from Bondi to Balmain...
City News Since 1995 F E B R UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
cityhub.net.au
FREE
History Marches On Mardi Gras Marks 40 Years
Page 12
Leather Lounges, Chairs, Recliners and Cane 38-42 Parramatta Rd stanmore 2048 P: (02) 9565 1275 e: info@annandaleinteriors.com
•
www.annandaleinteriors.com.au
New 2018 CoLLeCtioNs iN stoRe
The Branksome Hotel & Residences The best choice for both business and leisure
All our 146 brand new suites, from the studios to 3 bedrooms, feature elegant, contemporary furnishings with special touches such as motorised black-out blinds, digital concierge and full height glass windows. Be it for one night or 3 months, we will be your oasis of calm and comfort away from home.
GeneRaL aMeniTies in RooMs
GuesT seRviCes
Studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom suites Choice of king or double twin beds in the master bedrooms of all the suites Roll-in bed to sleep 1 is available upon request Studio suites have a sofa bed which can sleep one additional guest Interconnecting suites Modern and fully equipped kitchens Unlimited movies on demand Pod coffee machines Washer/dryer Iron and ironing board In-room electronic safebox Daily newspaper on request
24/7 Front Desk Service Digital Concierge in all suites. Luggage storage WIFI Laundry services Business centre Doctor on call Alfresco and barbeque facilities Parking Airport shuttle bus Children’s playground Indoor swimming pool and Children’s indoor pool Gym (24-hour access) & Sauna Lounge Deck (indoor and outdoor)
Make youR ReseRvaTion Today!
dininG
Our restaurant and bar offer a cosy place to chill out for a beer or to explore our innovative East-meets West menu. Breakfast: 0530hrs to 1030hrs Lunch: 1200hrs to 1430hrs dinner: 1730hrs to 2230hrs Bar: 1200hrs to 2300hrs Room service: 0700hrs to 2200hrs
email: reservations@thebranksome.com.au
The Branksome Hotel & Residences. 60 Robey Street, Mascot P: +61 2 8338 3288 (front desk) P: +61 2 8338 3200 (reservations) www.thebranksome.com.au 2
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
y fa M i L Ly d fRien eL H oT
Waterloo faces its Waterloo BY JOHN MOYLE The re-imaging of the Waterloo Estate is the largest social engineering experiment ever undertaken by the State of NSW in Sydney’s inner city area. It will also be one of the biggest real estate ker-chings into State coffers since the development and sell-off of Darling Harbour in the mideighties. The undertaking by Family and Community Services (FACS), along with the Land and Housing Corporation, to redevelop the 19ha public housing estate is so large and audacious that City Hub is devoting a two-part story to the $22bn development to determine where the project is at the moment, and where it might be going in the future. We will examine the development process of the State Significant Project as it is playing out and examine the social impacts of such a largescale project on a tight knit and socially diverse community. The development project calls for the demolition of the current high and low-rise public housing buildings on the estate and replace these with a mix of 70 per cent private and 30 per cent public residential units. “The State Government say they will maintain the current number of social housing units, but I would like to see that number increased,” Lord Mayor, Clover Moore said, The developers for Family and Community Services, UrbanGrowth NSW, plan to provide 7,000 new dwellings, i.e. units, community facilities and retail and work spaces on the estate. Taking these figures the proposed residential density will be around 700 people per hectare, or 70,000 people per square kilometre. Pyrmont, currently Australia’s densest area, has 14,000 people per square kilometre, while New York and Paris have very few areas of this density, and London and Singapore have none. The current estate was built in the early seventies and is made up of six main high-rise tower blocks named after Captain James Cook
James Cook Building at Waterloo. Photo: Supplied
and people and places associated with him, and a large number of smaller buildings, including two and three story walk-ups. Each of the six large tower blocks house around 200 people. “The redevelopment of Waterloo will be completed in stages over the next 15-20 years and will bring social benefits to the area such as new and improved services, shops, community facilities, job opportunities and a new Metro station,” a FACS spokesperson said. “There are 2,632 people on the books living here,” said Richard Weeks, founder and chairman, Waterloo Public Housing Action Group (WPHAG), “2012 units all up, half the residents are over 60, and one-third of them have lived here for more than 10 years.” Ten per cent of the estate residents are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Established in 2015, WPHAG is the on-site
residents’ action group that has fought many public housing tenants battles. Waterloo Estate’s long term residents will remember that the rumbles of re-development came all the way back in 2004 when the Carr government realised that the large amount of land that the State held on the public register could be turned into cash and established the Redfern Waterloo Authority that suggested two thirds of the estate be turned over to private developers. Plans developed for the estate in 2011 have never been released, but a few years later UrbanGrowth NSW decided that building the Waterloo Metro Station opposite the estate would provide the trigger for urban renewal for the area, including the Waterloo estate. “The initial announcement about the station was made at the end of 2015, and at the beginning of 2016 they had a public meeting and at the end of 2017 they stated having
conversations with the people on the estate about what they wanted for the estate,” Geoff Turnbull, spokesperson, REDWatch said. REDWatch is a non-aligned residents action group founded in 2004 and covers issues in Redfern, Eveleigh, Darlington and Waterloo. The Waterloo estate development is being undertaken by lead agency FACS, under Minister Pru Goward and the Land and Housing Corporation, which manages the public housing in NSW for FACS. These agencies have engaged UrbanGrowth NSW with the technical work to develop a Master Plan, which will be integrated with the Master Plan for the Waterloo Metro. When developed, the Master Plan will be reviewed by the City of Sydney for comment and referred to the Department of Planning and Environment for assessment, before being approved by the Minister for Planning, Mr Anthony Roberts. “No developers have been appointed yet as they are still in the development of a Master Plan and somewhere between the end of March and June we will have three Master Plan options to choose from,” Richard Weeks said. “It will be a multiple choice that is designed to confuse and it makes it very hard to fight,” Understandably there is anxiety about the development and how it is to be carried out, and it seems that the public agencies delivering the messages could do a lot better engaging the community and providing them with certainty. “We all feel like we’re pretty much treated like mushrooms,” Richard Weeks said. “There was a two year period where you had a community being told that the area was going to be redeveloped,” said Geoff Turnbull, “but no-one had any idea of what was happening, and this has made people more anxious than they need to be. “They want to see something concrete so they know what their future is,” he added. It will be at least another two months and possibly as late as June 2018 before the Waterloo residents get to see what their options may be.
Community housing boon Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide. 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, takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.
ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Group Editors: Jade Morellini, John Moyle Contributors: John Moyle, Jade Morellini, Josh Kindl Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Advertising Manager: Karl Krticka Cover Photo: Supplied. Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 1978 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: altmedia.net.au
If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au altmediagroup
altmediasydney
BY JOSH KINDL Surplus Sydney City land has been sold in an effort to boost community housing for disadvantaged families, new reports indicate. The City of Sydney recently completed the sale of land on 338 Botany Road, Alexandria, to St George Community Housing (SGCH), a non-profit dedicated to building and improve affordable housing in Sydney. Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover More, says that the sale will be instrumental in protecting disadvantaged Australian families from experiencing poor living conditions or homelessness. “The City is now on track to deliver among the largest concentrations of affordable housing in the state at Green Square,” she said. “Housing affordability is at crisis point in Sydney, which is why we’re doing everything we can to spur the creation of more affordable housing.” This transaction is the second of its kind in the Green Square area, following the sale of a parcel of land along 338 Botany Road to community housing organisation City West Housing. The land, located in property development hotbed Green Square, was reportedly offered
Shaw Cameron, a tenant of SGCH’s Ultimo affordable housing complex. Photo: St George Community Housing
solely to community housing organisations as part of a City of Sydney initiative to cut down on homelessness. Third-year university student, Shaw Cameron, pictured, is a tenant of community housing provided by SGCH, and said in a recent statement that affordable housing provided by the organisation allowed him to study and work to support himself. “Having access to subsidised rent means that I can focus on my studies,” he said. “Being close to the city is great for getting casual work to pay for my tuition, bills and groceries.”
