City Hub 19 April 2018

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Charities Caught in Crossfire

BY STATON WHALEY A Turnbull government bill banning foreign political donations in an attempt to keep poli-tics less influenced from out of country interests has caught smaller political parties as well as not-for-profit charities in its crosshairs.

The Foreign Influence Transparency Bill is the most notable of three bills which have caused recent controversy. The bills together would mean that Australian political parties could not accept donations from foreign entities, which would seem like a positive solution to concern about Chinese donors with links to the Chinese Communist Party.

What is not often mentioned is that large charities who depend on foreign philanthropy would no longer be able to accept these donations.

These charities often work toward solving social and environmental issues with smaller political parties, who also would be adversely affected by the bill through a change in the way parties are publicly funded. The current system is a flat amount per vote for parties that receive over four percent vote. That will be changed to a reimbursement system where campaign expenditure is covered. According to a Greens spokesman, this “disproportionately affects small parties…because they don’t incur large amounts of po-litical communication expenditure relative to large parties, who do much more TV and radio advertisements.”

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon says “When you look at the bill closely, firstly it fails to ban all foreign donations, and secondly it really is a cover for very sizable attacks on civil society: community groups, advocacy organisations. The overreach was so enormous that it would even capture overseas funding going to some universities, aid organisations, and groups working on marriage equality campaigns. It is really a shocking at-tempt by the conservatives, liberals and nationals, to try to mute the voice of groups they hate to see criticise them.”

GetUp coal protest. Photo: Supplied

“That’s what democracy is about. Ensuring that people can get up there…and have a say in the community.”

In a press release from GetUp, a charity and advocacy group that focuses on a wide range of issues, director Paul Oosting stated “The Government needs to withdraw the bill from Parliament and redraft it from scratch, this time in consultation with legal experts and stakeholders in civil society.” Oosting further called the bill a “dangerous, un-democratic piece of legislation.”

Oosting pledged “we will continue to fight these dangerous laws, which would result in fewer people being afforded a voice in public debate, less ability for civil society to ad-vocate for the

values millions of Australians care deeply about, and a greatly reduced contest of ideas.”

The Salvation Army of Australia provides 1,000 specialised social programs and activi-ties in a vast network of other social support services, community centres and churches, providing assistance to more than 200,000 Australians. The organisation has a national annual operating budget in excess of $700 million.

In a response to the Foreign Transparency Bill the Salvation Army said that “positions of The Salvation Army on moral and social issues are decided upon at an international level, which in turn influences a local response.”

The organisation is led by the General of the Salvation Army, who is not an Australian resident or citizen, which means that employees are classified as foreign principle.

Up to 10,225 persons within The Salvation Army in Australia would be required to register with the Scheme and pay the relevant fee annually.

The Salvation Army responded, “Surely, this must not be the intent of the Parliament and needs to be addressed at this consultative stage of the draft legislation…As one of Australia’s largest social welfare organisations, it is in the national interest for The Sal-vation Army to not have any increased administrative burden…, nor for it to incur addi-tional compliance costs than is absolutely necessary.”

Matthias Cormann, Minister of Finance, says the bill “makes sure that all relevant politi-cal actors are subject to the same transparency…The bill exempts any foreign donations towards non-political expenditure… but charities cannot fund political expenditure under our bill or under Labor’s bill with foreign political donations.”

What specifically falls under “political expenditure” and how it differs from advocacy seems foggy. Cormann told City Hub “As a significant political actor, GetUp should of course be subject to the same transparency and disclosure requirements as other politi-cal actors such as political parties.”

When asked if there would be a redraft of the bill, Cormann replied “No…We will press ahead with our proposed ban on foreign political donations for any relevant political ac-tor.”

Although groups like GetUp may influence politics through advocacy, they should not be punished, or cut off for doing so. It seems as if smaller parties, including the Greens, and charities, like the Salvation Army, are caught up in the middle of this bill and will see a either decline in funding, or a rise in costs to charities in the near future.

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BY ADDIE MORTON An Australian icon is in danger and the only political party to recognise this are the New South Wales Greens.

Wild koalas are disappearing at an alarming rate due to the impacts of logging, land clearing, and urban development. As a result the area has seen koala numbers decline by an estimated 25 per cent over the past 15-20 years.

Australian Greens and local activists gathered in Ultimo on Thursday April 12 to discuss the current state of wild koalas in New South Wales.

“Seeing the government’s logging agenda first hand is shocking,” Dawn Walker, Greens member of the NSW Legislative Council said.

“Away from public gaze, the systematic deconstruction of our precious forests is taking place, Walker said. “To anyone’s eyes it’s horrific.”

Walker, the Greens NSW spokesperson for koalas, explained that the NSW Government has a pro-logging agenda, which means vast areas of forests are unnecessarily logged for short-term profit, “destroying vital forest ecosystems and tearing up fragile soils in the process.”

“It’s time to recognise that the greatest value of our public native forests don’t come from logging them but preserving them,” Walker said.

The Greens’ goal is to convert large areas of state forests into new national parks so they are protected for all time. There are already strong campaigns to create a Great Koala National Park to protect an area that contains 20 per cent of NSW wild koalas from destructive logging.

The group hopes to establish the park near Coffs Harbour helping to ensure the survival of one of NSW’s most important koala populations.

A new national park would mean new jobs for rangers, guides, and a variety of other tourism and hospitality positions, Walker says.

Ricardo Lonzo, founder of Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown, has seen firsthand how development can lead to the destruction of wildlife habitats.

“I’m not against development, I just want development to be done properly and to not just benefit the developers and government,” he said.

Dr. Mehreen Faruqi, environmental specialist and member of the NSW Legislative Council, says the decline of the iconic koala can be linked to a broader attack on the environment.

“The NSW Government’s land clearing laws could wipe out literally 99 per cent of koala habitat,” she said. “I’ve started calling this ecocide. I don’t take that term lightly, but it is literally and knowing destroying the environment.”

In her 26 years in Australia she says this is the most “anti-environment government” she has seen to date.

“I think one of the most backwards steps that this Liberal National Government has taken is tearing up of our native vegetation laws and bringing up these new land-clearing laws,” Dr Faruqi said. “Pretty much under these laws, anything is up for clearing. Most of it can be done without any oversight.”

WWF-Australia, a group that works for the conservation of environment and wildlife with

Greens pamphlet to save our Koalas.

Photo: Addie Morton

a mission to stop the degradation of natural environment, found that 2.2 million hectares of koala habitat could be cleared under these laws.

“At times clearly marked ecologically endangered communities have been cut to the ground and tossed in a pile, yet the NSW Government turns a blind eye,” Walker said.

With a state and federal election on the horizon, many at the meeting said there is a great opportunity at stake.

