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city hub 2 july 2015

WestConnex dinosaur would cleave St Peters

By Alexander Lewis It’s been more than 100 years since dinosaur remains were discovered in St Peters and according to WestConnex activists the Baird government plans to bring one back.

The WestConnex motorway will wipe out more than 40 houses in the historical suburb and a portion of Sydney Park if construction plans go ahead.

Some residents have been told to move as early as next year, while others are still waiting to hear if their homes will be acquired.

Sydneysiders toured the path of destruction at St Peters on Saturday June 27 in protest of the plans.

The ‘Jurassic Car Park’ event was organised by WestConnex Action Group (WAG), which has called for a full parliamentary inquiry into the project.

WAG spokesperson Pauline Lockie told City Hub her home is one of hundreds that will be forcibly acquired and demolished if WestConnex goes ahead.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come to discover the rich heritage of our wonderful suburb, which is now under threat from this dinosaur of a toll road,” Ms Lockie said.

“It’s disgraceful to see Mike Baird wasting billions of taxpayer dollars and gearing up to destroy thriving suburbs even as he refuses to release the WestConnex business case.”

Margot Oliver, who has lived in St Peters for 22 years, said the “old working class area” had become a successful urban village.

“It’s become what the state government says its aims are, which is to make urban villages and liveable cities,” Ms Oliver said.

“Now they want to bisect this tiny little triangular suburb with this massive, great highway that is a road to nowhere.”

“I don’t know what’s worse: being in the firing line and having to go or being next door, with no compensation of course, and just seeing the whole neighbourhood being decimated.”

Ms Oliver said the community had been kept in the dark over the project.

“It’s been shrouded in secrecy. What we know of it makes no sense whatsoever,” she said.

St Peters residents said the community consultation was an “absolute farce.” Photo: Alexander Lewis

“What they call ‘community consultation’ is some [signs on] shopfronts that tell us what’s happening.”

She said the government is “putting the cart before the horse” in conducting an environmental impact study on the area after the tendering process is complete.

“There is no case that anyone can look at that says this will be the benefit for Sydney and the area.”

The WestConnex Delivery Authority (WDA) compulsorily acquired the Dial A Dump waste site in St Peters late last year.

A City Hub investigation earlier this year revealed that negotiations between Dial A Dump and WDA began five months prior to the public announcement of plans to construct an interchange on the site.

According to Professor Wendy Bacon, who addressed the rally, it is currently costing taxpayers more than $1 million a year just to hold the site, which is contaminated with asbestos.

State Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong has called for more transparency on the part of the government.

Her party was successful in forcing the government to release some of more than 200 documents relating to the project earlier this year.

“We need to be halting the acquisition of people’s homes and halting the construction until an environmental impact statement has been undertaken and until we have seen the release of a business case,” Ms Leong said.

“The fact that we have spent already public money on a project where neither of those things have been made available is shameful.”

“We’ve got a notice of motion coming up in the lower house calling for the government to immediately halt the construction of WestConnex and to release the business case.”

She said she hoped Labor would reverse their position on WestConnex and support the motion.

Shadow Minister for Roads Jodi McKay said Labor did not support the construction of WestConnex at St Peters.

“Labor supports the widening and lessening of congestion on the M4 motorway,” Ms McKay said.

Ms Oliver, who was part of the Green Bans union movement in the 1970s where workers refused to demolish historical sites such as Queen Victoria Building and The Rocks, said history was repeating itself.

“It’s a real turn of the wheel again, and it’s the circling developers just drooling over all the public land in Sydney going here’s an absolute motser to be made.”

“History means nothing. An urban community means nothing. It’s all about cars apparently.”

“If the population of Sydney does double by 2030, we will need absolutely fabulous world class public transport and that’s what we should be doing.”

Ms Lockie said WAG will be holding another rally on July 4.

“The Baird Government can expect more protests as opposition to WestConnex continues to grow and more people realise this toll road is just one big con.”

A WestConnex spokesperson said an Environmental Impact Statement will be displayed for public comment in coming months and that the Town and Country Hotel will not be acquired.

Fit for the Future deadline unable to waver Councils Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city.

Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, City Hub takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Manager: Chris Peken Group Editors: Lydia Watson-Moore, Leanne Elahmad Contributors: Alexander Lewis, Christopher Harris, Emily Contador-Kelsall, Joe Bourke, Stephani Tiller, Joshua Thomas, Miriam Webber Arts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan Advertising Managers: Robert Tuitama, Mark Barnes Cover Photo: Chris Peken – DirtyFeet dancers Ashlee Barton, Courtney Scheu, Annabel Saies, Emma Harrison and Ivey Wawn 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 Lydia Watson-Moore The majority of Sydney councils remained defiant against forced amalgamations as the state government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ deadline passed on June 30.

While most councils including Marrickville, City of Sydney and Woollahra positioned themselves as against forced mergers, Waverley, Randwick and Leichhardt stood out as the few willing to propose a submission.

Waverley and Randwick councils submitted a joint merger proposal, amid community and council rift and controversy.

Waverley Council required two rescission meetings, the latest on Sunday June 28, to finally vote in favour of proposing the Waverley-Randwick merge.

Labor, Greens and Independent councillors had been firmly against the move, along with community precinct representatives.

Nor did Randwick vote unanimously, with several councillors pushing for a referendum of Randwick citizens on the issue.Randwick Liberal Councillor Harry Stavrinos said that while he wanted Randwick to stand alone as a single council, the government had given them no other option.

“At the end of the day it was forced upon us and we really didn’t have a choice,” he said.

“The problem that we faced was that if we didn’t put in a submission, the fear that I had, along with my fellow councillors, was that we could in fact become part of the global city.”

Both Waverley and Randwick councils were against the ‘global city’ put forward by the state government as the default merge,

Community protesters at a Save Our Council Coalition rally. Source: Twitter

which would see the eastern councils merge with City of Sydney.

However Woollahra and Botany Bay councils, who are also part of the proposed ‘global city’, refused Waverley and Randwick’s invitation to join their submission. Woollahra Mayor Toni Zeltzer was adamant that standing alone would produce the best results for their community.

“Our community has told us that they are strongly opposed to amalgamation and I and my fellow councillors voted unanimously to defend Woollahra’s strong case for standing alone,” Clr Zeltzer said in a statement.

Botany Bay Council similarly remains defiant to stand alone, as Mayor Ben Keneally told Randwick and Waverley “thanks but no thanks”.

Leichhardt,took a similar approach to Waverley and Randwick and submitted a proposal in fear of the inner west ‘mega council’ recommendation by the Fit for the Future panel.

In a decision shrouded in controversy, Labor and Liberal Leichhardt councillors united to propose a merge with Ashfield and Canada Bay, should the government ignore their first preference of standing alone.

Marrickville Council was also part of the inner west ‘mega council’ plan but refused to submit a merger proposal.

Marrickville Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore said that Marrickville’s only preference was to stand alone.

“We have not put forward a ‘Plan B’ merger preference, because under every merger option we investigated, council and residents would be financially worse off,” she said.

City of Sydney also remained firm in its preference of no amalgamation. Independent councillor Angela Vithoulkas told City Hub that the government needed to consult the community on their opinion.

“The City has clearly shown it’s fit for the future as a stand alone,” she said.

“I think there should be absolutely more community engagement.”

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) now has until October to assess council submissions against the Fit for the Future criteria.Sydney residents continue to rally against forced amalgamation, with the Save Our Councils Coalition hosting regular rallies. city hub 2 july 2015

3

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS On June 22, Leong Lim, a City of Sydney ranger was found dead in his Waterloo home.

Police have confirmed the cause of death was suicide.

The matter was referred to the Glebe Coroner’s Court. A spokeswoman for the court said that the coroner is in the early stages of investigation and in cases of suicide there needs to be significant amount of layers to a death to warrant an inquest.

In May, Mr Lim, 62, sent an email to the City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone, Lord Mayor Clover Moore and other top managers complaining about a culture of bullying in the City’s ranger unit.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Lim’s complaint centred around “parking rangers’ performance reviews being linked to how many infringement notices they issued — a breach of council policy; poorly trained work “co-ordinators” ordering managers to deliberately mark down employees’ performance; and a lack of consultation with staff.”

In response the CEO stated that Lim, a union delegate, was told he should go through the proper council channels in making a complaint.

Mr Lim blew the whistle on a culture within council that fostered bullying, corruption, nepotism and cronyism, which Councillor Edward Mandla says is responsible for his death.

The tragic death is the latest event in a string of complaints and enquiries about mental health within the City’s ranger division, and has sparked fresh debate about nepotism and bullying.

In 2012 the council brought in forensic

Parking sign. Source: Google Images

accounting firm Warfield to investigate problems and complaints emanating from the ranger unit.

The company’s website describes them as specialising in the investigation of “fraud and corruption and other unethical behaviour”.

Warfield’s findings have been heavilly redacted

by Council.

Ms. Barone rejected accusations that the City had not dealt with grievances but conceded that more could have been done.

“We acknowledged that although we had implemented many changes there was still

room for improvement.”

Liberal Councillor Edward Mandla told City Hub he believes Mr Lim’s death is due to the mental health concerns that he flagged in his email to Ms Barone.

Mr Mandla said he had been on an “eight month crusade” to get to the bottom of the complaints that were coming from the Council’s ranger department, and investigate why seven million dollars was missing from revenue.

“I learnt that there was 16.1 sick days on average in 2013/ 2014, staff turnover is out of control, residents are complaining of under enforcement and parking infringement.”

“The way I look at it is this: because they pay employees more than 30 percent more than other councils, they say you should sit down, shut up and do exactly what you’re told.”

He said he believes the reduction in revenue is not because people are suddenly more compliant, but rather because not issuing fines is the only way for rangers to protest.

“If there is nothing to hide, why are they shying away from scrutiny? The Lord Mayor and CEO need to say we’re standing aside, and we’re bringing in the consultants and we will public information.”

Independent Councillor John Mant told City Hub he thought Clr Mandla’s attitude and behaviour around this issue are contrary to the normal separation of powers inherent in local government law.

“Using his apparent concern in council for the rangers and the death of a ranger, was not really about their welfare, but to support the attack that he makes against the Lord Mayor, as a political weapon.”

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city hub 2 july 2015

5

Ratepayers to fund WestConnex protests

By Emily Contador-Kelsall Ultimo residents are concerned by the state governments announcement that $10 million will be spent planning for the move of the Powerhouse Museum.

In last week’s budget $30 million was allocated over four years to the arts in western Sydney, of that $10 million has been dedicated over two years to planning for the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts Troy Grant said this budget shows “the government’s commitment to improving public access and fostering excellence in arts and culture”.

But spokesperson and co-founder of the Save the Powerhouse Campaign Patricia Johnson said the community is confused as they “don’t know [the study’s] intended impact” or the effect it will have on the relocation of the Powerhouse.