A spokesperson for SGCH says the land will be invaluable for providing improved community housing for individuals and families in need, and that the organisation endeavours to only provide housing that meets its high organisational standards. “SGCH plans to build over 80 new social and affordable energy efficient units to a 7-star NaTHERS rating. “The proposed development contains a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units which will assist over 80 households, including dedicated units to support rough sleepers, Aboriginal people and
people escaping family and domestic violence.” The sale comes in the wake of renewed Coalition efforts in parliament to pass their controversial Welfare Reform package, which peak homelessness bodies warn could greatly increase the amount of homeless on the streets of Australia’s major cities. The latest City of Sydney homeless street count, undertaken in August of 2017, showed approximately 386 Australians per night are living rough in Sydney. Approximately 600 more per night are forced to occupy either crisis or temporary accommodation, a significant increase from counts undertaken in February earlier the same year. The Lord Mayor says that, while the City of Sydney is doing what it can, the primary obstacle in continuing to improve the quality and quantity of community housing in Sydney is the NSW Government. “The City is using every mechanism available to provide affordable housing in our area and reach our target of 15% by 2030,” she said. “If the State Government would allow the City to expand its proven model of levying developers to finance affordable housing, we could deliver so much more.” city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
3
Downsizing dementia’s demands BY JADE MORELLINI Dementia Australia has embraced the introduction of new guidelines which aim to personalise and reduce treatments for each individual suffering from dementia. Evidence has indicated that people with dementia have multiple health conditions and this has led to a number of medications being prescribed which may in fact be causing more harm than good. “As an advocate for the 425,000 Australians and their families impacted by dementia, Dementia Australia is encouraged by the release of guidelines to recognise that the experience of people living with dementia is individual and unique,” Dementia Australia CEO, Ms Maree McCabe, said. All medications have a number of side effects and when individuals are taking multiple doses of different drugs, it could have the opposite impact than intended. “While there are certainly instances where the prescription of ongoing and multiple medications is beneficial for people living with dementia, this is not always the case. Over time, certain medications can lose their effectiveness and they can hinder quality of life rather than improve it,” McCabe said. An estimated 425,000 people have dementia in Australia and this number is projected to reach more than 1.1 million by 2056. On the 8th February, a national public consultation program began to ensure the quality and safety of senior Australians is at its peak. Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM, publicised an expert team in November to develop Australia’s first aged care workforce strategy.
HammondCare Residential General Manager, Angela Raguz. Photo: Supplied
“This online survey is important because it allows all voices to be heard,” Minister Wyatt said. “Aged care residents, families, carers, aged care workers, service providers, employee organisations and everyone with an interest in quality care should have their say on this vital issue.” These guidelines seem to be a step in the right direction for improving the quality of care for the aged. Centre for Medicine Use and Safety Professor Simon Bell suggested that
gradually stopping medication will ensure the risks no longer outweigh the potential benefits. “The guideline provides clinicians, consumers and carers with new recommendations regarding the withdrawal of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine. In particular, the guideline highlights the important role of people with dementia and their carers in deciding whether or not to trial discontinuation,” Bell said. Former carer, Ms Tara Quirke, who is also an advisor on the guidelines and advocate for the consumer voice in treatment decision making, said from a care partner perspective, these guidelines are timely and provide strong evidence of the need to reduce medications that are no longer effective, or may cause more harm, to the person living with dementia. “These guidelines put individuals’ values, preferences and experiences ahead of their illness. I am encouraged by the very clear message it sends to everyone who is treating, caring for or living with dementia,” Ms McCabe said. Individuals with dementia have a vast number of support systems available, however there are many individuals who may not be able to access help for certain circumstances such as homelessness. HammondCare is an independent Christian charity with the aim to improve the quality of life for people in need. They have a number of dementia centres, and in 2016 they announced plans for a purpose-built residential care home for the aged homeless in Sydney’s Darlinghurst to hopefully be operational from 2019. HammondCare Residential General Manager, Angela Raguz said, “We currently operate 18 care homes in 10 locations in NSW and Victoria.”
In 2017, HammondCare cared for 1,693 people through their residential care homes, and an additional 3,473 people in 72 areas through home care visits. They regularly care for more than 1200 people living with dementia, including about 700 residents in our dementiaspecific aged care homes. “Work is currently underway on HammondCare Darlinghurst, a service that will be the first of its kind in Sydney to offer permanent accommodation with specialised healthcare for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Fundraising for the $20 million project is ongoing, and received a significant $2.5 million boost from the Ian Potter Foundation in December,” Raguz said. “HammondCare Darlinghurst will offer high levels of care to older people with complex mental and physical healthcare needs, including dementia, chronic disease, and significant frailty.” Similarly, St Basil’s Lifestyle Options for Ageing Australia opened less than a year ago in Randwick and they offer many services for aged people suffering from dementia. Business Development Manager of St Basil’s, George Koromvokis said, “Around 70% of our residents in our facilities including the home care clients are suffering from dementia. We offer low care and high care for those who suffer from dementia as well as home care services and a day centre for those who want to keep active and socialise with other people in our community.” With the significant number of individuals who have dementia, these updated guidelines should have a positive impact on their health, ensuring they are only taking the medicine necessary and allowing them to receive the help and assistance they require.
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 – Part 6 Approvals Aboriginal Cultural Heritage: Notification of registration of interest The NSW Department of Education (the Department) has submitted an application for a State Significant Development (SSD) #7503, for the redevelopment of Ultimo Public School located at Lot 101 DP 1105527, street address 189 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW. In recognition and respect for the role that Aboriginal people play in managing and protecting their cultural heritage and in accordance with Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010, the Department (c/o David Spare, Program Manager, (02) 8275 2232, Level 3, 23 Bridge Street, Sydney, NSW) and Archaeological Management and Consulting Group in conjunction with Streat Archaeological Services, invite Aboriginal persons and/or organisations who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the cultural significance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or place(s) in the area of the proposed development, to register their interest in participating in the consultation process for this project. This consultation will be undertaken with the view to assist the Department in the application of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan and program of test excavation as part of SSD #7503 for the redevelopment of Ultimo Public School. Registered parties will be included in the formal consultation process.
To REGISTER To BE A PART of THE CoNSULTATIoN foR THIS PRoJECT PLEASE CoNTACT vIA PHoNE, PoST AND/oR EMAIL: Benjamin Streat, Archaeological Management and Consulting 122c Percival Road, Stanmore, NSW, 2048 0405 455 869 Consultation@archaeological.com.au The CloSiNg dATe foR RegiSTRATioN iS ThuRSdAy 8Th MARCh 2018.
4
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
Site Location
OUR AUSTRALIAN MADE STORY
WE SAT DOWN WITH THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DELLIS FURNITURE, SPIRO DELLIS, TO TALK ABOUT OUR CHANGING LOCAL COMMUNITY, MARKET CONDITIONS AND THE REVIVAL OF AUSTRALIAN MADE. Dellis Furniture has been operating in Surry Hills for over 42 years. The store is a landmark for the local community. Spiro’s father John first opened the store selling second hand items, but over the years, like the surrounding area, Dellis has evolved with the times and now specialise in designing and producing quality locally made furniture. “The area has undergone widespread gentrification and due to the challenging size and layout of many terrace houses and apartments, we are seeing an increased demand for custom furniture and joinery solutions” says Spiro. Whether it be tailoring one of their standard Australian made ranges, or designing a one off bespoke product, Dellis strive to find solutions for their customers.
“We are problem solvers. We help our clients come up with solutions to their furniture needs. It’s really important for our clients to be able to come in and speak to someone face to face, to see and feel the quality of Australian made furniture and talk to someone who understands it”. Spiro says that the rise of online shopping has flooded the market with cheap reproductions and off-the-shelf
“We are problem solvers. We help our clients come up with solutions to their furniture needs.” furniture options and warns: “While their price tag may be tempting, it is important to consider the quality of this furniture and how it will fit and function in your space, especially if this is limited. A lot of people also now recognise the environmental impact of ‘throw away’ furniture and are opting for bespoke pieces that have been designed well and made to last”. “Australian made furniture has seen a huge push in the last few years both domestically and internationally. Local designers are now recognised as some of the best in the world, coupled with local manufacturing expertise, and start of the art machinery, we are able to produce some amazing furniture."
