City Hub 28 May 2020 by Alt Media

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PYMONT BUSINESSES HAVE REINVENTED THEMSELVES TO STAY OPEN DURING THIS HISTORIC TIME

BY MADISON BEHRINGER

ocated in the park on Pirrama Road in Pyrmont, local café Jack Bodice has, like many other small businesses in the area, had to adapt during the COVID-19 restrictions. City Hub spoke with owner operator John Di Giorgio about the changes he’s made to his business model and how Jack Bodice has flourished as a result. “I changed the way I did things quite quickly down at Pyrmont in particular. I had success with what I changed it to because I’m fortunate enough to have a major walking path through that park there. The way I engaged

JACK BODICE things differently allowed me to sustain business,” said Di Giorgio. When restrictions began, Di Giorgio completely changed his business model to accumulate more exposure for the café while providing the community with a perfect place to stop while walking or exercising in the park. Di Giorgio said, “I took the coffee machine outdoors and I set up an outdoor barbecue. I took to an outdoor food market type of set-up. I had the

mentality of serving food like you would receive at a food truck where you order and don’t have to wait long for your meal.” John went on to say, “we had to step out and be a little bit more prevalent in the Pyrmont community and become more engaging to sustain business. A number of things worked well with the changes we made.” Looking into the future, Di Giorgio says he will revert Jack Bodice back to its

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original style of operation quite slowly, pending feedback from customers. “Now that restrictions are easing I’m actually reluctant to change Jack Bodice back to a classic café offering as we have done quite well since moving things out the front and being more visible.” In addition to Jack Bodice, Di Giorgio has also created a home delivery service offering groceries, sweets and essentials right to your door. Brought By Jack is a contactless delivery service and offers fruit & veg, meat and grocery value packs.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS (Continued from the cover)

BY MADISON BEHRINGER

Restrictions are slowly being lifted across Sydney and the usually lively city of Pyrmont is slowly opening up again, one business at a time. From June 1, most venues will be able to welcome up to 50 patrons at a time, dependant on the size of their space. As restrictions are easing, areas around Pyrmont and Darling Harbour are seeing more people return to work each day alongside an increase in visitors to the area. We’ve created a list of things to do, see, eat and learn in Pyrmont now that we’re able to start getting out and about again.

EAT SYDNEY FISH MARKET The Sydney Fish Market has been Australia’s home of seafood since 1966 and features a huge range of seafood retailers from across Sydney. Located right on the harbour, the market is your one stop shop for all things seafood, including open air dining, bars and baked goods. With restrictions easing, some Sydney Fish Market retailers are opening their dining areas to the public again, while still offering home delivery and their usual takeaway market offerings. Info: www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au SOCIAL BREW CAFÉ Owned and run by Pyrmont locals Andrew and Carla, the Social Brew Café is a local landmark on the corner of Harris Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road. They offer a range of breakfast and lunch meals and are also on Uber Eats if you’re someone who still can’t venture out for a bite to eat. Featuring internationally inspired bites using seasonal local produce, the Social Brew Café is one to add to your list of eateries to visit as restrictions ease. Info: www.socialbrewcafe.com.au TERMINUS One of the oldest pubs in Sydney, the Terminus Hotel in the heart of Pyrmont has continued offering pub feeds via takeaway and home delivery during the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Their menu is packed with hearty

or now, we’re all being encouraged to continue working from home if we can. The thought of eventually having to head back into a cramped and dull office isn’t a very enticing one. Here Coworking are located right in the heart of Pyrmont overlooking Johnstons Bay, providing a state of the art openplan office space available to hire and utilise for meetings, events, training and day-to-day operations. Here Coworking are looking forward into future, post COVID-19, saying: “Like most businesses, we at Here Coworking are having to assess our industry and the immense impact that COVID-19 will have for the future. Like most businesses, we face uncertainty around what the future might hold, however we believe that the brightest of futures will belong to businesses that start their evolution today.”

CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020

pub food including burgers, schnitzel and weekend roasts. A favourite local for Pyrmont residents, Terminus is a classic Aussie pub rich in history, well worth a visit once restrictions ease on June 1. Info: www.terminuspyrmont.com

SHOP BROADWAY SHOPPING CENTRE With retail stores opening their doors again, a coffee and catchup with friends is probably well-overdue with a little retail therapy thrown in on the side. Broadway Shopping Centre, located right in the heart of Ultimo is currently offering free parking for shoppers during the COVID-19 period. Broadway houses brand names like Kmart, Harris Farm, Coles and Aldi and also features a wide range of retail and speciality stores. Info: www.broadwaysydney.com.au

DO MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS & SCIENCES (POWERHOUSE MUSEUM) Many larger venues such as theatres and museums are still unable to open under current restrictions. The Powerhouse Museum, located close to Darling Harbour on Harris Street in Ultimo is one larger venue temporarily closed as a result of the lockdowns. You may not be able to wander through the museum itself just yet, but the Powerhouse Museum are offering online access to museum collections, exhibitions and activities you can do at

home by yourself or with the kids. You can explore their online content here: www.maas.museum AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Similar to the Powerhouse, the Maritime Museum in the heart of Pyrmont has closed its doors to the public since restrictions set in back in March. The museum will open again on June 22, but between now and then they have a huge range of content to explore on their website, including exhibitions, events and encounters. You can access their content here: www.sea.museum

LEARN For a lot of students across schools, universities and TAFE their 2020 learning has been significantly interrupted by facility closures and a shift to online learning. Here are some updates on how educational facilities in the Pyrmont area have responded and supported their students. AUSTRALIAN FILM TELEVISION AND RADIO SCHOOL (AFTRS) AFTRS is nestled in Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter and offers courses in screen, radio, film, writing and directing, among others. After a staff member at the school tested positive to COVID-19 back in March, the facility closed its doors and moved to online learning for all courses. With the assistance of the NSW Health Unit, no further related cases of the virus arose and students are able to

COWORKING SPACES

Photo supplied

access all course material online. Like many universities, AFTRS postponed their Autumn graduation ceremonies until Spring. Info: www.aftrs.edu.au AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MUSIC (AIM) The Australian Institute of Music is a private music school located in the heart of Surry Hills. Their Sydney campus is usually filled with the sound of students practicing and performing music but as of March the campus has been closed. In response to the COVID-19 lockdowns, AIM have moved all of their courses online, and are encouraging new applicants to continue to apply despite campus closures, ensuring students are able to access full support and resources via their online portal. Info: www.aim.edu.au UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY (UTS) UTS is one of Sydney’s largest university campuses and is a public research university located in Ultimo. Most of UTS’ subjects have been moved online during this period, and the university is encouraging all students and staff to work and study from home if possible. The campus is still open however, and students and staff with valid ID are able to access most facilities. For subjects requiring laboratory or practical based study, UTS have kept their facilities open to students to limit disruptions on their studies. Info: www.uts.edu.au Here are providing a range of support options to their members who are currently working from home and not occupying the shared workspace with payment plans and freezing of members fees available. The company is encouraging its current and future members to continue embracing a sense of community, even while apart saying, “… our community will continue to interact as we help them continue to connect online while in self-isolation.” Here Coworking have created a manifesto outlining their goals for shared workspaces in the coming months, (accessible on their website here: www.herecoworking.com) including their mission statement during this difficult time: “Our COVID-19 mission: to ensure our members can remain connected to their community, no matter the distance. To remove the feeling of isolation during isolation.”

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PYRMONT’S POST-COVID-19 ROAD TO RECOVERY WEBINAR

The Pyrmont-Ultimo precinct is facing challenges that have affected all aspects of business and resident life. The suburb is a hub of talent and creative people who are geared to be resilient when a challenge presents itself. On June 17 these community members will all come together for a special webinar to share their experiences and discuss how that have adapted to a COVID-19 world. Alongside residents and business owners the webinar will also feature Belinda Clarke from the Restaurant & Catering Association who will provide the latest update on navigating the changes in COVID-19 restrictions and what this means for Pyrmont. Jess Scully, the Deputy Lord Mayor, will also be on the panel to provide insights on how the City of Sydney is supporting local businesses on the road to recovery.

