City Hub 21 November 2019 by Alt Media

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GETS FIRED UP ! Page 3

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How the nanny state and bungling bureaucrats are shutting down one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coolest clubs

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city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

HubNEWS

Fired up: Bushfire blame gets hot (See p. 8-9)

Pastizzi Café says “addiju”

HubARTS Montaigne tells City Hub about her nerdy hobbies (See p. 12)

Published weekly and freely available Sydneywide. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons News Editor: Alec Smart Contributors: Alec Smart, Eliza Spencer, Mark Mordue, Ashna Bharkhada Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Erika Echternach, Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Olga Azar, Renee Lou Dallow, Rita Bratovich Advertising Manager: Georgina Pengelly Cover Photo: Supplied by Slyfox Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au 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 altmediagroup

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Pastizzi Café, opposite the New Theatre on south King St, Newtown, is moving. Photo: Alec Smart

By ELIZA SPENCER oo far from the station for the comfort of tourists, and too obscure for even the hippest influencers, the residents of South King Street in Newtown have meandered along on a steady diet of fresh pastizzi and anarchist posters plastered to the windows of now-empty shop fronts. Twenty-nine stores remain unoccupied, with that number expected to rise to 30 as local institution Pastizzi Café, opposite the New Theatre, prepares to move after fourteen years on South King. Owners Lenny and Debbie Ross are relocating their popular home-made Maltese pastries to the northern end of King Street after their fourth consecutive development approval was knocked back by the Inner West Council (IWC). Two years and more than $30,000 out of pocket, Ms Ross said they had no choice but to leave. “We paid for a town planner but there are also acoustic reports and an environmental report, and they turned back the DA anyway! Two years of trying, and each time being knocked back. The reasons were just ridiculous. Everything was in limbo,” sighed Ms Ross. Their new location, on the northern end of King Street close to the RPA Hospital

and University of Sydney, is nearly triple the size of their current premise. It’s also situated in the City of Sydney Council, so Ms Ross would no longer have to deal with the IWC. Despite its perfect size, Ms Ross is heartbroken about the move. “Once we’re gone, I think it will leave a gap… It’s very community-oriented down here [in South King], that’s why I’m going to miss it,” she said.

Gentrification hits small business

South King Street has borne the brunt of gentrification in Erskineville and Newtown. It is divided down the middle by two of Sydney’s largest councils, the City of Sydney on the Erskineville side to the east, and the Inner West Council in Newtown on the west. Commercial rental prices range from a minimum of $18,000 p.a. for a small retail space described as “perfect for a pop-up store,” up to $98,000 p.a. to lease a larger commercial unit, such as Lou Jack’s Café at 420 King Street which, sadly, closed its doors on October 27 after 21 years of trading. A spokesperson for IWC said, “There is still a place for small business on King

Street. Newtown has been undergoing gentrification for many, many years… Thus far, Newtown has managed to retain a blend of eccentricity and quality.” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, believes that with the right support from government and locals, King Street can thrive again.

It’s very community-oriented down in South King Street “I love King Street,” she said. “It’s one of our best-known high streets and has plenty going for it. The rise of online shopping has hurt its retailers. The lockouts have threatened to change the dynamic of Newtown’s nightlife and increased traffic has made it a sometimes unpleasant place to sit or walk. Newtown, as with every other suburb in Sydney, is slowly changing but we’ll continue to do everything we can to support business across the suburb.” Ms Ross considers herself lucky to be expanding. “We’re very nervous,” she admitted, “It’s a whole different ball game for us. It’s a bigger space, it’s a huge rent, so we’re nervous, but we’re going to give it a go.” city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

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HubNEWS

Assange – Sweden drops rape charges

Hello, welcome, nice to meet you.

Welcome to the new Hu We hope to be a bit larrikin, a bit serious, and always supportive of the everyday, and critical of those in power. We also take the view that the media has a responsibility to ensure that power is held to account. So, we’ll be looking at media as well. Wow! That’s pretty heavy, for what is intended to be a light-hearted column. Hubbub is afraid though we live in dark times, and any column that even touches on politics must be prepared to put on a pair of stout Wellingtons and go wading in some pretty stinky, slimy and unpleasant stuff. Let’s get to it!

What’s the go with Bondi Pavilion?

Hubbub has been talking with some of our well-placed friends. We don’t wish to drop names - Hubbub’s modesty and regard for our friend’s modesty prevents that. But there are concerns that Bondi Pavilion is going to be closed for two years. Now Bondi Pavilion is, as we all know, one of the landmarks on the world-famous Bondi Beach. What does such a closure achieve?

p.6

BY ALEC SMART wedish authorities announced on Nov. 20 they will discontinue their investigations into a rape allegation levelled at WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, which dates back to 2010, the third time they’ve been dropped. Sweden’s Deputy Chief Prosecutor EvaMarie Persson declared: “After conducting a comprehensive assessment of what has emerged during the course of the preliminary investigation I then make the assessment that the evidence is not strong enough to form the basis for filing an indictment.”

Assange maintains the rape allegations stem from consensual sex Sweden dropped the preliminary investigation in 2017 while Assange was a refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Assange sought sanctuary in the embassy in August 2012 and was granted political asylum by Ecuador’s thenpresident, Raffael Correa. However, on 28 March 2019, new president Lenin Moreno revoked Assange’s citizenship after Ecuador entered a new military alliance with the USA.