If you are looking for a piece of furniture that you’ll love and keep forever, mention this article to receieve 15% off your first order* *T&C’s apply
656 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Opening Hours: Tues - Sat 10am-5pm / Sun 11am-3pm
PH: (02) 9319 7518 E: info@dellisfurniture.com www.dellisfurniture.com city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
5
Xenophon’s mean streets BY JOSH KINDL The Sydney CBD is a place of extremes. During the summer months, the brutal heat, amplified by the thick cement roads and the proximity of work-attired bodies, is unrelenting. In winter those same roads trap the cold, with Sydney’s abundant population of tightly packed skyscrapers responsible for funnelling biting winds through at unforgiving speeds. This is the environment that Matthew, a homeless Australian, has inhabited for the past 11 years. From his corner, on the intersection of Hunter and Pitt St, he’s exposed to the elements 365 days a year, the same ones that many Australians hurry to avoid inside air-conditioned workplaces or vehicles. He doesn’t mince words when discussing it. “What’s it like? In one word: shitty. “It’s a dog eat dog world, it’s really bad… big businesses and that, they can bullshit all day. But out here you can’t.” Subject to government approval, an influx of homeless Australian’s could be joining Matthew in the coming months, as reports indicate that the Nick Xenophon Team (NXT) is in negotiations with the Coalition government to pass a slew of changes to Australia’s welfare system through the Senate. A spokesperson for the NXT said that the party has “not yet reached a decision” on whether or not the independent party, led by outspoken Senator Nick Xenophon, would support the proposed reforms. However, the NXT has been in negotiations with the Liberal National Coalition to support the reforms for “approximately six months”, according to the spokesperson. These changes, if passed, would see the implementation of a demerit point system
Matthew has been living rough in the Sydney streets for over a decade. Photo: Josh Kindl
for welfare recipients who failed to meet set requirements, such as apply for jobs or attend interviews. Other changes include the removal of ‘Intent to Claim’ provisions, which allow citizens negatively affected by personal circumstances to receive welfare payments without requiring a full claim to be lodged. Mission Australia Executive, Ben Carblis, says
that these new changes will ultimately lead to increased levels of homelessness in Australia’s major cities as poorer Australian’s lose access to vital income streams. “The Bill does make it more difficult for people to access payments and tightens compliance arrangements which will push people who are already struggling into further poverty. “The government should be focussed on supporting people out of poverty, including through the provision of adequate social security payments, not making people wait longer for essential payments or excluding them from income support for long periods,” Mr Carblis said. Matthew, when asked of his opinion on the proposed laws, agreed with Mr Carblis, saying that making it harder for people to access welfare would push many to the streets. “Changing the laws and that, it’s only going to make things worse. There’s going to be more people out here and there’s going to be a lot more crime,” he said. According to Homelessness Australia, there are over 100,000 Australians who are currently experience homelessness; about 0.5% of the population. New South Wales leads all states with approximately 28,000 homeless, roughly a third of which are below the age of 24. In a recent statement, Homelessness Australia Chair, Jenny Smith, said the proposed reforms would have a significant negative impact on these figures. “These welfare reforms may save money in the short-term, but will only increase costs in homelessness and housing support, as people who could have managed on their own are plunged into crisis and need homelessness help. “If passed, the new measure will force people
to live without any income for weeks, making it impossible to pay the rent, and most certainly pushing thousands into homelessness. Our agencies are already struggling to cope with demand.” Mr Carblis agreed, adding that a rapid rise in the cost of living in Australia’s major cities makes the situation faced by low-income Australian’s even more perilous. “We know that in many places across Australia, rents are rising much faster than incomes, causing people to be pushed into rental stress which is a major driver of homelessness. “Not only are the people we help facing challenges paying their rent, the rising cost of living including the cost of energy, transport and food means people on lower incomes are often forced to make unacceptable choices. Some are even choosing between having the heater on and eating fresh vegetables, or are simply left unable to pay their rent and at a high risk of homelessness.” With the support of the NXT, the proposed reforms could pass through the upper house in the coming weeks. In her statement, Ms Smith says that it is imperative for the NXT to withdraw their support. “We’re appealing to the NXT to take a stand against measures that punish those who are already doing it tough. We need to extend the ladder down further, not yank it away from those who need it most.” According to Matthew, it’s those who are facing the prospect of soon living on the street that need the most support. He’s seen a lot and learned even more after more than a decade spent homeless, but there’s one lesson he says everyone forced to live rough quickly understands. “Getting here is easy, it’s only one short step to the bottom. But it’s a long way back to the top.”
Dedicated to hosting exciting and progressive contemporary art exhibitions by emerging and established artists – both traditional and aboriginal. A unique concept for a gallery allowing 24 hours access through technology via QR Codes attached to each painting.
ULTIMATE ART GALLERY Four Seasons Hotel Sydney 199 George St, Sydney Phone: +61 4358 44347
OPENING HOURS Tue - Wed: 9:30am - 6:00pm Fri: 9:30am - 6:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 4:30pm Sunday: 9:30pm - 2:30pm Mondays & Thursdays by appointment
DAILY TOURS 10.30am or 2.30pm Booking Essential http://ultimateart.com.au/book-a-tour/
www.ultimateart.com.au | www.facebook.com/ultimate.art.syd 6
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
Current Exhibition Ronnie Tjampitjinpa
L U N A R N E W YE AR INSPIRED MENUS SPECIAL FEASTS T R A D I T I O N A L T R E AT S
LNY T H E S TA R S Y D N E Y. C O M . A U
2018 Year of the Dog
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. STBR0033_LNY18_PRESS_AltMedia_FandB-Entertain_261x320_FA.indd 2
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018 3:57 PM7 30/01/2018
Paramedics under attack BY JADE MORELLINI The Australian Paramedics Association (APA) is demanding the reduction of single paramedic responses as paramedics are sick and tired of being attacked on the job. If paramedics attend emergencies where they feel unsafe or are being threatened, they will now walk away and wait for police to arrive before commencing their job. When paramedics are alone, they are more vulnerable and, in these cases, assault has become a common thing, with 189 paramedics attacked in the past 12 months and 20 in the first six weeks of this year. The Health Minister Brad Hazzard has heard their call and has promised to protect ambulance crews and back paramedics if they decide it’s not safe to treat a patient. The minister held a roundtable last week that the APA and the Health Services Union (HSU) both attended. After the meeting, Hazzard said, “I believe that our front-line paramedics should be empowered to make the decision that if their safety is compromised, they should not enter the situation that is worrying. They cannot look after each of us if they feel their safety is at risk, they just cannot do their job. You must not put our paramedics at risk, if you do you are putting yourself and your family or your friends at risk.” APA (NSW) President Chris Kastelan said, “Paramedics work in a challenging and dynamic environment, and too
Paramedics may enter abusive situations and this is getting more common. Photo: Toll Ambulance
often are unfortunately caught up in a situation where they are assaulted.” Reducing single-paramedics is something that “needed to be done”, however, in order to fix this issue, more paramedics will be required and there will need to be an increase in resources to cater for all emergencies. “The problem is the lack of resources. There simply are not enough paramedics to handle all the calls for
Poets’ Picnic
help from the public. We need at least 500 extra paramedics to be recruited to handle the workload,” Kastelan said. If elected, Luke Foley has committed to an additional 500 paramedics and this will ensure that at least two paramedics will be sent to each call. However, very careful thought would need to be given to this proposal given that single rapid responders – which are used across Australia – provide
considerable benefits for patient care, and reduce response times to attend to patients. APA (NSW) Secretary Steve Pearce said patient safety was being compromised when only a single paramedic responded because, for some patients, effective treatment was best delivered by a team. “In reality, all paramedics who respond alone are just mopping up
emergencies that NSW Ambulance does not have capacity to cover with a team of two paramedics,” Mr Pearce said. “Paramedic assaults are increasing and that is unacceptable. We recommend that if a single paramedic has any concerns about the dangers of responding to a call, they should ‘stand-off’ and wait for others to arrive to help deal with any trouble. This is an issue of paramedic safety and while paramedics will go to extraordinary lengths to save lives, they can’t perform their jobs if they are being intimidated or assaulted. “We are calling on the NSW Government to increase the numbers of paramedics in the system and improve safety standards for our members.” A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said, “NSW Health and NSW Ambulance will carefully consider the Committee’s recommendation about single paramedics and in doing so will consult closely with its key stakeholders. Single officer response can provide early intervention and lifesaving care while an emergency ambulance is dispatched, or can provide backup to paramedic crews for clinical and scene management. NSW Ambulance has well established procedures for paramedics, operating as a single officer response, or as part of a paramedic crew, to stand off or retreat from an incident scene if there is a threat to paramedic safety.” Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of NSW Health or any of its entities.
