City Hub 29 October 2020 by Alt Media

OCTOBER 29, 2020

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Local councils have introduced initiatives to revitalise the city in the wake of COVID-19

BY RIDA BABAR ouncils in Sydney have launched an alfresco dining initiative to boost local businesses and encourage a return to normality as the warmer months approach. The plan, led by the City Of Sydney and Place Management NSW, has shortened the process of venues applying for approval of outdoor dining, thus incentivising it. This form of dining also reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The plan will also allow for increased live music performances, public art, and festive activities for the summer. This initiative has been made possible as COVID-19 cases in Sydney have been on a decline in recent weeks.

City Hub spoke with Councillor Kerryn Phelps from the City Of Sydney for comment. “I’m really glad the City Of Sydney is finally listening to the needs of business owners in the hospitality sector, but I’m disappointed it’s taken a pandemic for them to make these simple improvements to efficiency when the problems have long been evident. We still have a lot further to go. “We have been hearing for years about stimulating our night-time economy, creating advisory committees, commissioning reports, and hosting global forums. Despite these efforts, Sydney continues to under-perform when it comes to our nightlife. “2019 Deloitte Access Economics

analysis showed Sydney’s economy was missing out on $16 billion a year due to its underdeveloped night-time economy. The time for real action is now. The potential for rethinking and reviving our night-time economy has to be part of our COVID-19 recovery. “CBD businesses that have traditionally relied on office workers have been hard hit during the COVID crisis. As people, we initially were forced to work from home and many are now choosing to work at least part of the week from home. “We need to entice residents out at night to rediscover their city. We have to open up the night-time economy and allow residents to become tourists in their own city. Great cities welcome all different kinds of people in the public

at all times. It’s about time Sydney does too.” Waverley Council is among others that have taken the plan on board, with a spokesperson from the council saying, “Waverley Council announced a $1 million per month relief package in March to assist small businesses operating in our local government area. “This package is aimed at helping all small businesses, including those in the retail and hospitality industries, that have been impacted significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. It includes a range of support measures such as commercial rent support, footpath seating and mobile vendor license fee waivers and extended credit on certain fees and chargers. Continued on page 2

ALFRESCO REVOLUTION (Continued from the cover) and warmer weather. There is still nervousness among traders about the summer months as the volume of people visiting the area increases as well as the risk of an increase of cases in Sydney and the restrictions that may result.”

and has the largest creative industries sector in NSW. “Council is broadly supportive of initiatives which allow businesses to safely open to the community and is exploring innovative uses of public spaces. Council recognises

Taylor’s Rooftop - Bottomless Rosé Lunches. Photo: Supplied

“We already have significant alfresco dining experiences in the Waverley LGA which takes advantage of both our fabulous environment and adds to the eating experience. Residents and visitors to Waverley love to enjoy a coffee or a meal outdoors with friends and family, and our picturesque village centres and vibrant beachside areas are well-suited to alfresco dining.” It is collectively agreed upon by various councils in Sydney, as well as the government, that this initiative is vital for Sydney’s return to the vibrant hub that it was, and to boost the Australian economy. Waverley council’s spokesperson revealed that businesses had been performing better in recent weeks, indicating a steady improvement. However, there is still a long way to go. “Confidence appears to have increased for a number of reasons, some being ongoing Government stimulus, low number of local COVID-19 cases

Taylor’s Rooftop - Bottomless Rosé Lunches. Photo: Supplied

Statistics from a study conducted by The Fork showed that 73% of Australians have dined out within the last month and that 3 in 4 Australians eat dinner out at least once a month. This indicates that the alfresco dining initiative is sure to boost the domestic economy. A spokesperson from the Inner West Council also provided comments, saying, “The Inner West is known for its diverse restaurants, bars and microbreweries,

seating and table arrangements, prebooking and food ordering initiatives, plenty of hygiene stations, and COVID safety marshals across the venue. “The City Of Sydney is set to launch new alfresco dining along Pitt street at the end of November, meaning the Republic Hotel will participate in the new outdoor dining initiative to attract more customers to the CBD.” Overall, the plan aims to boost morale and counteract some of the devastation caused by the pandemic. In a situation where travel is not an option, the alfresco dining and entertainment initiatives will allow Sydneysiders to enjoy the amazing things that the city has to offer.

