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This August in celebration of the City Hub’s TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY, we are compiling our annual salute to the BEST OF SYDNEY. Every week the City Hub hits the street with inner city news, alternative views and a comprehensive guide to what’s on in Sydney.

The BEST OF SYDNEY is our most popular issue of the year and contains an insiders‘ guide to some of Sydney’s most favourite, offbeat, well-known and unusual places, spaces and faces.

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city hub 25 june 2015

City squad set to stamp out illegal housing

By Emily Contador-Kelsall The City of Sydney last week announced a dedicated squad and investigation to crack down on illegal accommodation across the city. While this announcement answers calls for action, the future of current tenants has been thrown into uncertainty.

The City investigation squad is targeting illegal accommodation providers and has executed 20 search warrants across the city since their establishment in March. There are currently 38 open investigations.

The Council is also running an education campaign across universities and other tertiary institutions to inform students about safe rental choices.

The City’s action is needed to address the dangerous and illegal accommodation, but Labor Councillor Linda Scott has called on Lord Mayor Clover Moore to “balance her heavy handed approach” and address the cause of the problem – housing affordability.

Clr Scott also said the City and the Lord Mayor needed to answer questions about where the people living in overcrowded circumstances will live once this action has been taken.

“We know that in the past, students at universities across the city are often the people who are living in these types of illegal accommodation and largely it’s because of the housing affordability crisis in Sydney,” she said.

The city’s problem with this overcrowded accommodation came to light mid last year when a fire uncovered one of these properties in the inner city. Since then, undercover investigations by several media outlets including City Hub located several of these properties and the dire living conditions of tenants.

Just last month, City Hub went undercover at a property in Ultimo where six bunks were placed against a narrow living room wall and all ten tenants shared the flat’s single bathroom.

The City investigation squad has already uncovered some dangerous living situations,

Crowded bedroom. Courtesy City of Sydney

including people sleeping in laundries and bathrooms and one three-bedroom house with 58 beds.

Zane Butler is a first year student at the University of Technology Sydney from Port Stephens. Mr Butler lives in UTS’ student accommodation and pays $238 a week for an eightshare apartment.

While this figure represents the price of legal

student accommodation in the inner city, it is substantially higher than the approximate $150 per week charged for a bed in some of the illegal apartments.

Mr Butler said that if he had to leave his accommodation he would probably have to move back in with his parents at Port Stephens, away from his studies, until he could secure a new place. “[Securing new accommodation] would be really

difficult, as there’s really nothing like UTS housing in terms of price and convenience,” he said.

But not all tenants have the option to move back home if they lose their accommodation, a problem that resonates with those who find themselves in illegal accommodation, often young travellers and students.

A City of Sydney spokesperson told City Hub that the City’s Health and Building unit provides information to residents “who will potentially be made homeless by compliance actions”.

“A sheet outlining contact details for crisis accommodation providers and other support services is currently being condensed to business card-sized info cards, with the same information translated into 10 different languages,” the spokesperson said.

On the City’s unauthorised accommodation webpage there is also a link on “How to get help”, which lists several contacts, including the Redfern Legal Centre and Tenants NSW. The City has also invested in 224 affordable housing units in four separate sites, according to the spokesperson.

“Combining current and proposed projects that support affordable housing, the City’s investment is nearly $20 million, but much more is needed,” the spokesperson said.

Last year, Sydney was ranked as the third least affordable city in the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey – a rank Senator Lee Rhiannon noted in a speech to Parliament on housing affordability. Ms Rhiannon also cited a Fairfax-Ipsos poll, which found that 80 percent of Sydney siders believe housing in Sydney is unaffordable.

Clr Scott said the City needs to do better, but the supply of new housing was not the only way to create more affordable housing.

“The City has sold over $70 billion worth of property in the 11 years that Lord Mayor has been in office and $37 million in the last year alone.

Some of this should be put back into addressing affordable housing in the City of Sydney,” she said.

Community calls for an ‘open’ report 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, City Hub takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Manager: Chris Peken Group Editors: Lydia Watson-Moore, Joe Bourke & Emily Contador-Kelsall Contributors: Leanne Elahmad, Georgia Fullerton & Alexander Lewis Arts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan Advertising Managers: Robert Tuitama, Mark Barnes Cover Photo: Chris Peken – Rachel Chant and Lucy Heffernan from the Rock Surfers Theatre Company on the Bondi Ice Rink Email: question@alternativemediagroup.com Advertising: sales@alternativemediagroup.com Contact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Web: altmedia.net.au

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By Leanne Elahmad The Ultimo Public School community called for the Department of Education and the City of Sydney to reopen negotiations at a fiery community meeting on June 17.

The community has demanded that government stakeholders undertake an independent survey of the Fig and Wattle Street site to gauge the actual level and cost of remediation necessary.

These calls for negotiation come after the state government back-flipped on a promise to build a new school at an industrial site on Wattle Street that would cater to 1000 students and a childcare facility holding up to 80 children.

Ultimo Public School P&C spokesperson Bill d’Anthes described the meeting as “fiery”, and said he’d never seen a group of people so excited and animated.

“We had to stop the questions after a while because there were just so many angry comments and questions,” he said.

Initially the government agreed to a $74 million deal to acquire the land, but withdrew its interest last week after a new report revealed the land was too contaminated.

This contamination requires $50 million in remediation costs, according to the private report.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore told the meeting she had written many letters to the Minister for Education and that there were many meetings between Council staff and the Department of Education.

“At the end of the day an agreement was reached. We discounted the price, because we have obligations under local government rate to provide facilities,” Clr Moore said.

Clr Moore told City Hub the City and

The current Ultimo Public School site. Source:Lydia Watson-Moore

the Department had already carried out contamination assessments onsite, “including soil and groundwater investigations, to determine the required remediation work needed to meet the standards under the Contaminated Land Managment Act”.

The executive director of NSW Public Schools Murat Dizdar told the meeting “it was our right not to proceed with that deal”.

He also suggested that if the site was to be purchased for $1 from Council, then the new school would have gone ahead.

Clr Moore slammed Mr Dizdar’s suggestion as “ridiculous”.

“The City estimated the remediation costs were $9.5 million, based on an agreed scope of work that substantially exceeds guidelines from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for an educational use,” Clr Moore said.

“The Department of Education is now

claiming the cost would be $53 million. We have not been provided with any information to justify this ridiculous claim.”

Mr d’Anthes said a new open report would make things clear for all parties.

“We want an open report this time, perhaps ground penetrating radar, so we can know what’s down there,” he said.

The Department has refused to make the report public, but did provide some relief to the community, stating the existing school site will only be used to construct a new school.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said “the [existing] site will not be considered for a mixed use private/public venture.” But no plans have been made to ensure the community would still have access to a new childcare facility or where students would be sent once the school was to be rebuilt on its existing site. city hub 25 june 2015

3

By Alexander Lewis Indignant partygoers have taken to Facebook to vent their frustration at an increased police presence in the inner west after an iconic gay bar was forced to shut over the weekend.

Undercover police allegedly caught bar staff at The Imperial Hotel taking ecstasy during service last Friday night.

The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) subsequently forced the Erskineville venue to close for 72 hours.

“The place [Sydney] has become a police state where fun is frowned upon,” Facebook user Julian Farrell wrote in response to the news.

“Officious regulations killed Oxford Street.

Let’s do it to the inner west too!” Mr Farrell wrote.

“Officials raiding bars and clubs in Melbourne does not happen. The local cops have better things to do, like actually stopping crime.”

Blerina Dula wrote that the lockout laws introduced by the O’Farrell government last year were destroying the best suburbs in Sydney.

“There is no more fun to go out in Sydney (sic). (It) feels like you are controlled every step you take,” Ms Dula wrote.

The closure is the latest of a string of drug, alcohol and violence related incidents to plague the inner west this month.

While data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research in April revealed a decrease in violence across Sydney’s CBD, violent alcohol-related crimes in the Newtown area have surged by 18 percent, according to analysis of figures published by Fairfax Media on the weekend.

Residents were concerned acts of violence like the alleged bashing of a transgendered woman in Newtown earlier this month would become commonplace.

But police have repeatedly denied the

Cartoon: Peter Berner

New Newtown ‘no fun’

The Imperial Hotel Photo: Wikipedia commons

displacement of crime to the inner west.

State Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong said there are concerns in the community about changes happening around the area at night.

“I’ve been talking with local residents, councillors, community groups, the police and local businesses to ensure we do what we can to protect the diverse, safe and vibrant vibe of Newtown,” Ms Leong said.

“We need to ensure that everyone who lives and spends time in Newtown can do so in a safe and welcoming environment that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of our local community.”

The OLGR director of compliance and enforcement Anthony Keon said in a statement last Friday the likelihood of further illegal activity occurring at The Imperial Hotel is extreme unless “significant” changes are made to the

management of the venue.

“A situation where bar staff and patrons are openly consuming drugs at the venue, and where there have been repeated drug and intoxication issues, is completely unacceptable and shows that the venue has been operating with a complete disregard for its obligations and responsibilities,” Mr Keon said.

“The only appropriate action is to close the venue.”

Facebook user Darren Smith wrote that the venue had become “feral” under new management.

“Bring back gay management. At least they had more respect for the safety of others and the surrounding community,” Mr Smith wrote.

A City Hub reporter sought comment from The Imperial Hotel but was denied entry.

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5

Sydney Metro’s cash injection

Controversy on Cowper Street

By Joe Bourke The NSW government released their 2015 budget last Tuesday June 23, allocating more than $1 billion for Sydney Metro rail projects. $84 million of the funds were allocated to a new station at Barangaroo and development of the Sydney Metro City and Southwest. This line is set to run through the CBD to Bankstown.

Co-convenor of EcoTransit Sydney, Gavin Gatenby, criticised the government’s Metro plans as “an attempt to set in motion the privatisation of Sydney’s rail network”.

The Metro has also come under fire for not being integrated with the rest of Sydney’s transport network.

“They’re going to try and introduce single deck trains running through very small tunnels,” Mr Gatenby said.

“They’ve made them 400 millimetres too small in diameter so they can’t be used by Sydney’s current double deck fleet, and that’s quite deliberate to try and kind of lock them out…”

The previous CBD Metro, shelved by the Keneally Labor government in 2011, was criticised heavily for its lack of integration.

But Transport Minister Andrew Constance called the government’s transport plans “game-changing”, saying it would improve services across the board.

“This year’s transport budget, together with the funds we’ve unlocked through the NSW government’s $20 billion Rebuilding NSW Plan, mean we can continue at rapid pace to modernise transport services and infrastructure across the state,” he said.

Greens spokesperson for Transport Mehreen Faruqi attacked the transport budget, saying it included “$84 million to keep on pushing the private metro agenda beyond the North West Rail Link”. “[The budget] only locks in the projects we know won’t solve congestion or expand public transport, and it does nothing to keep our transport network affordable, integrated or publicly owned,” she said.

By Joe Bourke Glebe residents have criticised the NSW government’s plan to develop a site on Cowper Street, Glebe, into a mix of private apartments and social and affordable housing.

The development will be made up of approximately 250 private apartments, 150 social housing units and 100 affordable housing apartments.

President of the Hands Off Glebe community group, Denis Doherty, told City Hub the proposed development did not address the “crushing need for housing” in the area.

“Almost within eyesight of the site are the arches of Wentworth Park, where almost all of them have four to five people sleeping rough every night,” he said.