Campaigners call for the release of Julian Assange at Sculptures by the Sea this year. Screenshot: Alec Smart

48-year-old Assange, who denies all charges, is currently serving a 50week sentence in London’s Belmarsh prison for breaching bail conditions. The Australian journalist is awaiting a February 2020 hearing for extradition to the USA for publishing classified documents, some revealing the USA’s participation in war crimes. This includes the infamous ‘Collateral Murder’ film footage from 12 July 2007, showing helicopter gunsight footage of laughing, joking helicopter crews engaged in

a ‘turkey-shoot’ of fleeing civilians in Baghdad. If deported, he faces decades in prison for obtaining and disclosing thousands of secret political and military documents, deemed as offences under the US Espionage Act. Assange maintains the rape allegations stem from consensual sex, and that the women at the centre of them were coerced by US authorities to concoct them in order to draw him to Sweden, where it would be easier to extradite him to the USA.

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city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

THE HUBBU

HubNEWS

Now, there is some good news; the pavilion is not going to be torn down and redeveloped.The bad news is that what will be happening is an extensive refurbishment. Still, current tenants are worried; they might not have access to the beloved institution for years. The manager of Waverley Council argues that it’s better to close it down for two years and fix it all at once.The mayor, though, thinks there’s a better way - and in a city with a decreasing amount of truly public spaces, Hubbub thinks the mayor might be onto something.The mayor thinks that a staged development, which takes a bit longer but costs more, works better. Hubbub is usually no fan of local councils, but hypocritically also thinks that many decisions that affect a local community should be decided by the local community. Bondi is host to many important cultural events. One institution that will be impacted is Flickerfest, purveyors of Australia’s best short films for nearly forty years. One of Australia’s most important film festivals, its presence at Bondi Pavilion is that rare thing: it enhances both parties. It would be a travesty for Flickerfest to have to find a new home. It is understood that the organizers are quite worried about the future of Flickerfest without its home. It may well be more expensive

By MARK MORDUE ast Monday morning, Addison Road Community Organisation announced the start of its WOW (War on Waste) Food! Inner West campaign. The campaign encourages local businesses to donate food and support the Food Pantry, Addi Road’s ‘food rescue and food security’ supermarket. Matt Kean, the NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, launched the WOW campaign, with cross-partisan support from Anthony Albanese, the Member for Grayndler and the Federal ALP Leader, and Jo Haylen, State Member for Summer Hill. Federal, State and local politicians from Inner West Council were joined by Food Pantry customers and volunteers, as well as food donors from Barilla Australia, Hilton Hotel Sydney, The Bread & Butter Project, Vanella Cheese, Maggie May Cafe, Ethical Grocer and Serendipity. Matt Kean announced a grant of $93,000 for Addi Road buy a small vehicle and upgrade its Food Pantry’s operations, including provision for cold storage. The Minister was effusive about what

Rosanna Barberro (Addi Rd CEO), Jo Haylen MP and Warren Roberts (Yarn), with NSW MInister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean (centre-left), at the War On Waste campaign launch. Photo: Mark Mordue

was being achieved and the possibilities of the WOW (War on Waste) Food! Inner West campaign. “What this program is all about is helping reduce food waste, which is good for our environment and good for helping people in need.”

Food insecurity a global issue Rosanna Barbero, CEO Addison Road Community Organisation, said, ”The food justice movement is growing and reshaping how we organise ourselves.

Food insecurity is a global issue – it can happen to anyone, and we see it a lot in our community. Addi Road is addressing it locally by rescuing food and diverting it from land fill onto the tables of countless local families every day.” The Addison Road Community Organisation Food Pantry currently rescues 1.8 tonnes of food from landfill every week. Information on how to donate here: https://addiroad.org.au/wow-foodinnerwest

Entrée Entrée

French Onion Soup

Duck liver pate, Duck liver pate, & port jelly green peppercorn

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

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

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p.8

War on Waste launched L

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city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

THE HUBBU

HubNEWS

in the short term to renovate the Pavilion in stages. But in cultural terms, in community terms, in tourism terms, and even in financial terms, it makes sense. Hubbub has our ear to the ground, and will report further developments.

NSW sizzles, PM fiddles

Mr Morrison’s absence has been noticed. Usually first in front of a camera, the prime minister is apparently in London, though why is anyone’s guess. The British Parliament, having called an election, is in caretaker mode, so any meetings Mr Morrison has won’t count for much. But not counting for much is the order of the day. The dialogue goes like this: Now is not the time to speak of climate change. People’ houses are burning. Yes, but shouldn’t we ask why they are burning? There have been bushfires in Australia since forever. 1925, 1967, 1994, and more. Yes but not as many so early in the season, and not really as many at once. But who will think of the children? We don’t want to scare them. No. Perhaps they may become environmentally aware they’ll go to hell.

p.9

Bushfires: the blame BY ALEC SMART ith catastrophic firestorms still raging across eastern Australia, incinerating almost 600 homes, destroying more than 1.5 million hectares of bush, cremating thousands of animals and birds (including whole colonies of endangered koalas), and killing six people, the blame-game for responsibility has gone into overdrive. And yet, despite fire chiefs and environment professionals explaining the causes and calling for greater forest management and investment in firefighting resources, two groups of people have been blamed across social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Like superstitious villagers in medieval times, who blamed crop failure and outbreaks of disease on women performing witchcraft, attribution has been diverted to “greenies” and homosexuals.