“I think that’s the time politicians are really listening,” Dr. Faruqi said. “It’s important that whoever we give our very precious and valuable votes to is dedicated to the environment and we hold them accountable.” city hub 19 APRIL 2018

3

Users locked out of housing

BY MICK DALEY Community groups and Greens Member for Newtown Jenny Leong have reacted angrily to a NSW Government Local Allocation Strategy which could exclude hundreds of people from accessing public housing in the inner city.

Letters sent from the Department of Family and Community Services to people on waiting lists for housing in Glebe, Waterloo, Redfern and Surry Hills have demanded they fill in a FACS Consent Authority form to undergo a criminal record check conducted by NSW Police.

The check will look at convictions relating to drug manufacture and/or drug supply within the past five years. Any residents found to have such convictions will be refused housing in these areas.

Leong says that this letter indicates an ideological agenda by the NSW Liberal Government to further punish people who have already paid their debts to society.

“We have concerns about the punitive nature of the local allocation strategy that targets people who are in need of help and support rather than more punishment,” she told the City Hub. “We need to recognise that public housing is provided to people that are in need of a secure place to live and the idea of rolling out a strategy that prevents certain people from accessing housing is hugely problematic.”

A FACs factsheet claims that the Strategy is a necessary adjunct to its community protection strategies. It reads: “The purpose of a Local Allocation Strategy is to enhance the sustainability of communities by addressing specific community issues or needs.

“If you have a record of criminal convictions relating to drug manufacture and/or drug supply within the past five years, you will not be offered a property in Redfern, Waterloo, Surry Hills or Glebe.”

Greens’ Jenny Leong stands against the NSW Government Local Allocation Strategy.

Photo: supplied

A failure to respond to these letters will also result in people being locked out of housing.

Leong says that she has been working with residents in her constituency and been participating in neighbourhood advisory boards in social housing community meetings.

“We know that there are real concerns that residents have about safety in some of the public housing areas, but we’re also aware that public housing tenants know that the reduction in funding by the Liberals has actually resulted in them having to bear the brunt of a whole lot of the mental health and drug addiction problems that people have in our society.

“People have the right to be able to feel safe in their own homes, to live in a community where they don’t feel that they are in risky circumstances,

but public housing tenants understand that the way to solve this is by providing additional drug and alcohol support, rehabilitation support and mental health support to those in need. Not by enacting punitive measures that are about perpetually punishing people associated with drug convictions.”

Leong also took issue with the process of the Strategy rollout, which frustrated clients and community workers.

“From the way this has been rolled out that the minister’s office, FACS and community services on the ground are unclear about so many elements of this policy. We know that the minister’s office was not happy with the original letter that went to all people on the waiting list and we also know that local services that are providing support on the

ground to people in this situation are completely unclear on what the appeals process is and what the time line is, revealing this now being presented as a trial.”

“I think this is the latest example of what is continual incompetence being shown by the FACs minister. The community is sick of the minister trying to introduce these new approaches when in actual fact she should be doing what her primary role is which is to provide people with housing support and community services rather than targeting those most at need.”

A Guardian Australia story quoted a community worker who said that few, if any of the targeted people will respond to government letters, meaning that a significant group of clients will be excluded from waiting lists.

In response to these comments a FACs spokesperson told the City Hub; “The suburbs included as part of the local allocation strategy were identified as high risk areas for drug dealing in consultation with the NSW Police.

“BOCSAR statistics show that the large majority of people who reoffend do so within five years.

“The new inner city allocations policy aims to further improve the safety of residents by reducing the temptation for people who have a history of drug manufacture or serious drug supply to reoffend by not housing them in suburbs identified as honeypots for drug dealing. Instead, these people will be housed elsewhere in the Inner City.”

But Jenny Leong remains unconvinced.

“Given the recent fudging of the public housing waiting list numbers by the department, we are calling on the Minister for Family and Community Services to immediately reassure the public that this latest ‘strategy’ isn’t a cynical ploy to further reduce the waiting list without actually housing anyone.”

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5

Powerhouse Plans Unplugged

BY JOHN MOYLE Last week saw the usually soporific scenes in the the NSW Legislative Council take a turn towards high drama when a government member crossed the floor to help deliver the Greens and Labor a win in the Powerhouse Museum relocation saga.

When NSW Liberal Legislative Council member Matthew Mason-Cox took his upper house perambulations to the other side of the chamber the vote came down 19-18, giving the Government 14 days to table its business case for the Powerhouse Museum relocation.

“The Government was absolutely stunned,” Jamie Parker, Greens MP for Balmain said.

“It was earth shattering for the Government.”

Earlier, the Government was intent on withholding their business case for three months after they had made their final decision, which meant that they were continuing their shroud of secrecy around the subject that was first announced by ‘Casino’ Mike Baird in 2015.

The proposed move has never had a groundswell of support except from the usual suspects wanting to get their snouts in the trough - and of course the developers who would get to make a new hole in the ground at Ultimo.

“I am the member for Auburn and I represent people living in suburbs just three kilometres from the Parramatta CBD and no-one has ever raised with me that they want a small piece of the Powerhouse to be moved to Parramatta,” Luke Foley, leader, NSW Labor opposition said.

Five time mayor of Parramatta, Paul Garrard said “I don’t think the site in Parramatta is the best site. When I left office it was up t the Government and the Council to develop a process to come to the new Council and the administrator took over and effectively lied to the State Committee on the matter.”

Political wins force Powerhouse business plans. Photo: Gabriela Szymanowska

The plan called for the sale of the Powerhouse site at Ultimo for an expected $200 million that would be spent on buying the old DJ’s car park for $140 million.

Of this money, $140 million would go to the redevelopment of the Riverside Theatre and $40 million towards the “delivery of the cultural plan” for the use of the new museum site.

In reality, the Government was not spending any new money, but doing a shell shuffle to dazzle while not having firm plans for any of the proposed projects.

And the business plan for Parramatta did not add up, as shown when Deloitte’s modelling for Parramatta Council while under administration

showed that the economic benefits to building a new Powerhouse in the precinct would only be around $106 million.

The Government has claimed that the citizens of Parramatta support the move, but almost all of the consultation was done after the announcement was made and the questions gave no options.

As plans were muddled and changed from an entire transplant of the inner city facilities to a partial move of the collection, costs kept escalating and are now estimated to being between $1 billion and $2 billion.

City of Sydney Labor councillor Linda Scott who has been a long term opponent to the

move said “No global city closes down cultural institutions in order to reopen another.”

No-one objects to western Sydney getting its own cultural facilities, but that will need a rethink of all political parties in how the arts dollars are allocated.

“The current situation is unacceptable when more than 90 per cent of the State Government’s arts budget is spent in the CBD, so much more needs to be done in western Sydney,” Luke Foley said.

