City Hub 23 May 2019

from Bondi to Balmain...

City News Since 1995 M AY 2 3 , 2 0 1 9

altmedia.net.au

FREE

Take a stroll through Pyrmont/Ultimo and discovery its hidden gems Page 7

Warehouse Sale

Up to

selected items

May 23 - 26 9am - 5pm

Building 7 190 Bourke Road Alexandria 2015 livingedge.com.au

CITY RECITAL HALL PRESENTS

CONCERTOS ON FIRE

FRIDAY 7 JUNE 7.30PM This experimental presentation brings together fire-taming violinist Sonja Schebeck and interdisciplinary acrobatic ensemble The Freestyle Orchestra in a unique integration of contemporary music, modern circus, and physical theatre.

Supported by the City Recital Hall Bravo Circle Tale of the Firebird has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body

City of Sydney is a Principal Sponsor of City Recital Hall

BOOK TODAY cityrecitalhall.com 02 8256 2222 City Recital Hall 2 Angel Place, Sydney

The MLC School girl is fearless and brave.

She is focussed on learning.

Join us for a tour at MLC School Tuesday 28 May, 10.30am

MLC School | Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 2

city hub 23 MAY 2019

CRICOS: 02328D

Bookings are essential. To register, visit mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

From Little Things…

By Mark Mordue Representatives from Macquarie and Sydney universities and the Inner West Council will gather with green practitioners and other key environmental figures in Marrickville on Friday 24 May to discuss creating a greener, better city.

The Rethinking the Urban Forest Conference brings together arborists, urban planners, architects, ecologists, politicians and scientists whose ideas and practices affect everything from the nature and number of trees on our streets to how polluted the air could be in an office where you work.

Colleen Sutherland is one of the main organisers behind the Conference. It is being presented by the Addison Road Community Centre Organisation and held inside its grounds at Gumbramorra Hall.

First cross-disciplinary conference “As far as we can determine, this will be the first time this type of crossdisciplinary conference has occurred in Australia,” Sutherland says. “It actually surprised me when I realised that interdisciplinary working and planning among these people posed such a challenge and that these people rarely, if ever, had been gathered together as a group in one place to talk about what they do.”

Addison Road Community Centre Organisation has more than 160 trees on its 9-hectare site. Tree maintenance has become a serious part of the infrastructure work there along with the Centre’s social justice, arts and community activities.

“Issues like community well-being and sustainable living that the Centre

density apartment living and large-scale offices, how might we use “green walls” to offset pollutant chemicals that are released from plastics and synthetics?

The idea for the conference grew out of a dying Sydney Blue Gum tree inside the grounds of the Addison Road Community Centre. Rather than cut it down, Addi Road worked with an arborist and Inner West Council to lop off branches that might drop or cause the tree itself to become dangerous and topple over.

Hollows were then cut into the tree along with those that had naturally formed, creating a home for birds, lizards, insects and microbats. The tree is now a showpiece for visiting school children interested in studying habitats that allow living creatures to survive in the city.

The tree is a showpiece for visiting schoolchildren interested in studying habitats

Sydney blue gum tree that inspired writing of The Hollow Tree.

Addison Road Community Centre, Marrickville. Photo: Mark Mordue

are already involved in have naturally expanded into the development of the Rethinking the Urban Forest Conference,” Sutherland says.

More than 150 participants from all over the city and country will attend the Rethinking the Urban Forest Conference. Thirty speakers in panels across the day will give presentations.

Some of the questions they will try to answer include: How do we improve tree cover to provide much-needed shade in our hot summers?

What is the relationship between a greener environment and our mental and physical well-being?

As city-life increasingly involves high-

The old Sydney Blue Gum and its hollows awakened an even greater awareness of the role of trees in the local area. What is called “the urban forest” does everything from support bird life to absorb pollution and keep us cool in summer, enhancing our health and happiness. The more built up our urban environment becomes, the more critical it is that we increase the numbers of trees and green spaces around us.

The Rethinking the Urban Forest Conference will also host a book launch (open to the public) that features

drawings by school children who have observed the birds, lizards and microbats around the old Blue Gum. The book is called The Hollow Tree and will be launched on Friday 24 May at 11am.

Explaining complex laws During the Conference, Dr Fraser Torpy, Senior Lecturer and Director for the Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group at UTS, will speak about “the capacity of green wall technology and urban greening to mitigate air pollution, both within buildings and through the wider urban environment”. Jemilah Hallinan, an environmental lawyer and Outreach Director with the NSW Environmental Defenders Office, will discuss “the new laws that came into force in 2017 that regulate urban tree clearing on private land”. She promises to “explain these complex laws in plain English”.

Dr Abby Mellick Lopes, a Senior Lecturer in Design and a Researcher at the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) at Western Sydney University, will discuss “the heat-island affect” and the need for “design practices that are more mindful of the social and environmental impacts of urban heat… [and] the need for cities to support people to move comfortably out and about, to gather and to rest without having to rely on cars or private air conditioning”.

These are just a few of the ideas and speakers on the day. Although the conference is targeted to engaged professionals, it will have a long-term impact on people of the Inner West and many other communities across the country through the ideas and planning models that evolve.

Stripped Down 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 Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Production Manager: Michael Hitch Contributors: Michael Hitch, Allison Hore, Peter Hehir, John Moyle, Mark Mordue, Merrill Witt, Rita Bratovich Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Advertising Manager: Georgina Pengelly Cover Photo: Supplied. Wendy Matthews 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 MICHAEL HITCH If you’ve walked through Redfern and Central Stations recently you may have noticed the not-so-private “privacy screens” set-up by police for the purpose of strip-searches.

The Redfern Legal Centre and the “Safe and Sound” campaign are taking a head-on approach to excessive police power after presenting a panel discussion last week for the inner-city community.

(Left to right) Joanna Shulman, CEO of Redfern Legal Centre; Solicitor Samantha Lee, head of Redfern The panel focussed on one question; “Does Legal Centre’s Police Accountability practice; Jane Sanders, Principal Solicitor at The Shopfront Youth NSW have a strip-search problem?” The short Legal Centre; David Shoebridge MP,The Greens. Photo: Supplied answer is “Yes”.

Legal experts, political representatives to provide better guidance for police about “They wouldn’t tell us about what’s been and strip-search victims led the panel in a when and how to conduct a strip search. found, but they will give you data of things discussion of the details of strip-search laws, The number of strip-searches in NSW has found in searches. We know in that in 2014advice for those subjected to a strip-search and increased from 3,753 in 2014-2015 to 5,483 in 15, nothing was found in over 2,400 people tips for complaining about police conduct.

2017-2018 – a 46 per cent increase across four searched. That was about 65 per cent of the years according to David Shoebridge. searches.

“Safe and Sound” campaign Mr Shoebridge also discussed the impacts “Roll over to 2017-18, and out of the 5,400 The discussion was facilitated by the CEO of discretionary police powers, such as strippeople who were initially searched, then taken of Redfern Legal Centre, Joanna Shulman, searches, on Indigenous communities and somewhere and literally humiliated – stripand speakers included the head of Redfern referred to data from police regarding the searched – 3,400 people had nothing found on Legal Centre’s Police Accountability Practice success of their “no tolerance” approach to them. That’s almost 63 per cent.

Samantha Lee, Principal Solicitor at The drug-possession and use.

“It’s worse than that because the most recent Shopfront Youth Legal Centre Jane Sanders data we have from the end of last year shows and Greens MP David Shoebridge. that with 67. 5 per cent of the people who were They don’t even pretend to give strip-searched in the last six months of last Ms Lee kicked off the panel session by discussing the newly created “Safe and Sound” a shit about harm minimisation year, nothing was found. These are searches campaign’s purpose. that the police have said are necessary and anymore “We started the ‘Safe and Sound’ campaign urgent. back in November last year, and it was “If a strip-search does find something, it’s launched just before the festival season,” she “When we talk about any discretionary normally only a tiny amount of drugs. It has said. power we should acknowledge that the no noticeable effect, no provable effect on “The aim of the campaign is to try and community that bears the brunt of it – whether reducing drug supply, drug distribution or the change strip-search laws to provide better it’s in Redfern or Campbelltown or Blacktown price of drugs in NSW at all,” Mr Shoebridge safeguards for members of the public, but also – is always first nations peoples,” he said. said. city hub 23 MAY 2019

3

Coalition keeps the house

By ALLISON HORE As the final results roll in for last weekend’s federal election, a clear Lower House win has been delivered to the Coalition, despite all polling in the lead up suggesting it would be a Labor win.

Across the country, four Labor seats were turned over to the Liberal party, and only one Liberal seat to Labor, a result the Prime Minister, known for his Christian faith, described as a “miracle”.

“I’ve always believed in miracles,” Mr Morrison said in his victory speech on Saturday night, standing alongside his wife and daughters.

“I’m standing with the three biggest miracles in my life here tonight and tonight we’ve been delivered another one.”

Liberals take back Wentworth One of the major changes across the Sydney city is the return of the seat of Wentworth to the Liberal Party, which had previously held it on a safe margin.

In the 2018 Wentworth by-election, Independent candidate Kerryn Phelps had won the seat over Liberal candidate Dave Sharma. Her win was chalked down to backlash over the “knifing” of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who had been a popular local member in Wentworth.

But as the backlash has died down, Mr Sharma has claimed back the seat for the Coalition with a 16.6 per cent swing against Dr Phelps. Labor’s Tim Murray secured only a little over 10 per cent of the primary vote.

In her concession speech on Monday, Ms Phelps said she is proud of the Home Affairs Amendments bill – also known as

“There may well be a time in the future where the Australian public misses the constructive input of the crossbench in this last parliament because that constructive crossbench can actually hold government to account,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Warringah, Independent candidate Zali Steggall dethroned Tony Abbott, who had held the seat for 25 years. Ms Steggall, who had campaigned together with Dr Phelps, said that she is disappointed to see her counterpart go.

“She’s been a great Member for Wentworth,” Ms Steggall told the ABC. “She’s made a phenomenal contribution to Australia at large and I think she is very hard working and very good.”

I believe I’m the best person to lead Labor back into government Mr Sharma thanked Dr Phelps for her time in parliament and said the result of the election was “very satisfying” for him.

“It’s been a long continuous campaign Dave Sharma thanks voters for their support in Edgecliff station on Tuesday morning. for seven months for me,” he told Photo: Dave Sharma via Twitter reporters at a press conference in Sydney. the Medivac Bill –- that she was able to said.

I was helped by the tailwind of a strong pass despite sitting in parliament for only “My hope is that Scott Morrison’s national campaign.” seven months. newly elected government will continue The seat of Grayndler was retained “I may have only been in parliament to ensure that the remaining refugees by incumbent Labor member Anthony for a short time but I am proud of my and people seeking asylum receive the Albanese. Mr Albanese won about record. I am proud of the team I have attention deserve promptly.”