“God’s Judgement”

Self-appointed gay-tormentor Israel Folau, former Wallabies’ rugby union star, delivered a typically incendiary verdict on the bushfires.

During a ten-minute sermon at the Truth of Jesus Christ Church in Kenthurst on 17 November, the 30-year-old devout Christian, who was dumped by Rugby Australia after repeatedly warning “sinning” homosexuals they were Hellbound, claimed the devastating fires were a “little taste of God’s judgment”. Folau berated Australians for voting to legalise homosexual unions in the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite, insisting bushfires were God’s vengeful wrath.

Every time there’s major fires the furphy about Greenies and fuel reduction comes out “Look how rapid these bushfires, these droughts, all these things have come in a short period of time. Do you think it’s a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys. Australia you need to repent and take these laws and turn it back to what is right… The events that have happened here in Australia, in the last couple of years – God’s word says for a man and a woman to be together ... they’ve come and changed this law.” Folau’s supporters are probably unaware he once posed for the cover of Sydney’s

oldest gay publication, Star Observer magazine (now published by City Hub’s owner Alt-Media) to promote the Bingham Cup, an international rugby competition for gays and lesbians. The Greens also received widespread condemnation for the bushfires because of their perceived opposition to hazard reduction measures. Hazard reduction includes the removal of fallen trees, creation of “fire breaks” (cleared zones) around infrastructure and housing, and controlled burns through cooler months in forests adjoining homes or areas identified as high-risk for wildfires. These activities create buffer zones that reduce fuel for advancing bushfires, effectively minimising risks to life and property. The Green Party, which has never been in government and has a minimal presence in Australian politics, is accused of introducing layers of “green tape” to inhibit hazard reductions in order to save trees and animals, thus increasing dangers to humans. On 11 November, former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce led

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HubNEWS

THE HUBBU

The debate is eerily similar to the one we hear from the NRA forces in the US. After a massacre is not the time to talk of gun reform. But neither is when massacres aren’t happening. This latter argument is needed less and less given the frequency of mass shootings there. The powers that be obfuscate, deflect, play on emotions and attack.They say,‘We shouldn’t politicise the debate’ – and then blame Greenie policies. Since the greens haven’t held high office, this makes the brain in our head run out our ear.

Folau’s Folly

A hazard reduction burn in Ku-Ring-Gai, Sydney, in April 2018. Photo: Alec Smart

the accusations that Greens were responsible for the catastrophic fires in an interview with The Australian. “The problems we have got have been created by the Greens. We haven’t had the capacity to easily access (hazard) reduction burns because of all of the paperwork that is part of green policy. “We don’t have access to dams because they have been decommissioned on national parks because of green policy. We have trees that have fallen over vehicles and block roads, so people cannot either get access to fight a fire or to get away from fires. And we can’t knock over the trees because of Greens policy. So many of the practicalities of fighting a fire and managing it have been stymied by the Greens...” Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack also weighed in on the Greenbashing, condemning the “disgraceful, disgusting.. raving inner-city lunatics” for daring to link climate change with the catastrophic bushfires. Greg Mullins, former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, has no doubt climate change is the leading factor igniting the rampant bushfires, and not the Greens’ influence on policies. Broadcaster Steve Price challenged Mullins on this during an appearance on TV’s The Project on 11 November: “It’s this five to ten years’ worth of growth we haven’t had any fuel reduction, largely due to Green policies. Wouldn’t we be better off having a strong positive debate about that rather than going on about climate change?”

Mullins replied: “That’s a fallacy and it’s always trotted out at times like this. The environmental laws are fairly strict because there was indiscriminate burning many years ago. It’s not impossible to get hazard reductions done through the process. Problem is, it’s drier and hotter… “Every time there’s major fires the furphy about Greenies and fuel reduction comes out. Yes, we do need to do more fuel reduction, if only we had the windows like we used to… Any fire service will tell you that the windows for hazard reduction through winter are getting narrower and narrower…” NSW Environment Minister, Matt Kean, contradicted his government’s suggestion that Greens inhibited hazard reduction when he told Guardian Australia that the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which undertakes 75% of all hazard reduction in the state, exceeded their target of 135,000 hectares of hazard reduction activities in 2018 and 2019. Prof Ross Bradstock, the director of the Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires at the University of Wollongong, added: “Hazard reduction work has increased... There has been more carried out in recent years than in previous decades”.

ScoMo refused to meet fire experts

On 14 November, Greg Mullins gave a press conference in the grounds of Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, accompanied by fire experts, where they revealed their requests to meet Prime Minister Scott

Morrison in April to discuss the coming bushfire season were rebuffed. “Some people want the debate gagged because they don’t have any answers. It’s okay to say it’s arsonists’ fault, or that the ‘Greenies’ are stopping hazard reduction burning, which simply isn’t true, but you’re not allowed to talk about climate change… “Had we spoken back in April, one of the things we would have said was try to get more aircraft on lease from the northern hemisphere.” Former NSW Deputy Fire and Rescue commissioner Ken Thompson suggested Australia should invest in more largescale planes that can access difficult and dangerous terrain quickly to drop high volumes of water or fire retardant. Only 160 aircraft are currently available nationwide to combat bushfires, including small planes, helicopters and larger planes. Many Indigenous leaders are calling for a re-introduction of “fire practitioners” and a return to centuries-old methods, incorporating Aborigines’ traditional burning practices into existing forest management systems for a reduction of bushfires during hot summer months. Not coincidentally, the Greens’ key bushfire management policy states: “Bush fire risk management should be informed by the knowledge of Indigenous Australians”. Meanwhile, 10,000 people have signed an online petition at Change.org calling for the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks to be cancelled and the money diverted to bushfire and drought relief efforts.