While western Sydney contains one in 10 Australians, it attracts one per cent of Federal funding and 5.5 per cent of State Government funding.

“Many Labor Party members have supported me and Linda Scott in saying that the Powerhouse should stay in Ultimo and that western Sydney deserves its own dedicated museum,” Tanya Plibersek, deputy leader, Labor Party said.

The fact that the opposition to the destruction of a great cultural institution has got this far is further proof of what community and political action can achieve.

“We’ve had petitions and public rallies that show that community actions can not only move governments but moved that one member of parliament so strongly that he crossed the floor, and it’s also moved Labor’s position,” Jamie Parker said.

The Government has plenty of reasons to drop this reckless idea that could easily turn into a 2019 election issue.

“Of course we will go to the election with a clear policy on delivering a first rate facility to Parramatta for performances and exhibitions, as I don’t think that the people in western Sydney are happy about receiving some of the Powerhouse leftovers,” Luke Foley said.

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7

Parking takes wind out of yachties’ sails

BY GABRIELA SZYMANOWSKA Reconstruction of a yacht club has led to debate about the safety of Wolseley Road in Point Piper that was not an issue before October 2017.

In October 2017, the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club (RPEYC) lodged plans to renovate its 100-year old clubhouse which had not been upgraded since 1922. During that same time, Geoff Cousins, millionaire businessman and environmentalist, and other residents, put in a complaint that the road was too narrow and unsafe for the construction.

In light of those complaints, several “No Parking” signs were placed in front of the club, further decreasing already limited parking space on the 110-metre-long road which provides public access to a small public beach and the club.

The road where the parking restrictions were introduced varied in width between 7.02 to 7.20 metres and a number of inspections made by the Traffic Committee did find it was difficult to drive through the area when cars were parked on both sides.

Andrew Goldfinch, a current member of the RPEYC, explained that the road has no history of being unsafe and was approved last May by the Traffic Committee which stated that the road did not present an unreasonable safety risk.

“When you look at it, it’s a dead end, it’s a cul-de-sac that goes to nowhere other than the beach and the club. It’s not a through street, it’s a very steep road and people don’t go down it fast anyway and it’s not the narrowest street in Woollahra,” Mr. Goldfinch said. “There are a lot of other streets that are narrow. In May last

Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club are road blocked. Photo: Andrew Goldfinch

year the Traffic Committee very clearly accepted a report from their staff saying it wasn’t a safety issue there.”

The primary reason for concern is that emergency vehicles can not access the road. The bench mark for emergency vehicles response time should be eight minutes or less, but it was stated by Mr. Cousins that residents regularly waited 10 to 15 minutes because of congestion of the street.

“Well, I certainly have not witnessed congestion. The only people accessing

that end of the street would be beach goers, boat owners, club members and residents. Congestion has not been an issue that we’ve been aware of and as I said before, we’ve certainly have not been aware of at any time where emergency vehicle access has been hindered,” Commodore Gregory Mason of the RPEYC said.

As of the April 3 meeting, the committee concluded with the amount of support from residents directly affected and their own review that the “No Parking” signs should stay at their

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current location.

“We believe that nothing has essentially changed in the time that we have been there in terms of the actual road itself that would cause concern for Council to recommend the position of further parking restrictions which not only denies access, but also forces those people to park elsewhere along Wolseley road and other roads in the area and therefore further putting pressure on residents,” Mr. Mason said.

If the parking restrictions were to remain posted, this could prove to hurt

the viability of the club whose financial situation to upgrade the clubhouse is dependent on donations from club members. The very members who use the parking spots to be able to access the club.

A full Council meeting will be held on Monday April 23 where Council will make the final decision about the parking restrictions.

When reached for comment, the Woollahra Council replied, “This matter will be discussed at a full Council meeting on 23 April.”

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Sydney residents take action

Save Sydney Coalition at the launch on Thursday April 12. Photo: Supplied by Save Sydney Coalition

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city hub 19 APRIL 2018

heritage is disappearing, adequate water supply has not been factored in, and the heating up of our city through poor design and cheap buildings is not a legacy we want to leave our children,” Coorey said.

At the launch on Thursday, members of Save Sydney Coalition were not shy about pointing fingers.

“It’s incumbent on all of us that we put the blame where its squarely sits, and that is in that Parliament NSW Liberal Government that are actually not listening to communities at present,” a member of SSC said at the rally.

Spokesperson Coorey, who is a long time Sydney resident and community activist, says people are taking action all over the city.

“It’s a Sydney cry- from Belmore, to Ryde, to Cronulla, to Campbelltown, to Parramatta, to Windsor, to Cherrybrook, to Moore Park,” Spokesperson Coorey said.

“People have had enough- they want better plans for Sydney and more opportunities for real consultation and with a state election not far away the current government should be very worried.”

As the state election approaches, these community groups will continue to be one voice to make one united Sydney.

“People power does work,” Corinne Hurst, member of Bondi Junction Community Action said. “We have to band together to get our voice heard and hopefully make Sydney a great and vibrant place to live again.”

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The NSW Department of Education is in the advanced stages of planning an upgrade to Ultimo Public School.

HKA are holding information booths on the department’s behalf on the 28 April 2018, where you can find out more about the potential development and have an opportunity to provide feedback. These will be held for the respective schools as follows.

Information Booth: When: 28 April 2018 from 10am to 12pm Where: Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 For more information visit our website https://schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/schools/ultimo-publicschool/project-overview Or if you have any queries in regard to the project, please email schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au

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just a scam,” Willett said. “It’s just so politicians that we have at this moment get nice little donations from these companies. These companies are going to get very rich in the next 40 years. It’s an outrage.”

On top of serious public transport needs, spokesperson Barbara Coorey also sees several critic issues arising in the city.

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for rational development and rational growth without robbing the city of its heritage, green spaces and liveability.

With heavily congested roads in the city, Save Sydney Coalition aims for better public transport suited to Sydney. Janette Willett, who represents Rozelle fighting Westconnects, believes focus needs to be placed on public transport in all areas.

“We don’t need more roads, it’s

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spokeswoman Jane Hunter said.

“We’re very concerned about the loss of heritage, the loss of green spaces and also the inability to really, genuinely consult with people.”

The group’s logo is a lifebuoy, which they have “thrown to save Sydney from drowning in overdevelopment.” Members believe developers are running the state, not the government. They aim to take back Sydney in a way that will allow

061ICT1203

BY ADDIE MORTON An alliance of over 150 local community groups has formed to fight overdevelopment in the city of Sydney.

The group, Save Sydney Coalition, officially launched Thursday April 12 just behind Parliament House. The peak body, one voice representing the interests of hundreds of community groups and campaigners, has called on the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the Ministers of Transport and Planning to stop the city’s overdevelopment and the obliteration of heritage in suburbs and local communities through its current agenda.

