City Hub 31 January 2019

from Bondi to Balmain...

City News Since 1995 J A N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 9

cityhub.net.au

FREE

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Sydney

G.bod Theatre presents a Mardi Gras Double Bill

WYNGARDE! A CELEBRATION + QUEEN BETTE 19 February – 2 March

BOOK NOW old505theatre.com

Lvl 1, 5 Eliza St Newtown

Page 8

PADDY’S MARKETS

HAYMARKET

YEAR OF THE PIG LION DANCING FRIDAY 01 FEBRUARY

1PM - 3PM

SATURDAY 02 FEBRUARY

paddysmarketshaymarket

2

city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

11AM - 1PM

www.paddysmarkets.com.au

Australia’s small and regional newspapers come up short

BY LAWRENCE GIBBONS Australia has long had one of the most concentrated levels of media ownership in the world. Following recent changes to cross-media ownership laws, further consolidation has resulted in two corporations, Nine and News, now maintaining an outright duopoly over the majority of commercial news coverage in Australia.

When the law was changed to allow for the $3 billion merger of Nine and Fairfax to proceed, the Parliament established a special grant to support independent publishers.

In an agreement struck with Nick Xenophon’s Centre Alliance Party, $48 million was set aside for a Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund to be awarded over three years. $16 million was available to be disbursed in 2018. While 186 applications were lodged, only 29 grants were awarded to just 25 companies. Thus 85% of all applications were refused funding.

85% of applications refused funding Of the $16 million designated to support and sustain independent journalism, only $3.6 million was actually allocated. More than three quarters of the fund was not spent.

By comparison, in 2017, the Federal government awarded a $30 million non-competitive grant to News Corp to assist with sports broadcasting.

Of the 25 successful innovation grant recipients, 72% of the companies were based in the Minister for Communication and the Arts’ home state of Victoria. Two Victorian-based

re-election, putting the Coalition-held seat at risk.

In total, 60% of all grants went to media outlets in Liberal or National held seats.

The Lithgow Village Voice was one of only five grant recipients in NSW. Published in the National-held seat of Calare, the electorate takes in Orange, which was lost to the Shooters and Fishers in a State by-election in 2016. On December 18, three days before grant recipients were officially announced, the paper posted a video on its Facebook page in which the local National MP Andrew Gee congratulated the Voice for receiving a grant. ACMA denied releasing recipients’ names prior to December 21.

Funds set aside to support local newspapers must be distributed fairly and in full Communication Minister Mitch Fifield. Photo: Facebook

companies – the Saturday Paper and Private Media / Crikey – received five grants. The Saturday Paper is owned by a wealthy real estate developer, Morry Schwartz, and Private Media’s multi-million dollar news site Crikey has been at the forefront of journalistic digital innovation. Private Media’s Chairman Eric Beecher is also the Chairman of Adelaide-based Solstice Media, the only media company in South Australia to receive an innovation grant. By comparison, only

five grants were awarded to media companies in the whole of NSW and three to publishers in Queensland.

On Friday December 21, Minister Mitch Fifield announced the lucky innovation grant recipients. Four grants were awarded to newspapers published in the Victorian seat of Mallee. Four days earlier on December 17, the MP for Mallee Andrew Broad resigned from the Ministry over what was dubbed the “sugar daddy” scandal.

Broad announced he would not seek

The Innovation Grant was established to ensure that civic journalism continues to flourish in Australia. Globally, journalism is facing an unprecedented crisis. In the face of new media platforms which do not support local news content, and an Australian media duopoly which has consolidated news coverage, shuttered outlets and cut back staff, Australian journalism is in peril. The establishment of a $48 million fund to assist local publishers was promising, but the implementation and delivery of the fund has been fraught with difficulties. The fund was tied up in parliament until after the start of the financial year.

Grant guidelines were changed after

applications opened and the round stayed open until mid-August. Successful recipients were due to be announced in early November, but were not revealed by the Minister for Communications until the Friday before Christmas.

ACMA must provide clear guidelines Local and regional newspaper publishers believe ACMA was not forthcoming in providing clear guidelines for applicants.

While successful publishers lodged multiple grant applications, unsuccessful applicants were not advised that this was an option. Publishers whose applications were not approved believe that they have not received adequate feedback from ACMA so that they can alter their applications in the next round.

The second round is due to open in the first quarter of 2019, but ACMA still has not advised publishers when they can apply for the next round. ACMA must work with local newspaper publishers to ensure that the criteria and requirements of the fund are obvious, accessible and easily fulfilled.

Funds that were not allocated must be included in future rounds. Funds set aside to support local newspapers must be distributed fairly and in full.

Robust and diverse media coverage are essential bedrocks to Australian democracy. ACMA and the Minister for Communication must do everything possible to ensure that local and regional newspapers receive the funds that were intended to support civic journalism in Australia.

Disclosure: this newspaper unsuccessfully applied for an Innovation Grant in 2018.

Bad Apples in the barrel Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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

Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677.

Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Production Manager: Michael Hitch Contributors: Michael Hitch, Andrew Woodhouse, Allison Hore, Laura Neill, John Moyle Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Advertising Manager: Georgina Pengelly Cover Photo: Supplied. Chinese New Year At Paddy’s Market Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677, Fax: 9212 5633 Website: altmedia.net.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au altmediagroup

altmediasydney

BY MICHAEL HITCH Tech giant Apple has left a sour taste in a customer’s mouth when staff at the Bondi Junction store withheld an iPhone belonging to a twelve-year-old girl after she left it at the store to be repaired on 29 December. The screen of the phone was cracked.

When she returned on 31 December to pick up her phone, the minor was offered a new replacement phone.

She did not know how to transfer data from her old iPhone to the new one. so she refused the offer and asked for her old phone back, only to be denied this by staff.

She left and returned with her father, practising lawyer Alex Tees, who managed to retrieve his daughter’s phone from the Apple staff.

Mr Tees described his daughter’s ordeal as “unreasonable” and said the nature of the terms and conditions of repair, and Apple’s behaviour towards his daughter, was “completely unconscionable”.

A minor cannot be held to a contract “Their, what I’m assuming is a, background contract falls completely outside of legislation if this is what’s allowed to happen, especially when dad’s paying extra to insure a phone that technically isn’t his,” he said.