“The amount of begging and people sleeping rough in the city is increasing, and there is nothing being done about it.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) said the proposal was “a good outcome”.

“Cowper Street delivers much needed social and affordable housing. It’s a mixed development that sees old public housing assets recycled as viable mixed communities, and is a very important project pursued by the NSW government and the City of Sydney,” the spokesperson said.

The site was formerly a low-rise public housing estate and was demolished by the former state government in 2011. The government has said the project will be completed in 2018 and that the development delivers 15 percent more public housing than what was originally there.

Glebe community member Judie Beckenrig said this was not the case, as the amount of bedrooms being offered is not the same, so not as many people could be housed.

Ms Beckenrig also said there was a lack of consultation about the project and residents felt as though they weren’t being heard.

“If you went and said ‘well look, I really don’t think

The Cowper Street site. Source; Hands Off Glebe

that is a very good design’, they would ostracise your comments with ‘oh look, we can’t really talk about this in particular because this is really only a concept of what it might be like’,” she said.

“Every time we have tried to bring it up, it has been dismissed.”

The FACS spokesperson told City Hub there had been extensive consultation with the community over the years while the site remained empty.

“The development has undergone an extensive DA process over many years in which it was open to public exhibition and feedback, and FACS has also met with the Glebe Area Tenants Group and the Coalition of Glebe group advising them of the proposed works,” the spokesperson said.

The proposal comes as more Millers Point homes are put on the market and plans for the Bays Precinct continue to move forward.

FROM THE MAYOR No Minimum Population or Targets for the Number of Councils in Sydney The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal IIPART) has been appointed as the Expert Panel to assess all councils’ “Fit for the Future” submissions.

Their assessment criteria is on exhibition at the moment - you can find it at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.

You have until 25 May to make a submission.

You can still influence a critical part of the criteria with your submission - the “Scale and Capacity Threshold Criteria” (p 21).

IPART wants to know if they should indicate what ‘an appropriate minimum population size’ is and if there should be a “target number of councils in the metropolitan or regional area”. I strongly encourage you to say there should be NO MINIMUM POPULATION SIZE AND NO TARGET NUMBER OF COUNCILS. To view Leichhardt Council’s draft submission to IPART; for a full list of criteria that should be challenged in the IPART Methodology; and to view the NSW Minister of Local Government’s recent letter to me pushing for Leichhardt to amalgamate, please go to www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au/amalgamationrisk Cr Rochelle Porteous Mayor of Leichhardt  Leichhardt Council  7-15 Wetherill St Leichhardt  Ph 9367 9222  Fx 9367 9111   www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au  leichhardt@lmc.nsw.gov.au   facebook/LeichhardtCouncil  twitter@leichhardtmc  6

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Council News

Housing tenants say enough is enough

MAYOR‘S MESSAGE Design Consultant for our Bondi Pavilion Upgrade and Conservation We are thrilled to announce that we have chosen Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects to be our Principal Design Consultant for our Bondi Pavilion Upgrade and Conservation project. We are looking forward to starting work to conserve and improve our ‘grand old lady’. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects have focussed on cultural buildings since 1990. They have worked on some remarkable projects, including Paddington Reservoir Gardens and Sydney’s Customs House, so I am excited to see what concept designs they come up with.

Northcott building source: Facebook

Bronte House While we are on the topic of iconic buildings, I am delighted to let you know that we have just started an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign for the leasing of Bronte House. Built in 1845, it is one of the oldest buildings in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and last year we undertook restoration and refurbishment works to the property. The EOI is being coordinated by Hart Estate Agents Rose Bay, so please give them a call on 9371 8777 if you would like more information.

10 per cent challenge Did you know the average Australian household spends $99 per week on energy?

That is an incredible amount. We have partnered with our neighbours at Woollahra and Randwick, and energy efficiency organisation Easy Being Green, to run a new program called the 10 per cent challenge. We are encouraging households to reduce their energy and fuel use by 10 per cent more.

For more information, and to sign up, please head to 10percentchallenge.com.au.

Sally Betts, Mayor of Waverley

Events

July 2015 Bondi Ice Rink 2015 Until 12 July, 10am–9pm (Monday-Thursday); and 10am–10pm (Friday and Saturday) The Bondi Beach Ice Rink is back. To secure your spot on the ice, please visit bondiicerink.com

Dads Read Saturday 18 July, 10am Waverley Library Stories, songs and movement especially for 0–5-year-olds and their male carers.

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For more event info visit our website www.waverley.nsw.gov.au

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE 55 Spring Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 PO Box 9, Bondi Junction NSW 1355 PHONE 9369 8000 WEB www.waverley.nsw.gov.au 8

city hub 25 june 2015

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By Leanne Elahmad Public housing tenants in Surry Hills are fed up with anti-social behavior and alleged illegal activity occurring in their buildings by their neighbours and guests.

Locals from the John Northcott and the Pottery Housing Estates have notified Housing NSW of their concerns about drug dealing on their housing premises.

The tenant’s complaints have been redirected to the police as they are considered criminal activities and an investigation needs to be undertaken.

But tenants said nothing has been done to stop the drug dealing in their community.

A Surry Hills Public Tenants Association (SHTA) member, who chose to remain anonymous, said police know about the illegal activities taking place in public housing buildings.

“They say it is very hard to get search warrants, they seem powerless to act,” the member said.

A Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) spokesperson confirmed they had received a complaint regarding alleged drug dealing in Surry Hills.

“This information has been passed on to the Surry Hills Police. FACS are working with the police to assist them with their investigation,” the spokesperson said.

City of Sydney councillor Irene Doutney lives in public housing and said it’s common for a building to have at least one drug dealer living in it.

“A number of people have been evicted for dealing from my building over the last few years,” she said.

She also said it was a standard practice with Housing NSW to tell tenants to report any illegal activity to the local police and to keep a file of all incidents with the police incident number.

Ms Doutney said that she could understand the tenants’ frustration because the “police take months or years to build a case against a rogue tenant and for this reason it appears that nothing is being done”.

When tenants are approved for public housing, they have rights and responsibilities which they have to meet under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

These rights and responsibilities, outlined in a FACS’ tenant’s rights and responsibility fact sheet, include being a part of a larger community and living together with people and families from different backgrounds and cultures.

The SHTA member suggested going back to the foundations of housing and re-evaluating the type of groups that had been housed together.

“I think there needs to be more of a mix of backgrounds, less just ex-criminals, unemployed and homeless people and some more people who are working. Some more people who have some skill,” the member said.

Clr Doutney shared similar views saying that “in recent years we have seen an influx of people with special needs and this has changed the nature of much public housing”.

“We need diversity in housing with a greater mix of people and housing tenures.”

Before the state government elections this year, NSW Premier Mike Baird and former FACS Minister Gabrielle Upton announced a re-elected Baird Government will crack down on anti-social and illegal behavior in public housing communities and evict tenants who commit serious crimes.

The crackdown would welcome a “one-strike policy for those who seriously breach their tenancy agreement, so the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) must terminate a tenancy where it is proven that the individual has committed certain serious criminal offences – including serious drug crimes,” according to a statement by FACS. A FACS spokesperson confirmed the NSW Government is introducing a “one strike and you are out” policy but did not specify when.

“The policy will require NCAT to terminate tenancies where there has been serious illegal behaviour and will also introduce a new probationary tenancy for tenants to demonstrate that they will abide by the terms of their tenancy before they are given a long lease,” the spokesperson said.

The SHTA member welcomed the policy and said, “I believe that ‘one strike rule’ should be brought in and enforced, because there seems to be no such thing as a breach of tenancy”.

The “one strike and you are out policy” has received scepticism from people concerned that it may cause homelessness for tenants who are in need of secure housing.

Redfern Legal Centre Tenancy Coordinator, Jacqui Swineburne, said there needs to be a lot of discretion built into policies to ensure that all the relevant circumstances are taken into account and policies are not applied too harshly.

“Ending someone’s social housing tenancy means a vulnerable person loses a right to secure affordable housing and generally becomes homeless,” Ms Swinburne said.

“This is a very significant consequence and so it is vital that any decision to evict someone for breaching their tenancy agreement is proven at the Tribunal with evidence and a right to respond to that evidence.”

Other forms of security have recently been introduced by FACS in some public housing buildings in attempt to prevent anti-social behaviour and illegal activity.

All-hours building security and front desk services were introduced in Redfern’s public housing buildings.

‘Totally inappropriate’ meetings scheduled by Waverley

Bondi Beach Precinct question ice rink’s cost

By Lydia Watson-Moore Community representatives and councillors have questioned Waverley Council’s decision to reschedule the amalgamation rescission motion to a Sunday morning.

The next rescission meeting, scheduled for Sunday June 28, comes after criticism of the previous meeting’s date, which was also on a Sunday.

As earlier reported by City Hub, the previous meeting, held on Sunday June 14, was adjourned due to a walkout

by Labor, Greens and Independent councillors.

Greens councillor Dominic Wy Kanak said that holding the meeting on a Sunday morning was “adding insult to injury” to an already tense situation.

He said the scheduled day and time of the meeting was “so far out of usual practice that it shows the Liberals really don’t care if the community can make these meetings”.

But a Waverley Council spokesperson told City Hub that when a second rescission meeting is necessary, the general manager decides the date, rather than the Mayor who chose the first date.

Mill Hill and Bondi Junction Precinct spokesperson Marcella McAdam said she was annoyed the meeting had again been scheduled for a Sunday morning.

“The community already has other commitments religious, family, sporting - all on a Sunday morning,” she said.

“It’s just not an appropriate time to call in residents to attend.”

Ms McAdam said she had written to Waverley’s council directors before the June 12 meeting, raising her concerns.

She told City Hub she was disappointed Council had again chosen a Sunday, but said she knew the decision was influenced by the looming June 30 deadline for amalgamation proposals.

A Council spokesperson confirmed this, stating that June 28 was chosen to maximise the leeway before the IPART deadline, and to reach the required councillor attendance.

“The date has been set in order to maximise the

By Lydia Watson-Moore Bondi community representatives have raised concerns over the physical appearance and cost of the Bondi Ice Rink.

Bondi Beach Precinct convenor Lenore Kulakauskas said that while the precinct believes the ice rink is an important community asset the group is unhappy with how the rink appears visually and the lack of profit Council stands to make.

“We’re quite happy with the ice rink, but it depends on where it is, and whether or not we actually end up paying for it,” she said.

Ms Kulakauskas said one issue discussed at the Bondi Beach Precinct’s meeting on Monday June 15 was how the site had been changed from previous layouts.

“This year they’ve put the main generators right in front. Smack bang in the middle of the entrance to the pavilion, which is absolutely ludicrous and they’re extremely noisy as well,” she said.

“This year it looks really ugly, I have to say.

When you look at it from the promenade, all you see is this huge black thing wrapped in plastic.”

Bondi Beach Precinct questioned Waverley Council on numerous aspects of the management and location of the ice rink.

When asked about the location, Council told the precinct that the site was the same, but the tent and rink had been switched.

Ms Kulakauskas said the precinct had decided at their meeting on June 15 to pose more questions to council.

“We want these questions answered- do they think it looks good? Do they actually think it’s a good positioning for it?” she said.

Ms Kulakauskas also said the precinct were

possibility of a quorum for the meeting, that is, seven councillors,” the spokesperson said.

But Labor councillor John Wakefield said the meeting was scheduled to allow one of the Liberal councillors to be present. This comes after councillor Wakefield was himself unable to attend the June 12 meeting.

