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Borsak floats bill for radical South Sydney development

By Joe Bourke A large part of South Sydney bordered by Gardeners Road and South Redfern, including the industrial suburbs of Waterloo and Rosebury, could be substantially redeveloped in what will be called the Southern Industrial Area (SIA).

The area could house 100,000 people and 75,000 new workers under a bill brought to parliament on Tuesday by Shooters and Fishers MLC Robert Borsak. The precinct is 265-hectares, meaning that if the project proceeded, the density of the area would be higher than Pyrmont, currently Australia’s most densely populated suburb.

Mr Borsak brought the controversial ‘community vote’, which gives businesses two votes in City council elections, to Parliament last year.

In a radical restructure, similar to the government structures that were placed in Barangaroo, the Southern Industrial Area Delivery Act 2015 proposes that the area be transferred to the state from the City of Sydney. It aims to “encourage the development of the Southern Industrial Area as an active, vibrant and sustainable community, and as a location for national and global business.”

The Act also provides for the provision of affordable housing and aims for a mixed use precinct.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore attacked the Deloitte proposal which the bill was based on, saying that the alternative plan approved by the NSW Government and City of Sydney, struck a good balance.

“The Deloitte proposal for the development of the southern employment lands would have created a residential area with a density greater than Mumbai, India,” she said.

The not-for-profit City West Housing told City Hub that they were supportive of the City of Sydney’s current plan to increase affordable housing in the area.

“We’re very supportive of the initiative to increase affordable housing,” they said.

City of Sydney Liberal councillor Edward

An artist’s impression of the development of the SIA. Source: Urban Taskforce

Mandla has been calling for the state to take control of the land for some time, and said that Sydney was currently “playing second fiddle to Melbourne”.

“The only way for this vision to become a reality is for the Government to create a Southern Industrial Area Authority and to get on with building housing for Sydney’s future,” he told City Hub. “I commend Robert Borsak and the Shooters and Fishers Party for bringing this matter to a head.

They have recognised the enormous opportunity in the Southern Industrial Area.”

John Preston, policy advisor to Clr Mandla, briefed members of the Upper House on the plan.

He said it was “common sense”, and although the numbers were large, the development would be “modest”.

“This is a very modest proposal. If anyone thinks ‘oh dear God, it’s nimby town’, we’re talking Parisian style shop-top housing. A floor or two of commercial on the building and approximately

seven storeys of residential on top. This is modest,” he said.

Mr Preston told City Hub that the development of the area would be managed better than Green Square, which took 17 years to come to fruition and was managed by local council, saying Sydney didn’t have this kind of time.

“How much longer will people have to live in shipping containers? How many flophouses need to burst into flames? At what point in time are we going to ask ourselves ‘is this a city to be reckoned with?’” Mr Preston said.

“If this doesn’t happen, the consequences will be this: we continue a rustic commuter class which piles on congestion, living standards will decline and you’ll get this intergenerational charity that we’re seeing with parents subsidising their children.

Something’s going to have to give.”

Mayor Moore said the City’s development standards were currently at record highs.

“The City is delivering high quality development with a record $3.9 billion-worth of developments approved last year and $2.7 billion already approved this year,” she said.

The area is already struggling with a lack of public transportation infrastructure. Mr Preston said that developer contributions would sort this problem out.

“A new railway station and light rail, all paid for by developer contributions. Some $600 million of them, and a $300 million affordable housing fund,” he said.

Chris Johnson, CEO of Urban Taskforce Australia, said the current uses of the precinct, which are mostly industrial, would be better suited to the edge of Sydney.

He told City Hub the prospect of mixed use development was an exciting one for Sydney.

“I think it’s a natural transition that cities go through. Inner city industrial [areas] that had slightly uncomfortable industries, which were not compatible with housing, eventually get moved out a bit further. And that becomes an area of renewal,” he said.

ATP “should remain in public hands” 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 Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Group Manager: Chris Peken Group Editors: Joe Bourke & Emily Contador-Kelsall Contributors: Lydia Watson-Moore, Lauren O’Connor, Tang Li & Georgia Fullerton Arts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan Advertising Managers: Robert Tuitama, Mark Barnes Cover Photo: Chris Peken - Jeremy Sims Email: question@alternativemediagroup.com Advertising: sales@alternativemediagroup.com Contact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Web: altmedia.net.au

If you have a story you’d like to tell us: cityhub@alternativemediagroup.com

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By Lauren O’Connor UrbanGrowth NSW announced last Tuesday May 26 that five corporations have been invited to tender for the Australian Technology Park (ATP) at Eveleigh despite sustained opposition to the site’s privatisation.

A spokesperson for Urban Growth NSW said in a statement this week that the tender campaign will open in June and will run for approximately eight weeks.

The five companies are the Altis Property Partners (with First State Super), Aqualand Projects, Goodman Property Investors, Mirvac Projects and the Walker Corporation.

The 13.2 hectare public space was open to expressions of interest from developers and investors in late 2014. UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation (UGDC) initiated the privatisation in order to “release the capital locked in the asset.”

“The request for tenders will include requirements for continued public access to and through the Park, and specify that future owners embrace the commercial, heritage and conservation attributes of the Park,” the statement read.

UrbanGrowth claims they have introduced 100 companies and 5,500 jobs into the ATP since it was established in 1996. The preservation of public access, employment opportunities and the heritage rail yards are key issues raised by critics of the site’s privatisation.

NSW Greens, the City of Sydney and community groups from surrounding suburbs have made their opposition to the plan clear.

Spokesperson for REDWatch community group, Geoffrey Turnbull, said the state government has not addressed formal

ATP. Source: Lauren O’Connor

submissions made before the tender was confirmed.

“On one hand they’re saying ‘we want to engage the community, we want a dialogue with the community,’ and on the other hand they haven’t responded to the submissions about the sale from Alexandria, Redfern, Friends of Erskineville, REDWatch groups or the City Of Sydney,” he told City Hub. Mr Turnbull said it is not clear whether heritage buildings and machinery collections would remain publically accessible when the site is developed for residential use.

“We’ve requested their information in terms of what their response is to community and the City of Sydney objections that have been made. REDWatch has expressed concerns that the machinery collection could be preserved but no longer publically accessible in a privatised ATP,” he said.

In 1988 the Smithsonian Institute of Washington DC, USA wrote to recommend that the state government preserve the “extremely rare and well preserved” Eveleigh Rail Workshops.

“If it would be of any help in the campaign to convince the NSW government of the historical value of the shop complex, I would observe that such turn of the century railway shops, with essentially original equipment intact, are now a great rarity world wide,” the letter read.

NSW Greens submitted an Expression of Interest in January to advocate that the ATP be kept in public hands.

Greens MP Jenny Leong campaigned against the sale early this year and said her party questioned the Minister for Heritage and UrbanGrowth on the issue.

“In the first week of the new parliament I put a motion on the agenda calling on the government to halt the sale, it should remain in public hands. The independent review commissioned by the City of Sydney raises serious concerns about risks relating to the sell-off of the site,” she said.

“This government needs to understand that true consultation means listening to the community and acting in accordance with their wishes, not just engaging in a token process,” Ms Leong said. city hub 28 may 2015

3

By Joe Bourke The campaign to extend Pyrmont’s green space by 60 percent at Ballaarat Park kicked off last Thursday May 21.

Since the nearby Star Casino’s billion dollar redevelopment, the number of people coming to Darling Island has increased, particularly at night.Community members have cited anti-social behaviour, including hoon racing, as one of the reasons for the campaign to increase the park’s size.

Co-convenor of the campaign, Jean-Paul Markopoulous, spoke at the campaign launch last week and said the problem would be significantly reduced if the roads surrounding the park were removed.

“We call on the City to reduce the problem by closing off the streets around Ballaarat Park, reducing the number of late night parking spots and removing the streets hoons use for a late night racing strip,” he said.

“We residents and our children deserve sleep at night and a pleasant waterfront park to use during the day instead of ugly asphalt.”

“By removing the streets around Ballaarat Park, the amount of open parkland would increase by 60 percent and the level of late night antisocial behaviour would decrease substantially.”

The Pyrmont-Ultimo area is the most densely populated precinct in Australia, and the campaign aims to achieve a “better, greener environment”.

Publisher of the City Hub, Lawrence Gibbons, is the other co-convenor of the Ballaarat Park campaign, and noted Pyrmont’s huge growth as a key reason for the campaign to extend the park.

“Twenty years ago, when I launched the City Hub out of an office in Ultimo, the Pyrmont Ultimo peninsula was just a semi-deserted backwater. The residential population was 3,000 and only 5,000

Cartoon: Peter Berner

Campaign kicks off for “less parking spaces, more space for parks”

The view from Ballaarat Park

worked here,” he said.

“Today more than 20,000 people live here and more than 30,000 people work here.”

Despite being told by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) that there had been “no decision on the transfer of land owned by SHFA to the City of Sydney”, a spokesperson from the City of Sydney told City Hub that they were “continuing to work with all relevant stakeholders” to manage more land within their LGA. This would point to land like Ballaarat Park being handed to the City in the near future.

The campaign launch, held in Pyrmont’s Signorelli Gastronomia, also marked the end of City Hub’s crowd funding campaign, which raised

almost $20,000.The night was a celebration of the funds raised for City Hub throughout the crowd funding campaign.

City Hub would like to extend its most sincere gratitude to everybody that donated to help keep Sydney City’s last independent newspaper alive.

A Facebook group has been set up for the Ballaarat Park campaign, called “the Ballaarat Park Support Group”. In addition to this, you can sign the onlign petition for the park’s future, Petitioning The City of Sydney, SHFA, Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Finance to “give us more space for Ballaarat Park not more parking spaces in Pyrmont”.

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Council News

Marrickville joins stand against WestConnex

MAYOR‘S MESSAGE Vision for Bondi Junction and our Civic Heart Project At its meeting in May, Council agreed to take the next big step in the transformation of Bondi Junction, adopting our vision.

We want to make Bondi Junction: • A world-class place within the greater Sydney area.

• A destination where people want to be – an accessible, safe place that meets our current and future needs, and exceeds our expectations.

• The heartbeat of the east – bringing people together from all over the eastern suburbs, and from further afield to live, work and connect.

One of the projects that will help us realise our vision is the Civic Heart project.

We are looking at the potential of each of Council’s sites in Bondi Junction to ensure we can best serve the needs of our community through to 2031 and beyond.

This is a long-term project, with the first phase already completed where we asked the community and visitors what they wanted in Bondi Junction. Throughout the various stages there will be plenty of opportunities for our community to have their say and get involved in helping us make Bondi Junction a great place to work, live and play.

The launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan As part of Reconciliation Week, which runs until 3 June, we are launching our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We are proud that the RAP will build on Council’s long history of building relationships with partners and community members to improve cultural practices, programs and protocols. Through events, funding and regional activities, we will continue to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our community and we will proudly celebrate our rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.

