City Hub 30 October 2014

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october 30, 2014

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POP GOES THE GALLERY AGNSW opens Popism

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Government faces roadblocks to homelessness reform

BY Lucia Osborne-Crowley The NSW Upper House has ordered the state government to release all documents relating to its controversial reforms to homelessness services.

The reform package, called Going Home Staying Home, introduced competitive tendering to homelessness services across NSW. The tender process resulted in the takeover of all of NSW’s women’s only refuges and women’s specific services, causing a backlash from the community.

Many inner city women’s services were taken over by large organisations in late August after these organisations won control of the services through the competitive tendering process.

Given that staff at these services had been providing specialised care for several decades, the fact that they were not successful in winning tenders for funding confused many members of the community.

This led community activists to question the basis on which tenders were awarded under the Going Home Staying Home reforms.

A series of community protests against the reform culminated in a petition of over 14,000 signatures being presented to NSW Parliament by the NSW Opposition in late August.

The petition called for an explanation of the controversial funding reforms, and led to their content being debated in Parliament.

Last week, it was announced that Parliament had passed a motion to demand the government reveal all documents relating to the awarding of Going Home Staying Home tenders.

“All relevant documents will be provided to Parliament as required,” A spokesperson from the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) confirmed.

According to Save Our Women’s Services spokesperson Sam Wills, this will allow members of the community to scrutinise the tender process and

examine why experienced specialist services were denied tenders.

“We are going to be looking at how and why the government made the decisions they did during the competitive tendering process,” she said.

“We want to know exactly what the government made these decisions on. There has been an ongoing lack of transparency surrounding these reforms.”

City of Sydney Labor Councillor Linda Scott has also opposed the reforms since they were announced by the government. Cr Scott said she considers this motion a win for transparency and hopes it serves as a cautionary tale in regards to any future secretive tendering process.

“I’m pleased that the process of Going Home Staying Home will be made transparent because I think this is an example that we should all learn from.

This should never be repeated in New South Wales,” she said.

“As a direct result of this funding cut, we have seen more people sleeping rough, especially women and children in the inner city and shedding a light on this process to ensure it is never repeated can only benefit our city.”

Labor MPs Linda Burney and Sophie Cotsis were also very active in the campaign to make the Going Home Staying Home process transparent.

“This move to force the Liberals to release all documents is a clear win for all concerned – finally the lid will be lifted on this botched process,” Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services Linda Burney said.

“Only after massive community outcry did the Liberals suddenly discover some additional funds, rewrote some contracts and reopened finalised tenders. The question is why was this process so flawed?” said Shadow Minister for Women Sophie Cotsis.

“The community deserves to see how this tender

was conducted and the damage the Government has done.”

In the same week as the decision was made by Parliament to compel the state government to release all tender documents, the NSW Department of Family and Community services has announced it will ensure four out of twelve inner city homelessness services will remain women’s only.

“There are four specialist homelessness services funded for women only, with or without children, under Going Home Staying Home (GHSH) in inner city Sydney,” A FACS spokesperson said.

“The GHSH reforms originally announced one specialist women’s service for inner city Sydney.”

Under new Going Home Staying Home contracts, the Department has also addressed the community concern raised about allowing women to share refuges with men.

“Women will not be made to share crisis accommodation with men. The new contracts under GHSH will ensure that women and men cannot be housed in the same property unless related to each other and a full risk assessment has been undertaken,” the spokesperson said.

Rally in Glebe to protest Going Home Staying Home

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BY lucia osborne-crowley Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian has announced that a long-awaited accessibility lift will be installed at Redfern station in 2015.

Minister Berejiklian promised the upgrade in August of 2013, however until this month there have been few further developments since the announcement.

Community group Redwatch organised a campaign for the increased accessibility of Redfern station in 2012. Redwatch brought together all interested community groups to form a campaign called Lift Redfern.

Lift Redfern presented a petition containing over 11,000 signatures to the NSW Government on August 24, 2012, calling on Minister Berejiklian to improve disabled access to Redfern station.

“Every metropolitan railway line other than the airport line passes through Redfern station, making it one of the busiest stations on the network and the second-most important for changing trains,” the petition read.

“Yet, despite the station’s significance, there are no lifts to its platform, making access difficult, if not impossible, for people with disabilities, for older people, for parents of young children, for pregnant women and for people who are less mobile due to illness or injury.”

The following August,

the minister announced the Government would work towards installing a lift at the station.

This month, she confirmed an approximate timeframe for the project for the first time.

“Plans and designs will be available in the next two months for community feedback and construction is on-track to begin early next year,” she said.

Redwatch spokesperson Geoff Turnbull said the campaigners were pleased there had been movement on the upgrade after such a long period of uncertainty.

“The plans just keep being delayed, either because the Government doesn’t want to pay for it or because of the other developments planned around the area over the next few years.”

After many years of campaigning for the increased accessibility of the station, Lift Redfern decided to narrow their demands and initially push for one lift at Redfern station only, which is what the minister is currently promising.

Mr Turnbull said that because only one lift was being developed at this stage, the community has reservations about considering this month’s announcement a win for Lift Redfern.

“The lift only services the inner west line, so only people travelling on that line can use it. This is a problem, but Lift Redfern is petitioning for this to just be the first

step in increased accessibility at the station,” he said.

“This is an interim solution that would at least bring some relief to those needing assistance at Redfern.”

Mr Turnbull said the group had not had direct contact from Minister Berejiklian regarding the future of the project.

Mr Turnbull said the situation faced by Eddie, a wheelchairbound Lift Redfern campaigner, illustrates the urgent need for a full accessibility upgrade of the station.

“Eddie, a member of the campaign, sold Big Issue every day

and travelled from Sydney’s south west but instead of getting off the train at Redfern, he had to get off at Central and travel back to the Big Issue offices next to Redfern station in his wheelchair.”

The NSW Government has begun investigative geotechnical drilling at Redfern station as the first stage of the project.

“I am pleased work is progressing on this important project, with tenders underway to bring a construction company on board so we’re ready to start construction once we receive planning approval,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore with Lift Redfern campaigners

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Whitlam legacy lives on in Glebe

BY Chris Sutton Edward Gough Whitlam passed away last week at age 98 but his influence on the revival of Glebe will not be forgotten.

“Few places in Australia are richer in history than the inner-Sydney suburb of Glebe,” wrote Mr Whitlam.

Mr Whitlam created the Department of Urban and Regional Development (DURD) which purchased and renewed buildings for residents and led to Glebe becoming one of the more prosperous and recognised suburbs in Sydney.

This also stopped the building of a

Gough Whitlam, 1955

freeway, as 700 buildings were erected in the planned construction site, beginning the revitalisation of Glebe.

Mr Whitlam’s approach defined the NSW housing commission during a time where clearance and the building of highrise construction were at a premium.

He worked closely with Tom Uren, who said the Glebe Estate purchased in 1974 was for three reasons: to protect the people, to protect the ageing townscape and to stop the Askin government driving a freeway straight through it.

The strength of the community was a factor acknowledged by Mr Whitlam.

Councillor Linda Scott spoke to City Hub about Gough Whitlam and his impact on inner city Sydney, including the critical decision to purchase land in Glebe.

“This decision saved the residential nature of our inner city. Sydney has evolved into a residential city that grasps to save our open space while we can. These guys (Whitlam and Uren) pioneered the environmental movement before it was trendy.”

Cr Scott believes that aside from being a visionary, the decisions made have allowed all residents to reap the benefits.

When asked what Glebe would be today if not for Mr Whitlam, Cr Scott was clear.

“Glebe would be a freeway. Glebe would not be Glebe. I think that Gough Whitlam had a real understanding about the needs of ordinary Australians.

He really understood that cities need infrastructure.”

Infrastructure was a key factor in the

direction the Whitlam government took, an area that Cr Scott said stills needs attention.

“He built libraries, he built childcare centres, and he built pools. But the southern part of the city still doesn’t have a pool, there aren’t enough childcare centres. We still don’t have the infrastructure we need.”

Before Mr Whitlam passed away, the City of Sydney Council unanimously voted to restore previously removed signage to Whitlam Square, an intersection of major streets named after a rally that occurred in Hyde Park following his dismissal. Plaques with history detailing his role in inner city Sydney are now in the pavement.

Mr Whitlam was one of Cr Scott’s pre-selectors when she began her role in politics. She remembers calling his house phone, to which he answered “Hello, Whitlam residence” and was humble in his approach. He gave Cr Scott a great lecture that she recalls with laughter.

“He was very supportive, which I am personally grateful for. Wise - that’s the word I’d use to describe him - just so wise.”

Past president of The Glebe Society John Gray spoke to City Hub about the impact Gough Whitlam had on Glebe.

“Without the Whitlam government we would never have been able to have the Glebe Estate. If the freeway had of been installed, Glebe would’ve been finished. Glebe would have been nothing more than rubble. The entire Victorian townscape would have been knocked

Marrickville Council evicts theatre group

BY Lucia Osborne-Crowley Marrickville Council has come under fire from the arts community after evicting local theatre group Short + Sweet from their offices on the Princes Highway.

The council has received a number of complaints from the community in recent months over a rezoning proposal that would allegedly make conducting a successful arts business more difficult.

New criticisms surround the sudden eviction of Short + Sweet in July from the property they have leased for eleven years.

According to Mark Cleary, Short + Sweet founder, Council fire safety officers inspected the Short + Sweet officers on three separate occasions in late June and July.

During the officers’ third visit, they allegedly convinced Mr Cleary’s elderly father that they were authorised to inspect Mr Cleary’s living quarters. Council officers are only authorised to enter private premises when invited by the occupant.

Following this inspection, Mr Cleary received a notice of eviction from council. This notice, delivered after 5pm, advised that a court hearing was scheduled for 9am the following day.

The legal proceedings ruled in favour of council’s decision to evict Mr Cleary, and Short + Sweet has since moved out of Marrickville.

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Council’s reason for ordering the eviction was that Mr Cleary was living in his office space without council’s approval, however Mr Cleary told City Hub it was his understanding that council had known he was using his office as living quarters for over a decade.

While several other local government areas have zoning provisions to allow spaces for artists to both live and work, Marrickville currently does not allow this in any

Mark Cleary

capacity, making it very difficult for artists to operate in the area.

Mr Cleary told City Hub he feels he was unfairly treated by council.

“For council to do this to an organisation that has supported them for years and years and years, and to do it in a vicious and backstabbing way is unbelievable to me. I feel betrayed by Marrickville Council,” he said.

Council has recently informed Mr Cleary he is expected to

pay their legal fees for all legal proceedings relating to his tenancy.

According to Mr Cleary, these legal costs may cripple Short + Sweet and force its closure.

Multiple members of the arts community, who preferred not to be named, said they had been unfairly treated by one council officer in particular. This officer reportedly often told residents and tenants he has “more power than the police”.

Marrickville Council said the eviction was required based on Mr Cleary’s noncompliance with fire safety standards.

“During the inspection of 8 July, Council officers discovered that the premises were being used for residential purposes without the necessary approval and without the necessary fire safety controls in place,” a spokesperson said.

“It is clear from these circumstances that Mr Cleary was given a number of opportunities to cease the illegal and dangerous residential use and failed to do so.”

The spokesperson said Short + Sweet’s eviction was exclusively a matter of safety.

“It has been put to council that Short + Sweet is an artistic venue and the action taken is inconsistent with Council’s support of the Arts. council’s responsibility in this instance was to ensure the safety of the building occupants irrespective of the identity of the business concerned.”

down for a horrific road.”

Mr Gray is concerned about the current threats to Glebe. He critically compared the Whitlam government to that of the government today.

“You really see the difference between governments which have a care for the community and try to provide people with housing as a right, and governments which look upon housing as merely an asset to sell.”

Like Mr Whitlam, Mr Gray believes in the resilience of the Glebe community despite the challenges he calls “shortterm, non-thinking economics” that continue to pose a threat to the suburb.