Everyone’s favourite football bigot, Israel Folau, was back in the news this week blaming the bush fires ravaging NSW as being the fault of gay marriage. So despicable were these nonsensical comments that the prime minister and even outspoken Israelites like Alan Jones were quoted in the SMH distancing themselves from them. But Hubbub noticed something curious about those comments. See if you can spot it. Said Jones:“Someone’s got to say hang on, look, these are difficult times for people in bushfires and drought and so on and we’re not going to be in the business of making those sorts of comments which really are quite simply silly.“ Said the prime minister:“He’s a free citizen, he can say whatever he likes, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have regard to the grievous offence this would have caused to people whose homes have been burnt down.“ Continued the SMH: “Mr Morrison said Folau’s comments would have also offended “many Christians in Australia for whom that is not their view at all, and whose thoughts and prayers ... are very much with those who are suffering under the terrible burden of fire.” Did you notice what we noticed? Neither party recognized the offense given to homosexuals. No one would want to offend the victims of the bush fires, and God forbid anyone offend a Christian. But not a word for the people hated by name by the hateful Folau.

Till next week!

Hubbub loves secrets. Hubbub also loves public events, unsung heroes, launches, interesting productions by local artists, books by local authors, worthy charitable causes and much more besides. Don’t keep us out of the loop - write us at hubbubsydney@gmail.com. Secrets will remain anonymous. *Hubbub, a resident of the Sydney area, has a background in politics, history, music, literature, art and other such refined acts. Hubbub loves the city, though the relationship has been getting strained recently. city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

HubNEWS

Waves of discontent By ASHNA BHARKHADA large crowd of over 1000 people gathered at Yarra Bay Sailing Club on Sunday, Nov. 18, to campaign against the NSW Government’s plan to build a new cruise-ship terminal at Yarra Bay, which is on the north side of Botany Bay, 12 kilometres from the CBD. Opponents say Garden Island, at the northern tip of Potts Point, would be a better alternative. The Yarra Bay residents point to a number of negative impacts a new terminal there would have on the area. The island breakwater across the bay would redirect swells to rebound onto the calm shores used by many residents and disrupt sailing and rescue training in the area. They say road traffic in the area would grow substantially, including an increased use of trucks transporting supplies to and from the dock. There’s also the issue of offloading thousands of arriving passengers in South Sydney - who will then need to be bused up to Circular Quay to see the Opera House and other attractions. A new terminal at Garden Island instead would keep the tourists in existing tourist areas.

La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council had also raised concerns that the proposed terminal would destroy significant heritage culture and waters. Former Navy Reserve Captain Peter Collins, the then Liberal NSW leader who led the Cruise Industry Reference group in 2017, put together a consensus from the cruise-line industry, tourism industry, business chambers, and NSW Government that Garden Island was a more cost effective and practical location for the terminal. He suggested the area could be used as a dual facility with the Navy base.

We’re going to fight it legally, we’re going to fight it politically, we’re going to fight it with people power However, then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made a “captains call” and turned down the idea on the grounds of national security.

Reconsidering Garden Island

The Port Authority of New South Wales’ acting chief executive Philip Holliday told the campaigners on Sunday that Garden

Campaigners spell out the words ‘Save Yarra Bay’ at a demonstration on 17 November. Photo: Supplied

Island remained a key supporting base for the Navy. The result of Sunday’s demonstration was a united decision by residents, politicians and several supporting parties to develop a plan-of-action that would urge the government to reconsider Garden Island as an alternative location and take Yarra Bay off the table. Over the coming months the group has scheduled three more protests: One around Circular Quay, one outside Port Authority headquarters, and a music festival on the water. Dates can be found at the Save the Bay Coalition Facebook page. Greens MLC David Shoebridge is expected to present a motion in upper

house this week calling for the release of a preliminary strategic business case for the Yarra Bay plan. Save Yarra Bay Coalition collected 1500 signatures at the rally for petitions to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Gladys Berejiklian, outlining objections to the development. Save Yarra Bay Coalition surveyor Maria Poulos Conklin said that a crossparty consensus of people from all political strides are united against the development and the effort is unprecedented. “We’re going to fight it legally, we’re going to fight it politically, we’re going to fight it with people power,” she declared.

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city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

Coffin Ed’s NAKED CITY

THE GRUMPY GUIDE TO GIFTED CHILDREN

any would argue that reality shows are a malaise that’s dragging both free and streaming television to a point even below what is generally regarded as the lowest cowmmon denominator. They come in many different models from the electronic Stilnox of Love Island Australia, through the soap opera tedium of Bride And Prejudice to the blatant Judge Judy ripoff that is Trial By Kyle. All the free TV networks are guilty although some would see their reality shows as a cut above the usual sludge. Take SBS’s current offering Child Genius, a series which I have touched on before in this column. It’s the search to find Australia’s smartest child with all the trappings and background stories that you get in the typical, formula contrived, reality show. Maybe I’m overreacting but I have to ask - why does a network committed to championing cultural diversity endorse what I’m sure many would perceive as a kind of intellectual elitism? The concept is nothing new as far as Australian TV goes and there has been a stack of quiz and spelling bee shows for kids over the past decades. Only SBS has chosen to anoint the winner with the title of “Genius” and present a cup-like trophy that looks like something awarded at the annual Bong Bong picnic races. There’s no doubting the kids selected for the series are