“She is a minor and as such she cannot be held to a contract. If they say it’s ‘their phone’ in the terms and conditions, then that’s simply not on.

“They even told her that they’d already wiped the phone just to get rid of her. Then when I got there they said the phone was still

Apple has once again left a sour taste in it’s customers mouths. Photo: Mike Hitch

there and still fully functional. In other words, they lied to her… what kind of an example is that for a twelve-year-old.”

City Hub attempted to talk to an Apple representative, and while they weren’t able to provide a response, they referred us to Apple’s repair terms and conditions.

In section eight, regarding the transfer of information, Apple states that: “If the repair service involves transferring information or installing software, you represent that you have the legal right to copy the information and agree to the terms of the software licence, and you authorise Apple to transfer the information and accept such terms on your behalf in performing the service.”

This City Hub writer is confused… could Apple have not backed up and transferred the data during their “repair” process?

Mr Tees notes that Apple’s staff behaviour undermines contractual obligations and inspires customer distrust for the company.

Mr Tees suggested that a local phone kiosk may offer a customer more satisfaction in telecommunications.

“There is a systemic fault with Apple iPhones. From generation whatever they’ve gone up to, they’ve all had problems with the microphones … but now they’ve got problems with their people,” he said.

Apple’s staff behaviour undermines contractual obligations and inspires customer distrust “We know these are calculated faults and it really calls the contract into question.

Instead of getting Apple to fix them, I’d rather get the fixer down the road who can do the same work for $70 or $80 and with less hassle.”

Apple Bondi was contacted but did not respond for comment. city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

3

Labor’s plan to revive live music smoking, littering or unruly behaviour outside venues after they close.

“It can be frustrating to local residents,” said Ms Howse. “I am on the side of small businesses and local bars, and I do think that residents have a right to work with those venues about issues like noise or anti-social behaviour.”

The plan also includes the removal of unnecessary regulations discouraging venues from holding live performances, and a $1.2 million investment in helping venues to install soundproofing.

In a big win for small businesses, the “Right to Play” also aims to streamline the process for development applications and liquor licensing, significantly reducing waiting times for new small venues. It will also introduce a new class of liquor license specifically for venues that are dedicated to live music. The process of obtaining approvals and licensing is currently a major barrier to opening a live music venue.

a go of starting a small business and I wasn’t recognized,” Ms Avron said. “The council approval process – everyone’s burned out by it.

If it was a lot easier, a lot of people would try and we’d probably have more venues.”

Currently, the license she holds for her 100cap venue on Pyrmont Bridge Road only allows 108 ticketed events per year.

Towards a sustainable music sector Caroline Buckingham, owner of the recentlyopened live music bar Butcher’s Brew, agreed that the process was arduous. “It should be more straightforward and streamlined,” said Ms Buckingham, who described the process as “having to go backwards and forwards between the same people”. Buckingham’s 40-cap bar opened last month, fourteen months after she signed the lease.

Cultural capital: Government plans to support local venues. Photo: Erica Vera Williams The NSW Government released its own plan

BY LAURA NEILL bans on hard rock and amplified drums, and last week, promising a three-month blitz on The State Labor government has released limits to the number of performers allowed arbitrary licensing restrictions and including a a detailed plan to revive the live music scene onstage. one-off $1 million Music Now fund to support Everyone’s burned out by the and support venue owners by reversing years Labor candidate for Balmain and Glebe Elly the live music industry across the state. of stifling legislation, removing the red tape Howse said the revisions are “a long time coming”, Arts Minister Don Harwin said to the Music council approval process that prevents existing venues from hosting live and that policy changes over the last eight years Network; “Helping stage gigs, festivals and entertainment, and simplifying the process for have “clearly affected live music and our thriving other music events in NSW will not only starting a venue. bar scene”.

“Small business owners find that applying support a sustainable music sector but also The plan, launched last week by Shadow for a liquor license is very challenging and contribute to a vibrant night-time economy”.

Minister for Music and the Night Life Economy One-stop shop for live music difficult,” said Ms Howse. “Restaurants and Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the John Graham, comes after the Parliamentary “Suburbs like Balmain and Glebe are known cafes will open without the liquor license first. Sydney Business Chamber, Commerce, has Inquiry into the Music and Arts Economy found for their great pub culture and live music venues.

It will take weeks or months to get it.” welcomed the pre-election focus from both sides the causes of the venue crisis include the burden We want more music and more musicians in our Alison Avron, singer-songwriter and owner of the on enhancing Sydney’s night-time economy. placed on venues by regulations such Planning community. State government needs to support not Camperdown live music venue the Newsagency, “Sydney has an outstanding live music, laws, liquor licences, and noise regulations. When hinder live music,” said Ms Howse. experienced first-hand the “frustrating” process of entertainment and events history and it is launching the plan, Mr Graham said that the live To support both venues and the local gaining licensing and approval when she moved from pleasing to see plans coming together to make it music industry was now at a “crisis point”. community, the plan will establish a one-stop shop her 40-cap BYO venue to a 100-cap licensed venue in easier for business to run more events that will Centred on “a Right to Play”, the plan will for both residents and venues to objectively deal Camperdown. She described the process as something boost the economy,” she said. amend the Liquor Act to remove arbitrary with noise complaints. she “wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy”.

According to Forsythe, more than $3.6 billion restrictions on live music at existing venues.

According to Ms Howse, many noise complaints “I felt held back as a business owner and as is generated every year in the City of Sydney Currently, there are 669 restrictions that include are often generated not by live music, but by an artist. I was just someone trying to make alone.

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION

JUMAADI:

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS EXHIBITION

LOOKING HERE LOOKING NORTH

12 JAN - 10 FEB

LAUNCH DAY! TERM 1 ACTIVITIES ON SALE 21 JAN

BRING ME BACK MY BODY AND I WILL RETURN YOUR SOUL

12 JAN - 10 FEB Join us for nibbles and drinks as we launch three big art exhibitions, What a Life! Rock Photography by Tony Mott, Jumaadi and Looking Here Looking North, on one BIG day!

WHAT A LIFE!

SAT 19 JAN 2PM • FREE!

12 JAN - 24 FEB

ROCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY MOTT

Q&A with Tony Mott: Sat 19 Jan 1pm

Drop by for a bite at Bellbird Dining & Bar. Open 7 days a week for full breakfast, lunch, cakes and coffee.