Glebe Island / White Bay Port Industry COMMUNITY LIAISON GROUP
Food for Thought
Tuesday 27 February 5pm–8pm Blackburn Gardens* 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay FREE ENTRY *In case of rain, the event will be moved to Woollahra Council Chambers
Grab a rug, pack a picnic and celebrate poetry under the stars by Sydney Harbour! With live jazz, roving performers and a children’s chalk poetry workshop from 5pm. For more information, contact Woollahra Libraries on 9391 7100 or visit woollahra.nsw.gov.au/poetspicnic Supported by:
8
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
Call for community nominations Port Authority of NSW is seeking new membership to its community consultation and communication forum known as the Glebe Island/White Bay port industry community liaison group. Port Authority is seeking six individuals who live or work near the port and have existing communication links with their local communities.
• •
Applicants for membership of the group will need to:
•
Have a demonstrated understanding of, or significant interest in, local environmental, business and community amenity issues within areas neighbouring the Glebe Island/White Bay port
• •
Have a demonstrated ability to communicate and articulate any initiatives or potential issues, to their local community Have a demonstrated ability to contribute to discussions and cooperative problem solving, and work constructively with other members of the group Recognise a balance between environmental, social and economic needs Be an active team member available to attend meetings and take part in sub‑groups.
Application forms can be downloaded from the Port Authority website. Applications close 5pm Friday 23 March 2018. For more information or to apply: Visit Emailed Call
www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/communityliaisongroup enquiries@portauthoritynsw.com.au 02 9296 4999
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
9
Rally cry for public transport BY JOSH KINDL Disgruntled NSW residents and commuters gathered in the Sydney CBD last Saturday to protest recent transport decisions made by Gladys Berejiklian’s state government. Approximately 1000 individuals marched together through the Sydney CBD, commencing at Hyde Park and finishing at Martin Place, as a demonstration of concern and frustration with the NSW State Government and their handling of the state’s public transport. Greens MP for Balmain, Jamie Parker, said the rally should serve as a wakeup call to a state government that many feel has fallen asleep at the wheel. “It’s a really clear demonstration of the frustration that people feel not only about public transport but about the direction the state government is going. “This is a demonstration of everyday people saying they’ve had enough.” The rally drew protestors from within The Greater Sydney Region, The Blue Mountains, Newcastle and Wollongong, with many advocacy and local government groups represented among those attending. NSW Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (TRBU), Alex Claasens, said the anger of many protestors at the rally stemmed from a lack of effective community consultation between residents and the state government. “We’ve had a transport minister that just hasn’t bothered talking to anybody; doesn’t consult people, and; this is what happens. “Most people just want to hear that somebody is listening to their issues and at the moment, a lot of people think that nobody is.” Indeed, the anger directed at the NSW Government by those marching was palpable. Secretary of Penrith Valley Community Unions, Mary Court, drew the loudest cheers of the day
Thousands gather in Martin Place to protest the NSW public transport system. Photo: Josh Kindl
when she evoked Peter Finch’s iconic monologue from the 1976 film, Network. “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore,” she said to a rapturous reception. Speaking further, Ms Court said that many Sydney residents felt it was time for the state government to start listening to their concerns. “The whole community is sick to death of politics. This is our issue, and we’re taking it straight to the voting booths,” she said. Issues raised by individuals at the rally included the F6 Tunnel Route, tollways along the M4, privatisation of public transport in Newcastle, and WestConnex Stage 3, each of which has faced significant public backlash throughout their respective developments. Greta Werner, F6 Action Group, said that she hoped to appeal to the NSW Government to fix issues she fears may harm her community.
“The [exhaust] stacks are spewing pollution over schools, roads and parks. It’s not safe for our kids,” she said. Another principle concern of many attending was the recently completed sale of the Inner West’s bus transport systems to a private operator by the NSW State Government. Transit Systems, a Perth-based public transport group, recently won the eight-year tender and will begin handling principle operations on July 1. Colin Schroeder, Co-Convenor Eco Transit, says that the new plans have not been made with the best interest of Inner West residents in mind. “It won’t serve the Inner West at all. You just have to look at Newcastle with the privatisation of the transport up there. There are less routes; the bus stops are being reduced in number so they can speed the busses up, but they don’t get the same service. “Transport in the Inner West is going to become
a bigger and bigger problem. They don’t really have any answers [for] it,” he said. Bus systems in the Inner West are Sydney’s second busiest, with over 4 million fares across Adult, Senior and Concession passengers during the month of October 2017. The public transport zone currently operated by Transit Systems serviced slightly more than 800,000 fares across the same variety of passengers during that time period. Despite an approximate jump of 3.2 million passengers per month, NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, said in a recent statement that the privatisation of these bus systems will deliver marked improvements to Inner West commuters and residents. “More services on key routes will be progressively introduced over the first four years, with an extra 4.8 million of bus service kilometres - that’s a 21 per cent increase across the Inner West by the end of 2021. “This means services will be high frequency and turn up and go, with customers eventually able to tear up their timetables, knowing a bus will arrive at their stop regularly.” Further, Minister Constance stated that the government would not allow the sale to negatively affect bus systems within the inner west, citing contractual obligations agreed to by the new operator. “Transit Systems is contractually committed to deliver reliable bus services and make catching a bus a better experience in the Inner West and we’ll be holding them to it,” Mr Constance said. However, MP Jamie Parker said that it was vital for the government to listen to community feedback and to adjust their plans accordingly. “I think Gladys is very aware of the fact that her minister, Minister Constance, has not performed well. “If we can’t get public transport right, then we lock people into tollways, we fleece the people of Western Sydney in particular and that’s a direction we shouldn’t be going in,” he said.
FRIENDSHIP, FELLOWSHIP AND FUN IN RETIREMENT What are you waiting for? Come and join PROBUS!
Meet fellow retirees and join together in activities as members of an exciting social club while enjoying the company of new friends. Four new Probus Club are being formed and looking for members! PROBUS CLUB OF POTTS POINT Rex Centre, 58A Macleay St, Potts Point 10.00 am on Wednesday 14th March 2018
PROBUS CLUB OF WATERLOO Club Redfern, 2/159, Redfern St, Redfern 10.00 am on Monday 19th March 2018
PROBUS CLUB OF ROSEBERY EASTLAKES
Eastlakes Community Centre, 8/16 Florence Ave, Eastlakes 10.00 am on Thursday 15th March 2018
PROBUS CLUB OF DARLING POINT DOUBLE BAY The Bay Room, 2-22 Knox St, Double Bay 10.00 am on Thursday 29th March 2018
To register your interest, please contact the Probus South Pacific office on: Phone: 1300 630 488 Email: joshs@probussouthpacific.org 10
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
MEET the locals
The Ultimate Art Gallery
Ultimate Art Gallery is located in the Four Seasons hotel. Photo: Supplied
the biggest collection of Campania on display from the first generation, all the way through to the third generation in NSW. Painting is a very unique medium where they actually sit around a camp fire passing things from generation to generation, so as they’re painting, they talk about their heritage.” The Ultimate Art Gallery also offer a range
GLEBE ISLAND MULTI-USER FACILITY
Public Consultation
of exhibitions that are constantly changing and being updated with something new. It is here that visitors can experience a lasting connection with the Australian art culture, with the opportunity to purchase the artworks. “We’ve had a number of exhibitions. Currently we are running Tommy Watson’s area, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa and then Campania
Office tO Let
Port Authority of NSW is seeking community feedback on a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for a proposed multi‑user facility at Glebe Island.
access to the airport and Port Botany.