67 per cent of the vote on a two-party had around me. I am proud of my family She also highlighted the importance of preferred basis compared to 33 per cent for the support they have given me,” she a strong crossbench. for Jim Casey of the Greens.

END OF YEAR SALE ON NOW

38-42 Parramatta Rd Stanmore 2048 P: (02) 9565 1275 E: info@annandaleinteriors.com

•

www.annandaleinteriors.com.au 4

city hub 23 MAY 2019

Retaining her Sydney Labor seat on a safe margin was Tanya Plibersek.

The Deputy Leader of the Labor Party secured over 50 per cent of the primary vote, comfortably beating the Liberal Party’s Jacqui Munro, who won just 26 per cent of the vote.

ALP leadership open Both Plibersek and Albanese were named as potential leaders for the Labor party after Bill Shorten stepped down on Saturday night. Mr Albanese threw his hat into the ring shortly after Mr Shorten’s announcement.

“I believe I’m the best person to lead Labor back into government,” he said at a press conference in Sydney.

“We’ve lost three elections in a row.

That has an impact on those Australians who rely upon us to improve their education, to look after their health care, to build public transport infrastructure.”

On Monday, Ms Plibersek formally announced that she did not intend to run.

“I am very grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues, from party members and others, urging me to run for the Labor leadership,” she said in a statement.

“But now is not my time. At this point, I cannot reconcile the important responsibilities I have to my family with the additional responsibilities of the Labor leadership.”

While the Coalition holds a majority in the Lower House, it remains to be confirmed what the make-up of the Upper House will be. It is still unlikely that either party will hold a majority.

Independents’ success offers silver lining

BY MERRILL WITT The newly elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison credited the “quiet Australians” for the Coalition’s surprising election win. But the campaign to dislodge Independent Kerryn Phelps from the formerly safe Liberal seat of Wentworth was anything but quiet.

In the final few days leading up to last Saturday’s election, Wentworth voters were bombarded with mail-outs and robocalls from Liberal candidate Dave Sharma. Accusations also flew from both sides about who was responsible for derogatory or racist emails and other abuses.

Given that her campaign was likely outspent by a factor of 10 to one, the fact that she lost the seat by the slimmest of margins is perhaps the real unsung “miracle” of this election result.

Dr Phelps’ narrowly lost re-election bid and the history-making wins of two other Independents, Warringah’s Zali Steggall and Indi’s Helen Haines, are a reminder that our democracy still offers opportunities for Independents to get elected when their campaigns are supported by the local community.

Community-shaped agenda Ms Haines acknowledged the important role the people of Indi played in her election win when she said in her acceptance speech that “the agenda was community shaped. It was not an agenda brought to us by a big party but an agenda brought to us by the people, and foremost in that agenda was action on climate”.

Passionate locals also played an essential role in framing the messages of the Phelps and Steggall campaigns. When Ms Steggal called her election “a win for moderates with a heart,” she could have just as easily been describing the “Purple Army” of volunteers and supporters for Dr Phelps.

With their mix of economically conservative and socially progressive policies, Phelps, Steggall

would allow the Adani coal mine to go ahead, for example, had the combined effect of infuriating environmental groups and antagonising the unions.

The influential activist group “Stop Adani” called the Party’s environmental policies “a joke,” and the powerful Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union demanded Labor candidates in Queensland sign a pledge outlining their support for coal jobs.

In his concession speech, Ms Steggall’s vanquished foe, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, tried to frame the debate around climate change action as class warfare. “Where climate change is a moral issue, the Liberals do it tough,” he said. “Where climate change is seen as an economic issue we do, as tonight has shown, very, very well.”

Abbott offers an unsophisticated reading of the election results, but his musings underscore the failure of both the major parties to properly understand and communicate to voters the economic benefits of taking action to address climate change.

Kerryn and members of her “purple army” conceding. Photo: Supplied

and Haines filled a space vacated by the two major parties at this election.

Their opposition to most of Labor’s tax changes proved to be a good read of public anxiety about the impacts. In the wake of Labor’s unexpected defeat, the clumsy design of its proposed closure of “tax loopholes” is being blamed for alienating “aspirational younger voters” and panicking older ones.

It isn’t about the balance of power so much as the power of balance The Independents also amplified voters’ concerns about the lack of action on climate change, identified in opinion polls as one of the biggest issues in the election.

During the course of the campaign, Phelps, Steggall and Haines joined four other Independent candidates to issue a joint statement pledging to pursue a number of climate change actions in the next parliament.

Top of the list of 10 measures was a commitment to oppose the proposed Adani coal mine and call for “a roadmap to move Australia to 100 per cent renewable energy, with an aim to achieve at least 50 per cent by 2030”.

The Independent candidates’ naming of key actions to address climate change stood in stark contrast to the Coalition’s meagre and contrary set of policies.

Their coherent set of proposed measures was also easier to understand than Labor’s conflicting policies on energy and the environment.

Labor’s ambiguous signalling about whether it

Climate change #1 issue Responding to research that rated climate change as the number one issue in an ABC poll of more than 100,000 voters, Australian researcher Rebecca Huntley told the Guardian that “Voters are searching for the party that can provide a pragmatic and tangible approach and they are asking whether the political system can deliver solutions”.

Perhaps the election of more Independents could help to end the dysfunction in our federal parliament.

As Dr Phelps poignantly observed in her concession speech, “the sensible centre isn’t defined by right vs left; it’s right vs wrong. A functioning crossbench curbs the excesses of the government of the day. It isn’t about the balance of power so much as the power of balance. It is politics done differently, driven by the needs of our electorate and our nation, not major party ideology.”

Installation / Maintenance / Testing / Compliance / Certification PTY LTD FIRE MASTERS SERVICES Installation Installation // Maintenance Maintenance // Testing Testing // Compliance Compliance // Certification Certification

Installation / Maintenance / Testing / Compliance / Certification

Fire Masters provide complete fire PTY FIRE MASTERS PTY LTD LTD FIRE MASTERS SERVICES Protection & Electrical SERVICES Services to PTY LTD FIRE MASTERS SERVICES Fire provide complete fire protect Australian business & property Fire Masters Masters provide complete fire Protection & Electrical Services Installation / Maintenance / Compliance Certification Protection/ Testing & Electrical Electrical Services/ to to Protection & Services to protect property Contact us Australian today for business a FREE & quote! protect Australian business & property FIRE MASTERS SERVICES PTY LTD

Fire Protection Services: Electrical Contact today for quote!

Fire us Masters complete fire Services: Contact us todayprovide for a a FREE FREE quote!

Contact us today for a FREE quote!

Protection & Electrical Services to

. Fire Fire Alarm PanelsServices: . Fire Australian Doors . Electrical Test & Tag Fire Protection Services: Electrical Services: Protection Electrical Services: protect business & property Protection Services: Electrical Services: . Fire Fire Pumps . Fire Hose Reels . Smoke Alarms . Fire Alarm Panels . Fire Doors . Electrical Test & Tag .. Sprinkler Systems hydrants .. Emergency Lights Contact.. Fire us today for a FREE quote!Test Fire Alarm Fire DoorsReels Electrical . Fire PumpsPanels . Fire Hose . Smoke Alarms& Tag .. Fire Fire Blankets .

Fire Extinguishers .

Exit Lights Protection Services: Electrical Services: Sprinkler Systems . Fire hydrants . Emergency Lights Fire Pumps Hose Reels Smoke Alarms

.. Fire Blankets .. Fire .. Exit Lights Lights Sprinkler Fire Extinguishers hydrants Emergency . Fire AlarmSystems Panels . Fire Doors . Electrical Test & Tag We make sure you pay the best price for your fire & electrical services .. Fire Blankets .

Fire Extinguishers .

Exit Lights Fire Pumps . Fire Hose Reels . Smoke Alarms

We make sure you pay the best price for your fire & electrical services . Sprinkler Systems . Fire hydrants . Emergency Lights . Fire Extinguishers . Exit Lights ALREADY HAVE A CONTRACT FOR ALREADY HAVE A CONTRACT FOR We make sure you pay the best price for your fire & electrical services FIRE AND SERVICES? FIRE AND ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES? ALREADY HAVE A CONTRACT FOR . Fire Blankets

We make sure you pay the best price for your fire & electrical services

FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES?

HAVE A on CONTRACT FOR WeALREADY can still save you time and money any repair and replacement work!

We We can can still still save save you you time time and and money money on on any any repair repair and and replacement replacement work! work!

SAVE UP TO 20% FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES? SAVE UP TO 20% SAVE UP TO 20%

FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES?

We can still save you time and money on any repair and replacement work!

HOW IT WORK: WORK: HOW HOW IT IT WORK:

SAVE SAVE UP UP TO TO 20% 20%

FIRE & & ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS CONTRACTS ARE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SERVICES ONLY. ONLY. FIRE FIRE & ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS ARE ARE MAINTENANCE SERVICES SERVICES ONLY.

When additional work is required the maintenance provider will issue with a defect notice and quote.

When additional work is the provider HOW IT WORK: When additional is required requiredand the maintenance maintenance provider will will issue issue with with a a defect defect notice notice and and quote. quote.

Email this work information we will: FIRE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS ARE MAINTENANCE SERVICES ONLY. HOW&us IT WORK: Email us this information and we will: When additional work is required the maintenance provider will issue with a defect notice and quote.

FIRE & ELECTRICAL ARE MAINTENANCE SERVICES ONLY. REVIEW EACH OF THECONTRACTS DEFECTS Email us this information and we will: REVIEW EACH OFisTHE DEFECTS PROVIDE YOU WITH ALTERNATIVE COST EFFECTIVE When additional work required the maintenance provider SOLUTIONS will issue with a defect notice and quote.