“We don’t know what this $10 million is for. We do know that it’s going to be a two year study so clearly nothing definite can happen until after this study,” she said.

“Initially it was just going to be a study, then it was going to be part of the redevelopment of a new cultural complex in or near Parramatta and that’s really all we know.”

A spokesperson for Minister for the Arts Troy Grant told City Hub the cost of the new museum will be determined from a business case which will be prepared as part of the planning process.

“The $10 million will be used to commence planning for the relocation of the museum from Ultimo to Parramatta, which will anchor a wider Parramatta cultural precinct,” the spokesperson said.

But Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that the closure and sale of the Powerhouse Museum and expansion of cultural facilities in western Sydney are not mutually exclusive.

According to Ms Johnson, the local community, and people from across the state and country have been steadily fighting against the relocation of the

C 20 LO JU SES LY

By Alexander Lewis City of Sydney ratepayers will fund a community campaign coordinator to muster opposition to WestConnex.

In its latest act of defiance to the NSW government’s plans for the new motorway, the Council approved the payment of $15,000 to the community action group No WestConnex (NoW) for the role.

A NoW spokesperson said the group welcomed the funding in addition to the $7500 pledged by Marrickville Council.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore told Council at their June 29 meeting that based on an independent SGS review, WestConnex would not achieve its stated objectives.

“WestConnex will not help reduce traffic congestion in Sydney, and will divert funds from more effective public transport projects for Western Sydney,” Clr Moore said.

“Traffic congestion will be dramatically increased, undermining urban renewal on Parramatta Road.

Significant traffic will be added to roads in the City of Sydney which are already at capacity.”

Liberal Councillor Edward Mandla said the funding of “a taxpayer-funded protest coordinator” was an act of vanity.

“Go ahead and hire your taxpayer funded protest coordinator to rouse your rusted on rabble whose noses are out of joint because the world might change,” he told the council meeting.

“You can’t stop the Internet, Uber, Airbnb, eBay, Amazon, and Lord Mayor you can’t stop the Westconnex.”

“This transport package was part of a general election campaign, if you want to run a separate Government in exile from Newtown I won’t try and stop you. Westconnex has the legitimacy of the ballot box,” he said.

NoW is also seeking funding from Leichhardt Council.

$10 million set aside for Powerhouse relocation plans

IT’S TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY City of Sydney residents, your opinion counts.

You can help us build a better city and plan for Sydney’s future.

Go to sydneyyoursay.com.au and complete the 2015 Wellbeing Survey, or look out for it in your letterbox.

6

city hub 2 july 2015

The Powerhouse Museum. Source: wikipedia.commons

Powerhouse to Parramatta.

The heritage of the museum, its historical role in Ultimo and importance as a cultural centre, are some of the key arguments that have surfaced against the relocation.

Ms Johnson said the Save the Powerhouse Campaign is currently working with Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, who is coordinating a parliamentary petition that currently has around 4,000 signatures.

“As soon as we get 10,000 signatures, it automatically qualifies us for a debate in parliament which we definitely want because this may well clarify some of the confusion,” she said.

While Parramatta Council would welcome the

move, local, state and federal politicians have backed the community opposition, including Clr Moore, Greens MP for Balmain Jamie Parker and Tanya Plibersek.

Mr Parker has slammed the government’s allocation of $10 million to the museum’s move as “short-sighted”.

“The allocation of $10 million to move the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta is simply a waste of public money, and reflects the Government’s contempt for Sydney’s arts and heritage,” he said in a statement.

“The plan will deprive Sydneysiders of an important cultural space once the iconic Powerhouse building is sold to developers for private apartments.”

Pyrmont Ultimo Dining Guide

The latest edition of annual Pyrmont Ultimo Dining Guide showcases some of the region’s most well known favourites, promising newcomers and best-kept secrets. We will share some highlights from the guide over the coming months, so feast your eyes on some of the best that our precinct has to offer.

1888 Eatery & Bar | 139 Murray Street, Pyrmont | (02) 8586 1888 www.1888hotel.com.au Hotel 1888 takes comfortable dining back to basics with their breakfast and light evening menus. Forget pretentious garnishes - this restaurant dishes up wholesome, tasty meals, using only ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced.

Aegean Blu | 50 Murray Street, Pyrmont | (02) 9211 7171 www.aegeanblu.com.au Looking for a Greek paradise? The atmosphere at Aegean Blu will satisfy your craving, with everything from authentic Greek music, warm Mediterranean hospitality and traditional Greek fare with a modern twist.

Adriano Zumbo Patissier | S1, Café Court, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont This place is well known and loved by most self-respecting sweet tooths. Pop in to Adriano Zumbo at The Star to sample one of the celebrity chef’s modern cakes, tarts, pastries, or – of course – Zumbarons. Watch the creations come to life in the open plan kitchen, where you can see the talented chefs hard at work.

Balla | The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont (02) 9657 9129 For pre-dinner drinks or casual dining at The Star, head to Balla. Stefano Manfredi’s latest venture offers traditional Italian cuisine with a modern edge. Surrounded by enormous glass windows overlooking Pyrmont Bay, guests can enjoy fresh ingredients and house-made pasta with an extensive wine list via iPad. Banh Mi Co | 76 Harris Street, Pyrmont | (02) 9518 7907 www.facebook.com/BanhMiCo Infusing their menu with French-Vietnamese flavour, this restaurant offers an array of sandwiches, soups, salads, rice dishes and more. By growing and harvesting their own organic red chilies, Banh Mi Co ensures quality and zest in every bite.

New Member Profile: bounceREHAB

Our newest member has a healthy reputation for helping locals manage pain and injuries, and bounce back to peak form. bounceREHAB Physiotherapy & Pain Management Clinic strives to make you feel your best at work, at home, in the gym or on the sports field, offering a broad suite of services, including: Physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates, PhysioFitness, Yoga, Massage, Psychology, and Cancer Rehabilitation.

The therapists at bounceREHAB place great emphasis on accurate diagnosis, taking time to explain ‘your’ condition, discuss treatment goals, and intervene with evidence-based treatments.

Having served the local community for 10 years, bounceREHAB recently opened a second Pyrmont clinic at The Star Medical Practice. Specialising in WorkCover treatment and injury management planning, bounceREHAB provides onsite workplace assessments, treatments and functional rehab programs that promote workplace effectiveness and reduce premiums.

The team caters to the general public at all fitness levels: injured workers, office workers, parents, cancer survivors, motor vehicle injuries, and athletes. Fans of bounceREHAB include local gyms, big insurers (NRMA and Wesfarmers), and nearby workplaces (Kmart, Target, ABC, Ch10, Fairfax Media, The Star, and PWC).

Visit www.bouncerehab.com.au for more information or to make an appointment. No medical referrals required.

hothouse LABS

Hothouse LABs return to the Powerhouse Museum in August, offering small and medium-sized organisations in the Ultimo Pyrmont precinct practical advice on how to tackle sustainability challenges.

After a year of sellout sessions, the series is back with a new workshop format designed to help organisations find their green advantage. Produced in partnership with the Total Environment Centre and City of Sydney, the free events are grounded in practical relevance to your organisation.

Whether you’re a business owner, a building manager, a property owner, or you just work locally and are curious, these events are for you. Participants gain resources, ideas and contacts for making real, immediate changes in their organisations.

LAB #1 on Wednesday 5th August looks at the BUILDINGS we work in.

Can you make your building more energy efficient and reduce bills? How to go solar?

What’s a green lease and why might you want one?

LAB #2 on Wednesday 12th August looks at the NEIGHBOURHOOD we work in.

Can your organisation reduce waste? How to create more green space in your area?

Can you support staff to choose sustainable transport options?

Book today - spaces are limited. Priority to local organisations. For more information, visit www.hothouse.org.au

Overcome your fear of flying

Flight Experience™ understands the anxieties, fears and challenges many people face when confronted with boarding a plane.

Over the last few years they have built a professional and highly successful program

designed to help you overcome those fears.

The Fear of Flying Seminar is designed to give you an insight into their programs and to offer some advice that can help you with simple techniques to make flying more enjoyable. Meet a team of international airline pilots, psychologists and simulator instructors who will address the concerns you have associated with flying.

Date: Wednesday 15th July, 2015 Time: 6-8 pm Cost: FREE Venue: WOTSO Workspace 55 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont Bookings: www.fearofflying.net.au/ seminars/

Calling all fashionistas

The city springs to life this September with Sydney Is Fashion, an exciting month-long celebration of fashion designers, brands and retailers that make the Australian fashion industry unique.

On Saturday 12th September, City of Sydney and Sydney Is Fashion will host Fashion Saturday, the ultimate day out for the discerning Sydney shopper. It will be a full day of activities across the various Sydney villages - and you are invited to participate.

Fashion Saturday will encompass a series of creative themed in-store events, special offers, designer talks, styling sessions, beard trimming & make-up stations, street entertainment, social media initiatives, competitions and promotions in collaboration with like-minded retailers across six key Sydney fashion precincts – Paddington, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Newtown, Potts Point and Pyrmont.

The City of Sydney & Urban Walkabout will promote Fashion Saturday with a two month tailored print and digital media campaign, plus street banners and other street promotion designed to encourage Sydneysiders to visit and shop in participating shops and venues on the day.

In the lead up to the day, City of Sydney & Urban Walkabout are working with General Assembly to curate two retail-focused workshops with expert panelists, to help local retailers make the most out of Fashion Saturday for their businesses.

Register your interest in Fashion Saturday at https://urbanwalkabout.wufoo.eu/ forms/fashion-saturday/ Submit as much information as you can.

At this early stage, you are not expected to have an in-store event concept in mind, so feel free to leave this section blank for now.

New financial year brings new PUCC benefits

As the financial year draws to a close, it’s time to take stock of the year that was, and look ahead to the possibilities that the new year holds.

The Pyrmont-Ultimo Chamber of Commerce (PUCC) would like to thank all of its Members for their contributions towards making our precinct such a thriving and dynamic inner city precinct.

We look forward to working together to maintain that momentum into 2016.

To celebrate the emergence of PyrmontUltimo as a vibrant hub of culture and commerce, the PUCC is launching a new destination website for the precinct later in 2015. In addition to the usual benefits of PUCC Membership, all new Members who join in the new financial year will enjoy inclusion on the new website. Enquire about membership at www.pucc.com.au/ join-us For existing Members, please note that memberships expired on 30th June, 2015.

If you haven’t already registered and paid for 2016, please contact accounts@pucc. com.au.

Head online for more news & events

With so much happening in Pyrmont/ Ultimo, we can’t always fit everything in our print newsletter. For more news and events, head to pucc.com.au

Join us on Linkedin LIKE us on Facebook Submission guidelines The Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce welcomes submissions for the newsletter from area businesses. These could be about sales, promotions, special offers, changes in the business and other developments. Ideally, each submission should come with an image, such as the company logo or company staff.