“We’ve already demonstrated once before that you can line up the bulldozers on Glebe Point Road and we’ll stand up against them. And we’ll do it again if we have to. The Glebe community isn’t a pushover, it never has been, and the current government will discover that too.”

Mr Whitlam was always open in his assessment about what needed to change.

“No other western nation has cities in which the incidence of urban sanitation is so primitive or so ludicrous as in the cities of Australia. We are the most effluent nation in what Liberals call the free world,” said Mr Whitlam.

His legacy will live on as those influenced by his example appreciate the decisions made during his short term as the Prime Minister of Australia. But Cr Scott said current generations might be unaware of the revival of the suburb.

“People in Glebe especially may not understand the benefits their parents and grandparents have received because of his decisions,” said Cr Scott.

news in brief Rally in Glebe as poverty rates rise

BY Chris Sutton A rally was held on the 25th of October in Glebe to call for a major increase in spending on public housing and maintenance.

A new NSW Council of Social Service (NSWCOSS) report revealed that NSW has the highest poverty rate of any state (14.6 percent) as public house waiting lists grow. The Cowper Street site is an example of vacant land not being utilised, as 56 percent of eligible people are missing out.

Denis Doherty, spokesperson from community group Hands off Glebe, believes the NSW government must turn their attention to the issue.

“Hands off Glebe asks why the Baird Government can’t build new public housing on the site in Glebe bounded

by Bay and Cowper Streets.

Following demolition of good homes and the loss of a community, trees, gardens and birds, the site has remained vacant for four years.”

Mr Doherty blames the Baird government for poor decision making and a lack

of care.

“It has become painfully clear that the Baird Government does not care about public and affordable housing.“ “Instead they are running down public housing with sell offs, demolitions and evictions while the housing crisis deepens.”

The average waiting time for families on the public housing waiting list is 4 years.

In some cases people are waiting up to 10 years for placement.

“Hands off Glebe has been campaigning for this site to remain devoted to public and affordable housing but the Government continues to ignore our demands.”

“We feel it’s time to take more action to bring attention to public housing. We do not intend to drop off our campaign any time soon,” said Mr Doherty.

The rally took place on the corner of Bay and Wentworth Streets, where Greens MP Jamie Parker and ALP candidate Verity Firth made speeches.

proposals would be punished for doing so.

“I think eventually we’re going to have to pull out the stick. We have offered up the carrot first, we’re going to have to pull out the stick,” Mr Constance said.

Fit for the Future is currently offering $10.5 million for each newly merged council with a population of 250,000 and $3 million for every additional 50,000 people.

“My concern is that the Government is not saying there will be no forced amalgamations,” Ms Cotsis said. “There is no evidence that this

Photo: twitter

BY Nick Richardson Waverley Council has refused to guarantee a public referendum on a potential amalgamation with surrounding Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Randwick and Woollahra.

Councils across Sydney are being urged to prepare submissions for the NSW Government regarding potential amalgamations and mergers under proposals from the Government’s Fit for the Future reform document. Fit for the Future recommends a merger of Waverley Council with Randwick, Woollahra, Botany, and City of Sydney Councils.

Despite assuring that it is “prepared to accept the will of the people,” Waverley Council voted against a motion opposing amalgamation unless expressly supported by the Waverley Community via a formal referendum.

Both Randwick and Woollahra Councils have formally resolved to oppose any such amalgamation.

“Neither the state government nor Waverley Council has a mandate to impose amalgamation without a referendum,” said Waverley Labor Councillor, John Wakefield.

“I have no intrinsic opposition to amalgamations if it can be justified for specific issues. If councils wish to amalgamate they should go through a proper process. If this council wishes to pursue that we must be upfront. When the time comes the community must be asked by a referendum if they wish to amalgamate.”

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Sophie Cotsis, is concerned Fit for the Future is forced amalgamation in disguise.

Ms Cotsis raised the alarm after comments made by Treasurer Andrew Constance suggested councils who refused to submit amalgamation

Sophie Cotsis

will be better for communities or better for ratepayers. There is too much evidence which says forced amalgamations just don’t work.”

After a review of council amalgamations undertaken by the previous Labor Government in Queensland by the current Premier Campbell Newman, 11 regional councils applied to deamalgamate.

“There needs to be an analysis of what is going to be better for the community,” said Ms Cotsis. “What are the costs? It is a very expensive process and a very long process.

There is no one size fits all.”

Local Government reform has been welcomed by the Sydney Business Council, which voiced its support for a significant overhaul in the number of LGAs across Sydney.

“The view that doing nothing is not an option is overwhelmingly the view of business,” said the Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, Patricia Forsyth.

“Greater Sydney has to manage its growth and the clear conclusion is that 41 local councils is not the means to success.”

However, Ms Cotsis has accused the Liberal Government of guaranteeing sectional interests over the needs of the community.

“The Liberals want to take the ‘local’ out of local council (and) create these monster bureaucracies,” Ms Cotsis said. “As public officials, as elected representatives, we need to make sure we are administrating efficiently and that people come first.”

The NSW Labor Party confirmed its opposition to forced amalgamations of councils at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference held last week in Coffs Harbour.

This commitment has not yet been made by the Government.

Cartoon: Peter Berner

Councils coy on amalgamations

Darling House impacted by new rent agreement

BY Chris Sutton Darling House in Millers Point may close down following the NSW government’s decision to remove a long-standing rent agreement.

This agreement, called peppercorn rent, is a nominal rental sum used to satisfy legal requirements.

Darling House, an aged care home, has been paying $5 a week rent in a deal set more than 20 years ago and served to benefit the elderly. The facility will close in March as ageing residents seek new places to live.

The move has been made as the NSW government looks to earn market value for buildings such as Darling House. Other inner city community service sites are attempting to negotiate this removal. The Glebe Youth Service could have a decision as early as this week.

Some peppercorn rent agreements were as low as $1 per year, allowing services to focus on the support of the community.

Councillor Irene Doutney told City Hub that there were rumours about the removal last year but nobody believed the government would go through with it.

“Darling House is a beautiful house, it’s got 9 people living in it, why would they do it? I think it’s appalling to do this to seniors.”

Cr Doutney is concerned this will impact more nonprofit community groups.

“It’s not just Darling House; in the report I read they talk about all peppercorn rents so that’s going to affect other public services and threaten community centres. The government removed the peppercorn rent so they can make money.”

Chairman of Darling House Aged Care Association Jim Warren informed City Hub that few members of Darling House have come from the Millers Point area, so it would not be particularly important to the wider community. He also didn’t agree that rent changes were the reason for closure.

“It would be quite incorrect to in any way suggest that Darling House is closing because of the pending removal of the peppercorn rent.”

Mr Warren was of the view that Darling House would have closed either way. He admits that while it is unfortunate, the service enjoyed a longer run than everyone expected.

“The removal of the peppercorn rent was only one of a number of factors considered by the Board in reaching its decision to close, and it is likely the same decision would have been made regardless of the rent.”

John McInerney, Chairman of the Millers Point Residents Actions Group, said he doesn’t agree with Mr Warren’s assessment.

Darling House, Millers Point

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“He may believe that. It has been a community funded and community supported organisation since the start, over 21 years ago. If you change the rent from 250 dollars a year to 200,000 dollars a year it has certain implications. It doesn’t make any logical sense really.”

A Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) spokesperson gave City Hub the following statement: “FACS is committed to retaining current leases based on existing conditions when they expire while any negotiations take place on new lease agreements.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Robyn Kemmis told City Hub that the closing down of Darling House is a tragedy and believes the peppercorn rent decision impacted the Millers Point service.

Millers Point has been at the centre of housing controversy of late, with squatters being evicted from an Argyle Place property in September as the government plans to sell hundreds of public housing homes.

Cr Doutney is focused on assessing all options to support the community, regardless of why the services are closing.

“I’ll be putting up a notice of motion to see if there is anything we can do. It was suggested to me that the only thing we can do is buy Darling House and I don’t think we could afford to do that.”

Cr Doutney believes all community services and centres will be threatened, especially in Millers Point.

“Millers Point is being cleansed, it is being wiped out. I hear over 40 percent of the residents are gone, so they’re being very successful. And when you’re dealing with older people, you’re too old to fight anymore, and it’s a terrible outcome to move all these people out, and to me it bodes badly for what is going to happen to other heritage housing in the future.”

Mr Warren was asked if there had been discussions between the government and Darling House.

“We have been advised the Government is reviewing all its rental arrangements. This review is ongoing, and new rentals are unlikely to be determined until about July next year. Darling House continues for the time being to enjoy a peppercorn rent.”

The timing of the decision is an issue for the residents currently living on the premises, and one that Cr Doutney doesn’t understand.

“What’s the hurry? It just looks like a big disaster.

Where are those residents going to live?” said Cr Doutney.

Sydney reclaims the night

BY Tang Li Thousands of men, women and families are set to take the streets of Sydney next Friday on October 31 to rally against all forms of violence against women.

The three main issues targeted in this year’s Reclaim the Night include gendered violence, the ramifications of rising Islamophobia against women and the closure of women’s refuges in NSW. Held annually since 1978, Reclaim the Night, also known as Take Back the Night, is an annual international event which actively campaigns against all forms of violence against women.

The event will begin with a rally

featuring Maha Abdo, the executive officer of the United Muslim Women’s Association, Ryan Cole, secretary on the executive board of Scarlet Alliance (Australian Sex Workers Association) and university student Summer Lea, a campaigner against the closure of women’s refuges in NSW. Co-convenor of Reclaim the Night 2014 Alisha-Aitken Radburn said it was a crucial time for Australians to make their voices heard and promote the culture that they want to live in.

“The rate of domestic violence in NSW is at the highest recorded level in 12 years and NSW Police are dealing with over 370 instances

of domestic and family violence each day.”

“We can make a difference, but we need to do it together. It is annual events like Reclaim the Night that give us the opportunity to define what society we want to live in,” she said.

One in five women in Australia will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, according to the NSW Rape Crisis Centre. Seventy percent of victims know their attacker while many others will experience assault.

Jamie Parker, Greens MP for Balmain, said women have the right to reclaim their spaces – whether it’s on the streets, in homes, online or in workplaces.

Reclaim the Night 2012

Pop to Popism

By Carmen Cita When the Pop Art movement burst onto the scene in the 1960s, it was a colourful collision of wit, appropriation and subversive iconography that challenged our notion of art, permeated our consciousness and left people wanting more. That cultural craving will be indulged in November when Pop to Popism opens at The Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Featuring more than 200 artworks by some of the genre’s most prolific artists, Pop to Popism will be the biggest collection of pop art ever to be seen in Australia.

The retrospective spans three decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s, examining the rebellious origins of pop art, its ascendancy, and its persistent legacy in Australia and beyond.

Assistant Curator Anneke Jaspers notes that the inclusion of Australian works was an imperative. She says, “We have brought together a comprehensive collection of works that trace the history of pop art and, for the first time, we have included significant Australian works to situate Australian pop art in an international context.”

Alongside a dazzling cast of international pop art legends, Pop to Popism recognises the legacies of Australian artists Brett Whiteley, Richard Larter, Martin Sharp, Vivienne Binns and Bridgid McLean.

“There has only ever been one major pop art survey in Australia - in 1985 - and Australian works were not shown in that exhibition,” Jaspers notes.

Pop to Popism will fill an entire floor of the Gallery with the works of pop art luminaries Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons. The art is on loan from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions and private collection including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Tate, London; and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.

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Jaspers says, “We are presenting works by more than seventy artists from around the world. Obviously, Andy Warhol features prominently in the exhibition.

Warhol was such a pioneer of pop art. He practiced in the genre for so long and influenced so many artists.

Warhol is almost synonymous with pop art – in fact, the name assigned to second wave pop art in Australia, Popism, is appropriated from his memoir.”