“I just think on every level this government is screwing up this city, big time,” Janette Willett, member of SSC, said. “I’m very glad to meet people here today. This is a wonderful organisation that covers so many community groups.”

Spokesperson for the peak body Barbara Coorey says the group wants a re-imagining of current government policies. She says SSC “wants meaningful consultation and the inclusion of the public’s voice in residential and commercial development plans.”

The group aims for meaningful consultation, changes to government planning policies, greater community awareness and the development of strategic policies in a range of areas.

“We want to cease the pace of overdevelopment in the city,”

Meters days are numbered

BY GABRIELA SZYMANOWSKA It is no secret that parking meters are the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to politics, but that isn’t always true for the community.

Both Darling Street in Balmain and Norton Street in Leichhardt have seen business downturn because of parking meters, while Waverley Council is set to make changes to their parking meter policies.

Waverley Council will be proposing new changes to the meters at Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction to help increase benefits for residents, while businesses in the Inner West are experiencing an upturn in customers after the parking meters were shut off after 7 pm. in Leichhardt.

As part of their September 2017 election platform, Waverley Council created a proposal for several changes for transportation options in Bondi, including switching parking meters off after 6 pm in Bondi Junction and after 7 pm. at Bondi Beach each day, year-round.

The Council is also providing free parking passes to residents, removing the first residential parking permit fee and creating either a 15-minute free parking zone or “drop-in” zone near local shopping areas.

John Wakefield, mayor of Waverley Council, said he understands that people are stumped by the wide range of proposals, but each one is designed to help benefit residents in the area.

“At the moment, about 20 per cent of the resident households in Waverley have to pay to park outside their own house with a residential parking permit,” Mr. Wakefield said. “Now, those households are in the area which are the most parked—Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach, Bondi Junction—my belief is that Council should not charge residents a fee to park right outside their home.”

These policies are just a step in a bigger plan to increase transportation options in the area, including expanding footpaths and improving bus services at Bondi.

With new proposal changes comes the question of cost, to which Mr. Wakefield said it would cost the Council only $4.88 million, representing 3.53 per cent, of the Council’s revenue of $138.11 million.

The Inner West faces its own policy changes for parking meters after the merger of the Leichhardt, Marrickville Ashfield councils, with one council bringing in parking meters while the other two come into the merger without.

John Stamolis, Inner West councillor for the Balmain Ward, explained that now that the councils have merged there needs to be a discussion about consistency across the board.

“So, I’m saying let’s talk about consistency across the Inner West Council. Let’s talk about whether these meters have caused problems and let’s thresh that issue out to get the best policy across the entire Inner West,” Cr Stamolis said.

“If that means dumping parking meters, that means dumping them. If that means recognising that we’ve had problems over 17 years that we’ve had to continuously address, that’s what we need to work on.”

Cr Stamolis explained how it is evident that the parking meters have not worked, citing an earlier test case.

“One test case going back to the early years, we never introduced parking meters in Annandale on the Leichhardt Council. There’s one area that’s never had problems with their local business. All of the other areas did.

They went through pain, they went through downturn and they were impacted by parking meters,” Cr. Stamolis said.

Con Damouras, owner of Bar Italia on

A parking meter on Norton Street in Leichhardt. Photo: Gabriela Szymanowska

Norton Street in Leichhardt, has been running business in the area since 1992, said since the installation of the meters almost 17 years ago, he has seen a lot of businesses decline, not due to the fees associated with meters, but because of the fines.

“It’s not that paying four or six dollars is going to break the bank for anyone, but the thing is, if someone is having a great night at a restaurant and then forgets to go outside, they come back out and they have a $100 fine. That’s the biggest problem,” Mr. Damouras said.

Oscar Turkyucel, owner of Le Cafeirer on Darling Street in Balmain, said the same about the parking meters located in Balmain.

“It’s a bad experience for people in the area.

And every single time they park they are going to be worried that they’re going to get a ticket,” Mr. Turkyucel said.

The Inner West Council changed the policy for parking meters in Leichhardt earlier this month by turning them off completely after 7 pm to help revive the area’s night life. No new parking meters will be added to the area.

Mr. Damouras said that he has already seen an increase in business since the parking meters were shut off a week ago.

“Since the meters have been switched off, we’ve had an increase of about 20 per cent.

Now, I don’t know if it’s all got to do with the parking meters, but it does help,” Mr. Damouras said.

Canterbury Olympic ice Rink

Figure skating Ice hockey Speed skating Public Skating

Let your kids learn something new!

• Open all year rOund • 20 min. from CBd • Free parking • CaFe On Site • lOCkerS 17a Phillips ave, Canterbury visit our website for more information on session times and prices

www.canterburyolympicicerink.org.au city hub 19 APRIL 2018

11

FEATURE

Technological Ticket Terror

By Jamie Apps “During the recent Justin Bieber tour we had a whole family travel from New Zealand to Sydney who couldn’t get access to the sold out event because they had purchased fake tickets. To hear the story of a family standing there with their kids in tears and suffering the embarrassment of being turned away at the gates is incredibly disheartening for us.”

That was just one horror story about online ticket scalping told to us by Frontier Touring COO Dion Brant.

Whether it’s price gouging fans or even worse the sale of ‘fake’ tickets the horror stories from music fans, promotors and musicians are endless.

Jessica Krishnaswamy, the Co-Founder/Festival Director at FOMO Festival and Co-Founder/ General Manager at BBE, told City Hub of recent experiences she had during FOMO Festival in January.

“We had over 500 kids turned away at the gates due to buying fake or photoshopped tickets via platforms like Viagogo, Ticketmaster Resale and Gumtree.”

For Mrs Krishnaswamy and many other promotors like her the most distressing part about hearing these stories is knowing that not only have genuine fans paid exorbitant prices for tickets but because a show is already sold out there is literally nothing they can do to help.

Ticket resale or scalping is certainly not a new phenomena but now with the anonymity of the internet some individuals and businesses are taking full advantage.

Where previously tickets could only be purchased physically it was much more difficult to on-sell an illegitimate ticket but now with the advent of digital and print-at-

6–17 JUNE

BBE presents Post Malone at Eatons Hill Hotel.

Photo: Zennieshia Butts

home tickets it is much easier for fake tickets or multiples of a single legitimate ticket to be sold online.

As Ben Dennis from Myriad Management explained, “Consumers are becoming disillusioned with the ticket buying process because what once was a straight forward process where you buy a ticket via the official sales platform is now a very confusing affair.”

This confusion is only heightened when you search online for tickets due to the ever increasing number of resale sites which are not only available but often placing at the top of search results. According to Mr Dennis this occurs because, “Viagogo in particular spend tens of millions per year on advertising to

FIRST FILMS ANNOUNCED FULL PROGRAM 9 MAY

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city hub 19 APRIL 2018

make sure they appear as the first result.”

