City Hub 3 May 2018

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Waterloo community unites

by John Moyle The Waterloo Estate is facing its biggest challenge since it was created in the early seventies. Threatened with demolition and redevelopment over the next twenty years the area gone from being a state of the art housing project to becoming a by-word for social dysfunction, but somehow it has kept on functioning.

That it has survived neglect and social opprobrium is due to the strength of its community bonds. Far from being dysfunctional, residents have faced the upcoming destruction of their homes with a common goal of preserving their community as they move together into the future.

“The community in Waterloo has been strengthened by the fact that Mike Baird had a thought bubble that working class Waterloo was now a trendy inner city location that could make money for his developer mates,” Jim Anderson, Waterloo Estate resident said.

Meetings concerning the future of the estate have now taken on a new importance as many of the estates 2,632 official residents are determined to have a say in the outcome.

“The first meeting on the first Wednesday of the month is to do with the events on the Waterloo Green through the year, and the second Wednesday is the Waterloo Welding Safety and Health Group which deals with the day to day safety of the community.” Jim Anderson said.

Anderson is the representative for the James Cook Building, with the other five main buildings also having representation.

“On the third Wednesday of the month is the redevelopment group which has quite a few groups working together to get the best possible deal for the future of the estate,” Jim Anderson said.

“If you live in Waterloo people in the area know everyone else, and the history of the community is part of what binds it together,” Jane Anderson, co-spokesperson REDwatch said.

“We do communicate with each other and work together and also swap information and

Photo: Jim Anderson

people attend their meetings because we area facing complex issues with the redevelopment.”

Meetings don’t account for all spare time, as the 75 members of the three main market gardens spend a lot of their week ensuring that the crops reach tables across the estate.

The gardens were established 23 years ago with the help of the University of New South Wales and the Community Education Development Program and the City of Sydney.

“Just about every variety of basil is grown, we grow virtually all the herbs that you can grow in Australia, vegetables and flowers and some berries,” Richard Weeks, President Waterloo Estate Market Garden said.

The gardens did include two mango trees until some workers confused them with trees marked for destruction and cut them down by mistake.

“Twenty three years ago when this was set up and many people came here in their early thirties and forties and still have plots, but as they got older their diets changed in terms of vegetables and they have become dependent on the gardens,” Richard Weeks said.

The gardening members pay an annual fee to cover the cost of insurance and the replacement of tools and equipment such as hoses and new seeds and plants.

The produce not used by the gardeners is either given away to friends and neighbours or sold at a market on the estate every Friday.

While cars are not banned from the estate, most people prefer the use of cheaper and more usable bicycles that has led to the long running Bicycle Group.

The Club also teaches estate residents how to repair and maintain their bicycles and give donated bicycles out to people in need of them.

The group also operate a recycling shop at the back of the Marton Building where donated goods are repaired and then sold with the money being allocated to charities on the estate.

Mila Seredenko is another long term estate resident and a member of the Jewish Ladies’ Group for women in their seventies to nineties and has been operating for over ten years.

It is also more inclusive than its name suggest “This group is not a closed group and is open to all people,” Mila said, “ we meet six days a week and do group training on the Green and people do exercise and have conservations.”

“One day last week it was 17 people and another day it was four, depending on what people are doing,” Mila added.

The group also has a reading day where they go out and talk about the books that they are reading.

Other groups on the estate takes to the more traditional bingo and lunch and there is even a knitting group for the more leisurely inclined.

While the estate is well served by medical services, the problem is that they tend to be nine to five during week days, which many in the community find limiting,so the estate has developed its own response.

“The services that people are creating here themselves, they are treating from their own ideas and this not only generates a path for people to follow in the future, it keeps people young,” Richard Weeks said.

Perhaps Jim Anderson sums up a lot of the spirit and diversity of Waterloo when he said “There are people here who you have no idea why they are here, or who they are, but they are all part of the community.”

Cat-astrophe for renter’s pets Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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BY JADE MORELLINI The struggle is real for pet owners who are looking for a place to rent, with most landlords saying no when it comes to bringing their furry friends home.

Not only is this causing an emotional departure of beloved pets, but it’s causing animal shelters to fill up a lot faster.

CEO at the Cat Protection Society, Kristina Vesk said, “We’re a shelter for homeless cats and kittens and we get cats that are surrendered for many different reasons. One of the recurring themes is pet unfriendly accommodation which is where renters have to move and they can’t find anywhere that is pet friendly to rent.”

In a survey released by Rent.com.au, almost 50% of renters found it extremely difficult to find pet-friendly rental properties.

Trending now amongst renters is a pet resume, which provides renters with the ability to demonstrate that they are responsible pet owners who deserve to bring their furry friends along.

RENT chief executive, Greg Bader said, “50 per cent of all properties advertised for rent don’t specify if pets are allowed and 25 per cent say no pets. What pet resume does is it gives the renters an opportunity to start the dialogue with the property manager or a landlord.”

Pet resumes provide background information on the pets such as pet type, whether its vaccinated, if its trained, whether its indoor or outdoor and if they are well behaved. They can even get a reference from the vet and attach a photo so the landlord knows more about the animals and can make an informed decision.

Stray cat, Reid, who arrived at the Cat Protection Society. Photo: supplied

“We’ve had a number of people call us and say that pet resumes work and has resulted in more landlords saying yes to owning pets which is fantastic. I think a lot of the time you just shouldn’t accept no, make a case politely with evidence and demonstrate that your pet is going to be a really good tenant as well,” Ms Vesk said.

Real estate agent, Byrony O’Neill told RENT, “We find that landlords are more willing to consider pets when they understand the personality of the pet and owner. Often, tenants with pets will go to extreme lengths to win over the landlord’s approval – writing long letters, sending pictures, offering for them to meet the pet.”

Pet resumes have been around for almost a

year and just under 80,000 have been created.

Despite this, there are still many landlords who refuse renters owning pets and this is causing problems that they may not realise.

At any given time, the Cat Protection Society has between 60-150 cats in custody, which works out to around 1000 cats and kittens a year.

