OCTOBER 1 , 2020
C I T Y H U B SY D N E Y. C O M . AU @CityHubSydney
Big changes are on the horizon for cannabis products in Australia and New Zealand
BY ALLISON HORE he Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has announced it intends to make CBD products available over the counter as early as next year. This comes as our neighbours across the Tasman debate a referendum to legalise marijuana for recreational purposes. CBD (or cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating component of the hemp plant, currently listed as a Schedule 4 “prescription-only medicine”. Some research suggests the substance can be useful in treating conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, pain and insomnia while carrying few, if any, risks of major side effects or addiction. For a cannabis product to be deemed legal in Australia, the CBD component
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of the oil must be more than 98 percent concentration. This means only 2 percent of the product can contain other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance that gives users a high. Currently, CBD is only available with a prescription, and that prescription must be approved by the TGA through their Special Access Scheme. In 2019, the TGA granted 25,182 applications from doctors to prescribe the drug. It is estimated that more than 600,000 patients have been prescribed CBD since its legalisation. By down scheduling the substance to a Schedule 3 poison, rather than a Schedule 4 one, the TGA is set to make CBD available for medical use without a prescription.
AUSTRALIA SLOW OF THE MARK
Despite more doctors getting behind the treatment, it can be difficult for patients to get a prescription. According to a survey by Melbournebased medicinal cannabis company Montu, only 5 percent of GPs are prescribing medicinal cannabis despite more than 3 quarters of Australians supporting it. Research from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney suggests Australia is lagging behind other Western countries when it comes to embracing CBD products. In North America, the UK and most of Europe, CBD products are readily available online and over the counter in health food stores and pharmacies.
But the tides are turning. The TGA has flagged making CBD based medication available over the counter, without prescription, as early as 2021. Lambert Initiative researcher Professor Iain McGregor said he supports moves which will make CBD more accessible. “CBD use without a prescription is an unprecedented global phenomenon. We are entering a period that is a huge exercise in self-medication,” he said. Sharon Bentley, Managing Director of Medical Cannabis Australia, told City Hub while she thinks the interim decision is “a step in the right direction” it’s “not as great as it appears”. “The TGA has proposed a maximum daily dosage of 60mg per day,” she said. Continued on page 2
WEED REVOLUTION
TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY
HERE TO HELP As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems you have with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, superannuation, Child Support payments, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Veterans’ Affairs, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the National Broadband Network (NBN), universities, employment, training, Commonwealth funding and grants.
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TANYA PLIBERSEK MP 1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 TanyaPlibersek.com to Help 2020 1 2020 HUB 1 V1.indd OCTOBER 2 SSO HereCITY
02 9379 0700
Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au 28/09/2020 1:23:20 PM
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Customers browse a range of products at the Hemp Health and Innovation Expo in Sydney. Photo: Supplied
“The problem with this is there is currently little to no evidence to suggest that CBD at a low dose of 60mg per day is effective for the most common disorders, such as anxiety, insomnia and pain.” Analysis by the Lambert Initiative agrees a dose of 60mg “may not be high enough to benefit patients”. They suggest benefits of CBD products are usually seen at doses of between 300mg and 1500mg a day.
HEALTH COMMUNITY PUSHBACK
Not everyone supports the move. In a submission to the TGA, the Australian Medical Association suggested that there wasn’t enough evidence to support making CBD more widely available. They said making an untested product more readily available may dissuade people from using other, less controversial, medicines. “There is a risk of normalising the concept that cannabis is a good therapeutic product without established evidence to support it, and potentially dissuades use of products with a genuine evidence-based for benefit,” the AMA said. Even the TGA’s committee is mixed on the decision. The committee which was led by Associate Professor Suzanne Nielsen of the Monash Addiction Research Centre, in Melbourne, noted adverse reactions linked with CBD including drowsiness, diarrhoea and liver dysfunction. The Federal government recently announced $3 million worth of additional funding into clinical trials involving CBD’s medical applications. But Ms. Bentley said she anticipates “we will see very few products make it to market”. “Expensive clinical evidence is required before any new products will be allowed to be sold and it may be difficult to obtain sufficient evidence of effectiveness at 60mg per day,” she said. “We believe there is a risk that if products are ineffective, they could have a damaging effect on consumer confidence.” For this reason, she said, patients may not get access to the amount of products they might be anticipating from the TGA’s rescheduling.