PROVIDE YOU WITH ALTERNATIVE A FREE QUOTE PROVIDE YOU WITH ALTERNATIVE COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS REVIEW EACH OF THE DEFECTS Email us this information and weCOST will:EFFECTIVE PROVIDE PROVIDE YOU WITH ALTERNATIVE PROVIDE YOU YOU WITH WITH A A FREE FREE QUOTE QUOTECOST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS PROVIDE YOU WITH A FREE QUOTE

REVIEW EACH OF THE DEFECTS FIRE MASTERS SERVICES PTYEFFECTIVE LTD PROVIDE YOU WITH ALTERNATIVE COST SOLUTIONS FIRE MASTERS SERVICES PTY LTD PROVIDE YOU WITH A FREE QUOTE FIRE MASTERS SERVICES FIRE MASTERS SERVICES PTY PTY LTD LTD 0410 555 558 info@firemastersservices.com.au 0410 0410 555 555 558 558 www.firemastersservices.com.au 0410 555 558 info@firemastersservices.com.au info@firemastersservices.com.au

FIRE MASTERS SERVICES

PTY LTD info@firemastersservices.com.au www.firemastersservices.com.au

www.firemastersservices.com.au 0410 555 558 info@firemastersservices.com.au www.firemastersservices.com.au

Fire Protection & Electrical Services & Equipment Fire Fire Protection Protection & & Electrical Electrical Fire Protection & Electrical Services & Services & Equipment Equipment

Services & Equipment

Fire Protection & Electrical Services & Equipment

city hub 23 MAY 2019

5

Late nights out

BY JOHN MOYLE Late nights out in Sydney are just about to get a bit later thanks to the City of Sydney’s Late Night Trading Development Control Plan.

Produced in response to more than 10,000 submissions from businesses, residents and visitors, the new plans will extend trading hours for cafes, shops and bars across a large area of inner Sydney.

“The controls include creating a zone in the city centre where businesses can trade 24 hours a day, stretching from Darling Harbour in the west to Hyde Park in the east and Central Station in the south,” a City of Sydney spokesperson said.

“We hope the new controls will encourage existing businesses to apply to extend their trading hours, and for new businesses to apply to open across the city.”

Inner city late-night precincts Newly extended precincts will be activated in Chippendale, Waterloo and Surry Hills, with new late night trading areas in Green Square town centre, Barangaroo, Walsh Bay, Danks Street, the East Village shopping centre in Zetland and a new cultural precinct created in North Alexandria.

City of Sydney Councillor Jess Scully also sits as a co-chair on the CoS’s Nightlife and Creative Advisory Panel that was convened in 2018.

Councillor Scully said, “The consultation for this piece of work has been undertaken in two phases.

Firstly, broad consultation to receive general input to help form proposals, and secondly, public exhibition to receive specific feedback on proposals.”

More than 90 per cent of the respondents were in support, while further consultation was held across local and state departments.

Residents in Chippendale’s Abercrombie, Balfour and Meagher streets did not support the new measures and will be excluded from any changes.

City staff consulted with police representatives from

patrons, which the City of Sydney say they are supporting,” Dane Gorrel said.

“We did a live music event at the Cali Club that started at 4pm and finished at 7pm and we received complaints about noise and the Council had a chat to us and we haven’t been able to do that event again.”

Melbourne introduced lockouts from June to September in 2008 but quickly overturned them by introducing remedial policies that saw its night-time economy increase by $197 million in turnover to $3.2 billion.

“The City of Melbourne has been working hard over the years to activate the city at night and create more diverse entertainment opportunities after dark,” Councillor Susan Riley, City of Melbourne, said.

“The availability of 24-hour transport on weekends and more family-friendly entertainment means that there are more reasons to enjoy the city at night.”

Despite the lockouts, small club Milk is in full swing at the Cali Club. Photo: Supplied

various area commands, the Inner West Council, NSW Liquor and Gaming, NSW Health alcohol and drug prevention teams and the NSW Night Time Economy Taskforce.

But the elephant that walked into the bar are the lockout laws that still preclude Kings Cross and large parts of the CBD.

Three hundred people [are] looking for somewhere to go after midnight While the City of Sydney’s late-night policies are welcomed across most of the city, any changes must be viewed through the prism of the lockout laws that have hit venues hard across Kings Cross and a large part of the CBD.

After the recent NSW elections, the lockout laws are now overseen by Victor Dominello, Minister for Finance, Services and Property.

“A comprehensive evaluation (of the lockout laws) by Liquor and Gaming NSW is due to commence soon and be completed this year,” Minister Dominello said.

“Since the last independent review, we have relaxed the lockout to 2am and last drinks to 3.30am for live entertainment venues in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross precincts, with 34 venues now operating with later times.”

Dane Gorrel is the co-owner of the Cali Club on Bayswater Road and Club 77 on William Street, both clubs being within the lockout zone.

Dane says it is not just the imposts of the lockouts, such as extra security for scanning, but the inexact City of Sydney noise regulations.

“On Sundays we fall within less than 250

Late-night transport critical The lack of late-night and early morning transport was a major contributing factor to the problems in Kings Cross and the CBD. Councillor Scully said, “We focused on creating new late-night trading areas in places that will be supported by current bus, ferry and rail transport and the proposed new George Street Light rail and Sydney Metro.”

Over in Redfern, Jed Clarke runs The Dock and is pleased with the changes.

“As soon as we heard the news we got everything ready for our application in June so we can trade to 3am,” Mr Clarke said.

“There is a huge demand around here as there would be three hundred people looking for somewhere to go after midnight.”

All proposals are subject to a DA process and could take up to three months.

Cats and kittens available for adoption Discounted feline health services Information and advice Specialist cat boutique 103 Enmore Road Newtown t 9557 4818 or 9519 7201 www.catprotection.org.au

6

city hub 23 MAY 2019

VISIT PYRMONT-ULTIMO

city hub 23 MAY 2019

7

8

city hub 23 MAY 2019

Welcome to Pyrmont-Ultimo 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Legend Food & Drink Accommodation Entertainment / Retail Places of Interest /Historical Services /Facilities ________________

22 23 24 25 26 27

Pirrama Park Jones Bay Wharf Chuuka Café Morso Doltone House Bar Clementine Anzac Bridge The Terminus Hotel St Bede’s Catholic Church Google Biaggio Café The Star Sydney Lyric Pyrmont Bay Park / Markets Sydney Wine Centre Union Square / War Memorial Banquerie Café Bendigo Bank Festival Records building (IGA) Crust Gourmet Pizza The Quarryman’s Hotel The Dunkirk Hotel Kwik Kopy Pyrmont Bridge Hotel Australian National Maritime Museum Pyrmont Bridge Ibis Darling Harbour

28 Harbourside Shopping Centre 29 Sofitel Darling Harbour 30 Ovolo 1888 31 Novotel Darling Harbour 32 Sydney Fish Markets 33 Darling Harbour 34 Goldsbrough Building 35 Wentworth Park 36 Lord Wolseley Hotel 37 Mustard Seed Uniting Church 38 Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre 39 Sydney Dance Company 40 International Grammar School 41 Vulcan Hotel 42 Goods Line 43 Powerhouse Museum 44 Dr Chau Chak Wing Building / UTS 45 The Muse (TAFE) 46 ABC Studio 47 Broadway Shopping Centre 48 University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) 49 The Apprentice Restaurant at TAFE

Light Rail stations Bus Stops Ferry Terminals Car Parks Medical Emergencies

T

he unique shape of the Pyrmont Ultimo peninsula, coupled with an idyllic outlook, rich history, and proximity to the City of Sydney make it one of the most desirable precincts in which to live and work, and one of the most fascinating to explore. Its lively character is the result of a past steeped in industry, progress, and burgeoning society. Shipping, wool, manufacturing, and power helped build a thriving economy. That

spirit of entrepreneurship lives as Pyrmont Ultimo leads the country in technology and urban growth.

There is a lot to enjoy in this precinct: sandstone cliff walls and hundred year old fig trees; state of the art buildings and heritage cottages; museums and malls; fine dining, unique entertainment, good old-fashioned pubs. There is always something new to discover when you visit Pyrmont Ultimo.

www.visitpyrmontultimo.com.au city hub 23 MAY 2019

9

46

ABC STUDIO

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is the Government funded national broadcaster. Its head office in Ultimo houses two digital television production studios, an on-air radio studio, a news studio, control room, rehearsal space, and café.You can book in for a guided tour of the studios on Mondays or Wednesdays or register online to be part of a studio audience. The modern sandy-coloured building has hints of Art Deco in its design.

700 Harris Street, Ultimo, 8333 1500, www.abc.net.au 25

ANMM

Overlooking Pyrmont Bay, this museum has an impressive collection of sea related artefacts, historical items, and objects of interest, as well as one of the world’s largest historical vessels fleet featuring replica tall ships, submarine, navy boats, and more - many on which you can book a harbour cruise.

ANMM hosts internationally renowned exhibitions regularly, and has great eating options. Outside is the Welcome Wall, inscribed with the names of immigrants dating back decades.

2 Murray St, Darling Harbour, 9298 3777, www.sea.museum 7

Anzac Bridge

Opened in 1995, this Sydney landmark spans Johnstons Bay and connects the city to Balmain and the Inner West as part of the Western Distributor. It replaced the heritage listed Glebe Island Bridge, a swing bridge that still sits dwarfed below the new bridge, with its gates permanently swung open. The 8-lane, cable-stayed Anzac Bridge services vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

At the Western end, across the road from each other, are bronze statues of an Australian and a New Zealand Anzac soldier.

49

The Apprentice at TAFE

This training restaurant is operated and staffed by advanced Sydney TAFE hospitality students and is open to the public for lunch and dinner. With an emphasis on quality service and excellent food, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience at an affordable price. The three course set menu is created and cooked by students under supervision. The menu varies regularly and they often host guest chefs. Great city views and special events throughout the year.

Building E, Ultimo TAFE, 731-695 Harris Street, 9217 5527, sydneytafe.edu.au/make-booking/restaurants/apprentice

Bar Clementine

6

One of the newest establishments in Pyrmont, this cosy wine bar sits next to its sister café, Clementines at the harbour end of Harris St. It has a European, up-market holein-the-wall feel, nestled in among an enclave of workers cottages in a quieter part of town. Inside, the décor is old world and pleasing. The wine list includes unique selections from around the country. Complement with a charcuterie, tasting plate, or a la carte menu.

1/52 Harris St, Pyrmont, 8591 3660, barclementine.com

Bendigo Bank

18

Built in 1901 using surplus sandstone from the GPO and Customs House buildings in the city, this beautiful heritage listed Federation Free Style building was the official home of Pyrmont Post Office for over 100 years. Standing dominant at the top of Union Square, the two storey building has a well preserved, virtually faultless exterior. In 2009, Pyrmont Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank leased the site, modernising the interior only.The bank services many local residents and businesses and participates actively in the community.

148 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 9518 9866, bendigobank.com.au

Biaggio Café

11

With views across Sydney Harbour, this waterfront cafe offers a fusion of classic Mediterranean and modern Italian cuisine, using a selection of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce and emphasising individual flavour. Its focus on sustainability is in harmony with the building in which it is located - the first in NSW to gain a 6 star environmental design rating. With open deck all the way around the wharf, Biaggio is a great spot for coffee and a stroll.