“This exhibition has been two and a half years in the making – for a show of this scale, that’s actually not that long,” Jaspers continues. “For many of the works, this will be the first time that they have been exhibited in Australia. We were especially lucky to secure Lichtenstein’s iconic Look Mickey from the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.” Other iconic artworks making their Australian debut at Pop to Popism include Rosalyn Drexler’s Race For Time; Gerhard Richter’s Helga Matura and her fiancé; and Sir Peter Blake’s Self-portrait with badges.

Pop art originated in Britain and the US in the 1950s. In a dramatic and conscious shift away from fine art traditions, pop art was brash, often ironic, kitsch and more playful than its highbrow predecessors.

American artist Robert Rauschenberg anticipated the Pop Art movement by transposing objects of everyday life into art. Warhol launched the movement into overdrive when he found an unlikely muse in the humble Campbell’s soup can.

The pop art aesthetic and sensibility sprouted from the burgeoning popular culture and mass media saturation of the period.

“The American Pop Art movement emerged from a very particular social context – amidst the post-war economic boom, there was a push towards consumption, driven in part by the corporate sector through advertising,” Jaspers explains. “In this new economy of desire, society was flooded with new

“Reclaim the Night is an important and powerful way to challenge the patriarchy, racism and to highlight the disgraceful women’s specialist services reforms of the NSW Liberal Government,” he said.

Summer Lea, a Sydney University student who plans to speak about her experience living in a women’s refuge, says the event is also about engaging people outside the political sphere to raise awareness and place political pressure on the government to bring about change.

“I want to challenge stigmas attached to people who are homeless or have suffered from abuse. If it wasn’t for the women’s refuges I would have fallen apart – they have allowed me to learn how to cope with the world around me.

It is atrocious to see the government shut down the safety net of social welfare that provides a safe place in which women can rebuild their lives,” she said.

Reclaim the Night hopes to continue to challenge the existence of violent attitudes and behaviours displayed towards women in institutions. This extends across representations of violence in popular media, particularly the ramifications of rising Islamophobia for women as politicians debated whether or not to ban the burqa.

Sydney’s Reclaim the Night march will be held on Friday October 31 at 6.30pm in Hyde Park North.

Another iconic Kings Cross venue closes

BY Chris Sutton Sydney’s lock-out laws have forced another popular Kings Cross nightspot out of business and onto the market.

The Bourbon, formerly known as Bourbon and Beefsteak, is the latest venue to be up for sale with any buyer having the right to turn the site into apartments.

Sport stars and celebrities frequented the location which was founded in the 1960’s and built a colourful history, including former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting receiving a black eye when in attendance in 1999.

The latest owners had purchased the venue four years ago, spending millions on renovations and only opening in March last year.

Storm damage in 2009 destroyed the interior.

Many bars have been sold in recent months as Kings Cross and surrounding areas are slowly transforming into residential locations.

Managers are citing the lock-out laws and the better opportunities outside of central Sydney that are not affected by law changes as reasons behind the

imagery and there was a move towards throwaway culture. And so pop art was an intuitive response to that culture of consumerism.”

“Like their American counterparts, Australian Pop Artists were spurred on by social and economic change.

But while Australian Pop Art drew upon aesthetic aspects of the international movement, a distinctly ‘Australian’ pop art vernacular emerged, engaged with local phenomena, such as beach culture, and other painterly styles, such as hard-edge abstraction.”

Despite the genre’s inherent cynicism towards consumerism, the pop art canon contains some of the world’s most exorbitant artworks. Just last year, Warhol’s Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster) fetched a mere $US105.4 million at Sotheby’s, New York.

Amused by the collectible-throwaway paradox of pop art, Jaspers points out, “When we reflect on the fact that pop art is a commentary or a criticism of

movement.

The Police Association of NSW has recommended enforcing the new laws statewide, expanding the restrictions.

“We ask that the Government act to expand the restrictions across NSW to enable all residents to enjoy an improved amenity similar to what the residents in Newcastle, Kings Cross and Potts Point are currently experiencing,” said Assistant NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Fuller.

The laws include 1:30am lockouts and the ending of alcohol provision at 3am in a bid to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

The Mercure (Crest) Hotel on Darlinghurst Road will be converted into 180 apartments. Favourites such as The Backroom (relocating) and The Lido Hotel are in the process of being sold as questions of operational viability continue to push business owners to outer locations.

A string of iconic terraced clubs on Bayswater Road in Potts Point are also attracting attention from developers..

consumer culture, it is ironic that so many of the works themselves went on to become highly valued commodities.”

And while the Pop to Popism chronology ends in the 1980s, Jaspers believes that the pop art sensibility is alive and thriving in the contemporary art world. “The Pop Art movement of the 60s left a lasting legacy. That first wave of pop art led to an uptake of pop art strategies in the 80s by artists whose work fell under the banner of post-pop, neo-pop, Popism, or the Pictures Generation – artists like Cindy Sherman and Richard Prince.”

“I think we are now seeing a third wave of pop art.

With each new generation of artists, the spirit of the work changes in response to the changing nature of pop culture at the time.”

Nov 1-Mar 2015, Art Gallery of NSW, $10-$20, artgallery.nsw.gov/exhibitions/pop-to-popism

Roy Lichtenstein, Look Mickey, 1961, oil on canvas, ©Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Health & Wellness With summer just around the corner, it’s time to peel off the last of our winter layers and emerge from hibernation. If you want to be your best summer self, there are a few simple tactics that will have you looking and feeling great, from head to toe.

In our busy modern lives, it’s sometimes hard to find time for diet, exercise and healthcare. But when it comes to health and wellness, we really should make time. A comprehensive health and fitness regime sets us up with the strength, energy and confidence to get the most out of each day.

There are plenty of simple, affordable steps that you can take to nurture your mind, body and soul. Whether it’s a daily shot of wheatgrass or a disciplined approach to dental care, you can be a proactive agent in your own wellbeing. If you are out of shape or trying to take your fitness to the next level, a good personal training regime or fitness class will give you the structure, discipline and motivation to achieve your goals.

The sun is shining and so should you - the path to good health and wellness starts here Bondi Wheatgrass When Rhonda Boswell started harvesting wheatgrass seventeen years ago, she could not have imagined that her homegrown hobby would bloom into Bondi Wheatgrass, Australia’s first and largest wholesaler of premium, organic wheatgrass. Back then, wheatgrass was a scarcely known natural remedy – now, it’s a household name.

There are plenty of good reasons to introduce wheatgrass to your diet. Wheatgrass cells are jam-packed with oxygen which, when consumed, acts as a natural antioxidant and promotes clearer thinking. Scientists have isolated over 100 elements in wheatgrass, concluding that it is a complete food. Just 140 grams of fresh wheatgrass provides the nutritional equivalent of 3 kilos of vegetables.

Radiating energy and positivity, Rhonda is a walking testimony to the benefits of wheatgrass.

She says, “A shot of wheatgrass each day keeps the doctor away. Fresh wheatgrass is so good for you - it’s a natural wonder, packed with nutrients, minerals and enzymes, and it’s extremely alkaline.

My dream would be to see the whole planet on wheatgrass - it would be a much healthier world.”

Bondi Wheatgrass grows their wheatgrass at Malabar by the sea in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

It is grown outdoors in the sunshine, in a totally organic environment. If you have ever ordered

wheatgrass in your juice at one of Sydney’s many, trendy juice bars, chances are that shot of green, chlorophyll-laden goodness was locally grown at Rhonda’s farm.

Bondi Wheatgrass - 1 Dacre Lane, Malabar (02) 9311 4740 - www.bondiwheatgrass.com.au

Fernwood Fitness In the 25 years since the first Fernwood Women’s Health Club opened in Bendigo, scores of Fernwood fitness clubs have cropped up around Australia. Fernwood’s simple but striking mission is to give women the confidence they need to succeed in all they do.

At Fernwood Fitness Broadway, a supportive team of fitness professionals guide you every step of the way during your first 28 days in the club, teaching you all you need to know about weight loss, nutrition, mindset and exercise. New members receive a 28 Day Breakthru package membership. On your first visit, you’ll meet with your Fitness Coach who will help you set some solid goals and build an action plan that you will work towards in your first 28 days.

Warm up with cardio and strength training workshops, to get you feeling confident on the gym floor. At first, you might experience a few aches and pains. That’s normal – you’ll be using muscles that have been inactive for some time.

Just take it at your own pace. As you settle in, start trying different group fitness classes and new machines – within weeks, you’ll feel like a regular.

Keep things interesting by trying different classes, mixing up your workouts and challenging

yourself. By making your gym sessions a part of your weekly routine, you’re likely to reach your health goals and feel fantastic.

Fernwood Fitness - Shop LG03, Broadway Shopping Centre, 1 – 21 Bay Street, Broadway (02) 9280 2588 - www.fernwoodfitness.com.au Pyrmont Dental Health Nobody has ever looked forward to visiting the dentist – until now.

At Pyrmont Dental Health, dental dread turns to delight the minute you walk through the door. The clinic’s impressive aquarium centerpiece gives the space a soothing atmosphere that melts away any apprehensions.

The friendly team at Pyrmont Dental Health combines the latest dental technology with exceptional service to ensure that all patients leave with healthy smiles on their faces.

If your pearly whites are in need of attention, Pyrmont Dental Health offers a first visit discount for all new patients. A winning smile is a hallmark of wellbeing and confidence. Pyrmont Dental Health educates and motivates patients to appreciate and nurture their own teeth and gums. With the right guidance and a positive attitude towards dental health, you just might keep your own set of teeth for life.

Don’t let your coffee-stained teeth cause you shame. Pyrmont Dental Health offers Zoom; an affordable, safe, effective 1-hour teeth-whitening treatment that promises to whiten teeth up to 8 shades brighter with no harm to enamel, composites and all other dental work.

Pyrmont Dental Health - Suite 3, 19 Harris Street, Pyrmont -(02) 9518 6262 www.pyrmontdentalhealth.com.au

Sydney Healthcare Patients are not the only ones who need to stay healthy – healthcare providers need to keep their practices strong and robust too. Are you a local medical professional considering a change of practice?

Sydney Healthcare establishes healthcare precincts in shopping centres around Sydney.

Each healthcare floor is made up of co-located, independent, practitioner owned and operated medical and healthcare practices.

Broadway Healthcare at Broadway Shopping Centre and Bondi Healthcare at Westfield Bondi Junction are among Sydney Healthcare’s five

existing healthcare precincts. Two new precincts are currently under development in Blacktown and Ryde.

Sydney Healthcare - PO Box 168, Broadway, 2007 - www.sydneyhealthcare.com.au

Vision Personal Training If you want to get fit this summer and be on top of your game, personal training is a fast track to fitness.

At Vision Personal Training in Surry Hills, the dedicated team of health and fitness professionals will work with you to customise a weight loss, nutrition and training regime that is just right for you.

Manager George Sheba says, “With one-on-one training, the focus is on you and you alone. Our facilities are small, non-threatening and uncrowded - in other words, not your typical gym. They are places where everyone knows your name - and where you receive the one-on-one exercise, nutrition and coaching sessions you need to succeed.”

For all of November, Vision is offering a special that should get you out of your armchair and into action: try one month of personal training including one personal training session per week - for a mere $30.

Sheba says, “At Vision, we are completely focused on client outcomes – it’s all about results.

Whether your goal is weight loss, fat loss, boosting energy levels, gaining strength, fitness training or simply feeling better about yourself, we’ll help you get where you want to be with the education, motivation and inspiration that you need. We are committed to transforming people’s lives.”

Vision Personal Training - 103 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills - (02) 9281 4840 - www.visionpt.com.au

EAT & DRINK

Ippudo Central Park Everything I know about eating ramen, I learned from Tampopo, a Japanese cult film about a singleminded obsession for the perfect noodle soup.