Please also provide contact information: website, e-mail, telephone and address (if applicable).

Submissions should be sent to margot@eventproject. com.au no later than the third Friday of the month for inclusion in the following month’s newsletter.

The newsletter is published monthly in AMG publications and on the PUCC website, www.pucc.com.au. The PUCC e-mail database has about 800 subscribers. Please note that inclusion is limited to space and timeliness.

For inclusion in the PUCC Business Directory please provide all relevant contacts, a short paragraph describing the business, and business logo, to margot@eventproject.com.au.

To join the PUCC, go to www.pucc.com.au and download the application form.

For more information please e-mail margot@eventproject.com.au or call 0410 338 331

city hub 2 july 2015

7

New DA for Bronte RSL ‘step in the right direction’

By Lydia Watson-Moore The latest development application for the Bronte RSL site was lodged with Waverley Council last week, following lengthy anticipation from the community.

The proposal from developer Winston Langley Burlington (WLB) seeks to demolish the current Bronte RSL building on the Macpherson St site, and build four storeys of retail and residential space.

The site plan, lodged on June 24, presents four retail spaces and 21 residential apartments .

The proposal does not provide space for an RSL club, but the application allocates one of the retail tenancies to the Bronte RSL sub-branch.

This proposal comes after the fierce controversy of WLB’s first DA lodged in 2013, which was denied

by Waverley Council and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Community group Save Bronte had campaigned vigorously to block the 2013 DA, on the grounds of ‘gross overdevelopment’. The new plan has significantly reduced retail composition of the site along with the number of apartments.

While the new proposal appears more compliant with council development controls, the plan does not completely obey the 13m height restriction, with sections up to 3.8m above regulation.

Save Bronte spokesperson Stephen Lightfoot told City Hub that while this new DA was a ‘step in the right direction’, the community group was concerned about aspects of the plan.

“We are very concerned about the potential to upscale the retail component of the building in the post-approval stage of development,” he said.

“We also find it hard to believe that the DA yet again seeks to raise the height limit.”

Dr Lightfoot said the community will “oppose 100% any increase in the height limit”, and wants a compliant development.

“What we need is a development that complements our neighbourhood centre, not dominates it.”

Leichhardt Council: “Keep nurses in nursing home”

By Joshua Thomas Leichhardt Council has unanimously passed a motion to publicise their support for registered nurses in nursing homes.

The motion, passed on Tuesday June 23, proposed council support the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association in their campaign to keep registered nurses on at all times in nursing homes.

This comes following the federal government’s amendments in July 2014 to the Commonwealth Aged Care Act, which removed the requirement for on-duty registered nurses in aged care facilities.

The amendment to language in the act can directly impact on NSW government legislation, and there are concerns about the potential loss of registered nurse care in NSW. Leichhardt Labor Councillor and registered nurse, Linda Kelly, introduced the motion, which included commitments to write to the Minister and Shadow Minister for Health.

“I recognise and value the role of all nurses working in aged care, but nursing teams led by registered nurses is vital for the delivery of quality and safe care to our elderly in nursing homes,” Clr Kelly said.

“Our community has a proven track record for supporting those most vulnerable and I am sure they will get behind our elderly in nursing homes.”

In addition to Leichhardt Council, the neighbouring councils of Ashfield, City of Sydney and Marrickville have all expressed concerns over the removal of the 24-hour requirement for registered nurses in nursing homes.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association are opposing any plans to remove the requirement.

Through their campaign ‘Insist on Registered Nurses 24/7’, the association generated a petition with over 10,000 signatures to present to NSW Parliament for debate in the Legislative Assembly.

In previous days an Upper House inquiry for the

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city hub 2 july 2015

21 to 17 percent, with the number of enrolled nurses also dropping from 14 to 12.5 percent.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services told City Hub that “It is the responsibility of individual [nursing] homes to determine the type and numbers of staff they require to ensure residents receive high quality care, and this is monitored by the Aged Care Quality Agency.”

Clr Kelly said that Leichhardt Council intends to take this issue to its residents.

“Leichhardt Council will engage our community to raise awareness that the NSW State Government is reviewing legislation that potentially can have serious implications for the delivery of quality and safe care for our elderly in nursing homes.”

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Book online www.stardustcircus.com.au 8

issue has been announced.

A spokesperson for the association, Rita Martin, expressed a need to raise ‘community awareness’ on the issue, emphasising the importance of having a registered nurse on at all times within nursing homes.

“There is a misconception that patients sleep all night and therefore don’t need nursing”, Ms Martin told City Hub. According to the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data, Australia has approximately 160,000 elderly citizens receiving residential care with 67 percent of those living in nursing homes.

An Access Economics report published late last year suggests that between 2003 and 2007, registered nurses within aged care dropped from

Non – Laser Tattoo removal

No Show & 2.00 pm & 2.00 pm 11.00 am & 7.00 pm & 7.00 pm & 4.00 pm

Sat 11th July Sun 12th July

Nurses supporting the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association’s campaign. Source: Twitter

1800 781 551 www.tattoff.biz

CBD faces transport nightmare

By Joe Bourke A rally of around 300 people was staged in Sydney’s CBD last week protesting the removal of the College Street cycleway.

The state government announced at the end of May that it would be removed despite a Castlereagh Street replacement lane not being complete, breaking a government commitment.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore was responsible for the creation of the College Street cycleway just over three years ago, and slammed the proposal to rip it up.

“The NSW government’s own City Centre Access Strategy clearly stated that the College Street cycleway should not be removed until a safe alternative route along the length of Castlereagh Street was opened,” a spokesperson for the Mayor told City Hub. “Removing the College Street cycleway without a safe alternative puts people’s safety at risk.”

Rob Berry organised the rally and told City Hub that the point of the rally was to highlight how many cyclists would be displaced once the cycleway was taken out.

“We had a few hundred cyclists show up in the morning and ride up the road on College and Macquarie Streets. I guess the reason why we did that was to show what was going to happen when the cycleway went,” he said.

“We built it for five million dollars three years ago.

It’s just a monumental waste of money.”

When announcing the removal of the cycleway at a press conference in late May, Transport Minister Andrew Constance asked for “patience” from all commuters.

“Cyclists make up about 6000 commuters coming in and out of town every day. What we have responsibility for is around 630,000 people who have to commute to and from town every day and we need to make this city work,” he said at the press conference.

Mr Berry said that the majority of cyclists supported the addition of light rail to the CBD but that it didn’t have to come at the expense of infrastructure like the cycleway.

Save College St Cycleway protest. Source: Facebook

“There definitely has to be a change in bus routes, but we question why it has to come at the expense of one of the most successful pieces of cycling infrastructure, and why you wouldn’t use this as an opportunity to further discourage private motor vehicle use in the city,” he said.

As well as transport concerns, the impact on businesses is still a major issue for those directly affected by the construction.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) said that “businesses will be offered a range of assistance including toolkits, workshops and drop-in sessions to support staff making changes to their journey to work”.

TfNSW also said businesses will be offered help to reduce the impact of construction, and that the construction schedule has been designed to minimise time spent in each area of the route.

Construction headache in Chippendale

By Stephanie Tiller Excessive construction noise at Central Park has forced local residents to leave their homes in an attempt to take respite.

Since construction started at Central Park in 2010, local residents have lived alongside heightened construction noise. Residents told City Hub noise levels have recently become unbearable.

Chippendale local Katherine Martin said construction noise levels have at their worst recently.

“I know the noise is worse now than it’s ever been. Not only are residents tired from having to put up with noise for the last five years, but now there seems to be a massive push from the developers to get the work done ASAP,” she said.

“There are no respite periods built into the development. What a massive oversight.”

Construction is currently taking place at Central Park on Block 8, bordered by O’Connor and Abercrombie Street and Block 11, bordered

by Wellington, Kensington and O’Connor Street.

Catherine Capolupo, who lives behind the Block 11 construction site, said at times she had left her home due to invasive drilling.

“When the drilling was happening and they were knocking down walls I went and had to stay at my mothers house which is out west, just so I could get a few hours sleep.”

A local community group, who chose to remain anonymous, also expressed concerns to City Hub over the impact of construction fatigue on the local residents.

“This is construction fatigue, and Central Park has a series of buildings so its not just one building, but now the buildings are much closer to where the residents live so it’s all coming at once,” the spokesperson said.

Construction at the Central Park site. Source: Joe Bourke

A spokesperson from Frasers Property Australia, who are partnered with Sekisui House Australia in developing Central Park, said they were “aware of recent complaints that have been made”.

“The City of Sydney undertook an inspection of Central Park last week and found that all works are being undertaken in accordance with the planning approvals,” the spokesperson said.

Frasers Property Development Director for Central Park, Mick Caddey, said “We understand that an undertaking the scale of Central Park causes disruption to residents during construction”.

“This can be deeply frustrating for local residents even when best endeavours are made to minimise disruption and contractors are complying with Council conditions.”

City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott said she was concerned about “reports of excessive construction noise in Chippendale”.

“Residents should expect that issues regarding construction noise should be kept at reasonable levels throughout the day and night.”

A spokesperson from NSW Planning and Environment said they had received two complaints regarding Central Park and had doubled the number of compliance officers to deal with community complaints.

Last week, several City of Sydney councillors told News Corp media they would support a rate reduction for businesses directly affected by construction, with one councillor stating they did not think this would be enough for small business.

Independent Councillor and owner of Vivo Café on George Street, Angela Vithoulkas, told City Hub a rate reduction would not be enough, as most small business owners on George Street are not directly billed for rates.

“I also don’t believe that will be enough for what we’re about to face. From the small sample of construction that is actually happening, the dust is thick and dark and the noise is shocking and this is just a small section that’s happening currently,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Lord Mayor said the City of Sydney already has fair rates but that they were working with the government to help George St businesses.

“The City and NSW government agencies including the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Transport for NSW are working with the Sydney Business Chamber on programs to support businesses during the construction and operation of the light rail,” the spokesperson said.

“The City of Sydney already has very low rates for businesses and residents.”

Clr Vithoulkas said she was extremely concerned about the future of small businesses on George Street given their close proximity to construction.

“If businesses are 2-3 metres away from those jackhammers and those machines for many months, how are they going to stay open? And if they lose a year or two years trade because of the noise and the dust, how exactly will they stay open for business?”

Clr Vithoulkas said.

“Because I don’t know any business which can face a dramatic downturn for one to two years and still stay open.”

TfNSW said that access to businesses and properties would be maintained throughout construction and operation of the light rail.

Randwick opposes park price hike

By Miriam Webber Randwick Council has pledged to support the campaign against rising fees for school hire of Centennial Parklands.

Councillors from all parties pledged unanimous support on Tuesday June 23 for a motion to lobby state ministers for a guarantee of affordable fees.

The motion was petitioned to Council by local action group Save the PSSA in Centennial Parklands. The group has been campaigning to stop fee rises for grounds hire by the Public School Sports Association (PSSA), the organising body of sports programs between local schools.