Consequently consumers are regularly paying well over the face value for tickets.

When asked about the inflated pricing often seen on their site Viagogo said, “where demand is high and tickets are limited, prices increase.”

This is an argument often put forward to justify the inflated prices but musician Reuben Styles, who is one half of electronic music act Peking Duk, countered that argument by saying, “we go to great lengths to ensure our shows are set at an affordable price for everyone.” This mindset often means artists will set their prices below market value intentionally so that more fans can enjoy the experience.

Whilst it can be incredibly hard to put an exact number on the economic impact of scalping, it is certainly a significant one. For the promoters and artists a fan having a bad experience can erode that fan’s confidence and trust which then damages the brand of both the promoter and artist.

As Mr Brant explained, “on a more anecdotal basis when someone pays $100 or $200 too much for a ticket that means they don’t have that money to spend on the next show. So that means people come less often and there is less money going back into the industry or artists to produce new shows and records.”

Requirements have been put into place to reduce the incidence of illegitimate ticket sales.

It is now a requirement in NSW that identifying information such as row, section and seat number as well as the face value of each ticket being resold is prominently displayed so that the buyer can make an informed decision.

These requirements also allow for the ticket resale platforms or promotors to verify the legitimacy of tickets and ensure they are not being sold multiple times, this is however an incredibly time consuming and costly process which cannot always be carried out.

Mr Brant and Mrs Krishnashwamy both understand that reselling tickets is occasionally a necessity but called for stronger legislation to protect consumers.

The first action they would like to see taken is to cap the resale of tickets at a reasonable price above face value, ideally somewhere between 10-20 percent, with hefty fines for anything above this.

Until this more stringent legislation is put into place music fans need to be cautious and only buy from the official ticketing portals.

AMERICAN ANIMALS

CHEF FLYNN

ANCHOR AND HOPE

Bart Layton’s (The Imposter, SFF 2012) first feature is a wildly entertaining docu-fiction hybrid about four young men who attempt one of the most audacious art-heists in history. Quite unlike any other heist film, American Animals is an energetic, boundary-pushing thriller.

What makes a great chef? Follow teenage culinary sensation Flynn McGarry’s rapid ascent from the home kitchen to the cover of New York Times Magazine.

A unique insight into the world of a culinary wunderkind, and the challenges he faces as he reaches adulthood.

A lesbian couple contemplate parenthood in this free-wheeling comic drama by rising Spanish filmmaker Carlos MarquesMarcet. A fresh and funny tale about love, friendship and the different ways in which modern families can take shape.

MAYA THE BEE: THE HONEY GAMES

THE BREADWINNER

ESSENTIAL KAURISMÄKI: SELECTED BY DAVID STRATTON

Oscar-nominated animation about an 11-year-old Afghan girl, Parvana, who must pose as a boy to support her family when her father is unjustly jailed. An unflinching indictment of a culture that oppresses women and girls, as well as an appeal for human rights.

David Stratton presents a retrospective program of 10 classics by the great Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki, showcasing key work by one of the most distinctive and offbeat directors in cinema. Crucial viewing for film fans, featuring nine specially imported 35mm prints.

Maya the plucky Australian bee returns in this charming animated adventure.

A tale of buzzy derring-do for kids aged three and up, directed by top Sydney animators Noel Cleary, Sergio Delfino and Alexs Stadermann.

SFF.ORG.AU

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Still Point Turning: The Catherine McGregor Story The Sydney Theatre Company are excited to present a new show which crosses the gender binary between male and female, Still Point Turning:The Catherine McGregor Story.

Based on real life interviews conducted over a number of months with Catherine McGregor, the play was created as part of the Rough Drafts program in 2016.

Actor for young Malcolm, Andrew Guy said, “The show is a really truthful, moving piece about Catherine McGregor, an iconic Australian figure who is very bold and courageous. She is wrapped around a bit of controversy now and again about what she says, but I think audiences will expect a

really nice, true to life story about one of Australia’s figures of recent times.”

The story’s underlying message is that everybody is important and has a unique story to share.

“There will be quite a few reactions, we hope that people are really moved and come away feeling inspired by Catherine’s story and are more compassionate and aware of the transgender experience in life. We could get people that are quite taken aback or struggle with some of the ideas if they’re quite focused on male and female binaries, so it depends on who’s coming, we just hope that most of the audiences are open hearted to

wanting to hear a story of great struggle and triumph.”

With an ensemble cast, they each play a variety of characters and Guy’s main character is young Malcolm.

“I play Catherine as a young boy from the ages of six to eight and how he grew up, so it’s quite an exciting character. It’s nice to be a trans actor playing in a cast of this calibre, I think it’s a really nice time in Australia where the industry is really opening up to diversity and we have a really diverse cast and crew of trans actors, trans directors and really strong leading roles of experienced acting so I hope people come along and see it,” Guy concluded. (JM) Apr 21-26.The Wharf, 4 Hickson Road.Tickets: $52-$75+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.sydneytheatre.com.au

REVIEW: A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing Confession: I got 20% of the way through this book before giving up; it’s written in heavy Irish dialect and disjointed half-sentences.This makes the diction boldly unconfined by the patriarchal structures of language and presents a narrative that is raw, personal and authentically, unrestrainedly female. It also makes it, as a reader, almost impenetrable.

It was a relief, then, that it worked much better as a one-woman play.The all-female team behind the production deftly guides the audience through the nuances, intensity and brutal poetry of Eimear McBride’s novel.

Ella Prince is remarkable playing every character in this role, a narrative told by “girl” who remains nameless and whose vernacular is both childlike and earthy; both incomplete and ribald.

Girl’s family is devout, dysfunctional and, ultimately, devastating to her.A close relative grooms and sexually assaults her, stunting her emotional growth and confusing her sexual awakening.

Girl uses promiscuity as a survival technique, a coping mechanism, and a form of, first empowerment, then masochism. It makes for difficult, but essential viewing – especially at a time when we’re having a watershed moment in discussing male sexual violence against women.

The problem with this play is that it’s difficult to tell who’s saying what, and what is being said – the Irish lilt, the interrupted sentences, the tone-switch between childlike and very adult, and the pace combine to punish the viewer. But maybe that’s the point: you vicariously live girl’s story in the

disorientating and chaotic fashion that she remembers it.The lighting and music does help clarify the muddle.

I found the final minutes powerful, heart-breaking and, I’m ashamed to say, a relief. (GN)

Photo: Alan Roy

Little Women All eyes are on Little Women as it will be the first musical for Chatswood Musical Society since the company changed its name to North Shore Theatre Company.