Sally Betts, Mayor of Waverley

Events

June/July 2015 Dads Read Saturday 20 June, 10am Waverley Library Stories, songs and movement especially for 0–5-year-olds and their male carers.

Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Bondi Ice Rink 2015 20 June–12 July, 10am–9pm (Monday to Thursday), 10am–10pm (Friday and Saturday) The Bondi Beach Ice Rink is back. To secure your spot on the ice, please visit bondiicerink.com

Local Hero Award Nominations Nominations open on 1 June for the 2015 Local Hero Awards.

Each year, we recognise and award unique individuals whose outstanding achievements or significant contribution boosts our lively community spirit. There are two categories: • Waverley Local Hero Award 2015 • Waverley Young Local Hero Award 2015 Entries close 5pm on Friday 3 July 2015.

More information, and nomination forms, will be available at waverley.nsw.gov.au/localhero from Monday 1 June.

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

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city hub 28 may 2015

Connect with us:

Protesters in Newtown earlier this year. Source: twitter.com

By EMILY CONTADOR-KELSALL Marrickville Council officially declared its opposition to the contentious WestConnex project at last week’s council meeting, a move that the WestConnex Action Group labelled “a great win for grassroots resident groups”. This vote came a week before revelations that the WestConnex project will not ease congestion based on the state government’s modelling.

Marrickville Council has become the third council to stand against the state government’s WestConnex project, joining the City of Sydney and Leichhardt Council, who have both strongly opposed the tollway.

Marrickville mayor Mark Gardiner said council had long held the view that WestConnex was bad for their LGA and for the city as a whole. He called on Premier Mike Baird to sack Duncan Gay as Roads Minister last Wednesday May 26, after secret government documents revealed that congestion on roads will continue to worsen after the project is complete.

“The WestConnex interchange at St Peters is going to result in a least 31,000 vehicles a day entering and exiting that portal,” he said.

“It’s clearly going to have a massive impact upon the surface roads in and around Marrickville. It’ll have an impact upon the Marrickville residents and we need to have a voice.”

Opposition to the WestConnex project is robust across Sydney, with numerous resident groups regularly staging protests. 1,500 residents walked from Newtown to Sydney Park earlier this year in opposition to the proposed interchange at St Peters, and Greens spokesperson for WestConnex, MP Jenny Leong has been an active campaigner against the project.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Ms Leong slammed WestConnex as the “nightmare on King St”.

“If the government’s own modelling shows WestConnex is a dud, what has this $15 billion project got going for it besides an out-of-touch and out-of-control Roads Minister?” she said.

The City of Sydney has also stood firmly against the project since the findings of a councilcommissioned SGS Economics and Planning report were released this year. The report found that WestConnex was not an appropriate transport solution for Sydney, and is cited as the basis for Marrickville’s opposition to the project in the mayoral minute.

“We are pleased that other councils are opposing the $15 billion WestConnex, which independent research shows will not benefit Sydney,” a City of Sydney spokesperson said.

“The opposition of local government is very important given that both state and federal governments are blindly pursuing toll roads like WestConnex. The addition of Marrickville Council strengthens the campaign.”

Marrickville Council also voted last week to establish a special committee known as the WestConnex Advisory Committee and allocate $40,000 towards the engagement of consultants.

They also called for the tender process, including home and business acquisitions, to be halted for the new M5 and M4 East. The motion passed with opposition from just two councillors.

Independent councillor Victor Macri was one of the two opposed to council passing these measures.

He told City Hub that council’s measures were “premature”, as there was nothing “solid to analyse”.

“I just don’t think there’s enough out there yet to analyse, that’s my issue,” he said.

“WestConnex is not really being built for Marrickville, it’s a regional project, it’s about people that live a far a foot from Marrickville.”

But Clr Macri said he was “quite comfortable” with the establishment of an Advisory Committee, as it would help council and the community better understand the information.

The Advisory Committee’s initial task “would be to identify the scope of a review of issues directly affecting Marrickville LGA and public transport alternatives”, according to council minutes.

Representatives from the WestConnex Action Group attended and spoke at Marrickville council’s meeting last week, urging council to support them in opposing the project.

WestConnex Action Group spokesperson Garth Montgomery said it was critical that councils start to assess the impact WestConnex is going to have on their community.

“It’s a long way down the path with the issue of WestConnex,” he said.

“There’s been extensive studies done by the City of Sydney council with SGS Economics and Planning, we don’t need to start from scratch when it comes to accessing the WestConnex project.”

Pauline Lockie, organiser of the action group, spoke at the meeting to gain council’s support and discuss the health impacts of the WestConnex tollway on the community.

“Most frightening of all to people in our community is the enormous increase in deadly pollutants they’ll be breathing if WestConnex is built – both from the increased traffic on our streets, and the tunnel’s poison stacks, one of which is likely to be at the St Peters Interchange, and all of which are likely to be unfiltered,” Ms Lockie told councillors.

Community continues fight to save Powerhouse

By Tang Li Community groups and politicians are fearful that the proposal to shut down the Powerhouse Museum and relocate it to Western Sydney will soon become a reality since the re-election of the Baird Government.

A Save the Powerhouse rally will be held on this Saturday 30 May at the corner of Harris and McArthur Streets in Ultimo from 2.45pm. Speakers at the rally include Lord Mayor Clover Moore, academic and feminist Eva Cox and Greens member for Balmain Jamie Parker. Also present will be Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, and the Publisher of the City Hub, Lawrence Gibbons.

Since 2014, the Baird Government has confirmed that it would sell the current Powerhouse site to high-rise developers for $150 to 200 million. These funds would go towards relocating the museum to western Sydney, including constructing a new museum building.

But the campaign founders of Save the Powerhouse, along with members of Friends of Ultimo and Ultimo Village Voice, have fiercely opposed the relocation due to its heritage status and importance

Love Makes a Way into Turnbull’s office

to the arts, technology and tourism sectors.

“It’s a vital component of the ‘cultural cluster’ across the CBD, and a major tourist destination. It attracts thousands of local, interstate and international visitors annually, who also help to support local businesses,” said the Save the Powerhouse founders, who wished to remain anonymous.

The campaign instead recommends re-investing in programs and facilities to increase visitor numbers, and consult western Sydney residents about developing and investing in appropriate cultural facilities for their area.

“If they want another Powerhouse [in addition to the Discovery Centre] it could become a satellite of the Ultimo museum, and share its collections,” they said.

According to the campaign founders, under current regulations a developer would construct a 28-metre high apartment block on the Harris Street site, “creating yet another massive ‘wall’ that isolates Ultimo from the city and the upgraded Goods Line.”

The proposed forced closure has also received backlash from City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

By Lydia Watson-Moore Police removed Christian protesters from Malcolm Turnbull’s Edgecliff office last week, after an eight-hour sit in to raise awareness of the plight of asylum seekers.

The protesters, part of the ‘Love Makes a Way’ movement, were rallying against the immigration detention of children and the Nauru detention centre.The group prayed in Mr Turnbull’s office for eight hours before police removed them from the premises.

Love Makes a Way spokesperson Matt Anslow told City Hub the current situation of Australia’s immigration detention was in dire circumstances and the government needed to take action.

“The situation is beyond words with how bad it really is. We think the church, and Australia can no longer stand by and simply allow this to happen,” Mr Anslow said.

“Formal channels of advocacy have failed.

[Tuesday’s protest] was due to a need to show another expression of dissatisfaction,” he said.

The group was calling for acknowledgement of a proposed moratorium on sending families and children to the Nauru and Manus Island detention centres.

Mr Anslow said the moratorium was presented to the government by a collaboration of numerous humanitarian and refugee organisations, and that Tuesday’s protest was appealing for Mr Turnbull’s support.

The group chose Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Communications, as the target of their rally due to his significant political influence and religious affiliation, according to Mr Anslow.

“He’s a Cabinet Minister, he’s a potential Prime Minister at some point, and he’s incredibly influential in the party and in Australian politics,” Mr Anslow said.

One of the protesters being escorted out of Mr Turnbull’s office. Source: Love Makes A Way

Malcolm Turnbull’s office has yet to comment on the issue to both the Love Makes a Way protesters and City Hub who approached his office for comment.

“Malcolm has remained silent, which is unfortunate, because that means he has remained silent on supporting children out of detention and he’s remained silent on supporting a freeze on sending children to terrible detention centres. It’s not a good result for us,” Mr Anslow said.

One of Tuesday’s protesters, Father Claude Mostowik, told City Hub he was also disappointed with the lack of government response to the concerns raised.

“I don’t need him to make a statement to our group, but I think he needs to make a statement to the Parliament, not only about the children in detention, but about asylum seekers, and the evil way they’re treated,” he said.

Fr. Mostowik said he believes the Australian public is unaware of detention centre living conditions, and that more public protests and community support are needed.

“I think these sorts of measures are called for in order to wake up the public, wake up the people. People are quite complacent about the situation, or they’re not even aware of it,” said Fr. Mostowik.

The protest remained peaceful for the eight hours. The Police Media Unit said officers from the Rose Bay LAC escorted the protestors away without incident. No charges have been laid.

The Love Makes a Way group said they are committed to the cause, and will continue to protest until the conditions of immigration detention significantly improve.

“I will absolutely continue to protest. I will continue until we get humane treatment for these people. They depend on us to raise our voices,” Fr. Mostowik said.

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Leichhardt council divided over new childcare centre

By Joe Bourke Leichhardt council has committed to building a new $3.5 million “state of the art” childcare centre by 2016, as part of its 2015 budget.

Councillor John Stamolis criticised the proposal, saying council “missed the baby boom”, and he and councillor Vera-Ann Hannaford moved a motion to defer the funds for the childcare centre to 2016/17 for further analysis of demand. The motion was narrowly defeated six to five.

But Leichhardt mayor Rochelle Porteous said there was still a strong need for a childcare centre in the area, citing waiting lists of around 200 people for the current council run centres.

“It’s not only the local population,” she said.

“We’re actually on the route for a lot of people going into the CBD, so we’re very popular and not just for our own population.”

A report commissioned by council found that despite the waiting list, overall supply currently exceeds demand by 49 places. There are also six development applications without construction certificates in the area, and if they were all to become operational, this supply would increase by a further 519 places.

Clr Stamolis attacked the proposal for being rushed and pointed to the statistics from the report, saying the centre’s construction would be too late to have an effect.

Clr Stamolis also voiced his concern about the $1.5 million loan that would be required for the centre, and said that he could not see any community support for the proposal.

“Unlike any other significant campaign, there have been no emails from supporters of this proposal, no one attends council meetings to support the proposal, there is no community campaign and there is no longer any media coverage or media campaign about the concerns of the families for childcare places,” he said.