The campaign has been gaining momentum, with Randwick the second council to pledge its support after Waverley.

Randwick Greens councillor Lindsay Shurey presented the motion to council.

Clr Shurey told Council that Centennial Parklands were moving towards a financial model which is unacceptable.

“They’re making really silly decisions, financial decisions. The reason they’re making those decisions is the state government has cut their funding,” she said.

Ms Shurey said the motion, which commits the council to appeal to the NSW Education Minister and Environment Minister, was amended to include a plan to seek council representation on the Centennial Park Trust Board.

Labor Councillor Tony Bowen said there is a need for local representation on the trust because of financial decisions that are affecting the community poorly.

“I think the bottom line is, is this a park or is it a cash cow?” he said.

Kilty O’Brien represented Save the PSSA at the Council meeting. She said there was very passionate and sincere concern for the rising costs of sports grounds.

“Randwick Council don’t have jurisdiction over Centennial Parklands so unfortunately for us its not going to solve the problem right away, but what it does do is bring a lot of local attention to the issue.”

Clr Shurey said Council would help raise awareness of the fee hikes.

“The only way forward is to be as loud as they possibly can,” she said. city hub 2 july 2015

9

arts FEATURE

Ensuring a future for Australia’s arts

BY Alannah Maher The function of art and culture, in all its various forms, has a profoundly positive and immeasurable impact on Australian society. The recent budget announcement however, of $105 million worth of funding cuts to the Australia Council for the Arts, has various branches of the arts sector fearing for their future.

In Sydney, groups and individuals from all walks of the industry have been banding together and planning a National Arts Sector Meeting, featuring the open forum Our Future In Our Hands, to take place tonight (Jul 2) where they can unite to reclaim control of their futures. “It’s an open call to people who have an interest in this conversation,” said Norm Horton from Feral Arts, an organiser and spokesperson for the event. “We’re anticipating that we’ll get people from right across the arts and cultural sector…”

Meanwhile, DirtyFeet, a not-for-profit contemporary dance organisation is preparing a program for up-and-coming choreographers in the face of an uncertain funding future. Out of the Studio (OOTS) is an initiative bringing the works of two young choreographers, Rhiannon Newton and Rosslyn Wythes, ‘out of the studio’ and ‘onto the stage’.

DirtyFeet Director Anthea Doropoulos is confident that we will be hearing the names of these talented women in the future. Newton’s choreography proposes that we are automatically a ‘group dancing machine’; Whereas Wythes’ choreography explores energy moving through the body

and through a group of bodies.

This is the second year of OOTS, a proven launch pad for the careers of other dance professionals; this would not be possible without funding. “We’ve been quite happy with the way things have been going, however with these cuts we are fearful of what is going to happen,” said Anthea. Currently, funding from Arts NSW covers a majority of the costs, in addition to DirtyFeet’s own box office sales, merchandise and own fundraising initiatives.

It is rare for opportunities of paid, career-building employment to come along for emerging artists. The program pays a full time wage to the choreographers and their dance teams for three weeks of rehearsal that culminates in an evening showing followed by a question and answer session. New pressures on arts funding means that it will be much more competitive when DirtyFeet seek to reapply for the funding that has allowed them to foster the future of Australia’s dance arts.

OOTS is not the only grass roots program whose future has been made uncertain by the proposed shift in arts funding. Paula Abood, a community cultural development artist who works with diverse communities across Western Sydney, was motivated to join the organisers of Our Future In Our Hands because of the threats to her work and the communities she assists. “I feel that this change is so radical that it will transform the sector for the worst,” she said.

The millions of dollars worth of funding

proposed to be cut from the Australia Council is intended to be transferred to the newly established National Programme for Excellence in the Arts (NPEA), with it’s funding decisions resting with minister George Brandis.

“I think that when you start speaking about the idea of ‘excellence’ in particular there’s an inherent cultural bias in that framework,” says Abood. “Who is deciding what excellence is? For me… you can’t neatly explain in one sentence what excellence is, because I think it changes with whatever group or art forms you’re working with. It crosses the boundaries of innovation, creativity, experimentation...”

Paula works with communities to build capacities through art, through her work she has helped people from marginalised and disenfranchised backgrounds (refugees, the homeless) use artistic mediums of storytelling as powerful tools to facilitate conversation, nurture and educate. Artists like Paula do not fall neatly into a particular art form, nor do they have the infrastructure of major performing arts organisations. They will have to fight to prove the ‘excellence’ of their work, when the benefits of it are evident enough.

“The people who are most impacted [by the arts cuts] from what we know, are the individual artists, independent artists and the small to medium arts organisations,” says Norm Horton.

The National Arts Sector Meeting follows up a similar gathering hosted in Canberra.

DirtyFeet dancers Ashlee Barton, Courtney Scheu, Annabel Saies, Emma Harrison and Ivey Wawn – Photo: Chris Peken

“There’s a policy void at the moment,” said Horton. “The current federal government came in and decided to axe the Creative Australia policy [established by the 2013 Labor government], but haven’t put anything [else] in place… the decisions it is making don’t have any policy context, that makes it really hard for anyone to figure out where they sit.”

“If I was young and starting out in dance and my government didn’t support what I did at all, I would just leave the country,” said Anthea Doropoulos, calling to attention to the lack of support for young and emerging artists. “It’s hard enough to be an artist in Australia, and then its just been made harder.”

OUT OF THE STUDIO July 3 & 4, 7.30pm.

Shopfront Contemporary Arts & Performance, 88 Carlton Parade, Carlton. $10-$15. (DirtyFeeters and children under 12 Companion Card holders are free.) Bookings: http:// www.trybooking.com/133838 OUR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS: NATIONAL ARTS SECTOR MEETING #2 July 2, 5.30pm–8.00pm.

Australian Theatre for Young People, Pier 4/5 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay. RSVP and info: contact@freethearts.com. au Or https://www.facebook. com/events/1600849353538087 Or Or 0407 690444

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10

city hub 2 july 2015

You’re the best!

We’d like to give you the opportunity to tell our eighty three thousands readers why!

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

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

People save the Best of Sydney edition and refer back to it throughout the year.

Businesses who participate in the TWENTIETH anniversary BEST OF SYDNEY edition receive an editorial profile, a print advertisement in our collector’s edition, a month’s worth of online banner ads as well a certificate and sticker to display in your premises.

Booking Deadline: July 31 To find out how you can be featured in our TWENTIETH Anniversary BEST OF SYDNEY Call (02) 9212 5677 city hub 2 july 2015

11

EAT & DRINK

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

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

$ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

ROCKS & CBD Alpha Restaurant This stately restaurant simultaneously summons monumental history and lazy days by the seashore. Chic apron-clad staff exude effortless cool.They’re confident in the menu, and they should be - parts of it, like the Scallop Moussaka ($27), have stood the test of time.

Seared scallops lie between eggplant rounds, glued together with a smear of standout Taramosalata ($12) (also available in dip form with addictive, house-made pita bread). Other classics, like Spanakopita ($20), result in an airy, golden-topped spinach pie, dissected tableside by the universally handsome wait staff. Make Head Chef Peter

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

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

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

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

$$$ - mains between $22-$30

Conistis’ Greek Spiced Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder ($38/$58) the centrepiece of your meal – roast potatoes don’t get much better.

238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney (02) 9098 1111 alpharestaurant.com.au Greek $$$ Bertoni Farrer Place Despite sitting at the base of Governor Macquarie Tower in the heart of the CBD, Bertoni Farrer Place remains remarkably casual. Hot out of the open kitchen, Quattro Formaggi Stuffed Zucchini Flowers ($18) are densely stuffed (as all zucchini flowers ought to be), oozing rich cheesy goodness on a necessarily sharp rocket salad.The classic Vitello Tonnato ($19) is lightened with salad leaves and exceedingly tasty capers.

$$$$ - mains over $30

You can’t go wrong with the earthy and shellfish-sweet Farro Risotto ($24), arriving perfectly al dente. Fragrant Slow-Roasted Porchetta ($23) is tender and unctuous, with an irresistible ribbon of crackling. However, it’s worth coming just for the Tiramisu ($12), served tableside from a large tray.

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

The Traditional Chip Shop The British sure know how to make a decent fish’n’chips.While it’s not exactly ‘catch of the day’ and the menu reads

rare delights

Drake Eatery

By Ryan Kennedy It’s hard to say what I like about Drake Eatery the most.

Just opened and already booked out, the light wood furnishings and grainy yellow floor scream beach, while dark wood highlights and floor-to-ceiling windows exude casual cool—it’s perfect for Bondi.What’s more, Chef Ian Oakes named this beachside venture after his favourite protein, and the avenue his grandma lived on, where he

like a DIY heart attack, it’s a damn good feed.This chippie has a mix of British and Irish specialties like haggis, black pudding and deep-fried Mars Bars, but if you want to ease yourself in, go for Cod ($14.95) with hand cut chips.Throw in some Mushy Peas ($2.50) and douse it with vinegar for a bona fide taste of England. Curry Cheese Chips ($7.50) are a standout – like Irish poutine, they’re decadent hangover food.Wash it down with sherbet-flavoured soda: Irn Bru ($3), the ‘national drink of Scotland behind Whiskey’.

49-55 St. Pauls Street, Randwick (1300) 2447 7467 thechipshop.com.au Seafood $ Mappen Bondi Junction This DIY noodle bar, where you selfserve your fresh crispy tempura and

learned his first recipes. Beyond the style and sentiment there also is substance, evidenced by musky Chicken Liver Parfait ($16) with apple and rhubarb chutney and crumbs of pistachio; not to mention the shards of bacon adorning pepita and thyme-strewn Roast Pumpkin ($12) with burnished sprouts—it’s simple cooking done very well. My Swedish dining partner exclaims:“My Scandinavian palate is singing!” after one taste of the Tea-Smoked Ocean Trout ($18), the earthy baseline of celeriac ‘slaw and delicate trout punctuated by apple matchsticks and liquorice cream.As you’d expect, the Roast Thirlmere Duck ($29) is perfectly cooked, served on a carrot puree sparked up with hot, fresh ginger.There’s even a lollipop of confit leg.And faith in the staff is rewarded with dessert recommendations of nut and honeycomb-encrusted White Chocolate and Honeycomb Parfait ($14), and Ricotta Doughnuts ($12). Knockout stuff.

Corner of Curlewis and Gould Streets, Bondi Beach (02) 9130 3218 drakeeatery.com.au Modern Australian $$$

toppings, sauces and water, has the bustle of a traditional Tokyo style diner with the warmth of Sydney hospitality.

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

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

Little Jean Double Bay has had a makeover, and riding on the coattails of the impressive InterContinental, is Little Jean. Relaxed and streamlined, it’s like a first-class airport lounge, so keep it classy with freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters ($20/6) and Prosecco ($9.50/glass).The café (bistro by night) is by the guys behind the Golden Sheaf’s bistro, and showcases seasonal, sustainable produce. Bruschetta ($16) with house-cured salmon is fresh and filling, while Steak Frites ($28) are Frenchy and chic like the clientele. On the lighter side, Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($18) is perfectly balanced with tahini and yoghurt dressing.