the need to balance public space provision and expanded outdoor dining. Inner West businesses are supported by Council with free outdoor dining licences.” Taylor’s Rooftop, an open-air bar at the Republic Hotel on Pitt St, is one of the venues that has begun implementing alfresco dining and entertainment. Phillip Burriel of the Sydney Collective said, “Taylor’s has adapted to the new normal by offering large spaced out

lorietta is another new restaurant which as been severely impacted by COVID-19. Having only opened briefly before the pandemic hit they have needed to quickly adapt their layouts in order to survive. Thankfully their beautiful North Sydney location has plenty of space to work within the new alfresco dining requirements. Glorietta is serving contemporary Italian food and drinks from 100 Mount Street, North Sydney.

www.glorietta.com.au

Our Right to Protest Must be Protected Our right to peaceful protest forms an integral part of our democracy, but during the COVD-19 pandemic, those rights have been significantly eroded.

Of course we must adhere to public health orders to keep us safe. That is not in question. However, our basic rights of assembly have not been given the same level of importance by this Liberal/ National government as attending a sporting match or going to the races.

With corruption allegations in ICAC, cuts to income support and University funding, attacks on trans and gender diverse communities - not to mention the impending climate emergency - our ability to raise our voices is as vital as ever. Until now, the absence of guidelines from NSW Health around peaceful protests during COVID has resulted in NSW Police engaging in heavy handed responses, and excessive levels of over-policing in response to small gatherings of activists or well coordinated outdoor rallies. @jennyleong.newtown

CITY HUB 29 OCTOBER 2020

We are so pleased to see that this long overdue change has been made. Our right to peaceful protest is a crucial part of our democracy. Back in July, when hundreds of police turned up to the Domain to prevent a small Black Lives Matter action calling for justice for Aboriginal people who have died in custody, we called on the Premier to implement COVIDSafe protest guidelines.

In August, we urged the Health Minister in Question Time to commit to this action. This month, following the widely condemned actions of NSW Police on the University of Sydney campus, where several students and a professor were forcibly thrown to the ground, we wrote to Minister Hazzard, again advocating for these guidelines.

The government has finally acted, thanks to pressure from the community, and the growing campaign to support our right to peaceful protest - led by the group Democracy is Essential. @jennyleong

Under the newly updated Public Health Orders, the number of people allowed to protest outdoors has been extended to 500, provided the organisers have a COVID safety plan and attendees abide by the four-square-metre rule.

While this is great news, and we hope that it will stop the excessive and aggressive policing of peaceful protests, it is important that it doesn’t stop there.

We must ensure that restrictions on our rights to engage in rallies and community actions are lifted at the same scale and speed as commercial activities. It is also crucial that those police who have acted violently towards members of our community under the cover of the public health orders are held to account. We will continue to stand up for our right to engage in safe, peaceful protest - because we know that the health of our democracy and society depends on it. Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown @jennyleong.newtown

HubNEWS

Tender exemption for George Street upgrades (See p.4)

Kangaroo cull moratorium BY ALLISON HORE o mark the first World Kangaroo day this Saturday, animal activists took to the streets in Sydney to call for a moratorium on kangaroo slaughter. Saturday’s Sydney protest was just one of many which were held across NSW. Mark Pearson, NSW legislative council member for the Animal justice Party, told City Hub it was a “historic day” as it the first time, internationally, a day has been proclaimed for kangaroos. He said the aim of the day was to change the narrative around kangaroos in Australia. “What it’s doing is turning around this whole dismissal of kangaroos, thinking that there are so many of them, that they are out of control, that they’re in competition with agribusiness; this is the beginning of them getting their voice back,” he said. In some parts of Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas, kangaroos are considered to be a pest and thought to have a negative impact on the local ecosystem. According to the ACT government the loss of top predators which historically preyed on kangaroos, such as thylacines and dingos, has meant that kangaroo populations have grown above a

T HubARTS: Anousha Victoire After 10 years away from music Anousha Victoire has returned with a brand new album (See p. 7)

