City Hub 26 April 2018

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city hub 26 APRIL 2018

Don’t Play it Again Sam

BY JOHN MOYLE Kings Cross people power has had a win as developer Sam Arnaout withdraws his DA for 18-28 Darlinghurst Road.

The object of the DA was to demolish all the buildings within the boundary to develop 83 apartments with mixed use shops and a bar at street level.

The plan would have seen the area under the wreckers’ ball and builders’ hammers for three to four years, by which time locals say a large part of the heritage and businesses in the vicinity would be devastated.

“The City of Sydney received a request from applicant on 19 April 2018 to withdraw the development application for the Kings Cross site (D/2017/1705).” Christopher Corradi, Area Planning Manager, City of Sydney, said via email to City Hub. The powerful local response, not seen since the Green Bans of the seventies, saw residents lodge 540 objections with City of Sydney and Rohan Glasgow’s change.org petition attracting 12,344 signatures and still rising.

A rally attracted over 300 people and included Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, and five non-Clover aligned City of Sydney councillors.

“To me it’s a signal that the developer has heeded to concerns of the community and has a pretty good idea that the design put forward was not going to be acceptable by the community, and there will be an amended proposal coming forward at some point,” Councillor Professor Kerryn Phelps, City of Sydney said.

Claiming that since 2015 he had spent over $1.5 million on research and heritage reports, Sam Arnaout issued his mea culpa to Domain on April 20 saying “I don’t want this to be what I am remembered for.”

“The outcome this time shows the power of the community when they come together to speak with one voice,” Councillor Christine Forster, City of Sydney said. “”We don’t expect this to be the end of the matter, but as a Councillor I will remain vigilant

Last drinks for Bourbon DA. Photo: Supplied

to ensure community is kept well informed as to any new Development Applications for this site.”

The City Hub broke this story on December 20, 2017 and has made numerous requests to the offices of Iris Capital to interview Mr Arnaout, which either went unanswered or he was unavailable.

But now Sam tells Domain “This place is my life (despite living in Australia’s most expensive apartment in Circular Quay’s Toaster building) I’m here every weekend and I love this place,” and is suddenly willing to meet the press.

City Hub finally got a sit down with Sam at the Bourbon, to hear his side of the argument.

“We set out to lodge a DA that we felt Council was working with us on, and ultimately the community brush back meant toast for the DA,” Sam Arnaout, CEO, Iris Capital said.

“The developer plays victim but this is all his own fault,” Andrew Woodhouse, president, Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Society said.

“In this case the developer refused to attend our rally or community meetings despite being invited.”

The issue of Sam’s lack of communication or consultation with the community is a contentious one, as Sue Handley and Gavin Harris, organisers of the community meeting at Reg Murphy Hall on January 2, claim they tried in vain to attract his attendance.

“I emailed his office and ended up speaking to a couple of his people,” Gavin Harris, community organiser said.

“He was away and we needed to have the meeting before the deadline for comments on the DA. “We thought that Thursday 25th of January was the last chance because we needed time for people to lodge their objections.

“I followed up by contacting them the day before and they said that no one would attend.

It was a meeting that was never to be.

“In January we were contacted by the

community liaison, and I was overseas,” Sam Arnaout said.

“They basically said that they couldn’t delay the meeting and it would proceed without us.

“That was the decision that the community made.”

Andrew Woodhouse and I also issued an invitation for Sam to speak at the rally we organised a month later on February 24th, but also received no response.

Now Sam finds himself adrift in a neighbourhood he does not know and does not understand and is looking to Council to bridge the gulf.

“The idea now is to get Council to organise some sort of consultation with the community and work out how as Council, the land owner and the community can go forward,” Sam Arnaout said.

Good luck with that.

“If you think through the process of what Council does, it is to be assessing each DA independently and taking onboard people’s input, and not being swayed by any one side, so they can’t display favouritism in any way, and if they agreed to consultation sessions I don’t see how they could remain independent,” Councillor, Angela Vithouklas, City of Sydney said.

The one thing Sam needs to know about the Kings Cross and Potts Point community is that it is made up of many different views, and whoever he ends up speaking to may not represent more than their own membership.

It won’t be a community group that decides the action to be taken, but widespread community action.

“We represent the public interest, while he represents himself,” Andrew Woodhouse said.

The first battle has been won, despite many in the community doubting the outcome.

It is now time mobilise the entire community to ensure that we win the war.

“It is only through raising their voices that the community will have an input into the issues that affect their lives,” Cr Prof Phelps said.

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BY MICK DALEY Rampant inflation in the rental market is one of the great economic issues for Australian battlers. But if figures released by commercial cleaning company UrbanYou are to be believed, renters themselves are wasting staggering amounts of money each year.

Styling themselves as a ‘home services marketplace’ , UrbanYou have released a survey of 1000 renters. They say it shows that people are losing bonds for oversights as trivial as tile mould or greasy ovens – and it’s costing them big bucks.

Bondi, the Sydney CBD and Liverpool are the worst offenders, with renters there losing $1.5 million in cleaning costs.

UrbanYou claims people are forfeiting a grand total of $28.65 million per year to landlords in lost bonds and cleaning fees because their rental properties are left less than spic and span on their departure.

They say a quarter of the total money lost is as a result of failing to do simple things like clean the carpets. But wait for it; they have a solution to the problem.

UrbanYou has come up with a ‘Bond Back Guarantee’ program designed to help time-challenged people who have an end of lease situation on their hands. You might be surprised to learn it’s a cleaning package and advisory bulletin.

While John Gilmovich of the Property Owners Association of NSW dismissed UrbanYou’s survey as a publicity stunt, he agreed that renters are mostly responsible for losing money over cleaning issues.

“Most cleaning disputes occur due to tenants

taking it upon themselves to DIY clean and simply fall short of a landlords/property manager’s expectations,” he observed. “Tenants are not professional cleaners and if they are time-poor then, yes, they should outsource to a professional cleaning company. This should reduce the number of disputes.”

“The definition of “wear and tear” has historically been subjective, as well as what is “reasonably” clean. The word “reasonable” is repeated many times over in the tenancy legislation. What is reasonable for one person may not be reasonable for another. Hence disputes arise.

“Landlords are not interested in making minor claims on bonds intentionally, nor do they or their property managers have time to go into disputes, but they do expect the properties to be handed over properly. This is what the condition report and photographic evidence of pre-tenancy condition is used for.”

Mr Gilmovich said that accurate figures were better accessed from the NSW Rental Bond Board.

This may be so, in theory at least. The Rental Bond Board comes under the broad ministerial portfolio of the NSW Department of Finance, Services & Innovation (DFSI). But it is NSW Fair Trading that is responsible for providing an exhaustive database on rental facts and figures.