“It’s a huge issue on several fronts, first it’s an issue for cats who aren’t being adopted or cats who have been very much loved and then are relinquished because their owners can’t find somewhere to live,” Ms Vesk said.

“There’s also harm to people because cats provide a lot of mental and physical health benefits and cat ownership is a very positive thing associated with many benefits for humans, so there’s a real loss on the human side as well.”

Not only is it causing issues for pets and their owners, but landlords may also be hurting themselves in the long run.

“With pet owners, they’re more likely to want to stay put, they don’t want to go moving all the time so pet owning tenants can be really good for landlords who just want a good tenant there for long term instead of having this constant churn of tenants,” Ms Vesk said.

Across Australia, pet ownership averages at around 50-60 per cent, but in renting, it is much lower at only around 30 per cent.

“Pet ownership in renting is well below the national average and we see a future where renters should have the same opportunity to own pets.

Finding a rental can be pretty tough because automatically there’s a portion of the market that is not available to you, so anything that makes that process easier we are here to support,” Mr Bader said. city hub 3 MAY 2018

3

Opinion

Should be known, but never taught

BY DAISY MOLESWORTH As a straight 19-year-old woman who went to a co-ed religious boarding school, our sex education was definitely subpar.

Our physical education teacher, a sixty-yearold man, made it very clear sex is solely for marriage and having children. He made us sit at separate tables and watch a video from the 90s of a woman telling us to wait till marriage to have sex. If we didn’t wait until marriage, we were told we are ‘sinners’ and if the girl was to get pregnant we must keep the child. He also said once you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), there is nothing you can do about it. We were never taught about even the most basic things like periods, fertility/ infertility, erectile dysfunctions, the effects STIs can have on our body, including pleasure and bodily autonomy.

Young people aren’t naïve and most of us have google available if we want to know about any of these things. However, we shouldn’t have to do this. Our teachers and parents, whether religious or not, should teach us the facts, and not just about heterosexual sex but also other diverse sexual preferences. The town my school was in, had a population of about 600 people and the chance that someone would be out and open about their sexuality is quite low, due to the lack of knowledge or support available (though not in all cases thanks to some accepting families and friends). Basic sexual health information should be taught to all of us, so we are not in the dark, especially when it comes to HIV and other STIs, like herpes, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia.

When a class mate of mine asked about what sex is like for people of different sexualities and what STIs they can get, our teacher responded with “that’s not related to what we are learning

PositiveLifeNSW, the voice of people with HIV since 1988. Photo: Shutterstock

about” and “we can’t teach you about sex.” We were not asking for technique here. We were asking for information about protection, about risk and options. We were asking what can be used to keep ourselves safe, and what options we have if an unwanted pregnancy happens.

We also wanted to know what happens if we

get an STI, or what options people have if they can’t have children but want to. Saying “wait till marriage” isn’t a proper answer for young people. Sex happens within marriage and all these things, unwanted pregnancy, STIs, and infertility can still be part of it. We need to be taught accurate facts by our teachers instead

of having to look them up on the internet and perhaps reading false information. This lack of knowledge is in equal parts both our parents’ and teachers’ faults.

I remember one of my classmates had so little knowledge about periods, he came up to me at school once and said, “you’re just complaining about it, just hold it in.” It’s idiotic that these kids and teens aren’t being taught about, not just other people’s bodies but also their own.

No matter what gender or sexual preference, everyone should be taught about basic sexual health. This would be also really supportive for the kids who aren’t out yet, so they can learn about themselves.

An argument I had with my teacher around getting sexual health information, was that they can’t tell us too much because they want to protect us. These thought processes aren’t just stubborn, but also naïve. They tell us less or hide the truth when all they talk about is pregnancy. Reality is, we’re also at risk of STIs including HIV, gay or straight, but when no one talk about this, teenagers are only worried about pregnancy. We also aren’t aware of any other risks to our health. STIs such as HIV, chlamydia and herpes can be passed from person to person without anyone knowing.

I think it’s time we take things into our own hands and start talking to each other about the information we need. We can talk to our doctors privately to get the information we need, we can ask our friends who to find information from, and we need to talk to our friends about getting tested and looking after our own sexual health.

Positive Life NSW promotes a positive image of people living with and affected by HIV with the aim of eliminating prejudice, isolation, stigma and discrimination.

WAVERLEY COUNCIL NEWS MAYOR’S MESSAGE Bronte Pool Upgrade A tentative start date of 9 April was set for planned upgrade works to Bronte Pool pump and related electrical works as well as lining repairs. After community concern was raised about the timing of works, residents met with ward Councillors and staff and Council agreed to delay works until Monday 4 June 2018. The works are expected to be complete in August 2018. We appreciate your patience during this time.

Surf clubs At last month’s Council meeting we adopted a new funding model for Waverley’s surf clubs and have approved over $2 million towards the construction of new club facilities for Bronte and Tamarama SLSCs. This will make sure the two clubs’ buildings are maintained to a certified standard.

Council is committed to ensure all surf clubs have fully operational buildings within five years, allowing them to become self-sufficient with funding.

John Wakefield, Mayor of Waverley

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Secret Powerhouse business

BY JOH N MOYLE Last week the Berijiklian government stooped to new lows when its arts minister Don Harwin failed to follow Upper House directives to produce the business plan for the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta.

This was despite Harwin’s spokesperson saying in early April that “The business case was delivered to the Government in December ... (and) Infrastructure N SW - the Government’s independent assurance body will release a summary of the Powerhouse business case 90 days after it makes the investment decision.”

“It’s unprecedented and this whole thing is really shonky,” Robert Borsak M LC, Shooters and Fishers Party said.

“I’ve never seen such a flagrant breach of Government duty to be accountable to the Upper House ever.”

Mr Borsak is also the chair of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Museums and Galleries that was established in 2016 and extended to 28 June 2018.

Harwin’s amazing feat of factual dexterity was supported by his letter to Ms Jacqueline Moore, Executive Director, Premier and Cabinet on the 16th of April stating “I certify to the best of my knowledge that there is no documents held by the Office of the Minister for the Arts that are covered by the terms of the resolution.”