Reciting the steps quietly, I entered this new Central Park store. It’s the Japanese chain’s second Australian venture; and, decked out in black, red and blonde wood, it’s a stylish (if brightly lit) space. A raucous kitchen chorus heralded my arrival, blending with $ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Golden Age Cinema & Bar I’m very taken with this gorgeous bar, complete with electronically controlled curtains that silently glide to reveal a mirrored stage and microphones.The Maple Pecan Old Fashioned ($18) made on smooth Bulleit Bourbon suits the space, but if you’re sleepy-tired and planning a flick, their espresso martini Paramount House ($19), uses beans from Paramount Coffee Project upstairs.

Dip into (another) interesting Ned Brooks wine list against snacks like Tiger Sharks ($10) - canned anchovies – or Szechuan Popcorn ($5).The 2012 Ngeringa Growers Series Rousanne ($65/bottle) makes

12

By Jackie McMillan an equally chaotic avant-garde jazz soundtrack. Both mask the happy sounds of zuzotto – the correct way of slurping or ‘inhaling’ ramen. Pickled cucumber – Goma Q ($7) – prepares the palate. When your Shoyu Ramen Special ($21) arrives, take a moment to appreciate its beauty, before adding fixings from your side plate – a flavoured soft-boiled egg (fun to split and enrich the broth), seaweed sheets, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, shallots and chashu – simmered pork belly. While eyeing off those wonderfully moist pork slices, devour the noodles. Enjoy the mix of flavours against the springy wheat noodles, and then drink some of the broth. If you like more intensity, the Akamaru Shinaji Special ($24) includes miso and garlic oil. Finally, and decisively, select one of those glorious pork slices. Drain it using a small tap on the side of your bowl then savour – it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for!

Central Park RB07, Lower Ground Floor, 28 Broadway, Chippendale (02) 8078 7020 ippudo.com.au Japanese $$-$$$ $$$ - mains between $22-$30

an affable companion to movieinspired toasties like The Spielberger ($9.50) – basically your Reuben – to The Big Cheese ($8).They’re small, so you’ll also need a Gelato Messina Sundae ($8)…

Lower Ground, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills (02) 9211 1556 ourgoldenage.com.au Bar, Cocktails, Bar Food $ Devon By Night Chef Zachary Tan has kept dinner at this popular cafe distinctly casual.

He’s dishing up Malaysian-influenced hawker snacks, dressed up with the same premium ingredients that make Chef Jacqui Ektoros’ morning menus so special. So expect to find heady Manjimup truffle slices adorning Chinese Egg Custard ($29), and fleshy lobster tails slathered with Kewpie

$$$$ - mains over $30

mayonnaise inside buttery brioche in an individual Lobster Roll ($15.50).

Drink from a concise but cleverly chosen list of alcoholic beverages like the 2012 Mitchelton Marsanne ($17/ glass) or Echigo Koshihikari Rice Lager ($12). End with the poor man’s ‘snow egg’ of Coconut Jelly, Guava Sorbet and Freeze Dried Pineapple ($11).

76 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills (02) 9211 8777 devoncafe.com.au Pan-Asian, Café $$$ Bar H Dining Pickles, Chicken Skin,Wasabi ($12) are a delightful way to cleanse the palate and commence your Bar H Dining adventure into ‘Chuka’ cuisine, celebrating Japanese style ‘Chinese’ dishes. Chewy white mochi (rice cakes) give a nicely textural twist to Eggplant,Turnip, Dashi ($14), while

Danjee Venturing down an alleyway running between Event Cinemas and La Guillotine, you’ll find a spruced up Korean restaurant called Danjee. Despite the large interior - divided into a buzzing dining room and a separate, glassed-in barbeque space - you might have to wait for a table amongst the hip, KoreanAustralian throng. Dipping into the wine list is a fermented garlic and bacon give Pambula Oysters ($10) an updated ‘Asian Kilpatrick’ edge.The slightly cloudy Uehara Shuzo ‘Soma no Tengu’ ($15/glass) will suit your bivalves, though if you’re a sake beginner, they don’t come much prettier than Houraisen Bi Junmai Daiginjo ($14/ glass). Inside this dark and moody drinking den, beautifully balanced bar snacks like Cucumber, Black Fungi and Pigs Ear ($13) shine, even if the light level mutes their visual impact.

80 Campbell Street, Surry Hills (02) 9280 1980 barhsurryhills.com Chinese, Japanese $$$

ROCKS & CBD Bowery Lane This Manhattan-style offering brings together the city’s unique sense of fashion with art deco glamour,

pleasure, particularly with a bowl of crisp seaweed snacks, dotted with salt and sugar. From a standout selection of French wines, the 2012 Causse Marines ‘Les Greilles’ Gaillac Blanc ($65) muscadelle blend is a perfect aperitif, that lends itself to the cuisine beautifully. The elegant wine transforms with each subsequent dish, making the array of banchan – the profuse collection of side dishes that erupts onto Korean tables – quite the adventure. Kimchi and Mung Bean Pancakes ($14) are great foils to explore these healthy, Korean dishes (and don’t be afraid to ask for more). Du Bu Seon ($9) arrive as dainty tofu sandwiches, stuffed with enoki, garlic chives and green chilli. They contrast well with the charcoal notes of Danjee Sutbul Bool Go Gi ($35), high quality mince, marinated in soy, then cooked on the grill; while the well-dressed Nu Runga Gi Salad ($6) with crispy rice helps combat the heat of Charcoal Spicy Pork Hocks ($38), presented two ways.

1/7 Albion Place, Sydney (02) 8084 9041 danjee.com.au Korean,Wine $$$-$$$$

leather booths, dapper staff and not a single hot dog on the menu!

Sophistication is paramount, like Yamba Prawn Sliders ($16), zesty and fresh with fennel slaw. Share some Manchego Croquettes ($14) with smoked chilli aioli, they are the perfect cocktail complement – and trust me, the cocktails here are serious business. Take Bowery Lane’s Pharmaceutical Stimulant ($16), a tonic that is sure to cure any ailment with its cold drip coffee injection. Of course you can still get your New York Cheeseburger ($20), and it is sublime, cooked medium and oozing with juicy goodness.

Shop 1, Level 4, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney (02) 9252 8017 bowerylane.com.au American, Cocktails $$ Bistro Mint Stolen Rum flamed at the table

then liberally applied to a Rum Baba ($14) is just a taste of things to come, explains Sebastien Lutaud, Restaurant Associates’ General Manager of Culinary Services, with a Stolen Rum bar is a likely addition to this already attractive venue.

Lapping up Sydney sunshine and a gloriously dry 2013 Triennes Nans les Pins Rose ($81/bottle) on the stately balcony, I muse that there are already plenty of reasons to visit, including the updated Coq au Vin ($32) with smoked speck, carrot and Shiraz. ‘Sot-l’y-laisse’ ($10) – they’re chicken ‘oysters’ for the linguistically challenged - cooked in burnt butter, shallots and crisp sage are another.

Upstairs, The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney (02) 9232 2293 bistromint.com.au Modern French,Wine $$$$

EAT & DRINK

Zigi’s Art Wine Cheese Bar

By Ryan Kennedy “Welcome to the house of looove.” Fedora cocked jauntily, and all dapper white shirt, black suspenders and bon mots, Zigi is quick to make you welcome at his eponymous bar. Testament to his background, the menu is dubbed ‘Ausraeli’, and the signature dish is El-Phoenician Entering this gleaming glass box it’s immediately apparent it’s a cut above the usual Cleveland Street eateries, shrouded in dusty carpet.

White tablecloths, comfortable leather chairs and a minimal ambient soundtrack are just the beginning.

You’ll also find cocktails and a credible wine list including the 2010 Denis Pommier Chablis ($85/bottle).

I categorise Lebanese restaurants into Homous ($11) or Baba Ganouje ($11), dependent upon which dip they do better. Chickpeas outdo the smoky eggplant, but it’s actually Labne ($9) that wins. A Combination Banquet ($62/head) will deliver all three against a hefty array of salad, seafood, poultry and meat, cleverly spread across three waves.The star is the chicken Shish Tawouk ($30).

INNER WEST

Annandale Hotel The new-look Annandale Hotel allows canines in the courtyard styled like an Aussie back deck. Even kiddies are welcome, except in the front bar, which retains some of the Annandale’s sticky carpet charm - at least around the edges. A far cry from the crowded, sweaty, live band days, there’s now elbowroom to spare as you quaff a Kosciusko ($6.50) and tuck into a toastie from their interesting list. I tried Fontal ($12) with duck sausage, bacon jam and pickled leek.Traditional pub goers will appreciate the steaks, schnitzels and

This leafy courtyard is where the Eastern Suburbs set congregate after the Randwick races or the AFL.At sunset, the outdoor space is alive with chattering birds above the chatting crowds.Watch the fairy lights come up over a schooner of imported Sierra Nevada Pale ($8.50) or an Aussie Vale IPA ($7.20) in the lively space.And despite the affluence of the suburb Double Bay, you won’t find yourself having to

Charing Cross Hotel The light, coastally inspired interior is a delightful surprise, especially considering the unassuming pub exterior. Relax in a wicker chair in the stylish, baby blue dining room as you explore a drinks list that hits the trifecta - great cocktails, wine and on-tap craft brew.

A Locals Drop ($17) blending white rum, ruby grapefruit and Campari helps reduce the excesses of Chef Matt Kemp’s Crispy Pigs Head ($14), pressed into fat, crumbed batons. A relative cheapie - Sant Josep White Garnacha ($36/

Felafel Prawns ($21). They’re crisp and warmly spiced, and perfectly matched by the earthy and colourful Beetroot Mille-Feuille ($18). Handmade Labne Cheese ($15) is a rich and simple classic; and Sous Vide Lamb ($20) is compellingly tender on a bed of buttery Israeli couscous. Wine of the Moment ($12) comes by the glass, with two reds and two whites always on hand. Standouts are the full and fruity Curious Creatures Riesling ($59/bottle) and the Cirami Saperavi Riverland ($69/bottle), a profoundly dark and engaging red. In the shadow of a huge lavash sail and strewn with dried fruit, the Occeli al Malto d’orzo e Whisky ($20/1, $46/3) cheese has the smoke and spice of whisky, while the washed-rind Époisses AOC oozes in all the right ways - rich with plenty of funk. With rock and roll tunes, and walls a pastiche of art, newspaper and magazine cutouts, the link through everything is Zigi. And if you ask him what’s the secret? “Loooooove!”

86 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale (02) 9699 4222 artwinecheesebar.com.au Bar,Wine $$

7 Towns Place,Walsh Bay (02) 9633 1611el-phoenician.com.au Lebanese $$$

The Golden Sheaf

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES

By Jackie McMillan

two fully customisable roasts. Free Range Chicken ($20) with duck fat gratin, gravy and seasonal greens will silence a monster appetite.

17 Parramatta Road, Annandale (02) 9550 1078 annandalehotel.com Pub Bistro,Wine $$ NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS Daisy’s Milkbar The Beach Boys on the speakers, pin-up girls taking orders, a cordial station, jars of sweets and gingham curtains… If this place was any cuter I’d be sick.This inner west café is the perfect old-fashioned milk bar.Think shakes, Jaffles and sundaes - but with a modern twist. Greg’s Jaffle ($6) is loaded with bolognaise, while Uccella’s packs pulled pork inside its

double pay at the popular Sheaf Bistro.Whether you try pub classics, or the lighter Asian-inspired offerings, you’ll find the portions generous, and the prices comparable with other pubs. In terms of the classics, look no further than the ever-popular Beef Fillet ($29.50) decked out with aioli, onion jam and jus. It’s a hearty slab of beef with a surprisingly good accompaniment in the form of a crisp mushroom risotto cake.