The data does not identify tenants or properties but includes information such as postcode, type of dwelling, bond paid and date lodged.

Meanwhile the Department of Family and Community Services (FACs) publishes

John Gilmovich, Property Owners Association of NSW. Photo: Real Property Manager

a quarterly report which it says is the sole authoritative source of data on NSW rent movements.

These vast swarms of data give a presumably accurate figure of prices in the rental market, and perhaps a serious analysis might yield the kind of answers UrbanYou have gleaned.

But the data itself is overwhelming and opaque and the layers of administration somewhat confusing. The DFSI declined to provide a spokesperson to explain the figures in detail.

In the light of that information the ball is in the renter’s court. Do they DIY or leave it up to companies like UrbanYou? Either way they’ll probably get taken to the cleaners by their landlords. city hub 26 APRIL 2018

3

Haberfield in a haze

BY Wendy Bacon Levels of dangerous fine particulate air pollution during March this year have been higher at Haberfield Public School than at any other air quality monitoring site in the Sydney Basin.

The latest monthly report lodged by WestConnex air monitoring company Ecotech shows that Particulate Matter 2.5 μg/m3 averaged 13 μg/m3 in March. The average annual national limit for PM 2.5 is 8 u/ gm3. So far this year, Haberfield Public School is averaging 10.6 u/gm3. (μg/m3 describes the number of micrograms of tiny pollution particles in a cubic metre of air. One particle is 30 times smaller than a strand of hair. ) The WestConnex monitor, which is in the grounds of the highly regarded Haberfield School, has recorded higher levels of PM 2.5 than any of six other WestConnex air monitoring sites along the route of the M4 East tunnel, which is expected to open next year. However, two other sites, one in Ramsay Street, Haberfield and the other on Parramatta Rd at Strathfield, have both recorded10 μg/m3 for March this year and are averaging 9.5 μg/m3 since the beginning of this year. Both of these are near other schools and childcare centres.

Extensive scientific research has shown that there is no safe level of PM 2.5, which is linked to heart disease, cancer, premature birth and can impact lung and brain development.

In order to compare the WestConnex monitoring result with other sites in Sydney, we conducted a search of NSW Office of Environment and Heritage monitoring sites in the Sydney basin. This showed that the highest level for March was at Liverpool with 11.3 μg/m3, which is averaging 10.1 μg/m3 so far this year. Liverpool typically has the highest pollution levels due to the geography of the Sydney basin.

These broad statistics mask other revealing interpretations of air pollution patterns. We analysed Haberfield school Ecotech monitor data for this report. This analysis showed that levels of PM 2.5 have been above the national annual average limit of 8 μg/m3 for more than 88% of the time since mid March and that average levels during this period have been higher during school hours than over a 24 hour period. For four weeks between March 25 and April 22, the average daily PM 2.5 levels only tipped below 10 u/gm3 on one day and then only to about 9.8.

The real time data on the website that we have analysed will go through a validation process before the next monthly report is issued but the levels are unlikely to be lower due the false negative results, most of which are removed during the checking process. These sort of more

Ventilation stack under construction at Powell’s Creek in Homebush.

Photo: Chris Nash

nuanced and informative perspectives are not included in WestConnex Ecotech monthly reports.

These disturbing results appear to confirm the fears of members of the Haberfield community and public health experts who lodged hundreds of submissions, warning of worsening air quality if the WestConnex M4 East project was approved by NSW Planning. Haberfield school is now surrounded not only by two congested roads, Parramatta Road and Wattle Street but also by two massive WestConnex construction sites.

The community now faces being only 400 metres from an unfiltered ventilation stack, 200 metres from the portal of the M4 East when it opens and even closer to construction sites for several more years if WestConnex Stage 3 is approved by the Minister for Planning. This could happen any day.

Haberfield Parents and Citizens and local residents have written to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Education Minister Rob Stokes asking for an investigation into air quality levels and a committment that approval will not be given for Stage 3 construction sites.

Westconnex Action spokesperson Rhea Liebmann has also written to the NSW Health Planning and Environment Ministers calling for an urgent investigation into recent duststorms and high PM 2.5 levels at Haberfield. “Surely any responsible Minister or senior public servant would understand that Stage 3 WestConnex must not be approved.

Instead the community must be provided with an explanation for these high levels of dangerous air pollution, which clearly place public health at risk,“ she said.

Greens Inner West Councillor Rochelle Porteous believes that all levels of government have a role to play. At Wednesday night’s Council meeting, she moved a motion to establish an urgent investigation into the health impacts of all stages of WestConnex. “We have a really important role to play in advocating for our community. There could be no more serious issue and we now have evidence from Haberfield. What we’re seeing we’ll see at other places as well. We need to do absolutely everything we can to protect the health of our children,” she told Council. Her motion was seconded by Independent Councillor Pauline Lockie who said extensive research showed that PM 2.5 was “deadly stuff” and particularly dangerous for children.

Liberal Councillor Julie Passas told the meeting that her neice who has a very IQ level grew up on Parramatta Rd and was not affected by high lead levels. She argued that Councillors had no role in considering air quality which should be left to government experts.

Labor councillor Anna York said that she shared Rochelle Porteous’s concerns but argued that she was unsure if the work requested by Porteous had already been done and that Council should wait until it received a staff report on noise and air impacts late in May No studies have ever been done of health impacts of WestConnex construction and the Inner West Council submission on air quality for Stage 3 WestConnex was far less in-depth that the old Council’s Marrickville, Leichhardt and Ashfield Council commissioned for the M4 East and New M5 stages. Those reports warned of impacts that are now being experienced.

Labor and Liberals Councillors voted together to narrowly defeat the Councillor Porteous motion that was supported by Greens, Pauline Lockie and Independent John Stamolis. This means that Council will take no action on pollution at Haberfield or other suburbs at least until June.

Wendy Bacon has campaigned against Westconnex. This story was produced in collaboration with Luke Bacon and Henare Degan

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Developers scrubbed out in Little Bay

BY JADE MORELLINI Randwick Council are opposing a new development proposal in Little Bay for 45 new residential apartments due to the devastating impact this could have on the environment and health of endangered species.

Owners of 11 Jennifer St, Little Bay are hoping for court approval for the development of a three-storey residential flat building, along with 45 units and basement level parking for 67 cars. However, with the Council and many community groups against it, it may not be looking good for them.

Treasurer & Bush Care leader from local community group Friends of Malabar Headland, Claire Bettington said, “We are totally against this development, so of course we support Randwick Council’s recommendations.”