As part of the Airport East project, there will be major
There is a vital need for Sydney to import critical construction materials due to the depletion of local sand supplies. Glebe Island is in close proximity to CBD construction, urban renewal and a construction boom driven by $70 billion of major infrastructure projects. Glebe Island is uniquely placed to provide a low cost, low impact and sustainable entry point for these materials needed in the CBD and Bays Precinct.
intersection work around the Sydney Airport Domestic Terminal over three weekends between 9pm Friday 9 February and 5am Monday 26 March 2018, weather permitting.
Have your say Port Authority is now seeking your feedback on the REF between Wednesday 31 January and Wednesday 28 February 2018.
There will be temporary traffic changes in place around
To view the REF you can:
the intersection of O’Riordan Street, Joyce Drive and Sir
• Download it from the Port Authority website:
Reginald Ansett Drive. Local access will be maintained.
www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/glebeisland
Police and traffic controllers will be onsite to assist.
• Access a hard copy at: ‑ Inner West Council, Leichhardt Service Centre, 7–15 Wetherill Street
Level 2, 456 Kent Street, Sydney. For more information about the facility or the REF: www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/glebeisland • Email GlebeIsland_MultiUserFacility@portauthoritynsw.com.au • Call 1800 930 937 (during business hours). • Visit
Submissions can be: Emailed GlebeIsland_MultiUserFacility@portauthoritynsw.com.au Posted Port Authority of NSW, PO Box 25 Millers Point, NSW 2000. All submissions will be acknowledged and a Response to Submissions report will be prepared.
Airport East – Road Work at the intersection of O’Riordan Street and Sir Reginald Ansett Drive and Joyce Drive roads east of Sydney Airport to improve traffic flow and
The proposed facility would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week as required.
Leichhardt
Roads and Maritime Services
The Australian and NSW Governments are upgrading
The proposal involves the construction and operation of a multi‑user facility for the import, storage and distribution of dry bulk construction materials (e.g. sand, aggregates) at Glebe Island 1 and 2.
‑ City of Sydney Council, Customer Service Centre, Town Hall House
but we will change that over shortly to feature the Last Nomad and some Utopian art as well.” Tommy Watson is a significant Aboriginal artist who the gallery is proud to present. “His piece has gone for $500,000 and not many galleries portray his community,” Neaverson said. “His community started the modern contemporary art which became popular in 2010, but they started in 2004 so modern contemporary colours was brought in by third generation artists, they were the first group who used pinks, oranges, reds, yellows and blues in their artworks.” All areas of the art gallery are very themedriven, with the First to the Third Generation, Bush Food, and Men’s Ceremonies, to name a few. “The level 3 contemporary section is also very themed driven. We have emerging contemporary artists, midstream contemporary artists and established contemporary artists like Ronnie at our exhibition who is a very famous and renowned artist,” Neaverson said. The Ultimate Art Gallery is proud of its exclusive services that many other art galleries do not offer. “We offer services where other galleries don’t,” Neaverson explained. “Other galleries have most of their artwork not on display, but on the benches, all rolled up, where as we don’t. “The other unique thing about our gallery is the first-generation artists all passed away as late as 2004, so the artworks on display from the first generation artists is from late 80s to early 90s so you’ve got about 100 paintings truly done by the first generation artists of Campania or Utopia.” Tours of the artworks are available daily at 10:30 and 2:30, when patrons can learn more about the artworks and artists.
Share office Space in good building in ultimo. Bright window office, approximately 4mx4m, some furniture available. Internet and copy facilities negotiable. Security building, share facilities.
admin@altmedia.net.au
Motorists are advised to expect delays, allow extra
travel time, follow signage and avoid any non-essential travel in the area.
For the latest information on traffic conditions visit livetraffic.com.
BLZ136255
BY JADE MORELLINI At the Ultimate Art Gallery in Four Seasons Hotel, stroll through beautiful artworks that capture the history and heritage of Aboriginals from the first generation to the third generation of artists. Unlike any other gallery of its kind, Ultimate Art Gallery has a combination of contemporary art exhibitions, both traditional and Aboriginal, from emerging and established artists. Gallery director of Ultimate Art Gallery, Tim Neaverson, said, “We’ve got a very unique gallery - the concept is a partnership between ourselves and the Four Seasons, which has been running for years now. “The gallery is actually within the hotel corridors and we use QR codes, which basically allows you, on your android or iPhone, to click on the signage. It’ll tell you for the Aboriginal art section the number of paintings by that artist, the theme they are trying to portray and what generation the artist belongs to.” The artworks provide many of the artists with a platform to use their voice in a creative and exciting way, sharing their history and culture with patrons. They will also each have the opportunity to experience a range of Indigenous and mainstream art. “Patrons will be able to see 75% of the artwork on display and with the QR code they can access it 24/7 as they wonder through the hotel. We have first generation all the way through to third generation and the first-generation artists the ones who started the movement in 1971 at Campania,” Neaverson said. “We also offer tours, which is quite unique,” he continued. “My passion is Aboriginal art and I am educating people on it. We’ve got probably
For more information call our delivery partner John Holland Group on 1300 862 844, email: comms.airporteast@jhg.com.au or visit rms.nsw.gov.au/sydneyairport city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
11
FEATURE
Mardi Gras 2018
By Rita Bratovich The 53 men and women arrested and brutally beaten in their cells by police could scarcely have imagined what they and their 1500 fellow protesters had spawned that bitter winter’s day in June 1978. Forty years on, their humble walk of solidarity down Oxford Street has become one of the world’s largest LGBTQI+ festivals and this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras promises to be the biggest and best ever. “Mardi Gras has gone through an amazing history, and I think our challenge now is to make sure that we remain relevant to our community,” says CEO Terese Casu. As well as acknowledging past contributors and successes, Casu wants this year’s festival to be a call to action for new participants and ideas. In particular, she’d like to see the political satire that was once a parade hallmark make a return, hinting at the possible cameo appearance of some infamous past floats (Fred Nile? Pauline Hanson?) in this year’s parade. The parade - and festival overall - will reflect Mardi Gras’ 40 year timeline: “We’re looking at the AIDS era, we’re looking at the women’s era, the lesbian era, we’re looking at when transgender and rainbow families entered into our parades, and really marking those moments,” explains Casu. Naturally, special attention has been given to those who started it all. “There’s a crowd funding campaign to bring all the 78ers from across Australia to Mardi Gras this year, so we’re hoping to bring them together and have a really beautiful celebration with them. And lets wait and see how they activate on parade because we’ve got something very special planned,” Casu says with a wink. A man who has forged a career out of impersonating legends has become a legend himself
in the LGBTQI+ arts world, and the great Trevor Ashley returns this season with an all-star show, Mardi Gala. “I’m so thrilled to be involved in Mardi Gras again, as always.The Gala’s really going to be something special here at the Opera House - to be able to perform with, you know, five really close mates and make it a real party!” says Ashley.Those five mates are Paul Capsis,Todd McKenney, Joel Creasey, Casey Donovan and the immortal Carlotta. “I’m beyond excited,” says Paul Capsis. “I love all these people and I’ve known most of them for quite a long time.” Capsis is especially thrilled about the 14 piece orchestra providing back up. “As a singer, that’s what we live for!” Joel Creasey experienced his first ever Mardi Gras by hosting the parade broadcast on SBS last year. He’ll be hosting again this year as well as performing in Ashley’s Gala representing the youth of the LGBTQI+ talent pool. “It’s an absolute honour…It’s time for people in my