THAT SNEAKY RABBIT

bright and intelligent and have the capacity to rote learn many of the subjects on which they are quizzed. But cramming the brain with a whole bunch of scientific facts and the spelling of some ridiculously obscure words does not necessarily produce a child of remarkable intellect as the series wants you to think. In one of the early episodes, one of the more

precocious contestants proudly proclaims that he has a higher IQ than Albert Einstein, which for the record was supposedly around 160. Wow, you have to wonder whether this kind of academic pampering at such an early age, often driven by over pushy parents, is all that healthy. Back in the 60s in NSW, when major changes were taking place

By Sam Mcnair

#thatsneakyrabbit

in the educational system, ‘comprehensive’ high schools were introduced in many areas. Not only were they co-educational but students were often graded according to their academic ability in A, B and C classes. There was even a classification in some schools called ‘General Activities’ for students of a supposedly low intellectual ability. Their curriculum was restricted to basic literacy along with practical courses in metalwork, woodwork and home economics. The system certainly stigmatised those at the bottom of the academic grading. Kids in the GA classes were often referred to as ‘dumbos’ and ‘retards’ and being in a B or C class also came with a sense of inferiority. I went to one of these so-called comprehensive high schools and hated everything about the way students were intellectually segregated. Given that experience, I have no problem in admitting that shows like Child Genius really get my egalitarian dander up. There is nothing wrong in rewarding kids for academic achievement and, of course, it should be encouraged. But defining intelligence by the ability to reel off a number of swatted up facts is problematic, to say the least. Numerous studies have been done tracking the career paths of exceptionally bright children with varying results and conclusions. What’s generally agreed is the difference between a prodigy and a so-called genius. Prodigies are seen as children who master a particular discipline at a very early age like an eight-year-old pianist breezing through Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3. A genius, on the other hand, is often defined as somebody who eschews traditional thinking to develop an idea or theory that has a profound effect on mankind. Okay, so the SBS series is a reality show, designed to be essentially entertaining and sustain your interest from beginning to end with a bit of drama and tension to spice it up. It’s no doubt well-meaning but let’s hope it’s the last ‘genius’ trophy dished out and any future shows highlight kids for their ideas, sense of community and humanity – not their encyclopaedic memory bank. city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

HOW SLYFOX GOT SCREWED The nanny state and bungling bureaucrats are shutting down one of the city’s coolest clubs By Madison Behringer he Slyfox nightclub, nestled on Enmore Road in the Inner West, has been a fixture in Sydney’s late-night music and club scene for over 20 years. Since 1998, Slyfox has been operating as a 24-hour venue, giving locals a spot to go once the pubs and other bars close. Since opening, Slyfox has traded without any problems and has become a muchloved venue for locals and visitors to Enmore alike. In 2016 when Sydney’s lock-out laws came into effect, Police advised that due to a stipulation in Slyfox’s current DA, no amplified music was to be allowed after 3 am. As a result, the club introduced silent disco headphones to comply with these laws. Then Slyfox spent the next three years - and over $100,000 - soundproofing the venue with the aim to apply to Inner West City Council for the removal of the headphones. After countless meetings with Council DA planners, town planners, acoustic engineers, neighbours, lawyers, the Mayor of Inner West Darcy Byrne, the CEO of Inner West and others, Slyfox submitted to council a DA to remove the headphones for good. After much back and forth and Council requests for further changes and amendments to the venue and its DA application, Council contacted Slyfox on November 12 stating that their recommendation to the Council’s planning panel would be a 12 am (midnight) license. Since this would cause the venue’s imminent closure, SLYFOX published a post on their Facebook page the following day. ‘From the owners of Slyfox, the staff, the DJ’s, the promoters, the bands, the comedians, the improv actors, the chefs, we call on you all to SAVE THE SLYFOX. Massive thanks to the Mayor of the Inner West Council, Darcy Byrne for his unwavering and ongoing support from the start,’ the post read. Slyfox co-owner Kerry Wallace explained why a midnight license would be devastating for the club’s survival: “Slyfox is known as a late-night bar. So people are not in there at 5 pm having beers. So for us to survive and for the business to

Photo: Supplied by Slyfox

Photo: Supplied by Slyfox Slyfox owners Kerry Wallace & Brett Strauss with Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne. Photo: Supplied by Slyfox

be viable it has to be a late-night bar.” Wallace went on to say: “We’ve been losing money ever since those headphones came in. We have to get rid of the headphones.” Wallace sees first-hand how important a light-night venue like Slyfox is to a community like Enmore. “People have lived in the local area for years,” he said. “They frequent the Slyfox after dinners or after going somewhere else. It’s an iconic piece of Enmore Road. It’s one of the only late-night venues we have left in the whole of Sydney.” Brett Straus is also a co-owner of the venue and has been the Council’s main point of contact throughout the ongoing battle for Slyfox’s future. He detailed the

Link to Save the Slyfox petition: www.change.org 12

city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

death by 1000 cuts the club has been enduring. At first, Straus said, “The Mayor called a round-table discussion for all stakeholders and they said to us, ‘Look, we understand there are some issues here, we’re going to do the right thing by you, if you can just withdraw the application and lodge a brand new one doing it this way, we will help push that through Council’. We were all shaking hands afterwards, everyone was bloody hunky-dory, getting on like a house on fire”. But that’s not what happened. The process to keep Slyfox open became frustrating, time-consuming and expensive. “We did all the testing and everything they asked us, only for them to come back and change the goal-posts again, saying, ‘We didn’t mention this particular thing before but it’s important that you

do it now’. It’s almost like they’re trying to bleach us from every dollar so that we eventually just pull the application all together so they win.” City Hub attempted to contact Inner West Council for comment, but got no response. Despite the seemingly never-ending challenges with Council, Slyfox is fighting to keep its doors open. A petition – Save the Slyfox - has almost 6000 signatures since being created on November 13. Slyfox are also asking locals to complete a Submission to Council Form, with over 1500 locals already doing so.