Although this proposal will provide more housing for new and local residents, many can’t see past the implications this may cause for the environment. The site is approximately 1.161 ha and is home to the critically endangered flora, Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (E S B S) in the Sydney Basin Bioregion.

According to the N SW Scientific Committee, “The Critically Endangered Ecological Community (CE EC) has been reported from areas of sand depots in the local government areas of Botany, Manly, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra.

Threats to the survival of the community include fragmentation, development, invasion by exotic plants and erosion from use of bicycles, motorcycles and excessive pedestrian use.”

“Development will remove critically endangered, (next stage extinction) E S B S

Friends of Malabar Headland. Photo: supplied

which is supposed to be protected under both Commonwealth and Sate legislation,” Bettington said. “Building this development would open up a massive 60m break between the remaining bush and this patch to the north. How can it ever recover if people keep destroying portions of it?”

The loss of a CE EC will have a domino effect on the environment, as many fauna depend on it for habitat and food.

“Removal causes commensurate loss of animals and birds in numbers and diversity and diminishes the genetic diversity of

both the CE EC and the dependent fauna,” Bettington said.

Such a large development would add other stresses to this patch of bush, with what may seem like small problems creating a large negative impact on surrounding nature.

“Overshadowing of some of the bush at certain times of the year would have a huge effect, as this plant community thrives in full sun; night noise and lights from the units would disturb the fauna causing effective loss of habitat/foraging area. E S B S will die out from “the death of a thousand cuts” if we

continue to allow developers to nibble at the edges,” Bettington said.

The site has previously issued development applications which have either been withdrawn or refused consent and so a Land & Environment Court appeal has been lodged in relation to the development on the basis of ‘deemed refusal’.

According to Randwick Council’s website, “Council has filed contentions in support for the refusal of the application on the grounds that the proposed development will have an unacceptable impact on the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Shrub and that the proposed development has a built form that is unsuitable for the site.”

Despite the development application being in process, Bettington hopes more will be done to care for the environment and endangered species which exist in the Eastern Suburbs.

“This patch of E S B S should be cared for, weeded, the rubbish cleared up and the bush brought back to good condition, then added to the Jennifer St Section of the Kamay Botany Bay N P, which it adjoins. And it should be fenced off to deter dumping and weeded on a regular basis to maintain its integrity,” Bettington said.

The matter is listed for a conciliation conference that will commence on site on 18 September 2018 and Council lawyers will contact residents who have made submissions prior and may want to speak.

“Development on this site is completely incompatible with maintaining and conserving the natural values of the critically endangered ESBS on this site. Such development should be built elsewhere,” Bettington said.

Randwick Council were approached for a comment but did not respond.

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city hub 26 APRIL 2018

5

Cruise ships choke peninsula

BY LANIE TINDALE The Port Authority of NSW has not published a report into White Bay Cruise Terminal air pollution since January 2018, despite them being expected monthly.

Monthly reports authored by Pacific Environment have been published on the Port Authority website since September 2015. The January report was published this April after City Hub contacted the authority. The reports monitor concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) on the corner of Grafton and Adolphus streets in Balmain. The reports for February, March and April have not been released.

Inner West councillor for Balmain, John Stamilos said he “is not surprised” the reports have not been consistently published, and that the community “must not accept any report that says there are acceptable levels [of SO2 and PM2.5]”.

A spokesperson for the Port Authority said: “There is no set time by which these air quality reports have to be published but we do our best to make them as timely as possible … we publish as soon as they are ready”.

There is also a live monitoring site available to the public. The January 2018 report did not record concentrations of SO2 or PM2.5 that exceeded the air quality standards.

The White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal has caused controversy since it opened in 2013 to replace the Barangaroo Wharf. In 2015, a NSW Upper House Parliamentary inquiry found that building the wharf in Balmain, “a high density residential area” was a “serious error” because “when sizeable multistory cruise ships are at berth, emissions from the ship funnels flow directly into homes”.

In October 2015 the state government announced two stages of regulations that would enforce the use of

low-sulphur fuel, meaning fuel made up of 0.1 per cent or less of sulphur dioxide. Stage 1 allowed ships to use higher concentrations of fuel for one hour before and after berthing. Both regulations were discovered to be inoperable in June 2016 because of an inconsistency between State and Federal law. In December 2016, the Federal government regulated that ships use 0.1 per cent sulphur fuel while berthed. Ships are still allowed to use fuel with sulphur concentrations of up to 3 per cent while in transit. This fuel is known as bunker fuel.

State MP for Balmain Jamie Parker said that while in transit, “ships are still allowed to burn fuel in Sydney Harbour, which has up to 35 times higher levels of sulphur than the fuel they are required to use in Europe and 3,500 times the level required by Australian diesel cars”.

Federal Member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, told City Hub that “all ships operating in Sydney Harbour should be made to adopt the use of low-sulphur fuel, and while the responsibility lies with the NSW Government, as Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, I will continue to advocate on behalf of the community in order to make this a reality”.

The NSW EPA told City Hub that “[a] review of national ambient air pollutant standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is currently underway. The review is being led by Victoria with input from other states, including NSW”.

Prior to December 2016, the NSW EPA was responsible for enforcing fuel standards on the cruise ships at the White Bay terminal. It is now the responsibility of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). in February of this year AMSA CEO Mick Kinley told a Federal Senate Estimates hearing that “the sulphur limit for marine fuels [will] be reduced in

White Bay Cruise Terminal. Photo: Port authority of NSW

2020 from a maximum of three per cent down to 0.5 per cent” across Australia, in line with a global regulation set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

In a statement to City Hub, the Cruise Lines International Association expressed support for this new standard, stating that “the cruise industry actively pursues pragmatic application of global standards via the International Maritime Organization [sic]”.

Federal Labor Senator Malarndirri McCarthy confronted AMSA CEO Mick Kinley during the Senate Estimates hearing, asking “there are a number of unscheduled overnight stays at the White Bay Cruise terminal, often due to bad weather or mechanical issues … Does AMSA monitor whether those cruise ships which have already switched to bunker fuel … switch back to low-sulphur fuel once their departure is delayed?”

Mr Kinley replied that his “understanding is that the operators are

very much aware of the requirements in Sydney but he is “never 100 per cent confident” that cruise operators comply with the regulations.

Bulk carrier ship the Indus Fortune was docked at the White Bay Terminal for 18 days from the 25th of March for emergency repairs. Local resident Nazli Munir said that a “low humming noise was throughout our house day in day out for all that time”.