“I was unable to make the meeting because of family commitments. Sunday morning, 9am, is a totally inappropriate time for a public meeting,” he said.

Independent councillor Miriam Guttman-Jones said she thought the meeting may have been set to ensure as few residents would attend as possible.

“It’s not what our residents want,” she said.

Clr Guttman-Jones, who led the walkout of the previous rescission meeting, said she would stand firm against amalgamation.

“Yes I shall continue to fight against amalgamation because I do not think we need to amalgamate… Around 37 out of 41 city councils are fighting to stand free. Why can’t ours?” she said.

Bondi Ice Rink. Source: twitter

concerned at the thought that council would not make profit from the event, and that the event promoter was advantaged.

“The promoter makes money, so we should make money as well. What are we doing? We’re paying a promoter to make money,” she said.

But a Council spokesperson told City Hub that the Bondi Ice Rink was an ‘economic activation strategy’, which helped to bring visitors to Bondi in the quieter months.

“Bondi Ice Rink is a feel-good initiative bringing people out of their homes, onto the ice, and into nearby businesses,” the spokesperson said.

Stars on Ice, the event promoter, told City Hub they were unable to comment.

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9

Council brings new life to Coogee club

By Georgia Fullerton Randwick Council voted unanimously to develop Coogee Bowling Club at their last council meeting on Tuesday June 23, despite community concerns.

Planned renovations to the club will transform the ground floor into a fitness centre and replace the existing conference room with a billiard room.

The club sits in a recreational area bounded by Dolphin and Bream Street with several gyms, tennis courts and sporting fields close to the site.

Greens councillor Lindsay Shurey said the reason she called the matter before Council was to give any concerned residents a chance to have their say.

“It would appear that everyone is happy with the Council recommendation for approval,” she said.

A spokesperson for Randwick Council said they were currently considering any possible adverse impacts of the development. “The owners of adjoining and likely affected neighbouring properties were notified of the proposed development in accordance with the Randwick Comprehensive Development Control Plan,” the spokesperson said.

“This Control Plan provides detailed planning and design guidance for new development, which supplements the provisions of the Randwick Local Environment Plan.”

Local residents have voiced concerns about the impacts of the proposed development and Council received submissions from six households. Noise was the leading concern of the community with fears that noise would exceed the current limits due to outdoor training at the site once renovations have been completed. But Council’s acoustic report supports the proposal and the noise impacts were also deemed acceptable by Council’s Environmental Assessment Officer, with the prohibition of outdoor training and classses at the fitness centre.

Artist’s impression of an east Sydney childcare centre Source: City of Sydney

Preschool plagues East Sydney residents

By Emily Contador-Kelsall East Sydney residents are dissatisfied with the City’s consultation process, as a Development Application (DA) to knock down KU Frances Newtown Preschool in Darlinghurst and create a new park, was passed without community knowledge at Council meetings in May of this year.

The site of KU Frances Newtown Preschool has been the source of community contention over the past

few years, as the City of Sydney has presented several proposals for the site to residents who are concerned about open access to public space and the provision of a community garden for residents in East Sydney.

Jane Anderson, convenor of the Eastern Sydney Neighbourhood Association (ESNA), said, “We were briefed by council officers at an ESNA meeting that this would be a community garden. Some people asked if they could put their name down to particpate and were told it was too early and contact would be made closer to the time.

“Now it looks like a community garden will be replaced by a playground. How hard is this? How can council get such small spaces so wrong?” she said “Despite residents spending hours with Council on consultation and being very clear about what we wanted, Council has proceeded to impose something completely different which bears little resemblance to the plans we were shown - quite appalling.”

Several members of the community have expressed their interest in a community garden on the site of KU Frances Newtown Preschool, but a small park with play

elements for children appears to be planned based on the report tabled at Council in May. The DA also states that the “park’s design will be flexible to allow for a community garden”.

Residents have expressed concerns that the open space will be used for additional playground facillities for the toddlers at the expanding preschool.

One resident stated, “If they make the space into a playground doesn’t that mean they can increase the amount of children attending the childcare centre as they need a certain amount of outdoor space per child? Also the main reason for moving the school was because of the dangerous crossing between the preschool and the existing playground – so how is this any different?”

The DA, which was approved by Council, calls for “the partial demolition of the existing two storey preschool building at 222 Palmer Street, known as the KU Frances Newton Preschool, and development of a new park,” the application read.

Several residents from the area told City Hub that they had received no notification regarding the DA nor had any of their neighbours in the properties surrounding the existing preschool at 222 Palmer Street.

But a spokesperson for the City of Sydney said they held community meetings to discuss the proposal with local residents, commissioned heritage studies and had an external independent planning consultant assess the DA. “The proposal was notified to all properties within 50 metres of the site for 21 days between 2 January 2014 and 24 January 2014. The City also put up notices at the site, promoted the exhibition of the proposal…. and advertised it in the Sydney Morning Herald,” the spokesperson said.

The preschool’s is being demolished along with the construciton of a new three level childcare centre by the City of Sydney next door at 277-279 Bourke Street in Darlinghurst, the former site of a cancer clinic.

According to the DA, 16 objections were received in response to notification of the application and most of the concerns related to the loss of the preschool use and that “some submissions noted that many families in the area are unaware of the proposal to close the preschool”.

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city hub 25 june 2015

arts FEATURE

Bondi: A Winter Hub of Arts & Fun

BY Alannah Maher Sydneysiders are pulling out their rarely seen scarves and beanies as a mild but chilly winter has settled over the city.

While dropping temperatures may have many of us at a loss for activities and tempted to hibernate for the season, an unlikely hub of Winter-friendly arts and entertainment has emerged in the iconic seaside suburb of Bondi.

Bondi Winter Magic (a joint initiative of Waverley Council and the Bondi and Districts Chamber of Commerce) overtakes the area for the chilly season, ensuring Sydney’s trendy and relaxed surfer suburb is still brimming with activity and inspiration as the temperatures drop.

The Bondi Pavilion’s resident independent theatre company, Rock Surfers Theatre Co., will host Bondi Feast festival celebrating theatre, comedy, music and food over two weeks in July. “We basically take over the whole Pavilion and fill… every nook and cranny… with theatre, comedy, art and people during winter,” says Festival Director Rachel Chant [pictured].

The jewel of Bondi in the wintertime is the astounding Bondi Ice Rink [pictured] as part of Bondi Winter Magic, boasting an even bigger rink than previous years at 455m². Australia’s only beachside ice rink, situated in front of the Bondi Pavilion and overlooking the sparkling bay, it allows up to 190 skaters to glide through at a time.

Mayor Sally Betts of Waverly Council considers it “one of Bondi’s most popular attractions at this time of the year” and “a

must-do reason to visit Bondi for families across Sydney this winter.”

But outdoor ice-skating is not the only magic weaving under the warm winter sun in Bondi. The Bondi Winter Magic program will also bring music, art and markets to the streets while Bondi’s fine cafes and restaurants offer toasty retreats from the brisk coastal air.

The Bondi Farmers Markets every Saturday morning allow the public to peruse fresh food stalls and meet the growers and makers, whereas you can hunt down a bargain at the regular Bondi Markets of a Sunday where all manner of fashion and home wares are to be discovered (both markets are held at Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade).

“It’s just so good to have so many people up in the Pavilion in the middle of winter,” says Rachel Chant, talking about Bondi Feast.

“Bondi isn’t really the place that you’d think to go when it’s lower than twenty degrees outside, so it’s nice to be able to have all the body heat here as well.”

Rock Surfers have brought in their designer to transform the Pavilion Bar on the upper storey into an interactive rumpus room complete with vintage board games, and “murder mystery meets mulled wine” vibes. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm with different food vendors each night, the Pavilion Bar will be a space for the public to hibernate and enjoy delicious drinks and nibbles while taking in the ocean views – whether you want to catch a show (or five) during the evening is up to you.

The bill of shows on the Bondi Feast

calendar is truly eclectic, you’d be hard pressed to peruse the 50-plus show offerings over the 11 nights of the season and not find something that didn’t intrigue you.

Sabrina D’Angelo is hilarious and heartfelt in the seriously silly, one-woman action adventure for kids: Zen The Pigeon Girl. Starting during the school holidays on July 7 and wrapping up on the first day Feast, this is a festival pick of Rachel and Rock Surfers Artistic Director Shane Bosher.

Other highlights include comedian Zoe Coombs Marr’s hilarious ‘bogan’ alter ego, Dave, who Rachel describes as a “ridiculously offensive man who is just revolting and hilarious”.

Lucy Heffernam [pictured] is a participant of the most ambitious production project of the festival. The 24 Hour Party Playwright wrangles together a small team of writers and directors to write and produce a brand new play to be performed 24 hours from when the pen is first put to paper, based on a random photo or object they are presented with at the start of the deadline.

The closing night cabaret show, Space Cats, is an intergalactic deep space musical about the first dog in space and a planet of all singing, all dancing sparkly kitty-cats.

In addition to running workshops, holding auditions and hosting artistnetworking events throughout Feast, Rock Surfers is also currently fielding submissions for Bondi Indie until early July. “Alongside the works that we will be

Rachel Chant and Lucy Heffernan from the Rock Surfers Theatre Company on the Bondi Ice Rink Photo: Chris Peken

producing we’re on the hunt for four to five contemporary works which can sit alongside that activity and compliment it,” says Shane. “My take on [independent production] is that getting a slot in a venue for an independent gig in Sydney seems to be as competitive as the rental market.”

There is more than theatre filling the festival schedule however, with exhibitions downstairs in the Pavilion Gallery and Shannen Dooley’s Retrosweat taking over the Seagull Room, a retro dance aerobics class with a mix of ‘80s classic songs and costumes strongly encouraged, it’s a recipe to beat the winter blues.

“This is my favourite time of the year to be out at Bondi,” says Rachel. “The festival vibe that is out here is incredible.”

EVENTS: BONDI WINTER MAGIC Multiple events and festivals in Bondi throughout Winter 2015.

Events, tickets & info: bondiwintermagic.org.au BONDI ICE RINK Until July 12. Bondi Pavilion Forecourt, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. Daily, 10am-9pm. $10-$22. (Family Pass: $65) Tickets & info: bondiwintermagic.org.au BONDI FEAST FESTIVAL July 11 – 25. Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. Individual shows: $15-$20 (some free). Tickets & info: bondifeast.com.au

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11

EAT & DRINK

Barrel Bar & Dining Twenty-six year old Zac Stanning (ex-Public Dining Room) has been a head chef for six months.Team that with a triumvirate of owners - Stephen Thompson,Tony Binning and Alex Searle – “all sommeliers by profession”, and you have what could be a recipe for disaster.What you find, however, is a cohesive wine bar and restaurant reflecting the tastes, down to BYO proclivities, of the local area. Both Thompson and Stanning know their $ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Firedoor Gnarly log is the first object to catch your eye, right after the fancy sliding door spits you unceremoniously into the Surry Hills warehouse. Chef Lennox Hastie puts the skills he learned at Spain’s Etxebarri to good use, employing fire from different woods to coax the best out of your dinner. Jersey Curd ($16) balances smoky creaminess with pickles. Seafood options, from barely-set WA Marron ($46) to plump Pippies ($32) with garlic and chilli, prove menu highlights. Meatier options, like Lamb Rump Cap ($48) with borlotti beans – form an ideal bridge to dessert: root vegetables made super delicious as roasted Spaghetti Squash ($16) with pepitas and

By Jackie McMillan audience from their time in neighbouring Balmoral.