48 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, 8571 0606, biaggio.com.au

Broadway Shopping Centre 47 English brothers, Joseph and Albert Grace opened their fivestorey department store in 1904, and a twin building a few years later. It became the flagship for Grace Bros. which became a very successful retail chain.The site was vacated by the company in 1992 and after extensive interior renovations, was reopened Bay St, Ultimo.Centre.

9281 The 5085, in 1998Lvl as 1/1 Broadway Shopping entire facade, broadwayhealthcare.com.au including the two iconic clock towers topped with green glass/ metal globes, was preserved.The centre includes major retail, department, specialty stores, supermarkets, cinema.

1 Bay Street, Ultimo, 8398 5620, broadwaysydney.com.au

FUNCTION SPACES AVAILABLE for large to small groups BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE ENQUIRE NOW 02 9692 0301 FIND US AT 61 HARRIS ST, PYRMONT

10

city hub 23 MAY 2019

YES! WE DELIVER TO THE CBD

PYRMONT

9566 1933 208 Harris Street

WWW.CRUST.COM.AU

CRU4360 - Ultimo Ad - Pyrmont.indd 1

16/5/19 11:47 am

city hub 23 MAY 2019

11

4

Café Morso

One of the many establishments occupying ideal spots along Pyrmont’s reclaimed wharfs, Cafe Morso has long been a favourite among locals. Its north-westerly aspect affords views to Sydney’s northern shores and the Balmain peninsula. It offers an upscale menu for breakfast and lunch with unique, mixed cuisine items. Outdoor seating allows diners to enjoy the historic features of the wharf. Also available for private evening events.

108 Lower Deck, West Side Jones Bay Wharf, 26-32 Pirrama Road Pyrmont, 96920111, cafemorso.com.au

Darling Harbour

The land around Cockle Bay used to be a major shipping port and railway goods yard. Large warehouses and woolstores were built around its shores (some are still standing). Gradually, road freight replaced rail and ships used other ports. In the 1980s the disused land underwent a major transformation and Darling Harbour is now a focal point for large scale public events. A boardwalk around the perimeter takes you past restaurants, bars, retail stores, attractions, and entertainment venues.

44 Dr Chau Chak Wing Building /

UTS Business School

It looks like a giant hand crushed it, but the Gaudi-like distorted shape of this University of Technology, Sydney building is the work of world renowned architect, Frank Gehry. It’s Gehry’s first design in Australia and is named after an Australian-Chinese businessman and philanthropist who donated to the project.

Much of the exterior is glass, but it’s the wavy-walls with exposed brick detail and protruding window frames that fascinate people.

A walk along the Goods Line takes you right past.

Corner Omnibus Lane & Ultimo Road, Ultimo 3

Doltone House

20

Dunkirk Hotel

22

The original Dunkirk Hotel was built in 1895 and named The Butcher’s Arms. It was knocked down and rebuilt in 1914, which places it within the Federation architectural period. In the 1940s it was renamed The Dunkirk to commemorate the famous battle. Locals affectionately call it “The Kirk”. It’s one of the handful of pubs still standing from a time when there was virtually one on each corner. It has a bistro, bottle shop and function room as well as accommodation.

205 Harris St, Pyrmont 9660 1038 thedunkirk.com.au

Crust Gourmet Pizza

While most of their orders are pick-up or delivery, they do have a small, open space with a few tables and chairs for passers-by who’d like to stop for a bite while exploring the neighbourhood. Crust prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, being generous with toppings, and finding unique, tasty combinations. Select from the menu or build your own.

208 Harris St, Pyrmont, 9566 1933, crust.com.au/stores/nsw/Pyrmont

5

One of Sydney’s premium function venues, Doltone House is a standing tribute to the classic migrant story. Aged 19, Biaggio Signorelli arrived from Italy in 1954 with a suitcase and a dream. His ambition took him from small fruit shop in Lakemba to the collection of world class venues and restaurants that form the Doltone House group. The beautiful bronze statue outside Signorelli Gastranomia restaurant is called “Life From A Suitcase” and depicts Signorelli and his family.

Darling Island and Jones Bay Wharf doltonehouse.com.au

Chuuka (opening in July 2019)

Adding to the superb choice of restaurants and cuisines in the precinct is this new venture by two renowned chefs who have combined their talent and experience in high-end Chinese and Japanese cooking. The dual level restaurant includes a dining area, wine room, and outdoor bar downstairs and private dining space upstairs.

Its location at the outer edge of Jones Bay Wharf allows for panoramic views of the city and harbour.

Jones Bay Wharf

33

Festival Records (now IGA)

19

This impressive building was once the home of one of Australia’s most successful music recording and publishing companies.

From 1952 until 2005, Festival Records produced some of the country’s biggest hits with our most famous popstars.The buildingLvl itself to 19399281 and is5085, in the style of inter-war 1/1dates Bay back St, Ultimo. functionalism with Art Deco elements. Its practical design has broadwayhealthcare.com.au saved its distinctive features from being altered through several tenancies. It currently serves as an IGA supermarket.

63 Miller Street, Pyrmont

BAR CLEMENTINE

12

BAR CLEMENTINE

CLEMENTINE’S

52 Harris Street Pyrmont NSW 2040, 02 8591 3660 www.barclementine.com

Shop 2/52 Harris Street Pyrmont NSW 2040 www.clementinespyrmont.com

•

•

• •

• • •

•

An exciting new wine bar, serving a dynamic selection of modern and classic wine styles We offer a seasonally changing menu of artisan meats, cheeses and share plates Try our four course Tasting Menu for only $45 Daily Happy Hour 5pm -6pm with food and drink specials

city hub 23 MAY 2019

Speciality coffee roasted locally by The Blind Roaster Retail coffee beans available, featuring a new roaster each week Freshly prepared breakfast lunch with a focus on locally sourced artisan ingredients Now Open for brunch Saturday’s from 9am until 1pm

Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre 458 Harris Street, Ultimo Phone 02 9518 7220 Email reception.itac@ belgravialeisure.com.au

A fully licenced cafe restaurant situated on the historic Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont, 5-10 minutes from the Sydney CBD. With Tranquil north westerly views over Pyrmont point and the harbour to East Balmain and North Sydney, and a large alfresco deck and intimate heritage architecture, Morso is the place for breakfasts, brunch, lunch or a complete private dinner or cocktail party with the venue exclusively booked for you and your guests.

26-32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont (02) 9692 0111 www.cafemorso.com.au

Your neighbourhood wine bar + kitchen with Italian inspired wine varietals, share plates, daily housemade pasta and pasta classes.

139 Murray Street, Darling Harbour www.misterpercy.com.au +61 2 8586 1888 hello@misterpercy.com.au

city hub 23 MAY 2019

13

34

Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre 38

Goldsbrough Building

English born Richard Goldsbrough arrived in Australia in 1847 and established a successful wool business. He built Pyrmont’s first wool store - the innovative Goldsbrough Building - in 1883, right next to the railway goods line. Business was booming and three more floors were added in 1924. In 1935 a fire that burnt for almost two weeks, fuelled by the wool, destroyed the interior but left the exterior virtually in tact.

The wool store was rebuilt and functioned for decades until it was converted into apartments in 1995.

243 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont 42

Named after the gold medal Olympic swimmer, the centre is also an enduring monument to acclaimed Australian architect, Harry Seidler. It was his last design and, sadly, he died before it was completed. The building’s most distinguishing feature is the undulating roof that mimics a breaking wave. It is flanked on either side by clear glass walls, allowing natural light and city views. Inside are three heated pools, spa, sauna, gym, spin studio, cafe, and it offers a range of activities.

458 Harris Street, Ultimo, 9518 7220, itac.org.au

Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour 27

Goods Line

This 19-level, irregular shaped building stands directly behind Harbourside Shopping Centre. The curved roof top feature complements the famous shopping mall arch, melding the hotel visually with the surrounding landscape. It has 256 rooms, most with magnificent views, a restaurant and bar, and is easy walking distance to major attractions.

70 Murray Street, Pyrmont ,9288 7118, accorhotels.com

The abandoned goods railway in Ultimo was partly repurposed for the light rail network, but a short unused section has been converted into a landscaped pedestrian/ cycle path. The route runs from Central Station’s Devonshire St tunnel to Hay St and provides access to TAFE, UTS, ABC Studios, Powerhouse Museum, Paddy’s Markets, and the southern end of Darling Harbour precinct. Along the way are drinking fountains, kids’ activities, gardens, relics, and seats.

Central Station to Hay Street, Ultimo

International Grammar School 40

Google

10

Located in the commercial centre of Ultimo, this innovative and progressive school has utilised the austere surroundings to create a stimulating, inspiring learning environment. Features that can be seen from the street include the striking pink entrance, a large mural insert on one building, and perhaps most impressive, the Kerry Murphy Building whose full length external walls resemble a cardboard sheet with pebble-hole cut outs.The award winning design reflects the free imagination and spirit of creativity encouraged at this unique school.

4-8 Kelly Street, Ultimo, 9219 6700, igssyd.nsw.edu.au

The global tech giant set up its Australian headquarters in the 6 star environmentally rated building, Workplace 6 in Pyrmont. The low level, block shaped building has an all-glass facade giving it a simple, modern look but also capturing reflections of the nearby harbour and trees.

The waterfront building backs onto Metcalfe Park, a green oasis surrounded by low-rise buildings and site of outdoor cinema and other events. Google employees can often be seen sitting in the sun or walking through.

48 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, 9374 4000 28 Harbourside Shopping Centre The glass and metal shopping mall with its raised archway feature has become the recognisable symbol of Darling Harbour. Located on the western shore, the industrial style, multi-level building was opened in 1988 by Queen Elizabeth II. It houses a range of retail stores, restaurants, bars, food court, as well as attractions such as a bowling alley, laser skirmish, amusements, flight simulator. At the Pyrmont Bridge end is the disused station of the defunct monorail system. Every Saturday night there is a fireworks display in the bay.

2-10 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour

The Dunkirk Hotel

A friendly pub in the heart of Sydney, offering a Bar & Bistro, Functions, Accommodation and A Bottleshop

205 Harris street Pyrmont • Ph: 9660 1038 • info@thedunkirk.com.au • thedunkirk.com.au

BisTro Bistro

$10 Daily specials mon-Thurs open 7 Days from 11 til late.

friDay $15 luncH Deal $10 Specials Mon-Thurs end your week and kick off your New SpecialS weekend with lunch and every a drink MoNTh for $15 monDay To friDay

Bar dinner + drink Specials $5 coronas saTurDay nigHTs from 5 all day everyday!

Buy any main meal and get the second half-price

Happy Hour sunDay roasT 4-6pm mon-friDay

roast pork or lamb with $4-50 Schooners, all house the trimmings $4 wines$16

WeDnesDay nigHt trivia Bar starting from 7 $5 Coronas

$15All Bar Tab to win every round. dAy everydAy! winners go in the draw Happy Hour to win $2000 mon-friDay 4-6pm $4.50 Schooners,

functions $4 House Wines

rooms available for WeDnesDay nigHT Trivia 10 starting to 120from persons 7

$15 Bar Tab to win every round.