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

come and indulge in the heavenly taste of these rare delights at stefano manfredi’s balla, black by ezard and sokyo this july. to book visit star.com. au

july is truffle month at the star

80 PYRMONT STREET, PYRMONT

12

city hub 2 july 2015

EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Mama’s Buoi Salty, sweet, sour and... not. Fried Chicken Ribs ($10) with chilli-lime glaze were touted as the entrée to choose if you like it hot, but they lack any sort of real chilli kick. “Vietnamese food is spicy, but we are in Australia, with European/British taste,” Assistant Manager Guillaume Henry says, explaining the structural decision at Mama’s Buoi to make the dishes more widely appealing. And clearly it’s worked: in the Surry

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

By DJ Hookie Balmain, and its surrounding suburbs of Birchgrove and Rozelle, have become awash with visitors from all corners of the city, keen to tuck in to the cosmopolitan selection of trendy cafés and restaurants. Precisely why a visit to Charlotte Café in Birchgrove, provides such pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle. It’s a place where locals come to meet over a coffee (of which any Campos fan would approve), or one of the appetising dishes this establishment has to offer.

Complete with outdoor dog bowls for the fourlegged friends of locals – the place appears to

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

And I’ve got to admit—things have changed for the better –

Hills quick-bite-after-work market, this joint is killing it on a Tuesday at 6pm. Meaning you’ll dance - to Studio 54-esque first wave disco - between counter seating and pretty tiled tables, to reach your seat in this old-school Saigon-styled space.The A.K. Sour ($16) with aromatic passionfruit proves sweeter than the lemongrass-infused Vietnamese Caipirinha ($16). Both make excellent companion drinks to crunchy Hanoi Shrimp Cakes ($12) – basically crisp corn, sweet potato and school prawn fritters. Juicy soft shell crab topping a salad of green papaya and pomelo, makes Mama’s Boy’s Buoi ($20) a winner, especially against Beer Lao ($8). Giving up on heat, I followed Guillaume’s advice and teamed my Marinated Pork Spare Ribs ($22) from the grill with a surprisingly delicious, vegan-friendly Coconut Tamarind Curry ($16), cooked in coconut cream and milk for six hours.This still-expanding chain is fresh and stylish, and clearly speaks to the people.

116 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 9993 Vietnamese $$-$$$

pumpkin ice cream.

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

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

Charlotte Café

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

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

Shop 15, Llankelly Place, 24-30 Springfield Avenue, Potts Point (02) 8970 1143 osakabar.com.au Japanese $$ Haven The end of one-way communication between you and your barista is nigh!

Inside this spacious Chalmers Street café, a star-shaped flavour chart invites you to direct the barista using aroma, sweetness, acidity, body and aftertaste.

It’s translated into adjustments in time, temperature, grind size and single origin bean, producing a customised Latte ($4).

The best expression of the work of world champion Taiwanese coffee roaster, Jake

be a family favourite.

The Charlotte Special ($18.50) is a decadent, Norwegian take on eggs Benedict, featuring homemade Hollandaise (always a necessity) topped with fish roe.The crunch of Corn Fritters ($14.50) with baby spinach and grilled haloumi is offset nicely with a cucumber and yoghurt topping.Avocado and Fresh Tomatoes on Toast ($10) with pesto, proved a delightful snack for my vegan dining-mate, and we’re told it’s a best seller.With grandiose plans to expand the Charlotte empire to include Mosman, Pennant Hills, and the Australian Technology Park, owner Jason Ghebar has high hopes that the wider Sydney audience will embrace the Charlotte family, just as well as the locals have, right here in Birchgrove.

127 Rowntree Street, Birchgrove (0403) 924 168 facebook.com/CharlotteCafeBirchgrove Café $-$$

especially with perfectly cooked Kangaroo Fillet ($26) with earthy beetroot, walnut and goats cheese salad, and the famous madrasstyle Fish Curry ($20), mild and elegant, with a slab of crispskinned salmon.

117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge (02) 9660 1872 forestlodgehotel.com.au Pub Bistro $$-$$$ The Balmain Hotel With dumplings one buck each on a Thursday night, most patrons are tucking into steaming bamboo baskets—but The Balmain Hotel also has new dishes to try. Salty creamy goodness is doubled down in smoked cheese-enriched

stuffed zucchini flowers and aromatic jalapeno croquettes, each irresistibly deep-fried and crispy. Throw in some fluffy Peking duck steamed buns, and you have one tasty Share Plate for 2 ($35).

But this is a pub, and pubs live and die by their classics. Fortunately the Balmain Burger ($18) stands and delivers with classic charred Australiana complete with grated beetroot. Fluffy little ice cream buns - Salted Caramel Sliders ($12) – have a nice hot-cold dynamic against warm chocolate sauce.

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

Civilian Bar & Kitchen

By Ryan Kennedy Polished concrete, dark wood, bare light bulbs, and heavy slab tables— Civilian is decor ready for inner-city cool.

Come on a Friday and the Passionfruit Sour ($17)— sweet, smoky with mescal, and topped with thick Italian meringue— is a bargain at ten bucks, and comes with complimentary (and tremendously compelling) truffled popcorn. Light share meals from new Head Chef Aaron

Hu, is the 8-Hour Cold Brew ($6). Now while the focus is coffee, Chef Thomas Taylor ensures food isn’t neglected. His Pork Belly Kimcheese Burger ($19) shines from bold use of the healthy Korean staple, tangled with coriander, grated apple, radish and sesame-dotted omelette.

30-34 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 9300 havenspecialtycoffee.com.au Café $-$$

GREATER SYDNEY Barrel Bar & Dining Twenty-six year old Zac Stanning has been a head chef for six months.Throw in a triumvirate of sommelier owners, and you have what could be a disaster.

What you find, however, is a cohesive wine bar and restaurant reflecting the

Mihelic steal the show: the Herb Crumbed Hen’s Egg ($12) is a crisp and decadent pleasure, while the generous serving of Hiramasa Kingfish Carpaccio ($16) with explosions of finger lime, orange soy and puffed wild rice, had me scouring the plate for missed morsels. Creamy, briny Pemulwuy Oysters ($4/each) are also a refreshing treat, topped with celery, apple and lime granita. Confit Pork Belly ($27.50) is as crisp, sticky and tender as it ought to be, but an (equally tender) Braised Lamb Shoulder ($26.50) gets a little lost in an overly complex dish.All is forgiven after tasting the sides; warm cumin-spiced Fried Cauliflower ($10.50) earthy with hummus and freshened by yogurt, and goat’s cheese and pepita-spiked Roasted Pumpkin ($13). For a sweet finish the Milk Caramel Chocolate Tart ($15) combines a lot of coffee-crunchybanana elements in an artfully strewn mess, and somehow there isn’t a bad mouthful. Did I mention the $10 cocktails?

248 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9361 4162 civilian.net.au Modern Australian $$$

tastes and BYO proclivities of the local area. Stanning wants to cook “something that people will like”, evident in portsweet Duck Liver Parfait ($17), but also in the absence of obscure ingredients.

He makes a sweet orange symphony of Carrots ($17) - 24-hour cooked, pickled, smoked and crisp carrots with pebbles of honeycomb. Equally exciting is his forest floor of Sauteed King Oyster Mushrooms ($17), crisp mushroom bark and mossy green parsley sponge.

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

FOOD NEWS

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 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 $$$$

By Jackie McMillan What do truffles smell and taste like? Mushrooms, old socks, male pheromones, forest floor, umami and sex were all thrown about during my visit to Madame Truffles.This (genius) business grew from Bernadette Jenner’s disappointment with truffles imported from overseas.And after five years in Melbourne, she’s finally brought the opportunity to smell and taste black truffle terroir from four different Australian regions, to Sydney! You’ll find her ten-week pop-up shop tucked behind Pasta Emilia on Riley Street, with the artisan pasta-makers collaborating on two truffled ravioli creations in her boutique in-store range.You’ll also find Truffle Salt [$10];Truffle Honey [$20]; Popcorn with Truffle Butter [$20]; and Truffle Ice Cream [$18]; all made without the use of fake truffle oil.The most exciting part is getting up close and personal with truffles from four Australian states, to find out that Braidwood NSW truffles throw smoke while Lower Barrington TAS truffles are all about mushroom. In an effort to ensure more people can afford to try them, Jenner goes out of her way to source small truffles, with prices ranging from $2.60$3.40/gram.To really experience them though, you will need 4-5 grams per person.

And as one does not simply slice truffles thinly enough with a knife, you may need to invest in a fancy truffle slicer [$45]. I didn’t regret any of my purchases… www.madametruffles.com

bar fly

By Amie Barbeler

The Smoking Panda I was eyeing up the maple and bacon-infused bourbon when a suit-clad silver fox sidled up to me and said: “If you drink that, every man in this bar will fall madly in love with you.” I stared into his eyes for a minute… and shuddered, opting for a cocktail instead. The Smoking Panda has a hip L.A. vibe to it, with a retro Chinese twist. The staff are friendly and flirty; there are jellyfish swimming in the walls; and it’s the kind of place where you just know you’re going to leave with a great story. If you’d rather a decent doughnut in your life than a man, let yourself fall madly in tipsy love with the Doughnut Martini ($17) – rum, bourbon, vanilla and butterscotch, garnished with deep fried dough. Soak up the liquid doughnut deliciousness with a few juicy grilled pork, maple bacon and chilli sliders ($7 each). Love’s overrated… but The Smoking Panda certainly isn’t.

5-7 Park Street, Sydney (02) 9264 4618 thesmokingpanda.com.au city hub 2 july 2015

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Erin Helyard. Photographed by: James Mills

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

AKIO! Blue Theatre Company, in conjunction with Hayes Theatre Co, presents AKIO! This is a tale of a young boy who is sucked into a video game world.When the girl of his dreams, Harumi, is kidnapped by an evil villain, Akio must work to save her. Sadly, in his real life Akio faces ongoing bullying and uses video games to escape his reality.

AKIO! is Blue Theatre Company’s inaugural production and The Hayes’ first production for children. Aimed at children aged 8-13, it is also a production for those both older and younger.

Blue Theatre Company are known for their advocation of mental health. This production is an inspiring, anti-bullying story of how children

can react to bad external factors in their life.

AKIO! is an incredibly creative show, with beautiful choreography and a culture-rich performance.

The show combines acting, movement, choreography, sound and audio-visual design to tell the story. It is a marriage of cultures (with the help of Japanese mythology) to produce an exciting show. Babies and children under three are free for this school holiday production.

Tickets are on sale now. (LB) July 4 - 7, Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $25-$32.