“The N SW Legislative Council is the house of review and it has a role to do checks on the accountability of the Government so there is either no business papers or the State Government is refusing to produce, and either avenue is unacceptable,” Walt Secord, Labor M LC and Shadow Arts Minister said.

Currently Labor, the Greens, Shooters and Fishers party and the Animal Justice League oppose the move, but are still short of a majority to pass any censure against Harwin.

Powerhouse on hold. Photo: Supplied

Action group Save the Powerhouse said they were “outraged by the Government’s latest blatant duplicity. In refusing to produce the documents relating to the proposed Powerhouse move, which Minister Harwin has stated were received in mid-December 2017, it is clearly contravening the motion agreed in the Legislative Council on April 11, requiring the Final Business Case and associated documentation to be presented

to the Clerk of the Upper House within 14 days.”

Greens member for Balmain Jamie Parker said “This is the story that just keeps on giving, but there are a range of things that Parliament can do, they can refer the minister (Harwin) to the Privileges Committee.”

This is easier said than done as it will take a majority in the Upper House to get the referral passed as a motion.

The balance of power in in the Upper House for this debate is held by The Christian Democrats, who usually support the Government.

“The Government relies on those Christian conservatives,” Jamie Parker said.

The proposed move also brings into question the legal status of many of the donations, which in most cases were made to the Powerhouse Museum collection to be protected by the State.

“Under the charter of the Powerhouse the museum has the requirement to protect the heritage of N SW,” Walt Secord said.

“Families gave important historical items to establish the museum knowing that they would be protected forever and now they have no idea what will happen to them.”

There is an obligation to protect our historical artefacts.”

It seems strange that a government would act in such a foolhardy manner, particularly when there do not seem to be any votes in the issue, and the voters of N SW are right in asking ‘why are they doing it?’

Robert Borsak possibly has the answer when he said “There is no doubt that this is about a government grab for inner city real estate.”

But if that is the case it must also raise the question of who is set to benefit other than the public asset rich coffers of the N SW government?

“There is no transparency here,” Robert Borsak said.

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Disability ramp too ugly for Council

BY LANIE TINDALE The Inner West Council is opposed to installing a disability ramp at Birchgrove Wharf because of its ‘visual impact’ in a ‘high-value residential housing’ area.

The Birchgrove Wharf has been refurbished by Transport of NSW, and re-opened on the 24th of April. However, access is limited by a rocky path and steep staircase leading to the wharf, which are owned by the Inner West Council.

Negotiations about the path have taken place between Transport for NSW and the Inner West Council since September 2015.

The path and stairs through Yurulbin park leading to Birchgrove Wharf violate the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002, which requires ‘unhindered access’ and ‘continuous accessibility’ to public transport.

The Council opposes a disability ramp, claiming the Wharf is close to ‘high value residential housing’. They instead support the installation of an inclinator because it ‘has lesser visual impact than a lift structure of long ramped sections’.

In Transport for NSW’s original submission to the AHRC, they allege that the Inner West Council rejected a pathway upgrade ‘due to the perceived visual impact on Yurulbin Park and the local vicinity’. Yurulbin Park is located on the council heritage register.

The Inner West Council said they want ‘to preserve … the natural setting and finishes’ of Yurrulbin Park, and do not want to ‘compromis[e] … its essence’. The Council said they would consider ‘a path [if it is] designed sympathetic to the park’s heritage and aesthetic character [and] ... also provides improved access to the ferry boarding level’.

Upgrading all wharfs across NSW is part of the Transport for NSW Access Program. All transport access paths must be fully accessible by December

Council opposing to install disability ramp.

Photo: Lanie Tindale

2022. Transport for NSW has requested a years extension to negotiate with the Inner West Council.

The Inner West Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) may exempt Transport for NSW from being accused of discriminating against the disabled at the inaccessible Birchgrove Wharf.

The AHRC may exempt instances of disability discrimination for up to five years, when the applicant ‘commits to improve access’.

The Inner West Council is opposed to the application, claiming ‘an exemption is not needed to allow time to negotiate with Council’, and accusing Transport for NSW of ‘obfuscat[ing] program responsibility’.

The Council submitted that ‘[p]eople with disabilities who have difficulties with the existing access provisions will remain disadvantaged or excluded from using the ferry service until it is improved … the community identified the lack of accessible public transport in the inner west (including ferries) as a major barrier to people with a disability and others’.

Local resident Helle Poulsen also opposes the application. ‘[W]e are talking about a path through a park that is somewhat neglected and abused by recreational fishermen that already has a road of sorts in part of the park ... ... Why, in this day and age, do people have to fight for equal access to public facilities, why are the disabled continually overlooked. Don’t grant them a 5 year exemption, make them do it now’.

Ms. Poulsen’s neighbour, who requested anonymity, said her late mother ‘had macular deterioration and used a stick, [so] a clear path would have helped her walk the slope to my place through the park … the steep stairs were too much for her’.

The resident said some of her friends are unable to visit her. ‘[One has]a very bad knee and us[es] … a stick [and needs] a clear route to the road …

[A]nother disabled friend … also needs a clear foot path. Two friends who are wheelchair users are unable to visit’. She said that if ‘a simple concrete path curving around the high rock face’ was built ‘seniors living in the area … will use the ferry as [it is] more convenient to go shopping with a shopping trolley … [and] the nearest bus location is a few blocks away’.

Transport for NSW held several information sessions with Birchgrove locals before upgrading the Wharf. 18 residents, mostly living on Louisa Road, identified during a May 2015 meeting ‘preservation of [Yurulbin park] heritage, the existing view, local ambiance and [the] need to maintain [the] … ferry service’ as their priorities.

The Council said that Transport for NSW won’t consider ‘new technologies or an effective application for existing ones’ to improve access to the Wharf. The Council requested that if the AHRC accept Transport for NSW’s application, it be conditional that a ‘comprehensive study of inclined lifts or similar mechanisms be conducted’.