“The letter and submission to Council is what’s going to get waved in the court. So the submissions to the Council are the most important to fighting this,” said Straus. “I’ve read why the local community wants us to stay open,” said Wallace. “We’ve now had 1810 direct submissions to Council now in favour of our DA. I’ve been reading them all, people are literally pouring their hearts out.” Wallace finished by saying: “It’s funny – the Inner West Council just announced that they’re doing their own ‘Live Gig Guide’ every week for live music and then on the other side they’re trying to shut down a live-music venue.” The Inner West Council’s recommendation to the planning panel will be announced in the next week; in the meantime, the Save the Slyfox petition and Submission to Council Forms are still being accepted.

Link to Submission to Council Forms: www.tinyurl.com/CityHubSlyFox

HubARTS

Two comedy masters are the definitive Odd Couple (See p.14)

Trevor Ashley - Crossing Over With John Edward speaking with world-renowned The Lyin’ Queen W hilst psychic medium John Edward

hat would transpire if The Lion King, Jurassic Park, and King Kong were all combined into one satirical show? A riotous adults-only romp starring iconic Sydney drag artist Trevor Ashley, which parodies everything from Australian politics to shows like I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! “I play Gay Wray from Home And Away who lives in L.A. She is loosely based on a particular Australian soapy star who didn’t particularly like that everybody kept bringing up the fact that she used to star on Home And Away!’ laughed Ashley. She is sent to an island with some hilarious characters and what they find is disastrous. “It’s very funny and it ties in everything that’s ever been near an island or a jungle in any type of pop culture.” Ashley explained that this is his biggest show yet, with puppetry and a three and a half meter tall T-Rex which attacks the zany characters on stage. There’s also aerial stunts and some great songs. Naturally, glamour is the heart of the show and Ashley wouldn’t have it any other way. “My costume slowly but surely gets ripped apart – it starts off as a ball gown and it ends up as a mini skirt!!” We know that Gay Wray is a lyin’ queen but is she also a lyin’ bitch? (MMo) Nov 26–Dec 01. Playhouse Theatre, Opera House. $69.90-$94.90+b.f.. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

City Hub was shocked to learn that rather than dissuading sceptics from attending his events he actually encourages and welcomes them. “I had a reading when I was 15, where I went to debunk a woman that was doing a reading at my grandmother’s house,” explained Edward before continuing, “I wanted to show my family that she wasn’t real and that she wouldn’t be able to read me because I wasn’t going to help her in the way that they had helped her.” Little did he know that this woman would inevitably set him on a lifelong journey into the spirit realm. During his reading, Edward was informed by the woman that “she had highly evolved beings of white and gold light that were ready to work with me, and that she was there that day to put me on my path.” Hearing such an odd reading immediately made Edward’s ears prick up as this simply “didn’t sound like everybody else’s readings and became a very unnerving experience.” From that moment forward Edward has combined his psychic abilities with his “direct, straight-forward, no BS, New Yorker” approach to develop incredibly powerful connections with audiences the world over.

To Be Honest

rom celebrated playwright and director Stefo Nantsou (Hilary Bell’s Take Two: A Comedy of Errors, Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company 2009-2013) comes his newest work, To Be Honest. After speaking with almost 20 young people from the Canterbury and Bankstown area in Western Sydney who had all experienced homelessness, Nantsou has weaved their stories into a

Edward even encourages sceptics to attend these upcoming events. “I actually encourage people to be sceptical. If they’re sceptical it helps me do a better reading because it means they’re listening and thinking about what I’m saying and not trying to reach for something that they want it to be.” (JA) Nov 22 & 24. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney. $50-$150+b.f. Ticket & Info: www.statetheatre.com.au

full-length play. To Be Honest features a live band with all-original music and rap. After hearing the very real stories of homelessness from Western Sydney’s youth, Nantsou knew the stories needed to be told in full and backed by a live band. “I wanted to do a full-on verbatim theatre piece that just tells these eight young people’s stories as honestly and truthfully as we could and turn it into something really exciting.” Nantsou says that companies such as Riverside Theatre are pivotal in being able to tell the stories of people like these and support their voices being heard. “It’s awesome to know that there are people out there who are willing to support and back original theatre and tell original Western Sydney stories.” (MB) Nov 21-23. Riverside Theatres, Cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta. $23-$39+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au