Tickets & info: www.bluetheatre.com.au

OPERANTICS - Cosi Fan Tutte

Operantics, an independent company for young performers will be launching it’s debut Opera, Cosi Fan Tutte, from July 2.

Operantics was formed earlier this year by Katie MillerCrispe, offering opportunities to young performers who wished to pursue their career in operatic theatre and classical music.

When Miller-Crispe came back from Europe she realised the Opera scene in Sydney was ‘appalling’, so she decided to do something about it, and that’s when the idea of Operantics came about.

Cosi Fan Tutte is a two act opera that revolves around Photo: Kyle Stephens - Kore Productions two young women, Dorabella and Fiordiligi whose fiancées make a bet with their friend Don Alfonso that their women will always be faithful to them.

Katie directed the opera in addition to playing the role of Dorabella, however she says directing was smooth sailing as the performers collaborated and gave each other directions so the load wasn’t all on her.

She has big dreams for this production, to see it grow throughout the years: “I’d love to be able to have a full season next year and get more students involved, and have it do something that can be a real resource and service for young singers.” (AMal) July 2 - 5. Independent Theatre, 269 Miller Street, North Sydney. Adults $25, Concession $15, Children under 12 $10. Bookings: www.operantics.com.au

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city hub 2 July 2015

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Antonio Vivaldi’s Bajazet Antonio Vivaldi’s Bajazet is the latest Baroque Opera to be rediscovered and performed by Pinchgut Opera. Brimming with passion and intrigue, it has been rarely seen since its premier in Verona in 1735.

Dedicated to finding and producing neglected masterpieces, each one of Pinchgut’s productions are made from the ground up.Artistic director Erin Helyard sourced the opera (written in Vivaldi’s own hand) from a library in Turin. He then spent countless hours transcribing and editing the manuscript for it to be performed.“It’s like copying a picture”, says Helyard.“By the time you finish you get to know every brushstroke, every note”.

Bajazet is a ‘Pasticcio’, a favoured genre of the 18th Century, where the artist ‘curates’ a selection of arias from diverse composers.Vivaldi composed

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

nine of the arias and the other seven come from some of his great contemporaries.“People who know Vivaldi’s work won’t be disappointed, and I think people will be excited to hear works from composers they’ve never heard before”, says Helyard.

In the spirit of Vivaldi, the cast features an exceptional group of vibrant, up-and-coming singers, bringing a freshness that is sure to resonate with audiences.“We’ve updated the production to a modern context”, says Helyard.“So it’s not a stuffy museum piece, it’s a living breathing piece of theatre”. (GW) 4 - 8 July, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney, $30-135, Bookings & info: http://www.pinchgutopera. com.au/bajazet/ or 02 8256 2222.

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

Circus Under My Bed

Photo: Daniel Boud

Following a sold out production last year, and hot off the announcement of their new multi-year production deal with the Sydney Opera House, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is back with Circus Under My Bed. Performing at the Sydney Opera House for the second year in a row, this is a must see. For only two weeks, you will be able to see this riveting performance.

After this showcase, they move to a small tour of the Southern States.

Circus Under My Bed tells the story of a young girl coming to terms with moving away and the exciting, thrilling, imaginary final night in her old house. The world renowned Flying Fruit Fly Circus is performed by children aged 9-19. The training centre located in Albury-Wodonga is known for helping young children achieve their performance dreams. The production is a mix of classic circus, vaudeville and story-telling.

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is pure entertainment for both adults and children, and is the perfect activity for the kids these school holidays. Circus Under My Bed was nominated last year for Best Visual or Physical production at The Helpmann Awards. Get in quickly before tickets sell out again! (LB) July 1 - 12.The Studio, Sydney Opera House. $24-$59.

Bookings & info: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/kath_2015_ circus_under_my_bed.as

The Ishmael Club The Ishmael Club is a play centred around a mock gentleman’s club of the same name, where artistic types hung out in the heart of Melbourne around the time of 1884-1915, making fun of everything and everyone. It focusses on Norman Lindsay, remembered mostly for The Magic Pudding and some risqué nudes, and Will Dyson.

A talented cartoonist, Dyson became very politically motivated after spending time in London, his work became directed towards the socialist movement that was happening in preWW1 in Britain.Together with Lindsay’s sister,Will, and his wife Ruby Lind, they had a certain notoriety.

“They were the avant-garde, really into Italian restaurants and German romantic influences. In 1890 it was the done thing, if you didn’t have bad garlic on your breath you weren’t a real artist.The avant-garde did bohemian cheap living, scraping by”, explains Jasper Garner Gore, who plays Norman Lindsay.“The play centres around... Mrs Maggie, who owned the café where

the Ishmael Club used to meet. [She] tells the story, she frames the play.”

“It’s a play about the loss of innocence, the tension in Australia in The Arts, between populists and elitists, Lindsay who was an elitist in his politics and his art, and Dyson who was a Democrat and a Socialist,” says Jasper.

“My parents, Bill Garner and Sue Gore, are the original playwrights of The Ishmael Club, and they asked me if I was interested in putting the play on,” explains Jasper, who saw their original production when he was 16.“My Dad discovered that Ted Dyson,Will’s brother, had actually owned the property that we lived in, in St Kilda. He did some research and came onto the story of Will, his sister Ruby Lind, and the relationship with Norman Lindsay. It was happenstance,” he concludes. (MS) July 7-18.The Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. $22. Bookings & info: www.oldfitztheatre. com/ishmael-club/

REVIEW: Legends!

James Kirkwood’s 1986 comedy sees two fading Hollywood starlets trading barbs for two hours, but lacks a definitive knockout blow.

The show stars sisters Juliet and Hayley Mills performing as the lead characters Sylvia Glenn and Leatrice Monsee respectively. Both put in quality performances with lots of charisma and comedic timing, sadly though they are let down by a script which becomes repetitive and lacks any real depth.

Whilst the audience is immediately given clues that the play is set in modern day, references often come across as dated (as a 26-year-old, many of them were lost on me) or the modern references (such as the mention of Kim Kardashian) feel shoe-horned in, rather than genuine.

Production wise, the set design echoes the glamour and pizzaz one would expect from a show centred around Hollywood starlets and the actors make good use of the area and props they are given.

This is by no means a bad show, as there are laughs to be had throughout the production, the biggest of which was reserved for support actor David Denis, but one cant help but feel the show could have been condensed into a more punchy effort. (JA) WW½ Until Jul 5,Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney, From $79.90+b.f, ticketmaster.com.au THEATRE & PERFORMANCE SNUGGLEPOT & CUDDLEPIE May Gibbs’ famous storybook characters have been delighting Australian children for almost a century. Come down to the Sydney Opera House these July school holidays for a modern adaptation to delight all ages. This funny, enchanting production introduces today’s children to the wonderful world of May Gibbs and the magic of the Australian bush, as the iconic duo journey to the big city to go ‘human spotting’. Be sure to check out the illustrations that inspired the stories with an exhibition of May Gibbs’ works, free every day in the Western Foyers.

Until July 12, Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, $24 – $50. Bookings & info: sydneyoperahouse.com

AN HOUR WITH KAY This show is bursting with energy, joy, absurdist humour and social commentary while exploring the conceptual idea of absence.

Acclaimed solo dance and theatre practitioner Kay Armstrong says inspiration came to her through an off-hand comment made by someone who said they thought her solo work was ‘much better’ when she ‘wasn’t in it’. Through Armstrong’s inviting presence and engagement with the audience, she reacts to their unique and changing reception, allowing elements of the performance to change and adapt.

(JC) Until July 5. Old 505 Theatre, Surry Hills. Bookings: http:// www.trybooking.com/HOJY Information: http://www. venue505.com/theatre or www. kworks.co

MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN Belvoir’s interpretation of one of Bertolt Brecht’s most widely-staged shows is a lively, episodic depiction of wartime society, hedonism and profiteering.

Eamon Flack’s direction, and new translation by Michael Gow, somewhat modify the original to point of contemporary global affairs.

Musical interludes spruce up an essentially terrible tale. Robyn Nevin is forceful as Mother Courage, wearing a daggy outfit resembling a caravan park host rather than a seventeenth-century war profiteer.

With her droll delivery and elfin mischievousness, she dominates the show.

Until July 26. Belvoir Theatre, 18 – 25 Belvoir Street Surry Hills. $39-$72. Bookings: belvoir.com.au or 9699 3444 TRIASSIC PARQ Coinciding with

the release of the long awaited Jurassic World, based on the original blockbuster and billed as ‘a theological dinosaur sex comedy 65 million years in the making’, Triassic Parq splices dinosaurs, shows tunes and sex changes together in this inventive new musical, which presents the classic movie from the dinosaurs’ perspective. When one female T-Rex suddenly turns male and the entire pack must question their identity, gender, and what is possible – examining love, faith and science through a comical lens. To reiterate: SINGING DINOSAURS! (JH) Until July 4. Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, City Road, Chippendale. $30-$49. (Thursday Date Night: 2 tickets for $80) Bookings: http://www. seymourcentre.com/events/event/ triassic-parq/

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Written in 1955, this stage play is based on the novel of the same name, which explores the lives of a group of Jewish people who lived in hiding from Nazi persecution in Amsterdam between 1942 and 1944.

Justina Ward delivers a vibrant performance as Anne Frank and the powerful direction of Sam Thomas has extruded emotionally charged performances from the ensemble cast. The intimacy of the fringe theatre and a small stage cluttered with basic furniture and props effectively resonates the extremities in living conditions, and audiences are seemingly on stage as the story unfolds. (MMo) Until July 11, New Theatre, 542 King Street Newtown, $17 – $32, Bookings: 02 9519 3403 or newtheatre.org.au LIKE ME This mad mayhem of a

comedy from Mongrel Mouth Theatre is inspired by the modern era’s narcissistic obsession with social media. Eight hours of theatre is condensed into an hour-and-ahalf and eight rooms, over two levels of a 166-year-old, five-storey mansion. Inspired by the Bouffon clowning technique of French dramatic master Jacque LeCoq (which is ridiculous and mocking in style) this unique performance simultaneously follows a small community of dysfunctional and ego-driven former patients who have overthrown their once pristine treatment centre. Audiences have the freedom to wander essentially wherever and whenever they want.

(AM) Until July 11. Merchants House, 43-45 George St,The Rocks. $20 - $30.Tickets & info: www.mongrelmouth.com city hub 2 July 2015

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T H E NA K ED C ITY

RAT CATCHER IN THE RYE

By Coffin Ed, and Miss Death and Jay Katz Rats – their very name evokes shock and paranoia. Particularly if you were living in Sydney circa 1900, when the dreaded bubonic plague arrived in a protracted series of deadly outbreaks.The nasty rodents were blamed for spreading the disease via fleas to humans, and the city employed dozens of rat catchers to combat their onslaught.