• • • •

PANELLISTS WILL INCLUDE:

Jess Scully, Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Sydney. John Di Giorgio, Owner, Jack Bodice Cafe, Pyrmont. Ann Charleston, Owner, Movement Republic, Pyrmont. Belinda Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, Restaurant & Catering Association. • Jon Stewart, Head of External Affairs, The Star. • Moderator: Alex Gibbs, President of Pyrmont-Ultimo Chamber of Commerce & CEO of Smile Marketing.

JUN 17, 10:30-11:30AM | To register visit www.pyrmonthub.com.au CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020

FEATURE

FAST TRACK FOR NEW FISH MARKET By ALLISON HORE he NSW Government announced that the development proposal for the new Sydney Fish Market will be fast-tracked through the planning assessment system, which NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian claims is part of a bid to boost the state’s economy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. The Fish Market proposal, by Danish architecture firm, 3XN, is one of 24 projects across the state set to have their assessments accelerated. Ms Berejiklian believes that the 24 projects chosen to be fast-tracked could provide up to 15,000 new jobs and 3,600 new homes and will cement NSW’s place as the country’s powerhouse economy. “NSW is streets – and roads and homes and hospitals and schools – ahead of every other State in providing new jobs, economic growth, infrastructure and services for our people,” she said in a press conference on 22 May. “This health crisis only sharpens our focus and energy as we bring forward the NSW Government’s unprecedented infrastructure spend and create an environment where private and government investment combine to help us rebound from the pandemic together.” Plans for the redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay, which is the world’s third-largest fish market, have been in the works for a while. Despite drawing over 3.5 million visitors each year, and having an estimated economic footprint of $303 million per year, the building constructed during the 1980s is “long overdue” for a revamp. Final approval for the project is set to be delivered within the next few weeks and, should it be given the green light, construction on the $749 million development will start in the second half of this year. The new market complex, which is planned to open in 2024 on a new site at the head of Blackwattle Bay, will be more than double the size of the existing market, at around 15,500 square metres, compared to the current 6582 square meters. It will include space for space for

CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020

NSW Government announced that the development proposal for the new Sydney Fish Market will be fasttracked through the planning assessment system. Photo: Alec Smart

fishmongers, restaurants, bars, the Sydney Seafood School, a waterfront promenade, park and outdoor plaza. The relocation of the Fish Market to the head of the bay will mean that the prime waterfront land along the foreshore in Pyrmont will be opened up, creating a continuous waterfront promenade stretching 15 kilometers from Rozelle to Woolloomooloo.

The relocation of the fish market creates a continuous waterfront promenade stretching 15kms from Rozelle to Woolloomooloo This promenade will increase access to the harbour, said NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes. “Relocating the Fish Market to the head of Blackwattle Bay will improve pedestrian and cycling links and connect more of Glebe and Pyrmont to the water,” he explained.

MORE HIGH-RISE

After a 6-year planning process, which included an environmental assessment and community consultation, the NSW Govt is

considering three “scenarios” for the Blackwattle Bay precinct. The first scenario will have a focus on housing; the second “balanced”; and the third focusing on jobs. Infrastructure NSW say that the proposed scenarios would deliver an “inclusive and iconic waterfront destination that celebrates innovation, diversity and community” and are designed to “facilitate a conversation to inform a final precinct plan.” The residential plan would deliver up to 1,700 new homes to Pyrmont in the form of 9 buildings ranging in height from 18 to 44-storeys with 4 to 6-storey podiums. To complement the housing, the proposal also includes community services, such as childcare and a library or a community centre as well as cafes, shops and public gathering spaces. The third scenario would consist of predominantly warehouse-style, 10-storey commercial office buildings in a bid to bring up an estimated 7,000 jobs to the area. The buildings would be arranged in a tight grid pattern to create car-free laneways and arcades which could be used for social gatherings. This scenario would also bring more residences to the area, with towers ranging from 19 to 45-storeys, housing 1045 apartments. The funds gained from the redevelopment of the old Sydney Fish Market site would recuperate the