Transport for NSW and the Physical Disability Council of NSW opposes an inclinator. PDCN said that “the use of an inclinator or chair lift at the site would not allow for fully independent access by people with disabilities ... [and] would not be appropriate in this location due to the risk of vandalism of these devices’.

The Council says that the Birchgrove-Balmain Peninsula is ‘not regarded as a high risk area’ for vandalism.

Patronage at Birchgrove Wharf is relatively low, averaging ‘65 customers per day’ in 2016-17.

Local Anthony Poirrier said ‘not many people use [Birchgrove Wharf] … they use Balmain because there are a fewer services here’.

The Physical Disability Council of NSW, The Equal Opportunity Commission WA and the Accessible Public Transport Committee support Transport for NSW’s application for exemption.

General Manager of Advocacy and Engagement for Vision Australia, Karen Knight, opposes the application for exemption.

‘It is simply not credible that it will require five years’ for discussions and outcomes ...The suspension of the right of a person with a disability to lodge a complaint ... is a serious matter …’.

Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT said that neither the Council or Transport for NSW have ‘genuine intent to reconsider and address the ongoing inaccessibility of Birchgrove wharf’.

The Council believes that there are other ‘key priorities for the inner west [sic] area [and] ... its residents’, such as train station upgrades.

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Designer.Iam

BY STATON WHALEY Meet Bernard Kassab, founder of Designer.

Iam, a creative marketing company with a versatile range of techniques for design, research, and promotion.

Kassab started the company ten years ago while he was still a university student, but he has seen the company take off in the last three years.

He has experience in “everything from corporate atmosphere to working in communications departments to marketing to agency experience to contracting for event companies to retail.”

With these “experiences and resources,” Kassab is then able to “see where there’s opportunities that other people may have not looked at.”

It’s here that he “[pushes] the boundaries.”

It was after working for several agencies that Kassab noticed “a really big disconnect between the client and [himself] when working on a project. [He] was missing that one on one time of actually problem solving with the client.”

On this premise, Kassab built his company to be one where his whole team is involved through their individual roles with each and every client.

One unique approach used by Designer.Iam is the “brand tool,” which is their “bible of the business.”

The tool is used to create “a strategic review of the business’ positioning and how it communicates, that allows for the client to get a vision of where to take the branding.

That becomes the foundation for how

[Designer.Iam approaches] every design project whether it be branding or promotion or how [they] apply [the client’s] content online or on social media.”

The key is understanding how the client wishes to be viewed as a brand on a multitude of platforms, and finding that out and delivering on it is the strong suit at Designer.Iam. Once Kassab and his team start to work on a company’s image there is always a level of transparency which is key in the brand building process.

A tool is available to the client which allows one to continually monitor the process of a project in the works, so “everyone is on the same page.”

As for the future, there are a few directions which Designer.Iam is pursuing.

First is continuing support for businesses, in which a company would outsource their design team rather than having an internal one, and with Designer.Iam’s systems in place it is more cost effective and just as easy to manage.

Kassab would also like to see the company take on more in the area of post-development architecture and corporate interior design.

He far too often sees a company invest money and not receive what he deems the full level of return on investment in this field.

He says they “spend all their money on nuts and bolts but don’t finish the paint job.”

Kassab and the entire team at Designer.Iam are dedicated professionals who pride themselves on individual attention to the client and clear communication all the way through the process.

The company is young, with plenty of room to grow, and will be bettering the community through its work in the future.

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7

FEATURE

By Rita Bratovich Is hemp the answer to everything that’s wrong in the world today?

We may find out at the Hemp Health And Innovation Expo 2018.

Now in its third year, the expo is aimed at increasing understanding and promoting benefits of hemp and cannabis in all their potential applications.

Founder Michelle Crain, who has been in the hydroponics business for 25 years, was inspired to create the Expo in 2016 after attending similar events during overseas work-related trips and after also witnessing first-hand the benefits of alternative medicine experienced by various family members dealing with cancer.

Raised awareness about medicinal cannabis, through partial legalisation and media coverage, is already being reflected in interest in the Expo.

“It’s got a bigger demographic now - it’s surprising but the event attracts a lot of elderly people,” explains Crain.“They’re all at that stage where, you know, a lot of people are over taking pharmaceutical medicines and they’re looking for something, in their eyes, it’s greener, it’s healthier, it’s not so harmful to other parts of their bodies.”

Much of the expo is designed around providing information and clearing misconceptions.

To that end, it will feature a symposium with speakers who include medical professionals, growers, nutritionists, advocates and retailers.

The list of local and international exhibitors represents every possible use of hemp and cannabis: beauty and body products, clothing, health supplements, food, pet products, hydroponics, education and information, workshops, horticulture and more.

Doctors will be available to advise people about prescriptions.

The Medical Cannabis Users Association (MCUA) and Australian Cannabis University will provide mini information sessions and answer questions.

There will be demonstrations and opportunities to sample food and body products, as well as workshops and entertainment, and it will be family friendly.

Crain says the police have visited each year but there’s never been any trouble. They come, look and go away.

That’s why she wants people to know more about hemp and cannabis.

“Change will only come as people get educated and understand, because then they’ll ask for the change,” she says.

In fact, hemp has been used around the world for centuries. It was only prohibition introduced during the 1930s in the US (then followed off the cliff by other countries) that stained hemp and cannabis with its bad reputation.

And yet, it is truly a wonder plant: growing it doesn’t damage soil - it

Up In Smoke

chronic and acute pain, irritable bowel, cystic fibrosis, allergies, and much more.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and is used more cautiously but has been demonstrated Photo: Supplied to also be effective in many ailments.

A lot of doctors are reluctant to prescribe because they don’t know the procedure, are dubious or don’t have time to read available literature.

It’s a problem Dr Teresa Towpik is hoping to solve by creating an online course providing information and instructions.

“There’s still a lot of paperwork but to me, it’s worth it because I can see the results even within that short period of time,” she says.

She believes all the negative things come from making it illegal and pushing it into the black market.