Stanning wants to cook “something that people will like”, expressed writ large in his soft, port-sweet Duck Liver Parfait ($17), but also in the wider absence of obscure ingredients. Instead Stanning makes much ado about Carrots ($17) presenting them as a sweet orange symphony of 24-hour cooked carrots, pickled heirloom carrots, smoked carrot puree and crisp carrot tops offset by pebbles of honeycomb. Equally exciting, though definitely more savoury, is the forest floor of Sauteed King Oyster Mushrooms ($17) scattered with crisp mushroom bark and a mossy green parsley take on Ferran Adria’s famous microwave sponge.While seafood dishes from a pretty 12-Hour Cured Queensland Prawns ($18) to Line Caught Snapper ($31) with persimmon, zucchini and yellow squash, are solid and easy to like, desserts felt a little dated.Wine is (obviously) another strong suit.

3/362 Military Road, Cremorne (02) 9904 5687 barrelbar. com.au Modern Australian $$$-$$$$ $$$ - mains between $22-$30

pumpkin ice cream.

23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills (02) 8204 0800 firedoor.com.au Modern Australian $$$$ Osaka Bar This spot celebrates the dishes of Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, famous for inexpensive street food. It’s the birthplace of Takoyaki ($8.50/8), and the gooeycentred offerings here are the bomb. Just keep your on-tap Suntory Premium Malt ($8.50) handy; they’re served piping hot.

You should try their pressed, rectangular oshizushi.The BBQ Eel ($18.50) version stuffed with shitake mushrooms then topped with cucumber, egg and chives, proved excellent. Konamomo – flourbased dishes - including tasty Ika-yaki ($8.50) squid pancakes, are also popular with the people of Osaka.Alongside

$$$$ - mains over $30

golden-crumbed deep-fried stuff on sticks - kushikatsu – from moist Zucchini ($1.50) to Potato Croquettes ($2.50), they make excellent drinking snacks against sake or Japanese whisky.

Shop 15, Llankelly Place, 24-30 Springfield Avenue, Potts Point (02) 8970 1143 osakabar.com.au Japanese $$

GREATER SYDNEY Cottage Point Inn Descend onto one of the leafy green fingers that protrude into the Hawkesbury. Parisian born Chef Guillaume Zika delivers a modern, fadresistant menu. Line-caught Snapper Carpaccio ($28) utilises familiar ingredients - strawberry sauce vierge and celery – united by white balsamic

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city hub 25 june 2015

The Traditional Chip Shop

By Alex Harmon Although they might not have the weather for it, the British sure do know how to make a decent fish’n’chips. Sure, it’s not exactly ‘catch of the day’ and the menu reads like a DIY heart attack, but it’s a damn good feed. This chippie has a mix of British and Irish specialties like haggis, black pudding and deep-fried Mars Bars. There’s even a deep fried jam to transport the dish somewhere new.

Spatchcock ($45) scratches the old roast chicken dinner itch, but lands looking beautifully contemporary. Under a fluffy shaved foie gras, the Grilled Wagyu Rump Cap ($48) is balanced by plump blueberries, king brown mushrooms, and roasted onion and lemon puree.

Fabulous wines like the textural 2013 Château Petit Roubié Picpoul de Pinet ($83), and a ripper Raspberry Salad ($19) dessert, cement my affection for this unique spot.

2 Anderson Place, Cottage Point (02) 9456 1011 cottagepointinn.com.au Modern Australian $$$$ EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES

Mappen Bondi Junction This DIY noodle bar, where you self-

sandwich; but if you want to ease yourself in, go for the Cod ($14.95) with hand cut chips. Throw in some Mushy Peas ($2.50) and douse it with vinegar for a bona fide taste of England. The Curry Cheese Chips ($7.50) are a standout – like an Irish poutine, they’re decadent hangover food. Wash it down with an Irn Bru ($3), the ‘national drink of Scotland behind Whiskey’ – basically a sherbet-flavoured soda.

The Southern Fried Chicken ($9.95) is more familiar territory; the Irish owners use a family recipe to fire up a really tender piece of chook. Their Scampi ($11.95) is crumbed nicely and ties in perfectly with Pickled Eggs ($1.60). The Jumbo Battered Sausage ($5.95) looks like carnival food to me, but for my ex-pat. dining partner, it’s a delicacy that should be taken seriously – with a good shake of the tomato sauce bottle.

49-55 St. Pauls Street, Randwick (1300) 2447 7467 thechipshop.com.au Seafood $

serve your fresh crispy tempura and toppings, sauces and water, has the bustle of a traditional Tokyo style diner with the warmth of Sydney hospitality.

Servers giggle sheepishly as you peruse the menu, made up mostly of ramen, rice bowls and salads, with a couple of Japanese beers.Whether you go for the Teriyaki Salmon ($8.50) with rice, or the lighter Teriyaki Chicken Salad ($7.90), the teriyaki is on point, and at food-court prices, you feel like you’re winning. Mappen members get edamame, salad and sake for only $3, great against the warming Curry and Beef ($7.70) with udon noodles and tender stewed beef.

Shop 5, 183-193 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction (02) 9388 0609 mappen.com.au Japanese $

Little Jean Double Bay has had a makeover, and riding on the coattails of the impressive InterContinental, is Little Jean. Relaxed and streamlined, it’s like a first-class airport lounge, so keep it classy with freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters ($20/6) and Prosecco ($9.50/glass).

The café (bistro by night) is by the guys behind the Golden Sheaf’s bistro, and showcases seasonal, sustainable produce.

Bruschetta ($16) with house-cured salmon is fresh and filling, while Steak Frites ($28) are Frenchy and chic like the clientele. On the lighter side, Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($18) is perfectly balanced with tahini and yoghurt dressing.

1 Kiaora Road, Double Bay (02) 9328 0201 littlejean.com.au Modern Australian, Café $$

EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Fix St James The gentleman at the next table is wooing his date with stories of ICAC. He gestures to another table explaining that they’re barristers, working on a three-week case.

When the duo finish rushed plates of Coorong Skirt Steak Tagliata ($34) buried under rocket, our narrator wishes them luck on another all-nighter. Hearing ‘allnighter’ makes me want wine, and to that end, this spot delivers. Owner, and former SMH Good Food

INNER WEST Forest Lodge Hotel Festooned with fairy lights, vintage photos, and boasting craft beers on tap, the Forest Lodge Hotel—or Flodge as I once lovingly knew it—has come a long way from stale beer and aromatic football socks.Where there were once VB jugs, rusted-on locals, and footy on the TV, there’s now Craft Beer Tasting Paddles ($15) featuring hoppy Murray’s Stone Kicker Ale ($7) and smoke’n’barley flavoured Draughty Kilt Scotch Ale ($9).

And I’ve got to admit—things have changed for the better – especially with perfectly cooked Kangaroo Fillet ($26) with earthy beetroot, walnut and goats cheese salad, and the famous madras-style Fish Curry ($20), mild and elegant, with a

By Ryan Kennedy Despite sitting at the base of Governor Macquarie Tower in the heart of the CBD, Bertoni Farrer Place remains remarkably casual.

Maybe it is the warm Italian welcome, the backslapping enthusiasm of the owners, or the hearty Italian fare, but the end result is a good mix of suits, casual lunchers, and even a bike courier. Hot out of the open kitchen, Quattro Formaggi Stuffed Zucchini Flowers ($18) are as densely stuffed as all zucchini flowers ought to be, oozing rich cheesy goodness on a necessarily sharp rocket salad; while the classic The Gantry Restaurant & Bar Raw materials are a focus at the refurbished Pier One Sydney Harbour. Interior designers Bates Smart have done wonders with reclaimed timbers; while in the kitchen, Canadian Chef Chris Irving pays reverence to the bounty of our seas. On a blustery evening, it’s his handling of land critters that beckon, from Venison Tartare ($20) to brutally satisfying Smoked Bone Marrow ($16). Rustic Beetroot Homefries ($8), salt-crusted slabs of earthy-sweet beetroot, provide a good stick-to-your-

Guide Sommelier of the Year, Stuart Knox, commands a 250-strong wine list. No, I didn’t count them, but over the course of two visits I drank two excellent exemplars: the refined 2013 Eldridge Estate Chardonnay ($99) and its polar opposite, the 2014 Punch ‘Saffron’ Chardonnay ($63) - a whole-bunch fermented “amber” wine.What comes from the kitchen is remarkably unpretentious.

There’s unaugmented Wapengo Lake Oysters ($4/ each) and an unexpectedly delicious 18-Hour Minute Steak ($19) teamed with hazelnuts, a carrot ribbon and pumpkin puree.Warm up with a reassuringly flat Risotto ($28) of cauliflower, nori and cep mushrooms, that’s perfectly al dente with considerable depth of flavour.The standout - Roast Veal Sweetbreads ($18) with fennel and liquorice – are beautifully cooked and nicely balanced.

Knowledgeable staff and perfectly ripe Holy Goat ‘La Luna’ in my 3 Cheese ($26) selection ensure my next court date will be soon.

111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney (02) 9232 2767 fixstjames.com.au Modern Australian, Bar,Wine $$$$

slab of crisp-skinned salmon.

117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge (02) 9660 1872 forestlodgehotel.com.au Pub Bistro $$-$$$ The Balmain Hotel With dumplings one buck each on a Thursday night, most patrons are tucking into steaming bamboo baskets—but The Balmain Hotel also has new dishes to try. Salty creamy goodness is doubled down in smoked cheese-enriched stuffed zucchini flowers and aromatic jalapeno croquettes, each irresistibly deep-fried and crispy.Throw in some fluffy Peking duck steamed buns, and you have one tasty Share Plate for 2 ($35). But this is a pub, and pubs live and die by their classics. Fortunately the Balmain Burger ($18) stands and delivers with classic

Bertoni Farrer Place

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

charred Australiana complete with grated beetroot. Fluffy little ice cream buns Salted Caramel Sliders ($12) – have a nice hot-cold dynamic against warm chocolate sauce. 74 Mullens Street, Balmain (02) 9810 7500 thebalmain.com Pub Bistro $$-$$$

NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS Knuckles Sandwich Bar It’s the inkblot test – whether you think of a knock to the face, or a succulent hock of pork.This sandwich bar lies amongst factories in the industrial fashion precinct of Alexandria.Their Veal Schnitzel Ciabatta Roll ($12) made fresh to order with lemon aioli, rocket and Parmesan demonstrates it’s seriously the only decent place to get a sanga on

Vitello Tonnato ($19) is lightened with salad leaves and exceedingly tasty capers. It would be remiss of me not to tuck into some carbs, and you can’t go wrong with the earthy and shellfishsweet Farro Risotto ($24), arriving perfectly al dente.

While n’duja spiced Gnocchi Sardi ($24) had a nice porky waft, it unfortunately lacked the flavour punch to match its heat.An even more porky option is the glistening curl of fragrant Slow-Roasted Porchetta ($23); it’s tender and unctuous, with an irresistible ribbon of crackling.

Though it’s worth coming just for the Tiramisu ($12). Individual portions are served from a large tray that is brought to the table, and it is compulsorily accompanied by a Macchiato ($3.50).What could be more Italian?

Corner Phillip and Bent Streets, Sydney (02) 9241 2127 bertoni.com.au/farrer-place Italian $$-$$$

ribs supplement to judiciously sized mains, including the ultrapretty Jumjum Muscovy Duck ($36) with citrus glaze, carrots and purslane. End with the deceptively simple Fresh Austral Figs ($15) - dessert elevated to near perfection.