The cruise ships berthed at the White Bay Terminal must run their engines overnight because they cannot access an on shore power source. The 2015 NSW Upper House inquiry recommended that “the White Bay Terminal be retrofitted to include shore to ship power”. In 2017 the Port Authority of NSW conducted a feasibility study, estimating the cost of the retrofit to be $36 million. Maritime Services Minister Melinda Pavey then announced that the NSW government would not pay for the power source.

State MP for Balmain Jamie Parker said that this decision gave “the cruise

ship industry… a licence to pollute Sydney’s air at will” and expressed support for White Bay to be retrofitted to include ship to shore power.

Federal Labor member for Grandylr, Anthony Albanese, told City Hub he would “continue to fight for the residents of Balmain to have ship to shore power installed at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.”

Ms Munir expressed frustration with the decision, saying “If they had ship to shore power we wouldn’t have any concerns, there’d be no concern about the fumes and there would be certainly no concern about noise …

The frustrating thing is, the cost of installing ship to shore power is insignificant compared to the cost on people’s health”.

Resident and campaigner Kate Horrobin said that “by not implementing shore power, the government clearly signals that they put profits for business above the health of the community”.

Melinda Pavey declined to comment.

Bunnings bummer for Balmain Bunnings bummer for Balmain. Photo: Supplied

BY STATON WHALEY After the Inner West Council had a development application to build a new Bunnings on Parsons Street in Rozelle withdrawn twice, the developer appealed to the Land and Environment Court of NSW. The original application was withdrawn for 6

city hub 26 APRIL 2018

reasons that included blocking the street view, late working hours, and traffic congestion.

Another application was re-submitted that was unchanged except for a larger floor plan.

Council once again requested the application be withdrawn.

The community and Council members have

misgivings about the large name hardware store popping up, especially in such an inopportune location.

Greg Pattison, Secretary and Treasurer for Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce, said he “welcomes new business in the area, but is also concerned for our community, mainly about the traffic it would bring. The peninsula is not the easiest place to get in and out of and where the Bunnings would like to go is right at the entrance and exit.”

Jamie Parker, Greens member for Balmain, has concerns with the potential impact on local busi-ness.

Mr Parker stated “I know many local people are concerned they are putting a large Bunnings re-tail store on the peninsula. It will have a significant impact on some of the smaller…hardware businesses in the area.”

Mr Parker also addressed the concern of the poor building space, telling the City Hub the “biggest issue in my mind is the inappropriate location for such a large facility.”

Margaret Callinan, a longtime local resident, has “several misgivings.” Callinan says that the “loading and unloading on the suburban street has the potential to block all of the commuter end flow out of the peninsula. You can only get out of the peninsula from four streets, and that’s the main one. It backs up at all times of the day. The traffic alone is just dire.”

Ms Callinan also told the City Hub “We don’t need a Bunnings in the area. We have two great hardware stores in the area.We are already well served.”

Grant Crowle, owner of the local Balmain Rozelle business The Hardware Store, thinks “for the community as a whole it’s bad because the traffic and the location they want to put it in.”

Mr Crowle also referenced the “four Bunnings within seven kilometers of Balmain,” further saying “they’re just trying to drive businesses out.”

Mr Crowle isn’t just concerned with loss of business, saying “It’ll affect the whole community, not just the hardware stores because people avoid areas with Bunnings. They’ll just avoid the whole area because the traffic will be so bad.”

Speaking from experience, Mr Crowle said “We’ve seen it occur in Alexandria where we have another business.”

Both Crowle and Callinan mentioned the store being open much later than other local businesses.

Ms Callinan worries “It’s going to be open for extended hours and there’s nothing like that on the peninsula.” Mr Crowle says “They’re open from six in the morning until ten at night,.”

“People live in those streets…the light spill and noise from all hours of the night is ridiculous.”

While Bunnings may think that they are serving the community locals are certain the they will impact local businesses and create traffic chaos.

The grass is definitely greener

By Staton Whaley A recent proposal for the legalisation of marijuana, put through to Parliament by the Greens Party has gained support from civil libertarian Senator for NSW, David Leyonhjelm. With both the Greens’ and Leyonhjelm’s outspoken support for cannabis usage many are left wondering if the devil’s lettuce is so evil after all.

A country seemingly so progressive lags behind others in its marijuana legality. The United States, Portugal, Spain, and Canada are just some of the countries that have legalised the drug, allowing for its sale while enjoying the benefits derived from its taxation. But this is where the Greens’ plan differs from much of the world.

Greens Senator Lee Rhiahannon told City Hub “Times are changing, so hopefully Australia catches up with the world sooner or later,” saying changes in the policy are “overdue.” The Greens plan focuses on ensuring “big companies don’t come in and grow cannabis and rake in massive profits.” Under the Greens policy an “Australian Cannabis Agency” would issue licenses for the production and sales of cannabis, as well as monitor the allowance of six plants per person for personal use. Violations include black market sales, or sales to youth.

All sales would be through a “licensed retailer only under tight regulatory control. They’ll also be required to complete courses like how [Australia] manages alcohol.”

Senator Rhiahannon proposed this plan under the belief that “there’s a real need to shift to legalising cannabis…considering that criminalising the behaviour has done worse than nothing as people have been caught up in the criminal justice system and it’s often damaging to their lives.”

Senator Rhiahannon said “Cannabis yields more drug arrests in this country than other drugs…

Legalise it now, say politicians. Photo: Supplied

consumption and abuse of cannabis increases and unfortunately the number of arrests keeps growing…Those figures show how prohibition is failing.”

Senator David Leyonhjelm backs the Greens proposal and said “what people do voluntarily that doesn’t harm other people isn’t the government’s business,” and “hopes in due course it will become apparent to Australia that it’s behind the rest of the world.”

Senator Leyonhjelm believes “prohibition isn’t working…and millions of dollars is being put toward law enforcement and making no difference whatsoever…cannabis is less harmful than alcohol and nicotine.”

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A Call Out for the Retired, Superannuated and Graduate Students Writers needed on local issues across the City Hub’s five distribution regions.

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to pass, guessing “first it will get a number of years of medical use where it is being cultivated…processed…and supplied legally,” noting “there’s quite a lot of pressure on the health department…to make medical marijuana more widely available.”

Standing with Leyonhjelm is the Hemp Party’s Michael Balderstone, who “likes what the Greens have put up,” because it “separates cannabis…from all the other illegal drugs that are processed or chemical.”

Balderstone hopes to see “people allowed to grow their own plants and personal usage decriminalised,” but warns not to “hold your breath…Both major parties are being so cautious right now.”

Fred Nile, a member of the Christian Democratic Party and Member of theNSW Legisla-tive Assembly, issued a press release following the Greens’ latest proposal.