“I strongly believe in education and awareness. Prohibition, in my opinion, is the most ineffective, primitive, expensive way of controlling it.”

Mischa Esquilant agrees. He and his wife, Irena, are strong campaigners for hemp and legalisation of cannabis.

Esquilant owns a hydroponics business in Bondi Junction, Lux Cuttings and Irena owns We Are Lux, a high end retailer of actually prevents top soil erosion; it propagates easily, uses 1/6th the vaporisers, cleaning equipment and hemp beauty products. amount of water that cotton uses, is highly sustainable, can create Esquilant sells hydroponics equipment to people growing orchids, biodegradable plastics that are strong, durable and have a carbon and chillies or tomatoes for international competition. Although offset; it is one of the best digestible plant proteins. These are just hydroponics is ideal for growing cannabis, he never discusses or some of the reasons why Lachlan Grout and a business partner gives advice regarding it - he always uses vague, general terms. created Hemp Farms Australia in 2013.

If it were to become legal, however, hydroponics would be ideal The Queensland based primary production company grows, for growing medicinal cannabis for chronic ailments. It’s an issue cultivates, processes and distributes industrial hemp.

Esquilant finds frequently confronting.

“I just couldn’t believe the amount of sustainable uses for it that “We have to tread carefully - we get a lot of people who come in weren’t actually being used… I just could not get it past my head how with terminal illnesses, and of course once they get to the point inefficient and unsustainable cotton production is compared to hemp,” where they want to consider medicinal cannabis, they don’t have says Grout, describing his initial reaction to learning about hemp. the lifespan left to do a six or seven month grow,” he explains.

The current buzz is around the medicinal use of cannabis and the It’s heartbreaking because many of these people are desperate government’s slow relinquishing of legal constraints. Dr Teresa and some turn to the black market where they deal with Towpik is a vehement crusader for legalisation of cannabis, an unscrupulous criminals and impure substance. abrupt about-face after being a long time sceptic and subscriber “Regulation and legalisation - which we really, really want - does to the notion of cannabis as dangerous, addictive and a gateway wonders for the economy, it does wonders for [destroying] the drug. Extensive research and observation converted her. black market, it does wonders for the consumer - I mean it’s a “Traditionally, we as doctors tend to be suspicious of anything win, win, win, win situation for absolutely everybody.” that promises so much,” says Dr Towpik. “We know that CBD May 12-13. Rosehill Racecourse - Exhibition Centre formulations are extremely safe, it’s probably one of the safest James Ruse Drive, Rosehill. $0-$120 (VIP). medicines known to humanity.”

Tickets & Info: www.hhiexpo.com.au Cannabidiol (CBD) can treat a huge range of ailments including

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Readers

Belvoir alumna Elizabeth Nabben makes her directorial debut at the Belvoir’s Downstairs Theatre with The Readers. Based on playwright, Scott Smart’s real experiences working in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the play tracks the friendship of two electricity meter readers as they navigate both the perils of their unexpectedly dangerous job and their burgeoning friendship.

Almost a road movie on foot, The Readers blends humour and pathos to present an ultimately optimistic tale of an older man

training a younger man in the ways of high-vis.

“As a young, female director, I’m really interested in portraying a different kind of masculinity that’s not often shown, being the kindness of this awkward male friendship,” says Nabben.

“It’s a dog-eat-dog workforce but there’s a real kindness between them as they try to connect and bridge the gap of an awkward workplace friendship.”

The Readers is part of the

Belvoir’s 25A program, which is an initiative designed to nurture emerging Australian artists and low-cost theatre.

“25A represents the ethos of Belvoir. It’s so hard to garner audience trust to program a new playwright or director as in the case of The Readers so this is a way of beginning and getting in contact with new works,” says Nabben. (ES) May 5-19. Belvoir - Downstairs Theatre, 18 & 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $20-$25+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.belvoir.com.au

The Sugar House

Theatresports All Stars: Battle Of The Champions A host of comedy’s fastest and funniest will go head-to-head in an annual Theatresports showdown this weekend.

Launched in 1986, Theatresports All Stars: Battle Of The Champions is Australia’s longest running comedy show.

Director Jane Simmons says this year has brought together greats from seasons past and present, “I’m hoping audiences will see some of the best players since 1986 in a fun format that explores moments from history in ways you’ve not seen them before. Theatresports is about entertainment, camaraderie,

creativity and a bit of panic.”

The likes of Adam Spencer, Andrew O’Keefe and Susie Youssef will improv-off over everything from Trump’s inauguration to the Macarena.

Ms. Simmons said she’s expecting some nerves on the night, “The biggest challenge of Theatresports is trying to keep calm in responding to whatever’s happening on stage at that moment in time. It can be terrifying up there. But that moment when the audience responds with delight at something you’ve just created- it’s such a rush of adrenaline.”

As Ms Simmons explained, “There are different team challenges that allow great scope for the talent on stage. For instance, how they might show us the real reason the Berlin Wall came down or the USA/ Mexican border wall might go up- now they’re scenes I’d like to see. My

job is to put together a show the players and audience want to be in or see and I’m confident we’ve done that.” (GF) May 6. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $24-$65+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.enmoretheatre.com.au or Ph: 9550 3666

Presented by Blancmange Productions and Actors Anonymous is immersive true-crime production, Deadhouse: Tales Of Sydney Morgue.

Deadhouse showcases two unique true stories from Sydney’s dark murderous past. The audience is invited to explore three levels of the historical sandstone museum while the crimes are played out right at their feet.

The first show to take over The Rocks Discovery Museum, Portrait Of The Artist As A Murderer, is the story of Leonard ‘Lennie’ Lawson and the horrendous crimes he committed during the 1950s. A charming troubled artist who conned his way into positions of power to assault and violently murder young girls.

The second story in the production

Photo: Phyllis Wong

REVIEW - DEADHOUSE: Tales Of Sydney Morgue

will present, A Poison Crown, which details the Louisa Collins case.A story of a working-class mother, who may have been innocent of the charges against her, sentenced to death and executed in Darlinghurst Gaol.