provided by New Jersey DJ, MikeQ; Australian duo, Electric Fields; New York rapper Quay Dash; Mardi Gras Parade 2017 and South African artist, Angel-Ho. Photo: Hamid Mousa After a popular debut last year, Queer Art After Hours returns to the Art Gallery of NSW. Stroll the grand halls while sipping a creative beverage and imbibing the atmosphere enlivened by DJs, live music and surprise performances.While you’re there, catch the Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition mere days before it closes. Koori Gras is a mini festival within the festival, celebrating international First Nation queer culture and comprising workshops, talks and cabaret at Carriageworks. It’s produced by Moogahlin Performing Arts, a local arts organisation that is inclusive and active in supporting emerging Black artists. Once again, the Seymour Centre will be a hub of Mardi Gras activity with one particularly exciting generation to step up and do our part in the highlight being the return of drag legend, Mitzi community and I’m thrilled to be involved.” Macintosh in her one-woman show, A Lifetime In The flagship event for the 40th Anniversary Lipstick. Ms Macintosh will regale her sure-to-be festival is the Museum of Love and Protest, a mesmerised audience with this cabaret-cumcollection of artefacts, costumes, photographs, memoir directed by the indefatigable Trevor Ashley. film and video, posters, music and more Sydney’s most famous smiling face opens its presented in an immersive exhibition in mouth wide to welcome rainbow families on cooperation with the National Art School. It Luna Park Family Fun Day. Unlimited all-day rides represents the who’s who and what’s what of with paid entry (make sure you give the kids a Sydney queer culture over the last four decades. turn too!) or stroll around the iconic harbourA new addition to the calendar - intended to side fair ground and enjoy performances by drag become a regular event - is the inaugural Sissy Ball. queens Coco Jumbo and Hannah Conda. DJ Curated by Sydney interdisciplinary artist, Bhenji Ra, royalty Kate Monroe and Victoria Anthony will be Sissy Ball promises the thrilling, competitive sass, spinning discs for the kids inside Crystal Palace. shade and style of the New York voguing scene. Of course, the news that is causing a shimmering Three Asia-Pacific houses - Slé (Au), Fafswag (NZ), wave of ecstasy throughout the community is that and House of Envy (NZ) will give their best Hand the goddess of curls and Hollywood tape, Cher, will Performance, Runway, Face, Sex Siren and Vogue be gracing the party with her elegance this year. Fem in a throwdown MC’d by Dashaun and It’s going to be an amazing festival and for 16 days, judged by Leiomy, two of the biggest names in the Sydney is going to be a 40 zone. New York scene. High energy music will be Feb 16-Mar 4. Info: www.mardigras.org.au
Office tO Let
RE-OPENS AT DINNER ON MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018
BOOK NOW! COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGE Enjoy a free glass of wine, beer or soft drink on our Monday and Tuesday services.
LUNCH
DINNER
12:00 - 2:00pm
6:00 - 9:00pm
MON *
Lunch service closed
$25 - two courses $30 - three courses
TUE*
$25 - two courses $30 - three courses
$25 - two courses $30 - three courses
WED - FRI
$25 - two courses $30 - three courses
$30 - three courses
FULLY LICENSED. GST included. Prices may vary during special events
The Apprentice Restaurant Sydney
To book online: sydneytafe.edu.au/theapprentice
Building E, Level 7 695 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007
Phone: 02 9217 5527
Email: SI.TheApprentice@tafensw.edu.au
facebook.com/ApprenticeRestaurantSydney #theapprenticerestaurant RTO 90003 | CRICOS 00591E
12
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
The information is correct at the time of printing: February 2018
Bright window office, approximately 4mx4m, some furniture available. Internet and copy facilities negotiable. Security building, share facilities.
admin@altmedia.net.au
7 Days QUICK SERVICE SYDNEY’S CHEAPEST RUBBISH REMOVAL
All Areas Free Quotes
• Tree Lopping • Yard Clean Up
Ph: 9747 8471
061ICT1203
THE APPRENTICE
Share office Space in good building in ultimo.
• Small Demolition
We Load • Deceased Estates
Mob: 0418 426 422
WRITERS WANTED
A Call Out for the Retired, Superannuated and Graduate Students Writers needed on local issues across the City Hub’s five distribution regions. Must be able to write engaging and accurate copy and meet deadlines. Please contact City Hub with CV news@altmedia.net.au
w
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Dita Von Teese – Art Of The Teese Photo: Frank Rodrick
Dita Von Teese, American burlesque dancer, model, entrepreneur, costume designer, the list could go on and on, is coming down under to tour Art Of The Teese, where she will be performing three shows at the State Theatre. The queen of burlesque is bringing several acts that have never been seen in Australia including, “Lazy”, that has only been performed at The Crazy Horse Paris and a ballet themed “Swan Lake Striptease”. The show will also include Teese’s main acts, including the
infamous “Martini Glass Routine” which features 150,000 Swarovski crystals. Mesmerising audiences with stunning visuals and intoxicating acts, Art Of The Teese is one show that should surely not be missed. So, get out the vintage attire and prepare for a night of captivating and elegant performances. (RH) Feb 22-25. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney. $95.45$160.45+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.statetheatre.com.au
The Nose Martin Winkler as Kovalev in 2017. Photo: courtesy Opera Australia, Royal Opera House and Bill Cooper
Oxtravaganza
The Darlinghurst Business Partnership (DBP) presents the return of Oxtravaganza, a DoDarlo Mardi Gras event celebrating the Pink Mile and everything it has to offer. Taking place on Saturday February 24 on Oxford Street, there will be exclusive performances, food and drinks, live music, an SSM wedding market, a mobile outdoor disco and more with all proceeds raised going to a local community group. President of the DBP, Stepan Gyory said, “Oxtravaganza is like a community-based grass-roots festival. We encourage businesses and local venues to put on events and specials and all sorts of things, but the main
gist of the day is for everyone to promote the same day and hopefully that will cut through to social media.” The wedding market they will be hosting is to celebrate marriage equality in Australia, with local venues and businesses uniting to share their services to create the perfect wedding. Jewellers, florists, bakers and celebrants will be present and Young Henrys who is in partnership with DBP. “One of our major partners is Young Henrys and they’re putting on these things called YES! Kegs in honour of same sex marriage and they’re donating a full keg to venues in the area and all these venues are going to sell $5 schooners and all the proceeds go
towards our charity partner, Twenty10 + GLCS which is the gay and lesbian counselling service.” Oxtravaganza supports a different local charity each year
and the events are only getting bigger, with more programs and events being added daily. (JM) Feb 24. Oxford Street. Free. Info: www.dodarlo.com
REVIEW: Strangers In Between
Photo: Sarah Walker
This stripped down production features just three actors and a bath, so Tommy Murphy’s script is given centre stage. With such a rudimentary background, the audience hangs on every word of the dialogue, which flows naturally and feels
authentic - sometimes excruciatingly so. Shane (Wil King) has run away from his small-town home to come to the big, terrifying and sometimes exhilarating city of Sydney. With references to buzz, nightlife and recently-closed gay nightclub The Midnight Shift, the scene, although not very old, is already nostalgic: a time when Sydney actually had life after dark. There, he meets Will (Guy Simon) - an urbane, self-assured young gay man and Peter, a fifty year-old gay man - expertly played by Simon Burke as jaded but not cynical; funny but not bitchy. Wil King is utterly convincing as the comically naive Shane and steals the show. He’s in every scene and brings to life a coming-of-age story of this 16-year-old pretending to be 19. Murphy’s script uses humour to prevent the story from becoming saccharine. Shane’s endless questions - like
a&e
13 STAGE 14 Sounds 15 SCENE 15 SCREEN
where on earth do you buy coat-hangers are well-observed and welcome light relief. Each character has his flaws and is complex enough not to be a hero. The fallibilities of red-blooded gay men are all here, but they’re here with tenderness, care and humanity which is at first, endearing and by the end, genuinely moving. Just before the 40th anniversary of Mardi Gras, it’s a timely reminder of the solidarity our community can show one another during times of family trauma, grief, loneliness and the discovery of coming out. Anyone hoping for the depth and emotional punch of Murphy’s Holding The Man may need to alter their expectations; this story is both simpler and more nuanced, but still a must-see. (GN) Until Mar 2. Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale. $35-$48+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.seymourcentre.com
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
All the cast members, including, Alexander “The Nose” Lewis, wear loosely fitted, prosthetic noses in Barrie Kosky’s production of Shostakovich’s first opera, written when he was just 20 years old. Lewis claims the prostheses “don’t impact our singing at all. In this particularly surreal and fantastical version I sing all the stuff that was written for The Nose but I speak for him rather than as him.” How was it to play with such a large cast, many of whom, including Lewis, have multiple roles? “Joyful madness,” Lewis says. “You really don’t get to perform in shows with enormous casts like this very often. There is so much going on on stage, and in the orchestra pit. It’s a lot of high energy fun!” Shostakovich is a difficult composer, so does Lewis like the score of The Nose? “The more I have done this piece the more I enjoy it. It’s complicated to learn and can be difficult to appreciate at first, but it truly is a wonderfully exciting work to perform and watch.” Unlike most singers, Lewis has switched fach from his earlier days to become a tenor. “Once upon a time I was a baritone. Many voices take a while to settle and fully grow, and I was no exception. Until I was 26 I trained and worked as a baritone. It suited the musical theatre work that I was doing but the older I got and the more work I did on my singing the more my voice changed and grew. When it became apparent that I was going to be a tenor I focused a little more exclusively on my operatic work, even though I still love getting back to the world of musicals.” Go see The Nose for a rare opportunity to hear a Shostakovich work performed at the Sydney Opera House! (ID) Until Mar 3. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $46-$348+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Contributors: Barbara Karpinski, Craig Coventry, Emily Shen, Greg Webster, 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.