Nile “calls on the government to focus more energy on getting Australians off the tread-mill of substance abuse.” Nile first bashed the Greens, referring to them as “not…an environmental party,” calling their intent “a cynical ploy.” He goes on to put cannabis in the class of “dangerous narcotics.”

Michele Crane is creator of the annual Hemp Expo. The expo brings together the community through speakers and food in educating people about the benefits and uses of hemp.

Crane doesn’t see the legalisation process as near complete. She explains that “the first step is entire medical legalisation. Once…patients have easy access, then you can look at recreational legalisation.” The next action is “[getting] over this culture out there that likes being called stoners….…so the doctor or lawyer down the road…can partake without the idea that they’re holding back society.”

Crane would like to see cannabis consumption “similar to how it’s regulated in America.

Everything is educated. That way it’s not so underground and black market. People can come out into the open.”

There appears to be a host of reasons to make cannabis recreationally legal, and no rea-son not to legalise it medically.

While making it easier to access for medical patients seems to be happening, progress has been slow.

With political action having been taken the tide is turning for legally grown cannabis and the public is seeing that it is a waste of money and resources to try and catch people enjoying their version of happy hour.

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FEATURE

By Jamie Apps Human rights, ethics and basic decency have all been placed under the microscope recently in regards to Imagine Exhibitions latest production Real Bodies:The Exhibition currently on display in the Byron Kennedy Hall at Moore Park.

The primary concern raised with the exhibition is in relation to the ethical, and legal, procurement of the plastinated human remains on display.

Plastination is a technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts. During the plastination process the water and fat are replaced by plastics, yielding specimens that can be touched, do not smell or decay, and even retain most properties of the original sample.

It is the use of this technique, namely the timelines required, which has generated much of the controversy according to Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting spokeswoman Sophia Bryskine.

“The organisers of this exhibition have admitted that these bodies do indeed come from China and have said that they are ‘unclaimed’ remains.

Chinese law requires bodies to be kept for at least 30 days before they can be disposed of if they are unclaimed, yet we know that the plastination process has to be done within the first week of a person’s death.”

Whilst Imagine Exhibitions CEO Tom Zaller doesn’t refute that the specimens were sourced from China he does take offence to claims of unethical practices during that process.

“We’ve been working with Dr Hong Jin Sui, a very well respected, accredited and published scientist from the Dalian Medical University,” explained Zaller before adding, “We’ve been scrutinised countless times by countless journalists, health departments, government officials and independent third parties about the legal sourcing of these specimens but have never had any legal issue or been closed down.”

Imagine Exhibitions are going to have to fight these accusations once again though following

Dissecting Truth

Photo: Provided by Imagine Exhibitions

the submission of a recent inquiry to the NSW Police Commissioner by Greens MP David Shoebridge.

In his letter to the Commissioner Mr Shoebridge has requested an “urgent investigation” for a potential breach of the Crimes Act 1900 misconduct with regard to corpses under Section 18C. This section of the law gives a clear provision that any person who “improperly interferes with, or offers any indignity to, any dead human body or human remains” is liable for imprisonment for two years.

As Mr Shoebridge explained his primary concern on this matter surrounds the issue of consent.

“Even if, and I seriously doubt it is the case, that

these are validly unclaimed bodies there is a still a complete absence of consent and that of itself is a breach of the criminal law.”

When this notion of consent is raised it often brings into question the ethical and moral validity of not only Real Bodies:The Exhibition but all displays of human remains, such as Egyptian Mummies or other similar petrified remains. ““There are numerous museums around the world that show mummies, which are dug out of a grave.

So when you start talking about the ethics of presenting human tissue or anatomical specimens to the general public there is a healthy debate which occurs,” said Mr Zaller.

As a counter point to this both Mr Shoebridge and

Mrs Bryskine hold a similar belief that this particular exhibition is fundamentally different due to the recentness of death.

“It’s very insensitive and quite alarming that such a comparison can be made because these bodies belonged to people who were alive just a few years ago and who may still have families looking for them in China,” said Mrs Bryskine.

One final area which either side of this debate differ concerns the educational merit of the exhibition and its appropriateness for children.

From Imagine Exhibitions and Tom Zaller’s perspective Real Bodies:The Exhibition creates an “immersive and education environment which the general public wouldn’t typically have access to.” To further strengthen his argument Mr Zaller told City Hub,“I know from letters I have received that children who have seen the exhibitions with plastinated specimens have been inspired to pursue studies in medicine.”

For Mr Shoebridge and Mrs Bryskine though the educational aspect of the exhibition is of a very different nature.

“We’ve had feedback from doctors and nurses who have visited the exhibit who have said there is very little educational purpose, it is more of a grotesque display with some artistic connotation,” said Mrs Bryskine.

“The educational merit of this exhibition is to see how readily people will put aside human rights concerns and basic decency to simply gawk at other people’s exploited bodies and that’s not an education anybody should be receiving,” said Mr Shoebridge before quickly adding,“I’m particularly distressed at the thought that schools are taking excursions to see these people displayed like this.”

Real Bodies:The Exhibition Until Oct 1. The Byron Kennedy Hall, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Road, Moore Park. $19-$33+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.realbodiesexhibition.com.au

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Pauly Fenech - The Bogan Bible “How can I say this, I like to elevate Aussie humour.There’s a lot more followed by the mention of a top

Paul Fenech.

Photo: Tony Mott

the status of the bogan, I think they’re the best Australians in the country. I think in the old days it was a term of offensiveness but now a lot of people claim it proudly.”

Pauly Fenech, the award-winning actor, comedian, filmmaker and director known best for his characters in Housos, Fat Pizza, Bogan Hunters and Swift And Shift Couriers, is bringing to The Factory Theatre his new standup show, The Bogan Bible.

When asked why audiences love the content of bogans so much, Pauly replied,“It’s just Aussie comedy, the bogans are the last backing of real

honest Australian humour in the bogan world than anywhere else. I look at a lot of other stand-ups and they are all clever and whatever but for me it’s drifting away from where Australia’s culture is at.”

With the comedy genius having played several hilarious characters, Frankie from Housos is still Fenech’s favourite,“Let’s face it, you had threesomes, beat up police with thongs and all the rest of it. I was a big fan of Happy Days and I think Franky was Australia’s answer to the Fonzie.”

As for a Housos return, City Hub was told there are discussion happening

secret new television show coming to Channel 7 in September.When asked for a hint Pauly said,“Mate all I can say is its dangerous.”