The Civil War classic novel will come to life with the help of director Jonathon Emmett.

“This production gives audience members an entirely new take on the story, seeing moments and perspectives that they might never have considered,” Emmett said.

Although the original story was published nearly 150 years ago, Little Women still contains relatable characters and relationships, highlighting important themes about gender roles and individuality still so relevant today.

Ella Prince.

Photo: Clare Hawley Photography

“In any musical, it is all too easy to rely only on the music to carry the story forward,” Emmett said. “A strong focus on our production has been developing the characters

a&e

13 STAGE 14 Sounds 15 SCENE 15 SCREEN

Until Apr 21. Kings X Theatre, Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 244-28 William St, Kings Cross. $26-$36+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.brevitytheatre.com.au

that are telling this tale, and honing in on those genuine and tender moments.”

Emmett says the production team has attempted to stay as true as possible to the original text. He says the addition of music, under the hand of Musical Director Philip Eames, provides an engaging and rich contemporary sound to a classic story.

“It truly is a show that the whole family can enjoy, as a mother or father, son or daughter, brother or sister,” Emmett said. “This is not a show that Sydney-siders will often get a chance to see, so this is not a show to be missed! (AM) Apr 20-28.The Independent Theatre, 269 Miller St, North Sydney. $35-$47.50+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.northshoretheatrecompany.org

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

Des Bishop Egorithm

Des Bishop is coming back to Oz with his brand new comedy show Egorithm, where his cut-throat delivery and exploration of issues and experiences combine into one hysterical night.

Well-known for his candid and critical wit, audiences are in for a treat as he explores male defensiveness around feminism, his time in China, men and sexual harassment.

“Audiences can expect a laugh, it’s not particularly themed or anything it’s just a number of funny bits about different things, from more serious topics like islamophobia and consent to more light-hearted topics like my experience of learning the Chinese language, Netflix and other things too,” Des said.

Des’ popularity grew in his hometown, Ireland were his acclaimed comedy shows enabled him to create a successful career as both a stand-up and TV documentary maker/presenter.

“The defining moment when I decided I wanted to be a comedian was when I started doing it. I guess subconsciously in the back of my mind, I knew I always wanted to be a comedian because I watched a lot of it, but initially someone put the idea into my head which pushed me to actually start doing it and in actually trying, it was pretty immediate that I knew it was the career for me,” Des said.

Des hopes the audience leaves his shows remembering his upbeat, clever comedy.

“I guess a lot of people would say I have a big performance, it’s not a laid-back style so most people will say I have big energy and I’m charismatic on stage. I think that’s the thing that people will remember,” Des concluded. (JM) Apr 24-29.The Comedy Store, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park, Sydney.

Tickets: $39.90+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.comedystore.com.au

Contributors: Barbara Karpinski, Craig Coventry, Emily Shen, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, Joseph Rana, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Rita Bratovich, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Jade Morellini, Alex Eugene, Manuel Gonzalez, Tommy Boutros, Riley Hooper, Mohsen Dezaki, Daniel Jaramillo, Georgia Fullerton, Gary Nunn, Addie Morton, Staton Whaley. city hub 19 APRIL 2017

13

Independent opera company, Operantics, will be holding a special Anzac Day recital, Songs Of World War I, featuring a selection of tunes from the period.

“It’s just really beautiful music that isn’t performed very often… there’s just something so hopeful about it. It’s during a period of immense turmoil and distress… but all of the music is very much looking forward to when everything’s better”, says Artistic Director Katie Miller-Crispe.

Miller-Crispe searched

historical records to source relevant music and has put together a mixed program of songs - some familiar, some obscure; some comical, some poignant. Among them are stirring favourites such as It’s A Long Way To Tipperary and Battle Hymn Of The Republic, but also one or two cheeky numbers.

“We’ve got one very fun piece called If You Can Fight Like You Can Love Then It’s Good Night Germany. It’s all about a girl talking about how her boyfriend is definitely going to beat the

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Jess Spahr: Sydney dreamy-pop musician, Jess Spahr is set to launch her new single, Betray Me, tonight. Likened to Morcheeba, London Grammar and Evanescence, Jess inspires confidence with her contemporary dreamy pop music and a show that engages, uplifts and entertains with her band and disarming banter.

Thu, Apr 19,The Django Bar Verge Collection: As Aussie as bare feet on hot bitumen and sticky fingers from melting bubble-o-bills the Perth four piece’s debut record and follow up to 2016’s Open Plan Living EP showcases their evolution as artists.

Fri, Apr 20, Oxford Art Factory - Factory Floor Sleeping With Sirens: Orlando, Florida alternative rock/metalcore outfit Sleeping With Sirens return to Australian soil this weekend. Joining Sleeping With Sirens on this epic tour will be Chase Atlantic, Lower Than Atlantis and The Faim.

Sat, Apr 21, Big Top Madeleine Easton: Sydneyborn director Madeleine Easton is a European-based violinist and concertmaster, an established star on the international stage who is known for her versatility and expertise in violin playing.

Easton has curated a program showcasing the many facets of Bach’s music including sacred Cantatas, instrumental and solo works. This weekend she will join Bach Akademie Australia for a special performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s legendary music.

Sat, Apr 21, St Francis Assisi Church 14

city hub 19 APRIL 2018

The Apartments: For one night only in the intimate setting of the Django Bar, The Apartments will play a rare show as a trio.The Apartments Eliot Fish will be on guitar and vocals with, fresh from their triumphant 16 Lovers Lane performance at State Theatre,Amanda Brown on oboe, violin, vocals and percussion and Peter Milton Walsh on acoustic guitar and vocals.

Sun, Apr 22,The Django Bar Kip Moore & Lee Brice: Two of America’s country superstars will join forces this weekend.

Known for his electric live shows and adoring fans, Kip Moore is the ultimate road-warrior, having traversed North America top to bottom, coast-to-coast countless times. Multiple Grammy Award nominee and CMA and ACM Award-winner, Lee Brice, has chalked up sales in excess of 11 million, spawning five platinum and double-platinum charttopping radio hits.

Sun, Apr 22, Enmore Theatre Royal Blood: English rock duo Royal Blood, Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher, are set to return to Sydney early next week. Armed with two face-melting records and a Brit Award nomination for Best British Group, the band will play their biggest run of headlines shows Down Under to date.

Tue, Apr 24, Hordern Pavilionho Ben Catley: Perth’s Ben Catley is becoming well known for his super high-energy, feel-good roots. Expect lively guitar playing, grooving foot-stomping and a huge, sweaty stage presence that will be sure to have you on your feet and grinning.

Wed, Apr 25, Cauliflower Hotel

‘hun’ because he’s a very good lover,” says Miller-Crispe.