WWW.CASULAPOWERHOUSE.COM OPEN DAILY GALLERY ENTRY IS FREE! 4

city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

Opinion

Mega development of Darlo church

BY ANDREW WOODHOUSE “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war” is the nineteenth century hymn for those calling for divine intervention.

And it may be invoked by locals wanting to defeat a new $13 million mega-development application for the former First Church of Christ, Scientist, 262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst (DA/2018/1526).

The church is a well-known heritage-listed local landmark.

Squinched between dense inner-city living and the CBD, this church’s religion was founded by Ms Eddy in 1879, Boston, USA. She claimed to have been “healed” by simply reading the bible.

There are no clergy in the services of this church, just individual readers.

The architecture of the church doesn’t follow traditional church styles but appears as a temple with monumental columns and imposing doors.

Its auditorium is laid out theatre-style with an impressive pipe organ behind a grille.

This site remained undeveloped until the 1920s apart from being occupied by a large tent used by the Burlington picture show, and for political rallies.

“Bank style” church design The original church, previously in nearby Riley Street, was vacated and a new church planned in 1923.

The architect, Samuel Thorpe, was believed to be a church member and founder of the leading firm Peddle, Thorp and Walker. He later designed Sydney’s first skyscraper, the 1962 AMP building at Circular Quay. He based his church design on the church’s own “bank style” used in the USA. Its principal characteristics include large-scale classical motifs with impressive interior spaces. It has changed very little externally apart from lights purchased from the former Sun-Herald building in the late 1950s and a new entrance door in 1985 facing Forbes Street.

What are not seen are modern interiors, part of its adaptive re-use as an apartment.

The latest DA seeks Sydney Council approval for alterations and additions, including a twostorey glazed addition to the eastern wing, new 100 square metres of rooftop terraces and attic, basement car parking for nine spaces, a raised roof, solar panels and office works.

The owner / developer Mr Carnegie bought the building in 2010 for $8.75 million. It has been subject to previous controversial DAs and a NSW Land and Environment Court case decision.

His architect, Adam Haddow, from SJB architects, claims “the best thing is that the church would be opened up again so people will be able to go in and see it rather than it just being a private space … keeping it with one owner as a whole, it’s more likely that a heritage building will be better maintained.”

“Tell him he’s dreaming,” say locals.

Dr Tim Brooker, a professional transport planner and Secretary of RATL (Residents Adjacent to Thomson Lane), notes the site is zoned “residential”.

Council’s zoning rules allowing exemptions are not met However, council’s zoning rules allowing exemptions are not met.

And they say an office is not a public space and therefore is irrelevant to the DA. It must be maintained according to NSW Heritage Office rules, whoever owns it.

The DA allows for 200 new office workstations and is unacceptable given the site’s residential zoning and urban context.

Independent transport study needed The new DA re-zones the site and increases traffic density, a major problem.

Dr Brooker states, “there is a serious issue in terms of the long-term protection of this historic

The Christian Science Church in Darlinghurst that may go from God’s House to offices. Photo: John Moyle

residential precinct. If council consents to new commercial uses then what is to stop other commercial uses occurring? This DA will give no night-time passive surveillance necessary to discourage undesirable night-time behaviour.”

Dr Brooker also wants “an independent transport study, including formal consultation with locals”.

Additionally, locals are concerned about noisy air-conditioning units near their bedrooms, particularly at night.

Council says: “The Mechanical Services documentation indicates a combination of internal … and external air-conditioning units within a lowered plant room immediately west of the roof terrace”.

Dr Brooker’s requests to council’s high priests of planning for a brief extension of the February 5

deadline until after February19 have been granted – for himself – despite a lack of notice on the Forbes Street frontage and the need to submit a detailed pedestrian study after local school pupils have returned from holidays.

Other locals will now need to lodge their own request, but need to hurry if they wish to object. A new state planning rule allows DAs to be dealt with less public scrutiny behind closed doors if less than 25 objections are received. So far, only 13 have been received.

And with 918 pages of DA documents to digest, this alone seems reason enough for an extension.

A three-dimensional model is available for viewing at Town Hall House, entrance via Druitt Street.

SUMMER STOCK IN STORE NOW 38-42 Parramatta Rd Stanmore 2048 P: (02) 9565 1275 E: info@annandaleinteriors.com

•

www.annandaleinteriors.com.au city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

5

Light rail project off the rail

BY ALLISON HORE A report detailing findings from the Public Accountability Committee’s inquiry into the Light Rail project’s impact was released last week, revealing the “profoundly experienced” effects of the project.

The parliamentary inquiry was set up in May last year to investigate the impact of the CBD and South East Light Rail project on residents and businesses in these areas. The committee was chaired by Reverend Fred Nile of the Christian Democrat party and included members from the Liberal, Labor, Nationals and Greens parties.

“The CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR) project is a major infrastructure project in Sydney that will connect Circular Quay to Kingsford and Randwick. It aims to improve public transport capacity, and to ease traffic congestion which is costing the economy a substantial amount of money each year,” Mr Nile wrote in the Foreword to the report.

Transport for NSW claims that traffic congestion across the Sydney CBD currently costs the NSW economy more than $5.1 billion per year. Without network changes they project this to reach $8.8 billion by 2021.

Serious questions about timeframes The new twelve-kilometre light rail route extends from Circular Quay to Randwick and Transport for NSW believe it will ease traffic into the city centre and take the pressure off existing bus routes. While the committee agreed the infrastructure was ultimately needed, one of the primary concerns they looked into was the timeframe of completion.

“Unfortunately, serious questions have been raised in relation to the project’s timeframes and costs,” said Mr Nile.

Leaked documents obtained by the ABC and Fairfax in September last year revealed that the NSW Government was warned by Australia’s peak infrastructure body that the light rail project would be poor value for money.

Infrastructure Australia told Transport for NSW before construction started in 2015

“If you’re going to unnecessarily damage people’s lives and businesses then you’ve got to be brought to account – you can’t just do these things with impunity,” lawyer Rick Mitry told AAP. As a result of the Parliamentary report’s findings, the committee made a number recommendations including that the government prioritise reviewing all claims for damages and updating residents on the progress of their claims.

Construction of the light rail track is ongoing outside Central Station. Photo: Allison Hore

that they thought the light rail route from Circular Quay to Randwick was poor value and would be overcrowded and actually increase congestion on city roads.