If that all sounds too heavy, the Salmon and Tuna Sashimi Salad ($22) is piled high with baby spinach, cucumber, pickled ginger and pumpkin crisps cresting a generous amount of raw fish.

Handmade Pumpkin Tortellini ($18) balance the sweet orange filling with mustard fruits and a nutty beurre noisette. My only complaint: even drinking at the top end of their wine list, the Simonnet Febvre Petit Chablis ($50/ bottle) indicated there’s plenty of room for improvement.

429 New South Head Road, Double Bay (02) 9327 5877 goldensheaf.com.au Pub Bistro $$-$$$

bottle) - is opulent enough to accompany Roast Pork Neck ($30) with crackling, radicchio, honey and pears, without destroying a simple plate of Swordfish ($28) with juicy cucumbers, pink grapefruit and perilla.

81 Carrington Road, Waverley (02) 9389 3093 charingcrosshotel.com.au British, Pub Bistro, Wine, Cocktails $$$ Ribs & Burgers Few things encourage a diner to messy excess more than a prominently featured handwashing station, and, at Bondi’s Ribs and Burgers, it holds pride of place. Lucky; as it’s pretty much impossible to tuck into

their trademark Pork Ribs ($29) and not end up covered in sticky-sweet barbecue sauce.

But why stop there? Equally slide-off-the-bone tender, are the enormous Beef Ribs ($27), and herb and lemon marinated Lamb Ribs ($24), but, as the name suggests, ribs are but one part of the experience. The Wagyu Burger ($18) is also a treat; well charred, sauced, and freshened up with salad.

With generous portions and infrastructure to deal with mess, don’t resist channelling your inner Flintstone.

79/61-67 Hall Street, Bondi Beach (02) 9130 4887 ribsandburgers.com.au Burgers, Modern Australia $$-$$$

Pei Modern

By Alex Harmon It takes a strong restaurant to knock down previous tenants, The Woods, but Mark Best has cleared the trees – and a few walls – in the Four Seasons to bring his famous Melbourne bistro to town. It’s relaxed fine dining, where you can share, or go ‘cray cray’ with mains. We conquer the Tiger Prawns and golden, white bread pocket. Breakfast – like Zucchini and Corn Fritters ($16) - are served all day, alongside great milkshakes like Honeycomb, Malt and Golden Syrup ($5). Kick dessert old school with the Salted Caramel Banana Split ($14), best shared with your sweetheart.

340 Stanmore Road, Petersham (02) 8065 3466 daisysmilkbar.com Breakfast, Café $-$$ GREATER SYDNEY SoCal Led Emmett, General Manager of SoCal, provides an expert introduction to the liquid aspects of The Golden State.With my lips tingling from Chica Chipotle ($17) that teamed chipotle-infused reposado tequila with Mezcal and a

Slow Cooked Pineapple ($24), summer tropics on a plate – barbequed with sweet and salty sea layers.

From the ‘Clean and Green’ we take the La Luna Goat Cheese Custard with Asparagus ($18), cooked perfectly, but a little less of the green and more of the cheese would have suited this diner. Cheese fiends like me must indulge in the Ricotta Dumplings ($30), served with kale and hazelnuts. I could eat it any time of the day; it’s like fine-dining comfort food.

As tempting as the hanging chickens look from the kitchen, it was the Rangers Valley Wagyu Rump ($46) that sold it for me, flame-grilled and mouth-watering with harissa and charcoaled onion. Contender for most Instagrammed dessert of the year goes to the Chocolate Tart ($17). With thin shards of chocolate layered upon chocolate ganache, a delicate base and a rather unusual eucalyptus sauce, perhaps this bushranger-chic dessert is a nod to the nearby Rocks? Regardless, it works.

Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George Street, Sydney (02) 9250 3160 peimodern.com.au Modern Australian $$$$

chipotle salt rim, Led introduced me to his list. It’s heavy, as you’d hope, in Californian wines. A man after my own heart, Led categorises pinot noir between feminine and “smells like my bedroom after sex”. Bliss Pinot Noir ($60) is one of the former, but for a quaffable red, it is not without roundness and balance. It lends itself to liberal, chilled applications against crisp Sriracha Chicken Quesadillas ($20), as you watch moonrise in the open-roofed space.

1 Young Street, Neutral Bay (02) 9904 5671 socalsydney.com.au American, Bar, Bar Food $$-$$$ All Good Things Eatery As well as delivering a bonzer brekky, Kingsgrove’s hippest café is open for dinner, every Thursday to Saturday night. Plan your meal around the sweets - the Watermelon

FOOD NEWS

Granita with Feta Ice Cream ($12) epitomises Sydney summer. Precede them with small or large share plates of Modern Greek food, like Loulou ($14), crisp tempura battered fetastuffed zucchini flowers or ovenroasted Queensland Prawns ($22).

Standout Octopus ($15) has its chargrilled tentacles artfully entangled with dollops of lemongrass yoghurt foam. As ethical meats are all from Feather and Bone, it was impossible to pass up Organic Goat Backstrap Carpaccio ($18), presented simply with ponzu, wasabi and lily pads of avocado puree.

Shop 9-11 Mashman Avenue, Kingsgrove (02) 7903 0198 facebook.com/ allgoodthingseatery Modern Greek $$

By Jackie McMillan All eyes are on the InterContinental Double Bay, set to launch in November. Providing Sydneysiders with the perfect bayside retreat, this hotel refurbishment (it’s the old Ritz Carlton) is poised to breathe new life into Double Bay. Alongside the Stillery gin bar, you’ll find a new dining hotspot called Stockroom. It’s headed up by one of my favourite chefs, Julien Pouteau. Julien has simplified his usual Café Opera cooking style, and focused on “curing, pickling, dehydrating, fermenting” – food art forms that hark back to Double Bay’s 200-year old farming legacy. His produce-driven menu will include dishes like Blackmore beef fillet with smokey eggplant and anchovy eggnog. His almond pastilla with buttermilk, Opalys white chocolate and honeycomb might well be the best dessert I’ve eaten so far this year. Head Sommelier Kabir Antoniak has put together a list that features sixty percent NSW wines, showcasing the best of our state.

Penfolds’ wines, including their elegant 2011 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay, will be available across the hotel, and indeed at all of the InterContinental’s properties, demonstrating their commitment to excellent Australian products. www.intercontinental.com/doublebay

Bar Fly

By Viv McGregor

The Record Crate

Booker T and the MGs is flooding the cosy courtyard of The Record Crate, where I’m surrounded by colourful randomness: Astroturf, beer keg tables, Hendrix posters, a hula hoop and a rather baffling chunk of concrete. This might be an echo of the bar’s hybrid nature – the Crate is actually a bar, restaurant, café, record shop and live music venue. The food is simple and generous, and owner Neville waves to me from the kitchen while making my Slow Roasted Pork Belly ($20). The Crate isn’t designed to be a cocktail bar, and my Old Fashioned ($16) isn’t impressive, so I stick to the tasty house brew: Uncle Joe’s Pale Ale ($8), and then enjoy a glass of peppery shiraz from Two Thumbs ($8). It feels like the bar is still working itself out, but the chilled atmosphere and excellent music mean that my one glass of wine has somehow turned into four, and I’m still happily ensconced in the courtyard hours later.

34 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe (02) 9660 1075 facebook.com/ therecordcrateglebe

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT November Spawned a Monster and V.D The 2014 season at The Old Fitz heats up as summer approaches with fantastic oneman shows of love, humour and friendship.

Actress Eliza St John commands the stage in the hilarious and honest production of V.D, a show that explores 35-year-old Sophie’s journey of love, enlightenment, self-discovery... and a love of gin.

“It’s really funny and poignant and a lot of audience members will come up and say, ‘Wow were you reading my diary? That was my life!’” says St John.

Relatable to both men and women, the show explores Sophie as she falls in and out of love, struggles in a new job, and travels to India.

“She’s trying to sort out what’s important in life,” she says.

James Wright

Oct 28-Nov 15, Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, $18-47, sitco.net.au

one of the most fascinating women of the 21st Century, a complex and layered woman… which was all reflected in her work.”

As was the case in her personal life and work, there seemed to be a precarious marriage between fiction and reality. Farren points out “it is the balance between naturalism and an undercurrent of threat”, a sustained and chilling undertone that something is about to break.

Switzerland explores, “what it takes for someone to cross that line and what little it takes to become a killer.”

(ATS) Nov 3-Dec 27, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, $55-90, sydneytheatre.com.au

a&e

engaging as a highly successful pair who just have no time for each other.

“It was written as a modern day comedy in 1989, so it’s just old enough to have a period feel to it,” Christopher says. “It’s about the strain on their relationship and the fight to get time to connect again ... and then her old boyfriend shows up!”

Supported by a stellar cast including Rachel Gordon and Ian Stenlake, Daylight Saving is funny, relatable and entertaining. (SOC) Nov 5-30, $30-$43, Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst, 8356 9987, darlinghursttheatre.com

Switzerland

16 STAGE 17 SCENE 18 SCREEN 19 Sounds

and ends within the parameters of the show,” she continues, “which invites the audience to look and listen to the different layers age and understanding brings to this classic dark tale.”

The three performances will cater for all ages with two special midnight shows inviting over 18s only.

Co-Creator and Producer, Natalie Richards, says Danielle had a very strong vision for the piece. “She made sure the girls understood at the auditions that they would be expected to help create this vision.

She really has so much faith in her actresses and their creativity. It’s a really nice feeling.” (GF) Oct 31-Nov1, ATYP, Pier 4/5 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $32-53, midnighttheatre.iwannaticket. com.au

Photo: James Green

Photo: Helen Whit

Can saving a failing marriage be funny?

Much-loved Australian playwright Nick Enright certainly thinks so. His hilarious satire Daylight Saving follows power couple, Felicity and Tom. Actor Christopher Stollery, who plays the role of Tom, says the play is a fastpaced comedy that explores love and fidelity in an increasingly deregulated world. “The idea that you do not have time for family or to nurture your relationship is an ongoing concern,” he says. “It’s very much an approachable, open, modern comedy.”

Even though the distinctly Australian production was written over 20 years ago, in the age of ‘power couples,’ Felicity and Tom are completely

The Little Mermaid - Not Suitable for Children An all-female cast will explore the wonderfully dark world of The Little Mermaid - Not Suitable for Children.

The Hans Christian Anderson classic will take to the stages of ATYP for three operatic performances over Halloween.

“I wanted to create a cohesive ensemble of dynamic and talented young women who were dedicated to pushing boundaries,” says Director Danielle O’Keefe. “I am passionate about working with young people in a professional rehearsal room as they relish the opportunity to have their ideas tested.”

The cast of 24 will be accompanied by a moving and sound installation.

The soundscape is by acclaimed music producer Dave Higgins.

“Each girl has story that begins

Daylight Savings

In STC’s latest production Switzerland, playwright Joanna Murray-Smith and Director Sarah Goodes craft a thriller about the master of crimethrillers, Patricia Highsmith.

Held up in a house in the Swiss Alps, the hardened and eccentric writer (Sarah Peirse) lives in the secluded company of her cats, guns and books.

But her isolated retreat is disrupted when a representative of the publishing house comes to extricate a final novel in Highsmith’s famous Ripley series.

Eamon Farren stars as the young man who launches into this “war of the wits and morals”. Based on the writer and often-controversial figure, Farren is conscious of what makes Highsmith such a unique subject. He says, “she’s

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Examining another form of self-discovery, the production of November Spawned a Monster follows the journey of William, played by James Wright, who decides to go on a holy pilgrimage to Manchester in honour of his idol, Morrissey.

“It’s the story of a troubled kid looking for answers and the meaning of life, he feels what everyone feels,” says Wright.

Funny and moving, the unlikely love story follows William as he raises the money through looking after a woman with cerebral palsy, and the impact of the music of Morrissey and the Smiths on their lives.