The performance will take place in St Stephen’s Uniting Church in the heart of the CBD. It’s the same venue in which the company recently performed the St Matthew Passion as well as other prior concerts.

“It’s a beautiful place to sing and the acoustics are gorgeous.

It’s fairly accessible and it provides a beautiful setting,” says Miller-Crispe. “We did this program for Remembrance Day last year and there was not a dry eye in the house.”

The recital style performance will include ensemble pieces, solos, and duets with piano accompaniment and will appeal to anyone with a penchant for salon music and a sense of nostalgia.

Tea and coffee will be served afterwards. (RB) Apr 25. St Stephen’s Uniting Church, 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney. $20-$40+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.operantics.com.au

By Jamie Apps At a young age singer/songwriter Imogen Clark has already accomplished so much. For instance Imogen has performed alongside the like of Diesel, Ian Moss and Daryl Braithwaite, she has hit number one on the CMC charts three seperate times and finally is on the verge of releasing her second album, Collide.

Despite this extensive list of accomplishments Imogen still questions where exactly her music fits in the world.

When looking back to her first moments exploring music Imogen explained that it wasn’t until she wrote her first song that she realised this was going to be her life.

“When I first picked up my Dad’s guitar I wasn’t even sure music was something I wanted to pursue and that continued even when I was playing my first gigs at 12 or 13 years old. When I wrote and performed my first song though I realised I wanted to be a songwriter because I want my music to reach as many people as possible and affect them in the

PROGRESS x PWA Whenever Australia battles England the rivalry is fierce.

This Monday as Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) takes on England’s Progress Wrestling at The Star the intensity of the rivalry will be taken to an entirely new level.

Progress was established in 2011 fusing Japanese ‘strongstyle’ wrestling with a punk rock ethos. Since then the company has grown exponentially year on year and is now considered one of the hottest promotions in the world.

In Australia PWA has been steadily growing since 2007, with much more rapid growth in the past few years.The most recent growth comes on the back of a wrestling boom in Australia, which echoes the growth seen in the UK and by Progress.

The women of PWA have been some of the leaders in the field having already produced international superstars Madison Eagles, Billie Kay and Peyton

Royce.The latest batch of talent is not to be overlooked though, in particular Jessica Troy has now taken the reigns to lead the company into the future.

“To be in a place where they have been, filling their shoes per-say, is absolutely incredible.

To be considered even almost on their level in a show’s hierarchy… just, wow.” said Jessica.

On Monday Jessica will take on one of the world’s best wrestlers in fellow Australian and first ever Progress Women’s Champion Toni Storm.

“The hype around Storm is outstanding so I’m very happy she’s bringing that hype back to Australia.” said Jessica.

When asked why she would call out one of the world’s best Jessica said,“I want to travel the world wrestling just like Storm, so calling her out seemed like an excellent way to get noticed and show her and everyone else who watches what I’m made of.”

Imogen Clark same way the music I love affects me.”

The opportunity to have a greater impact on people via her music came following the release of debut record, Love & Lovely Lies.

That particular record was very much a grass roots project but would go on to capture the attention of Universal Music.

“For the first record I went down to my friends, Harriet and Jack Hookey’s, farm in Gippsland to work in their garage. It was such a fun, independent project that I

wasn’t really placing any expectations on it, so when it got me signed to Universal it was a shock but also made me so proud.”

For Collide the process couldn’t have been more contrasting, “Where the first record was raw, jagged and free flowing this record was much more thought out and considered to produce a much more shiny product that still captures that rawness in the music.”

During this process before

Jessica Troy

Songs of WWI: An Anzac Day Concert

Even if you’ve never had an interest in professional wrestling before Jessica explained that there is more depth to the shows than simple physicality, “Obviously you can expect great physical matches but they’ll also be full of emotion and passion so everybody is in for a treat.” (JA) Apr 23.The Star Event Centre, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. $49.30+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www. prowrestlingaustralia.com.au

recording Collide the biggest change that Imogen wanted to implement was to explore her different influences and push the boundaries of what her music could be.

“I grew up on country and and I love country music but I realised that the songs I was writing weren’t full on fitting into the country scene.”

This did lead Imogen to have some doubts.

“I was questioning where I belonged because I didn’t fit as either a full on rock performer or a full on folk performer.”

From this though Imogen decided to make a crossover record which then led her to work with legendary musician and producer Mark Lizotte (aka Diesel). During their time working together the pair formed a close professional bond and have since taken to the road together for the current run of shows, which arrives in Sydney this weekend.

Apr 20-21. Brass Monkey, 115 A Cronulla St, Cronulla. $54.10 Tickets & Info: www.brassmonkey.com.au

Gum - The Underdog

Suicide Swans - La Jungla

Tame Impala’s Jay Watson has been quietly putting out solo records under the moniker of Gum, the most recent of which is his forth record The Underdog.

Fans of Tame Impala will certainly be able to find something to grasp onto here despite this record being filled with a much more electronic, psychedelic, synth-pop sound. As Watson explores this different style he slides up and down the tempo scale to create an expansive cosmic sound.

At times this record is weirdly captivating as it occasionally lulls you into a psychedelic trance.

Whilst everybody loves to cheer the underdog on to success this record unfortunately falls just short, primarily because it rarely breaks new ground and thus lacks an enduring pay-off. (JA) WWW

La Jungla pours out of its covers like a formless cloud. It’s sound begins a long journey downwards into melancholy.The album’s strains are depressive and repetitive and mixed in with only the occasional spice, circling back on itself several times only making small moves out of an ongoing stream.

Lengthy explorations dominate the album, meandering through unchanging rhythms and stretching the feel of time to two or three times its actual size. Listeners will feel both their minds and theirs hearts stretch during this album only to twang back into place at its end.

This album is a specialised taste, for the listener with kindred feelings and some time on their hands. Listeners should save this album for less than positive moments when a wander through their emotional darkness matches their current outlook. (SP) WW1/2

THE GRUMPY AFTERMATH TO THE GAMES

With Coffin Ed Call me a party pooper but I find the “Gold, Gold Gold”, “Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi” brand of jingoism that surrounded the recent Commonwealth Games a little hard to take.

Whilst I only fleetingly tuned to the Seven Network’s multi channel coverage of the event, the constant reference to the medal tally was a real annoyance.

At the time of writing we had some 78 gold medals, easily eclipsing our nearest rival England who had some 40 plus. Yet at the Rio Olympics, Great Britain pulled in an impressive 27 Gold to Australia’s very modest total of eight.

Admittedly this included the combined effort of England, Scotland and Wales but it far surpassed what was expected of the Australian team, particularly our much vaunted swimmers.