Leichhardt Town Hall

“Council completely missed the baby boom… You only need to look at the newspapers from the last year.

Has there been any coverage about the need for a childcare centre? No.”

Mayor Porteous told City Hub there had been “consistently strong support” for the centre.

Labor councillor and former mayor Darcy Byrne voted in favour of the proposal, and it was under

his leadership in 2012 that the council committed to investigating the prospect of two new childcare centres.

He called the proposal a “modest but sensible response from Council”. Clr Byrne also pointed out that there had been two years of community consultation regarding the location and design of the centre.

“There is still a serious shortage of long day care places, particularly from not for profit providers,” he said.

“The centre has been specifically designed to allow it to be easily converted to a youth or community centre in the future if the community’s needs change.”

Clr Stamolis said the fact that both Mayor Porteous and Clr Byrne pointed to the adaptable design of the centre and its possible different future uses probably meant they knew the future of the centre wasn’t viable.

“We need to seek opportunities for providing new tennis courts, basketball courts. Give them spaces that they can actually use, because that’s going to be the demand,” he said.

“We’re talking about building something for $3.5 million that Darcy and Rochelle have said in a few years time will probably be a mixed use centre, not a childcare centre.”

The council commissioned report made two recommendations. The first was that council reconsider its decision to build additional centres in the future, but continue with the Leichhardt park service although noting the risk. The second was that it continue to “monitor the demand for child care and infrastructure for families with children, including a review when 2016 Census data is available”.

Among other budget proposals were $907,000 to begin construction of the Callan Park skate park, $550,000 for new netball courts and an amenities block in Darley Road, and more than $4.6 million for an upgrade of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre.

The child care centre went to tender at a meeting last Tuesday May 26 and passed six to three.

The budget is on public exhibition until June 12.

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city hub 28 may 2015

Councils keep fighting forced amalgamations

By Georgia Fullerton The fight of many Sydney councils against forced amalgamations has intensified with the Shadow Minister for Local Government Peter Primrose calling for an investigation into the Baird government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ program and the June 30 deadline for a response to merger proposals drawing closer.

Marrickville Council voted to strengthen their fight against proposed mergers at last week’s council meeting, and are calling on the state government to extend the amalgamation assessment process. An “urgent” public meeting will also be held by council on June 10 to discuss amalgamations.

The City of Sydney is also staunchly opposed to forced amalgamations. At the council meeting on Monday May 18, the Lord Mayor Clover Moore said forced amalgamations would be disruptive to the City’s capacity to deliver major projects.

“City of Sydney is Fit for the Future. We have spoken to our community and they have overwhelmingly told us they support the City of Sydney remaining as it is,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I strongly oppose the idea

of forcing amalgamations. This would be an attack on local democracy and an incredible waste of tens of millions of dollars of public money.”

The City of Sydney Council went through a forced amalgamation in 2004 and said a merger of councils would particularly disrupt the current ‘fit for the future’ local Government reform program, which includes investing $1.95 billion on new infrastructure and a $220 million light rail.

The proposed ‘global city’ amalgamation would see the City of Sydney merge with several eastern suburbs councils, including Randwick.

Randwick Mayor, Ted Seng, supports the idea of an eastern suburbs merger rather than the ‘global city’ model, saying it would increase efficiency, generating savings of $235 million.

“How can we deny our communities the benefits that come with an extra quarter of a billion dollars?”

“Of those who preferred a merger option, the most supported option was for a smaller, eastern beaches council, particularly combinations of Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra which produced a population of 270,000 residents.”

Waverley Council gear up for cycleway

By EMILY CONTADOR-KELSALL Waverley Council will join the City of Sydney in creating a cycling network for Sydney as construction on Bondi Junction bike paths is set to commence later this year.

The cycleway is part of council’s Complete Streets project, and focuses on Spring Street, Denison Street and Oxford Street in Bondi Junction to “help increase the number of trips made by bicycle by improving infrastructure,” according to council documents.

Spackman Mossop and Michaels, an office for landscape architecture and urban design, developed the designs for the project and were selected by council via an open tender.

A Waverley Council spokesperson said the request for tender was to “provide design services for this Bondi Junction Cycleway/ Streetscape project and also to create a panel of preferred design consultants for delivery of future Bondi Junction Complete Streets projects.”

The preliminary designs were on public exhibition during October and November last year, opening the designs up to public comment. The Bondi Junction community expressed some concerns over the cycleway and its implementation. The impact of the cycleway on traffic along Spring Street was their primary concern as the area already experiences traffic problems and congestion.

But the community were not alone in holding concerns for the cycleway; Liberal Councillor Andrew Cusack opposed the construction of cycleway in Bondi Junction, and restated this position at last week’s council meeting.

The council spokesperson said traffic concerns arising from the construction of the cycleway had been worked through with members of the Waverley Traffic Committee

Bike Path in Bourke St. Photo: Michael Gormly

including the Roads and Maritime Services, Sydney Buses and NSW Police.

“The impacts of the cycleway on the traffic in Bondi Junction have been modelled and the impacts mitigated in consultation with the Roads and Maritime Services,” the spokesperson said.

“The treatment of each intersection is carefully considered and the optimum treatment for pedestrians, cyclists and cars adopted.”

In November 2013, Waverley Council adopted the Waverley Bike Plan that

identified a bicycle route form Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction as a top priority and then a continuation to Sydney’s CBD, according to the spokesperson.

Construction is expected to begin for the cycleway in September or October this year, with completion anticipated by March 2016.

“As with any construction project, there will be an impact on residents and businesses along the route, however we will work closely with relevant businesses to stage the works and minimise the impact,” the spokesperson said.

Have your say on Sydney’s wastewater (sewer) network during wet weather Help shape how we manage the wastewater (sewer) network in wet weather.

Sydney Water is seeking to develop a better approach that can adapt and continue to deliver benefits for the environment and community, and better value for our customers.

While Sydney Water is the largest manager of wastewater in Greater Sydney, everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment.

Your participation is important and we invite you to join in a series of three (2 hour) workshops, between June and August 2015.

You can also take part in our online engagement forum.

Don’t miss your opportunity to provide input. Register your interest: • online: sydneywatertalk.com.au • by email: wetweather@sydneywater.com.au • by mail: Sonia Doohan Senior Community Relations Advisor Sydney Water PO Box 399, Parramatta NSW 2124 Nominations close on Tuesday 2 June 2015.

To find out more: • visit: sydneywatertalk.com.au • call: 1800 242 184 • email: wetweather@sydneywater.com.au Sydney Water Corporation ABN 49 776 225 038

Z03736

Register your interest and participate

Z03736_77x128_v 3 (II)

NO FORCED AMALGAMATION FOR MARRICKVILLE PUBLIC MEETING - PETERSHAM TOWN HALL WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 7.30pm

Hear why Marrickville is better off NOT amalgamating Hear why the State Government’s amalgamation process is FLAWED Register your interest at www.yoursaymarrickville.com.au city hub 28 may 2015

9

ARTS FEATURE

2015 SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL

BY Mark Morellini The highly anticipated 62nd Sydney Film Festival (SFF) boasts an impressive program of culturally diverse films, shorts and documentaries which should appeal to audiences of all tastes.

An astonishing 251 films from 68 countries will be screened over 12 days in 9 venues including two newly announced locations, the Dendy Newtown and Casula Powerhouse.

Over 100 other events including the gala opening/closing night parties, Q&A’s, red carpet premieres, meet the filmmaker talks and gourmet cinema packages highlight the ever-growing variety of entertainment available to film festival enthusiasts.

Festival Director Nashen Moodley says the SFF is one of the ten longest running film festivals in the world, and its longevity can be attributed to a few factors.

“Sydney is a film-loving town in which movie-goers care for quality cinema and they feel a sense of ownership towards the festival”, says Moodley. “The choice of movies screened from all over the world is diverse and being able to watch them on the big screen will continue to draw crowds”.

“The program should have something that appeals to all tastes. This year we have five family films, as we must continue to attract the younger audiences.”

“This is one of the most prominent film festivals in the world and the advocates are the international filmmakers who attend.

It’s also important for filmmakers who

have their films screened at the festival, as it provides a platform for their work to be seen and appreciated by audiences”.

Director of Last Cab To Darwin Jeremy Sims spoke of his excitement to have one of his films featured at the festival for the first time “we’re thrilled to be doing the Saturday night gala screening. I’ve worked in the theatre and making films for a long time and I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a show that played to 2,700 people so it will be fantastic to sit in the audience to see how all those people react to the story of Rex.” Last Cab To Darwin tells the story of Rex (Michael Caton) who drives 3,000km from Broken Hill to Darwin, hoping to take advantage of new euthanasia laws when he discovers he’s dying. “It was a really difficult shoot but in the end it was the trip of a lifetime. We couldn’t afford to take a big crew with us so we all had to do the work of two people. There were many people when before we started that suggested we film it all in Broken Hill but we always intended to shoot it in the real locations” says Sims.

The stars of the film Michael Caton and Jacki Weaver have been tied to the project for a long time and have both been instrumental in the final product says Sims “Jacki was in the original stage play and has been a great friend and contributor to the story right from the beginning, obviously getting her involved this time around as a duel academy award nominee was difficult but Jacki was always 100

percent committed. Michael was attached for quiet some time and really the whole film hinges on who played Rex and we couldn’t be any happier, he is a legend of Australian screen and one of the most technically brilliant actors of the last 50 years in Australia so it is an honour to be able to direct him in a role like this to be honest.”

Looking forward Sims believes we “haven’t even scratched the surface yet” of Australian stories to be told in Australian cinema and the SFF provides a wonderful outlet for those stories. “This festival is the only opportunity for many of these films to be seen on the big screen – audiences should take chances – they may be delighted in watching movies they know very little about,” concludes Moodley.

The resurgence in local production is also showcased in the festival with many feature films, documentaries and shorts being screened. Two Australian productions, the hilarious and poignant Ruben Guthrie and the tragic love story Holding The Man, have been selected to respectively open and close the festival.

Riz, a small but important film having its world premiere at the SFF, is inspired by the life of co-director Guido Gonzalez who travelled to Australia as a child refugee from Chile. Surrounding a group of friends who live in Western Sydney, this film examines multi-culturalism, class division and teenage culture, highlighting the importance of friendship.

“The standout theme in this film is that

City Hub Top Picks: Dearest is the incredible true story of two parents searching for their son who was kidnapped whilst playing in the streets, never giving up hope that he would be found alive.

The Price Of Fame is a comedy based on true events about some bumbling idiots who plan to escape poverty by stealing the corpse of Charlie Chaplin and holding it to ransom.

Pasolini is a drama detailing the last day in the life of poet and filmmaker Pier Paola Pasolini. Murdered in 1975, his work was deemed scandalous resulting in numerous censorship battles.