NEW ZEALAND WEED REFERENDUM
Across the pond, New Zealand is also looking at making big changes to their laws regarding cannabis products.
Alongside their federal election on October 17, kiwis will be asked to vote in two referendums. The first asking whether assisted dying should be legalised for the terminally ill. The second, whether they support legislation to make recreational cannabis legal. Under the proposed legislation, to be voted on in the referendum, growing your own cannabis or buying up to 14 grams of dried cannabis per day from a licensed dealer will be legalised. If the “yes” vote on the referendum succeeds the proposed legislation would be brought to parliament. The legal age for the purchase and consumption of recreational marijuana would be 20 years old. The close relationship between Australia and New Zealand means the result of the referendum may have serious implications in Australia. In the end of January use of marijuana for recreational purposes was decriminalised in the ACT, but in the rest of the country it remains criminal. Despite that, in a 2019 survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 36 percent of all Australians reported having used cannabis in their lifetime, and 11.6 percent had used it within the past year. Roy Morgan polling revealed in 2019, 42 percent of Australians supported cannabis legalisation. Gino Vumbaca, the president of Harm Reduction Australia told the Sydney Morning Herald that he will be watching the referendum closely. “It will have an impact here because of the close ties between the two countries. If they move down a pathway that we think is fairly sensible, it will raise the need to review what we are doing here,” he said. “At the very least we hope it sparks some discussion about what we are actually doing with our drug laws. New Zealand may also end up attracting more Australian tourists too.” As for the TGA’s decision regarding CBD, they are taking public comment about amending the Poisons Standard until October 13. The final decision on whether it will be made available over the counter will be made in November.
HubNEWS
Youth lead the climate charge (See p.5)
A new vision for Central Square BY ALLISON HORE he City of Sydney have revealed their vision for a new major public square at Sydney’s Central station. The new square is set to complement the NSW Government’s “Tech Central” technology precinct. The new square to be named Central Square is set to transform the area around Sydney’s Central Station and turn it into a high-tech, green and people-friendly public square. “This concept is an opportunity to realise our vision of a public square at Central Station as one of three major public spaces connected by a people-friendly spine along George Street,” the Lord Mayor said. Ms. Moore said the number of workers and visitors in the city expected to increase over the next 20 years, with a new technology and innovation precinct planned at Central expected to bring an influx of workers. To accommodate these workers as well as the existing demographic in the area including university students, having more safe and comfortable outdoor spaces is essential.
T HubARTS: Superheroes Play centres on the stories of two women on opposite sides of the world (See p. 6)
Published weekly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348
The City of Sydney’s vision for Central Square. Photo: supplied
In the design, the Central Square precinct will include four connected spaces. The first space, the Central West Walk, will replace the Devonshire street tunnel. Next to the heritage brick station buildings will be the Lower Square which the council says will be “a highly active space, with seating and shade, suitable for activity 24
COVID-19 sinks Sculptures by the Sea The Sculptures by the Sea event draws large crowds to the Bondi to Tamarama walk. Photo: Flickr/Rambo2100
Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody News Editor: Allison Hore Contributors: Allison Hore Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar Cover Photo: Wikimedia/My 420 Tours. Tourists at the Euflora marijuana greenhouse in Denver, USA Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Dan Kinsela 0400 319 934 Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney
hours a day.” The Upper Square, next to the Central Station Grand Concourse, will connect the station to Belmore Park. Railway Square will also get a makeover under the plan, with trees being planted and the footpaths being widened to provide more space for people to sit and relax.