Writer of Artist As A Murderer,

a&e

Robert Armstrong stated that he chose the Leonard Lawson case because of his own fascination of the Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story.

The production is directed by Michael Block, with a cast featuring Kyla Ward, Chris Miller,

19 STAGE 10 Sounds 11 SCENE 11 SCREEN

Jacqui Robson, Wendi Lanham, Rebecca Waters, Alex Smith and Liviu Monsted.

Using the Discovery Museum as a moving stage was a brilliant backdrop. The costumes looked quite authentic for the time and although at some points the audience was standing right over them the cast did an exceptional job of performing. A fun and spooky show worth being immersed in. (RH) Portrait Of The Artist As A Murderer - May 8-12.

A Poison Crown - Until May 5 & 15-19.

The Rocks Discovery Museum, Kendall Lane,The Rocks. $32.74-$43.29+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.eventbrite.com.au

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 @CityHubSyd

Bringing brutal social change back to the forefront of discussion, The Sugar House sees its world premiere at the Belvoir this month. Written by Alana Valentine, the play follows Narelle, a high achiever from a working-class background who is repeatedly drawn back to her home suburb of Pyrmont.

“It’s a really beautiful family dynasty story that goes from 1967 to 2007. The play tracks this family and the development of Pyrmont from being a working-class area to a bougie, middle-class suburb,” says Sheridan Harbridge, who plays Narelle.

“Audiences get to understand how both the suburb and the family have been displaced. It’s beautiful and funny and real – there’s a lot of nostalgia in it.”

Harbridge is joined by Kris McQuade and Sacha Horler in representing three generations of women in the same family, who must struggle with upward class movement against the context of dissolving family roots. Narelle in particular faces internal turmoil as she attempts to reconcile her past with her future.

“They’re a family who tear each other apart but that’s how they show that they love each other. The play moves through time in three parts and with each, something has changed so that Narelle has changed and as a result, she doesn’t know who she is without her family’s influence,” says Harbridge.

“I love her loss and friction and anxiety of not knowing who she is as she tries to escape the desperation to not have the shame of the poor.” (ES) May 5-Jun 3. Belvoir - Upstairs Theatre, 18 & 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $37-$77+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.belvoir.com.au

Contributors: Barbara Karpinski, Craig Coventry, Emily Shen, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, Joseph Rana, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Rita Bratovich, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Jade Morellini, Alex Eugene, Manuel Gonzalez, Tommy Boutros, Riley Hooper, Mohsen Dezaki, Daniel Jaramillo, Georgia Fullerton, Gary Nunn, Addie Morton, Staton Whaley. city hub 3 MAY 2017

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Carlotta: Queen Of The Cross

REVIEW: The Lieutenant Of Inishmore

Cross was coming into its heyday, Carlotta carved out a career in what was sometimes a hostile environment.

“I worked bloody hard to get there, I tell you. I put up with a lot of prejudice in the early years,” she says.

As the effervescent compare for the internationally acclaimed Les Girls for 26 years, Carlotta became the face of Kings Cross, seeing it in all its glitz and and grimy glory, but also watching its decline.

“It’s not the same… It’s never been the same since the early 90s - in the early 90s it went downhill,” she laments.

However, her spectacular show promises to resurrect some golden memories. Its an intimate memoir-as-cabaret in which Carlotta shares career anecdotes, talks politics and culture and has convivial exchanges with the audience.

“I make it like I’m in my lounge-room,” she explains.

There will be a wonderful tribute to her late She has dubbed herself “Queen of the Cross” good friend, Peter Allen as well as other friends and no one has more right to the throne than who have passed, and there will be a lot of Carlotta - entertainment legend and larger-than- uproarious ad-libbing in which she “really takes life diva. Her original scheduled shows at the the piss” out of herself.

Hayes Theatre this May sold out almost And of course, there will be magnificent new immediately, forcing extra shows to be added. costumes.“They’re just lavish!” Carlotta assures.

“I haven’t been in the Cross for years - they’re Her recent gig as part of Trevor Ashley’s Mardi probably coming to see if I’m still alive! That’s what Gala earned Carlotta two standing ovations.

I wanted to call [the show]:‘I’m Not Dead Yet, “That’s alright for an old boiler!” she laughs.

Darling!’” laughs Carlotta with that trade-mark It sure is. (RB) self-deprecating wryness that has made her a May 10-13. Hayes Theatre, favourite on the club circuit for many years.

19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point.

Starting her career in the 1960s when the Tickets & Info: www.hayestheatre.com.au

Who would ever have imagined that a black comedy which centers on a dead cat, containing over-the-top violence and gruesome gore, could provide such hilarity and a deliciously wicked night out at the theater?

Acclaimed British/Irish playwright Martin McDonagh has written this remarkable award-winning play which hilariously parodies IRA warfare and the activities of the alleged “freedom fighters.”

Set in Ireland in 1993 the play follows the events which unfold when the beloved cat of a young militant member of a splinter ITA group is killed.

From the opening scene audiences will be immersed by the absurdly hysterical scenarios and misadventures which transpire from the obsessive grief over a deceased cat.

A fresh cast of talented actors bring eight wacky characters to life and audiences should quickly be entranced and laugh-out-loud throughout by the silliness of this controversial play.

Blood-drenched violence

By Jamie Apps

Hein Cooper: After over a year zig zagging around the world, singersongwriter Hein Cooper returns to Sydney.An artist who is not afraid to mesh acoustic with electronic elements sees Cooper create a dynamic and entertaining live show.

Thu, May 3, Leadbelly Bobby Alu: Byron Bay based ‘tropical ambassador’, singer, ukulele strummer and drummer Bobby Alu is back in Sydney tomorrow night. Having dedicated his world-class percussion skills to touring internationally with Xavier Rudd over the past five years, it’s time for Bobby Alu to chart his own dedicated course again.

Fri, May 4, Moonshine Bar Shannon Noll: Celebrates his first new album, Unbroken, in seven years by doing what he loves most as he hits the road with his band to perform for his diehard fans.