The Hunting Ground is a riveting documentary about the controversial issue of rape on American campuses. Female students who were assaulted are interviewed and incredibly most rapes go unreported.

Goodnight Mommy is a horror film that centers on a lady who returns from hospital with her face fully bandaged and her sons’ mounting suspicions that the lady behind the bandages is not their mother.

Nasty Baby is the dark and humorous story surrounding Freddy and his boyfriend Mo, an inter-racial gay couple, who attempt to have a baby with the help of their best friend Polly.

Dearest

friendship is bigger than any problem problems overtake friendships and they can be rectified,” Gonzalez explains. This is his first venture as co-writer and co-director in a feature film and he’s thrilled that his film is screening at the SFF: “It’s an honour – my biggest dream come true. I didn’t expect to get there, but

I thought if we can get the film in, then the sky’s the limit. This was a labour of love – a group of talented people who had never faced the cameras in a feature film came together to bring this story to life.”

June 3-14, Selected Cinemas, $19.50, Bookings, Information & Tickets: sff.org.au

WRITERS AND OPINION MAKERS WANTED The Alternative Media Group of Australia is looking for writers.

Opportunities in print and online are available to opinion makers and up and coming journalists.

Send a CV, writing samples and a covering letter to: cityhub@alternativemediagroup.com

10

city hub 28 may 2015

EAT & DRINK

Mafi Mitlo Kings Cross on a Friday night used to resemble a war zone; well before we got lumped with a Liberal state government, that is. This makes the well-executed bunker fit out by Shawn West from 2D Studio, a little bittersweet for anyone who loved the vibrant Kings Cross of old. With that off my chest, there’s still something pleasingly ironic about sliding into this subterranean M.A.S.H. unit setting to eat Arabic

$ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Kujin The deft hot-plate work here is less about theatre, and more about the food.

The chefs are Japanese and the cuisine Osaka-style.The teppan grill is hot, and the udon are hand-made. Scalding-hot off the grill comes Osaka-style Okonomiyaki ($18) with pork and egg noodles. It’s a sticky, umami-rich taste of real Osaka.

Similarly grill-hot is the Eggplant ($14) topped with miso and cheese.While I was sceptical of blowtorch-burnished Grilled Oysters ($9) with miso mayo, they are a smoky, briny revelation. Murky and gently spicy, the winter-special of Red-Brown Miso Simmered Udon ($16) showcases

By Jackie McMillan street food. First thing you need is a beer, and if ontap Aussie options like Coopers Pale Ale ($6/330ml) don’t grab you, get the affable staff to nip next door for the Lebanese 961 Red Ale ($8.50).Yes, this is an offshoot of the now formidable Kazbah empire, owned by Zahi Azzi. He’s put his stamp on the menu too, by using his mother’s recipe for the Kibbeh ($8/4 pieces). Mum clearly knows best, as it’s unsurpassed by any of the others I’ve tried. The Sambousek ($8/4 pieces) are also impressive, especially in conjunction with strong garlic Toum ($6.50) or super-smoky Baba ($7.50). Now most things involving kale I tend to treat as hipster affectations, not so the Kale Tabbouleh ($12.50) here – it’s fabulous, nudging out the Grainy Fattoush ($13.50). Round out your meal with the fragrant Chicken Shawarma ($14.50) and surprisingly good Chips with Harissanaise ($6.50).

9/15 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross (1300) 529 224 mafimitlo.com.au Lebanese $

$$$ - mains between $22-$30

their pleasingly dense udon, great with a frosty Sapporo ($8) in your hand.

1/41B Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay (02) 9331 6077 kujin.com.au Japanese $$ DiWine Newcomer DiWine is tucked between perennial favourites, Lucio Pizzeria and Phamish, in the Republic 2 courtyard.

Owner/chef Vittorio Esposito is making pasta in-house, and it shows in Strozzapreti with Swordfish ($26). From the decent, inexpensive by-the-glass list, the 2012 Bertani Soave Sereole DOC ($11/$44) gives you a taste of the Italian seaside when taken with sweet, fleshy Figs ($10) with prosciutto and Gorgonzola.

Spot-on cooking keeps Mussels in Black Pepper Broth ($15) plump and briny.

Buddy up your bivalves with beer – clean

$$$$ - mains over $30

and well-balanced Sardinian Ichnusa ($7) or an even better artisanal Birra Gjulia TOZ ($14). Finish with a straight-ahead Beef Tagliata ($26) – charred on the outside, and pleasantly pink within.

248 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst (02) 8354 1086 diwinesydney.com.au Italian $$$ Casoni If you loved this spot as Foley Lane, you should breathe easier knowing that Nathan Moses and Julian Marchetto are still very much behind this new incarnation.They’ve switched out Spanish for Italian, and made your choice of aperitif easy with both Negroni ($16) and Aperol Spritz ($14) on tap. Head Chef Lachlan Robinson is dishing up contemporary Italian eats, from small plates like Bucatini and Provolone

Rosan Enter the world of the Japanese salaryman at this intriguing traditional Japanese restaurant tucked into downtown Darlinghurst.The central table puts Australian communal table behaviour to shame - unrelated guests exchange meishi (business cards) and trade places to network over their Suntory Premium Malt ($11) beers. Chef Hiroshi Miura is celebrated for his ability to finely cut fish.Thinly Sliced Imperador ($26) arrives looking like a lace doily, with garnishes like momiji oroshi (grated radish with

Croquettes ($8/2 pieces) to ‘Pasta of the Day’ - Beetroot and Tarragon Risotto ($24) topped with braised lamb shoulder.The vivid magenta risotto is well complemented by a 2012 L’Isola Bianco ($15/glass), a Sicilian inzolia blend, whose coastal crispness slices through lamb fat.

371-373 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst casoni.com.au Bar, Cocktails, Italian $$-$$$ EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES

Little Jean Double Bay has had a little makeover, and riding on the coattails of the impressive InterContinental Hotel, is Little Jean. Relaxed and streamlined, it’s like a first-class airport lounge, so keep it classy with freshly shucked Sydney Rock

chilli) venturing beyond the ubiquitous wasabi-soy to truly celebrate the natural flavour of the gossamer fish. Super pliable pancakes wrapped around tender Rosan Duck ($15/4) leave you wanting more. More substantial Steamed Prawn Dumplings ($10/4) impress with the intensity of bisque-like (heads and shell) flavour. A meatier version from the chalkboard, Crispy Deep Fried Prawn Mince with Fig ($15), proved another winner. If only all deep fried food came as beautifully balanced by broth, warm, fleshy figs and aromatic pickled ginger! The koto music and enthusiastic welcomes ringing out from the convivial centre table encourage you to unwind. Choose an individual sake cup for your clean, dry Asabiraki Junmai Ohkarakuchi Sujin ($28/300ml), and enjoy it with Deep Fried Whole Flounder ($18).The ever-so-lightly battered fish pieces are presented in a crunchy fried fish skeleton bowl, which transforms into a wonderful edible drinking snack.

Shop 107, 46-50 Burton Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9357 2240 facebook.com/RosanJapaneseCuisine Japanese $$-$$$

Oysters ($20/6) and Prosecco ($9.50/ glass) from Victoria’s High Country.

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, smothered in maître d’hotel butter. On the lighter side, Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($18) is perfectly balanced with creamy tahini and yoghurt dressing. 1 Kiaora Road, Double Bay (02) 9328 0201 littlejean.com.au Modern Australian, Café $$ Stillery Inside this luxurious Double Bay bar, decked out in pale blue and marble with stately gilt settees, Bar Manager Aaron Gaulke commands

an impressive array of gins. While the subtle saffron notes of Boudier Saffron Gin ($13) are best sipped straight, many gins benefit from lengthening with tonic. In that department this bar also excels, offering up many choices from artisan syrups like Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Small Batch Tonic to East Imperial Tonic. The latter is perfect against the nutty sesame of The Cambridge Distillery’s Japanese Style Gin ($22), and also well matched by Charred Fremantle Octopus ($16) with hunks of mortadella from Executive Chef Julien Pouteau’s tasty bar menu.

Level 1, InterContinental Hotel, 33 Cross Street, Double Bay (02) 8388 8388 intercontinental.com/Doublebay Bar, Bar Food, Cocktails $$$

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city hub 28 MAY 2015

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EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Forest Lodge Hotel

By Ryan Kennedy Festooned with fairy lights, a stocking-clad doll, vintage photos, and boasting craft beers on tap, the bar at the Forest Lodge Hotel—or Flodge as I once lovingly knew it—has come a long way from my fond memories of 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

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, fad-resistant menu. Line-caught Snapper Carpaccio ($28) utilises familiar ingredients - strawberry sauce vierge and celery – united by white balsamic 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

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

Emerging from the lift into this darkened space your eyes are instantly captivated by the panoramic city view. Head Chef Darren Templeman has brought over much of what I loved from Restaurant Atelier, though his new iconic Harry Seidler-designed location means he’s obliged to paint with a broader brush. Some dishes, like creamy Burata di Buffala ($29) simply 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 as gloriously uncompromising

ROCKS & CBD 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, 12

city hub 28 MAY 2015

Tasting Paddles ($15) and beard and flannelette-types relaxing to the tunes of The Strokes and Radiohead.

Moving down the paddle from a fresh and hoppy Murray’s Stone Kicker Ale ($7) to the wonderfully named, and smoke and barley flavoured Draughty Kilt Scotch Ale ($9), I’ve got to admit—things have changed for the better. This becomes more apparent with the arrival of a perfectly cooked Kangaroo Fillet ($26), with chunks of burnished onion hidden under an earthy beetroot, walnut and goats cheese salad.

The madras-style Fish Curry ($20) we’re told is “famous around here”. It’s turmeric heavy, mild and elegant, with a slab of crisp-skinned salmon; while Grilled Chilli Octopus Salad ($16) is reminiscent of a green papaya salad but a little too salty—nothing that can’t be fended off with a slurp of beer. This is a very cosy local and well worth a look.

117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge (02) 9660 1872 forestlodgehotel.com.au Pub Bistro $$-$$$

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 $$$$

O Bar & Dining

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

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 – $-$$ Pitt St Diner Every neighbourhood should have a little Parisian bistro.A block from Redfern Park, Pitt St Diner has been building a solid local customer base using classic French cookery and friendly service.The young French chefs from the south-west of France play to their seaside strengths and offer up a clattering mound of Moules

as ever. Owner Michael Moore’s health focus has not been forgotten; it’s just been given a distinctively Templeman twist in delicate Pink Snapper Sashimi ($32) with torched avocado, finger lime and crisp tapioca, or lettuce boats of Rump Steak ‘Tartare’ ($35) topped with crunchy puffed tendon.

Darren’s favourite producers have also made the ascent.

