton, from São Paulo; Canadian sax composer Chelsea McBride; classically trained jazz pianist Zela Margossian; and more. There’s even a day of free shows and activities Saturday Nov 16 at the Joynton Ave Creative Centre in Zetland. Check the group website out for the full schedule.

through some dark times and feels sadness or depression at some point in their lives.”

The reactions to this song are what Im says make touring worthwhile, “Touring is fun but it’s also exhausting, so when I have those moments where I feel a connection with people it’s really meaningful and makes it all worth it.”

In order to help foster that connection with the audience Im has redesigned how she approaches live performance. During her live shows now Im says she is much “more open” and willing to “talk deeply” about her experiences and the emotions tied to particular songs.

This change in the live show was drawn out of Im by her recent run of shows at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. The shows in Adelaide totally broke the mould for a Dami Im show and was certainly a formative experience.

“I got to talk a lot more about my experience of growing up in Australia, the music industry and on X-Factor, which I haven’t really had the chance to share and talk about before. That was really scary because I had to talk about all of these experiences and the feelings I had during them but afterwards it felt so good finally opening up and sharing. There was a great reaction in the room which made me feel like people got to know me and understand me in a more vulnerable way.”

Oct 24.The Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney. $34.95-$94.95+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.metrotheatre.com.au

Nov 2-17. Various Venues. $15-$49+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.siwjf.org There’s a big blow coming to Erskinville this month. If you hear some wailin’ harp coming from the confines of the Erskinville Public School, you know you’ve crossed paths with a unique rock school that introduces your lips to the blues’ most soulful instrument.

Tony Maguire hosts the six-week course, which

Russian Resurrection Film Festival 2019 Odessa

This film festival returns for 2019 bringing a program of 16 of the finest Russian films to the big screen for enthusiasts of foreign language films to enjoy.

Festival Director Nicholas Maksymow explained that producing films in Russia has become much easier in recent years owing to the financial injection by the Russian Ministry of Culture. Producers are also collaborating and finding private finance.

“Filmmakers still have the freedom to produce any film they want, however, if the government believes that the subject matter is controversial and paints Russia in a bad light, they may possibly make it difficult for the film to achieve a national release.”

Not surprisingly, Hollywood films

dominate the Russian box office so Russian filmmakers are competing with Hollywood on a daily basis.“If there’s a huge Hollywood film being released the Russian film producers would try and delay the release of their films so they’re not competing on opening weekend with these blockbusters.”

Australian audiences should find these Russian films relatable.

“They provide a good insight into life in Russia particularly the contemporary films. I hope they realise in a lot of aspects that Russians aren’t very different to the west.When you see the problems that people face in Russia, they are pretty much the same problems that people face in the west, so from that point of view that’s the general message and feeling that would come through the themes of these films.” (MMo)

Bad//Dreems Doomsday Ballet

The pub rock band Bad//Dreams has just completed their third album Doomsday Ballet, a collection of 12 hardcore songs about the confused state of the world we live in.

From its opening line, “People are stupid... People go round... Fanning the flames while their houses burn down,” the first song Morning Rain sets the blunt tone for the album.

Throughout Doomsday Ballet, the band stays true to its original Aussie twang, which is especially evident in two of the best songs from the album, Salad and Low Life.

Nevertheless, the group’s latest work does show that Bad//Dreams is more than a one genre band by including slightly more mellow songs such as Cannonball and Harry’s Station. (EE) WW1/2 is presented under the auspices of City East Community College. “The harmonica is a very easy instrument to learn,” he says. The class, which has been going on in Coogee for 10 years, teaches you a slate of blues songs, with results promised at the first lesson.

The topper: The final night takes place at the Annandale Hotel, with a real live blues band on hand and lets the students take the stage and wail.

Info: www.cec.edu.au or Ph. 9387 7400

The Portal

HOT PICKS ODESSA – A sentimental and personal story loosely based on the director’s (Valery Todorovsky) memories as a child growing up in Odessa in the 70s. Opening night film.

HERO – A true example of a Russian blockbuster similar to a humorous action-packed Mission Impossible-style spy story. Stars two of Russia’s most popular actors, Vladimir Mashkov and Alexander Petrov.

ANOTHER WOMAN – When a man comes home and tells his wife he wants a divorce she fights to ensure that the divorce does not get through. Comedy/drama.

Nov 7-17. Event George St, 505-525 George St. $19-$80+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.russianresurrection.com

The premise - and the promise - of this new documentary by Jacqui Fifer is well-intentioned but completely underdelivered. The logline describes it as a film about meditation, higher ideals, human connection, and it proposes a “what if” that involved a universal consciousness, but none of that transpires.

This is choppy and incoherent, suffering from too many quick edits and switching storylines to allow any

empathy or narrative to build. There are some beautiful locations shots and impressive graphic effects, but little in the way of substance.

The six participants profiled each have a fascinating story and it would have been great to get a complete picture of each, but the film teases by meting out fragments at a time and alternating at a pace that makes it impossible to feel invested. (RB)

WW

Art Attack As Billy Connolly himself might say, the one difference between sex and bandages is that, with the former, you don’t want to rip things off with one quick motion. In any case, the name of Connolly’s new comedy special is The Sex Life of Bandages.

Let’s just hope it’s the “ouchless” sort.

Connolly is the divine and demented Scottish comedian whose wit is as thick as his brogue. The one-time welder has been doing his shtick now for almost 50 years. The show can be seen at a few local cinemas this weekend.

Oct. 18-20, Event Bondi Cinemas, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction. $25.

Tickets & Info: www.cinemalive.com Remember if you’ve got any tidbits to share, send them in via #Hubbub city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019

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city hub 17 OCTOBER 2019