estimated cost to taxpayers, which ballooned from $500 million to $750 million late last year. Despite the blow-out in costs, Ms Berejikilian said the price will be “well worth it” and that the reason the cost was much higher than estimated was that the “scope [of the project] has changed significantly”. The public response to the proposal has also been largely positive, with The Committee for Sydney saying it will “drive jobs and growth in Sydney and NSW.” “The expanded facilities should generate hundreds of additional fulltime jobs annually that will contribute positively to Sydney’s economy. The redevelopment is also expected to boost NSW’s Gross State Product (GSP) by as much as $61m per year,” a representative from the committee said in a submission to the planning commission. Seafood and fisheries groups have also backed the proposal to overhaul the “ailing” facility. “Broadly, the development will replace an ailing structure with a new working retail and operational facility, fit for the 21st century,” said Bryan Skepper, a spokesperson for the NSW Seafood Industry Council. “It will, in its new layout, more fully support and encourage growth in the NSW seafood industry through its improved facilities and its greater ability to promote the industry.” While plans for the construction of the new Fish Market are rolling ahead with community backing, pending the fast-tracked government approval, the planning for the new precinct on the old Fish Market site is still in the early stages and no plans are yet concrete. Infrastructure NSW is encouraging the community to provide feedback on the Blackwattle Bay precinct scenarios. They are hosting 3 community webinars for those wanting to find out more about the precinct plan scenarios and the planning process. The next webinar will be held on the 2nd of June and can be registered for on the Infrastructure NSW website. Community consultation and submissions on this phase of the planning will close at 5pm on Friday 19 June.

HubNEWS

FEATURE

NSW Govt seek to fasttrack the Fish Market’s redevelopment (See p.4)

Backpackers in Covid limbo BY JOHN MOYLE t is estimated that around 140,000 backpackers, a sector that contributes around $4bn per year to our economy, remain in the country for a variety of reasons, ranging from not being able to afford exorbitant airfares back to their home countries, to not wanting to return home to worse situations. “Many of these young travellers go to work for a period of time in agriculture, helping farmers with harvest work. They then spend most of their earnings on travelling around Australia,” Paul McGrath, CEO, Youth Hostels Australia, said. In 2018 backpacker total numbers were 606,000 with an average annual spend of $5295 and in Sydney accounted for 24 per cent of all visitor nights. Jonas Funk is a German national who has been in Australia since November and is staying at Chili Blue Backpackers in Potts Point. “Normally I am a lifeguard at Sydney Olympic Park but they closed everything because of Corona and since the middle of march I have not been able to work,” Jonas said. “Since then I have been working here cleaning for free accommodation.”

I HubARTS: Art Gallery Of New South Wales plans to reopen June 1 (See p. 10)

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, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons News Editor: Alec Smart Contributors: Alec Smart, John Moyle, Allison Hore

Backpacker Jonas Funk cleans in exchange for rent, because his regular lifeguard job stopped with Covid-19 restrictions. Photo: John Moyle

Sam Badans, Honorary Secretary, Backpackers Association NSW, runs a large hostel in Sydney where some of those staying have been able to maintain jobs, primarily in the construction industry. However, NSW Farmers are experiencing a shortfall of labour. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is an international movement that provides workers for

Town Hall Square stalled

Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Erika Echternach, Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Olga Azar, Renee Lou Dallow, Rita Bratovich, Olga Sedneva Advertising Manager: Georgina Pengelly Cover Photo: Alec Smart. John Digiorgio, owner of Jack Bodice. Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney

organic farms. Traci Wilson-Brown, WWOOF Office Manager, said that travel restrictions means that no new ‘Woofers’ can enter Australia at the moment, Ms Wilson-Brown is eager to get the message out that agriculture is an essential service and prospective Woofers can travel to a host with accommodation that promotes social distancing.