Milly Hill Lamb Rump ($42) kicks it British yellow currystyle against sheep’s yoghurt, cumin, charred okra and surprising sprouted lentils.

Penrith’s Zokoko chocolate gets a look-in against an Atelier classic – the crowd-pleasing Hot Plum Souffle ($20). 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, as is warm, hospitable service from Restaurant Manager Thomas Philbin-Malucelli.

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

provide a good stick-to-yourribs 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 $

The Balmain Hotel

By Ryan Kennedy With dumplings one buck each on a Thursday night, most patrons are tucking into steaming bamboo baskets—but at The Balmain Hotel there’s also a new menu to try. This is an intriguingly designed pub, each room has its own style, with the dining area around the kitchen dark-wooded, low-lit and casual. In here, salty creamy goodness is doubled down in both

Marinières ($25) in white wine and cream sauce. Steak and Frites ($31) here is a blushing, charred, rib-eye with shoestring fries.Whole Fish of the Day ($25) is a crisp skinned, tender baked ocean trout.

Owner Gary Prebble matches Chocolate Fondant ($12) against the spicy and fruity Storm Ridge Pinot Noir ($45/bottle); it’s a knockout combination.

96 Pitt Street, Redfern (02) 8668 5936 pittstdiner.com.au Modern French $$$ Clubhouse Land-locked and industrial, Rosebery is far cry from where you’d expect to find beachside motifs and a menu to match; but with Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Headquarters situated above it, Clubhouse is an incongruous but welcome presence.A pair of ‘slaw-filled

smoked cheese-enriched stuffed zucchini flowers and aromatic jalapeno croquettes, each irresistibly deep-fried and crispy. Throw in some fluffy Peking duck steamed buns topped with fresh slivers of spring onion, 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. This is classic Australiana: smoky, charred beef patty, sharp with grated beetroot and pickles, and freshened up with salad. More out there is the overly sweet and slightly dry Chargrilled Mahi Mahi ($26), with pineapple and quinoa salsa. For dessert, Salted Caramel Sliders ($12) are fluffy little ice cream buns with a nice hot-cold dynamic when dipped into the warm chocolate sauce. But beware; eat them quickly to avoid distressing sogginess. This is a solid pub menu, and the stand out dish reflects it - that’s one tasty burger.

74 Mullens Street, Balmain (02) 9810 7500 thebalmain.com Pub Bistro $$-$$$

Flathead Tacos ($12) are scrunchingsand-between-your-toes good. Smoked goat’s curd and quinoa in the earthy Pickled Beetroot Salad ($20) feels as healthy as it is delicious.An artful tangle of sticky Spiced Lamb Ribs ($24) find their perfect foil on a bed of tahini and za’atar yoghurt. Pork Belly Slow Cooked ($29) is everything you’d want pork belly to be – made wonderfully complex with heavily caramelised radicchio and pickles.

789 Botany Road, Rosebery (02) 9669 2828 clubhouseaustralia.com Modern Australian $$$ INNER WEST Runcible Spoon My favourite Camperdown café is now

FOOD NEWS

opening on Friday nights between 5pm and 10pm. Kick back with a Mountain Goat India Pale Ale ($8) on the large shared table with a crowd of easygoing locals. Eat from a concise menu inspired by the path Chef Alex Watts takes to work. From Marrickville’s Faros Bros, the Salmon Belly ($22) is nicely fatty, and turned slightly Japanese with miso, tahini and bottarga. Enjoy it with Heirloom Tomato, Whipped Feta & Herbs ($14) using tomatoes plucked from his mother’s garden. Mum is also responsible for the rhubarb in his Rhubarb and Fig Upside-Down Cake ($8). Think healthy, homey, and relaxed.

27 Barr Street, Camperdown (02) 9519 2727 facebook.com/ runciblespooncafe Modern Australian, Café $$$

By Jackie McMillan

Barely open a month, Lennox Hastie’s new spot Firedoor is already being touted as Sydney’s hit restaurant of 2015. As a nice counter to all the ‘paleo’ rubbish people seem to be lapping up, this restaurant celebrates the relationship between food and fire. “Fire can be very addictive; it’s a very primal element that’s instinctively

human,” explains Hastie. And what could be more honest than cooking with wood, the very thing that allowed mankind to begin consuming lentils and legumes? Now before you think it’ll be a temple of meat, Hastie has largely turned his attention to more delicate ingredients: marron, mulloway, pearl perch and cauliflower all feature on one daily menu. Hastie pairs different ingredients with different woods to enhance their flavours, using techniques he honed in the Spanish Basque mountains at a restaurant called Etxebarri. You’ll find his new restaurant on the back streets of Surry Hills; housed in a 1911 heritage building that celebrates the natural beauty of exposed timber beams, railway sleepers and other pieces of salvage sourced and artfully arranged by designer and architect Matt Darwon. As it’s already on the radar, make your reservation quickly, and watch this space for my upcoming review. www.firedoor.com.au

bar fly

By Amie Barbeler

Vine Double Bay

As I mingled with the cashed-up crowd, quaffing flutes of fancy Champagne like it was cordial, I smirked thinking that it was only a week ago I was washing down deep-fried Twinkies with whiskey.Tucked away in the backstreets of Double Bay is a polished cathedral-style wine bar-cumrestaurant called Vine. It’s a very swish place to enjoy a bottle of fancy bubbly and some French-inspired contemporary canapés.While there’s cocktails and beer on offer, it’s the (almost complete) portfolio of Laurent-Perrier Champagnes that you’re going to want to focus on.

I stuck with the crisp and delicious golden Laurent-Perrier Brut ($24/glass, $130/bottle), which for the record was the nicest champers I’ve ever had the pleasure of binge drinking.After a bottle

and a half of the Brut, I was ready to level up with a bottle Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle ($400/bottle) but my date kindly reminded me I should probably pay my

rent instead. Next time…

2 Short Street, Double Bay (02) 9363 0010 vinedoublebay.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Review: Shivered

Despite the fact that Jose River’s The House of Ramon Iglesia is set in 1980’s New York, for Stephen Multari (who plays Javier, the Americanised son of a pair of Puerto Rican immigrants) the play “is very important now”.

The play grapples with the often complex relationship between parents of immigrants and their children, as well as on the persistence of racism – even coming from those who have experienced it for themselves. Multari says, in watching the piece,“we would like to think that we’ve come a long way, but [that’s] not necessarily the case! It’s a little scary.”

Presented by MopHead Productions (who have enjoyed great success with their shows in the past),

Photo: Marnya Rothe

Writer Philip Ridley amazes with an incredibly wellcrafted, hauntingly original play. With 17 scenes scattered throughout, the performance deals with the fragility that comes with being human; the decisions and circumstances that may break us into pieces, and then patch us back up again into something resembling who we used to be.

Outstanding performances from all involved in this nonsequential dramatical, thrilling encapsulation of emotion, fantasy, family, friends and the fragmentation that comes with unity. Keeping you engaged with slight confusion as the story unfolds, Director Claudia Barrie has managed to really transcend the stage, and evoke a real sense of wholeness in the audience while the actors are delivering their intimate lines, leaving you... shivered. (RM) Until May 30,Tuesday - Saturday at 7pm.

The House of Ramon Iglesia this is the second play they have chosen to produce

by Jose Rivera.

“I just think he’s such a fantastic playwright,” says Multari.“He just understands language, and humans, and his relationships are so detailed.” Multari acknowledges there’s something inherent in MopHead’s choice of productions, saying,“…[W] e’re drawn to pieces that really make us feel. I’m aware of how cliché that can soud,” he laughs.“But I think at the end of the day, it’s got to be all about the story and whether it’s a piece that speaks to us.” (SW) May 12 – June 6, Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street,Woolloomooloo.

Tickets $22 - $32, www.oldfitztheatre.com

PACT Theatre, 107 Railway Pde, Erskineville. $26 - $32. Bookings & information: madmarchtheatreco.com

Beyond The Neck

Beyond the Neck, a play by Tom Holloway, is at its heart a tale of grief and how it ripples through people’s lives. It is set ten years after the devastating Port Arthur Massacre and through the eyes of four strangers, it shows how grief never truly leaves you.This beautifully written play gets its title from the stretch of land you travel through to reach Port Arthur.

The cast is led by David Ritchie, well known stage and film actor, who leads a great cast of newcomers, as they play a combination of chorus and character roles to produce a powerful commentary on grief and death. David says it is unpredictable, brilliantly written and complexly thematic. He also states “it is totally engaging and unlike anything you have seen before”.Whilst the play does deal with grief and death Beyond the Neck is also a story of hope. (LB) May 28 - June 13,The King James Theatre, 644 King St (corner of Bray St Newtown), $27 - $33, $23 for groups of 10 or more. Bookings & information: www.kingsttheatre.com.au

a&e

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Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah Maher Sub-Editor: Charlotte Foster For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

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

city hub 28 may 2015

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Ensemble Theatre Presents: Educating Rita Ensemble Theatre’s exciting 2015 season continues with a modern rendition of Willy Russel’s contemporary classic, Educating Rita.

Educating Rita is the powerful and uplifting story of Rita (Catherine McGraffin), a working class hairdresser looking to broaden her horizons through education, and Frank (Mark Kilmurry), a jaded academic looking for a means to support his drinking career. Rita’s love for learning rekindles Frank’s passion for English Literature, but will she steer clear of the pretensions and trappings of bourgeois academia?

Kilmurry is also the director of this production, and took on the role of Frank after the initially-cast Mark Lee had to pull out of the production.Already having done extensive research as director, he and co-Artistic Director Sandra Bates agreed it would be perfect casting. Catherine McGraffin comes to the role of Rita with a deep familiarity and love for the role after staring in the production by Anna Cottrell and Anna Crawford. Catherine’s Ensemble Theatre credits are extensive, and her love for the company is obvious,“It has been immeasurably wonderful to play, learn and perform in both the rehearsal room and the theatre,’ Catherine Says.‘…

My only critique of the place is that the view can make it difficult to concentrate!”

This beloved modern tale of the liberating power of education and the erosive effects of lives halflived is not to be missed. Enjoy dinner or a cocktail before the show at Bayly’s Restaurant, overlooking our beautiful harbour. (JH) Wed May 27 – Sun June 28, 2015.

Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $25 - $69, Bookings: 02 9929 0644 or www.ensemble.com.au.

Dead Time

Four Seasons In One Night Four Seasons In One Night is a backstage pass to Bobby Fox’s experience of getting and playing the role of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. This show is for people who saw Jersey Boys and who loved the show, love the music of Frankie Valli, loved Bobby Fox in the show, and want to know how he and the boys got there.