Remarkably, these days the City of Sydney Council employs only one ‘pest control officer’ and spends a paltry $72,000 annually in keeping the cunning rodents at bay.Whilst the risk of an epidemic is minimal, rats are apparently running riot in a number of locations, including Wynyard Park and Hyde Park.

As offensive as it may seem to some folk, the fact is that all the great cities of the world have rats and in many ways we are better for their presence particular when it comes to the rich repository of urban humour.Take New York for example, where David Letterman cracked hundreds of jokes during his lengthy career about the city’s rat and mouse problem.

When a mouse was spotted chomping down in the window of a Dunkin’ Donuts store, Letterman quipped: “It’s so cold the rat on my doughnut just froze.’’

Here in Sydney we have fond memories of the arthouse Roma Cinema in George Street, built directly above the city’s underground train tunnels. It was not

the subterranean rumble of the red rattlers that disturbed moviegoers, but the rats that roamed the aisles in search of tasty candy bar morsels. One such rat was so daring and dextrous that he became a

Way Out West Festival for Children Calling all kids! Way Out West Festival (WOW) is on again at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre across four days this July school holidays. If you like to play, create, perform and watch there are plenty of interactive workshops, performances and installations to get amongst.

This year’s theme is ‘Make Your Mark’, incorporating an array of ideas that help to reflect on the positive impact individuals are able to make on their family, friends, communities and environment.

WOW Producer Jacqueline Hornjik encourages everyone to think about the theme while attending the event: “How we impact those around us is actually what defines who we are,” she says. “Make Your Mark is about the positive impact that we can have or should have.”

The feature of this year’s festival is a surreal singing tree made out of brightly coloured pipes; you’re able to sing and dance and create your own musical instrument from it. A big handmade catapult will also be outside, where you can splat colours against the Art Email Tree Wall to help create some beautiful artwork. There will also be a hip hop dance competition, short films, plenty of artists, artworks and live shows - including the world premiere of Liesel Badorrek’s Trash Alchemy (pictured). (JC) July 8 - 11. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula. FREE. Bookings & info: http://www.wayoutwestfestival.com.au exhibitions LOCALS ONLY: CALIFORNIAN SKATEBOARDING 1975-78 Skateboarding was once thought of as ‘counter culture’ and only practised inside small, territorial groups. The most famous of these groups include the Z-boys and Dogtown skateboarders, hailing from California. The image of tanned bodies, sun splashed blonde hair and a ‘devil may care’ attitude is synonymous with California skaters of the 1970’s. But who captured and popularised this image? Hugh 16

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Holland. Holland’s famous photographs will be on display for the first time in Australia. Often imitated but never equalled, his work gives the viewer the opportunity to experience what’s its like to be there at the beginning of a movement. (BM) Until August 1. Blender Gallery, 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington 2021. (Closed Sundays and Mondays.)

24 Frames The Carriageworks has been transformed into an immersive multimedia and dance experience, featuring 24 different works by 24 different artists. Commissioned as

favourite of regular patrons. Known to all as ‘Jaffa Boy’, the massive rodent would actually chase Jaffas down the aisles, pursuing the rolling red balls with an almost addictive fervour. Once he had captured the Jaffa, with

all the footwork of a mini Diego Maradona, he would crack it apart, devouring the sweet chocolate center in a frenzied display of manic gnawing.

Rumour has it he met his maker during a screening of The Great Rock’n’Roll Swindle, perhaps the same night one enthusiastic punter propelled a beer can straight through the screen.The story goes that he attempted to swallow the Jaffa whole – it lodged in his throat, causing instant suffocation and he was found legs up the next morning by a visibly disconsolate cleaner.

It wasn’t the first time rats had featured in a Sydney cinema experience, and some years later the Mandolin Cinema in Elizabeth Street ran a session of Andy Milligan’s B-grade shocker The Rats Are Coming! The Werewolves Are Here! As an enticement for punters, there was a free rat for anybody game enough to take up the offer on leaving the cinema. Many did, and for weeks after movie goers from that screening were spotted walking down Oxford Street and the like, with their white laboratory rats clinging to their shoulders.

Let’s face it, the plague aside, rats get a really bad name. But don’t tell us it’s not a gratuitous thrill when a big grey brute slithers through your feet whilst you are waiting for a bus in Carrington Street or strolling casually through Hyde Park at night. After all, it’s we grubby humans, with all our discarded filth and garbage that supply these devious critters with all they can eat.

R.I.P. ‘Jaffa Boy’!

Darling Harbour Cool Yule Festival Looking for something cool to do with the kids these school holidays? Get down to Darling Harbour for the return of the epic winter playground, Cool Yule!

Even bigger and better than last year, Cool Yule is back by popular demand, returning for its second year running with something to suit everyone and match every budget.

Get ready for an ice-skating experience like no other - an open-air ice-rink in the heart of our Harbour City views over Cockle Bay. After that, test your nerve on the legendary Cool Yule Slide, and celebrate your courage in the snow pit – with real snow!

After that, check out Disney’s Frozen Live Karaoke Experience, Face Painting and Balloon Modelling to really get in to the festive spirit! By now you might feel like a bit of a rest, why not check out the Lost and Found Storytelling, or go for a wander through the magical and awe-inspiring Frozen Forest, made of more than 100 glistening white Christmas trees.

To top it all off, take an enchanting ride up in to the sky on The Star of the Show Ferris Wheel and take in this magical festival in all its splendour. (JH) Until July 12. Darling Harbour.

Ticket prices vary.

Bookings & info: http://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/cool-yule/ part of a partnership between the Australian Council Of The Arts and Carriageworks, this exhibition is set to be one of the most ambitious and extensive presentations of dance on screen in Australia, occupying a space that is 6000 metres squared. The curators of the show placed very few limitations upon the artists, the only guidelines being that the works had to have a film element and also incorporate a dance element. Due to this philosophy the variety of works is astonishing, ranging from projections in various sizes and formats to works that incorporate the structural heritage elements of

the venue itself into the art. (JA) Jun 18 – Aug 2, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Everleigh, FREE, info: carriageworks.com.au ART AS A VERB This group exhibition denotes the concept of art as action. Showcasing actions, performances, situational pieces, manifestos, interactive props, take home photographs, instructional works and intriguing takes on seemingly mundane activity. There are over 60 pieces in the exhibition that journey through the 1960’s to the present. Mixed medium is used throughout including sculpture, performance and documentary.

There are many reflections on the social function of art itself, the relevance of interactions and all the situational, individual experiences and responses in between. A provocative and surreal exhibition, that requires an open mind. (RM) Until July 26. Artspace.

43 – 51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, http://www.artspace.org.au/ VIDEO GAMES LIVE Veteran video game composer and world record holder Tommy Tallarico brings his Video Games Live show to Australia.

This show brings video game music to life through a full symphony orchestra

synchronised to video game visuals.

During his 25 years in the industry Tallarico has worked with some of the biggest games franchises in history from Earthworm Jim in the early 90s to Tony Hawk Pro Skater,Twisted Metal, Metroid Prime, Sonic and Madden in the mid-90s and right up to today working with the developers of Destiny, Assassins Creed 4 and Mass Effect.

With this extensive experience, Tallarico has seen the games industry grow and develop a significant cultural standing over the years. (JA) Jul 30, Enmore Theatre, 130 Enmore Rd, Newtown, www.videogameslive.com

Amy

It is irrefutable that Amy Winehouse was an immense talent.A young, natural singersongwriter who struggled under the weight of her identity and personal demons as she shot to international acclaim.A bright, funny girl who craved love but didn’t think she deserved it.

Struggles which ultimately led to her demise from alcohol poisoning at the age of 27.

Amy is an intimate and fascinating documentary

by Asif Kapadia (Senna,The Sheep Theif) using Winehouse’s most poignant lyrics as the spine of the narrative, accompanied by never before seen footage.There is no creative editing or opportunistic re-appropriation of media footage to perpetuate the public perception of her, Amy is as honest, straightforward and complex as the ‘gobby’ girl herself.

It would be easy to point the finger of blame through many of the heartbreaking revelations and fast-stacking circumstances which gradually pinned her down.There are plenty of opportunities to do that, but Amy is not a guided witch hunt for enablers and bad boyfriends. Instead this film is a look at the ‘real’ Winehouse, often using words from her own mouth (even at the tender age of 18, she

remarks that she doesn’t think she could “handle fame”).This is why it was so important to Kapadia to painstakingly collect candid footage from close friends and family.

The director uses voice-overs instead of filming interview subjects, a decision which helped keep contributors unguarded. Kapadia explains “the emotion is carried in the voice” as they speak about their dear friend and her tumultuous life.The high quality of the interviews shows the sheer amount of work that went into getting the hundred or so Kapadia conducted to gather enough material.

Not to mention the astounding effort that went into collating, reformatting and correcting footage and images. It is technically difficult to turn a disparate collection of shots and raw video into a flowing, accurate piece of cinema - but Kapadia has created a deeply honest and moving portrayal in Winehouse’s own words (or more aptly, lyrics).

That was the thing about Winehouse, she wore her heart on her tattooed sleeve and put all of her struggles in her songs – but was anyone truly listening? (LL) WWWW

Jurassic World It’s been 22 years since the first Jurassic Park left audiences enamoured with the concept of a dinosaur theme park, and that sense of wonderment has been successfully reinvigorated in this third sequel.

Jurassic World happily skips over sequels two and three and gives plenty of nostalgic nods to the popular original.

The park, also named Jurassic World, has been open to the public for 10 years. It’s a comment on modern society, that humans are already bored of it, treating the dinosaurs like run-of-the-mill zoo animals.The big-wigs want a new attraction, one that will bring in the crowds with its wow-factor, so they create their own. It’s an obviously dangerous concept revisited from the original — just because we can, doesn’t always mean we should.

The spirit of Spielberg is evident in Jurassic World. It’s a testament to director Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) who has stepped up to take the reins of his first major blockbuster and knocked it out of the (jurassic) park.The use of suspense is on point — a full dinosaur isn’t SLM MOVIE CLUB SERIES: AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKERS Local filmmakers are being acknowledged in the Sydney Living Museum’s latest Movie Club Series, documentary screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.

88 (July 26) is a landmark documentary from Adrian Russell Wills and Micaela Perske, which delves into the events that led up to January 26 1988, triggering the largest assembly of Indigenous people in Australia.

Tender (Aug 30) from filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, is compassionate and inspirational, and revolves around a community centre in Port Kembla which is in the process of removing funerals from the business structure and placing it in the hands of the community.(MMo) Museum of Sydney, Cnr Phillip & Bridge Streets, $12-$15.

Bookings & Information: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au UNDERDOG Dino (Bianca Kronlof) is a 23-year-old Swedish woman who crosses the border to Norway in search of stability. She accepts work as a housekeeper for

married man Steffen (Henrik Rafaelsen) and a love triangle soon develops. Hidden underneath this simplistic story of forbidden love is the roaring theme of class division, as Dino quickly learns she is regarded disparagingly in Norway.