The completion of the project has already been delayed by a year, and though Transport for NSW would like to have it completed by December this year, it is not expected to be finished until May 2020. These delays have “heightened” a lot of the issues that local residents have experienced as a result of the construction.

“Many have experienced excessive noise, dust, vibration and damage to their homes,” said Mr Nile.

Randwick City Mayor Lindsay Shurey told the committee that many of her constituents have complained that they find the noise “appalling”.

“The breaches of the noise – the work – is constant. They are told that the noise will stop at 12 o’clock at night, but at 4 o’clock in the

morning they are still tapping sounds which are unbelievable,” she said.

“And this has been going on for such a long time. I couldn’t live there and I know that any of you would have difficulty. I am sure they are going mental.”

Businesses have also been “significantly impacted” by the construction, the report concludes. They haven’t just faced financial losses; small business owners have also faced damage to their physical and mental wellbeing.

“This was particularly distressing for committee members to see, and we thank those who came forward to share with us so honestly the effect this project has had on their personal lives,” he said.

In August last year, 60 businesses along the route joined a class action lawsuit against Transport for NSW, claiming they’d been adversely impacted by the construction of the light rail. Since then the number has almost doubled, with 110 business claiming a total of $400 million in compensation.

Urgent review of all claims The government should “conduct an urgent review of all claims, which shall include recommendations for compensation for residents whose properties have been found to be adversely impacted by the CBD and South East Light Rail project,” the report says.

The report also said that the NSW Government should revise the guidelines for the Small Business Assistance program to make it easier for small businesses impacted by the construction to seek help, and that these changes should be implemented in any future developments of this scale.

I couldn’t live there and … I am sure they are going mental “Transport for NSW and the Small Business Commissioner [should] encourage and support businesses to apply for financial assistance under the Small Business Assistance Program, even in circumstances where businesses may not meet eligibility criteria,” suggests the report.

Mr Nile concludes in this Foreword that he hopes the recommendations from the report will be taken into account in future infrastructure projects, and says he hopes the Light Rail will have a positive impact on the community.

“While it has been a tough time for many affected by this project, I personally hope that once completed, this light rail service will deliver its anticipated benefits.”

Death comes again to Villawood

BY JOHN MOYLE Deep inside the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre last Friday night, a 33-yearold man died by his own hands while he was on suicide watch.

A statement to City Hub from the Department of Home Affairs on Monday acknowledged the death and concluded by saying, “This matter has been referred for investigation by appropriate agencies, including the NSW Coroner”.

The man, called Musa, was from Sierra Leone and had been in detention on a humanitarian visa for a little over three years.

He had been diagnosed with psychiatric problems early on and had recently been admitted to Liverpool Hospital.

when they can be released into a home setting. The thing is that Villawood is not a home environment and he is back in the same environment where he has previously selfharmed”.

Musa’s suicide came after a visit from Border Force personnel informing him that he was being returned to Sierra Leone, which is still recovering from an 11-year-civil war that left over 50,000 dead and the economy in ruin.

“Border Force are not qualified to tell individuals the outcome or likely outcome that they are going to be deported,” Dr Phatarfod said.

Hospital inmate handcuffed While the hospital declined to comment due to patient confidentiality, it is believed that he was being treated for his psychiatric issues and had been released back to Villawood two days before he committed suicide.

Ian Rintoul, spokesperson with the Refugee Action Group, said, “I believe that Musa was in Liverpool Hospital for a week and two days, and there is reason to believe that he was handcuffed.”

Dr Barri Phatarfod, spokesperson for Doctors 4 Refugees, said, “The problem is that the Department of Home Affairs doesn’t want people indefinitely in hospitals, and you can discharge a patient when they no longer need intramuscular or intravenous medication

“Some of these Border Force and Serco officers are really punch drunk, and they do not realise the impact that their words can have, or if they do that is the designed purpose.”

When news of Musa’s death broke, detainees were mustered out of the Mitchell Compound, where he died, and immediately began confronting the guards.

“There were some clashes at the time and some later in the night, with three people being arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning and held in high security,” Ian Rintoul said.

A 38-second of the scuffles is posted on the Facebook page 501 Serco and ERT. While both Dr Phatarfod and Ian Rintoul say that a Royal Commission is needed, it cannot deal with the immediate problem.

6

city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

Detention centres have become much more militarised

Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. Photo: Wikipedia

In the year from March 2015 to 2016, there were over 750 self-harm incidents reported from a detainee population of around 3,500.

“Musa’s death highlights why it is an urgent matter for the government to address as there is no question that the detention centres have become

much more militarised,” Ian Rintoul said.

A memorial for Musa is planned for next week, with details to be posted on the Refugee Action Coalition website.

If you require help please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.

Opinion

Disquiet on the Inner Western Front

BY PETER HEHIR If the ALP is interested in winning the respect of the Inner West community – a respect that they’ve lost due to their appalling past performance in relation to the provision of public transport and because of their support for WestConnex – then there are seven key initiatives that they should give serious consideration to in the run-up to the State and Federal elections.

The most important of these is to come out in opposition to Stage 3 of WestConnex and agree to tear up the contracts before any more money is wasted, and to explain what they mean by “sovereign risk”.

Next is to give an ironclad guarantee that under no circumstance will the Western Harbour Tunnel (WHT) ever proceed under a Labor Government.

Public transport option urgent The third is to buy back the WHT “spurs” that have already been approved and contracted out as part of Stage 3; these “spurs” comprise about 40% of the WHT, stopping only at the postal border between Balmain and Rozelle, which is about halfway along the peninsula.

To undertake – when the NSW ALP is elected – to immediately remove all of the tolls from the M4.

Then to alter the existing Stage 1, 2 and 3 contracts so as to place the onus of proof – in relation to structural damage attributed by home owners to WestConnex – back on the contractor; meaning that the ALP must insist that the tunnel builders prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the tunnelling was not responsible for the damage; and also

to ensure that the existing tunnels stacks are filtered.

To agree to install a public transport option in the existing tunnels – either trains, light rail or non-polluting electric powered buses.

And finally, to agree to set up a Royal Commission into NSW Infrastructure Planning and Delivery, with wideranging powers to investigate transport infrastructure in particular.