11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (02) 8298 9910 thegantry. com.au Modern Australian,Wine $$$$ Opera Bar Café You can’t get more ‘Sydney’ than breakfast by the harbour, yet choices for Sydneysiders and tourists alike, are lacking on the lower concourse. Enter the new-look Opera Bar who

say: don’t just come for sunset drinks, start your day here, too! Our pick is the Fig, Goat’s Curd, Mint and Walnut Toast ($12) with the barista’s own Single Origin Roasters Cold Brew ($5). If you’re on the go, (the café opens at 7am) grab a homemade muesli bar and a 100% raw, organic Cold Pressed Juice ($8), and be on your way.

Or start the day properly with the Bacon and Egg Roll ($12) or Spinach, Mushroom and Raclette Toastie ($12).

Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House (02) 9247 1666 operabar.com.au Café, Breakfast $

Alpha Restaurant During his recent visit to Australia promoting Nissos Beer, founder Alexandros Kouris, told me Alpha Restaurant produced the best Greek food he had in Sydney. Sliding into the stately restaurant, that simultaneously summons monumental history and lazy days by the seashore, I start to see why. Chic apron-clad staff exude effortless cool.They’re confident in the menu, and they should be - parts of it, like the Scallop Moussaka

McEvoy Street. However don’t neglect the burgers! The popular Cheeseburger ($10) has a golden sesame milk bun that reminds me of the old school milk bars.

Speaking of which, you must order a side of Hand Cut Chips ($3.50) and the Belgian Chocolate Milkshake ($6.50) to wash it down.

88 McEvoy Street, Alexandria (0403) 821 117 knucklessandwichbar.com.au Café – $-$$

ROCKS & CBD Martin Place Bar Martin Place Bar takes pride in not only producing good food, but in sourcing free range produce.With an impressively long bar, and sizeable wine list, bar snacks like

($27), have stood the test of time.To think I could have been eating this clever dish, with rounds of tomatotopped eggplant sandwiching seared scallops, glued together with a smear of standout Taramosalata ($12) (also available in dip form with addictive, house-made pita bread), back in 1993. More fool me. Other classics, like Spanakopita ($20), result in an airy, golden-topped spinach pie dissected at the table by a member of the universally handsome wait staff.They’re also dab hands at translating wine preferences into Greek if you’re keen to branch out.

The 2013 Boutari Assyrtiko Santorini ($11/glass) has a beautiful mineral character with citrus notes that readily complement simpler grill options, like Mastic Spiced Quail ($27) with fetta and watermelon hunks. Make Head Chef Peter Conistis’ Greek Spiced Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder ($38/$58) the centrepiece of your meal – roast potatoes don’t get much better.

238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney (02) 9098 1111 alpharestaurant.com.au Greek $$$

Prawn Tostadas ($12) and Pumpkin and Thyme Arancini ($10), are bite-sized and moreish. Full marks for the delightfully porky terrine, part of a Charcuterie Board ($24), that goes down nicely with a peppery Cake Wines Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.50 glass/$55 bottle). More substantial fare comes in the form of elegant ‘Cone Bay’ Barramundi ($25), with new potatoes and a cauliflower puree, or the hefty, bone-protruding goodness of a 300g ‘Northern Rivers’ Rib Eye ($30).

This is unpretentious pub food with appreciable sophistication.

51 Martin Place, Sydney (02) 9231 5575 martinplacebar.com.au Bar, Modern Australian, Pub Bistro $$$ O Bar & Dining Head Chef Darren Templeman is now cooking in this iconic Harry Seidler-

FOOD NEWS

designed location. Some dishes, like creamy Burata di Buffala ($29) play with expectations, substituting crisp chicken skin where you might expect crackers; while others, like House-made Soy Tofu ($30) with dashi spiked with aged Korean soy, are gloriously uncompromising.

Owner Michael Moore’s health focus can still be found in delicate Pink Snapper Sashimi ($32) or lettuce boats of Rump Steak ‘Tartare’ ($35) topped with crunchy puffed tendon. In the hands of Head Bartender Andy Calderon, innovative cocktails like Pete the Peruvian ($18) & The Kingsford ($18) are in keeping with this high altitude location.

Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney (02) 9247 9777 obardining.com.au Modern Australian, Cocktails $$$$

By Jackie McMillan While I know my pirozhki (filled Russian buns) from my blini (pancakes) I must admit to being a bit lost with Russian cakes. Olga Rogacheva from Izba Russian Treats in Newtown helped me get up to speed, ahead of her new store’s grand opening in Broadway Shopping Centre.The first thing that will impress you about her Medovik (or Honey Cake) is the perfectly straight and even biscuity layers, separated by airy vanilla-infused sour cream, and sweetened with honey. It’s the standout of her creamy cake collection, that ranges from the subtler Russia’s #1 Napoleon that intersperses flaky pastry and custard layers, to her namesake Izba, which arrives looking like a pyramid of cut logs constructed from dough-rolled Amarena cherries, glued together by yet more vanilla-infused sour cream. If you’re not a huge fan of creamy, try the cocoa-dusted Kartoshka. It’s named for a potato, because that’s what they resemble.They were originally a Russian baker’s cheeky way to use up all the cake, biscuit and pastry scraps of an afternoon. Join Olga from midday on June 28 for the grand opening at Broadway Shopping Centre. Expect tastings and tunes from the Volatinski Trio. Olga tells me: “We will have the entire range as we sell in Newtown available at Broadway, including the scrumptious Salmon Pie, the Newtown locals’ favourite.” www.izba.com.au

bar fly

By Amie Barbeler

Redfern Asado There are only two situations in which it’s forgivable to wear leggings as pants in public. The first is, if you’re actually a child under the age of ten, and the second is, when you’re planning on eating more food than regular pants can handle. Clad in our finest leggings, my date and I excitedly checked out The Norfolk’s new Sunday offering: Redfern Asado, where we spent hours hanging out in the sunny beer garden, drinking Pancake Old Fashioneds ($16) (Black Barrel Rum, smoked maple syrup and chocolate) while feasting on delicious South American meats. With meats being sold by the weight, we decided to get a platter and try a bit of everything. My date

raved about the Picanha ($9) (beef with coffee and brown sugar), while I inhaled the Annatto Pork Ribs ($8), pausing occasionally to throw back some Coca Cola rice and habanero

corn. Sundays (from 12pm) are now sad days to be a vegetarian.

The Norfolk, 305 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills (02) 9699 3177 thenorfolk.co city hub 25 june 2015

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Snugglepot & Cuddlepie World Premiere!

Storybook characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie have been delighting Australian children for almost a century, and kids are still getting a kick out of their bushland adventures and run-ins with the Banksia Men. These July school holidays come down to the Sydney Opera House for a modern adaptation of May Gibbs’ classic stories to delight all ages.

This funny, enchanting production introduces today’s children to the wonderful world of May Gibbs and the magic of the Australian bush, as the iconic duo journey to the big city to go ‘human spotting’.

“Australian landscapes have inspired artists for generations, so it is a joy to present shows that evoke such distinctly Australian worlds,” says

Bridgette Van Leuven, Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning at Sydney Opera House.

“Childhood stories of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are synonymous with our sense of national identity connected with the bush… it is a delight to share these local voices with children.”

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie is not to be missed, and be sure to check out the illustrations that inspired the stories with an exhibition of May Gibbs’ works, free every day in the Western Foyers. (JH) 27 June – 12 July, Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, $24 - $50. Bookings & info: sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/kath_2015_ snugglepot_and_cuddlepie

The Sugar Syndrome

Danni is seventeen and full of the rage that seems only possible for one so young. Online she meets Tim, who thinks that she is a young boy – and Tim likes young boys... So begins The Sugar Syndrome by Lucy Prebble, which opens The Kings Collective 2015 season.

Prebble is a young writer with a big reputation.When the show premiered in London it took out a raft of prestigious awards, being variously described as wise, sad, funny and a ‘must see’.

Despite the potential ‘darkness’ of the subject matter, director Jessica Arthur was most captured by the humour of the play. One of NIDA’s up-and-coming graduate directors, Jessica has just finished assisting Andrew Upton on STC’s Endgame. “Surpisingly, the play is very funny,” she says. “The darkness is presented in a very human, everyday sort of way.”

Staging the play in an unconventional gallery space presented some interesting propositions. “The wide, shallow space is perfect for what we’re doing,” says Arthur. “We’ve split it into three spaces so that the main character Danni navigates between three worlds, with all characters on stage at one time.”

Imbued with punchy characters that have many flaws, this play is made all the more real by their everyday plausibility. Sympathy for the broken mirror of damaged people beckons. (GW) 17 - 30 June,Tuesday – Saturday 7:30pm, Wednesday and Saturday 2pm, Sunday 5:00pm.

District 01, 7 Randle Lane, Surry Hills. $25-30.Tickets: www.trybooking.com or 133 211.

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city hub 25 June 2015

14 STAGE 16 SCENE 17 SCREEN 18 Sounds

UP CLOSE AND REASONABLY PERSONAL The Hayes Theatre Co is hosting it’s second annual Cabaret season all this month. One of the productions included in the line up is Up Close and Reasonably Personal starring Amanda Harrison.

This performance is a candid evening of song and conversation with one of Australia’s most prolific musical theatre stars. James Millar writes this showcase with musical direction from Bev Kennedy.

Amanda Harrison handpicked the repertoire and

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - 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

shows the audience her humorous self-reflection about wrestling stage life with the realities of day-to-day domesticity. This is an intimate, bright and rare insight into the life of a wife, mother and performer. (AMal) June 25 - 28. Show times vary. Hayes Theatre Co., 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point. $35-$40. (Avaliable as part of the 3 and 5 show package deal.) Tickets & info: http://www.hayestheatre.com.au/what-s-on/ cabaret-season-2015/ or 02 8065 7337

Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jacob Harrison, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olgar Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone.

Asian Provocateur

An Hour With Kay

Josie Lane’s cabaret Asian Provocateur is a celebration of the Asian roles and songs of musical theatre.

“Songs from musicals like Miss Saigon,The King and I,The Mikado and South Pacific get a nod, as well as some fun anecdotes about what it was like growing up as a half Asian girl in Australia, more specifically Melbourne. Lots of funny stories about my crazy Filipino mother,” declares Lane.

“I sing songs from some of the shows I’ve been in and talk about my experience with that. It’s like a stand up show with a whole lot of belting. It’s an ‘adult’s only’ audience, a little risque,” professes Lane. “It’s for anyone whose grown up a little differently, for anyone who can relate to the journey of growing up multicultural, on the Asian side of Caucasian.”

Joined on stage by grand pianist and musical director Mathew Frank, Asian Provocateur is part of a mixed bag of cabaret styles being presented at the Hayes Theatre Co Cabaret Season. People from all different walks of the entertainment industry are on the program. It’s an all-encompassing festival that celebrates cabaret.

Join Josie in a hilarious journey through the Orient with a soundtrack from the Asian musical songbooks. (MS) June 26 - 27. Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point. $35-$40.Tickets & info: www.hayestheatre.com.au or 02 8065 7337

“I’m going on a mega holiday from me,” says Kay Armstrong, acclaimed solo dance and theatre practitioner. Her upcoming show An Hour with Kay is bursting with energy, joy, absurdist humour and social commentary while exploring the conceptual idea of absence.

Inspiration came to her through an off-hand comment made by someone who said they thought her solo work was ‘much better’ when she ‘wasn’t in it’. Instead of taking offence Kay was inspired, and decided to play and develop the idea into a show that includes stand-up, storytelling and interaction.