RIFF RAFF

he Sydney Art Quartet is set to bring their extraordinary multimedia event Crossroads to the Emanuel Synagogue for two nights only this week. Crossroads poignantly and dramatically explores human rights, the Holocaust & Survivor Syndrome using music, human movement, vocal testimony, archival and art footage. By weaving historical and contemporary stories together through a concert and visual experience this is a show which is sure to hit each of your senses on every level. Nov 27-28. Emanuel Synagogue, 9 Ocean St, Woollahra. $50-$98+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.tinyurl.com/crossroadsconcert

ith great pleasure Riff Raff was asked to attend the Nib Awards Breakfast at Bondi RSL on Wed Nov 14. The Nib Awards are the only awards given out for research and the writing process itself rather than just for the finished product. It’s an annual event, sponsored by Mark and Evette Moran along with Waverley Council. The Nib Awards, have been going for 18 years now. This year five out of six writers placed on the shortlist were women, which was indeed refreshing. Those on the shortlist each received $1,000. The People’s Choice Award went to Alice Gorman for Dr Space Junk vs The Universe, fittingly scientific and quirky. The Military History Prize to John Devitt and Larry Writer for Cecil Healy: A Biography, on the swimmer who was the only gold medalist Olympian to have died in WWI. And finally the Nib Literary Award to Nadia Wheatley for Her Mother’s Daughter: A Memoir with a prize of $20,000. Nominations had come from all over Australia and the works were chosen not only on literary merit but on their value to the community. All in all a wonderful literary event organised by a council that recognises the value in all forms of culture and the need for it in this vast country of ours. As Mark Moran said, “ Waverley Council is not political but is invested in positive ways in the community that supports it.” According to Nadia Wheatley, “The life of a professional author is like the life of a pro-fessional gambler.” There is no stability in it but that does not take away the relevance of the work.

p.14

city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

RIFF RAFF

HubARTS

It’s so great that Waverley Council realises too the relevance of the written word and embraces unique Australian stories with such open arms.

he fourth concert in the Phoenix Collective concert series is set to evoke scenes of lush green pastures and mother England. Taking to the stage on Saturday will be pianist Dr Edward Neeman and violinist Dan Russell for their concert entitled, Ye Olde England. The Australian-American pianist Edward Neeman has performed across five continents. Critics have lauded him as a “true artist” with “an excellent technique” who “isn’t afraid to put a distinctive stamp on whatever he touches, without resorting to mannerism.” This weekend’s show will see Neeman and Russell performing a selection of tunes including, The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams, a work based on English poet, George Meredith’s famous poem. Nov 23. Christ Church, 10 Walker St, Lavender Bay. $15-$86+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.trybooking.com

The Odd Couple

rtistic Director of the Ensemble Theatre Mark Kilmurry loves Neil Simon’s play about “the odd couple”, two men called Felix and Oscar who find themselves living together in Felix’s New York apartment when divorce disrupts their circumstances. Kilmurry explains why he chose to put on this production. “The Odd Couple has lasted nearly 60 years and is still a hugely popular play with audiences. I like the characters and so does the writer.” Kilmurry is delighted with his cast. “I am thrilled to have two comedy masters, Brian Meegan and Steve Rodgers, as the definitive odd couple, together with an outstanding cast in Neil Simon’s hilarious Tony Award-winning play of divorce, friendship and plenty of misunderstandings. This is one of my favourite plays and I am looking forward to working with these actors who will have people laughing at a staggering rate.” The play has much to say about friendship and tolerance. Doing so with great humour. “It is a classic comedy, perfect for Christmas and an

Brian Meegan and Steve Rodgers. Photo: Christian Trinder

alternative to the news of the world at the moment. It’s fun. It will cheer you up, and make you laugh loudly,” Kilmurry adds. (ID) Nov 22-Dec 20. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $38-$78+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.ensemble.com.au

p.15

By Jamie Apps

ontaigne’s second album is an incredible feat of pop songwriting and performance which isn’t simply a sugary hit for the senses. Throughout her music, Montaigne conveys substantial messages as she explores themes of loneliness, isolation, love,

city hub 21 NOVEMBER 2019

Montaigne confusion and self-image. In a recent conversation with City Hub Montaigne talked us through the process behind this record, how she feels about the sometimes negative stigma attached to pop music and finally her secret (or not so secret anymore) “nerdy” hobbies. Released at the end of August Montaigne’s second album has perhaps the most fitting name for a record ever. Titled Complex this record sees Montaigne blending a pop sound with deep meaningful lyricism. According to her, this was a very deliberate choice in the hopes that it would allow listeners to connect with the themes and lessons contained within. “When you blend tales of trauma, darkness and struggle with an artistic style which is lighter and has a bit more levity, humour or danceability it almost lends cathartic energy to the music which allows it to cut through.” This concept is something which

Montaigne explained was inspired by a personal connection she had with the band Arcade Fire, “a lot of their music tackles heavy things but the music is really catchy, beautiful and anthemic so that has always made me feel uplifted.” Obviously, with Montaigne’s music falling so overtly within pop it could very easily get tarnished with the negative stigma often associated with the genre. However, she is quick to dismiss that thought, “I am aware that pop has that attribution to it but I don’t really care. I feel sorry for anyone who feels like they want to put down a certain style of music because it’s not “cool enough” because they’re missing out on some of the joys of life.” Finally, during the conversation, City Hub quickly learned that Montaigne views herself as a bit of a self-professed nerd. “My interests in life have always been pretty nerdy,” she revealed. In particular, Montaigne is an avid gamer and Dungeon & Dragons player. A hobby which she actually feels is beneficial to her musical pursuits because “fantasy is often a great genre for exploring bigger things in life.” Nov 29. The Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney. $46.20+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.metrotheatre.com.au