With the once blue-ribbon ALP State seats of Balmain and Newtown safely in the hands of two of the only three parliamentarians in the NSW Legislative Assembly who are indefatigable and articulate critics of WestConnex, it’s now time to turn the attention of the electorate to the Federal seats of Sydney and Grayndler.

Both major parties have underestimated the deeply felt concerns of the community In spite of their professed concerns about WestConnex, which surfaces when addressing locals, neither of the two highprofile incumbent representatives – Tanya Plibersek and Anthony Albanese – both of whom are aspirants to the highest office in the land, have made any headway in convincing their Federal ALP cohorts that WestConnex is a real dog of a project and that it will undoubtedly create traffic chaos in the Inner West on an unimaginable scale, ultimately leading to a severe backlash at the ballot box, if not in this

Artwork by John Bartholomew. Photo: Andrew Chuter

Federal election, then certainly at the next.

Are they vulnerable? Could the unthinkable happen and the ALP actually lose one or both of their seats, seats that are the really big diamonds in the Labor crown?

If they did, it could only happen off the back of their support for WestConnex, directly attributable to the State and Federal Branches of the ALP blithely ignoring the widespread community opposition, ill-will and

anger that this infrastructure dog has unleashed.

The Federal Branch of the ALP is focussed on winning in Western Sydney, while assuming that all’s quiet on the Inner Western front.

Could Greens steal ALP crown?

But could a huge WestConnex protest vote possibly allow the Greens to steal a march and pull the rug out from under the pair of them?

Now wouldn’t that be a hell of a shock!

Unless WestConnex is reversed and the tunnels repurposed for public transport, arterial congestion in the Inner West will result in the sort of bottleneck presently experienced in LA, with six-hourly morning and evening peak hours.

Both major parties have also seriously underestimated the genuine and deeply felt concerns of the community in relation to the lethal health impacts of the unfiltered exhaust stacks.

So keep Saturday 9 February free between 3:30 and 4:30 pm for a trip to the Birchgrove Tennis Courts. Ask the NSW Shadow Minister for Transport Jodi McKay to explain why she and the ALP support the M4 – M5 Link, the Rozelle Interchange, the Iron Cove Tunnel and the four unfiltered exhaust stacks in Rozelle, but oppose the Western Harbour Tunnel.

If you come away from that meeting feeling both frustrated and more than a little disillusioned with the state of politics here in NSW, then keep Sunday 3 March free between 1 and 3 pm for the Fix NSW rally in Hyde Park North.

There is so much that needs to be put right here in NSW. It’s now up to the community to lead the way.

Ephemera Quartet - SPACE MUSIC “Arresting, genre-blurring.. Disquieting music with massive breadth and high drama. 4 STARS.” Sydney Morning Herald

Roads and Maritime Services

Maritime Heritage Precinct – Marina Review of Environmental Factors The NSW Government is inviting feedback on the Review of Environmental

Factors (REF) for a proposed Maritime Heritage Precinct Marina at Pyrmont Bay, Darling Harbour.

The REF is on display for your feedback until 1 March 2019.

The REF is available at:

• City of Sydney Council Town Hall House, Level 2, 456 Kent Street, Sydney • Australian National Maritime Museum 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour • Roads and Maritime office 33 James Craig Road, Rozelle

Woodburn Creatives. 1 Woodburn St, Redfern Doors: 7pm, Show: 7.30pm.

Tickets $25 www.eventbrite.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ephemera-quartet-spacemusic-tickets-54511252624?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete FACebook evenT: https://www.facebook.com/events/622836261505023/

The document is available online at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/mhp Two information sessions are being held to provide project details and the opportunity to discuss the project with the project team at: Australian National Maritime Museum,

Wharf 7, Foyer, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour on: • Thursday – 7 February 6pm to 9pm

BLZ159806

SATURDAY 9th February

• Customs House Library 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay

• Saturday – 9 February 10am to 2pm For more information:1800 370 857 Email: maritimeheritageprecinct@rms.nsw.gov.au Visit: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/mhp city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

7

FEATURE

The Year Of The Pig

By Jamie Apps On February 5 another round of New Year celebrations will commence throughout the city, this time we’ll be celebrating the beginning of the Lunar New Year and the arrival of the Year Of The Pig, which represents carefree fun, good fortune and wealth.

As a truly multicultural community, Sydney will turn red and come to life as events celebrating the Lunar New Year happen throughout the city.

To help our readers make the most of the occasion the City Hub has put together this comprehensive guide to some of the finest events and restaurants to add to your calendar.

If you’re really looking to dive in by immersing yourself in the culture with an action-packed day then this is the plan for you.

Kick off the morning down by Cockle Bay Wharf to witness the largest dragon boat race regatta in the southern hemisphere.

Over the course of two days, thousands of paddlers will board their ornately designed boats, each 12-metre vessel is carved to resemble a dragon gliding through the water, and participate in races every 10 minutes. The sound and visual spectacle is like nothing else on offer throughout the year.

Obviously the most logical place to head to next is Chinatown and Dixon Street Plaza. This already colourful and extravagant area will become even more special as the thoroughfare is decorated with lanterns, live performances, drumming and the enticing smells of Chinese cuisine.

After walking through the Dixon Street Plaza why not head over to Paddy’s Markets in Haymarket to witness the spectacular Lion Dance performed by the Jin Wu Koon Dragon and Lion Dance Association.

The performers will make their way through Paddy’s Markets to the rhythmic beat of the

Chinese New Year At Paddy’s Market.

Photo: Supplied

drums. As they show off their impressive dancing skills, they will consume hanging lettuces from participating store holders as part of the Choy Cheng ritual, or Eating of the Green, a symbolic ritual representing prosperity which is believed to bring luck for the New Year.

If you’re the type of person who prefers a much more subdued and calm style of celebrating then Sydney hasn’t forgotten you.

Start the day with a peaceful, and educational, guided tour of the Oriental Garden within the Royal Botanic Garden.

During this tour, you will get to hear the

fascinating stories and characters behind the various plants showcased within the Oriental Garden. Learn about the evolution of this quiet spot in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens from Maiden’s Bamboo Grove to the important wild-sourced collection of Asian plants that it is today.