Performing at the Old 505 Theatre in Surry Hills, Armstrong has an inviting presence that creates comfort within her audience. Through her engagement with the audience she reacts to their unique and changing reception, allowing elements of the performance piece to change and adapt or even disappear. “You come into the room and we are in this together,” she explains. (JC) June 30 - July 5. 8pm Tuesday - Saturday, 7pm Sunday. $12.60-$27.

Bookings: http://www.trybooking.com/HOJY Information: http://www.venue505.com/ theatre or www.kworks.co

REVIEW: Mother Courage and Her Children Belvoir’s interpretation of one of Bertolt Brecht’s most widely-staged shows, Mother Courage and Her Children (1941), is a lively, episodic depiction of wartime society, hedonism and profiteering.

Set during a longtime conflict somewhere in Northern Europe during the 30-year War (early 17th century), the specifics of the politics are basically incomprehensible to the people who suffer the most from them. Eamon Flack’s direction, and new translation by Michael Gow, somewhat modify the original to point of contemporary global affairs.

Mother Courage (no father in sight) sings and dances to protect her children and her own interests in a never-ending war. In Brecht’s original tale, Mother Courage was a vicious character who used her children as little pennies on her way to advance herself.They trail after battles, trudging along a cart filled with brandy and other scant essentials. Courage however is also doing her best to shield her children from the worst of war.

But good choices are in short supply, and her titular courage is slowly eroded as allegiances slip as a happy but temporary peace erupts.

In this staging, Mother Courage is a bit softer, and not as cynical in her use of her own children. Musical interludes spruce up an essentially terrible tale.

Robyn Nevin is forceful as Mother Courage, wearing a daggy outfit resembling a caravan park host rather than a seventeenth-century war profiteer, but it works.With her droll delivery and elfin mischievousness, she dominates the show.The excellent supporting cast includes her children, the brave Elif (Richard Pyros), the honest but stupid Swiss Cheese (Tom Conroy) and Kattrin (Emele Ugavule), the truth-bearer who cannot speak.Anthony Phelan is a standout chaplain with little faith other than his own survival, and Paula Arundell as a wily camp-follower can be a show-stopper. (OA) Until July 26, Belvoir Theatre, 18 - 25 Belvoir Street Surry Hills, $39-$72, belvoir.com.au, 9699 3444.

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE TRIASSIC PARQ Coinciding with the release of the long awaited Jurassic World, based on the original blockbuster and billed as ‘a theological dinosaur sex comedy 65 million years in the making’, Triassic Parq splices dinosaurs, shows tunes and sex changes together in this inventive new musical, which presents the classic movie from the dinosaurs’ perspective. When one female T-Rex suddenly turns male and the entire pack must question their identity, gender, and what is possible – examining love, faith and science through a comical lens. To reiterate: SINGING DINOSAURS! (JH) Until July 4. Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, City Road, Chippendale. $30-$49. (Thursday

Date Night: 2 tickets for $80) Bookings: http://www. seymourcentre.com/events/event/ triassic-parq/ THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Written in 1955, this stage play is based on the novel of the same name, which explores the lives of a group of Jewish people who lived in hiding from Nazi persecution in Amsterdam between 1942 and 1944. Justina Ward delivers a vibrant performance as Anne Frank and the powerful direction of Sam Thomas has extruded emotionally charged performances from the ensemble cast. The intimacy of the fringe theatre and a small stage cluttered with basic furniture and props effectively resonates the extremities in living conditions, and audiences are seemingly on stage as the story unfolds. (MMo) Until July 11, New Theatre, 542

King Street Newtown, $17 – $32, Bookings: 02 9519 3403 or newtheatre.org.au LIKE ME This mad mayhem of a comedy from Mongrel Mouth Theatre is inspired by the modern era’s narcissistic obsession with social media. Eight hours of theatre is condensed into an hour-and-a-half and eight rooms, over two levels of a 166-year-old, five-storey mansion.

Inspired by the Bouffon clowning technique of French dramatic master Jacque LeCoq (which is ridiculous and mocking in style) this unique performance simultaneously follows a small community of dysfunctional and ego-driven former patients who have overthrown their once pristine treatment centre.

Audiences have the freedom to wander essentially wherever and whenever they want. (AM) Until July 11. Merchants House,

43-45 George St,The Rocks. $20 - $30.Tickets & info: www.mongrelmouth.com LORE The latest offering from Bangarra features a double bill of stories about the land and sea crafted by established choreographer Francis Rings along with up-and-comers Waangenga Blanco and Deborah Brown. Tara Gower is a senior dancer at Bangarra, and had this to say about the components of the upcoming show: “I.B.I.S. is.. a lighthearted look at the great people up there and the ins and outs of island life. There’s a bit of traditional in there, too…. It’s a big contrast to Sheok, which is more dramatic. “Sheok explores the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from the beginning of time.

“The leaves represent our future, the trunk is our present, and the roots are our past. [It’s] life as a

circle, where our culture is strong from the beginning.” (HC) New dates added: Until July 4, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. $31 – $97.Tickets & info: http:// www.sydneyoperahouse.com/ whatson/lore.aspx BATTLE OF WATERLOO This Kylie Coolwell play tells the tale of two sisters; Sissy, played by the incredibly talented Shareena Clanton and Cassie, played by Shari Sebbens who is best known for her outstanding performance in The Sapphires. As Cassie’s boyfriend arrive back home to Redfern after three years on the inside, the sisters must decide whether to settle for the life they have or to work hard and achieve their goals. The play aims to change your perceptions and transform your reality. (LB) Until June 27. Wharf 1 Theatre,

Pier 4 & 5, Hickson Rd, Circular Quay. $55.Tickets & info: https:// www.sydneytheatre.com.au/ whats-on/productions/2015/ battle-of-waterloo NEW – KiDSHOW! After spending a year in the United States working with the team from Sesame Street, the unforgettable Umbilical Brothers make their long awaited return to Sydney with their new show. It includes all of the elements of your typical kids show from singing and dancing, to audience participation and storytelling, however it takes an unexpected turn. “It’s a kids show that’s probably just crazy enough to NOT be watched by kids,” explains one half of the comedy duo, David Collins.

(JA) Jun 19-27, Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $46.90$49.90, umbilicalbrothers.com city hub 25 June 2015

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T H E N A KE D CITY

AN ETHICAL GUIDE TO COMPACT LIVING

By Coffin Ed, and Miss Death and Jay Katz The news last week that former Scotland Yard members had been imported to confront the ongoing ‚slumlord’ problem in Sydney again highlights the chronic shortage of affordable accommodation in Sydney.Worst of all was the report that one three bedroom dwelling had been jammed with a staggering fifty eight beds, with each of the occupants paying between $120 and $150 for the ‘privilege’. Imagine the queue for the bathroom in the morning!

It’s a problem that’s existed for years, ever since the increased influx of overseas students and itinerant workers into the Sydney CBD and inner city.Whilst the various councils involved have addressed the overcrowding, they don’t appear to be winning the battle. Petty compliance, like enforcing the number of tables and chairs a café owner can have out front, is acted upon immediately with all the bureaucratic aggression they can muster.

On the other hand it appears to take months, sometimes years before the slumlords are exposed and dealt with.Witness the Mad Max-esque, postapocalyptic like container and caravan shanty town in Alexandria which was only brought to public attention when it caught fire in July of 2014.The owner has since walked away with a $4 million property sale and is yet to be prosecuted by the City Of Sydney.

AFTERGLOW: Dining [Uns]-Table PACT Theatre presents AFTERGLOW, a two show production for emerging artists.

Following on from The Great Speckled Bird, the second production is Dining [Uns]-Table. It is a solo piece created and performed by Cloé Fournier, about the dysfunction of family relationships.

The production came about when Cloé pitched her idea to PACT Theatre, she was then invited to be a part of AFTERGLOW. It is a beautifully choreographed piece and a completely solo work.

Dining [Uns]-Table also takes a look at how negative events through your childhood may impact you later in life.The performance seeks to understand this.

Cloé has been highlighted as an emerging artist after several other pieces within the Sydney theatre community, including Erase.

Dining [Uns]-Table is a new and unique theatre piece for audiences to view.The performance can be enjoyed as a compliment to the first half of the production, or a stand alone piece.

(LB) June 24 – 27, PACT Theatre, 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville, $15-$20, Tickets & info: www.pact.net.au. exhibitions 24 Frames The Carriageworks has been transformed into an immersive multimedia and dance experience, featuring 24 different works by 24 different artists. Commissioned as part of a partnership between the Australian Council Of The Arts and Carriageworks, this exhibition is set to be one of the most ambitious and extensive presentations of dance on screen in Australia, occupying a space that is 6000 metres squared. The curators of the show placed very few limitations upon the artists, the only guidelines being that the works had 16

city hub 25 June 2015

The Sydney Morning Herald recently reported that the average price of renting a room, in a Sydney share house, has surged to $275 a week, with suburbs like Darlinghurst and Potts Point demanding around the

$340 mark. Not everybody wants to share a dwelling with three or four other people of course, but the alternative of renting your own apartment is usually just too prohibitive.

Perhaps what we really need is a complete change of mindset and the rapid construction of compact but super funky mini apartments, particularly in the CBD and surrounds. Most renters would regard anything smaller than 30 square metres as a shoebox but with some ingenious planning and creative design this kind of accommodation could become highly desirable – even hip and downright groovy!

Let’s get some really innovative architects together to design these hipster micro-pads, complete with murphy style wall beds, minimalist kitchens and lots of comfy and cosy features. Super insulated, they would leave a low carbon footprint with lots of solar to power the limited electrical appliances. Banks would be urged to remove their current lending restrictions on mortgages for tiny studios, councils could kick in with subsidies for these budget bedsits and ‘ethical’ developers offered various tax concessions.

Eventually, as the bambino apartments caught on, real estate agents would be forced to delete words such as ‚spacious’ and ‚room to spare’ from their lexicon of hype. ‘Small’ would become flavour of the month as renters shed all superfluous possessions to embrace the stripped down lifestyle.

As for the slumlords, they will probably invest the thousands of dollars they’ve made in something more genteel like coffee shops and cafes and run the gauntlet of council ire by cramming as many tables in the outdoor seating as they can.

Locals Only: Californian Skateboarding 1975-78 Counter culture has long been the realm of photographers to document. It may seem strange to us now, but once skateboarding was considered part of this category and only practised inside small, territorial groups.

The most famous of these groups include the Z-boys and Dogtown skateboarders, hailing from California.The image of tanned bodies, sun splashed blonde hair and a ‘devil may care’ attitude is synonymous with California skaters of the 1970’s.

But who captured and popularised this image? Hugh Holland.

Coinciding at Blender Gallery in Paddington are two special events. From the June 4, Hugh Holland’s famous photographs will be on display for the first time in Australia, with the opportunity to purchase said works. Along with the exhibition, Holland’s latest book Locals Only: Californian Skateboarding 1975-78 will be launched with a very special signing and Q&A opportunity With Holland himself on Saturday June 6.