“Smiths fans will love it and people who aren’t familiar with them will discover a lot,” says Wright. (SOC)

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

Contributors: Alexis Talbot-Smith, Anita Senaratna, Carmen Cita, Ciaran Tobin, Craig Coventry, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jamie Apps, Leann Richards, Marilyn Hetreles, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Michelle Porter, Nick Jewlachow, Peter Hackney, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Ruth Fogarty, Shauna O’Carroll, Siri Williams

Killing Time

Playing Rock Hudson Rock Hudson was the famous AllAmerican ladies’ man, a popular actor, a closeted homosexual and the first celebrity to die of AIDS in 1985.

Writer and director Cameron Lukey explores the contradictions, controversy and uncertainty of Hudson during the final years of his life in the dramatic production Playing Rock Hudson.

The narrative is based on the 1989 trial where a lover of Hudson sued the actor’s estate for reckless endangerment, claiming that Hudson put his life at risk by lying to him about the AIDS diagnosis.

“It switches back and forth from his life to the court case. It’s about perception and projection,” says Lukey.

“We live in a culture where people think they know what’s going on in

people’s lives and relationships. But in reality we can never know the truth.

It’s a very private thing.”

The moving production also portrays how the death of Hudson became a pivotal turning point for the homosexual community and for research into AIDS. “For people who didn’t know who he was they were fascinated by how complex the story is and interested in why it has been overlooked and forgotten,” he says.

Riveting and honest, the production explores the culture of celebrity, masculinity and sexuality through the lens of one of Hollywood’s most mysterious celebrities. (SOC) Nov 5-23, TAP Gallery, 45 Burton St, Darlinghurst, $30-35, leftbauerproductions.com

Mitchell Butel returns to the cabaret stage in a tale of 24 hours in the life of himself and all our selves. Killing Time is about the transition of getting older as it follows the journey from one morning to the next with beautiful jazz and blues songs along the way.

“It’s an 80-minute cabaret show that we premiered in Adelaide cabaret festival a few years ago,” says Butel, the star of the show. “It’s myself and a jazz band, featuring lots of good stories, great jazz songs and a few gags along the way.”

Killing Time premiered at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2010 and has even released an album under the same

Thelma Plum Triple J’s teen darling is set to bring her Monsters to Sydney for one night only.

Having recently completed her new EP under the guidance and tutelage of Aussie hip-hop producer M-Phazes, Plum is looking to develop her sound.

“I’ve been wanting to do bigger stuff for a really long time but never had the resources to do that,” she says. “So meeting M-Phazes finally allowed me to do that.”

Working with M-Phazes, whom Plum described as a ‘musical genius’, has clearly helped her

Radio Birdman

Returning for a limited run of shows this month are pioneers of the Australian indie rock scene, Radio Birdman.Their shows will coincide with the release of their definitive edition box set.

Despite forming thirty years ago and having only been on the scene for a brief four year period the band gathered a strong and durable following.The box set contains all of their original studio albums plus a previously unreleased live album, outtakes and alternative versions of songs.

“The fans that have stuck with us are really loyal and

THEATRE &

PERFORMANCE EMERALD CITY Sydney in the ‘80s was a party. It gave us lycra, MTV, and a raging economy that ended in the recession ‘we had to have’. It was the ‘greed is good’ decade, with rampant consumerism, materialism and where success was measured in real estate – preferably with a harbour view. Cut to today and things change – there is much less lycra – and David Williamson’s Emerald City is as relevant as ever.

“Even though it was written 30 years ago, we all believe it’s absolutely relevant to today because we are having the exact same conversations,” says Kelly Paterniti (Home and Away, 16

appreciative of the stuff we did so it’s great to be able to present them with all the original albums and some special unreleased material,” says singer and guitarist Deniz Tek. Most importantly for fans though is that the band will be reforming. “While the studio albums are good we were never truly able to capture the bands live energy which is the other major part of the equation,” Tek continues. “So I am very excited to come back and perform.” (JA) Nov 1-14, Manning Bar, Manning Rd, University Of Sydney, $50+b.f, manningbar.com

Packed to the Rafters) who plays Helen, the free-spirited girlfriend of a hack writer.

Our most performed playwright, Williamson’s central characters are decent people, wrestling with their worst selves. In his sharply satirical sights are the worst excesses of materialism and compromise that the harbour city can serve up. Dual Helpmann-winner, Mitchell Butel, Lucy Bell (All Saints, Crownies) and the redoubtable Marcus Graham make a stellar cast. In a splash back to the decade, set design is by iconic ‘80s pop artist Ken Done, whose work was so evocative of the time. (GW) Until Dec 6, SBW Stables, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross, $32-49, griffintheatre.com.au

name.The album consists of songs with a time-related theme, poetry, anecdotes and a mixture of genres including jazz and cabaret.

“We mix it up a bit but the jazz and the blues are the main bit.The play sounds pretty funky and we have a lot of fun,” says Butel.

The Sydneysider and three-time Helpmann Award winner is excited to perform his hit show in his hometown.

“It’s a feel good story and something everyone can relate to.” (CT) Nov 9-Dec 7, Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $35$40, hayestheatre.com.au

HARVEST This sprawling comic play follows four generations of a Yorkshire pig-farming family as they fight to protect their livelihood over the course of the 20th Century.

Harvest depicts 100 years in the Harrison family and how they have survived throughout the decades.

The epic tale written by Richard Bean, the celebrated writer of One Man,Two Guvnors, infuses quirky humour and a deep understanding of family and human nature. Although the family faces hardship throughout the years, Harvest reveals the ironic and dry humour of the characters.

The humanity, humour and storytelling have mass appeal to the audience and who doesn’t love an underdog story? (CT)

sound evolve into a much more densely layered experience while still continuing to grasp the delicate tones of her vocals.

Plum could hardly contain her excitement when speaking about the upcoming national tour. “It’s going to be a long couple of months but I love being on the road, it’s my favourite part of what I do,” she continues. “The live performance is sure to be fun, sad, happy … it has lots of emotions packed in.” (JA) Oct 31, Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, $20+b.f, moshtix.com.au

In the late nineties a Danish-Norwegian eurodance group burst onto the Australian music scene with their infectious single Barbie Girl. Years of catchy bubblegum-pop followed with songs such as Doctor Jones and Lollipop (Candyman). Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, Søren Rasted and Claus Noreen, collectively known as Aqua, released their first album titled Aquarium, and the world was hooked.

When the group decided to call it a day after the release of their second album, Aquarius, speculation was rife about personal differences and love triangles within the band.

After a seven-year hiatus it was Nystrøm’s idea to get the band back together, and she says it didn’t take much convincing but she still went about it strategically. “In 2008 I was actually watching [the 20th anniversary] for a tour here in Copenhagen and we were on that show, way back in time, and I saw ourselves onstage and thought, ‘oh my god I miss that!’. So I brought the band back together,” says Nystrøm. “I started with Renè because I kind of knew he would be in the moment I asked, and then I went to Claus because I knew if Claus was in then Søren would do it as well.”

Despite the previous ups and downs, Nystrøm says that growing up and having other anchors such as Until Nov 8, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, $17-32, newtheatre.org.au MIRACLE CITY Resurfacing for the first time since its original 1996 inception, this musical has been developed and at a very relevant time. It’s about hypocrisy and looking at oneself to find out what you believe. “Whether that’s organised religion, or your partner, you have to look to yourself,” says co-producer Richard Carroll. “It’s the only musical that I know which plays out in real time,” he continues.

Performed in conjunction with a liveto-air American Televangelist show and with wonderful musical direction and concept by Max Lambert, the ‘miracle’ is about to take Sydney on

family – Nystrøm is married to bandmate Søren Rasted – has made them see each other differently.

“We just accept each other as we are [now] and we give each other space,” she explains. “We are back together thinking that we are the best of friends and through music we have a friendship that nobody can touch.” (LL) Nov 1, Enmore Theatre, 118 Enmore Rd, Newtown, $66-157 (meet & greet), enmoretheatre.com.au

Aqua

a wild theme-park ride.

Starring a host of Australian theatre royalty including Mike McLeish, Blazey Best, Hilary Cole, Marika Aubrey, Josie Lane, Cameron Holmes along with Peter Kowitz and Esther Hannaford, this unique Australian gem has been dusted off, and is sure to entertain a new generation of audiences. (RBM) Until Nov 16, Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $44-49, hayestheatre.com.au WICKED Steve Danielsen joins seasoned Wicked stars Jemma Rix (Elphaba) and Lucy Durack (Glinda) as the award-winning musical returns.

Asked what it’s like joining a team who have been performing Wicked

for years, Danielsen says Rix and Durack have been very welcoming and working together is “amazing”.

“I love it and I don’t really just have to say that either, this show really means a lot to me,” he says.

Despite debuting over a decade ago, Wicked:The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz is still one of the most popular musicals in the world.

With the whole cast working hard to deliver the best performances they can each and every night, Danielsen says that the “incredible sets and costumes” will make it “really hard not to like this show”.

Until Dec 31, Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket, $69-114, wickedthemusical.com.au

THE NAKED CITY

Black Beauty - Nana Ohnesorge

Paddo Rocks Again!

Portrait of Djon Mundine OAM

Brightly hued canvases featuring iconic figures of Australian history burst from the walls of Galerie pompom in Nana Ohnesorge’s Black Beauty.

But these luminescent artworks are a different interpretation of the country’s past.They feature Aboriginal heroes such as Bennelong, Linda Burney and Djon Mundine and place them in the context of indigenous and European imagery. bundjalungboy, After Michael Riley, Portrait of Djon Mundine OAM presents incandescent native flora, looming red trees and totemic references surrounding the subject in a brilliant kaleidoscopic embrace.While in Australian Mining, storm tossed colours swirl in a vacant, surrealistic wonderland, ruled by a sun-seared, faceless figure with a shovel.

In contrast to the shimmering paintings, Ohnesorge’s sculptures from found objects are of milder tones.

Invader, which portrays a white wigged 18th Century aristocrat crowned with bunny ears, is a whimsical yet powerful comment on the past.While the tears of Broken Hearted are a poignant reflection on the effects of colonialism on the native population and the land.

These are works of strength and integrity which make political statements without confrontation.

They are emotional, visually arresting creations which illuminate a path through sometimes controversial, contemporary issues. (LR) Until Nov 9, Galerie pompom 2/39 Abercrombie St, Chippendale.

FREE, galeriepompom.com

Jurassic Lounge - Day of the Dead

By Coffin Ed, Miss Death & Jay Katz Interesting to see this week that the City Of Sydney Council has called for expressions of interests for the operation of Stapleton Hall, the main body of Paddington Town Hall, as a live music or performance venue.

The Town Hall has a fascinating, albeit chequered history, as a live music venue, particularly during the ‘wilder’ days of the 70s and 80s.

Built in 1891, the landmark building now houses the Chauvel Cinema, Paddo Library and Eastside Radio as well as the expansive main body. Given a substantial makeover some years ago, the Victorian style hall has become somewhat of a white elephant and has been mainly been used for corporate and private functions.

That was not always the case and back in the 70s and 80s it was a popular choice for bands such as the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, the Saints, Radio Birdman and the HardOns, to mention just a few. The gigs were often BYO, even when alcohol was on sale, and all manner of goodnatured drunken behaviour seemed acceptable at the time. It was also a popular venue with those freeloaders who chose not to fork over the door charge and instead navigate an almost secret labyrinth of rear exits and back passages to enter the main hall gratis.

It would be great to see the Town Hall reborn as a live music venue but perhaps the greatest drawback, much like its big brother Sydney Town Hall, is its truly awful acoustics. With a ceiling located somewhere in the stratosphere it’s a typical Victorian mausoleum and no amount of acoustic tinkering or sophisticated sound production appears to overcome this problem. It would no doubt violate its heritage status and cost a small

fortune in the process but the only solution might be to put in a false ceiling and prevent the sound from bouncing around in the giant echo chamber that currently exists.