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2017
13
The Actors Pulse will take on acclaimed playwright David Mamet’s classic, Glengarry Glen Ross. The production will feature the school’s intermediate level students, and will be directed by Actors Pulse principal Billy Milionis. Mamet won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for this tale of four desperate Chicago real-estate agents, embroiled in lies, threats, bribery and a burning desire to sell undesirable real-estate. Milionis has put his own twist on the production, flipping the genders of many of the
characters to showcase the range of his cast. Actors Pulse student, Claire Brew, said rehearsing for Glengarry Glen Ross was an everevolving process: “Discoveries were made at every rehearsal and Billy pushed us all to dig deep and invest in the characters with our own truths. She said: “David Mamet is a wonderful storyteller and the dialogue is pacy and clever. Mamet’s characters are rich and opinionated, with just the right amount of mystery for an actor to bring unique life to them. This production breathes new life into much loved characters.” Established in 1997, Actors Pulse is the leading technique acting school in the southern hemisphere, based on the teachings of realist Sanford Meisner. Ms. Brew said: “I think the main thing that stands out, would be simply learning to create a space where the story meets your instincts, and trusting that. Everything you need is in the text and within yourself.” (GF) Until March 3. 103 Regent Street Redfern. $29.50+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.stickytickets.com.au/63068
By Jamie Apps
The Steele Syndicate: Steele McMahon’s Brisbane-based octet is raucous, punchy and fun, with a genre-bending sound that reimagines elements of old school funk, reggae, ska and indie rock. The band packs a blistering four-piece horn section and a rhythm section to match, creating music from soulful, contemplative ballads to danceinducing funk frenzies. Thu, Feb 22, Marlborough Hotel Statues: Perth’s most brutal progressive hardcore band have turned heads with their new album No Grave, No Burial. With their new album, Statues explore a new direction, whilst maintaining a strong connection to their roots that have made them renowned as one of the premier live bands in Australian heavy music. Fri, Feb 23, Factory Theatre Ukiyo: Midway through his national tour, 21 year-old WA producer Ukiyo continues to make waves. After spending the bulk of 2017 holed up writing and producing tracks for his forthcoming EP release, Ukiyo is excited to be sharing tracks live with his final show of the tour in Sydney Friday. Fri, Feb 23, The World Bar Sissy Ball: For one night only, clubgoers will experience a genre-defying dance floor, live music, light installations, and an exhilarating vogue battle of the houses, curated by Sydney-based interdisciplinary artist Bhenji Ra. Sat, Feb 24, Carriageworks Sigrid: Sydney will get a taste of the future as the 21 year old Norwegian artist hits the stage for Sydney City Limits Festival. The 21-year-old pop sensation has gone from unknown to the most exceptional breakout star in the past year. Sat, Feb 24, Sydney City Limits 14
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018
Robbie Williams
Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney
Classic Album Sundays: The next edition is celebrating Alice Coltrane’s 1971 classic of spiritual jazz, Journey in Satchidananda, which should be quite a transcendental experience in the intimate surrounds of the The Word Bar. Sun, Feb 25, The World Bar Emily Wurramara: Emily Wurramara’s childhood was one of water and music. Growing up on Groote Eylandt, days were filled with travel, fishing and extended family, a mother telling stories of dreams and dolphins that would one day become the seeds of Emily’s music. In almost the blink of an eye the young fresh faced artist who debuted her breakout EP Black Smoke in 2016, has matured into a now seasoned award winning Indigenous performer and a proud new mum with her own stories to pass down. Sun, Feb 25, Barangaroo Reserve Robbie Williams: The global pop phenomenon will bring his mammoth Heavy Entertainment Show World Tour to Sydney for two shows this week. Opening to rave reviews across Europe,The Heavy Entertainment Show Australian Tour will see Williams perform a glittering hit-laden set spanning his entire career, along with a couple of surprising covers thrown in for good measure. Wed, Feb 28, Qudos Bank Arena
Jim Jefferies – One Night Only! Fellow Australian, Geoff James Nugent better known as Jim Jefferies is coming home for three one night only shows presented by Frontier Comedy. Taking place in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, the comedian, actor and writer will be gearing up to give audiences a full dose of raw in-your-face hilarious stand-up. Jefferies has been enjoying a successful standup career, appearing in his own specials on HBO and Netflix. Under his belt are also two films, a podcast, appearances on panel shows, FX comedy series Legit and most recently the latenight series, The Jim Jefferies Show that aired on Comedy Central. Among his late-night shows, Jim experienced a huge 2017 performing multicity tours of the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Israel with Forbes (USA) quoting “Fearless, raw and biting. If Hemingway had a drinking buddy, it would be Jim”. Having sold over 50,000 tickets across the last
Photo: John Shearer. Courtesy of Netflix
Katherine & Claire
Glengarry Glen Ross
Australian tour, One Night Only is sure to be a knee slapping good time. (RH) Feb 26. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $79.90-$99.90+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Cloud Nothings
By Jamie Apps A little over 12 months ago enigmatic alt-punks Cloud Nothings released their latest record, Life Without Sound, which will see them return to Australia for the first time since 2014. For founder and frontman Dylan Baldi returning to Australia comes at a very welcome time. “It’s freezing cold where I am now so I can’t wait, even though I’m going to be really busy the entire time it will be warm which is all that I need.” Baldi also views this tour as somewhat of a
chance at redemption, particularly in Sydney. “The first time we ever came to Sydney we played a side show for Laneway Festival. Right before the show I ate the hottest food that I had ever eaten at that point in my life and it made playing the show really really difficult. So it will be better than that this time.” Even though Life Without Sound has led to Cloud Nothings returning to Australia Baldi explained to City Hub that the process of
releasing the record was actually incredibly frustrating. Despite the album releasing on January 27, 2017 it was actually complete long before that. “We got it finished a long long time ago but for some reason the label didn’t want it to come out for almost a year after it was finished,” explained Baldi. “We had already been working on the songs for about a year prior at that point so it was just floating around for almost two years before it came out and I definitely don’t want to do that again.” That period of waiting was tough for Baldi because it prevented him from clearing his mind fully in order to begin focusing on a new batch of music. Having a record locked away in a vault also hindered the bands live shows because they couldn’t perform their full repertoire. “Towards the end we started doing a couple of the new ones but I always feel weird playing new stuff at shows before the record is out because people don’t know them.” With Life Without Sound and Cloud Nothings unshackled Sydneysiders are in for a treat from a band which has cemented themselves as one of the most invigorating, magnetic and cathartic live bands who are now at the peak of their career. Feb 22. Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. $57.95+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.oxfordartfactory.com
Sally-Anne Whitton - Burgundy Street Burgundy Street is feelings you can dance to. Sally-Anne Whitton’s rolling country style lightens the emotional load, it powers her songs with a natural high, a drive down an open road feeling of freedom. She is sassy and energetic and her music bounces with her energy. Each track is wrapped in country charm, Southern Nights paints an enticing picture for the listener, encouraging its audience with its sultry destination at the end of their long journey. Also
in the mix the devil may care song, Good Day In Hell, a rhythmic expression the listener will feel in their bones. Each of the album’s ten tracks make anywhere sound like a good time. Light hearted and easy going, this music is for spring and summertime when its lack of care matches the season and the mood of the listener. (SP) WW1/2
THE NAKED CITY
GRANDMOTHER HURLING AND OTHER NOUVEAU SPORTS
Cilla Black greeted by Margaret Thatcher
With Coffin Ed Hands up if you have little interest in so called ‘winter sports’ but have taken a perverse fascination in watching athletes crash out in the current Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. It’s not that you would like to see anybody seriously injured but it becomes a metaphor for life’s vulnerability when somebody selfdestructs in an explosion of powdered snow in the downhill skiing or ends up ingloriously on their bum in the men’s figure skating. What it does demonstrate is that people watch sport for many different reasons – some possessed by a furious sense of jingoism bellowing “Aussie,Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi”, others as sporting purists with a genuine love of the activity or perhaps as gamblers who would bet on two flies crawling up a wall - and then there’s me. Frankly I have always looked at competitive sport as one of our more absurd pastimes, not necessarily a bad thing but one that is often far removed from the basic realities of life. I guess that’s why it exists in the first place, as a massive distraction from the drudgery and boredom of everyday existence.