BY ALLISON HORE ue to COVID-19 restrictions on mass gatherings the popular Sculptures by the Sea art event will not be going ahead as planned this year. The event was slated to run from Thursday 22 October 2020 to Sunday 8 November along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. But current restrictions of 20 people to a gathering “rule out” the event, David Handley, founder of Sculptures by the Sea told The Sun-Herald. With more than 100 Australian and international artists having spent at
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least $1.5 million collectively to create and freight their artworks, Mr. Handley had hoped the event would go ahead as planned. “It was very important to wait and see if there was any chance we could proceed with this year’s exhibition as planned,” Mr. Handley said. The annual event, which sells itself as “the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition”, typically attracts over 500,000 visitors over the course of its run. Although restrictions on mass gatherings
have been relaxed and stadium events will be allowed to run at half capacity, Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos said it would be extremely hard to control the number of visitors to the Sculptures by the Sea event which is traditionally free and unticketed. Ms. Masselos said that the council’s aim is to “keep our public spaces open for the safe enjoyment of the entire community”, which would rule out closing off the many entryways to the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk during the exhibition. But there is still a chance the event may go ahead this year. Mr. Handley said that the NSW Government has indicated it was “open to considering an exemption for us if social distancing could be maintained”. He indicated that the event could go ahead as soon as mid-November, be postponed until mid-April 2021 or be “rolled over” until next October. Mayor Masselos said she looks forward to attending the next event “in whatever form it needs to take to ensure safe attendance”. “I really appreciate and applaud the effort and dedication that the artists have put into creating works for the exhibition during these difficult and challenging times,” said Ms Masselos. CITY HUB 1 OCTOBER 2020
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HubNEWS
Fireworks to be fired off despite COVID-19 risk CROWDS CONTROLLED
BY ALLISON HORE fter months of debate Sydney’s New Years Eve fireworks are set to go ahead, albeit in a more condensed form. On Thursday the City of Sydney handed the reins of the event over to the NSW Government, who will also be footing the bill for the event. Ms. Moore said it would be impossible for the council to manage the event under the current public health orders. “Only the State Government can manage the increased health, transport and crowd management challenges during the pandemic,” she said.
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The Sydney NYE fireworks typically draw in millions of spectators. Photo: Wikimedia
It’s almost our
contribution to the world
“The minister has assured me that the State Government will take full responsibility for planning and preparations for the fireworks and crowd management, safety, traffic and transport and is prepared to cancel the event if there is a spike in COVID cases.”
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday that the fireworks display would be shortened from its usual 12 minute runtime and would be centralised to the Sydney Harbour Bridge rather than launched from several points. The 9pm family fireworks would not be going ahead. Last year the Sydney Harbour fireworks cost a whopping $6.5m to put on and generated an estimated $130m for the state’s economy. With the show shortened, fewer viewing
areas, and only one set of fireworks, it is expected to be considerably cheaper this year. This will also mean less economic advantage for running the event, but Ms. Berejiklian said the fireworks this year would be “largely symbolic” rather than a tourist drawcard. “I do feel it’s important for the state, and the nation because it’s really a national symbol that’s beamed around the world ... it’s almost our contribution to the world,” Berejiklian said.
Traditionally the Sydney Harbour Fireworks display attracts millions of spectators, including international visitors, to Sydney’s foreshore areas. Some of these visitors set up camp at vantage points days before the fireworks are set to start. This year, Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said that the majority of people would be watching the fireworks from home and only people with tickets to specific events would be allowed access to the Harbour foreshore area. Travelling and public gatherings will also be restricted in other areas across the city. “It’s not going to be an open slather with everyone being able to come into the city,” Mr. Ayres said. “And we fundamentally believe people won’t travel into the city in the numbers they have done in the past.” Given Sydney is one of the first major cities to ring in the new year, the government hopes the fireworks will be a “symbol of hope” for the new year, broadcast to viewers all around the world. Last year, an estimated 1 billion people worldwide watched the Sydney Harbour fireworks on TV.
TELSTRA IS PLANNING TO REMOVE A PAYPHONE FULLY LICENSED PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT Alberto’s Pizzeria Restaurant was established 38 years ago and has been successfully catering to the locals of the Inner West ever since. Quality food, huge servings and a wide selection make Albertos a must-dine experience.