Power struggles between the two countries are noted, in which Swedes have topically become the servants of Norwegians.This powerful, award-winning drama contains stunning photography of picturesque Norway and a mesmerizing musical score, but may evoke restlessness in audiences owing to the excruciatingly slow momentum of the story. (MMo) WWW Screening at Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival, July 8-26. Info: scandinavianfilmfestival.com INSIDE OUT Pixar is famous for making animations that comment on the human condition and Inside Out is another triumph.This laughout-loud comedy about Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), who is guided by the emotions that live in the control centre of her mind, is funny for both

seen until at least 20 minutes in — and there are plenty of thrilling twists and turns masked with exciting, adrenaline-filled action sequences to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard star as the leads and do a solid job of being co-heroes.They are obviously meant to be romantic interests for one another, but that takes a backseat to the training relationship Pratt’s tough-guy Owen has with his team of raptors.Thankfully, the concept of ‘trained raptors’ (which easily could have been ridiculous) is handled in a believable way.The new dinosaur is a truly terrifying creation, and the first real non-human villain of the franchise, clawing it’s way through people and dinosaurs alike.

While there are some weak points — two-dimensional supporting characters and a shoe-horned sub-plot featuring villainous plans obviously meant for a sequel — none of that will matter in one of the most anticipated sequels ever made. (LL) WWW adults and children. Featuring comedic star voices such as Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust and Phyllis Smith as Sadness. As with all Pixar animations, the formula is simple — there’s laughter, fun, nostalgia and a good dose of tugging at the heartstrings, with an honest message to tie it all together — but this is by no means a formulaic offering. (LL) WWWW THE MAFIA KILLS ONLY IN SUMMER This Italian comedydrama is insightful and showcases the activities of the Sicilian Mafia and its lingering effects on the local community. Set in Palermo, Sicily, in the 1970’s, the story follows Arturo’s (Alex Disconti) escalating affections for neighbour and school friend Flora (Ginevra Antona), which ultimately develops into mutual love.

The child actors deliver bright and delightful performances and the adult roles are charmingly portrayed.This film is strangely but effectively complemented by the fusion of comedy and graphic violence.The underlying story of the mafia’s murderous prevalence is

terrifying and thought-provoking.

Movie-goers will cringe at the scenes of bloodshed, but the impact is softened by the ongoing humour.

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

Whether this is tongue in cheek or a way to spark attention, his message is valid.The way he unashamedly asks uncomfortable questions is occasionally intense, but mostly funny, and definitely necessary.The hilarity of the delivery might just make the message stick, or at least start a dialogue. (HC) WWW LAST CAB TO DARWIN This low-budget Australian road-trip film surrounds a dying cab driver called Rex who drives 3,000 km from Broken Hill to Darwin, hoping to take advantage of new euthanasia laws. But whilst on this incredible

journey, he meets people who force him to re-evaluate his life and ultimately realizes that before he dies he must live life to the fullest, sharing it with loved ones. Michael Caton is a natural in the lead, supported by Oscar nominated Jacki Weaver in the role of a doctor who is a passionate advocate for euthanasia.This rewarding comedy/ drama explores themes of belonging, mateship, loneliness and family. (MMo) WWW½ ENTOURAGE The boys are back and it’s like they never left.The enduring bromance between Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) and his entourage, Eric (Kevin Connolly), Drama (Kevin Dillon) and Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is now living large on the big screen. Entourage series creator and the film’s writer/ director, Doug Ellin, knows how to give fans what they want – fast cars, hot girls, angry Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) and more cameos than viewers will keep up with. Blink and you’ll miss a lot of them. Entourage the movie feels like a two-hour episode – a do-over for the somewhat disappointing series

finale, where the characters begin with a fresh slate so loose ends can be left neater than they were at the end of season eight. (LL) WWW ALOHA This romantic comedy written and directed by Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) feels at its heart like a love letter to Hawaii, wrapped in a romcom, wearing a lei. It’s enjoyable on the surface, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but a contrived narrative makes it difficult to invest in the central characters and their relationships.The always-delightful Emma Stone is pleasant to watch as the eager young fighter pilot tasked with babysitting Bradley Cooper’s disgraced military contractor.With strong leads backed by Bill Murray, Alec Baldwin, Rachel McAdams and John Krasinski, it’s hard to imagine Aloha wouldn’t be a hit.

Unfortunately the depth lacking in the characters and the script is only momentarily found in beautiful snippets of Hawaiian culture and legends – all too briefly showcased in a subplot that is lost among many competing subplots. (LL) WWW city hub 2 July 2015

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Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Stonefield: Join this four-piece in celebrating the release of their latest single, Golden Dreams, and get a teaser of what is to come for the girls in 2015.

Following up their critically acclaimed self-titled album last year, the future looks bright with this new single.

Thu, Jul 2, Goodgod Small Club Thomas James: Having just released the first song from his upcoming EP Humane, indie-folk singer Thomas James is set to perform his debut live show this week. Previously performing under different names and as part of different projects, this is an exciting opportunity to see James in a new light, up close and personal.

Fri, Jul 3,The Newsagency The Lulu Raes: Recently this Sydney four-piece have completed sold-out tours alongside Art of Sleeping and Sticky Fingers, but are now proud to be embarking on their debut national headline tour.The boys have been receiving lots of praise on Triple J and other outlets so don’t miss this one.

Sat, Jul 4, Goodgod Small Club Tom West: Returning home after a successful tour of Canada and the United States, including showcases at Canadian Music Week,West is back and hitting the road again. Performing in Sydney this weekend to celebrate the release of his latest single Big Balloon and new eight-track EP

Marlon Williams

Oncoming Clouds (out today - Jun 2).

Sat, Jul 4,The Gaelic Club

By jamie apps

Batpiss: The Melbourne trio roar into Sydney this weekend with their Biomass album tour. Recorded over five short days, the new album explores darker depths of human existence, daily life, personal and domestic issues and dreamscapes.The live show is ready to serve up a large helping of loud rock and roll, having learnt from the best in The Hard Ons and King Parrot during recent tours together.

Sun, Jul 5, Frankies Pizza Jackie Brown Jr: The vibrant five-piece outfit formed at UNSW in 2014 (known for their unique brand of soul-pop-rock) kick off their NSW tour this week. Celebrating the release of their new single Dud Street, taken from their debut split-single The 44 Project, which honours all things music and art from Sydney’s Inner West.

Tue, Jul 7, Live & Originals at Mr Falcons Pigeons & Planes: As a youngster, Jack Grace spent his time writing and recording in his bedroom whilst simultaneously studying piano. Since then he has performed in multiple bands, recorded numerous albums and toured far and wide, but he is just now embarking on a new solo venture, blending his love for songwriting and electronic music.

Wed, Jul 8, Goodgod Small Club

Following a move to Melbourne in 2013, Kiwi crooner Marlon Williams has taken significant steps in building a formidable solo career.The latest of these milestone moments for the 24-year-old being the release of his debut selftitled solo album, which he is currently touring all over Australia and New Zealand.

The journey to this moment certainly moulded Marlon into the musician he is now.

Starting out as a 10-year-old boy in the choir (as a “way to get out of class”), Marlon quickly developed an appreciation and love for “the harmonies and the unity that a group of people singing brings.” From there he formed a band in high school which “somehow started playing country music” whilst continuing his choir singing. He describes having the two streams going simultaneously as “a pretty strange mix”.

Upon completing school Marlon recorded albums with his band and built a following in New Zealand, playing and touring there consistently for a couple of years. It was a big decision and a huge risk to make the move to Australia and essentially restart his career, however Marlon prefers to describe it as “exciting and necessary”. He elaborates: “Obviously there were the earthquakes in Christchurch and a few other catalysts for change, and I was only 22, so I felt like I needed to go and experience something new.”

During the recording process of his album however, Marlon returned home to Littleton (NZ).“I have such a solid base of musicians and the only producer I’ve ever worked with [in Littleton], so that was the way to go. It was also very loving and lovely to go back home after being in Melbourne for a year and a half,” he said.

Throughout his album Marlon explores a wide range of styles and sounds.“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do and nothing stuck out as an obvious direction,” he explained.“It also frees me up in the public to do whatever I want in the future releases.”

Marlon will be joined by Laura Jean for the tour, who he says he has wanted to work with (or at least play with) since he first heard her album:“It really is a masterpiece and I think it’s one of the finest albums to come out of Australia in some time.”

During the upcoming Sydney show Marlon plans on starting solo,“then slowly building a band around me until it turns into a fullfledged extravaganza.”

Jul 4,The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Sydney, $20+b.f, thebasement.com.au

The Getaway Plan Dark Horses

The Coolites Caravan Park Summers

After almost five years, the alternative rockers return with what is potentially their best offering to date.

Tonally this album is dark and emotionally charged, particularly in the lines “you carried the weight of the world, but you never speak a word” and “there’s pain in my heart that you’ll never know.”

That’s not to say that the album is depressing in anyway, the band manages to convey an underlying happiness reflecting upon their own meteoric rise.

Despite losing steam and brief lulls towards the end of the record this is emopop-rock at its best.(JA) WWWW

Swimming in nostalgia for 80s and early-90s Australian culture.

Throughout the 11-track offering the Sydney surf-rock outfit explore the timeless Aussie themes of mateship, beaches, summer holidays and community. Not only does this album explore Australian culture through its lyrics, but it also sounds very much like the time period it is reminiscing about. Musically, the band don’t attempt to break any boundaries, but in the context of the stories and setting this works nicely.

(JA) WWW

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

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

Approachable managers help you choose a lady for your massage.

There is a fair queuing system and no hidden charges or credit card fees. We are just along from Central Railway at 261 Parramatta Rd Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037 Phone 02 9660 0666 Its a $10.00 Taxi Ride from the CBD Visit our web site at

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

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

Parking is available in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe, first 2 hours free. Check out the website: at www.kingscourt.com.au for information, funny stuff and pictures of pretty women. There are no photos of the regular girls as they are too shy and we don’t provide full service.

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

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

VACANCIES

Kings Court is the best place to learn adult massage. You can work with us part time or casual and you are paid cash daily. Work times can suit students or young mothers.

When you start we get one of the regular girls to show you how to do your first massage. We have off street parking for ladies with cars and for your interview you can park in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entry with two hours free parking. The 18 Grose Street Glebe NSW 2037 address is the best way to find us using GPS plotting. Ring us on 02 9660 0666.

Some ladies from out of town stay over when they visit. We have the bestest and sweetest customers of any place. The website is www.kingscourt.com.au On the home page have a look at, “Is this your first time” and see the ten tips that help customers to understand how we do business and how they must behave towards our girls.

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

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

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

The Kings Court cartoon ads are based on actual things that happen: The joke here is that these bosses decided to treat their guys to a massage at this great place they say they have heard about. When they all turn up together the receptionist knows them all by name as they are all regulars!

city hub 2 July 2015

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