Published weekly and freely available throughout the Inner City. 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 Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody Advertising Managers: Mal Moody 0404 042 615 Dan Kinsela 0400 319 934 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editor: Allison Hore Contributors: Allison Hore, Patrick Dang Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar, Linc Jenkin

Activists dressed like kangaroos outside Town Hall talk to passersby. Photo: Supplied/Animal Justice Party

sustainable level. The ground layer grassy vegetation which kangaroos graze on is home to many endemic species of lizards and ground feeding birds. When eaten down, this vegetation no longer provides adequate shelter for these creatures. But Mr. Pearson says kangaroos “are the ecosystem”. He says it’s hard-hooved livestock like sheep and cattle which does the most damage to the environment and has caused the “most shocking” interference with the ecosystem.

Parliament votes for inclusion BY ALLISON HORE he lower house of the NSW parliament have voted unanimously in support of a motion calling for fair and equal treatment of transgender and gender diverse people across the state. The motion was introduced before parliament on Wednesday by independent member for Sydney Alex Greenwich. He said the motion recognises the ongoing discrimination that transgender and gender diverse people across the state face.

Cover Photo: TJ Edwards. Glorietta Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva 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

“How can kangaroos be destroying the very thing they are part of,” he said. The Animal Justice party, along with other animal rights groups, are now calling on a moratorium on the killing of kangaroos. They say the habitat destruction and loss of life during the bushfires leaves the nation’s kangaroo population vulnerable, and there’s no reason for the culling. More than 1,000 people have signed a petition in support.

NSW lower house members votes unanimously on a motion supporting transgender people. Photo: Supplied/Alex Greenwich

“Transphobia has no place in our society or Parliament,” said Mr. Greenwich. “Today’s motion recognises that trans and gender diverse communities continue to face ongoing discrimination that not only contributes to isolation and poor mental health, but also impacts their health, mental health, welfare, income and access to services.” Speaking in support of Mr. Greenwich’s motion were representatives of the Liberal party, Labor party and the Greens. This vote comes as NSW upper house representative for One Nation, Mark Latham, spruiks a set of proposed education reforms activists have slammed as transphobic. If the legislation passes, teachers, counsellors and other school staff could face dismissal if they offered support or advice to transgender and gender diverse students. But Mr. Greenwich says the unanimous lower house vote in support of transgender and gender diverse people shows Mr. Latham’s views are not representative of parliament as a whole. “We have sent a clear message that the harmful and outdated views of One Nation’s Mark Latham, which are reflected in his proposed legislation, are not shared by the leaders and major parties that represent this state,” said Mr. Greenwich. CITY HUB 29 OCTOBER 2020

HubNEWS

Help solve a Dragon Boat mystery BY PATRICK DANG entist Patrick Dang has been a resident and business owner in Pyrmont since 2007. When he was a student at the University of Sydney in the early 2000s he got into the sport of Dragon Boating. Little did he know, his hobby would lead him to where he is today- collecting evidence for a case before the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption. Now he’s turning to the local community for help collecting evidence before an official investigation can commence. In 2003, I was a student studying dentistry at the University of Sydney and was also a part of the dragon boat organisation called Dragon Boats NSW. In August that year, then Prime Minister John Howard visited China. Upon his return, it is believed that an invitation was sent to the University of Sydney (via the federal government) to attend a Chinese Communist party organised event in the city of Tianjin. The event was hosted by the Chinese government as part of their October 1st National Day celebrations and included

Opinion

of action for the University of Sydney, federal government and dragon boating organisers would have been to decline the invitation. Instead, however, a fake team consisting of 22 students was created. I was one of the students on this team. Approximately half of the team never even attended the University of Sydney.