GENEROUS TOPPINGS PROMPT SERVICE UNBEATABLE VALUE FOR MONEY
It is proposed that a coin and card payphone be removed from: Outside 1 Regent Street near Trafalgar Street, Petersham NSW 2049 (Payphone ID: 02956416X2) The next nearest coin and card payphone is located Outside 111 Crystal Street, Petersham 2049 and is approximately 138 metres away from the payphone that is proposed to be removed. (Payphone ID: 02956424X2) Reference Number 43819 Telstra intends making a final decision on this proposal by:
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CITY HUB 1 OCTOBER 2020
To assist us in making a final decision, we invite your comments on this proposal. Please send us your comments in writing to: Telstra Payphone Siting Manager Locked Bag 4850 Melbourne Vic 3001 or by calling us on 1800 011 433 selection Option 2 or by email to Payphones@team.telstra.com For more information on payphone services (including, any applicable payphone consultation document) see: https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones
HubNEWS
Students call on government to fund their future, not gas By ALLISON HORE undreds of COVID-safe rallies took place across Australia on Friday as part of a national day of action calling on the government to commit to funding renewable energy. Last year’s school strikes around the country were amongst the largest protests in Australia’s history. However with COVID-19 restrictions making such mass gatherings impossible, School Strike 4 Climate Australia looked very different this year. “We’re living in a pandemic, so this day of action is not about turning out big numbers,” said the School Strike 4 Climate Australia organisers. Instead of organising mass gatherings, this year the School Strike 4 Climate Australia organisers called on community groups and schools to organise as many COVID-safe actions of 10-20 people as possible. Over 600 COVID-safe actions took place across Australia, with almost 200 in NSW alone. In Sydney’s Martin Place, a group of twenty socially-distanced students gathered, holding a large banner calling on the government to fund renewable energy rather than gas. 100 placards were hung from washing lines to represent the students who could not
of gas for electricity generation will be central to avoiding a deeper recession. He said if the private sector doesn’t step up their generation of energy tax payers would foot the bill for a new gas-fired power plant in the Hunter Valley. But the plan isn’t without its critics. Former prime minister Malcom Turnbull condemned Prime Minister Morrison for refusing to embrace a 2050 net zero emissions target and called the gas power station plan “crazy stuff” and “a fantasy”.
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We can create
Climate strikers gathered in a COVID-safe group at Martin Place. Photo: Allison Hore
attend the rally due to the ongoing pandemic. The protesters called on the Federal Government to spend economic stimulus money on clean energy initiatives rather than coal seam gas projects.
YOUTH LEADING THE CHARGE
Speaking at the event in Martin Place was 17 year-old school student, Veronica Hester. She lives in Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s electorate, the Division of Cook in the Sutherland Shire. Right after Friday’s action she attended her year 12
graduation, but says she is “unsure what world she is graduating into”. She said she is protesting to demand the Prime Minister “does his job” by “delivering a safe and prosperous future for all Australians.” “The government should be investing in industries that create jobs and address climate change, like renewable energy,” she said. For months, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been teasing a “gas led recovery” for Australia’s post COVID-19 economy. He says expanding the use
change, and when we’re united as young people we do create changed 16 year-old Natasha who is in year 10 also attended the Martin Place action. She worries about how the impacts of climate change will disproportionately affect those in already disadvantaged areas. But she thinks change is possible and wants young people to feel empowered in the fight for their future. “We can create change, and when we’re united as young people we do create change,” she said.
COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY
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WHEN THE MUCK STICKS
ome things never change during a pandemic. That almost primeval desire to gather in small groups and socialise is right up there along with the need to lubricate with alcohol and other daily stimulants like coffee. The new normal often relies on some inventive reworking of the old, like having contact free cocktails delivered to your front door. Some much anticipated rituals like schoolies week on the Gold Coast have been kyboshed but others like the traditional year 12 ‘muck up’ day seem to have persisted. The latter has attracted lots of negative publicity this week with the leaking of so called ‘scavenger’ lists from some of our most prestigious private schools. The lists are essentially a set of dares for which participants score brownie points for activities like urinating on a bus or train, selling fake cocaine or dropping a cap of MDMA. Whilst the dares are often meant to be more humorous than real, the one that created the most outrage was a suggestion to “spit on a homeless man”.