At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, plagued by infrastructure delays and massive cost blow outs, the whole relevance of the post colonial sporting celebration came into question. Glasgow in 2014 did much to restore

whatever significance there originally was and the Gold Coast was certainly an organisational triumph. The city has yet to tally up the real economic cost of the games and it remains to be seen whether they will experience the kind of post OIympics doldrums that beset Sydney in 2000.

In many ways the games are an exercise in nostalgia, harking back to the days when much of the world atlas was covered in the red of the British Empire. When the Commonwealth Of Nations was formed in 1931, it sought to wipe away the sins of imperialist Britain and join fifty three member states in the harmony of what was for many their new found independence.

The British Empire Games morphed into the

Commonwealth Games and have since been promoted as a unifying force amongst the member countries.

The Queen is still recognised as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth and for the Gold Coast games we were treated to a royal visit by those crusty old adulterers Charles and Camilla. The sight of many Australians fawning over these two old boilers was enough to make any republican dry heave. When Charles stayed on solo for a jaunt through the Northern Territory many on the republican side wished for one of those quirky NT Times headlines – CROC ENJOYS ROYAL BANQUET, as our future monarch was consumed by a man-eater.

Clearly the number of gold medals we swagged is an

embarrassment, and to be fair to the other Commonwealth countries we need an even playing field if the games are to continue in the true sporting tradition. Let’s bring back the kind of sports that depend on brute strength rather than the scientific expertise of the Australian Institute Of Sport. ‘Tug Of War’ was once an Olympic Sport and it could easily be restated at the next Commonwealth Games. Let’s see how those Aussie wimps go against a team of man mountains from Tonga!

Snake charming, elephant wrangling, tree climbing and croc wrestling could also be introduced to replace such excruciating sports as beach volley ball and lawn bowls.

Half the nations competing don’t even have Olympic size swimming pools so all water sports could be eliminated. Each of the 70 odd national teams competing could nominate a unique sport of their own and there would be bonus gold awarded to any team defecting as refugees. Let’s make the crew from Cameroon feel right at home!

Isle Of Dogs If you say the title out loud a few times you’ll hear the pun. But Wes Anderson’s latest work is not just for dog lovers, it’s for lovers of good storytelling, sumptuous visuals, genuinely clever wit and entertainment with a side-serving of socio-political commentary.

The stop-motion animation feature is reminiscent of Rankin/Bass films with elements of classic Japanese anime. In fictional future city, Megasaki, recently (and

dubiously) elected Mayor Kabayashi announces a decree to exile all dogs to Trash Island, supposedly because of an outbreak of incurable dog flu.

The Mayor’s ward, 14 year old Atari, whose beloved Spots is first to be banished, steals a mini military plane and crash lands on the prohibited island to find his dog.The plot is embellished by a motley gang of ex-pet pooches, imposing villains, earnest scientists, student dissenters, and (unfairly) maligned cats.

The voice cast is extraordinary and too vast to name check. It’s high in humour but there’s a lot of provocative subtext and there will be battlefields over cultural appropriation. (RB)

WWWW

Rampage

South America attracted by a high frequency satellite. Can David save the world and his friend before the antidote is destroyed?

The science fiction monster film is based loosely on a game series of the same name by Midway Games. Directed by Brad Peyton, the film stars Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, Joe Maganiello, Jeffery Dean Morgan and many more.

Ex-military turned primatologist, David Okoye Another blockbuster that will only be viewed (Dwayne Johnson) finds himself fighting to save purely to watch Dwayne Johnson play the same the world from total catastrophe after a genetic character he always plays. The story line was experiment gone awry finds its way to his friend, basic and boring with cliché and corny dialogue. an albino silverback gorilla named George. As Seeing the quality of the live action animals was George grows in strength, size and aggression, unfortunately the best part. (RH) another two alpha predators tear their way across WW1/2

Real Bodies: The Exhibition

THE NAKED CITY

Where do we come from?

What are we made of? Why are we here?

These are the biggest questions we as human beings have every single day.

Imagine Exhibitions, the producers of the recent Titanic: The Exhibition, have once again put together a stunning and thought-provoking exhibition with Real Bodies:The Exhibition.

Real Bodies: The Exhibition uses over 200 anatomical human specimens to offer a unique perspective on the human body and the intricate structures which work within us all in perfect unison every moment of our lives.

The exhibition consists of ten approachable galleries, each themed after a different system of the human anatomy such as; Breathe which explores the respiratory system, Rhythm which reveals the delicate

interconnectedness of the circulatory system, Love which presents the science of physical attraction, and more.

Whilst walking through and studying each installation of the exhibit you become fascinated by the wondrous nature of the human body.

As you learning about the interconnectedness of the various systems you can easily forget these are real human specimens. When the realisation hits you that these are the bodies of deceased people there is an added weight of emotions tied to the experience suddenly making this exhibition all the more compelling, poignant and unforgettable. (JA) Until Oct 1.The Byron Kennedy Hall, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Road, Moore Park. $19-$33+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.realbodiesexhibition.com.au

Irish Film Festival 2018 The Irish Film Festival is in its fourth year and looking like a stayer.The selection of feature films reflects the quality and diversity of the industry in Ireland and all films in the program are Australian premieres. For the first time, the festival will include a short film competition, which, according to Festival Director, Enda Murray, should appeal to local film makers with Irish heritage.

“A short film competition is a way for them to connect with the festival and to contribute creatively to the kind of ongoing story of Irish Australia.”

Thematically, there is a strong nationalist and historical thread running through most of the films with high representation from and of Northern Ireland and the civil conflicts that racked the two nations.

“I think it’s important to remember the past so we don’t repeat it,” explains Murray.

“What ‘the troubles’ does for me is it provides a lens to observe present day politics, it shapes my ideas about how I look at the world…”

This is poignantly demonstrated in the ground breaking

The Lodgers

documentary, No Stone Unturned, a hard-nosed investigation into the 1994 massacre of six unwitting Catholic men in a small Northern Irish pub.

The Journey, looks at the troubles from a different perspective. Two influential men, politically and ideologically opposed, are forced by circumstance to take a car journey together. What ensues is a gripping intellectual battle between two morally stubborn minds.

The Flag brings comic relief of the larrikin kind with a hapless hero trying to reclaim an Irish flag from a British barracks.

Song Of Granite is a moving bio-pic about renowned Irish

singer, Joe Heaney, whose life experience parallels the growth and influence of Irish folk song itself.

In classic haunted house tradition, The Lodgers offers stylish horror thriller in a vintage, dark-toned setting.

The highlight of the festival is the hugely successful Maze, a prison break-out movie based on the true 1983 events surrounding the largest British prison escape in history.

There are plenty of films at the festival for the Irish and Irish at heart. (RB) Apr 19-22. Chauvel Cinema, 249 Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney.

Tickets & Info: www.irishfilmfestival.com.au city hub 19 APRIL 2017

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city hub 19 APRIL 2018