Fri, May 4, Oxford Art Factory Ruby Boots: The Perth born but now Nashville based artist is set to return to Sydney this weekend. Behind her commanding and versatile voice, sharp guitar playing, and adept songwriting, Ruby Boots confidently manoeuvres past the whirlwinds life has tossed on her occasionally lost highway.

Sat, May 5, Leadbelly Endless Heights: After a journey across Europe with UK’s Casey over the last two months the Sydney five piece Endless Heights are set for a homecoming this weekend. Bringing their sophomore album, Vicious Pleasure, with them the band promises these will be shows to remember.

Sat, May 5,The Lair 10

city hub 3 MAY 2018

Selby & Friends - Alchemy: For the first time in five years, two master Finnish musicians reunite with Kathryn Selby AM to perform chamber music at its best with Selby & Friends. Vesa-Matti Leppänen, Concertmaster of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, joins ACO Principal Cellist Timo-Veikko Valve and pianist Selby to perform music by Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms and Anton Arensky.

Mon, May 7, City Recital Hall Gordi: With her medical studies behind her, Gordi (aka Sophie Payten) is set to support Australian icon Missy Higgins on the Solastalgia tour. These will be Gordi’s first Australian shows since her national album tour at the end of last year, which saw her sell out her largest rooms to date.

Tue, May 8, Enmore Theatre Archie Roach & Tiddas: In very exciting news true legends in the Australian music scene are set to come together, with Tiddas reforming after 18 years to join Archie on stage.

Wed, May 9, Enmore Theatre Horrorshow: Playing in tiny venues across the country, Horrorshow are set to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their seminal record, The Grey Space.

This show is set to strip everything back to the duo’s humble beginnings in 2008 for an up-close and personal show for their hardcore fan base.

Wed, May 9,The Lansdowne

Audiences should approach this stage play with an open mind and a touch of impartiality. Amongst the mayhem and the ‘in-your-face bloodfest’ emerge universal themes which include the fight for freedom, the senselessness of warfare and fanatical terrorism - all themes which are still very relevant in today’s society. (MMo) Until May 26. New Theatre, 542 King St Newtown. $20-$35+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au

writing music for film to performing on stage in a musical theatre production.

When asked what she learned from these experiences Higgins told City Hub,“Doing the musical theatre show helped with my performance confidence and style, in particular I feel much more confident singing without an instrument on stage now.”

The final, and perhaps most influential, change that happened to

Higgins during the time since her last original record was obviously motherhood.

“Having a kid definitely unlocked certain parts inside myself that made me more aware of the passing of time, the fragility of life and the precariousness of the future,” she said.

May 7-8. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $79.90+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.enmoretheatre.com.au

Missy Higgins

By Jamie Apps Over the course of the past six years life has changed fundamentally for nine time ARIA Award winner and Australian favourite, Missy Higgins. During this period Higgins became a mother for the first time, dipped her toes into some creative endeavours outside of music and watched as popular music evolved.

Whilst the release of Higgins’ fifth studio album, Solastalgia, may be perceived by some as a return, given it’s her first original album since 2012, she doesn’t personally feel that way.

“I don’t really feel like I went anywhere because in that time I released my covers album Oz and did quite a bit of touring around Australia with that. At the same time though it’s really nice to have an album of original songs again because obviously they’re much more personal.”

With this new record Higgins recognised the changes which are occurring in modern music and

wanted to challenge herself by blending “my more acoustic, folky background with a more modern aesthetic.”

In order to achieve this Higgins collaborated with a range of new artists and fundamentally altered her creative process.

“I’ve definitely been inspired by a lot of more modern music that is more electronic program based so I knew I had to try collaborating with people that write beats because I’d never done that before,” she explained before continuing, “In the past I would start writing a song by myself on piano or guitar but this time we started with the beat and bass line before I sang on top of that.”

Although this was a challenging process Higgins has become rather adept at conquering challenges over the past six years.

She has done this by dipping her toes into a number of different creative fields ranging from

Photo: Cybele Malinowski

Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney

escalates in the second act with shootings and body dismemberment as rarely seen on stage, but conventional audiences shouldn’t be too disturbed as the horror is overshadowed and downgraded by the rampant comedy.

Solemn cat-lovers may initially be overcome or even shocked by the extremely violent nature and references towards a feline, but these feelings willl subside as laughter continues to snowball.

DMA’s - For Now As one would expect from a second album the latest offering from Sydney trio DMA’s demonstrates the growth they’ve undergone as a group. The band are also unafraid to dip their toes into new exciting territory, which makes this record all the more dynamic.

With For Now the group does something special by injecting a dreamy, heartfelt emotion into catchy pop tunes. In The Air and record closer Emily Whyte showcase this incredibly.

Throughout the remainder of the record the trio continues to peruse their Brit-pop influenced sound but also tweak it just enough to create something uniquely their own.

For Now is certainly worth taking the time out of your day for a focused listening session, in particular check out Time & Money.

(JA) WWW1/2

THE NAKED CITY

SYDNEY’S OMNIPRESENT WRECKING BALL With Coffin Ed When the then premier Jack Lang opened Sydney’s grand T&G building in the early 1930s he declared it would stand for another hundred years or more. At 68m to the top of its impressive tower and with no less than 12 expansive floors it was then the city’s tallest office building and an architectural marvel of its day. Forty years later and it all came crashing down, demolished in 1975 to make way for a soulless edifice of concrete, glass and steel.

Just another sorry chapter in the ‘knock em down’ mentality that has characterised Sydney from the early 1900s onwards, the legacy of a city that was never properly planned and has allowed cowboy developers to run riot for decades – especially in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

If unfettered private construction was not bad enough, the landscape of civic vandalism has only been further denigrated by mindless Government and Council decisions – the kind of so called forward planning that gave us the infamous Sydney Monorail (RIP). The recent

Loveless

Unsane

resolution to move the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta is just another episode in rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic and a ridiculous overspend of public funds.

Flashback to Sydney in the 1980s and the CBD was pitted with enormous water filled pre-construction holes, the legacy of shameless real estate grabs by millionaire crooks like Alan Bond. Once the largest department store in Australia, the Anthony Hordern Building was demolished along with the wonderful old Regent Theatre.