Hugh Holland’s work is instantly recognisable and has had an enormous influence on street and pop culture. Often imitated but never equalled, his work gives the viewer the opportunity to experience what’s its like to be there at the beginning of a movement. (BM) June 4 - August 1. Blender Gallery, 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington 2021. (Closed Sundays and Mondays.)

to have a film element and also incorporate a dance element. Due to this philosophy the variety of works is astonishing, ranging from projections in various sizes and formats to works that incorporate the structural heritage elements of the venue itself into the art. (JA) Jun 18 – Aug 2, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Everleigh, FREE, info: carriageworks.com.au EIGHT BY TWO Four Sydneybased artists are coming together to encourage more collaboration between Australian artists. Each artist in this creative partnership has their own unique pieces, which

makes for a creative and intriguing display. Carolyn Hunter’s artwork is inspired by her travels around Australia, in this exhibit she focuses on etching of seedpods and trees.

Cristina Harris’ work is a reference to Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles.

Angela Robinson’s piece is a series of photographic images to explore the elusiveness of memory through spatial, emotional and political constructs. Pauline Plumb’s exhibit is a continuation of her Transitional Denudation Series, where she comments on the aesthetic relationship and impact that power transmission and distribution has on

shifting landscapes. (AMal) Exhibiting daily: June 18 – 30, 11am – 7pm.

ART AS A VERB This group exhibition denotes the concept of art as action. Showcasing actions, performances, situational pieces, manifestos, interactive props, take home photographs, instructional works and intriguing takes on seemingly mundane activity. There are over 60 pieces in the exhibition that journey through the 1960’s to the present. Mixed medium is used throughout including sculpture, performance and documentary.

There are many reflections on the

social function of art itself, the relevance of interactions and all the situational, individual experiences and responses in between. A provocative and surreal exhibition, that requires an open mind. (RM) Until July 26. Artspace. 43 – 51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, http://www. artspace.org.au/ VIDEO GAMES LIVE Veteran video game composer and world record holder Tommy Tallarico brings his Video Games Live show to Australia.This show brings video game music to life through a full symphony orchestra synchronised to video game

visuals. During his 25 years in the industry Tallarico has worked with some of the biggest games franchises in history from Earthworm Jim in the early 90s to Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Twisted Metal, Metroid Prime, Sonic and Madden in the mid-90s and right up to today working with the developers of Destiny,Assassins Creed 4 and Mass Effect.With this extensive experience,Tallarico has seen the games industry grow and develop a significant cultural standing over the years. (JA) Jul 30, Enmore Theatre, 130 Enmore Rd, Newtown, www.videogameslive.com

Sydney Living Museum’s Movie Club: SYDNEY FILMMAKERS Local filmmakers are acknowledged in the Sydney Living Museum’s latest Movie Club Series, with the screening of three documentaries followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.

Matt Ravier, curator of the Movie Club, watches many documentaries and chooses the ones which he believes deserve exposure.

“These three documentaries are very different from each other.All they have in common is that they’re made by Sydney filmmakers,” explains Ravier.

“Documentaries are rarely seen on the big screen and this is a unique chance to meet the filmmakers afterwards in an informal setting.”

The Last Impresario, directed by Gracie Otto, explores the life of film producer Michael White who has staged countless productions in London’s West End and made numerous films including The Rocky

Horror Picture Show and Jabberwocky.

88 is a landmark documentary from Adrian Russell Wills and Micaela Perske, which delves into the events that led up to January 26 1988, triggering the largest assembly of Indigenous people in Australia. Educational and moving, the film contains footage of the bicentennial.

Tender from filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, is compassionate and inspirational, and revolves around a community centre in Port Kembla which is in the process of removing funerals from the business structure and placing it in the hands of the community.

“These documentaries should appeal to a wide audience – especially those interested in home-grown talent,” says Ravier. (MMo) Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 30 Museum of Sydney, Cnr Phillip & Bridge Streets, $15 (includes Museum entry), Bookings & Information: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au

UNDERDOG Dino (Bianca Kronlof) is a 23-year-old lady who crosses the border to Oslo, the capital of Norway, in order to escape the unemployment and insecurity which Sweden offers. Financial problems arise as she parties hard and has few work offers.

She accepts work as a housekeeper for Steffen (Henrik Rafaelsen) a retired sportsman, now restaurateur and happily married with two children.A love triangle develops, and Dino finds herself struggling for the affection of a man she knows she can never have, and the desperate need to belong.

Hidden underneath this simplistic story of forbidden love is the roaring theme of class division, as Dino quickly learns she is regarded disparagingly in Norway.

Power struggles between the two countries are noted, in which Swedes have topically become the servants of Norwegians.

INSIDE OUT Pixar is famous for making animations that comment on the human condition and Inside Out is another triumph.This laugh-outloud comedy about Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), who is guided by the emotions that live in the control centre of her mind, is funny for both adults and children. Featuring comedic star voices such as Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust and Phyllis Smith as Sadness. As with all Pixar animations, the formula is simple — there’s laughter, fun, nostalgia and a good dose of tugging at the heartstrings, with an honest message to tie it all together — but this is by no means a formulaic offering. (LL) WWWW THE MAFIA KILLS ONLY IN SUMMER This Italian comedydrama is insightful and showcases the activities of the Sicilian Mafia and its lingering effects on the local community. Set in Palermo, Sicily, in the 1970’s, the story follows Arturo’s (Alex Disconti) escalating affections for neighbour and school friend

Flora (Ginevra Antona), which ultimately develops into mutual love.

The child actors deliver bright and delightful performances and the adult roles are charmingly portrayed.

This film is strangely but effectively complemented by the fusion of comedy and graphic violence.The underlying story of the mafia’s murderous prevalence is terrifying and thought-provoking. Movie-goers will cringe at the scenes of bloodshed, but the impact is softened by the ongoing humour.

(MMo) WWW THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES Russell Brand calls for revolution in this documentary about the disparity of wealth, with a focus on the UK. It’s hard to say whether Brand’s guru posturing is self-reflexive or not, there’s a distinct new-age-Jesus vibe at times.

Whether this is tongue in cheek or a way to spark attention, his message is valid.The way he unashamedly asks uncomfortable questions is occasionally intense, but mostly funny, and definitely necessary.The

Kronlof gives a hard-hitting and raw performance in this sexually explicit film which contains full frontal nudity, but sadly lacks chemistry with Rafaelsen.

This powerful, award-winning drama contains stunning photography of picturesque Norway and a mesmerizing musical score, but may evoke restlessness in audiences owing to the excruciatingly slow momentum of the story.

Enthusiasts of romance films should be satisfied with the welcoming and unpredictable conclusion. (MMo) WWW July 8-26, Screening at Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival, $19.50, Tickets & Info: scandinavianfilmfestival.com

hilarity of the delivery might just make the message stick, or at least start a dialogue. (HC) WWW LAST CAB TO DARWIN This low-budget Australian road-trip film surrounds a dying cab driver called Rex who drives 3,000 km from Broken Hill to Darwin, hoping to take advantage of new euthanasia laws. But whilst on this incredible journey, he meets people who force him to re-evaluate his life and ultimately realizes that before he dies he must live life to the fullest, sharing it with loved ones. Michael Caton is a natural in the lead, supported by Oscar nominated Jacki Weaver in the role of a doctor who is a passionate advocate for euthanasia. This rewarding comedy/ drama explores themes of belonging, mateship, loneliness and family. (MMo) WWW½ ENTOURAGE The boys are back and it’s like they never left. The enduring bromance between Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) and his entourage, Eric (Kevin Connolly), Drama (Kevin Dillon)

and Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is now living large on the big screen.

Entourage series creator and the film’s writer/director, Doug Ellin, knows how to give fans what they want – fast cars, hot girls, angry Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) and more cameos than viewers will keep up with. Blink and you’ll miss a lot of them. Entourage the movie feels like a two-hour episode – a doover for the somewhat disappointing series finale, where the characters begin with a fresh slate so loose ends can be left neater than they were at the end of season eight. (LL) WWW ALOHA This romantic comedy written and directed by Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) feels at its heart like a love letter to Hawaii, wrapped in a romcom, wearing a lei. It’s enjoyable on the surface, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but a contrived narrative makes it difficult to invest in the central characters and their relationships.The always-delightful Emma Stone is pleasant to watch as

the eager young fighter pilot tasked with babysitting Bradley Cooper’s disgraced military contractor.With strong leads backed by Bill Murray, Alec Baldwin, Rachel McAdams and John Krasinski, it’s hard to imagine Aloha wouldn’t be a hit.

Unfortunately the depth lacking in the characters and the script is only momentarily found in beautiful snippets of Hawaiian culture and legends – all too briefly showcased in a subplot that is lost among many competing subplots. (LL) WWW FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Set in Victorian England, this British romantic drama surrounds Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a headstrong and fiercely independent farm owner who attracts the affections of three very different men – a sheep farmer (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sergeant (Tom Sturridge) and a prosperous bachelor (Michael Sheen). Adamant that she doesn’t need a husband, she impulsively marries and this sets off a chain of tragic events that changes all their lives. Mulligan is perfectly

cast as Bathsheba and works well with Schoenaerts who plays Gabriel, one of her love interests.The sexual chemistry between them is exuberant. Incurable romantics should be captivated by this sweeping romantic tale and especially by the very predicable but satisfying conclusion.(MMo) WWW½ INFINI This ambitious Australian sci-fi film is set in the 23rd Century, where 95% of the Earth’s population is living on the poverty line.When a catastrophic accident occurs on a mining station in outer space, a rescue team is deployed to save lone survivor Whit Carmichael (Daniel MacPherson), but a deadly alien force awaits.This respectable deep space disaster film is not an original concept and is obviously filmed on a smaller budget than its Hollywood counterparts, but is equally as suspenseful and frightening.

Immaculate sets, impressive CGI and good performances from a talented cast should allure and satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts. (MMo) WWW city hub 25 June 2015

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Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Youth Group: To celebrate the vinyl re-release of their breakthrough album Skeleton Jar over a decade since it’s original release the band is getting back together for three special dates, with only one show in Sydney, to commemorate the re-release.

Fri, Jun 26, Newtown Social Club Oisima: Hot off his debut album Nicaragua Nights Oisima is now embarking on a national tour, starting in Sydney this week. Bringing a finely tuned mix of contemporary soul, Middle Eastern influences, a background in Jazz and his love for blues and bass, he creates uniquely exotic dance music.

Fri, Jun 26, Good God Small Club Darts: Following the success of their debut album Below Empty & Westward Bound and the release of breakout second single Aeroplane, Darts arrive in Sydney this weekend to play a special launch show.

Sat, Jun 27, Brighton Up Bar Patrick James: Returning to Sydney for a special one man show to preview songs from his upcoming debut album while also debuting his new single California Song. Having honed his skills on the busking circuit, Patrick James has become known for his captivating live performance and ultra-engaging vocals.

Sat, Jun 27, Newtown Social Club

Motioner

Christopher Coleman: Kicking off a short run of shows to help promote their new single, Just Like a Needle, Christopher Coleman and his Collective arrive in Sydney this weekend. Following their debut self titled release in 2014, this new track proves they are no flash in the pan.

Sat, Jun 27, Gut Artspace Symphony Changes Tune For Tango: Classical music fans are in for treat this weekend as Willoughby Symphony performs Elena KatsCherin’s mesmerising Bohemian Tango.

Guided by the baton of prominent conductor Warwick Potter the symphony will also perform the symphonic poem Recollecting ASTRORoids, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6 in D Major and finally Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major with guest soloist Kristian Chong on piano.

Sun, Jun 28,The Concourse Concert Hall Urban Guerrillas: Having just put the finishing touches on their first album in over eight years, this mainstay of the rock and roll scene is now excited to hit stages again. Over the years this band has captivated audiences everywhere with their exciting and interactive live show, so expect nothing different this time around.