If we do accept that many sporting activities are bordering on the ridiculous then why not push the boundaries even further. It’s time to throw out some of the more boring sporting endeavours and raise the ante to new realms of excitement. Here are just a few suggestions: GRANDMOTHER HURLING: As introduced to the UK by the late great Spike Milligan. Fully consenting grand mums are catapulted over an enormous cliff with the object being to land them safely in the sea rather than the rocks below. Mercifully the attrition rate is very low. DOWN HILL TEXTING: Here’s a new winter sport in which contestants carry not only two ski poles but a mobile phone. Points are awarded for the longest coherent text message the skier manages to send before he reaches the finish line. DOWN HILL SEXTING: Similar to the above but additional points are awarded for salaciousness. CAGED PANDA FIGHTING: Forget about the loathsome UFC and enjoy an entirely new spectacle as men (and women) in panda suits grapple for supremacy in a bamboo cage. Occasionally, as a special surprise, a real panda could be introduced, provided they were trained not to eat the actual cage. AIR TENNIS: A derivative of the air guitar contest whereby tennis is played without an actual ball. Players score points with the most creative and exuberant moves as they pound an imaginary ball backwards and forwards. BEACH WATERMELON: A variation of beach volley ball whereby a large water melon is substituted for the actual ball. Players are required to take a bite each time the watermelon passes over the net. The team that takes the final bite of the rapidly disappearing melon is declared the winner. LAWN MOLES: Players release trained moles who burrow underneath the green as they attempt to locate the heavily scented jack. Not a great spectator sport as most of the action takes place underground but when the mole finally breaks the surface it’s a genuine gee whiz moment.
HumanNature Tom Griffiths
By now, most people are perhaps all-too-familiar with the plight global warming presents to the Earth; the science has been explored and explained in depth. Offering a shift in perspective, the lecture series HumanNature - The Humanities In A Time Of Environmental Crisis, considers how we perceive, shape and address climate change. Presented by the Australian Museum, local and international speakers examine the role of the humanities through the lens of history, language, colonisation, feminism, plant cultivation and art. In nine monthly lectures from February to November, HumanNature brings together science and the humanities in unexpected ways, with talks such as Radical Histories For Uncanny Times (colonial environments) and Feminist Botany For The Age Of
Man (a feminist approach to plants). “Environmental crises are always also inherently social and cultural,” noted Thom van Dooren and Astrida Neimanis of the Department of Gender and Cultural Studies at Sydney University. “In order to better understand and address these pressing environmental challenges, we need humanities perspectives more than ever.” HumanNature, travelling its multidisciplinary course, promises to be a bit livelier than Al Gore with a pointy stick, as necessary and groundbreaking as An Inconvenient Truth was. This series is sure to deliver fresh insights into humans in nature, past, present and future. (OA) Until November 1. Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney. $16-$20.Tickets & Info: www.australianmuseum.net.au
Winchester
Named after Australia’s favourite pass time, behind beers of course comes, The BBQ. The film is written and directed by Stephen Amis and stars Shane Jacobson, Magda Szubanski, Lara Robison, Nicholas Hammond, Faith Seci, Justine Jones and co-host of My Kitchen Rules, Manu Feildel. The film tells the story of Dazza Cook, an Aussie everyman who believes he is a descendent of Captain James Cook and loves his BBQ. After he accidently gives
his neighbours food poisoning, Dazza seeks out help from an odd Scottish chef known as ‘The Butcher’ to help him win an international BBQ competition and regain his reputation on the barbie. This could have been an absolute Aussie classic! A story about something that seems to be in our blood, yet what a disappointment. Although there were funny moments along the way, a lot of the storyline was just plain silly and not in a good way. (RH) W1/2
ABC Television has produced yet another powerful feature-length telemovie based on true events, which will not only captivate and entertain audiences, but should also stimulate controversy and further encourage the acceptance of minority groups. Riot is set in Sydney between 1972 and 1978, in a time when homosexuality was considered criminal and vilified by the government and church. Police brutality was widespread. Gays had no rights. They were mercilessly sacked from their jobs and expelled from college. Psychiatrists performed shock treatment to cure them of their “ailment”. The general consensus amongst the men of the cloth was
that homosexuality was a sickness…a possession...not depression. This remarkable telemovie follows the endeavours of Lance Gowland (Damon Herriman) a devoted activist for various civil rights causes, who fought for gay solidarity striving for violence prevention, decriminalisation, anti-discrimination and gay relationship recognition. His work towards public awareness led to a colourful march in fancy dress along Oxford Street. He stated it was a party – not a protest. This became the first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. WWWW
Screens on Sunday February 25 at 8:30 pm on ABC & iview.
Supernatural horror film Winchester is an Australian/American co-production directed by the Spierig Brothers, who wrote the screenplay alongside Tom Vaughn. The film stars Aussie Jason Clarke, with Helen Mirren and Sarah Snook. Filmed in Melbourne and inspired by the true events that followed, firearm heiress Sarah Winchester (Mirren) believes her mansion is haunted by souls that died at the hand of the Winchester rifle.
Dr Eric Price (Clarke) joins the heiress at the San Jose mansion for a mental health assessment, where he is forced to help uncover the mysteries of the ever-renovating house. A quite unique horror story in real life but a dull storyline in the movie, that if anything seemed rushed. The house looked great and the special effects weren’t too clunky. There were a couple of successful jump scares but overall a watch one time only film. (RH) WW1/2
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2017
15
I DO IT WITH MY DOCTOR Knowing I’m undetectable keeps me healthy and my partners safe this Mardi Gras. How do you do it?
ENDINGHIV.ORG.AU/YOUCHOOOSE 16
city hub 22 FEBRUARY 2018