After your tour of the Oriental Garden you’ll likely be feeling a little peckish so why not indulge in some dumplings for lunch at The Calyx. Serving up a mouth-watering Lunar New Year inspired tasting menu of bao buns and stacks of dumplings this is sure to hit the spot.

Later in the evening why not take a quiet evening stroll through The Rocks to witness the vibrant colours of the giant animal lanterns which will be strewn throughout the precinct.

Each 13-metre tall lantern has been designed by an Asian-Australian artist and are all modelled after on one of the 12 creatures of the Chinese zodiac. Bring the whole family and get up close to these magnificent, giant artworks as you snake your way along the path from the Sydney Opera House around to The Rocks.

The highlight of the lantern walk is the star of this year’s Lunar New Year, the pig. This particular lantern is an abstract 3D pig-shaped grid designed by Qian Jian Hua and will stand at the Sydney Opera House’s Western Boardwalk.

Finally after completing the lantern walk head on over to the Bodhi Restaurant Bar to enjoy a wonderful vegan special menu created just for the Chinese New Year.

Throughout February, diners will be able to enjoy Bodhi’s pan-Asian inspired vegan dishes, with Lunar New Year specials aiming to ensure a prosperous life. The evening set menu features a traditional Lunar New Year dish known as Longevity Noodles which is believed to symbolise and bring a long and prosperous life to those who eat it.

Bodhi owner Heaven Leigh says, “Celebrating the Lunar New Year is a special tradition in my family, a time to reflect on the year past, and set intentions for the one ahead. It’s a time to come together with the ones we love and enjoy delicious food.”

City Hub hopes all of our readers are able to go out and soak up the joyous atmosphere of the Chinese New Year celebrations, and we wish everybody a happy and prosperous Year Of The Pig.

Print your catalogue or brochure Design

print

Distribute

We take care of print, you take care of business.

Enjoy a complete and personalised service for your next marketing catalogue or brochure from design to distribution.

Our high-speed printing presses produce a wide range of formats for some of Australia’s best known brands. feel free to email us at enquiries@spotpress.com.au

spotpress pty ltD General enquiries (02) 9549 1111

24–26 lilian fowler place Marrickville, 2204 nsW australia

www.spotpress.com.au

8

city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT w

Mary Stuart, the once-maligned wicked witch of English history, is getting a make-over, with both a film and a play about her opening in Sydney.

Mary Queen Of Scots was the granddaughter of Henry VIII’s elder sister Margaret and was Catholic. Her rival was Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn.

Henry established the Church Of England with

himself as head to allow him to remarry.

When Mary became queen of (a Catholic) England in 1553, she jailed Elizabeth.

Then in 1558, when Elizabeth became queen, she made England a Protestant country and had Mary executed, putting an end to their rivalry once and for all.

Kate Mulvany has taken on the challenge of presenting the extraordinary rivalry between these two great historical figures in her adaptation of German playwright Friedrich Schiller’s 1800 play.

“The relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen Of Scots is a captivating exploration of power, fear, guilt and revenge – but has mostly only been adapted by men, with a male-driven narrative,” Mulvany says. “I wanted to pull apart this play and explore it from the eyes, hearts and minds of the women themselves.”

Mulvany says “Mary and Elizabeth lived in brutal times, and their lives and relationships, political and personal, were extraordinarily complex. I could have written 10 plays about them and still have room for more!”

Mulvany worked from the original German “to a certain extent,” but says “what you’ll be seeing is a brand new Australian work.” (ID) Feb 5-Mar 2. Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay. $64-$108+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.sydneytheatre.com.au

The Wolves

Following a sold-out season at the Old Fitz in 2017, Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves will run for a second season at The Belvoir throughout February. A show which explores the intricate journeys of adolescence, The Wolves follows the lives of a girls’ team of nine indoor soccer players.

With each character adopting their own story and

personality, the piece captures the lives of each girl over a season of soccer. Encapsulating the raw years of adolescence, The Wolves is a production of the relatable waves of teenhood.

Australian actress Cece Peters plays character number “7” and describes her as the “mean girl” within the group of young women.

“I’m really blessed to play

a&e

her…I feel like my own personality is very far from my character,” whilst continuing to explain, “I had to work the character out and kept asking myself ‘why is she so angry?’”

With each of the characters having their own sense of individuality, Cece talks affectionately of the off-stage relationship the cast members have, “In rehearsal, the group interactions we have reflect the actual show. The nature of our conversations as a group of young women are often similar to the way our characters interact onstage.”

The Wolves presents “a pocket in time that’s so different to any other life experience,” says Cece. She goes on to say that, “the piece shows all the girls in a group setting but also as individuals… it’s really special.” (MB) Feb 2-Mar 3. Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $37-$77+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.belvoir.com.au

19 STAGE 10 SCENE 11 Sounds 11 SCREEN

The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice Jim Cartwright is a British playwright with a command for the vernacular on par with Dylan Thomas or Tennessee Williams. In his 1992 play, The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice, set in a ghetto in Lancashire, Cartwright uses the distinct dialect to set place and tone, and define the characters. It’s a tricky accent, but not for Caroline O’Connor who was born in Lancashire and has worked in Northern England.

“I’ve been there, I know what that place is like,” says O’Connor, describing her affinity with the culture and people. O’Connor plays Mari, the “monster mum”, a woman who needs to suck up all the oxygen and attention in any space she occupies. She’s loud, showy, uncouth, needy, yet also endearing in an injured bird sort of way.

“These people are like this for a reason, there must be an extraordinary vulnerability that is under here. This is a protection mechanism,” explains O’Connor. “It’s kind of a horrible thing to watch but it’s also a hilarious thing to watch it’s that fine line.”

Director Shaun Rennie explained the show further by saying.

“It’s a play about a woman who finds her own voice and is finally able to speak to power. That

Photo: Daniel Shipp

Helen Thomson and Caroline Brazier. Photo: Rene Vaile

Mary Stuart

to me felt like an important and relevant story to be telling today.” Rennie describes it as a modern fairy tale, replete with princess, wicked mother, a knight in shining armour and moral narrative.

“Fairy tales have lasting power as stories because they do speak to something universal and timeless.” (RB) Feb 1-24. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $49-$62+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com

The Big Time

Finally, after 51 (or is it 52?) plays and the same number of years, David Williamson has turned his satirical blowtorch onto his own industry in this latest offering at the Ensemble Theatre on Sydney’s lower North Shore.