Winners go in the draw to win $2000 open until 10 every nigHt

BottlesHop

huge range of wines THursDay nigHT meaT Trays from australia and abroad, First Tray drawn at 6pm craft beers and local favourites.

2

Jones Bay Wharf

Jones Bay Wharf is one of the many reclaimed industrial sites in the precinct that have been repurposed while retaining original rustic features. This historically significant landmark celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and is still incredibly well preserved - a testament to the Lvl 1/1atBay Ultimo.

9281 5085, engineering theSt, time.

Greyscale tones, solid grainy timber,broadwayhealthcare.com.au and visible metal frames add a rare ambience to bars, restaurants, and residences that have moved into the warehouse space.

26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

BoTTlesHop coMe check open unTil 10 every nigHT our SpecialS Huge range of wines from Australia and abroad, aNd graB craft beers and local favourites. yourSelf Come CHeCk our aour BargaiN. SpeCiAlS And

Pyrmont d and for ls you nee ia t n e s s e the basic at the us for all surprised it e is b v l ’l d u n a o Y Come re. you love. d s in sto sh foods o e o fr F t ty e li a m nd Gour all the qu pride H ea lt h a f o e g e year, we n h t a r f o e y iv a s d ex te n ls every prices. re specia to s 0 0 0 mpetitive 2 o c r e s v r o e h m Wit r custo giving ou n o s e lv e ours

FREE

90 MINUTE UNDERCOVER P ARKING

VALIDATED INSTORE WHEN YOU SPEND $50 OR MORE - ENTER OFF MILLER LANE

grAB yourSelF A BArgAin.

BoutiQue Hotel

BouTiQue HoTel stay in tHe centre in THe cenTre of pyrmonT, ofsTay pyrmont,

minutes walk to darling minutes walk to Harbour and the city. darling harbour great rates and cosy and the city. great rates and accommodation. cosy accommodation.

Gou rmet n Delicatesse

Fresh Produ ce from the M arkets

Meat t Departmen

Supa Eve ryday Grocery Specials

OPEN 7AM - 11PM DAILY LOCATED AT 63 MILLER STREET, PYRMONT NSW 2009 14

city hub 23 MAY 2019

23

30

Kwik Kopy

Ovolo 1888

Kwik Kopy Australia was established in 1982 and is one of the most commended printing franchises in the country. The two owners responsible for its success operate the Darling Harbour store. Offering a wide range of printing, marketing, and web services, the experienced staff can also provide advice and assistance. Their proprietary online printing management system, Zenith Hub, allows users to manage collateral from anywhere using a secure login - perfect for the traveling business person.

Shop 97/1-5 Harwood St, Pyrmont ,9281 3255, kwikkopy.com.au

Part of Pyrmont’s prolific wool industry history, this slim, fivestorey corner building has a Georgian feel to its facade. Built in 1888 as a wool store, it has retained many of its original features after being renovated into a boutique hotel. Exposed brick, iron-bark beams, and metal work have been incorporated into the decor. Mr Percy wine bar, with its own fascinating history, is a good place to sit, sip and soak in the past.

139 Murray St, Pyrmont, 8586 1888, ovolohotels.com.au/ ovolo1888darlingharbour

36

Lord WolsEley Hotel

Officially the narrowest pub in NSW and one of the smallest, this modest drinking hole is hidden in the back streets and sits at the top of Quarry Green, a narrow reserve amidst residential terrace houses. Purportedly, it was built because of a fairground nearby. The basic pub menu has been finessed thanks to the services of one of Sydney’s top chefs.

265 Bulwara Rd, Ultimo, 9660 1736, lordwolseleyhotel.com.au

1

Pirrama Park

This area is a focal point for major events as well as local lifestyle. In 1875, when it was known as Pyrmont Point Park, it was the site of Pyrmont Public Baths which provided sheltered swimming in the bay until 1945.

Water Police used the site from the 1970s to early 2000s. In 2005, thanks to a vehement public campaign, the park was saved from development. The mechanical sculpture, “Tied To Tide” was installed in the bay in 1999.

Pirrama Road, Pyrmont (opposite Jones Bay Wharf) 43

37 Mustard Seed Uniting Church

Powerhouse Museum

The Mustard Seed was a small group of worshippers formed in 1996, who met regularly at St Bede’s Church.

They officially became a Uniting Church Faith Community Church in 2002 and are actively involved in local events, providing support, and fostering a nurturing, welcoming community.

97 Quarry St, Ultimo 0412820023

The Ultimo Power Station was commissioned in 1899 to supply electricity to Sydney’s tram network. It operated until around 1963, when the tram network was dismantled. The building remained relatively unused until it was refurbished and reopened in 1988 as the Powerhouse Museum (now part of Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.) Its 400,000 strong collection includes a diverse range of items, and it hosts exhibitions on varied subjects including fashion, art, pop culture, science.

500 Harris Street, Ultimo, 9217 0111, maas.museum/powerhouse-museum

31

Novotel Darling Harbour

The majestic trapezoid shape of the this grand hotel stands as a backdrop to the Darling Harbour’s western shore. The relief features on its front facade give it a statuesque feel and also optimise the number of rooms facing Darling Harbour.

It was the first Novotel/Accor hotel in Australia and is a long standing landmark in the precinct. Its restaurant, The Trenery, offers a superb menu and stunning views.

100 Murray Street, Pyrmont, 9288 7180, novoteldarlingharbour.com.au

Pyrmont Bay Park / Markets

14

This open green reserve sits between The Star and the bay, giving the area an airy, fresh outlook. The wide timber wharf along the water’s edge lends itself to a range of traffic and uses, including markets. In July, the new Pyrmont Bay Markets will begin operating offering unique Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo.

9281crafts, 5085,gourmet produce, fresh food straight from the source, local entertainment, and broadwayhealthcare.com.au ready-to-eat options. (First Sunday of every month from July 2019 from 9am until 2pm.)

Pirrama Road, Pyrmont (opposite The Star)

Harlequin inn The harlequin inn - or “The harley” as iT affecTionaTely known by To The locals is sydney’s premier rugby & sporTing pub H H H H H H H H H

Premiere Sporting Venue Function Room available $12.50 Lunch Specials available 7 days $15 Evening Specials Thursday and Friday nights 50 cent Wings $18 Saturdays everything on the menu is $18 or less Happy Hour $6 Pints Monday Trivia Nights Thursday Cash Jackpot Pick-a-box

The best little bottle shop in Pyrmont and home to the “Sydney Wine Centre”.

We carry a wide range of Australian and imported wines and spirits as well as commercial and craft beers. Free tAstings every Friday 5-7pm.

Home of Pyrmont’s biggest range of organic wines. Friendly, knowledgeable team.

We are also home to the “Sydney Wine Centre”. Offering regular wine tastings, events and appreciation courses to the public as well as organising and hosting private events and corporate entertainment, the “Sydney Wine Centre” has been the home of wine appreciation in sydney since 2009.

152 Harris Street (Cnr Harris Street & Union Street), Pyrmont, Ph: 02 9660 8146 www.harlequininn.com.au

CELLARS: 9571 8555, WINE CENTRE: 9572 3500

119 HARRIS ST, PyRmoNT www.pyrmontcellars.com.au • www.sydneywinecentre.com.au city hub 23 MAY 2019

15

26

Pyrmont Bridge

The Star

Built in 1902, this engineering marvel is one of the world’s oldest surviving and still operating electrical swingspan bridges. It connected the central city district to Pyrmont, Ultimo and beyond in, what was then, one of the busiest ports in the country. Thousands of carriages, trucks, pedestrians, and large animals traversed the bridge. In 1981 the bridge was closed to vehicles and became a pedestrian/ cycle path. The large swing gates continue to open to allow tall vessels to pass into Cockle Bay. Cockle Bay 24

Pyrmont Power Station was established in 1904 on the site now occupied by The Star complex. In its day, it supplied power to Sydney districts before newer power stations caused it to become redundant and it was closed in 1983.The site remained dormant for 10 years before it was developed by The Star Casino (previous name) who retained some of the original power station’s wall in its facade.The Star is now a multi entertainment hub with restaurants, shops, a theatre, gaming, night clubs.

80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 9777 9000, star.com.au

Pyrmont Bridge Hotel

Sydney Dance Company

Located close to the industrious waterfront region, this Victorian Era pub has had a speckled, sometimes tumultuous past. Built in 1870 and originally called Native Youth Hotel, it was renamed several times: Boylan’s (1913), Montgomery Hotel, known as “Monty’s” (1930s), and finally, Pyrmont Bridge Hotel (1998). It has retained its characteristic features and is now a vibrant venue featuring live music, a rooftop terrace, an upscale bistro, and function rooms.

96 Union Street, Pyrmont, 9660 6996, pyrmontbridgehotel.com 29

39

Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, this cultural stalwart has trained some of Australia’s greatest dancers and produced some extraordinary shows. Their new studio space in Ultimo is typical of the many repurposed commercial spaces in the precinct which are perfect for artistic, educational or fitness applications. SDC offers dance classes for all ages at all levels and has an exciting program of performances lined up this season.

385 Wattle St, Ultimo, 9221 4811, sydneydancecompany.com

Sofitel Darling Harbour

Sydney Fish Markets

32

Situated in the corner of Blackwattle Bay, below the towering Anzac Bridge, this busy market is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, catching and selling over 500 species and 13,500 tonnes of seafood each year. It began with a Southern Italian fishing family who migrated to Sydney, bought some fishing boats and started an industry. Apart from fresh seafood, there are restaurants, bars, specialty and grocery stores, and frequent special events.

Cnr Pyrmont Bridge Rd & Bank St, Pyrmont ,9004 1100 sydneyfishmarket.com.au

The brand new towering Sofitel is now the tallest building in Darling Harbour and stands, unchallenged, like an ornament on the landscape. It is best observed at night - from a cafe or bar on the opposite shore - when the all-glass tower is spectacularly lit up. The pattern changes regularly, often reflecting current events. Inside are three bars, the acclaimed Atelier restaurant and a rooftop infinity pool with spectacular views.

12 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, 8288 8888, sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au 9

12

St Bede’s Catholic Church

Sydney Lyric

13

This premiere theatre venue is part of The Star complex and is family owned and operated. The 2000 seat theatre received a significant upgrade in 2017 to the auditorium and technical facilities, foyers, bars, ticketing and merchandising outlets. Innovative engineering now Bay St, Ultimo.