“It’s told from my perspective,” Bobby Fox explains of his upcoming show. “In a nutshell it’s a telling of my journey, from beginning to end, from the very first time seeing Jersey Boys, my first audition, opening night in Melbourne, the meeting with Frankie Valli, to the curtain down on closing night. A telling of my journey through Jersey Boys using all of the Four Season’s Music, using the biggest of hits from Jersey Boys and the Four Seasons to propel the show along. My story interwoven into their music.”

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE SAMSON Death is the destiny of every man and the living must take it to heart. Four teenagers – African, Asian, Anglo and Aboriginal respectively – are thrown together and torn apart by the death of a friend in a bogan-town backwater. It sounds like another teen-angst melodrama but Samson, the Belvoir St Theatre’s latest production, somehow rises above the banal to achieve surprising levels of warmth 14

city hub 28 may 2015

“Of my closest friends, their questions would always be, ‚so what do you do backstage, how does that happen? You sang at the AFL Grand Final, what was that like?’

This show answers that.There is one moment when I went to see Frankie performing live and he gave me a lift back to my hotel room in his limo and we talked about singing, song writing and performing and I surprised my girlfriend by calling her and putting her on the phone to Frankie,” says Fox, giving away some of the material. (MS) June 2 – 7, 2015,Tue 6:30pm (Preview & Meet the Cast); Wed - Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 5pm.

Glen Street Theatre, corner Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose. $71 - $46. Student Rush tickets $16. Bookings & information: www.glenstreet.com.au or 9975 1455

and depth. Amidst all the ‘f**ks’ – and some of the dialogue contains nothing else – there is a fragile innocence to each character.Though not completely satisfying, the young cast bring energy and find beauty in the strangest places. (GW) Until May 31,Tuesday 7pm,Wednesday – Friday, 8:15pm, Saturday 2:15pm and 8:15pm, Sunday 5:15pm, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, $3848, belvoir.com.au, 02 9699 3444.

BITCH BOXER Katherine Shearer comes out swinging in Bitch Boxer, an inspiring one-woman show

making its NSW debut at the Old 505 Theatre. Based on the true event of women being allowed to compete in Olympic boxing for the first time ever in the 2012 Olympics, Charlotte Josephine’s script is less about boxing and more about ‘women doing something that was outside the norm of their expectations’.The audience meets Chloe in the hour before the qualifying fight that will decide whether she will make it into the Olympics, and joins her on a journey exploring her life, relationships and

Dead Time explores the story of Dr Mohamed Haneef, an Indian national working at a Gold Coast Hospital, arrested on July 2 2007 on suspicion of being connected to the attack on Glasgow Airport.

“The play touches on issues of terrorism and how that’s played out in the public arena, the way it’s represented by the government and the way the media reports on terrorism, but the heart of the story is not about terrorism. It tends more towards civil rights,” explains the play’s writer and director Fleur Beaupert.

“Overall there are two strands to the play. On one hand you have the experience of imprisonment and disempowerment... we wanted to create a sense of what that would be like, a person being imprisoned and not knowing when they’re going to be released. On the other hand you have people coming together to try and rally to support a person, a sense of connection between people and resilience of the human spirit.”

There are certain abstract moments in the play, it’s not completely chronological. Much of it is based around the interviews that happened between the Australian Federal Police and Dr Haneef. There’s the relationship between him the circumstances that led her to discover boxing as an outlet to express herself and channel her anger. (AM) Until May 31,The Old 505 Theatre, Suite 505, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $22-$33, tickets: http://www.trybooking. com/HKPT THE BIRDCAGE After a sell-out run in Penrith, directors Anthony Brown and Joanne King of Ruby Productions are dazzling Sydney audiences with The Birdcage at Glebe’s Roxbury Hotel.The show adapts one of Robin Williams’ best

and the police officers, there’s a dramatic storyline involving the media with two journalist characters. We also see the role of the government, one actor represents a number of government figures that play a role in the story.

“It’s fairly clear that the anti-terrorism laws we have in place now do go a little further than the traditional approach to criminal justice. The new Dead Time provision in the Commonwealth Crimes Act allowed Dr Haneef to be detained for longer without being charged and this was previously unknown in our justice system,” adds Beaupert. (MS) May 20-29, Wednesday to Friday, 107 Projects, 107 Redfern Street, Redfern.

Bookings & information: www.107projects.org or 02 9690 1007

beloved movies from screen to stage. “We’ve been true to the movie script,” says King, “but we’ve also added in some really fantastic dancing and drag queen acts and our choreographer is just fabulous.”

(SW) Until May 30,The Roxbury Hotel, 182 St John’s Road, Glebe. $35,Tickets: www. trybooking.com/128423, (02) 4735 5422. (Additional tickets at the door, every night).

DOGFIGHT This musical adapted from the film of the same name tells the story of Corporal Eddie Birdlace

who meets Rose, a waitress, on his final night out before he is deployed in 1963. It tells the story of a cruel bet gone wrong and how the characters choose to view their lives during this time.The Australian production is directed by Neil Gooding and uses the Broadway adaptation for the show. (LB) May 1 – 31 2015,The Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point.

Tuesday – Saturday 7:30pm, Saturday 2pm, Sunday 5pm. $42-$48.Tickets and info: www.hayestheatre.com.au/ coming-soon/dogfight.html

T H E NAKE D CIT Y

SORRY GUY, WE WERE ROOTING FOR PKN

By Coffin Ed and Miss Death and Jay Katz It’s no secret that the Eurovision Song Contest has been dogged with controversy over the years, be it supposed collusion between certain countries in the voting process or simply the artists chosen to represent the participating nations.This year Australia’s own Guy Sebastian was ‘invited’ as a kind of wildcard entry, heavily promoted by the local broadcaster SBS TV. The contest itself has always been a kind of glitzy, kitsch, musical theatre and whether Guy was the most appropriate ambassador to send from this country is open to debate. Certainly the fact that his record company Sony was prepared to get behind him and help stake the visit was a deciding factor. In other countries the choice of a representative has been more democratic, sometimes decided by a popular vote.

In Finland the people’s choice was clearly Pertti Kurikan Nimipaivat (aka PKN), the ground breaking punk band from Helsinki, made up of members with varying degrees of learning difficulties. Sadly after winning the country’s public selection process they were knocked out in the Eurovision semi finals.The scenario sounds like something out of an Aki Kaurusmaki movie in its bleak poignancy but we’re sure the lads in PKN will take their rejection with the usual punk nonchalance.

As it eventuated on the weekend, Guy eventually finished fifth. Had he actually won it could well have created a major diplomatic stink with our intrusion into the once exclusive Euro cultural zone.We could well have been be asked to become a de facto member of the European Union and cough up millions to help ward off the imminent Greek bankruptcy.

exhibitions THE PANIC OFFICE As the days grow progressively shorter and Sydney-Siders ease into another mild winter, hearts are warmed by the thought of another Vivid Festival fast approaching. As part of the Vivid and Semi-Permanent Festivals, Carriageworks is hosting Stanley Donwood’s interactive and retrospective exhibition, The Panic Office. Donwood’s work is at times

Mark Whalen – Improper Fraction Los Angeles based artist Mark Whalen is back in Australia with his newest solo exhibition: Improper Fraction.

Currently running at Sydney’s Chalk Horse Gallery in Darlinghurst, fans of Whalen’s unapologetically colourful and geometric art style are able to check it out between Thursdays and Sundays from now until June 6.

Encompassing themes of race and class within dystopian futures,Whalen’s works are rife with meaning and manage to strike a fine balance between visual aesthetics and personal significance

– often through the use of very bold colours and peculiar settings.

With entry free of charge, people of all age groups and backgrounds are encouraged to come along. A testament to the universal perfection of mathematics and geometry, Improper Fraction is sure to leave a lasting impression, even if that impression is confusion for some. (MB) Thursdays-Sundays May 7 – June 6, Chalk Horse Gallery, 171 William Street, Darlinghurst, Free Entry, www.chalkhorse.com.au

We were a bit disappointed to read last week that Guy was toning down his on stage performance and canning most of the proposed pyrotechnics. Good Lord – what would Clover Moore think? Australia is the home of big budget fireworks – we love to see those millions go up in smoke – and if Guy was not prepared to at least evoke NYE, Sydney Harbour style, then maybe he should have stayed at home. Positively un-Australian if you ask us!

Then again we would be prepared to overlook the absence of flower pots and catherine wheels if Mr Sebastian had injected some real, down home, you beaut Australiana into the act – not the modern LA hip hop hipster look that he currently employs. Souped up, tinsel decked folklorica has always been an essential part of Eurovision shtick and Guy should have embraced the tradition rather than shunning it with yet another tatt on his biceps. .

Why not some back up dancers or singers resplendent in super fluffy, LED decked Koala suits, disco synching to every beat of his chosen Euro anthem Tonight Again. Sounds good? Then why not Guy himself, unashamedly Aussie in a pair of skin tight latex stubbies,Aussie blue singlet and a cork string hat, doing the stompy wompy in a pair of genuine sheepskin Uggs.

SBS was certainly cashing in on a bit of old style Aussie jingoism with Guy’s entry this year at Eurovision and no doubt it boosted the local ratings just like the garbage trucks that barricaded their studios prior to Struggle Street. Maybe we shouldn’t be so cynical about an event that was essentially a bit of light hearted entertainment, albeit with nationalistic overtones. It’s just a shame that punky PKN have missed the final and the chance to share a slab of good old VB with hipster Guy backstage.

playfully irreverent, while other works evoke dark and visceral emotions. A range of his paintings, prints and drawings spanning the past 25 years will be on display. Fans of the 90’s Alternative Rock scene are invited to take an angst-ridden journey down memory lane; Stanley Donwood has worked with Radiohead since 1994, designing the group’s album covers and all associated artwork. The exhibition will display thousands of pieces of artwork from Radiohead albums, as

well as original works, all bearing Donwood’s evocative and haunting imagery that has helped to create one of the world’s most distinctive brands. (JH) Until 6 June 2015,The Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, FREE. DEBBY DOESN’T DO IT FOR FREE June sees the arrival of a bold new exhibition at Darlinghurst’s TAP Gallery, revealing a rarely seen side of sex work. Debby Doesn’t Do It For Free comprises eye-opening works from an intergenerational

collective of 26 sex worker artists, male and female, all telling their stories with art. The artists’ stories are told in a range of mediums, everything from photography to body paint to embroidery and lino cuts. The centrepiece of the show is the HJ Hooker performance window, occupied by members of the collective. The provocative installation promises to attract some attention from Palmer street passers-by. The entire exhibition sets out to unravel some commonly held

stereotypes. (CC) June 2 – 6,TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst, FREE entry, Details: http://www.tapgallery.org.au/debbydoesnt-do-it-for-free/ SOMEWHERE IN JAFFA As part of Sydney’s Head On Photo Festival, this exhibition is a meander through the ancient streets and laneways of multicultural Jaffa, on Tel Aviv’s south side. Jews, Christians, and Muslims not only live together in peace but thrive in an atmosphere of culture, entertainment, and good

food. Photographer Nathan Miller captures the diversity, hospitality and complexities of his subjects through starkly beautiful black and white photography, heightening the contradictions of life in Jaffa. This is a singular exhibition, and an excellent selection for SOHO Gallery’s first photographic exhibition. (JH) Until June 5, Soho Galleries Sydney – 104 Cathedral St, Sydney. Further information: https://headon.com.au/ exhibitions/somewherejaffa#sthash.3pTd2DXa.dpuf city hub 28 may 2015

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© Stefan Rabold - Frisbeefilms

PARTISAN Screened at the Sundance Film Festival, this Australian drama/thriller revolves around an isolated commune consisting of abused women and children.