Make sure you catch Pauly Fenech and The Bogan Bible,“This is the only comedy show that has multi-media, crowd interaction, it’s the history of the bogan culture.And it is the only show where the audience get assaulted by thongs, with their own consent.” (RH) Apr 27. Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $34.90+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au

Carmen, Live Or Dead

Youth And Destination The adventurous new production that explores life in the 21st century, Youth And Destination, will premiere at Kings Cross Theatre tomorrow.

The original play, written and directed by James Raggatt, was developed over three years in partnership with Kings Cross Theatre. It follows the contradictions and complexities of being human in the modern world. It will be told from the perspectives of younger generations in a collection of over 60 scenes.

Director James Raggatt said the play came from a wide range of inspirations, “It is going to be a very eclectic experience for our audience.

We’ve gathered a huge amount of ideas about the human experience in this bizarre modern world we’re wandering through, and we’re raising a multitude of questions that often don’t lead to

answers. Often they convolute into further questions and leave us hanging in the unknown.

This is how we experience life in a lot of ways, and we’re eager to explore these ideas and questions in a very gentle theatrical journey.”

Raggatt, known for his work in ATYP’s production of Spring Awakening, has collaborated with a dynamic and critically acclaimed team, including lighting designer Martin Kinnane (Spiegelworld), and set designer Kyle Jonsson (The Chapel Perilous).

“It’s thought provoking and explorative, and kind of like a hug from a stranger you’ve known all your life. I have always been interested in the overwhelming nature of being. This play is a chance to tap into that in the smallest of ways and to hopefully create a shared understanding of these experiences.” (GF)

Apr 27-May 12. Kings Cross Theatre, Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Kings Cross. $25-$35+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.kingsxtheatre.com

REVIEW: Josephine Wants To Dance How much fun can an adult really have watching a show that’s designed for kids aged 4-9 years old? Add that to a theatre performance about a kangaroo with identity crisis, dressed in a tutu? The answer is heaps!

From the first moments when a little girl’s enthusiastic chuckle meets a roaring whistle from an adult in the audience some five minutes in, Josephine Wants To Dance proves to be a thundering success for all ages!

Josephine Wants To Dance is a musical based on the award winning picture book of the same name by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Elridge and Tim McGarry, it is a hilarious story about dreams coming true and the power of believing in yourself.

This homegrown story set in Shaggy Gully, tells the tale of Josephine (Rebecca Hetherington), a kangaroo that just wants to dance, because it makes her happy. Her little brother Joey (Hayden Rogers) constantly reminds her that she is a kangaroo, and that

they hop, not dance. But Josephine continues to pursue dancing, learning moves from nature and birds. When a ballet troupe hits town and gets into trouble, Josephine saves the day with her dancing skills.

Majority of the humour is drawn from the

a&e

19 STAGE 10 Sounds 11 SCENE 11 SCREEN

interactions between Josephine and the Brolgas & Lyre birds (played by Chloe Dallimore, Hayden and Amanda Laing). The Lyre bird sequence is perhaps the highlight of the show, with a hilarious musical score providing justice to the highly talented cast performing.

Rebecca’s Josephine act maintains a constant excellence, Chloe’s Russian Ballet Director act is spot on hilarious, Amanda’s Big Annie act is funny to bits, and Hayden’s Brolga act is simply a chuckle drawer from the young audiences.

It is a story of enthusiasm, hope and following your heart, that acts as a good teaching point for young impressionable minds and a good reminder to the adults.

It’s a funny musical riot! Tag along with your kids and have fun. (JR) Until May 12. Lendlease Darling Quarter Theatre,Terrace 3, 1-25 Harbour Street. $19-$125 (family).Tickets & Info: www.monkeybaa.com.au or Ph: (02) 8624 9340

Arts Editor: Jamie Apps For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @CityHubSyd

An original piece of work, Carmen, Live or Dead will be premiering at Hayes Theatre Co, immersing audiences into a celebration of life and love.

Audiences can expect to witness the unique story of Carmen Frida Leon Davidovich, who is the fictional love child of Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky. Actor for Carmen, Natalie Gamsu said, “Carmen is a Mexican refugee that finds her way to the country. She is intersex, she’s dying, it is her last day on this earth, she is wild and embraces life hugely and ultimately learns to embrace her death. She’s a trip.”

The show will not only showcase beautifully written music and fabulous acting, but will incorporate elements from cabaret, vaudeville and magical realism.

“It’s an engaging piece that is hopefully both moving and very funny. She’s wild, Carmen, they can expect a real ride and hopefully to identify and to feel like ultimately, being the most of who you can be is really our job as human beings.”

Carmen, Live or Dead is a celebration of life, and Gamsu hopes everyone feels comfortable enough to be themselves during the performance.

“Carmen embraces everyone including herself, so I think it’ll be something unusual and visually exciting. It would be wonderful for people to support new work and the fabulous cast and crew as our show gives the audience permission to just be themselves.” (JM) Apr 28-May 6. Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $49-$59+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.hayestheatre.com.au

Contributors: Barbara Karpinski, Craig Coventry, Emily Shen, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, Joseph Rana, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Rita Bratovich, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Jade Morellini, Alex Eugene, Manuel Gonzalez, Tommy Boutros, Riley Hooper, Mohsen Dezaki, Daniel Jaramillo, Georgia Fullerton, Gary Nunn, Addie Morton, Staton Whaley. city hub 26 APRIL 2017

9

Quiet Faith

Quiet Faith is the cumulative voice of a cross section of Australian Christians expressing what their religion means.

Documentary theatre maker, David Williams created the work by cutting and splicing together segments from interviews conducted with 20 christians from diverse backgrounds.

The verbatim work is performed by two actors who deliver the thoughtfully compiled statements using vocal and physical cues to suggest personality types, while at the same time being careful to retain some ambiguity.

Williams himself is one the performers, alongside Rose Maher, but they don’t necessarily take gender specific roles. The soundscape also includes well-known hymns and choral singing. With the audience seated on benches or plain chairs around the performers, and lighting being subdued, the overall impression is that of a congregation.

Actors and audience interact, so each show is unpredictable.

“It’s been performed in rural towns and cities and the responses are not necessarily what you’d expect. It means every performance is unique,” says Williams.

While the interviews were conducted several years ago when the play was first performed, Williams says the subject matter and opinions are still very relevant.

Respondents were asked to comment on matters of politics, media, social issues and discuss how religion is used and misused to advance particular agendas. Interviewees also discuss their own relationship with Christianity and how it vibes with other religions.