By Sam Mcnair #thatsneakyrabbit
This was part of a scavenger list, the “Triwizard Shorenament”, circulated by students at the Sydney Church Of England Grammar School (aka Shore) and the obvious political overtones did not go unnoticed. Whilst the school authorities were quick to voice their disgust, even threatening expulsion, the media quickly seized on the social disparity of students from a school that
costs around $30,000 a year to attend, expressing contempt for society’s most unfortunate. It’s highly likely that some of the Shore students who drew up and disseminated this list will graduate to one of the hallowed halls of Sydney University’s privileged colleges like St John’s or St Andrews, where childish and ugly initiation rituals have long been part of
the environment. These of course are the breeding grounds for our future captains of industry and conservative politicians. You would only hope that those that eventually filter through to the seats of government and positions of power, would no longer find the idea of spitting on a homeless man, even remotely funny. Back in 2013 the Sydney Morning Herald reported that traditional muck up days, in both state and private schools were becoming a thing of the past. Activities like flour bombing teachers’ cars or chucking water bombs were being replaced with students dressing up and taking part in a charity fun run. Many schools have since outlawed the day or toned down the activities to the point where they are officially sanctioned, like a water pistol fight on the school oval. In the middle of a both a pandemic and an economic recession, when many people are doing it really tough, the scavenger hunts of Shore, St Aloysius, Pymble Ladies College and other elite schools are both an ugly anachronism and a reminder that we are far from an egalitarian society. CITY HUB 1 OCTOBER 2020
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HubARTS
HOPE D: “[Common Denominator] is about my first relationship as a queer woman” (See p.7)
SUPERHEROES
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uperheroes, centres on the stories of two women on opposite sides of the world. Apparently the two never meet but their worlds are connected in ways that neither of them could possibly have imagined. Emma from Thirroul on the South Coast and studying creative writing at Sydney Uni is facing a dilemma involving her on/off boyfriend and needs to decide whether or not life with him is worth the angst. On the other side of the world in Bosnia Herzegovina Jana is faced with a refugee crisis while out shopping for groceries and must make a choice. Does she intervene and help or simply continue on? The play asks how much of our lives are influenced by our own personal experiences and the ways in which, the choices we make as a result of our thoughts and beliefs, affect others. “The play is really the juxtaposition of two journeys.” explained Gemma Bird Matheson, who plays Emma. “It doesn’t
really provide answers but simply poses more questions giving people different takeaways.” Mark Rogers, whose other plays include Blood Pressure and Plastic were both very important works dealing with life, death, truth, lies and the political and scientific advancement of humanity, has said that he writes plays which speak of the world as he sees it while at the same time talking to his own community. (RLD) Until Oct 24. Seymour Centre, Cnr of City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale. $38-$62+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.griffintheatre.com.au Gemma Bird Matheson. Photo: Brett Boardman.
WRITING FOR FILM & THEATRE WITH JOANNA MURRAY-SMITH
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nlock the keys of Creative Writing with Actors Centre Australia’s exclusive online masterclass, Writing For Film and Theatre with Joanna MurraySmith. From prose to stage to screen, Joanna Murray-Smith’s success as a writer across all forms has shaped the Australian Writers scene tremendously. Her plays are performed and published around the world and her plays and novels have been translated into many languages. Joanna Murray-Smith is the author of more than half of all Australian plays produced overseas, (Australia Council For The Arts). According to Variety, Joanna is “the foremost female Australian playwright.” Produced and translated all over the world in over two dozen languages, her plays have been produced throughout Europe, the United States, the UK and Asia and on Broadway, the West End and at the Royal National Theatre in London.
Joanna has guest-lectured at UCLA, the Victorian College of the Arts, the New York Stage and Film Festival at Vassar, New York and at many other institutions. Her new play, Berlin, will premiere in the 2021 Melbourne Theatre Company season and in London and Germany. Join Joanna in this fantastic online course exclusive to ACA! More info and tickets head to www.actorscentreaustralia.com.au/ writing-film-theatre
The Good Neighbour Project Supporting responsible cat ownership Protecting wildlife and feline welfare Keeping your cat happy and healthy Join our Good Neighbour Project. Visit catprotection.org.au
Rehoming Organisation Number R251000224
Ageing Support Supporting people living with HIV aged over 45, through the maze of aged care, disability, and healthcare services in NSW Contact Positive Life NSW on (02) 9206 2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall)
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CITY HUB 24 SEPTEMBER 2020
HubARTS
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IVOT is the name given to a coming exhibition which promotes local craft communities coming together to support and promote each other. The exhibition takes place over a number of venues and localities so that it will be accessible to all and sundry “Craft people are everywhere. They live on your street or just around the corner as craft is something we all have tried at one time or another,” expains organiser, Stephanie Ferguson. PIVOT brings together local brewers,
distillers, woodworkers, ceramacists and textile designers showcasing their pure Australian made productivity in various dining venues in the inner west. How is brewing a craft you might ask? Well apparently it’s all in how the beer is brewed. These brewers use local ingredients and hops from the Riverina area. While visitors will drink their beer out of traditional glasses, those enjoying a coffee, will be drinking from clay ceramic mugs with artist designs printed on them. The artist mediums
HOPE D
BY JAMIE APPS or many of us our first relationship is often one of convenience rather than the perfect connection. For Brisbane’s Hope D her first relationship was no different, but unlike many of us her experience also inspired her latest breakout single, Common Denominator. Speaking to City Hub Hope reflected on the single and the experiences which inspired it. “[Common Denominator] is about my first relationship as a queer woman. We met through a mutual friend who knew that we were both gay, but we only had that one thing in common. “We had one Common Denominator but there wasn’t much else to go on besides that. Which is something I feel that a lot of people can relate to, whether they’re queer or not. I feel like a lot of first relationships are mostly based on time and place rather than the right person.” Throughout the single Hope’s unique style injects the track with a humour and levity which further enhances the song’s incredibly relatable message. For this reason the track has become somewhat of an anthem for the LGBTQI community.