Commune leader Gregori (Vincent Cassel) has transformed the children into assassins and tragedy strikes when his adopted 11-year-old son Alexander (Jeremy Chabriel) finally refutes his teachings.

The story is seen from Alexander’s perspective and talented child actor Chabriel is astounding in his portrayal of this murderous character. Both the leads deliver powerful performances and work well together as father and son.

The exterior scenes were shot in Eastern Europe and this movie won an award for its outstanding cinematography.

Adversely, the film’s sluggish pace, lack of substance and abrupt ending detract.Ambiguities such as the unexplained reasoning for the assassinations and the unspecified time, place and culture the story is set in also disappoint.

This dark coming-of-age film containing graphic scenes of cold-blooded-murder highlights that children will ultimately distinguish between right and wrong.(MMo) WWW

Stereo Played by Jürgen Vogel, Erik Kepler is a man with a past he would rather forget. Keeping face as a motorbike mechanic in a small German village with his lover and potential girlfriend Julia (Petra Schmidt-Schaller), Erik soon finds himself in a familiar sense of trouble upon the arrival of a hooded man (Moritz Bleibtreu).

Stereo provides a rock solid ninety-eight minutes of tense plot twists. Unfortunately however it tends to lack a little in character development and

HUMAN RIGHTS ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL For the eighth year in a row, the HRAFF exhibits an amazing selection of contemporary work in cinema, art and public forums.The 2015 HRAFF program showcases 31 feature films, 18 shorts, 5 exhibitions, and 15 forums.

Introducing the most outstanding international films and artwork, the HRAFF will definitely move, inspire and challenge audiences no matter their walk of life.

Sydney’s program features screenings at Dendy Cinema Newtown including Ivory Tower (Friday 29 May) questioning the cost of student debt in America and the self-explanatory Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story (Saturday 30 May).

(RM+AM) Until May 30, $14-17, mini-pass $72, Dendy Cinema Newtown, 261-263 King Street, Newtown, hraff.org.au INFINI This ambitious Australian sci-fi film is set in the 23rd Century.

When a catastrophic accident occurs on a mining station in outer space, a rescue team is deployed to save lone survivor Whit Carmichael 16

city hub 28 may 2015

may cause some to struggle sympathising with the two mains despite great performances – especially from Bleibtreu. Dealing heavily in themes of tragedy and mental instability, it would have been nice to see these characters humanised a tiny bit more in order further the emotional impact.

Despite this, Stereo still stands as a very heartfelt story that does not shy away from pulling punches – literally. (MB) WWW1/2

(Daniel MacPherson), but a deadly alien force awaits.This respectable deep space disaster film 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.This film will be readily available digitally from May 8 on many platforms including iTunes, Google Play, Quickflix,Telstra, Foxtel On Demand and Dendy Direct.

(MMo) WWW BANKSY DOES NEW YORK Banksy is one of the most controversial artists in the world today, yet no one knows who he is.

In October 2013, Banksy covertly took to the streets of New York to create a series of public artworks, chased along the way by the NYPD who wanted to arrest him, and members of the public who wanted to know who he really was, and profit from stealing his art. Filmed without Banksy’s original knowledge, or his assistance, Banksy Does New

York has brought the artist’s residency to a wider audience, and accesses the pulsating hub of the city itself. (LS) Playing exclusively at the Dendy Theatre Newtown from Apr 23 CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA This German-French-Swiss coproduction is a brilliantly written and intense drama which focuses on an actress’s emotional upheaval once she has signed on for the resurrection of a stage play. Many viewers will be exhausted by the depth in themes and perplexed by the complexities in characterizations and storylines, but lovers of fine cinema should be absorbed and challenged by these intricacies.

Beautifully filmed in the stunning and remote regions of the Alps, this is a performance driven film with the talents of three exceptional actresses also including Kristen Stewart. (MMo) WWWW HUMPBACK WHALES 3D Audiences join the expedition as scientists traverse the oceans of the world in search of humpback whales

and make new discoveries about their feeding and mating habits.

Narrated by Ewan McGregor, this documentary which is exclusively filmed in the 70mm IMAX format for giant screens is insightful and educational.

In all its grandeur, this production translates to an exhilarating and rewarding experience for the entire family. (MMo) IMAX, Darling Harbour, $17 – $23, imax.com.au WWWW KUMIKO,THE TREASURE HUNTER This drama explores the ideal that obsession can lead to disillusionment and a slow path to self-destruction.

Kumiko (Rinko Kikuchi) is depressed and lives a lonely and mundane life in Tokyo. Upon viewing a discarded copy of the 1996 film Fargo, she obsesses over the illusion that the hidden fortune exists and embarks on a desperate search to America.

She loses touch with reality and ultimately fantasy leads to danger.

Comic elements are welcoming and stem from the delightful and quirky characters Kumiko meets on her journey.

Beautifully filmed, especially scenes in the frozen Minnesota wilderness, this film thrives from its originality.

(MMo) WWW½ SUNDAY Sunday opens on what appears to be a couple in a physical and emotional paradise. This atmosphere is soon completely shattered; we have been watching a flashback. No longer a couple and separated by distance, Australian Charlie (Dustin Clare) arrives in Christchurch hoping to win back Eve (Camille Keenan) and contend with the arrival of what usually is considered a bundle of joy.

Throughout the film we are not treated to grandiose scenes of adventurous and comedic wooing but instead revel in the reality of the characters situation. It is easy to relate to them because the actors play them with such honesty, we often find ourselves siding with one but also understanding the motives of the other.

Shot in an earthquake ravaged Christchurch; the terrain also adds an element of either hope or impending disaster.You’ll just have to

find out! (BM) WWW THE AGE Of ADALINE At the age of 29, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) is involved at near-fatal car accident, after which she ceases to age. Constantly on the run from authorities who want to ‘study’ her and her fear of hurting others, she leads a relatively isolated existence, safe for her daughter from her preaccident marriage (Ellen Burstyn).

When she meets wealthy philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), who also happens to be charming and good-looking, her resistance to his persistent attempts to engage with her predictably is challenged. Eventually, her passion to live and to love begin to be reawaken, but just when it seems she is letting go, a chance encounter threatens to expose her and spreads the seeds of panic. A ‘magical reality’ film in the tradition of The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, this wellcrafted tale from director Lee Toland Krieger celebrates the underappreciated joy of growing old with someone. (CCov) WWW

Jeremy Neale: Brisbanite Jeremy Neale set to kick off his east coast Hold On Together single launch tour.Teaming up with Phoebe Imhoff, the pair have created a track that has found its way into the hearts of everyone that has heard it.

Fri, May 29,Waywards Methyl Ethel: The Perth-based trio finish up their tour supporting San Cisco this weekend. On stage the band enjoys taking their audience on an audio-visual journey into pop-experimentalism.

Sat, May 30, Enmore Theatre In Hearts Wake: Following the highly successful release of their latest album Skydancer, which saw it debut at number two on the ARIA charts, the Byron Bay outfit arrive in Sydney this weekend. Given the hype surrounding their album this is sure to be a hot ticket this weekend.

Sat, May 30, Roundhouse Dress Up Attack!: A mini festival for kids and grown ups alike; combining a mixture

of interactive activities from bands and DJ’s, to creative play experiences and book readings.This event is designed for kids aged 2-8 years old and their parents to all have an enjoyable music filled day out, and everyone is encouraged to dress up.

Sun, May 31, Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House Grace Jones: The internationally acclaimed artist, fashion icon and music superstar is set to perform exclusively for Sydney audiences as part of Vivid Sydney.

One of the world’s most influential and eclectic performers, this is is a must see event.

Mon, Jun 1, Modulations at Carriageworks Gang OfYouth’s: Having opened their The Positions album tour in Sydney with a sold out show, the Gang of Youth’s have decided to finish up where they started with a second show in Sydney this week.

With their album debuting at number five on the ARIA charts, multiple sold out shows along the way and positive reviews pouring in, this is another high demand show.

Tue, Jun 2, Oxford Art Factory Angela Ayes: For years Angela, one our finest theatre and cabaret performers, has wanted to perform her tribute to Linda Ronstadt whom she has long admired and this week she will finally get that opportunity.

Wed, Jun 3,The Vanguard

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Splitting their time between Melbourne and New York, the hardcore outfit has grown into a worldwide force for the genre, particularly in Europe. During this time the group have released four full-length studio albums and are set to tour Australia this June in celebration of their most recent release Word Is Bond.

“Obviously everyone is going to say their new record is their best but that is honestly how I feel right now,” said guitarist Matt ‚RealBad’ Rogers.Without going into specifics, Matt spoke of how the mindsets and emotions of the band members affected the recording process of Word Is Bond:“I don’t want to say dark, but it was definitely harder than all of the other records. Everyone was going through their own shit but I think that is what made it

such a heavy record.”

The hardcore music scene has often been branded with a stigma of violence and aggression by outsiders. Deez Nuts however are adamant that their shows offer a much more welcoming atmosphere than many others:“It’s just a party, straight up. It’s not violent, we have your typical hardcore parts with kids dancing, but often it’s more like a party with kids hanging out and singing along,” said Matt.

Along with trying to change the stereotype of

a hardcore show, the band is also trying to improve the scene for bands following in their footsteps. Matt spoke of his experiences performing in Europe and how they would like to see that culture spread to the United States and Australia:“Every kid gives a fuck over there, not saying that they don’t elsewhere, but in the US everyone is ‚too cool’ or only goes for the last band and Australia is much the same.

Whereas in Europe they are there from start to finish, which is the way it should be.”

In saying that the band is extremely excited to be touring Australia and playing Sydney in particular.“I love playing Sydney, it’s my second favourite place in Australia and my fourth favourite in the world to play,” said Matt.

Joining Deez Nuts for the tour will be three other bands and close friends:Antagonist AD, who are also launching a new album, Relentless and Earth Caller, both of which are touring nationally for the first time.