City of Sydney’s plan to create a public square opposite Sydney Town Hall has stalled again. Photo: Adam JWC/Wikimedia

BY ALLISON HORE ity of Sydney is extending Woolworths’ lease on the central Sydney building that is home

to their Town Hall flagship store. The lease was due to expire in 2030, but after a “very good offer” from Woolworths, the council extended

the lease, further delaying the City’s long-awaited Town Hall Square development. City of Sydney has owned the building on the corner of Park and George street, of which Woolworths occupies 6 floors, since 1985. Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully said an increase in the lease payments from Woolworths would help the council with the “difficult financial situation” that they face. “It will be a very important revenue stream in the context of the budgetary impact of COVID-19 and its slowdown of the city.” But accepting the offer stalls the long-delayed Town Hall Square development, a major part of City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 project. The Square would open up the area opposite Town Hall and create a public gathering place that would complement the George Street light rail and CBD pedestrian boulevard. CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP COVID-19 UPDATE

THANKS TO YOU,

WE ARE SAVING LIVES & STOPPING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

Observe social distancing

Practice good hygiene

STAY HOME IF YOU CAN

Strict limits on public gatherings

Follow the self-isolation rules

COVID-19 OFFICIAL APP My family and I downloaded the COVIDSafe app because we want to know quickly if we’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus. I encourage everyone to download it so that it is as effective as it can be. The app doesn’t track where you go. It acts like a call and response feature so you know if you’ve been in contact or near someone who has Covid-19, for more than 15 minutes. Federal Labor will continue to closely monitor the privacy implications of the app.

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP

DOWNLOAD HERE: Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP, Australian Labor Party, 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern

Plibersek COVID Hub Full Page Page 1V1.indd 1 HUB 28 MAY City 2020 6 20200505CITY

5/5/20 4:44 pm

JOBKEEPER

& CASUALS The JobKeeper wage subsidy will give 6 million workers a fortnightly income of $1,500 through their employer. However, the JobKeeper scheme’s restrictive eligibility rules exclude millions of other workers, in particular short-term casuals and temporary visa holders. Federal Labor has worked hard to try to ensure casuals, freelancers, temporary migrants, NDIS workers, local government employees, charity workers, teachers, university staff, and childcare workers who face severe financial struggles due to job losses and business closures, don’t miss out. We will keep up the pressure to make sure no one is left behind at this time.

COVID-19

SUPPORT Financial support If you’ve lost your job, lost hours, or are suffering financial hardship, find out what support is available, including wage subsidies: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.

Support for businesses & sole traders If you’re a business or a sole trader, find out what support is available at: www.business.gov. au or 13 28 46.

Support for renters The National Cabinet has agreed to ban evictions over the next six months for commercial and residential tenants in financial distress who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus. For help: NSW Fair Trading at www.fairtrading. nsw.gov.au or 13 32 20 or the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service at www.tenants.org.au or 02 8117 3700. For the latest advice, information

JOBKEEPER

RULES

If your employer is in receipt of JobKeeper payments:

f You must receive $1,500 per fortnight as a minumum (no exceptions)

f One in, all in - Employers in receipt of JobKeeper can’t choose which workers receive the payment, and which don’t. All eligible employees must get it.

f No Takesy Backsies - Employers can’t

charge admin fees or ask you to pay back part of the payment, or withhold your payment. If they’re getting it, you must be getting it too!

& resources: www.health.gov.au NSW Health: www.health.nsw.gov.au

If you have concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

National Coronavirus Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1800 020 080 Translating & Interpreting Services

131 450

Further Assistance If you need further assistance, please contact me on 9379 0700 or at Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP Federal Member for Sydney

20200505 Plibersek COVID City Hub Full Page Page 1V1.indd 2

5/5/20 4:44 pm CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020 7

HubNEWS

Inner west taskforce sought S

ydney’s Inner West Council is calling for Expressions of Interest from members of the community for the Inner West Economic Recovery Taskforce. The taskforce will help Council plan and coordinate the economic recovery of the Inner West, which has been smashed by the COVID-19 crisis. Council wants the membership of the taskforce to include a mix of economic sectors, have gender balance, as well as be from diverse geographical locations from across the Inner West. Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, who proposed the taskforce, said potential members should have experience and skills in business, industry and an understanding of the Inner West community. “We are lucky the Inner West has some of the best minds in business, the arts, science and community development in Australia. We are looking for the right mix of people who can come up with strategies that will help get our economy get back on its feet. “The impact of the Coronavirus crisis has been devastating for businesses and many industries, such as hospitality and the arts. We need to come up with

Marrickville Road, the beating heart of Sydney’s inner west. Photo: Supplied

new ideas to help businesses reopen and boost economic activity for a world that is emerging from lockdown. “We are looking for a ‘kitchen cabinet’ of local business leaders, who can make recommendations directly to Council.