Sun, Jun 28,Town & Country

By jamie apps Now that access to electronic music tools has become so pervasive and easy, we are seeing a surge in the number of rock acts incorporating them to create a new experimental sound. One such act is Sydney’s Motioner, the new alias for Rowan Cane, who has previously been involved with “a few bands here and there”. He elaborates:“I was in a heavier band before, but when that broke up I decided to do my own thing.”

When Rowan speaks about his musical influences you get a clear indication and understanding of his new sound,“I love bands like Crosses and Deftones. [My other] influences are definitely a little bit of electronic music and Radiohead, I really like that blend of electronic and acoustic instruments.”

With just over a year of creating music under this new alias, Rowan has already received stellar success with widespread radio play and

support from Triple J Unearthed. Rowan explained:“[It] feels awesome to be able to do something that’s getting a bit of recognition and I’m really pumped about that.”

This is only the beginning for Motioner however, as he has been working on an upcoming debut album for some time.“Over a year and half I recorded 14 songs, but probably wrote about 25 to 30 because it worked out better financially and artistically that way,” he said.

Ahead of the release of his album, Rowan will

be performing a limited run of shows locally starting this weekend. Rowan’s specific writing process, where he wrote and demo-ed them alone in his bedroom before recording with the band, has created a level of nervousness in the lead up to the debut performances. In terms of production for the live shows there will be a three piece band whilst also running Ableton (music production software) to do some sampling and using those electronic tools;“So it’s going to be interesting putting the songs together live,” said Rowan.

Since Motioner haven’t played any full set-up live shows yet, Rowan found it somewhat difficult to describe the show but stressed that “it’s going to be very ambient and atmospheric, but we’re also trying to make it a bit exciting and bring that rock and roll element into the more chilled out music.”

Bearing this in mind, this show is bound to cater to a hugely varied crowd and provide a beautiful night of music.

Jun 27, Oxford Art Factory - Gallery Bar, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, FREE, motioner.bandcamp.com or Facebook.com/motionermusic

Born Lion Final Words

Fox and Fowl – Spark

Having carved out a name as a captivating and energy filled live act, Born Lion are set to finally release their debut album.

The band have certainly managed to imbue their high energy punk-rock manta into this release.Whilst also managing to bring a new, intelligent spin and catchiness to the genre with chorus vocal hooks that demand to be sung along to.

Intricate drum and guitar work helps bring the energy up throughout the album.

(JA) WWW

Fox and Fowl’s Spark is a little disconcerting on first listen. An indie mix of instrument and effect, like several drops of food colouring in water followed by a ripple in the pool, upsetting and resetting and natural all by itself.

Warm and danceable, the single is true to the bands style, its bouncy, addictive and wonderful to have more of it.

Listeners may shiver and put on repeat grabbing for that first hit again, just like this reviewer. It’s already out so get it now and I’ll still be here listening to it over and over again. (SP) WWWW

FREEWILLASTROLOGY

by Rob Brezsny

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): During my regular hikes along my favorite trails, I’ve gotten to know the local boulders quite intimately. It might sound daft, but I’ve come to love them. I’ve even given some of them names.

They symbolize stability and constancy to me. When I gaze at them or sit on them, I feel my own resolve grow stronger.

They teach me about how to be steadfast and unflappable in all kinds of weather. I draw inspiration from the way they are so purely themselves, forever true to their own nature.

Now would be an excellent time for you to hang out with your own stony allies, Aries. You could use a boost in your ability to express the qualities they embody.

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Everyone is a genius at least once a year,” wrote German aphorist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg. “The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together.”

According to my astrological analysis, Taurus, your oncea-year explosion of genius is imminent. It’s even possible you will experience a series of eruptions that continue for weeks. The latter scenario is most likely if you unleash the dormant parts of your intelligence through activities like these: having long, rambling conversations with big thinkers; taking long, rambling walks all

over creation; enjoying long, rambling sex while listening to provocative music.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I think if we didn’t contradict ourselves, it would be awfully boring,” says author Paul Auster. “It would be tedious to be alive.” But he goes even further in his defense of inconsistency, adding, “Changing your mind is probably one of the most beautiful things people can do.” This bold assertion may not apply to everyone all the time, but it does for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. You should feel free to explore and experiment with the high art of changing your mind. I dare you to use it to generate extravagant amounts of beauty.

C

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In its early days, the band Depeche Mode had the infinitely boring name Composition of Sound.

Humphrey Bogart’s and Ingrid Bergman’s classic 1942 film Casablanca was dangerously close to being called Everybody Come to Rick’s. And before Charles Dickens published his novel Bleak House, a scathing critique of the 19thcentury British judicial system, he considered eleven other possible titles, including the unfortunate Tom-all-Alone’s.

The Solitary House that was always shut up and never Lighted. I bring this to your attention, Cancerian, as the seeding phase of your personal cycle gets underway.

d

The imprints you put on your budding creations will have a major impact on their future.

Name them well. Give them a potent start.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): One summer afternoon when I was seven years old, my friend Billy and I grabbed an empty jar from my kitchen and went looking for ants. Near the creek we found an anthill swarming with black ants, and scooped a bunch of them in the jar. A little later we came upon a caravan of red ants, and shoved many of them in with the black ants. Would they fight? Naturally. It was mayhem.

Looking back now, I’m sorry I participated in that stunt. Why stir up a pointless war? In that spirit, Leo, I urge you to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Don’t do anything remotely comparable to putting red ants and black ants in the same jar.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In order for everyone in your sphere to meet their appointed destinies, you must cultivate your skills as a party animal. I’m only slightly joking.

At least for now, it’s your destiny to be the catalyst of conviviality, the ringleader of the festivities, the engineer of fun and games. To fulfill your assignment, you may have to instigate events that encourage your allies to leave their comfort zones and follow you into the frontiers of collaborative amusement.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your symbolic object of the week is a magic wand. I recommend that you visualize yourself as the star of a fairy tale in which you do indeed have a wand at your disposal.

See yourself wielding it to carry out a series of fantastic tricks, like materializing a pile of gold coins or giving yourself an extraordinary power to concentrate or creating an enchanted drink that allows you to heal your toughest wound.

I think this playful imaginative exercise will subtly enhance your ability to perform actual magic in the real world.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The taskmaster planet Saturn wove its way through the sign of Scorpio from October 2012 until the end of 2014. Now it has slipped back into your sign for a last hurrah. Between now and mid-September. I urge you to milk its rigorous help in every way you can imagine.

For example, cut away any last residues of trivial desires and frivolous ambitions. Hone your focus and streamline your self-discipline. Once and for all, withdraw your precious energy from activities that waste your time and resist your full engagement. And if you’re serious about capitalizing on Saturn’s demanding gifts, try this ritual: Write either “I will never squander my riches” or “I will make full use of my riches” twenty times -- whichever motivates you most.

h

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The advanced lessons on tap in the coming days are not for the squeamish, the timid, the lazy, or the stubborn.

But then you’re not any of those things, right? So there shouldn’t be a major problem. The purpose of these subterranean adventures and divine interventions is to teach you to make nerve-racking leaps of faith, whether or not you believe you’re ready. Here’s one piece of advice that I think will help: Don’t resist and resent the tests as they appear. Rather, welcome them as blessings you don’t understand yet. Be alert for the liberations they will offer.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Man’s being is like a vast mansion,” observed philosopher Colin Wilson, “yet he seems to prefer to live in a single room in the basement.” Wilson wasn’t just referring to Capricorns.

He meant everybody. Most of us commit the sin of selflimitation on a regular basis.

That’s the bad news. The good news, Capricorn, is that you’re entering a time when you’re more likely to rebel against the unconscious restrictions you have placed on yourself.

You will have extra motivation to question and overrule the rationales that you used in the past to inhibit your primal energy. Won’t it be fun to venture out of your basement nook and go explore the rest of your domain?

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “An obscure moth from Latin America saved Australia’s pasture-land from the overgrowth of cactus,” writes biologist Edward O. Wilson. “A Madagascar ‘weed,’ the rosy periwinkle, provided the cure for Hodgkin’s disease and childhood leukemia,” he adds, while “a chemical from the saliva of leeches dissolves blood clots during surgery,” and a “Norwegian fungus made possible the organ transplant industry.” I think these are all great metaphors for the kind of healing that will be available for you in the coming weeks, Aquarius: humble, simple, seemingly insignificant things whose power to bring transformation has, up until now, been secret or unknown.

k

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “She is hard to tempt, as everything seems to please her equally,” said artist Anne Raymo in describing a hedonistic acquaintance. A similar statement may soon apply to you, Pisces. You will have a talent for finding amusement in an unusually wide variety of phenomena.

But more than that: You could become a connoisseur of feeling really good. You may even go so far as to break into a higher octave of pleasure, communing with exotic phenomena that we might call silken thrills and spicy bliss and succulent revelry.

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Kings Court Massage Kings Court is the only place to have twenty two massage rooms and eleven hot tubs, spas, and bubble baths.

Wall to wall beautiful ladies, pool tables and luxurious leather lounges. You can have a coffee while you meet the ladies and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Approachable managers help you choose a lady for your massage. There is a fair queuing system and no hidden charges or credit card fees. We are just along from Central Railway at 261 Parramatta Rd Glebe, NSW 2037 Phone 02 9660 0666 Visit our web site at

www.kingscourt.com.au We are open 9 am to 1 am and 24 hours on Weekends. There is a 20% discount from 9 am to 12 noon & FREE ENTRY before 9 pm each day.

After 9 pm a $20 entry fee forms part of the pricing structure and also protects the massage ladies from insincere callers.

Parking is available in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe, 2 hrs free.

Check out the website:

www.kingscourt.com.au for information, funny stuff and pictures of pretty women. There are no photos of the regular girls as they are too shy and we don’t provide full service.

Also check out Big John’s Facebook to see a mixture of really funny pics, photos, stories and links to the best pages of our website. This is updated regularly:

www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn Kings Court Massage: Where the first time customer can meet the first time massage girl!

VACANCIES Kings Court is the best place to learn adult massage. You can work with us part time or casual and you are paid cash daily. Work times can suit students or young mothers. When you start we get one of the regular girls to show you how to do your first massage. We have off street parking for ladies with cars and for your interview you can park in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entry with two hours free parking. The 18 Grose Street Glebe NSW 2037 address is the best way to find us using GPS plotting. Ring us on 02 9660 0666. Some ladies from out of town stay over when they visit. We have the bestest and sweetest customers of any place. The website is www.kingscourt.com.au On the home page have a look at, “Is this your first time” and see the ten tips that help customers to understand how we do business and how they must behave towards our girls.

Hi, this is Big John the owner of Kings Court.

Big John says: These cartoons really are based on things that happen!

Juice Magazine printed an interview with a star drummer (name changed) from a major group from the USA and we made our full page cartoon from the words he had actually said. When asked about his trip over here they printed it exactly as above, except for the last panel.

It seems that from time to time guys just want to meet normal ladies and have a nice time being polite. They come to Kings Court Massage and enjoy the relaxing informal atmosphere in the lounge, spa and massage. It really

is a very nice experience and you can sit naked in the spa with a pretty girl and have champagne at no extra charge. It is about half the price of going to similar places where they offer more. We have very nice, normal “girl-nextdoor” types here and because we don’t allow the girls to have their privacy invaded they remain as sweet young things and do not toughen up. You will leave with a smile on your face and a tremble in your knees!

The best new thing we have at the moment is all the really funny stuff on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn

city hub 25 June 2015

19

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