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“I’ve had a bunch of replies from people thanking me for making something so related to them,” Hope said. “It’s really nice to have that sort of feedback. Especially coming off my first single Swim, which was very queer focused, this further solidifies my place in that community. I love helping people with my music and helping them be more comfortable with themselves knowing that I’ve gone through similar things.” Off the back of the success of Common Denominator and with the COVID-19 situation slowly improving Hope had made plans to return to the stage in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in
used in these designs include botanicals including seaweed and gum leaves. There will be information on how craft can be used in everyday life with artist labels and displays on wall panels. The whole idea is that craft becomes part of the whole dining experience in a relaxed, laid back environment whilst experiencing the best that Australia has to offer. All part of going local. (RLD) Oct 9-18. Various Venues & prices. Info: www.instagram.com/ pivotexhibit
October. However, with the current situation surrounding State borders it would appear that the Sydney and Melbourne shows are unlikely to happen. Despite this Hope reassured fans that she will get to them as soon as it is safe to do so, “There have been so many amazing people supporting from those places so I can’t wait to get there and play for them... When it does happen it’s going to be incredible.” In the mean time Hope is focused on her Brisbane shows, which she has needed to get creative with. During the early stages of COVID lockdown Hope was doing live streamed performances but in more recent weeks she took her band out on a moving vehicle to perform to people in their suburbs. Coming up she will finally return to a live club setting with an intimate stripped back performance. “These shows are going to be smack bag in between a live stream and regular live show,” explained Hope. “It’s going to be people sitting down to watch the performance like they would a live stream but at the end of each song I’ll be able to hear their applause.” Stay up to date with Hope D and any future live shows by following her on Instagram at @HopeDMusic
Work by Mark O’Ryan
PIVOT: A NEW CRAFT / DINING EXPERIENCE
WAX CHATTELS - CLOT
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ew Zealand’s Wax Chattels have return with their second album, Clot, and continue to carve their own path and niche. The debut album from the trio saw them drawing from jazz, drum and bass, and punk. All without guitar elements. Clot sees the group continue down this avenue, but now with more confidence and innovation. Whilst the group have evolved and innovated more this time around their style is still one which may not appeal to everyone. Since through group have crafted a style which is so unusual and unique it can be difficult to connect with initially, but with perseverance the quality and nuances will be appreciated. (JA) WWW
FOUR KIDS AND IT
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his is an entertaining small budget fantasy film for children who are tired of watching animated films that after a while all seem alike. Based on the book by the same name the story is a modern re-imagining of E. Nesbit’s 1902 classic novel Five Children And It, which delves on a group of kids who, while on vacation with their parents in Cornwall, stumble upon a grumpy magical creature living on a secluded beach that grants wishes. Veteran actor Michael Caine provides the voice of the delightful creature and
young viewers should warm to the four likeable children who ultimately learn the importance of family values. The story wouldn’t be complete without the stereotyped villain who tries to utilise the creature’s magical powers for his own wicked deeds. Filmed in the picturesque coastal areas of England, this film ultimately feels like a BBC program made for children’s television, but if it succeeds in mesmerising young audiences the film has served its purpose. (MMo)
WWW CITY HUB 24 SEPTEMBER 2020
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The hotel offers warm and personal service with the luxury of a 4 ½ star hotel exuding a unique blend of old-world charm that seamlessly merges the historic building with the modern conveniences and comforts expected by today’s guests.
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The package includes; – Breakfast – 13.00hrs Late Check Out
Rates: 2 nights at $389 Signature Superior King Room 2 nights at $459 Deluxe Twin Room 2 nights at $509 Signature Deluxe King Room
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Terms & Conditions: Valid until 31 March 2021 – subject to availability. Full prepayment required. Flexible cancellations apply. Bookings may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 21 days prior to the check-in date. Date amendments can made only if done so 21 days or later prior to arrival.
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CITY HUB 24 SEPTEMBER 2020