The Sydney University Dragon boat team that Patrick Dang travelled to China with. Photo: Provided Breakout quote: The University of Sydney advised me they had no knowledge of the event.

an international university dragon boat tournament, the Tanggu Cup. A dragon boat team representing the University of Sydney was put together and flown over to compete in the cup. Harvard and Princeton universities from the United States were also invited. As the event was hosted by the Chinese Communist party and televised live to

1.3 Billion Chinese people, the invitation would have required the appropriate diplomatic approvals from the federal governments on both sides. However, not all was as it seemed. The University of Sydney did not, in fact, have an official dragon boat team nor did it participate in the sport of dragon boating. I believe the appropriate course

In 2016 when I approached the University for more information about the event in order to make a documentary story, the University of Sydney advised me they had no knowledge of the event and were never involved. This contradicts the fact our custom made uniforms were picked up from an office in the University of Sydney’s main quadrangle and the university provided a $1000 sponsorship. In addition, Dragon Boating NSW and Carlos Ung have gone silent on the matter. They have not responded to fair questions in relation to the event. I am calling on the community to contact the NSW ICAC (NSW ICAC case no. E19/0691) or the University of Sydney if you have any information which might help solve the mystery of how the team was formed and who was involved.

George Street tender exemption splits council BY ALLISON HORE fter a vote which split the City of Sydney council, the planning and construction of the George Street pedestrianisation project will go ahead without the usual tenders process. The $35 million project will see the pedestrian zone on George Street extended further south from Bathurst street to Rawson Place. Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the project would be a “true transformation of the CBD” which would bring an extra 9000 meters of public space to the city’s center and fulfil the original vision to connect central to circular quay. Although councillors are supportive of the move to pedestrianise George Street, one part of the plan raised eyebrows within council. At a finance committee meeting on October 19, deputy mayor Jess Scully introduced a report which recommended that the pedestrianisation works be exempt from the usual tender process. In the following council meeting, the exemption from tender was passed. Ms. Scully said the need for an exemption was due to “limited time window” to work within while the city returns to capacity post lockdown.

CITY HUB 29 OCTOBER 2020

Chief Operating Officer Kim Woodbury said the council had already been through an extensive tender process in 2019, with applications from 11 tenderers considered. He said the existing contractor has proven their capability at delivering inner city works.

COUNCIL SPLIT OVER EXEMPTION

When it came time to vote on the exemption the council was split evenly, with five councillors voting against the move and five for. In instances where votes are even the Lord Mayor is able to use their “casting vote” to carry the recommendation, and that is what happened in this case. Linda Scott was one of the councillors who voted against the exemption. She said whilst she understands the intention behind the exemption and the necessity for the works to be delivered in a timely fashion, it’s the councils job to “to satisfy that we have the best value for money.” “How can we do that especially since there’s rates not quoted by the tenderer in the original price we’re now seeking,” she said at last week’s finance committee meeting. Voting against the exemption alongside Ms. Scott were councillors Kerryn

An artist’s impression of the pedestrian zone at Campbell Street. Photo: City of Sydney Breakout quote: “There’s rates not quoted by the tenderer in the original price we’re now seeking.”

Phelps, Angela Vithoulkas, Craig Chung and Christine Forster. Councillor Phelps shared Ms. Scott’s concerns and said the excuse that it has to be fast tracked due to the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is “not sufficient reason not to go through due diligence for a project of this scale”. In response to the criticisms from councillors, Ms. Moore said she stands

by the decision to exempt the project from tender and thinks the council’s processes have been appropriate. “I have very strong support for the processes of our council and our staff and this report that’s before you now,” she concluded. With the tenders process vetoed, work on the project is due to begin in February next year. It will be undertaken in sections to “minimise disruption”.

COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

SANTA SACKED FOR CHRISTMAS

t’s about this time of year that the big supermarkets like Coles and Woolies start stocking their shelves with mince pies and puddings. It may still be a couple of months to Christmas but it’s their almost subliminal way of gearing you up for the big Yuletide spend. How Christmas will pan out during the current COVID restrictions remains to be seen but one institution that is bound to be missing is the beloved store Santa. Social distancing protocols are bound to put the kibosh on any chance of kiddies sitting on Santa’s knee to request an extravagant list of Christmas presents. The department store Santa was rapidly disappearing from the retail landscape anyway, so COVID could well spell the end a tradition that dates back to the late 1800s. The first recorded store Santa took place in 1890 at Edgars in Boston, when the owner ‘Colonel Jim’ Edgar donned a specially made costume and created an immediate sensation. In the years that followed thousands of Santas were employed around the world in department stores and shopping malls of all sizes. If you were a rotund gentleman in your 60s or 70s, with