He says, “If you’re a struggling writer or actor who hasn’t made ‘The Big Time’… being near the bottom of the entertainment ladder is one of the most miserable existences on earth.”

This is the life his leading character Rohan (Jeremy Waters) has been living for 15 years while his partner, the much younger Celia (Aileen Huynh), has supported him through her role in a soapie, which she prefers to call a “continuing drama.”

Rohan’s best mate Rolly (Ben Wood) hands him an untidy manuscript, wanting his friend to comment on it. When Rohan finally does, he realises there is a sellable idea in its pages and considers not giving

Arts 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

Jeremy Waters as Rohan and Ben Wood as Rolly.

Photo: Brett Boardman

his friend any credit or recompense for his effort.

Complications arise with the entrance of Celia’s rival Vicki (Claudia Barrie), Zoe Carides as the agent Nelli, and the producer Nate (Matt Minto), all of whom are ruthless in their struggle to make money and/or get to the top.

Although the pace of the first half is a little slow, the betrayals and backstabbing come thick and fast in the

second half, leaving the audience gasping at Williamson’s rapier wit.

Director Mark Kilmurray evokes terrific performances from his cast and, once again, Williamson’s satire can be applied to life beyond the world of the theatre. (ID) Until Mar 16. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $38-$80+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.ensemble.com.au

Contributors: Emily Shen, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Rita Bratovich, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Riley Hooper, Erika Echternach, Joseph Rana, John Moyle, Madison Behringer, Allison Hore, Renee Dallow, Renee Dallow, Alannah Maher.

city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

9

Velma Celli’s A Brief History Of Drag The UK’s queen of live vocal drag brings her latest show down under with a special stop at Sydney’s Factory Theatre.

Serving up an evening of “true cabaret escapism”, Velma Celli’s A Brief History Of Drag takes its audience on a musical journey through the most iconic moments in drag history with plenty of heart and camp.

“My show celebrates not only those classic ‘drag songs’ (rearranged in our own unique way) but also artists of various sexualities who pushed boundaries and teared [sic] down the

walls of stereotypes,” said Celli. Think David Bowie and Lady Gaga.

“We also explore legendary and defining roles in musical theatre including Angel in Rent, Frank in The Rocky Horror Show and a tender homage to the grand high witch herself, RuPaul Charles.”

Celli is the alter ego of West End star Ian Stroughair, so expect a voice that can hit all the right notes, along with an alternative drag persona that first emerged at an afterparty with the cast of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and La Cage Aux Folles.

More than a roll call of jukebox hits,

Celli promises a schooling in the finer points of queer history.

“Icons of drag, whether it be in film, music, popular culture or even politics have been our trailblazers for an age, the drag queens always on the front line representing us,” said Celli. “These songs are the very heartbeat and soundtrack to a message – that message being, fuck my label. I am a human, much like anyone else and my sexual preference is as important and unimportant as anyone else’s.’” (AM) Feb 4.The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville. $35.Tickets: www.factorytheatre.com.au

THE NAKED CITY

METH TOURISM IN THE YEAR 3000 With Coffin Ed With a spate of music festivals on the Australia Day long weekend, the NSW Government still cold on pill testing and punters continuing to take their chances with dodgy MDMA tablets, at least the criminal fraternity is celebrating. Whilst much of the product is imported it’s no secret that ‘cooks’ are working overtime in clandestine labs all over the country to keep up with the voracious demand.

There’s even a growth industry now in detoxifying busted rental accommodation where the meth has been boiling and contaminating everything from the shag pile carpet to the garden gnomes on the back porch. The police continue to uncover these suburban labs as well as those on more remote rural properties.

The latter probably fall into the more difficult basket, particularly when they are set up in the garage of a historic 19th-century homestead set on 45 acres in regional NSW. That was the case back in 2017 when investigators from Strike Force Kingarth raided heritage listed Toongla in Tulimbar and seized a freshly cooked batch of meth. Nine people were arrested and charged including Stephen Gavanas, part of a notorious Melbourne crime family with links to Tony Mokbel.

The Sydney Morning Herald referred to the crime scene as “…a heritage meth tab” and despite the seriousness of the matter, it does set the mind ticking as to what might happen if ever the supply of such drugs was actually legalised. We are of course talking

many decades from now when the only pill testing is done by Government agencies who regulate the chemical integrity of all recreational drugs.

It’s not a future I would willingly endorse but it may well be the only pragmatic way of dealing with the situation that now exists, given the scourge of ice and heroin. The question is could drugs like crystal meth and ecstasy ever reach the social acceptability that another drug, i.e. wine enjoys today?

Don’t put up with cracked floors, walls, pavement or driveways Don’t put up with cracked floors, walls, any longer!

pavement or driveways any longer!

Don’t put up with cracked floors, walls, pavement or driveways any longer!

www.resinect.com.au

Resinject relevel and re-support sunken homes, factories,

Call today to receive

Don’t put up with cracked floors, walls, pavement or driveways any longer!

Resinject relevel and re-support sunken ahomes, factories, FREE assessemnt! warehouse, airports, seaports, railways and other construction Ph: 02 0408 489 83 245 4959 61 by improving the structure of the ground. We lift and relevel Call todayslabs to receive aasFREE assessment! city hubto 31 JANUARY 10Call today receive a FREE assessment! concrete as 2019 well fill voids in the underlying soil strata. warehouse, airports, seaports, railways and other construction Resinject relevel and re-support sunken homes, factories, warehouse, airports, seaports, railways other We construction by improving the structure of the and ground. lift and relevel by improving theas structure ground. lift and relevel concrete slabs well as of fillthe voids in theWe underlying soil strata. concrete slabs as well as fill voids in the underlying soil strata.

NSW Project Manager: 489 245 NSW Project Manager: 04080408 489 245

www.resinject.com.au www.resinject.com.au

In the brave new world of total decriminalisation and regulated supply, a weekend away in the country could well be spent at a beautiful heritage property somewhere in NSW - like the very scenic Hunter Valley. Greeted at the door by your jovial hosts you would be shown to your five-star accommodation complete with jacuzzi and complimentary cannabis flavoured chocolates.

Your own personal meth cook would be on hand to visit your deluxe room and whip up a batch of the “good stuff ” for your evening enjoyment. No need to worry about those toxic fumes as his and hers designer Hazmat suits are provided absolutely free of charge, as is a rapid detox of your room with the morning cleaning service.