“It’s something that will appeal to people whether they’re Christians or they belong to another faith or even if they don’t believe in anything,” says Williams. “There are some very moving, powerful moments…there have been tears in the audience.” (RB) Until Apr 28. Riverside Theatre, Cnr Church and Market St, Parramatta. $44-$49+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney This Way North

By Jamie Apps

This Way North: It’s easy to forget that This Way North is a two-piece band. It’s a trick-of-the-ear that follows the pair effortlessly from the studio to the stage. Drummer/ vocalist Cat Leahy and guitarist/ vocalist Leisha Jungalwalla create a uniquely full, expansive sound that has seen the duo perform over 120 live shows across Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Thu, Apr 26, Oxford Arts Factory Jamie Hutchings: Began his career as the frontman for much loved underground favourites Bluebottle Kiss, which saw him touring around the world many times. Since those days Jamie has been exploring life as a solo artist. New record, Bedsit, is the latest endeavour in this journey and will be performed in Sydney tomorrow night.

Fri, Apr 27,The Newsagency Mod Con: Melbourne’s Mod Con are excited to launch their debut record, Modern Convenience, in Sydney this weekend. The ten track offering is subversive, menacing and catchy as hell as it questions the modern world: is it a big joke? a burden? a clean slate?!

Sat, Apr 28,The Red Rattler Sydney Symphony Orchestra 10

city hub 26 APRIL 2018

Fellows: In a program under the artistic direction of Roger Benedict this show highlights the superb skill, subtlety and passion of the country’s brightest young musicians, the concert will feature 12 of the 2018 SSO Fellows on strings, winds, brass and percussion, in a program inspired by the Sibelius masterpiece of the same name.

Sun, Apr 29, Riverside Theatres Biffy Clyro: Return to Australia in support of their seventh studio album, Ellipsis. Critics have praised this record and it has since become their most successful album to date, leading to them playing headline sets at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

Mon, Apr 30, Enmore Theatre Night Lovell: Experimental hip-hop prodigy Night Lovell arrives in Sydney for the very first time early next week. The young Canadian will perform tracks off his acclaimed, independently released albums Concept Vague and Red Teenage Melody, as well as unreleased tracks from his upcoming album.

Tue, May 1, Metro Theatre Australian World Orchestra: Described as ‘superb’, ‘joyous’, ‘stunning’ and ‘immaculate’, the Australian World Orchestra is arguably the most exciting orchestral initiative in Australia’s cultural history.

This year, AWO reunite 86 Australian musicians from some of the world’s leading orchestras for three unmissable concerts under the baton of Italian Maestro Riccardo Muti, who is considered one of the top five conductors in the world.

Wed, May 2, Sydney Opera House

Findr Findr is a new Australian contemporary musical that looks at how we connect in a digital age and live alternate egos online.

Premiering on April 28 at Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst, musical lovers will be treated to a highly unusual modern experience, written by Adrian Kingwell, with live accompaniment by a chamber ensemble.

There are just two shows in this initial season, but an extended season is planned later this year.

Both Troy (Abe Mitchell) and Emma (Charlotte Devenport) are stuck in their isolated worlds trying to deal with their relationship that’s building online. They do a thing called Catfishing; they lie about who they are on the internet, set up fake profiles, say they are something that they’re not. In Findr, they are Catfishing to make themselves more appealing to each other. Emma says she’s a designer, which she’s not, and Troy says he’s in IT but really he works in a bank.

Findr has a unique format, with the two characters singing about the online dating app. What we hear in the songs are the text messages they send each, without them actually being in the room together.

“It’s art reflecting the world around us, how we love and how we meet. It’s really cool to be using the music form to discuss these things,” said Abe Mitchell.

“It’s a chance to swim around in a world

young people are really familiar with,” Mitchell added. (MS) Apr 28. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $30-$40+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com

Simple Plan

By Jamie Apps “When you look around at the other bands from our generation most of them have either disappeared or had multiple lineup changes, so the fact we avoided all of that is perhaps the thing we should be most proud of.”

This one comment from Simple Plan’s Chuck Comeau highlights just how incredible it is for the band to not only still be together after 16 years but are also still releasing music that resonates with their audience.

The multi-platinum Canadian pop-punk five piece have known each other since childhood, which Comeau credits as a major factor for their resiliency. Even in those early days as the group first came together as a band there was a determination and belief that their dreams would become a reality.

“When I was young I felt that we always believed that this was going to work, we had so much belief in our band that we knew if we had the platform people would enjoy the music and want to see us live,”

explained Comeau.“Obviously you have no idea what being around for sixteen years really means in terms of the handwork and travel involved but now that I look back with this anniversary and we have a chance to celebrate, it’s pretty unbelievable how it all turned out.”

The anniversary Comeau was referencing is the 15th anniversary of their debut record, No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls.This particular record, whilst initially unsuccessful in Australia, eventually saw Simple Pain explode onto the world stage and become one of the preeminent bands of a cultural shift in music.

As recognition of their contributions to the rise of pop-punk in the early 2000s the record was recently named as one of Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Greatest Punk albums of all time.

According to Comeau receiving recognition and accolades such as this “reinforces” the impact the record had and the groups drive to continue.

For these shows the group seized on the opportunity to “do

something fresh and different” by playing the record in its entirety rather than the usual ‘best of’ show.

“We’ve never done anything like this before but with 15 years it felt significant and deserved a special celebration.”

As Comeau explained they have been shocked by the reception to these shows, “We’ve been really

We Are Scientists - Megaplex The sixth album from We Are Scientists, a duo consisting of Keith Murray (guitar/vocals) and Chris Cain (bass), is a somewhat confusing but strangely enjoyable record as it slides throughout the genre spectrum.

During the course of the 10 track offering the pair serve up a rather muddled presentation of songs filled with superficial yet catchy lyrical content. Some tracks, such as opener One In,

One Out, are synth heavy 80s pop whilst others, like KIT, slip into more melodic folk areas.

Megaplex is at its best when it finds a way to blend these various different styles in a unique way. The standout track in this sense is Heart Is A Weapon as it creates a unique blend between synth pop and funky guitar melodies.

(JA) WWW1/2

surprised by how well this tour has been received, initially we thought it would only be two or three months but it’s ended up being a year and half of shows all around the world.”

Apr 27. Big Top Luna Park, 1 Olympic drive, Milsons Point. $79+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.bigtopsydney.com

THE NAKED CITY

GOD HATES SIGNS AND BIGOTS! With Coffin Ed Winston Churchill is credited with the saying “If you are going through hell - keep going” and the quote might well apply to Australian Rugby’s Israel Folau. After his post on Instagram saying that homosexuals need to repent or they will go to hell, he is going through a hell of his own with community outrage and constant media scrutiny.