unlimited patience with children, this was a guaranteed Christmas gig. It wasn’t long before dedicated training schools appeared, as well as specialist outfitters who supplied costumes and beards. In the US, the International University of Santa Claus, supposedly the world’s largest Santa school, boasts some 4,500 graduates although not surprisingly has suspended all operations during the current pandemic. Over the past few decades Santas have been gradually disappearing from Sydney department stores and shopping centres, unlike the golden years of the 50s, 60s and 70s where Santaland was an essential for any big retailer. The big CBD department stores like Anthony Horderns, Grace Bros and David Jones splurged thousands

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT NEWTOWN S1981 Newtown: 2-14 Station Street, Newtown NSW 2042 (RFNSA 2042004) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of one (1) new outdoor equipment cabinet at ground level on the west side of the existing monopole • Installation of ancillary equipment associated with operation and safety of the facility, including cabling The proposed new equipment cabinet will support existing Optus antennas on the facility, which have previously been installed but are not yet in service. The works will improve Optus 3G/4G coverage in the Newtown area 1. Optus regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), based on the description above 2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Andrew McLane at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Friday 13 November 2020. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2042004

every year on installing elaborate ‘winter wonderlands’ in their endeavour to lure shoppers from the suburbs. The fake snow and icicles seemed strangely out of place in a stinking hot Australian summer but reflected the nostalgia at the time for the traditional English Christmas. So unless there is a radical change to current COVID restrictions, it looks like Sydney’s dwindling number of professional Santas will be hanging up their beards for the current season. Maybe they can still appear at a few selected stores, surrounded by a protective plastic screen, with children communicating like visitors do in a prison situation. That doesn’t sound like much fun but some innovation is needed if Santas are to survive.

Inevitably we’ll realise some kind of virtual replacement this year, where Santa is just the click of a mouse away or arrives to greet an audience of present hungry kids on Zoom. There are of course some young children who will probably be glad to see an absence of Santas this year – that unfortunate minority who suffer ‘Santaphobia’ or ‘Clausophobia’. Who can blame them? Not everybody wants to sit on the knee of a fat bearded stranger and be greeted with a burst of guttural ho ho hos. One American survey estimated that over 90% of kids under five kick and scream when forced to sit on Santas lap. Apparently there are some children, so traumatised by the experience, that they carry that phobia right through into their adulthood. Perhaps we should take time out during the current COVID experience to sanitise our future Santas and make them less creepy. Get rid of that stupid beard for starters, put Santa on a diet and even introduce some female Santas as the US did successfully during WWII. As James Brown might have once said, it’s time that “Santas Got A Brand New Bag.”

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT Rooftop Facility, 219-241 Cleveland Street, Redfern NSW 2016 Optus Ref: S0071, www.rfnsa.com.au/2016010 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m in length) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.29m in length) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the rooftop equipment shelter 2. Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development under State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above 3. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment 4. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/ or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 13 November 2020. CITY HUB 29 OCTOBER 2020

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(See p.7)

REVIEW

ANIMAL FARM I

t feels nearly painful to watch Saro Lusty-Cavallari’s thoughtful adaptation of Animal Farm and realise that the cautionary tale from 1945 is still so shockingly relevant. George Orwell, its author, was prescient decades ago, and instead of fading, the metaphors employed in a barnyard revolt continue to echo. Lusty-Cavallari’s adaptation and direction are precise, gathering an ensemble cast that fluidly introduces the characters, all barnyard animals, who slowly fall under the influence of pigs Snowball (Lachlan Stevenson) and his shadow Napoleon (Angus Evans). Here are horses, donkeys, cows and other beasts of burden that populate Jones’ farm, long neglected because he is on a bender. Idealism is smitten, Snowball is exiled and maligned, and the cycle of slow tyranny escalates

until the very notion of change becomes bleary and remote. Rules are written on the side of the barn, but pointedly not in stone. “This is the story of a revolution that goes wrong and it is that relationship between revolution and tyranny that is so important,” writes Lusty-Cavallari in the director’s notes. As the revolution gathers momentum, so does the tyranny, and life is perpetually improving but never really changing. But it’s better than it used to be, right? Right? (OA) Until Nov 7. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $20-$35+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au