9281 5085,into four different allowsLvl the1/1 auditorium to be converted broadwayhealthcare.com.au sizes. Sydney Lyric has held world premieres of several successful shows and hosted some of the biggest names in show business.

55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, 9509 3600, sydneylyric.com.au

This quaint sandstone church was built in 1867 by volunteers using sandstone sourced from the immediate surrounds and a nearby quarry.To serve the growing Catholic population in the area, a school was built in 1880, rebuilt in 1924, then closed in 1954. In 2006, the floor was repaired and in 2009 a beautiful medieval style stained glass window was installed.The church serves several communities and holds regular services.

43 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont 9660 1407, stjames-stbede.org.au

BOOK NOW!

THE APPRENTICE

The Quarryman’s hoTel

Building E, Level 7 695 Harris Street Ultimo NSW

LUNCH

DINNER

12:00 - 2:00pm

6:00 - 9:00pm

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

SI.TheApprentice@tafensw.edu.au

Phone:

(02) 9217 5527

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

The Quarryman’s hoTel is all abouT crafT beer & good Times.

With over 30 taps of craft beer and a rooftop cocktail bar, there is something for everyone at this Pyrmont institution.

214-216 Harris Street Pyrmont, Ph: 9660 0560 Email: quarrymans@laundy.com.au Web: www.quarrymans.com.au

16

city hub 23 MAY 2019

15

Union Square/WAR Memorial 16

Sydney Wine Centre

Pyrmont Ultimo locals have a reputation for appreciating good food and wine, so it’s not surprising that this wine appreciation centre is one of the most popular places in the precinct. They hold regular wine tastings and frequent special events as well as courses for beginners through to wine professionals and they conduct hospitality training. Wine tastings typically include several varieties paired with food tasting plates.

1/119 Harris St, Pyrmont, 9572 3500, sydneywinecentre.com.au 45

Rich with heritage, this has the feel and function of an old village square. Almost everything here has been heritage listed, from the rows of houses in Union St and Paternoster Row, to the Harlequin Inn, Banquerie Cafe, Bendigo Bank and the War Memorial with its Winged Victory statue. Union Square is where Anzac Day is commemorated and Christmas is celebrated and occasionally a market pops up - just like in the old days.

Cnr Union St & Harris St, Pyrmont

University of Technology, Sydney 48

The Muse at TAFE Sydney

Also known less poetically as “Building C”, this Romanesque Revival styled, government architect designed building was opened in 1893 as a museum. It housed the surviving collection from a fire that destroyed a science museum, being designated a Technological Museum before that status and the collection were transferred to the Powerhouse Museum. The detailed, three-storey facade features arched windows, coloured bricks, reliefs, and intricate carvings depicting Australian fauna and flora.

651 Harris St, Ultimo

Founded as a university in 1988, UTS has quickly become world renowned as a leader in science, technology, business, and media research and studies. It promotes innovation, creativity, and collaboration. A walk among the campus buildings in an immersion in architectural design. Notable are the brutalist tower, the original campus (Building 1); the Engineering & IT Faculty which is surrounded by aluminium screens perforated with binary code (Building 11); and the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building (see separate map entry).

15 Broadway, Ultimo, 9514 2000, uts.edu.au 41

Quarryman’s Hotel

Vulcan Hotel

Established in 1880 and known as O’Donnell’s Hotel, it was given an additional floor and new licensee in 1913 and changed its name to Quarryman’s. In those days, pubs were gathering places for (mostly) men who tended to mix with others in their industry and trade, hence how many pubs got their names. In 2012, the pub was extensively refurbished, restoring it to its original grandeur. It serves a wide range of craft beers.

214 Harris St, Pyrmont, 9660 0560, quarrymans.com.au

Named after the Roman god of fire this beautifully restored pub was built in 1894 and served the many workers, travellers and sailors in the area, providing good food and a soft bed.

During later decades of the 1900s it was a live band venue, especially popular with jazz musicians, but gradually fell into dereliction. In 2002, it was revamped as a boutique hotel. The impressive exterior paintwork and stained glass windows have rendered it an Ultimo landmark.

500 Wattle St, Ultimo, 9211 3283, vulcanhotel.com.au

21

8

35

Terminus Hotel

Wentworth Park

A true “phoenix” story, this pub began trading (unofficially) at the end of 1841 as The Pyrmont Hotel and then in turn became Land’s End (1853), The Cooper’s Arms(1860) and finally (and legitimately), The Terminus in 1858 - with lots of saucy tales in between. Economic challenges forced its closure in 1983 and it stood, covered in ivy for 33 years until it underwent an extraordinary restoration to near original condition and re-opened in 2016.

61 Harris St, Pyrmont , 9692 0301, terminuspyrmont.com

In 1880 this was the site of a noxious swamp that was reclaimed and turned into a park. From that time on it has served as a multi-function venue, hosting professional and amateur sports, concerts, open air cinema, speedcar racing, and greyhound racing. brick, arched viaduct dates back to Lvl 1/1 Bay St, The Ultimo.

9281 5085, 1892 and is heritage listed. It now supports the light rail line. broadwayhealthcare.com.au There are several Morton Bay Figs here that are over 100 years old.

Wentworth Park Rd, Glebe

Need a printer who understands you?

A great start at

INTERNATIONAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Kwik Kopy is a complete one-stop-shop for print, design, posters and signage.

Make your business stand out with a full range of large format, high quality printing in a variety of materials and sizes including;

• • • • • •

Window & Wall Decals Internal & External Signage Posters Pull Up Banners Vehicle Signage Point of Sale

But we also do the small stuff very well. Tent cards, lanyards and all the detailed things that make a function...well...function well.

TALK TO US TODAY. Kwik Kopy Darling Harbour T (02) 9281 3255 E print@kkdh.com.au

Uniq lang ue ua prog ges ram IGS offers an innovative, cosmopolitan, secular and co-educational learning environment from Preschool to Year 12, close to the University of Sydney, UTS and Notre Dame.

At IGS, we offer a broad liberal and bilingual education. We believe that • Central location the teacher’s role is to honour and nurture childhood while drawing out near Sydney CBD the innate gifts of the child. Unity Through Diversity is our motto, and our five core values - diversity, personal achievement, connectedness, vibrancy • Out of hours care and authenticity - are at the heart of who we are and what we do.

• Exciting music and We are a passionate learning community - a local school with a STEAM opportunities global outlook and we are equipping our students to be world ready.

Find out more and book a tour: Igssyd.nsw.edu.au | 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au city hub 23 MAY 2019

17

D O LT O N E H O U S E . C O M . A U | I N F O @ D O LT O N E H O U S E . C O M . A U | 8 5 7 1 0 6 2 2

WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS B I R T H D AY PA R T I E S BRIDAL & BABY SHOWERS CHRISTENING

18

city hub 23 MAY 2019

GAL A DINNERS MEETINGS CONFERENCES EOF Y & CHRIS TM AS PARTIES SCHOOL FORMALS

That sinking feeling…

BY PETER HEHIR The banner below the Sunday Telegraph masthead screams “YOU DECIDE. SPECIAL EDITION”. Yeah right…

Shorten has been torpedoed. And News Corp and the right-wing media had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with polluting the hearts and minds of the voting public.

Given the extent of fact distortion in the media, the misrepresentation of the best of Shorten’s policies, the dirty tactics, was there ever any real hope of toppling Morrison?

The First Dog on the Moon called the result a couple of weeks ago, when all the polls were promising a Labor victory. Clearly the Dog had his ear to the ground.

The only bright spot on an otherwise bleak Saturday evening was seeing Abbott finally get his comeuppance, rolled by a barrister who clearly understands the climate crisis the world is presently facing.

I shudder to think what will transpire over the next three years.

“Free” property surveys On the local front, the WestConnex juggernaut has shifted up a gear. Offers of free property surveys have been sent to 800 homes adjacent to the Rozelle goods yard “within 50 metres of the site” they say. These are on the basis that “construction work” is about to commence there.

No tunnelling, just construction work.

So why the early free surveys? Tunnelling isn’t due to commence until at least the end of the year in about 6 or 8 months’ time.

Could it be that this time lag gives the joint venture contractors and the RMS the wriggle room they need to justify refusing all compensation claims for structural damage?

Surely not? They couldn’t be that devious. Or could they?

Thank sinking feeling. Photo: Otis Intelligence

A lot can happen in the months between the inspection and the tunnelling. There might be a drought, or it could rain nonstop, or gutters and downpipes could rust out, or a careless owner could have left a garden tap dripping.

Any and all of these have been used to deny damage claims caused by the tunnelling in the earlier WestConnex stages.

These property inspections are designed to take a snapshot of the condition of a home before tunnelling commences. Obviously the closer the inspection to the time the boring machines appear beneath the property, the more likely it is that the tunnelling has caused the damage.

The RMS know this. Could this be the reason for these early inspections?

They say that they are only being offered to those “within 50 metres of a construction site” – or “a tunnel portal”, depending on who you talk to.

Many of these 800 homes will be directly above

the shallowest tunnels, homes that past experience has shown are the most likely to suffer structural damage.

Probably just a coincidence though…

Fifty metres is also the zone within which they acknowledge damage may occur to properties either side of a tunnel. They won’t accept claims

A lot can happen between the inspection and the tunnelling outside this zone.

Fifty-one metres and your house cracks up?

Well that’s just too bad!

The work done recently by Otus shows that subsidence has occurred up to 300 metres from the M4 East Homebush to Haberfield tunnel path. In some cases the subsidence was substantial, up to 100 mm in places.

Opinion

This proof of subsidence taken from satellite images overlaid on the tunnel route surely would be enough to convince, beyond a reasonable doubt, even the most sceptical of judges, that the structural damage was indeed caused by the tunnelling.

This is a worry for the multinationals who own 51 per cent of WestConnex. A big worry, because they might actually be forced to fork out millions to rectify the damage that they’ve caused.

Stage 3 of WestConnex is a fixed price contract.

Have they costed potential damage to properties above the tunnels? Who knows?

We’ll never know, because the contracts are secret.

Apart from subsidence and vibration shaking lime mortared walls and cracking joints, the other issue associated with the boring machines used to create the tunnels is that they can and do intercept underground streams. In some cases, such as with NorthConnex, the tunnel route has had to be altered.

Severe cracking inevitable Clay-based soils absorb and release moisture. If the water table is intercepted or diverted then these soils will shrink or expand. If both occur at the same time beneath walls built on such soil, then severe cracking is inevitable.

This has happened to a number of properties.

Their owners have of course been denied compensation.

Test cases are also being mounted to challenge the compulsory substratum acquisitions of the land above a tunnel without compensating the owners, who are arguing that this acquisition reduces the market value of affected properties.