This will not be like a standard Council committee, instead it will be a highpowered partnership between the private sector and local government to deal with the unprecedented challenges local businesses now face,” said Mayor Byrne.

Expressions of Interest forms can be found at https://yoursay.innerwest. nsw.gov.au/eoi-for-inner-west-recoverytaskforce. Applications close at 5pm, Monday, 1 June 2020.

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CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020

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COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

SYDNEY – BEST WE FORGET! WITH COFFIN ED enerations from now we will look back at the current pandemic as a hugely significant period in our history, with a massive archive of analysis and hindsight. The worldwide plague will become one of the best documented events of the current millennium and hopefully provide the lessons to prevent if ever happening again. But what about some of the lesser, often insignificant happenings of the past 50 to 60 years that have long been swept under the carpet of Sydney’s modern day profile – the kind of stuff we would prefer not to talk about anymore. There are thousands of these incidents, tragedies and outrages that are seldom recalled but for some welcome relief from the current COVID-19 onslaught here are just a few to jolt your memory: WHEN THE SWASTIKA FLEW IN BRIDGE STREET: It was 1939 and Germany had just invaded Poland. An angry crowd had gathered outside the German consulate housed in the

Cliveden Building at 4 Bridge Street in the Sydney CBD. A large swastika flag waved defiantly from a third floor window, well out of reach of the hundreds of protestors below, who would have gladly ripped it to shreds. The

Cliveden building still stands, now an upmarket apartment block, with few of its current residents aware of its evil Nazi legacy. During the 90s, when the block was more a mixture of offices and residential the Cliveden was also home to a number of brothels, including the infamous Tokyo Steam. TOPLESS BARMAIDS IN GENTRIFIED PADDINGTON: Sydney pubs have had their share of topless barmaids over the years, usually the more working class establishments in the West and Inner West. Yet in the late 70s, the Bellevue Hotel in Hargrave Street Paddington regularly featured topless bar staff, along with r’n’b and blues bands. Any Paddo pub that tried that these days would be not only crazy, but immediately boycotted by most of the locals. SEX ON STAGE: Corruption and permissiveness defined Sydney in the 80s. The ‘Sinema’ in Oxford Street Darlinghurst and The Hub in King Street Newtown featured a non-stop program of adult movies (aka porno) but the main attraction were the ladies who disrobed on stage and often invited members of the audience to join them in

unmentionable extra curricular activities. Meanwhile in Pitt Street the equally raunchy Town Cinema, featured a cosy upstairs brothel, conveniently located for those patrons wishing to unleash their pent-up libido. MONKEY CYCLISTS AT TARONGA PARK: In a less enlightened era, captive animals were often exploited as a form of entertainment, as opposed to their conservation value today. Many will remember the elephant rides at Taronga Park, which were phased out in the late 60s, but does anybody recall the even more demeaning monkey circus that ran for some 30 years from 1936. Our fellow primates were coerced into performing stupid tricks such as roller skating, riding bicycles and balancing on the backs of dogs. One such monkey, known as Mabel was deemed the “Zoological Cycling Champion” as she hurtled dizzingly around the arena. I guess the prevailing economic rationale at the time was “you pay peanuts and you get monkeys”. To reinvent a line from the old TV series – “There are millions of stories in the Naked City, this has been just a few of them.”