HOTEL BELLA LUNA I mprovisation and interactive theatre might scare away some, but in Flight Path Theatre’s Hotel Bella Luna the shy can choose to clasp on a VIP (Very Introverted Person) badge to avoid the ensuing chaos. The show begins with an induction for audience members, introduced to the highest-rated Moon Yelp hotel, also the only one on the Moon. The bellhops are very proud of this, and kindly tell the introverted that they can become extroverted anytime they wish. Bonza! The plot, such as it is, involves a hotel on the Moon experiencing a possible breakdown in life support systems. It is up to the bellhops, a resident guest, and a robot prone to dancing to save the hotel and themselves. Audience members are invited to follow the characters to various spaces, such as the engineering room (covered in foil floor-to-ceiling) or the foyer, to help save the hotel and its denizens. For those who volunteer, it’s an experience of a sort of private theatre (and the shy VIPs are welcome).

REVIEW

Adrien Stark. Photo: James Mantle

NEWTOWN BACKYARD FESTIVAL: COVID-19 restrictions force festival reinvention

Still, improv can be hit-and-miss. The seven cast members rotate through the show’s run and the dynamics change with every performance. And with every audience. Hotel Bella Luna will be well served with an audience as clever and extroverted as its creators. Go with a group of friends and have some unpolished interactive fun. And no fear, the dancing robot will command dancing when all systems fail. (OA) Until Nov 7. Flight Path Theatre, Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. $23$28+b.f. Tickets & info: www.flightpaththeatre.org

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Our Cat Boutique is open 7 days, 10am to 5pm 85 Enmore Road Newtown 9519 7201

www.catprotection.org.au

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CITY HUB 29 OCTOBER 2020

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NEWTOWN FESTIVAL COMING TO YOUR BACKYARD T Newtown. However, for the first time in 42 years that devastatingly wont be the case. As such Liz Yeo and the team at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre have had to find a new way for people to mark the occasion in COVIDsafe fashion. “We know it won’t be the same heading into summer without this iconic event, so we had to come up with a way of still marking this day which means so much to people,” explained Yeo, “So this year we are encouraging people to get a few

ANOUSHA VICTOIRE BY JAMIE APPS fter 10 years away from music ABC Music Award winner Anousha Victoire has returned with a brand new album, and upcoming live shows in Sydney. Victoire’s new album, Precious Things, sees her using her world and life experiences from the past decade to further push her music with a more matured folk/bluegrass/world sound. When describing the new record Victoire told City Hub that she feels this record has “something for everyone” from new fans to old fans alike. “There are some older songs that I’ve reworked with new instrumentation and there are more recent works which show how my songwriting has matured with life experience.” One song in particular showcases Victoire’s progression as a songwriter and musician explicitly. That song being Fuzzy’s Song, which was initially released before her hiatus and saw her win the ABC Music Award. For this new record though Victoire explains that this is the first time she has released the song in a version she is “not embarrassed by.” “This is the first time that I’ve actually recorded [Fuzzy’s Song] and released it on an album in an arrangement that I like.

Back when it won that award and was getting airtime on ABC radio it was just a little demo that I almost cringed hearing because I knew I needed to record it properly.” The catalyst for the break away from music and subsequent maturation of her sound was a desire to “try a few other things” and travel the world doing aid work. “I went overseas to do some aid work with an organisation in West Africa,” explained Victoire. “Then life got busy. I had kids. Got sick. Life happened.” This all meant that when she returned to the studio there were nerves but also a new mindset in her approach. “I’ve come to a place with my songwriting where I don’t need to prove anything to anyone now. I know I can write songs and I write them because I want to share something with the world,” Victoire said.