Good Lekker Samsara

his month marks the release of the Wollongong based group Good Lekker’s debut EP Samsara. The sequence of songs takes listeners on a whimsical journey through the band’s creative process, featuring instrumental riffs that showcase the group’s well-rounded talent. For the first set of singles, it is a strong EP. Pipe Dreams is the standout song from the collection, with Prague being a close second. Good Lekker has a unique Brit-rock meets electric folk sound, which genuinely shines through in each of the group’s songs. Although Good Lekker has yet to gain much traction, the band’s certainly on the rise and will be one to watch out for more music from in the future. (EE)

WWW1/2

RIFF RAFF

HubARTS

Objects From The Concentration Camps

ith his own Jewish heritage in tow, local Sydney photographer Richard Wiesel was granted access to the closed archives of the memorials Sachsenhausen and Ravensbruck to photograph artefacts that have never been seen. Embarking on the emotional journey, Richard sifted through hundreds of objects either left behind or donated by those who had been imprisoned in the camps during the Holocaust between 1941 and 1945. “It was a bit tough but it was a journey that I chose to go on. And it was a subject matter which I’ve been interested and fascinated in,” said Richard, going on to say, “…the work was really about honouring those people and giving them a voice. And at the same time, it was completely fascinating, almost like a car crash.

Suzi Q S

uzi Quatro is, certifiably, a living legend. At age 23, the diminutive, leather-clad Quatro, strutted onto the world stage, jetting rock riffs from her bass guitar like a gush from a fire-hose. From then on she has reigned unchallenged as the queen of rock and inspired women, not only in music but in life, to be complete and true to themselves. Suzi Q, the feature-length documentary, chronicles Quatro’s life and career, using an incredible collection of archival film and photos, music clips, and interviews

You don’t want to look but you look.” Richard also spoke about the emotion and sentiment involved in creating an exhibition like this one, saying “It was crazy pulling this stuff out and holding this stuff in the camp. It was a bit of a mind-twist too because I was thinking, here I am a Jewish person 75 years later, photographing stuff that’s from my tribe who have been executed. It was really kind of weird, the mental process.” Richard’s main desire though is to tell the stories and give a voice to the victims of the camps. “This is a testimony to those people

with Quatro’s sisters as well as an impressive list of admirers including: Alice Cooper, Deborah Harry, Joan Jett, Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads), Donita Sparkes (L7), Henry Winkler, and many more. It’s an Australian made film. Director Liam Firmager had unfettered access to Quatro during the four years of filming. The resulting film captures Quatro at her most feisty, creative and vulnerable. This is a film for music fans, popculture historians, and those who still need convincing that women can and do rock hard. (RB) WWWW

who can’t talk, and I hope through the simplicity of the images and the way I’ve isolated the image from the background, that it will spark a conversation.” “Everyone’s experience of this exhibition will be completely different. I’m hoping the strength and the simplicity of these images will allow whoever is looking at it to engage with them on some kind of emotional level,” shared Richard. “We just want the audience to exist with the image and to really touch it and to immerse themselves in it and to think about who that person was.” From Nov 24. Sydney Jewish Museum, 148 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst. $9-$40+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au

nspired by the infamous, gratuitously violent and misogynous puppet show, Punch And Judy… the film Judy And Punch doesn’t always work, but overall, it’s a thrilling, thoughtful film, with some timely messages.

ain And Glory has been widely regarded as a quasi-autobiographical work by Pedro Almodovar; it is certainly clear that it is deeply personal to him. There is an intimacy in the script, a warmth and intensity that indicates the director’s deep connection to the story… It’s a beautiful narrative with rich visuals and wonderful performances. Read our full reviews on www.cityhubsydney.com.au now!

his week Red Line Productions stages Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape in the intimate Old Fitz Theatre in Kings Cross. The production team is striking for a one-act less than a hour long. It’s directed by Gale Edwards, one of Australian’s most distinguished theater directors, who has staged everything from Shakespeare in Washington DC to Jesus Christ Superstar in London to the original The Boy From Oz here in Sydney. The production design is by Brian Thomson, who has on his credits not only the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics but also the Rocky Horror Picture Show. He’s got a Tony Award to boot. Playing Krapp, the dismal man who digs back into recorded tapes of his reflections earlier in life, is Jonathan Biggins, who among other things wrote and starred in a one-man show about Paul Keating,The Gospel According to Paul. Nov 28-Dec 15, Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling St., Woolloomooloo $58-64+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au Remember if you’ve got any tidbits to share, send them in via #RiffRaff.

Ford v Ferarri

asten your safety belts, apply your earplugs and get set for the ride of your life as Matt Damon and Christian Bale join forces in this biographical sports drama, where Ford and Ferrari fight for world supremacy in the 1966 Le Mans race in France. Ford v Ferrari details the efforts of American engineers led by Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) who built for Ford what was regarded as the fastest racing car in the world, travelling an incredible 218 miles per hour. Christian Bale portrays Ken Miles, a professional racing car driver who strived for perfection on every lap. This extremely loud octane fuelled actionpacked film contains some of the most

spectacular racing sequences ever filmed, with death-defying stunts and crashes that will leave audiences awestruck. The drama on and off the track, the tragedy, and the ‘dog eat dog’ business side of the car racing industry are realistically depicted and all performances are commendable. Henry Ford II tearily exclaimed “I wish my father was alive to see this and feel this!!” after he was driven in the newly built Ford GT40 - audiences will experience the same adrenalin rush. (MMo) WWW1/2

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