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Jack Piece tells us how they have cobbled together their live streaming setup (See p.11)

ANCHULI FELICIA KING AWARDED PATRICK WHITE PLAYWRIGHT’S FELLOW

ZOOM MAGIC VIRTUAL SHOW

hen City Hub last spoke to Adam Axford, he was preparing for his RULEBREAKER show. In 2020, he is now hosting his virtual magic show from his home studio to bring you a mesmerising interactive magic show via Zoom. Axford tells of his show, “the art is to stay adapted with the times of uncertainty, and magic is a great way of bringing people together and to take your mind off the chaos at the moment.” The virtual shows are fully interactive, comprising of mind-blowing magic and unexplainable tricks to bring people together, especially in this very isolating time. For Axford it’s been an interesting journey of exploring new ways to create magic on the platform. Sharing with City Hub, “I do a trick with a Rubik’s

cube where I get guests to select how to mix the cube as there is a beautiful ending that everyone is always amazed by... I never knew it could work over the internet, but it’s like a perfect finale to get everyone together, showing we’re all connected despite the separation.” Don’t miss out on enjoying 15-40 minutes of on screen magic with your corporate team, friends and family, or even a personal one-on-one show! (KC) Book now by calling 0434862442 to get a quote

eemed by the Sydney Theatre Company’s (STC) artistic director Kip Williams as “one of the most exciting young playwrights in the world right now”, Anchuli Felicia King has been announced as the latest Patrick White Playwright’s fellow. The $25,000 fellowship, in its eighth year running, is awarded annually to an established playwright in recognition of their body of work and achievements. The previous fellow was Nakkiah Lui. King is a playwright and multidisciplinary artist of Thai and Australian descent. She writes about digitised culture, linguistic hybrids, and globalisation issues. In an interview with City Hub, King said that she hopes to impact people through her work by “finding useful metaphors to allow people to gain a new perspective on lawful and ethical issues.” On her choice to use satire and black comedy in discussing serious topics like racism, King said that it “creates a sense

of collectivism and community and allows them to talk about things that might be difficult to explore in another context.” King has worked with companies like Punchdrunk, Playco, and Manhattan Theatre Club. Her plays, including White Pearl and Golden Shield have been produced by Belvoir Theatre in Sydney, STC, Royal Court Theatre in London, and Studio Theatre in Washington D.C. (RBa)

ROALD DAHL STORY TELLING SERIES

ward winning children’s book author, Roald Dahl, has teamed up with world renowned filmmaker, Taika Waititi to present the 10 part series - James And The Giant Peach, With Taika And Friends. Several of Hollywood’s biggest stars have signed on to the storytelling series, including Meryl Streep, Ryan Reynolds, Cate Blanchett, Chris and Liam Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Lupita Nyong’O. Waititi has recreated the beloved classic, James And The Giant Peach for families in lockdown worldwide. The star studded collaboration will raise money for Partners In Health, a global health non-profit who are on the frontlines fighting against COVID-19. The Roald Dahl Story

Company has committed to matching one million dollars of donations, with other donors also lined up. The first two episodes are available exclusively on the Roald Dahl YouTube channel. The remaining eight episodes will be released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Filmmaker of the adaption, Taika Waititi said, “This wacky, wonderful tale is about resilience in children, triumph over adversity and dealing with a sense of isolation which couldn’t be more relevant today.” Luke Kelly, managing director of The Roald Dahl Story Company said, “We can’t wait for people to see what we’ve got in store – its going to be absolutely gigantic fun.” (RBa)

VIRTUAL TRAIN TRAVEL C

OVID-19 has stopped travel. People have been reduced to setting up tents in their own backyards, and travel agencies have been forced to change their refund policies. All travel plans have been officially post phoned. Even Scott Morrison has stayed put in Australia. Virtual travel is all we have left, and virtual train trips have become a lifeline. The virtual train travel experience offers viewers the chance to see new landscapes, explore new areas, and should help curb cabin fever. There are a variety of different train trips to chose from, each offering a unique experience. You can choose between a modern travel 10

CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020

experience or an old fashioned steam train. A long haul adventure or a micro journey. The possibilities are endless, and there is something for everyone. From the Geibi Line to Fukuen Line in the glorious Japanese countryside to the spectacularly snowy Nordline Line in Norway, to the rocky Royal Gorge Route in Colorado. Each virtual train trip gives you a glimpse into a different part of the world. Virtual train travel may not be the remedy for all our travel cravings, but it should help with your travel withdrawals and give you a break from binge watching Netflix. Who knows, virtual train travel may even inspire your next holiday. (MM)