NEVER TOO LATE

ustralian filmmakers have always had a problem producing successful comedies, more often than not being cheesy, poorly written with contrived performances and cringe-worthy gags that leave audiences wondering how the film ever made it past the scripting stage. Finally, a comedy Australia can be proud of. Never Too Late is refreshing, funny, boasts a stellar cast and the comedy flows naturally throughout. The success of this film lies in its simplistic and alluring storyline. Four elderly Vietnam veterans plan to escape

mates together in their backyard on Sunday, Nov 8 to share some Newtown Festival memories, and to create some new ones in a year we will never forget!” So rather than a mass gathering Sydneysiders are encouraged to “support local” and gather up all of the supplies they need to celebrate at home from local businesses and mark the occasion in your own backyard. (JA) Nov 8. Your Own Yard. Info: www.newtowncentre.org

“What was really great though was that I didn’t have any pressure on myself to get the record out in any particular time frame. I just thought if it’s taken this long it’s not going to matter if I take a little bit longer to get it exactly how I want it.” As she now gears up to step onto the live performance stage though Victoire says there are once again nerves creeping in, “I feel like ‘oh it’s been a while, does anyone still remember me’, ‘Am I going to be able to play the way I normally play?’” Ultimately though the excitement to once again be performing is the biggest emotion though. “It’s all a bit of a challenge but I’m really looking forward to it because to me completing the process of writing a song is when you get to play it in front of an audience and see their reaction in their body and face.” When asked if there will be another big gap between releases Victoire responded with a hearty giggle by saying, “I’m not going to wait another 10 years, I’m back on a roll now. I think this is just the beginning.” Nov 1. Leichhardt Bowling Club, 88-92 Piper St, Leichhardt. $26+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.leichhardtbowlingclub.com.au Nov 22. The Gasoline Pony, 115 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. Tickets & Info: www.gasolinepony.com

Photo: Koshka Media

he 2020 iteration of the annual Newtown Festival will need to take on an entirely new look amidst COVID-19 restrictions. This November the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre is calling on Newtown locals, and Sydneysiders alike, to instead celebrate in the safety and comfort of their own backyards. For more than 40 years the second Sunday in November saw Camperdown Memorial Park come alive with the vibrancy, colour and sounds of

HANDS LIKE HOUSES HANDS LIKE HOUSES EP

anberra’s Hands Like Houses are back with a brand new self-titled EP consisting of five very compelling new tracks. With over 10 years together touring the world the five piece band have a plethora of experiences, emotions and inspirations to draw a upon for this EP. Obviously with the success the group has already seen they could be forgiven for settling into a grave and delivering more music in a style that has a proven track record. However, that is not their style. Rather than following a tried and true template Hands Like Houses have instead injected new energy and a bigger sound to the music. This EP sees the group showcasing a big, bold, heavy stadium rock sound that still has undertones of their alt-rock past. The Hands Like Houses EP is sure to see the band become one of the biggest names in Australian music in the closing months of 2020. (JA) WWWW

the retirement home they are residing in, as each has a dream to fulfil. Jacki Weaver delivers her usual ‘A’ grade performance as a lady suffering from dementia who reconnects with her former lover in the nursing home. Jack Thompson makes one of his rare screen appearances heading an ensemble cast that includes James Cromwell, Dennis Waterman, Roy Billing, and Shane Jacobson. This is a genuinely funny feel-good film, poignant at times which underneath the comedy resonates the effects of aging on people’s dreams and aspirations. Making dreams can become a reality – it’s never too late for happy endings. (MMo) WWW1/2 CITY HUB 29 OCTOBER 2020

TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

HERE TO HELP As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems you have with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, superannuation, Child Support payments, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Veterans’ Affairs, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the National Broadband Network (NBN), universities, employment, training, Commonwealth funding and grants.

STAYING IN TOUCH FULLY LICENSED PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT Alberto’s Pizzeria Restaurant was established 38 years ago and has been successfully catering to the locals of the Inner West ever since. Quality food, huge servings and a wide selection make Albertos a must-dine experience.

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES My office can arrange messages of congratulations for people who live in my electorate and are celebrating their golden (50th) and diamond (60th) wedding anniversaries; and 90th and subsequent birthdays. Please allow for 6-8 weeks for congratulatory messages from dignatories.

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CITY HUB 29 OCTOBER 2020

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TANYA PLIBERSEK MP 1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 TanyaPlibersek.com SSO Here to Help 2020 V1.indd 1

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Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au 28/09/2020 1:23:20 PM