Folau’s brand of fire and brimstone evangelism is nothing new - conversion and damnation have gone hand in hand since the year dot. He does need however to make some qualifications following his original post that “God’s plan for gay people was Hell, unless they repent their sins and turn to God.” Whether that applies to the entire LGBTIQ community remains to be explained. The bible, which incidentally makes no condemnation of slavery, has little to say about lesbian relationships let alone anybody wanting to reassign their gender.

Plucking the appropriate quote to support any kind of bigotry or to put the bejesus up somebody is an age old evangelical tool.

Folau could well have been more inclusive in his post by quoting Corinthians (6:9-10).

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” He still would have copped a bagging but at least he could have made an unintentional

reference to the adulterous Prince Of Wales (and future head of the Commonwealth) as well as the numerous dishonest bankers named in the current Royal Commission. A helluva lot of repenting to do all round!

Whenever the subject of ‘hell’ resurfaces in the public arena, there’s always a great deal of speculation. The Vatican was quick to quash recent rumours that the current Pope had suggested that hell did not exist. We are constantly reminded that ‘heaven’ is a state of eternal bliss, a kind of spiritual heroin hit that never ends. Yet we live in a world that loves the fictional world of drama and the ups and downs of human relationships. I’m not sure whether Shakespeare went to heaven but I am sure he would have found billions of years of ecstasy a kind of living hell.

On the other hand ‘hell’ is defined as an eternal punishment and suffering, with no avenue of appeal. If you thought some of the 200 year prison sentences handed out in the US are over the top, what about a trillion years of being boiled alive or

whatever dastardly thermal treats are in store for the unrepentant in that subterranean inferno.

Christianity has always been open to interpretation and much of it entirely perverse, from the appalling Spanish Inquisition of the 15th century to slave owners in 18th and 19th century USA. The latter often pointed to the fact that nowhere in the Bible was slavery considered a sin. Whilst many were happy to convert their slaves to a church going Christianity they believed that the early Afro-Americans would not go to heaven, regardless of how well they behaved.

When it comes to Christian damnation and the utterly pertinacious interpretation of the scriptures nobody surpasses the absurdity and downright nastiness of the Westboro Baptist Church. The subject of numerous documentaries and TV exposés, the Kansas based, cult like ‘church’ is infamous for its “GOD HATES FAGS” slogans, which they often display on huge signs at public demonstrations. Gays are only one target of their insane venom which also includes dead American soldiers (“SOLDIERS DIE GOD LAUGHS”), US school shootings (“GOD SENT THE SHOOTER”) and numerous attacks on Jews (“RABBIS RAPE KIDS”). According to the Westboro ideologues, “GOD BLEW UP THE SPACE SHUTTLE.” You can either laugh or be genuinely sickened by their hate speech but if anything they highlight what a pile of crap any kind of bigotry is, regardless of whether the message is displayed on a lurid fluoro sign, a Facebook page or an Instagram post.

Super Troopers 2

Meow it’s about time! Following on from the 2001 comedic crime Super Troopers comes the long-awaited sequel. Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar and written by

Broken Lizard, the film stars Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske and Chandrasekhar.

Picking up with the original cast having lost their jobs on the highway in the first film, we join the boys as they are appointed the task of opening a new station on the Canadian border due to become part of the US. Disputes arise between the Canadian Police in the area and the wacky Highway Patrol leading to hilarious paybacks.

Having discovered a large amount drugs can the team find the dealer and keep their jobs this time?

It’s always hard for a sequel to beat the original and the first of this film will always be a classic. Super Troopers 2 is entertainingly laugh out loud funny and easy to watch. (RH) WWW1/2

I Feel Pretty

This is Amy Schumer being completely herself - funny, unbridled and defiantly narrow minded about how the world works. The premise of the movie is not entirely original and not particularly well executed.

Schumer’s character, Renee Bennett is a little larger and less pretty - in her opinion - than she’d like to be and this gives her major self esteem issues. After falling and bumping her head during an exercise class, she deludedly perceives herself as having physically transformed into her dream version of herself. Only she sees the mirage and that is the basis for most of the humour. The story moves at a good pace and the jokes are frequent and mostly land. Bennett’s arc, however, paints her as an anti-hero and there is more negative stereotyping done by her than applied to her.

Michelle Williams as the squeaky voiced Avery Le Claire is a scene steeler and there are some heavyweight cameos.

It’s light and enjoyable but its attempts to be ernest merely highlight how much it got it wrong. (RB) WW1/2

Aperture Australia

Fountain Of Life by Ken Duncan

Television great Ray Martin will host an inaugural photography conference, featuring some of Australia’s finest photographers, over two days from April 28.

The first of its kind in Sydney, Aperture Australia will showcase work from some of Australia’s greatest photographers, including portraits, landscape, fantasy, photojournalism and surfing.

Ray Martin said audiences should expect the unexpected, “If you love photography you’ll have to be there, I can’t remember an event like this. Something like Aperture has been long overdue, getting a group of icons to unlock some of their trade secrets in public and tell some war stories. I believe that the best Aussie photographers shoot way ‘above their weight’, matching the best in the world.”

The event will take place at the newly opened Sydney

International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour.

Martin’s passion for photography blossomed long before he became a household name in journalism.

“At high school I thought for a moment about being an art teacher, but realised I wasn’t good enough graphically. Still, I felt I had a pretty instinctive sense of colour and shape but most importantly, I knew that light is the essence of a good painting or a great photo,” he said. “As a journalist I’ve always taken photos on location, but I was ‘a closet’ shooter because I knew I was there to write the story. In the last decade or so, as I’ve become more obsessive about photography, I’ve come ‘out of the closet’ and always have a camera in my hand.” (GF) Apr 28-29. ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney. $495-$500.Tickets & Info: www.apertureaustralia.com.au

The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society

This is a gorgeous adaptation of the best selling novel by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. Julie Ashton (Lily James) is a successful writer in the midst of a promotional tour. Out of the blue one day, she receives a letter from an inhabitant of Guernsey, a small, rural island in the English Channel.

Prompted by its contents, she visits the island and is absorbed into the lives

of the insular locals, and becomes obsessed with a World War II mystery involving the feisty and rebellious Elizabeth McKenna (Jessica Brown Findlay) who is arrested during the war and never seen again.

Individual anecdotes meted out by the islanders in careful doses helps the story unfold in a slow, layered and thrilling intrigue. It is a picturesque period

drama with plenty of warmth and humour.

The spectrum of characters are depicted by a commensurate cast: Matthew Goode is the patient publisher; Michael Huisman is the charming, handsome farmer; Penelope Wilton brings a complex bitter yet maternal Amelia Maugery.

This is fine storytelling supported by good film making. (RB)

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city hub 26 APRIL 2017

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city hub 26 APRIL 2018