Nothing was sacrosanct at the time and there was even talk of knocking down the Queen Victoria Building and the State Theatre.

If the demise of the T&G building was any example, we could well predict a syndrome of build, destroy and then build again - set to plague Sydney for the next hundred years. From 1879 until 1961 we had a perfectly good system of trams in Sydney but all that vanished when the private motor vehicle was given precedence in the 60s.

Over a half decade later and the trams are coming back, a two or possibly three billion dollar fiasco that has crippled small businesses along the route and created years of disruption in the CBD. We knocked down perfectly good buildings at Darling Harbour to build an even bigger Convention Centre and who knows what disarray will

prevail when the planned Sydney Square begins construction in front of the Sydney Town Hall?

Sydney is a bit like one of those chronic home renovators who start on a project but never quite get around to finishing it.

As a result they find themselves living in an almost permanent construction zone with all the pain and anxiety that this enduring chaos tends to generate. Somewhere along the way they come to the conclusion that things would have been much better left as they were, as in the old adage – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

If you have an interest in Sydney during the 60s and 70s join me this Friday May 4 at The Experiment in the East Sydney Arts and Community Centre where I will be giving an illustrated talk on the some of the forgotten music clubs of that era. The night also features an amazing line-up of avant garde talent including the remarkable Bud Petal, electronic performance artists Ben Hinchley and Andrew BattRawden, the incredible child prodigy Christian and DJ Miss Death presenting her own version of Rage.

Details at: www.facebook. com/theflyingnunbybrandx

This powerful multi-award winning film from Russia showcases the devastating effect divorce has on a child and asks, can lovelessness be passed on from one generation to the next?

Boris (Alexey Rozin) and Zhenya (Maryana Spivak) are going through the process of a bitter divorce and it’s only the sale of their apartment which is keeping them together.

Their 12 year old son Alyosha (Matvey Novikov) is being adversely affected by the intense anger and hatred his parents have for each another. One night he vanishes and the question is raised, did he run away to escape the problems at home or was he kidnapped?

The film initially explores the couple’s

newfound relationships and their loveless nature towards each other and their son.The story then transforms into a mystery once the child is reported missing.

Astute direction by acclaimed director Andrey Zvyagintsev where he also effectively incorporates long shots of freezing wintry landscapes and desolate school yards to create compelling metaphors for the barrenness in this family’s life makes spellbinding viewing.

The conclusion to this film which also resonates the slow decay of society, may leave audiences with more questions than answers, but should more importantly serve as a cautionary tale. (MMo)

Business woman Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy) moves to a new job in a new city to escape her stalker of two years. Upon visiting a counsellor she inadvertently signs papers which have her committed into a health facility. Her commitment is continually lengthened, but her real ordeal commences when she sees… or thinks she sees... her stalker as a staff member.

Intensely arresting this psychological horror film should have audiences at the edge of their seats throughout, as they attempt to unravel whether this woman is actually being stalked or just mentally unstable.

Is this wretched woman a danger to herself and others or is she also being held against her will in a private health

facility who lock up sane people for economic gain?

Story development is deliberately and effectively slow, but momentum builds in the final quarter as violence and gore are unleashed upon unsuspecting audiences like a good old-fashioned slasher flick.

Filmed entirely on an iphone, this process has dramatically enhanced the creepy and horrific nature of the movie, through the imperfect picture quality and the ultradarkness of certain scenes in the hospital.

All is not as it seems in this chilling and unnerving film which also serves as a commentary on mental illness and on the legitimacy of ‘alleged’ health facilities.

(MMo) WWW1/2

WWWW

Andre Braun Seagulls In The City Andre Braun is showcasing Sydney like it has never been seen before.

His exhibition, Seagulls In The City, will display photographs of Sydney at bird’s eye level. From this unique viewpoint, Sydneysiders will be able to experience the city in a totally new way.

“The photographs at the exhibition are looking at the beauty of these unique creatures and the similar expression between them and us,” Braun said.

“Through my artwork, I have emphasised how these unique, small birds can create so much life, animation and create a positive spirit in the middle of the city.”

Braun was inspired to photograph the city from this perspective when he first encountered these birds in Bondi in 2010.

“When you start to spend so much time around the seagulls, you realise that

their expressions and behaviours are surprisingly so similar to ours,” Braun said. “I would say seagulls are engaging, captivating and curious, like humans! Each individual is quite unique and their personality can be very unpredictable.”

Out of his collection, Braun says two photos stand out. The first is a close up image of the bird looking down with Sydney Harbour in the background. He says the lighting brought a unique mood to the image, and the bird seemed reflective and contemplative.

The second photo is two birds mating. Braun says it was a beautiful experience to see birds flirting, dancing and getting closer.

Braun hopes people will leave the exhibition seeing the ubiquitous birds in a brighter light. (AM) Until May 14. ARO Gallery, 51 William St, Darlinghurst. Info: www.arogallery.com

Avengers: Infinity War

After a decade and 18 prior movies the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) converges for the war of all wars.

The one key through line for Avengers: Infinity War is Thanos, who is hell bent on collecting all six infinity stones in order to create balance in the universe. It is this steadfast determination which makes Thanos one of the best villains in the MCU to date, as he truely believes his cause is for the greater good.

When the Avengers learn of Thanos’ plan various groups of heroes set into action their own plans to attempt to stop him.

As there has already been such an investment in these characters in prior films the action kicks off immediately and doesn’t let up for the

entirety of the films lengthy run time.

With so many characters involved in the various stories happening simultaneous across the galaxy there is a lot of jumping around. As the film jumps around it does a great job of injecting the tonal elements one would expect from each of the various core films, which leads to some unexpected but fun moments of comedic levity.

Unfortunately though because the film is juggling so many different subplots it isn’t always able to build the weighty emotional drama, which is required to solicit the reaction it so desperately wants the audience to have with its cliffhanger ending.

(JA) WWW1/2 city hub 3 MAY 2017

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