Mind you, judging by the majority of punters at the Paradiso series held at the Sydney Town Hall during the 2014 Sydney Festival, crappy sound is not a problem, as long as your ears are suitably anaesthetised. Maybe the same will apply if Paddo once again hosts live music. After all nobody really worried back in the pre-digital age of the 70s and 80s when the sound was akin to shoving your head in a washing machine full of distorted transistor radios – even less if you had just skulled half a bottle of rum and slipped into the venue by a maze of back passages.

THE HIT LIST: A place where you will definitely find excellent acoustics is the Sydney Conservatorium Of Music which this week hosts Super October as part of the Jazz Studies program. There’s a concert featuring the Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra with Mike Nock as special guest pianist and composer on Monday 27 October at 6.30pm followed by another great concert featuring pianists Matt McMahon and Andrea Keller in a duo setting on Wednesday 29 at 6.30pm. On Thursday 30 one of the world’s most celebrated jazz drummers, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, holds a masterclass from 10.00am and is open to the public with gold coin entry. On Friday 31 at 2pm there’s another public masterclass with cutting edge New York quartet, Spoke.

Outside of the Con you can also catch the Jeff ‘Tain’ Quartet at Foundry 616 for two big nights on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 (with tickets going fast) as well as the remarkable Spoke who are playing the Sound Lounge for SIMA on Friday 31 with a special $10 for punters who attend the masterclass. Check out all details at www.foundry616.com.au and www.sima.org.au

Jurassic Lounge is returning to the Australian Museum this year.

In the past it has been a perfect balance of upbeat pop culture and highbrow education.You can drink beer while perusing encased exotic butterflies or tiny fossils under disco lights.

There’s also a huge range of entertainment for when you’ve had enough of a history fix.

This year Jurassic Lounge is using the theme of the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, a celebration honouring the passing of family members. Punters can expect performances by Pickled Tink and 2014 Miss Burlesque winner Memphis Mae. There will also be a photo exhibition by Mexican photographer Roberto Duran, and an arts and crafts market selling Mexican jewellery and chocolate skulls.

It’s fantastic that the Australian

Museum will give us the chance to learn more about Mexican traditions. Keep in mind though, there’s a line between admiring different cultures and cultural appropriation. While dressing up is encouraged, many minorities find it offensive when their traditions are borrowed for fun.

The people behind Jurassic Lounge have been working closely with the Mexican community. But that doesn’t mean everyone with a Mexican background feels comfortable with the idea of people painting their faces in sugar skull as part of “Mexican Halloween”.

So if you go along to Jurassic Lounge this year, by all means embrace a different culture.

But maybe rethink a racist Halloween outfit. (ES) Nov 1, Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney, $16, jurassiclounge.com/buy-tickets

Opening of Potts Point Galleries Sydney’s new antiques precinct, Potts Point Galleries, is now officially open. Owned by Potts Point’s Paul Baker, this sparkling new addition to the decorative arts and antique scene is a veritable Aladdin’s cave overflowing with unique, intriguing and gorgeous treasures from 15 of Australia’s most respected antique dealers.

Ever since Potts Point Galleries opened its doors, locals have flocked through the doors and given it rave reviews. At its official opening, Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, said: “Potts Point is home to one of our city’s most diverse local shopping precincts, and the new Potts Point Galleries is a welcome addition. I have no doubt their treasure trove will soon become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.”

Baker’s Potts Point Galleries have injected new life into a defunct video store where many of his former Woollahra dealers are among Baker’s stable of antique elite.To celebrate the opening, property owners who engage and sell through Network Real Estate will receive a gift medallion entitling them to spend $1000 at Potts Point Galleries. For more information visit www.pottspointgalleries.com.au. (ES)

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British Film Festival 2014 Among the 16 new films being showcased at this year’s British Film Festival are epics set during the war and a host of highly anticipated flicks featuring stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Kit Harrington and Pierce Brosnan.

Testament of Youth centres on a free-spirited woman who overcomes prejudice, wins an Oxford scholarship and pursues a literary career, but chaos ensues with WWI; Mr Turner deals with the artist who painted with light itself (which also won two awards at Cannes, including Best Actor for Timothy Spall); ’71 covers the ‘the troubles’ in Northern Ireland – Jack O’Connell (Skins) plays a young British

soldier, separated from his unit, who must find his way through the mean and deadly streets; and moving film What We Did On Our Holiday (starring Billy Connolly) looks at the dynamics of a couple going through divorce who take their children on a holiday reunion to Scotland.

Six from the 60s has six standout classics from the influential era including Zulu (1964), Darling (1965), If (1968), Billy Liar (1963), The Italian Job (1969) and A Hard Day’s Night (1964). (MMu) Nov 6-26, Palace Norton St, Leichhardt & Palace Verona, Paddington, $19.50-150 (10 film pass), britishfilmfestival.com.au What We Did On Our Holiday

The Best of Me The Best of Me is the latest Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, Dear John) novel adaptation to hit the big screen.

Like his previous works, the story aims to tug at the heartstrings with an exploration of young love, romance gone awry and the duplicity of destiny.

However, rather than tug, The Best of Me yanks a little too roughly with a heavy-handed direction, obvious plot twists and plenty of kissing in the rain

Kill the Messenger

with clichéd dialogue.

James Marsden turns in a solid performance as his first lead in a Sparks’ adaptation.The passionate chemistry between the young leads and their older selves is sturdy, even if their relationships never are.

With an unobtrusive soundtrack and pretty southern locations, The Best of Me is a nice film; unsubtle and unapologetic in its melodramatic portrayal of young love. (LL) WW

Gary Webb was a journalist who alleged the import of cocaine into the US was an income for the CIA-backed Nicaraguan Contras.Turned into crackcocaine, it reached epidemic proportions in US cities in the ‘80s, with Webb suggesting the Reagan administration sanctioned this. His newspaper dropped the story and he never again worked as a mainstream reporter. He was found dead in 2004.

Jeremy Renner stars as Webb in

21st GREEK FILM FESTIVAL Featuring over 20 films including Pantelis Voulgaris’ Little England, and Brides; Common Denominator covering online dating and infidelity; Xenia deals with patriarchy, homosexuality and immigrant rights; Stratos: crime noir – with good men trying to right things in all the wrong ways and Miss Violence tells of domestic and sexual abuse. Even the western gets a nod with Standing Aside,Watching: Antigone returns to her hometown as an ‘outsider’ and attempts to reconnect with old friends; and Bollywood dances its way into the festival with Block 12, featuring song and dance routines.

The new Mrs Clooney wants the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece and that saga is covered by the festival’s closing film Promakhos.

(MMu) Until Nov2, Palace Cinemas, Leichhardt, greekfilmfestival.com.au

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Pride is a historical drama with a comedic edge, set in a bleak period of British history. It honours the obscure yet remarkable alliance between Welsh miners and London homosexuals. It is definitely a political film, in the most inspirational sense; it’s about individuals coming together to make a difference, using their common force to shift their destiny.

Amazing production value throughout the film is complemented by sharp and genuine dialogue. Fabulously rich performances carry the sombre tone through this intense narrative. Although, generally already raw and dark –– it could have been grimier to better portray the barren nature of this particular context. Something perhaps dulled down to better cater to mainstream audiences, instead of staying completely true to its commemoration.

Overall, it’s a beautiful story of humanity. It aptly captures the homophobia, bigotry, ignorance and curiosity that the LGBT community deals with constantly, using wit and humour to tie it in effortlessly. (RBM) WWW

A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES At first glance this may seem like a Taken clone in that it stars Liam Neeson and centres around an ex-cop who now hunts down criminals with his “particular set of skills”, however, this is a more cerebral than action-oriented affair.

Set in a rain-soaked, gloomy and grey New York circa 1999, the environment and cinematography help to build the suspense and tension of this serial killer thriller.

Despite following typical crime cliches, this film overcomes its flaws and could potentially be the start of a new franchise for Neeson. (JA) WWW½ JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The list of films which promise to lay bare the soul of a fascinating culture include a variety of award-winning features,

documentaries and shorts such as The Good Son, which tells of a man seeking sexual re-assignment;The Outrageous Sophie Tucker about a vaudeville star of ‘20s; and The Farewell Party which is set in a retirement home where the residents build a euthanasia machine to help a friend. Zero Motivation follows three female army clerical staff battling boredom in menial work; the ironically-named The Decent One uses new material to profile the architect of the final solution – Heinrich Himmler; and The Dove Flyer details the final years of the Jewish community in ‘50s Baghdad before the expulsion to Israel.

Alfred Hitchcock was one of the team that assembled German Concentration Camps Factual Survey which had massive amounts of footage documenting the horror of the concentration camps – a project

Pride

I Love This Place Steven Salgo’s labour of love for the locale he’s spent his life in documents the goings-on at four eastern suburbs beaches over a year.

Though you may be intimately familiar with Bondi, Clovelly, Tamarama and Bronte, you will see each of them in a different light and be reminded just how beautiful they are in this heartfelt work.

You will wonder at the people drawn to the beach: painters, yogis, tightrope walkers, fashion models, fisherman, salsa dancers

and surfers – and all of them linked to the moods of the sea throughout the seasons.

It’s also a kind of time capsule.

Perhaps a hundred years from now people will see this and wonder at what it said about us: Australians liked to walk along the sand, sunbathe, swim, surf. . . what quaint, uncomplicated people they were! Wonder what happened to them? Where are they now?

David Roberts provides the atmospheric music score.

(MMu) WWW½

Kill the Messenger and he plays the doomed journalist with the mix of energy and frustration expected from a man whose career, family and life are threatened.

Renner and director Michael Cuesta (Homeland, Dexter) weave a convoluted, fascinating and edgy tale that gives no consolation to conspiracy theorists who feel governments will stop at nothing – and that one way to obstruct them is a free press. (MMu) WWW½

which was shelved and not completed … until now. The result is Night Will Fall. (MMu) Until Nov 16, Event Cinemas, Bondi Junction, jiff.com.au THE JUDGE Robert Downey Jr flexes his acting chops in this outstanding drama with Robert Duvall. It is something to behold – the frustration and tension constantly bubbling beneath the surface is electric.

The Judge is a moving drama guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with suspense. Every role is expertly cast and Duvall is sublime as the stubborn, righteous, crank at the centre of the film.

To find fault with such a gripping narrative is tough but for the sake of balance, a weak subplot or two

could have been omitted and it wouldn’t have affected the flow of the film at all. (LL) WWWW THE SKELETON TWINS Twins Maggie (Kristin Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) become separated as teenagers and end up estranged.

When we meet them they’re thirtysomething and haven’t communicated for a decade. After a suicide attempt, Milo accepts his sister’s invitation to stay with her.

A synopsis might detail the events of this wonderful film but would give you no idea of the emotion, warmth and humanity at the heart of it, not to mention the pain and the sadness, but there’s also a great deal of fun and humour. Ultimately, it’s a positive and life-affirming work, one that will give hope to viewers – and that’s why it must be seen. So well written and so well acted. (MMu) WWWW

THE LITTLE DEATH Josh Lawson makes his directorial debut with this offbeat comedy that explores the sexual relations and fantasies of a group of neighbours and friends. Unashamedly it delves into sexual and social taboos, as behind closed doors ‘normal’ couples discover what lengths they will go to for that fleeting ‘la petite mort’ – the little death.

With an ensemble cast of Australian talent, each character is well rounded and expertly acted. Lawson’s writing displays quick wit and a love for awkward comedy.Without losing the characters to caricature, Lawson unravels hilarious exploits in a genuine manner.

The comedy won’t be to everyone’s taste but with a charmingly authentic treatment it is a subtle reminder that it’s okay to be weird. (ATS) WWW

Declan Kelly — Diesel n’ Dub Cover versions most often fail because they are either overly reverential or jokey.When whole albums get the dub treatment, things can get weird. Recent years have seen a few of those with varying degrees of success.