HubARTS

ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES ANNOUNCES REOPENING A midst the loosened restrictions in NSW, the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) is planning a reopening on June 1. AGNSW will reopen in the Domain, and the Brett Whitely Studio in Surry Hills. They have implemented measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff and visitors. These include limiting visitor numbers, timed ticketing, physical distancing, and recommended hygiene measures. Free of charge, visitors can enjoy the collection

BY JAMIE APPS n a strange turn of events musicians and other entertainers are finding that even in this time of social distancing and live streamed performance there is stiff competition. This time however the competition is not for ticket sales or attendance but rather it’s for the technology and equipment required to produce their live streams. Speaking to City Hub from his home studio, turned performance space, Jack Piece told us how they had cobbled together their setup. “My recording studio at home was a very rudimentary setup beforehand. It was really only designed for laying down demos,” Jack explained. “To bring it up to a level that we can use to play live we’ve had to order new equipment and scrounge through all of our old equipment to find whatever the dog hasn’t already chewed through so that these streams can look and sound the best it can in our home studio.” What Jack and his brother Pat would come to find during this process is

galleries, 22nd Biennale of Sydney: NIRIN, and three exhibitions; Shadow Catchers, Under The Stars, and Some Mysterious Process. The revised dates for the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes 2020 exhibition, which had been postponed, will be announced soon. Amongst this, other programs will also be organised which can proceed in light of physical distancing measures. The AGNSW’s Together In Art project, launched during their closure, will continue to offer daily boosts of art and imagination online. (RBa)

PIERCE BROTHERS

that much of the professional grade equipment required was suddenly in high demand and therefore on back order. Once these shows do begin though Jack is confident that these shows will be an experience for Pierce Brothers fans unlike any other before. “This is really an opportunity for us to

explore some new stuff and new ways of performing, which is really exciting... The great thing about going live is that you can take a second to experiment in ways that you couldn’t at a regular live show because with these shows we’re bringing fans into our living room and studio, which is a really creative space.”

In one at the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent concert shutdown have taken away the audience interaction and connection of live shows but in another it has opened up a whole new avenue for fans and artists to connect. As Jack explained, “In one way we’ve lost a lot of the back and forth that makes our show so energetic and yet in these live streams we’ve found a more direct, conversational back and forth with the audience.” With this new direct approach fans and artists have a really exciting opportunity build a connection in way that otherwise would not be possible. A connection which has a lot of potential to be furthered strengthened once live shows return. “I’m really excited about the prospect of Australian fans having an opportunity to discover Australian artists,” enthused Jack. “Obviously it’s through unfortunate circumstances but this is a great opportunity for fans of music everywhere to get behind your favourite local musicians.” Kanko single launch live stream, 7pm June 1 on instagram.com/piercebrothersmusic

WE ARE ONE: A GLOBAL FILM FESTIVAL

ith the coronavirus bringing the world to a standstill all film festivals have been cancelled owing to the social distancing measures in place. Film festivals affected include the prominent Sydney, Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca, and Venice Film Festivals. However, Tribeca Enterprises and YouTube have come together to present the We Are One: A Global Film Festival which will bring films from 20 major film festivals for potentially billions of people around the world to watch in the comfort of their own homes, for free, in a 10-day digital film festival. “We often talk about film’s uniquely powerful role in inspiring and uniting people across borders and differences to help heal the world. All of the world needs healing right now,” explained Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Film Festival Co-Founder

Photo: Luke Latty

and CEO Jane Rosenthal. “We Are One: A Global Film Festival unites curators, artists, and storytellers to entertain and provide relief to audiences worldwide.” Not only will viewers have the ability to watch films from every corner of the world, but they may also support local communities suffering from the effects of the coronavirus by donating to the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Audiences will be mesmerised by a vast program that will include feature films, shorts, documentaries, music, comedy, and conversations. “In working with our extraordinary festival partners and YouTube we hope that everyone gets a taste of what makes each festival so unique and appreciates the art and power of film.” (MMo) May 29-Jun 7. Available to view on: YouTube.com/WeAreOne CITY HUB 28 MAY 2020

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