I and many others above the imminent shallow subterranean tollways do wish them well.

Peter Hehir is the convenor of RAW (Rozelle Against WestConnex)

Print your catalogue or brochure Design

print

Distribute

We take care of print, you take care of business.

Enjoy a complete and personalised service for your next marketing catalogue or brochure from design to distribution.

Our high-speed printing presses produce a wide range of formats for some of Australia’s best known brands. feel free to email us at enquiries@spotpress.com.au

spotpress pty ltD General enquiries (02) 9549 1111

24–26 lilian fowler place Marrickville, 2204 nsW australia

www.spotpress.com.au

city hub 23 MAY 2019

19

TELSTRA IS PLANNING TO RELOCATE A PAYPHONE It is proposed that a coin and card payphone be removed from: Outside 1 Vicar Street, Coogee, NSW 2034 (Payphone ID: 02966530X2) And a coin and card payphone be installed: Outside 221 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034 The relocated payphone will be located approximately 20 metres away from the payphone that is proposed to be removed.

Currently, the next nearest payphone is located outside: 266 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034.

(Payphone ID: 02966534X2) Reference Number 41918

Telstra intends making a final decision on this proposal by: 10th July 2019 To assist us in making a final decision, we invite your comments on this proposal.

Please send us your comments in writing to: Telstra Payphone Siting Manager Locked Bag 4850 Melbourne Vic 3001 or by calling us on 1800 011 433 selection Option 2 or by email to Payphones@team.telstra.com For more information on payphone services (including, any applicable payphone consultation document) see: www.telstra.com.au/payphoneservices/index.htm

TELSTRA IS PLANNING TO RELOCATE A PAYPHONE It is proposed that a coin and card payphone be removed from: Roscrea Avenue corner Frenchmans Road, Randwick NSW 2031 (Payphone ID: 02931422X2) And a coin and card payphone be installed: Outside 62 Frenchmans Road corner Kemmis Street, Randwick NSW 2031 The relocated payphone will be located approximately 25 metres away from the payphone that is proposed to be removed.

Currently, the next nearest payphone is located: Outside 2 Saint Marks Road corner Frenchmans Road, Randwick NSW 2031.

(Payphone ID: 02931415X2) Reference Number 41919

Telstra intends making a final decision on this proposal by: 10th July 2019 To assist us in making a final decision, we invite your comments on this proposal.

Please send us your comments in writing to: Telstra Payphone Siting Manager Locked Bag 4850 Melbourne Vic 3001 or by calling us on 1800 011 433 selection Option 2 or by email to Payphones@team.telstra.com For more information on payphone services (including, any applicable payphone consultation document) see: www.telstra.com.au/payphoneservices/index.htm

STEP IT UP

S R I A T S 0 0 6,7 SCG. SUNDAY 2 JUNE.

Leg day just got epic! Your last chance to be a part of Sydney's BIGGEST stair climb.

HURRY. REGISTER AT STADIUMSTOMP.COM 20

city hub 23 MAY 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Irish are a very passionate people. They can be quirky, poetic, romantic - and they can be horrendously, blindly violent. David Ireland’s play about a Northern Irish family dealing with the residual effects of The Troubles shows just how extreme these emotions can get.

Eric (Roy Barker) is a staunch, immovable British Loyalist who is tormented with resentment towards the Republicans. His wife Bernie (Jude Gibson) and daughter Julie

(Amanda McGregor) have accepted neutrality and even admit to having Catholic friends (anathema to Eric!). The family has recently welcomed a granddaughter, but when Julie presents her to Eric he recoils, exclaiming that the baby is, in fact, the reincarnation of Sinn Fein leader, Gerry Adams. This delusion swirls around him in a maelstrom of anxiety and sudden angry outbursts.

The play begins with Eric in a psychiatrist’s office. Bridget (Branden Christine) has had Eric assigned to her after an incident which is slowly revealed to us through reenactments. Lloyd Allison-Young makes an appearance as Slim, a young, hot-headed loyalist radical brandishing a gun. His scenes provide much of the levity in the play, although, despite the subject matter, the script is actually very humorous. Humorous enough that it leaves the audience completely unprepared for the shocking, very confronting

scenes as the plot reaches boiling point.

The performances are excellent, with Barker commendable in a challenging, complex role that has him on stage virtually the entire time.

Christine is also exceptional, offsetting Barker’s character with coolness, nuance, incisive critique. The intimacy of the Old Fitz Theatre brings the action up close, allowing for subtleties in performance. It’s a double-edged sword, however, and it’s only fair to warn people that, while it’s not especially bloody, what occurs in the play may be overwhelming for some. The script is excellent and very thought-provoking; in context, the extremities feel credible, even probable - and that makes it even more powerful. (RB) Until Jun 8.The Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo. $35-$55+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Photo: Ron Rutten

REVIEW: Cyprus Avenue

Roy Barker.

Photo: Pier Carthew

Dungeons & Drag Kweens’ First Birthday Sydney’s most ridiculous (and only) evening that smashes together drag, nerd culture and improvised storytelling is celebrating its first birthday!

From the basement of the Imperial Hotel where it all began, the Kweens are braced for the final showdown with the lizard people and the finale to a season that has seen the fabulous trio and their fearless dungeon master fleeting between sultry disguises and intergalactic battles.

Dungeons & Drag Kweens is not only a monthly live event, but it is also a podcast phenomenon.

“Being able to escape into this super fun, beautifully stupid universe brings so much joy to my daily commutes!” said one listener.

“The show has a dedicated following and

proves that there are audiences and demand for regular queer-produced comedy nights,” said show producer and star, Cleo.

“Additionally, the show attracts audiences that don’t resonate with the clubbing/drinking

events that are usually associated with LGBT+ entertainment. This atmosphere of a welcoming space for all is something that is a primary focus for [Dungeons and Drag Queens, as well as] our new show, Kweens of Comedy.”

The hilarity and chaotic energy of a night with the Kweens is as accessible as can be. A prior knowledge of Dungeons and Dragons is not a prerequisite to enjoying this show, nor is an understanding of the previous adventures of Cleo and the gang.

Find the Dungeons & Drag Kweens podcast through your preferred listening hub, and follow The Kweens on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop with all their events. (AM) May 29.The Imperial Hotel, 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville. $12.50+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.humanitix.com.au

Mercury Fur

Set in a post-apocalyptic East End London, Philip Ridley’s R18+ play Mercury Fur is unlike any other. HBR Creatives and White Box Theatre are bringing a full season of the play to Kings Cross Theatre at the end of the month and we’ve been given an almost 100 per-cent guarantee from the creative team that sitting through the entirety of Mercury Fur will be a challenge. A big challenge.

Meg Clarke plays Naz, a young lad living in London who has had to survive on his own for a long time in the post-apocalyptic world the characters find themselves in.

events in Australia and historical devastations across the globe,” “Ridley has written a script using Meg said, continuing, “his [Ridley] the classic conventions of a Greek argument is that what you will see tragedy by way of a farce,” says in Mercury Fur could conceivably Meg. “The pace, rhythm, and be our very own future (and absurdity of the script creates an perhaps already our present).” unexpectedly joyous experience With these themes (and many for both actor and audience to more) being thrown onto the relish.” stage, Mercury Fur shows Although Mercury Fur is set in experience multiple walkouts London, and in a post-apocalyptic per performance. Meg sees this world, Meg says the themes as a challenge for future presented in the play are relevant audience members, concluding, to our present and potentially our “The play’s performances have a future existence. record of 10 walkouts a night “The content of the script minimum. Audiences should becomes far starker and more come and see this show to test serious considering recent political their bravery!” (MB)

a&e

21 STAGE 22 SCENE 23 Sounds 23 SCREEN

May 24-June 8. Kings Cross Theatre, 244-246 William Street, Potts Point. $25-$35+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.kingsxtheatre.com

Arts Editor: Jamie Apps

It’s hard to believe there were only ever 12 episodes made of the classic BBC comedy, Fawlty Towers, although it does explain why fans can readily quote any line from any scene from any episode. This affectionate knowledge of the series is part of what has made Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience such a phenomenal success worldwide.

The immersive dinner show recreates the one and a half star service of the eponymous hotel run

by Basil and Sybil Fawlty with little help from their hapless Spanish waiter/porter/whatever, Manuel.

With the performance being around 70% improvised and audience participation actively encouraged, what ensues is a show filled with chaos and hilarity which is never the same twice.

Born in Brisbane in 1997, the show has been receiving critical and audience acclaim for over 22 years. This positive acclaim comes thanks to the brilliantly written script which is inspired by the original television show but is unique to Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience. With close to a million seats sold around the world, it’s clear that this is the most successful interactive comedy show of its kind.

Two hours of comedy, three courses of food and five-star reviews, in a dazzling art-deco setting (considerably more beautiful than Basil’s usual Torquay hotel.) Expect nothing short of a brilliant night out.

Jun 1. Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, 169 Castlereagh St, Sydney. $107.80-$117.80+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.interactivetheatreaustralia.simpletix.com

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

For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney city hub 23 MAY 2019

21

Folk Once in a while a theatrical production surfaces which mesmerises audiences with such astonishing force that glowing smiles from audiences are not only successfully maintained throughout the play, but also evident as they joyfully exit the theatre.

Sister Winnie (Genevieve Lemon) is not your conventional nun. She swears, smokes and enjoys a pint of beer, but don’t be fooled under the tough exterior she is kind-hearted, has a passion for folk music, is indisputably religious and honours the man in the sky.

Stephen (Gerard Carroll) is her socially awkward friend, also a lover of folk music who has a deep secret.When rebellious 15-year-old Kayleigh (Libby Asciak) enters their lives with ‘a bang’, a permanent bond

Genevieve Lemon as Sister Winnie.

Photo: Phil Erbacher

develops between these three oddballs, which is mutually therapeutic and leads to Sister Winnie devising a plan to have them sing in the Easter Folk Night.

Award-winning Genevieve Lemon who has numerous theatre credits under her belt including roles in Billy Elliot and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? is a natural as Sister Winnie.

Audiences should warm to her

deliciously cheeky portrayal of this large-hearted nun, a performance which will stay in their memories long after leaving the theatre.

A standout performance by charismatic young actress Libby Asciak redefines the word ‘standout’. Her acting prowess at such a youthful age and entrancing angelic singing voice have doubtlessly cemented a long and illustrious career in the theatre.

Written by playwright Tom Wells, Folk is set in Yorkshire and is delightfully riddled with witty lines.Amongst the comedy, darker universal themes are explored including death, teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, ageing, and looming unemployment. (MMo) Until Jun 1. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $66-73+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.ensemble.com.au

Bad Girls Club Long Table, an all-new initiative from Joan Sutherland’s Q Theatre is back. Seeking to engage the local community and the arts, this month’s Long Table event seeks to celebrate and support trans women and create a space for radical femme knowledge and discussion. Hosted by Western Sydney local trans artist Bhenji Ra, this month’s program titled, Bad Girls Club will include a series of panels, workshops and parties. All the events are free and all members of the public are encouraged to join.