June 5,The Bald Faced Stag, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichardt, $28.60 June 6, Red Rattler Theatre, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville, $28.60 Tickets & info: weareunified.oztix.com.au

Violent Femmes – Happy New Year

Hermitude - Dark Night Sweet Light

The long wait is over.After fifteen years, the Violent Femmes have a new release, an EP comprised of four songs and the hope for a Happy New Year.

Short but deliciously sweet, this EP is made to sound easy going. Hitting the notes in an improvised manner, without being overshadowed by expectation. (SP) WW1/2

Precise yet unrestrained is the biggest compliment I can give the Sydney duo’s fifth studio album.With this release the pair have created a unique concoction of hip-hop, electronic soul and big bass heavy tunes that will be a beacon for the emerging Australian future beats sound to follow. Each progressive listen reveals more complexities, each track has been inspected meticulously rather than shoe horning in yet another catchy hook or melody. (JA) WWWW1/2

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Number56: The mysterious minds behind one of Berlin’s hottest nightlife venues, Salon-Zur Wilden Renate, are set to bring their authentic German twist to Sydney.

With no fixed address each event is taking place behind a hidden door in a secret venue, with the inaugural event headlined

by Germany’s very own trendsetter Steve Bug, who has previously played in such iconic venues as Berghain and Watergate.

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city hub 28 may 2015

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FREEWILLASTROLOGY

by Rob Brezsny

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keith Moon played drums for the rock band the Who. He was once voted the second-greatest drummer in history. But his erratic behavior, often provoked by drugs or alcohol, sometimes interfered with his abilities. In 1973, the Who was doing a live concert near San Francisco when the horse tranquilizer that Moon had taken earlier caused him to pass out. The band appealed to the audience for help. “Can anybody play the drums?” asked guitarist Pete Townshend. “I mean somebody good?” A 19-year-old amateur drummer named Scot Halpin volunteered. He played well enough to finish the show. I suspect that sometime soon, Aries, you may also get an unexpected opportunity to play the role of a substitute. Be ready!

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The weta is a very large insect whose habitat is New Zealand. It looks like a robotic grasshopper, with giant black eyes on a long red face, enlarged hind legs bearing spikes, and floppy, oversized antennae. The native Maori people call it “the god of the ugly things.” Please note that this is a term of respect. The weta’s title is not “the most monstrous of the ugly things,” or “the worst” or “the scariest” or “the most worthless of the ugly things.” Rather, the Maori

say it’s the god -- the highest, the best, the most glorious.

I suspect that in the coming days, Taurus, you will have a close encounter with your own version of a “god of ugly things.” Doesn’t it deserve your love and welcome?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You have successfully made the transition from brooding caterpillar to social butterfly. Soon you will be in your full, fluttery glory, never lingering too long with one thought, one friend, or one identity. Some heavy-duty, level-headed stalwarts might wish you would be more earthy and anchored, but I don’t share their concern. At least for now, having a long attention span is overrated. You have entered the fidgety, inquisitive part of your cycle, when flitting and flirting and flickering make perfect sense.

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CANCER (June 21-July 22): Only one fear is worthy of you. Only one fear is real enough and important enough to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence.

So for now, I suggest that you retire all lesser fears. Stuff them in a garbage bag and hide them in a closet. Then put on your brave champion face, gather the allies and resources you need, and go forth into glorious battle. Wrestle with your one fear. Reason with it. If necessary, use guile and trickery to gain an advantage.

Call on divine inspiration and be a wickedly good truth-teller.

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And this is crucial: Use your fear to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence.

efforts that will enable you to eventually accomplish one of your long-range goals.

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the coming nights, try to see your shadow as it’s cast on the ground by the moon. Not by the sun, mind you. Look for the shadow that’s made by the light of the moon. It might sound farfetched, but I suspect this experience will have a potent impact on your subconscious mind. It may jostle loose secrets that you have been hiding from yourself. I bet it will give you access to emotions and intuitions you have been repressing. It could also help you realize that some of the deep, dark stuff you wrestle with is not bad and scary, but rather fertile and fascinating.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The ancient Greek statesman Demosthenes was regarded as a supremely skilled orator. His speeches were so powerful that he was compared to a “blazing thunderbolt.”

And yet as a youngster he spoke awkwardly. His voice was weak and his enunciation weird. To transform himself, he took drastic measures.

He put pebbles in his mouth to force himself to formulate his words with great care. He recited poems as he ran up and down hills. At the beach, he learned to outshout the pounding surf. Take inspiration from him, Virgo. Now would be an excellent time for you to plan and launch strenuous

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suspect that marriages of convenience will begin to wither away unless they evolve into bonds of affection.

Connections that have been fed primarily on fun and games must acquire more ballast. In fact, I recommend that you re-evaluate all your contracts and agreements. How are they working for you? Do they still serve the purpose you want them to? Is it time to acknowledge that they have transformed and need to be reconfigured? As you take inventory, be both toughminded and compassionate.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Long-distance flirtations may soon be just around the corner or across the street.

Remote possibilities are taking short cuts as they head your way. I swear the far horizon and the lucky stars seem closer than usual. Is it all a mirage?

Some of it may be, but at least a part of it is very real. If you want to be ready to seize the surprising opportunities that show up in your vicinity, I suggest you make yourself as innocent and expansive as possible. Drop any jaded attitudes you may be harboring.

Let the future know that you are prepared to receive a flood of beauty, truth, and help.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Petrarch was an influential 14th-century Italian poet whose main work was Song Book. It’s a collection of 366 poems, most of which are dedicated to Laura, the woman he loved. For 40 years he churned out testaments of longing and appreciation for her, despite the fact that he and she never spent time together.

She was married to another man, and was wrapped up in raising her eleven children.

Should we judge Petrarch harshly for choosing a muse who was so unavailable? I don’t. Muse-choosing is a mysterious and sacred process that transcends logic. I’m bringing the subject to your attention because you’re entering a new phase in your relationship with muses. It’s either time to choose a new one (or two?) or else adjust your bonds with your current muses.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “The soul moves in circles,” said the ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus.

Modern psychologist James Hillmans agreed, and added this thought: “Hence our lives are not moving straight ahead; instead, hovering, wavering, returning, renewing, repeating.”

I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, because you’re now in an extra-intense phase of winding and rambling.

This is a good thing! You are spiraling back to get another look at interesting teachings you didn’t master the first time

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around. You are building on past efforts that weren’t strong enough. Your words of power are crooked, gyrate, curvy, labyrinthine, and corkscrew.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s no coincidence that your libido and your mojo are booming at the same time.

Your libido is in the midst of a deep, hearty awakening, which is generating a surplus of potent, super-fine mojo. And your surplus of potent, superfine mojo is in turn inciting your libido’s even deeper, heartier awakening. There may be times in the coming week when you feel like you are living with a wild animal. As long as you keep the creature well-fed and well-stroked, it should provide you with lots of vigorous, even boisterous fun.

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early,” quipped 19th-century English author Charles Lamb. I invite you to adopt that breezy, lazy attitude in the coming weeks. It’s high time for you to slip into a very comfortable, laidback mood . . . to give yourself a lot of slack, explore the mysteries of dreamy indolence, and quiet down the chirpy voices in your head.

Even if you can’t literally call in sick to your job and spend a few days wandering free, do everything you can to claim as much low-pressure, unhurried spaciousness as possible.

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WRITERS AND OPINION MAKERS WANTED The Alternative Media Group of Australia is looking for writers.

Opportunities in print and online are available to opinion makers and up and coming journalists.

Send a CV, writing samples and a covering letter to: cityhub@alternativemediagroup.com

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Parking available in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe. www.kingscourt.com.au

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

I was recently sitting on a mixed table at a wedding. The others were accountants and doctors and their wives. I was not comfortable when asked about my occupation but the groom, a long time friend, came over and dropped me right in it so I proceeded to explain about the sex industry and the difference of Kings Court Massage. I explained that it was a place where sensible polite men can enjoy the company of young women who are happy to provide a naked massage with a thrill at the end.

I went on to explain that in essence the masseuse says, “I am happy to give you a naked massage with a thrill at the end but I have to be the one in control at all times. There are some limitations as to where you can touch me and we can have a drink while sitting in the spa and then it is an adult massage to the happy ending.”

I then sat back and winced but was surprised to find that they enthusiastically wanted to know more and the general opinion developed that I was doing a good job in providing an alternative kind of service to that of other places and it was good that it was no potential harm to those involved; harmless fun!

We often explain Kings Court Massage as being the kindergarten of the sex industry because our ladies only provide an adult massage with a “happy ending,” so the ladies are not the same as in other places.

It is easily the largest place in Australia and since 1990 has occupied a four story building on Parramatta Road Glebe where there are 22 massage rooms and 11 different spas and bubble baths. In the early days when it was illegal it would have been described as a massage parlour or bathhouse, however it really has never been a full service place. The experience for our customers must be satisfying enough for us to have lots of regular clients. A great massage with a guaranteed result is considered by many to be better than the other thing anyway.

They, on the table, were surprised when I explained that many massage ladies start at about 22 to 24 years of age and most have only had two or three boyfriends. Our shy new ladies need to have not worked before and therefore do not have the experience or training to deal with massaging other ladies so we are not able to accommodate couples. Ladies

are usually from 18 to 25 and most customers are usually from 25 to 40 years of age. We do not describe the ladies as “girls” as this implies underage, however they are pretty young things from Australia, NZ, the Americas and Europe with some also from Japan and East Asia. Most are fluent with English and love chatting in the spas. They are quite shy when meeting clients in the lounge area and guard their private lives in that we are unable to have their photos on our web site. Sometimes we refer to the ladies as “girl-next-door” types. Most ladies work for three to eighteen months and then disappear back into the community and turn up years later with husbands and kids.

Customers meet the ladies in a large lounge area that has pool tables and leather lounges and a friendly atmosphere. It is like an oldfashioned explorers club. Some younger men have said they are not that comfortable as it seems like a place where their fathers would have gone. There are no hidden waiting rooms where bad clients can sneak through unnoticed.

Most clients like to be helped to make a choice by our friendly managers who will not coerce the ladies to do extras. Clients are allowed to ask for extras but not allowed to get upset when the answer is NO! Potential customers are invited to view the Internet site at www.kingscourt.com.au and we recommend they read the “Ten Tips” guidelines on how to become a happy customer.

Everyone knows someone who should know about Kings Court. You may know some girl who needs a harmless job to help with her circumstances or some guy who needs to start out on the right track in the right place with respect for women.

We are currently looking for new ladies who would like to be a little bit naughty. It is a safe place for them to not have to do the whole service and everyone knows someone who could handle a bit of a discrete financial boost. Problem is that if you introduce her you cannot become her customer in the same way Big John does not ask for favours from the girls either.

I hope the above gives you an idea about the way Kings Court Massage is run and about about our ethics.

Big John city hub 28 may 2015

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