Any organised activities around the homestead, like fishing for trout or horse riding, are superfluous as you will be so whacked out during your weekend away most of your time will be spent in a semi-comatose state. There will be time however for the occasional ‘pill tasting’ when you visit the homestead’s own commercial style lab, where the MDMA tablets are stored in giant stainless steel barrels. A plate of selected cheeses is optional as you pop a few of their vintage pill produce. 2097 was a great year for MDMA! If there is any ‘misadventure’ during the weekend the homestead does offer a budget-priced burial plot in the old, now disused vineyard. The chances of that, of course, are slim indeed, about one in 6000, the same odds that the current pill poppers at today’s music festivals are more than happy to risk.

BarbeCURE Just because the summer holiday break is over doesn’t mean we can’t gather the workplace around for a good old fashioned Aussie barbecue, and it can support a great cause at the same time.

Cure Cancer is encouraging workplaces around Sydney to get together and turn the next social gathering or Friday afternoon drinks into a BarbeCURE to help raise awareness and crucial funds for cancer research.

To get involved all you need to do is register your event on the Cure Cancer website.

Let’s Cure Cancer, one BarbeCURE at a time!

Info: www.curecancer.grassrootz.com

By Jamie Apps Following the release of her second EP young musician Ayla has witnessed a change in the audience for the live show, but still finds it surreal to be able to play music and tour the world as a career.

Let’s Talk Monday (the second EP) has been incredibly successful since its release just last year. A number of singles from the EP have been receiving extensive radio play, Ayla has been able to tour Australia, the UK and the Netherlands off the back of the EP. Plus more and more fans are coming to shows and singing along to her performances.

“Since I released the first single from the EP in 2018 it’s been a really awesome experience,” reflected Ayla before adding, “It’s hard to comprehend that people I don’t know are listening to my music. To be able to see people singing along is the most incredible feeling, it still hasn’t sunk in that people could possibly know the words to my songs.”

Thanks to the incredible success of the

Ayla

record Ayla has been able to travel abroad, for the very first time in her life which she is incredibly thankful for.

During these tours,Ayla has also had the opportunity to play alongside the likes of Kate Miller-Heidke,Asta and Husky, which she explained were fantastic learning opportunities.

“I always find it really interesting to watch other musicians sets, especially those who are doing well, because it’s really interesting to see how they perform live and how they interact with the crowd during the show and

afterwards.”

During these tours, Ayla also discovered new live show setups for her own music, whether that was in her original four-piece setup or a three-piece iteration and even right down to a stripped back solo performance.

When combining the new EP with these new live show iterations Ayla has discovered that this particular EP lends itself to the smaller scale, stripped back performance and thus was inspired to create her current tour.

“The single Small Talk, in particular, lends itself to getting up close and personal with the people who are listening to the music. So I’m doing some really intimate shows where it’s just me on the guitar and I can have proper conversations with people there listening.”

Two of the shows, in particular, have been dubbed “house concerts” which Ayla explained are exactly what they sound like.

“Someone opens up their home, either in their living room or backyard, for me to come in and play a really intimate show for their friends and family. It’s such an amazing vibe to have 30-50 people in a room listening to a really stripped back performance. It’s all about focusing on the music and lyrics whilst getting a chance to talk to everyone who is there listening.”

Feb 12.The Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown. $14.79+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.thevanguard.com.au Feb 15 & 23. House Concerts, Contact Ayla for further information.

Info: www.facebook.com/aylalive

The Hate U Give

This movie is, by all accounts, a faithful adaptation of the popular young adult novel by Angie Thomas.

The story centres on Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), a black teen growing up in a tough neighbourhood,

authentic self at home and a modified, code-switched version when she’s at school.

These worlds collide when she becomes primary witness to the shooting of her childhood friend by a white policeman. It’s a piercingly real and relevant storyline, told in a way that makes it accessible but not too sanitised for a younger audience.

The script is terrific with well written, believable dialogue (people over 30 might need whose parents decide to send an urban dictionary, though). her and her older brother, Stenberg is the standout but Seven (Lamar Johnson), to a is surrounded by an equally better, safer, predominantly strong cast. It’s a powerful white high-school in a nicer movie, with its edges softened neighbourhood. As a result, by heartwarming characters Starr finds herself leading and genuine humour. (RB) WWW1/2 a double life - her more

Beirut - Gallipoli Beirut, led

by Zach Condon, is set to release its fifth studio album Gallipoli.

Condon drew much of his inspiration for the new songs from rediscovering the old joys of music as a visceral experience in rural Puglia, southern Italy.

The title track makes this sentiment evident, taking you on a journey through the Italian countryside in a mere four minutes. Light and breezy, Gallipoli is a breath of fresh mountain air.

Other songs included on the album feature a creative melding of instrumental sounds together, especially Corfu and On Mainau Island. Additionally, the vocals are soulful and rich.

Given the strong combination of vocals and instrumental interludes, this album is sure to soothe and refresh your spirit. (EE) WWWW1/2

The Mule

Returning in front of the camera after a hiatus of about six years, ‘The Man With No Name’ is at the top of his game.

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in The Mule, a movie about a 90-year-old horticulturist turned drug courier, in a role that is somehow perfect for Eastwood’s return. The Mule tells the story of Earl Stone, a broke and lonely family man

whose focus in life has seen him turn his family against himself. With apparently nothing better to do, he ends up being a successful drug courier for a Mexican cartel.The story unfolds from here and what happens to him and the people around him make for the rest of it.

The movie is masterly directed, is surprisingly laugh-out-loud in many instances, and is a

sheer pleasurable experience watching this veteran actor deal with the cartel and DEA. Clint Eastwood is supported

by Bradley Cooper, Michael Pena and Diane Wiest, but it’s an Eastwood movie all along. It may not be Eastwood’s finest movie, but it is a good effort by a legendary actor and definitely worth a watch. (JR) WWWW

city hub 31 JANUARY 2019

11

ONE PLACE, EVERY SPORT LIVE, LARGE & LOUD THESTARSYDNEY.COM.AU 80 PYRMONT STREET, PYRMONT

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over. Think! About your choices. Call Gambling Help 1800 858 858. www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

12

city hub 31 JANUARY 2019