This adaptation of Midnight Oil songs works because the reggae influence was mostly always there, even if it wasn’t obvious. And the vocals are done by some people who can actually sing.While Peter Garrett was a compelling front man, he wasn’t much of a singer. Contributions like Katie Noonan on Power and the Passion and Emma Donovan on The Dead Heart could be described as revelatory. And some of the profits go to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.You know what to do. (NJ) Frank Yamma - Uncle Does Frank Yamma live his songs or does he write about his life? In the end it doesn’t matter; you won’t hear a more heartfelt collection of songs this year. He starts with the delicate A Black Man’s Crying. In this opening track he sings, “I am a man, just like you”. He is stating the obvious, but it’s still arresting.You get the feeling he means every word here, regardless of whether it’s in English or Pitjantjatjara.The guitar playing is excellent, sometimes fizzing with energy, or just plain jittery as seen in track Pitjuli Wankanye. But it’s the deceptively casual strum of Sunday Morning, one of the songs which comes replete with bird noises which might be the loveliest thing here.(NJ)

One of Australia’s most influential and iconic figures in postmodern rock, Rowland S. Howard, is set to be honoured with the release of an anthology as well as a tribute show.

The late Howard is often remembered for his distinctive guitar work which has proven to be enormously influential over the years, as has his heartfelt emotional songwriting. Genevieve McGuckin, fellow member of These Immortal Souls and former girlfriend of Howard, describes Howard’s songwriting as very self-aware, incredibly honest and autobiographical.

It was this style of songwriting that made Howard so identifiable to his fans.Throughout his career which spanned 34 years and multiple different bands, the fans have always been loyal followers.

Despite the recognition Howard is often given now, his story was sadly very different during his career and life. “Rowland didn’t make very many records, which people think is because he didn’t write very much but that wasn’t the case,” McGuckin explains. “Basically it was because he couldn’t get people to spend any money on him.

This meant that his fate was so different from the other members of The Birthday Party in terms of

LIVE WIRE

Jimmy Barnes: The 2014 ARIA nominated Aussie rock legend returns to Sydney following a sold out first show for a bonus show as part of the national 30:30 Hindsight tour.The 30:30 Hindsight album has been rocketing up the charts and earned Barnes a nomination for Best Rock Album.This show is set to be a celebration of the album featuring all of the number one hits as well as classics from Barnes’ extensive back

success or financial gain.”

Thankfully the Pop Crimes:The Songs of Rowland S. Howard tribute will give fans a chance to relive some songs that Howard placed so much time, emotion and energy into. Unlike a normal tribute, this show brings together many of the original members from bands Howard was a part of, including Mick Harvey, Brian Hooper, J.P. Shilo, Jeffrey Wegener, Craig Williams, Harry Howard and McGuckin.

“J.P. does a brilliant job of sonically imitating and playing the guitar like Rowland. So musically-wise it is the songs as they were played with Rowland except instead of him singing, it features guest singers,” says McGuckin.

As to be expected organising a show like this with so many different artists, all with their own schedules, has been somewhat of a ‘logistical nightmare’ for McGuckin, Howard, Shilo and Harvey. Despite this the gigs still have all the energy and vitality of Rowland. “Because we all love it, that passion comes through in the performance,” said McGuckin. (JA) Nov 1, Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney, $44.76+b.f, ticketek.com.au

Sydney Live Music Guide

catalogue.

Thu, Oct 30, Enmore Theatre Cracked Actor: Canberran alternative rock outfit set to launch their latest single Hollywood in anticipation of upcoming album Iconoclasts.

Having recently been featured on Triple J Unearthed, the band has been likened to Radiohead and Jeff Buckley with super catchy, chilled-out tunes.

Fri, Oct 31, 107 Projects Jasia: The Jamaican born, US raised and current Australian

resident has carved out his own niche combining his classical vocal, violin and guitar training with synthesised beats and rhythms.This will be his second headline show as part of his Safety single tour.

Sat, Nov 1, Brighton Up Bar Ian Pooley: Even after five albums it is hard to clearly define the master of German tech house. He has taken influences from all over the globe such as Detroit, Chicago, Brazil. Often

Rowland S. Howard

disappearing from the spotlight with four-year breaks between albums, now is the time to catch him while you can.

Sat, Nov 1, Burdekin Sasha: The Grammy nominated,Welsh-born producer needs little introduction. He has been voted into the DJ Mag’s annual poll top 10 nearly every year since 1997. Sasha has earned his reputation as one of the best DJs today and has been asked to do remixes for both Madonna and The

Chemical Brothers, while holding down residencies at New York’s famous Twilo and Ibiza’s We Love…Sundays.

Sat, Nov 1, Chinese Laundry Enrico Rava: Italy’s greatest jazz musician and one of the most outstanding figures in the European scene for the last five decades will be making the long trek down under for just one show in Sydney this weekend.

Recognised for his impeccable trumpet or flugelhorn playing, Rava’s use of space is crucial to allow

the impact of each nuance to fully sink in.

Mon, Nov 3,The Basement NOFX: The flagship band of the punk scene of the 1990s continue to click with the crowd and remain incredibly popular after three decades together. After recently selling out what was to be their only show, the band had to add a second date this weekend due to overwhelming demand. So if you missed out now is your final chance to catch them. (JA) Wed, Nov 5, Enmore Theatre

FREEWILLASTROLOGY

by Rob Brezsny

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): If you live in Gaza, you don’t have easy access to Kentucky Fried Chicken. The closest KFC restaurant is 35 miles away in the Egyptian city of El-Arish.

But there was a time when you could pay smugglers to bring it to you via one of the underground tunnels that linked Egypt to Gaza. Each delivery took four hours and required the help of two taxis, a hand cart, and a motorbike. (Alas, Egypt destroyed most of the tunnels in early 2014.) I recommend, Aries, that you be as determined and resourceful to make your longed-for connections as the KFC lovers in Gaza were.

Halloween costume suggestion: smuggler, bootlegger, drugdealer, black-marketeer.

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s urgent that you expand your options. Your freedom of choice can’t lead you to where you need to go until you have more possibilities to choose from. In fact, you’re better off not making a decision until you have a wider selection. To playfully drive home this point to your subconscious mind, I suggest that this Halloween you consider disguising yourself as a slime mold. This unusual creature comes in more than 500 different genders, at least 13 of which must collaborate to reproduce. Here’s a photo: bit. ly/yellowslime.

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your next big gift. Halloween costume suggestion: a sacred portal, a divine gateway, an amazing door.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the animated sci-fi TV sitcom *Futurama,* Leela is the mutant captain of a spaceship.

In one episode, she develops an odd boil on her hindquarters.

It has a face and can sing.

The actor who provides the vocals for the animated boil’s outpouring of song is Gemini comedian Craig Ferguson, whose main gig is serving as host of a late-night TV talk show on CBS. Telling you this tale is my way of suggesting that you consider going outside your usual niche, as Craig Ferguson did, to offer your talents in a different context. Halloween costume suggestion: Kim Kardashian as a nurse wearing ebola protective gear; science educator Neil deGrasse Tyson as a male stripper; a cat wearing a dog costume, or vice versa.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): This is one of those rare times when it’s OK for you to just throw out the dirty dishes that you are too lazy to wash.

It’s also permissible to hide from a difficult person, spend money on a supposedly foolish indulgence, eat a bowl of ice cream for breakfast, bingewatch a TV show that provokes six months’ worth of emotions in a few hours, and lie in bed for an extra hour fantasizing about sex with a forbidden partner. Don’t make any of these things habits, of course. But for now, it’s probably healthy to allow them.

Halloween costume suggestion: total slacker.

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CANCER (June 21-July 22): Native American hero Sitting Bull (1831-1890) was a renowned Lakota chief and holy man. He led his people in their resistance to the U.S. occupation of their land. How did he become so strong and wise? In large part through the efforts of his doting mother, whose name was Her-HolyDoor. Let’s install her as your exemplar for now. May she inspire you to nurture beauty and power in those you love.

May she motivate you to be adroit as you perform your duties in service to the future.

May the mystery of her name rouse you to find the sacred portal that ushers you to

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Our evolutionary ancestors *Homo erectus* loved to eat delicious antelope brains. The fossil evidence is all over their old stomping grounds in East Africa. Scientists say that this delicacy, so rich in nutrients, helped our forbears build bigger, stronger brains themselves.

These days it’s harder but not impossible to make animal brains part of your diet. The Chinese and Koreans eat pig brains, and some European cuisines include beef brains. I’m confident, however, that your own brain will be functioning better than ever in the coming weeks, even if you don’t partake of this exotic dish.

Be sure to take advantage of your enhanced intelligence.

Solve tough riddles! Think big thoughts! Halloween costume suggestion: a brain-eating *Homo erectus.*

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “The egromenious hilarity of psychadisical melarmy, whether rooted in a lissome stretch or a lusty wobble, soon defisterates into crabolious stompability. So why not be graffenbent?” So said Noah’s ex-wife Joan of Arc in her interview with *St. Crocodile* magazine. Heed Joan’s advice, please, Libra. Be proactively saximonious. I’M KIDDING! Everything I just said was nonsense. I hope you didn’t assume it was erudite wisdom full of big words you couldn’t understand. In offering it to you, I was hoping to immunize you against the babble and hype and artifice that may soon roll your way. Halloween costume suggestion: a skeptic armed with a shock-proof bullshitdetector. (For inspiration, check out these visuals: http://bit.ly/ bsdetector.)

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In AMC’s famous TV drama, a high school chemistry teacher responds to his awful luck by turning to a life of crime. The show’s title, “Breaking Bad,” refers to what happens when a good person cracks and veers over to the dark side. So then what does “breaking good” mean? Urbandictionary.com defines it like this: “When a

criminal, junkie, or gang-banger gets sweet and sparkly, going to church, volunteering at soup kitchens, and picking the kids up from school.” I’m concerned that you are at risk of undergoing a similar conversion, Scorpio. You seem so nice and kind and mild lately. I guess that’s fine as long as you don’t lose your edge.

Halloween costume suggestion: a criminal with a halo, a sweet and sparkly gang-banger, or a Buddhist monk junkie.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I’ve got two possible remedies for your emotional congestion. You might also want to make these two remedies part of your Halloween shtick.

The first remedy is captured by the English word “lalochezia.” It refers to a catharsis that comes from uttering profane language.

The second remedy is contained in the word “tarantism.” It means an urge to dance manically as a way to relieve melancholy.

For your Halloween disguise, you could be a wildly dancing obscenity-spouter.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are at a point in your astrological cycle when you deserve to rake in the rewards that you have been working hard to earn. I expect you to be a magnet for gifts and blessings.

The favors and compliments you have doled out will be returned to you. For all the strings you have pulled in behalf of others’ dreams, strings will now be pulled for you. Halloween costume suggestion: a beaming

kid hauling around a red wagon full of brightly wrapped presents.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Two physicists in Massachusetts are working on technology that will allow people to shoot laser beams out of their eyes. For Halloween, I suggest that you pretend you have already acquired this superpower. It’s time for you to be brash and jaunty as you radiate your influence with more confidence. I want to see you summon reserves of charismatic clout you haven’t dared to call on before. Costume suggestion: The X-Men mutant named Cyclops or the legendary Native America creature known as the thunderbird, which emits lightning from its eyes.

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The African nation of Swaziland has passed a law prohibiting witches from flying their broomsticks any higher than 150 meters above ground. That will a big problem for Piscean witches. There is currently an astrological mandate for them to swoop and glide and soar as high and free as they want to. The same is metaphorically true for all Piscean non-witches everywhere. This is your time to swoop and glide and soar as high and free as you want to.

Halloween costume suggestion: high-flying witch, a winged angel, the Silver Surfer, or a mythic bird like the Garuda.

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