Program Director for Q Theatre Nick Atkins spoke about the conception of the Long Table program and its importance.

“Our hope for this project is to connect with communities in a way that’s perhaps a little

deeper and a little more sustained than we normally can through a traditional show model.”

This month’s event is already in full swing, with a “vogueing” workshop already having had been hosted by Bhenji herself.

At the end of the month, Q Theatre will host the Bad Girls Ball, a night of community celebration with performances

by Bhenji and some of her artists.

“It’s important to Q Theatre to give people a voice and provide additional support so in this case, it was a trans woman of colour,” said Nick, continuing, “but Bhenji is also just such an amazing leader in her own right.”

Long Table events will continue to feature each month at Q Theatre and are

Bhenji Ra

continuing to blossom as each event is curated and engaged with.

Nick shared, “we’re really proud of these events”, and encouraged anyone and everyone in the local Western Sydney community to engage with Bhenji Ra’s Bad Girls Club program this month along with all upcoming Long Table events.

(MB) Until May 24. Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith. FREE. Tickets & Info: www.qtheatre.com.au

THE NAKED CITY

THE MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW TRAINS

With Coffin Ed During the recent Federal Election, noises were made by both the major parties as to plans for a high-speed rail system along the Eastern Coast. Labor seemed to be more committed to the idea, promising to buy up the real estate needed before it became too expensive. It’s a project of course that has been mooted since the early 80s but has remained a virtual pipe dream with no government prepared to commit the billions that would be needed to finance it.

Whilst major improvements have been made to suburban rail services in Sydney with the introduction of the Metro, interstate and country trains have been locked in a kind of time warp.Tourists from countries such as France, Spain, the UK, Japan and China, all with very modern, fast and technically sophisticated long-range rail, must find the ageing XPT a museum-like experience – unchanged since it was first introduced in the early 80s.

Whereas the countries above, and many more like them, had the foresight to plan fast regional train systems, soon after WWII, in Australia it wasn’t until 1962 that both NSW and Victoria even settled on standard gauge rail for their interstate passenger services. Prior to this date if you caught the train from Sydney to Melbourne you needed to change at Albury on the broad gauge track to Melbourne.

Once the track became standardised the modern, the all sleeper

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

22

city hub 23 MAY 2019

Southern Aurora replaced some particularly ancient rolling stock, and a new era of interstate transport was introduced with club and dining cars enhancing the experience.This is a point in the history of East Coast rail where we surely should have gone forward, developing highspeed services and making train travel a competitive and enjoyable alternative to flying or taking your chances on the then goat track like Hume Highway.

Unfortunately, successive governments did nothing, the long term value of regional and interstate train services was never realised and even the Southern Aurora was gone by 1986.The XPT (“express passenger train”), with its aerodynamic design, was introduced with considerable fanfare but after 40 years of service is probably better off in a railway museum.

It is, however, a uniquely Australian experience if you chose to travel on one of these services.Take for example the 15 hour trip from Sydney to Brisbane, which includes a bus ride from Casino to Roma Street in Brisbane on the daylight service.There’s no dining car but hot meals can be ordered and collected at the buffet carriage. It’s not uncommon for any leftover food to be offered at half price over the public address with announcements like,“We have two meat pies and a roast beef dinner at half price in the buffet if you are interested.” Not exactly the gourmet experience of upmarket tourist only trains like The Ghan or the Indian Pacific.

Some might find the old fashioned, good-natured service takes the pain out of the marathon journey but how different things could have been with a Japanese style bullet train streaking down the East Coast from Brisbane to Melbourne. Maybe Sydney would not be such a congested city as it now is, with the population more evenly distributed up and down the rail corridor. Hindsight – it’s a wonderful thing but foresight is a helluva lot better.

2019 Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize The Moran Photographic Prize asks snappers to submit images reflecting life in Australia. This year, the winners of the main prize ($50,000), Tamara Dean, and the student prizes ($2,000 to $5,000, with an equal amount going to their school), have chosen subjects that seem to be on a similar spectrum, in that they both explore human habitation on this multifaceted continent.

In Dean’s work, Endangered, nude swimmers are shown in the sea, in contemplation of what it means for the Great

Barrier Reef to be endangered.

Year 9-10 winners also feature Might we humans, too, become water: Jetson Buhlmann’s, endangered? Or are we already? Waiting For Sunrise and Mathias The composition of the Decker’s, Fish People. photograph is striking, using In the Year 11-12 category depth of colour and light, and Anousha Cavalier’s winning the symmetry of the body to submission, Alice Springs Dance notable effect. “To see ourselves Floor youth gather atop a hill as different and separate to the overlooking a vast view, a red ecology and ecosystem of our sun peering over the horizon. planet is leaving humanity They are relaxed and carefree, unprepared. We are mammals in and the image brings to mind a sensitive ecosystem, playfulness and hope. But the vulnerable to the same forces of scrub reminds the viewer that climate change as every other this continent, although living creature,” notes Dean. surrounded by water, is Significantly, the Year 7-8 and nevertheless always vulnerable

Tamara Dean - Endangered

to the elements. These photographs, like many others in the exhibit, show how tenuous life in Australia might become. (OA)

Until Jun 2. Juniper Hall, 250 Oxford Street, Paddington.

FREE. Info: www.moranprizes.com.au

Sydney Conservatorium International Jazz Festival

By Jamie Apps For the third year running the heavyweights of the international and Australian jazz scenes will descend upon our city for the Sydney Conservatorium International Jazz Festival (SCIJF).

Forming in 2017 thanks to the tireless work of Artistic Director and Head Of The Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Studies Program, David Theak, the festival has been promoting and celebrating an often under-appreciated music scene.As 2019 marks the third outing for the festival City Hub spoke with Theak about his mindset when first creating the festival as compared to now when curating the lineup.

“Starting anything new in a competitive place like Sydney is not necessarily easy, so we had no idea if the festival would continue beyond 2017,” recalled Theak before continuing, “We worked really hard, had a great program and had a lot of great people working on the marketing, so it’s been a real pleasure to see the festival grow over the last three years.”

In the third annual SCIJF, this year presented in association with the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), International artists will be collaborating with Australian musicians, rarely-heard

national ensembles of excellence, cutting-edge Sydney artists and dynamic artists of tomorrow mentored by our top jazz musicians.

Whilst the format for this year’s iteration of the festival is slightly altered compared to previous outings, the music and education remain core tenants. In order to further these principles, the festival has committed to

2040

In the documentary 2040, addressing possible solutions to climate change, director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Movie) accurately describes his quest as “factual dreaming.”

Framed as a message to his young daughter and her 2040 self, the film follows a global journey to discover what impact existing technologies, if

realised now, would look like in 2040.

What follows is an exploration of innovations, from mini-economy solar panels in Bangladesh to harvesting seaweed to produce sustenance for a burgeoning world population, lowering carbon levels in the process. The narrative is

bolstered by clever graphics illustrating the science and the concepts, a useful shorthand for complex issues.

Gameau isn’t starry-eyed about the prospects of implementing these new technologies and frankly admits that for many people, change is in the too hard box.

Those same people, the ones who actually care enough to see 2040, might decide to eat seaweed because marine permaculture will save the planet. Undercutting all these good ideas, however, is that we humans largely fail the environment for a host of lousy but prevalent reasons.

Maybe Gameau’s next film could explore why, given humanity’s best and worst, a global idyll might not be sustainable. (OA) WWW1/2

keeping prices at an affordable level, particularly for students explained Theak.

“We’ve tried to keep the pricing low so that people can come and essentially gorge themselves on jazz all day without leaving a huge hole in their back pocket. Festival passes are $50 for a student, which is quite incredible value for over 25 acts in one day.”

Also as part of this educational philosophy, the festival runs an array of ‘masterclasses’ to help both students and the wider public gain a better appreciation for the delights of jazz.

“We run four masterclasses in the morning, which lot’s of people attend in order to find out what it is the artist is trying to achieve and how they do it etc, which then makes the afternoon performances a lot more enjoyable.

“Jazz is one of those art forms which needs a bit of research and diligence to really enjoy. So we’re trying to help educate audiences and young students about the complexities of jazz and how artists use their techniques to create a performance.”

Jun 2. Sydney Conservatorium Of Music, 1 Conservatorium Rd, Sydney. $20-$150+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.sydneyconjazzfest.com

whenyoung Reasons To Dream

The indie-pop group whenyoung have just released their debut album Reasons To Dream.

Their single Future already has an accompanying music video available to watch on YouTube.

Future is a soft rock song that deals with heavy themes, but with a light and hopeful undertone.

The music video follows the story of the song’s lyrics, making it highly worth the watch.

The rest of the songs on the album follow suit in being about real life experiences and raw emotion.

Whenyoung has a unique ability to craft lyrics involving inherently sad subjects and pair it with upbeat music without losing any of the serious messages in the words.

In addition to Future, songs that demonstrate this talent include Pretty Pure and You’re Grand. (EE) WWWW

All About Eve Joseph Mankiewicz’s script for the original movie version of All About Eve (1950) contains some of the best dialogue and character studies ever committed to celluloid consummately performed by actors born to play the parts.

A very hard act to follow on screen, but this quip-rich drama is ideal for a stage adaptation.

Divisive, experimental Belgian director, Ivo Van Hove has tried for a midway point, incorporating filmic devices in his National Theatre production, achieving an uneven, unsatisfying result.

The main set is predominantly a dull brownish-red, sparsely accessorised. Van Hove employs a roving camera to take us to off-set rooms,

most often, the kitchen which, with dark maroon full wall tiles looks more like a seedy public toilet. Another lens behind a dresser mirror captures facial expressions close up. These are all projected on a screen above the stage. It adds nothing, is intrusive, incongruous, and

frankly, unsophisticated. It’s a testament to the script that it still manages to rise above this faux artistry. Credit is also due to the actors who all give fine performances, with Monica Dolan as Karen and Julian Ovenden as Bill particularly notable. (RB) WWW

COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE EXPERIENCE

61 MENTMORE AVENUE ROSEBERY CANNERYROSEBERY.COM.AU FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

city hub 23 MAY 2019

23

ONE PLACE, EVERY SPORT LIVE, LARGE & LOUD THESTARSYDNEY.COM.AU 80 PYRMONT STREET, PYRMONT

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over. Think! About your choices. Call Gambling Help 1800 858 858. www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

24

city hub 23 MAY 2019