City Hub 3 September 2020

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2020

C I T Y H U B SY D N E Y. C O M . AU @CityHubSydney

Political mural in Marrickville vandalised BY ALLISON HORE political mural in Marrickville was defaced on Thursday night, less than 24 hours after it was painted. The mural titled, ‘Vote or Die - Deal with the devil’, depicted US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Scott shaking hands atop a pile of skulls. However, the mural was washed over with white paint over just hours after being completed. The street artist behind the work, Crisp, told City Hub the mural is about Australia’s deals with the US as well as the nations’ responses to climate change. “In the end it results in suffering and death and inequality on different levels

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and some of these deals support different regimes and different wars,” he explained. “The flames in the background highlight the dangers of climate change, one of the most important issues at the moment, and I don’t think either of the leaders in Australia or the US take it as seriously as they should.” He made the design based on a still from when President Trump and Prime Minister Morrison met. Crisp said he had been sitting on the design for a while but hadn’t had the opportunity to go out and paint it due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and his work in the healthcare system. Another obstacle in getting the artwork

up was finding a place to paint it. Crisp said that compared to other places around the world where he has painted, it is much harder to find walls to paint political pieces in Sydney. “I find in Sydney that everyone is fine with aesthetically pleasing or pretty murals but everyone is really afraid of offending people and if it’s political they don’t want to have anything to do with it,” he said. In the end Crisp decided to go over a mural that he had already done, a collaboration with another artist he painted with the permission of the building’s owner. Crisp said that he had permission to paint in the same spot again but didn’t say what it was he intended to paint. After the building owner found out what the artwork

actually was, Crisp knew its stay would be limited. “I think he was already getting phone calls from people who had an issue with Trump and Morrison on the wall, so I think in the end he was discussing that he might have to paint over it,” he said. After talking with the owner of the building, he agreed to let the artwork stay up for a day to allow street art aficionados to see it in person and take photos of it. The owner then intended to paint over the artwork in black paint to match the wall behind it. However, overnight it was haphazardly covered in white paint by an unknown member of the community. Continued on page 2


CENSORED (Continued from the cover) people passing by in the inner-west area, but now it’s been pushed on social media and gone semi-viral so a lot more people are seeing it and commenting on it,” he said. Crisp isn’t the only street artist who has had his political works “censored”. Controversial artist Scott Marsh has made headlines on a number of occasions both when his art has gone up and when it is taken down. Most recently, an eyebrow-raising Scott Morrison mural Marsh painted in Chippendale was covered up in a wall of grey only a day after being completed. In the piece, Prime Minister Morrison was depicted in a Christmas hat and Hawaiian shirt in front of a wall of flames, with a speech bubble saying “Merry crisis”. “There’s always the risk that someone’s gonna take offence and paint over it, it’s a shame that it did because I think a lot of people were enjoying it,” Marsh told the Guardian at the time.

Crisp’s mural in Marrickville was destroyed less than 24 hours after he painted it. Photo: supplied

“I spent the whole day painting it and put the time and money and creativity into creating it, but it looks like someone’s just gone in there overnight who disagrees with it and completely defaced it,” he said. “You can tell by the way it was covered up that it was pretty slap-dash and quite quickly done.” Crisp says if someone is a supporter of these leaders or disagrees with the message that he’s sending it’s “fair enough” and he understands painting over the artwork could in itself be an act of protest. But

it’s “disappointing” to him that someone couldn’t tolerate the art being up for less than 24 hours before destroying it. But the irony of the censorship efforts leading to more publicity for the work wasn’t lost on Crisp. He said while he hadn’t thought about it like that before, in retrospect it has been a good way to get more exposure for the piece and discuss the issues it raises. “If it hadn’t been painted over it would have been really localised in terms of who would’ve seen it. Just

For street artists, works being covered up or taken down is to be expected. While aesthetically pleasing and instagram friendly works often have a longer lifespan, political ones tend to disappear the fastest. Crisp worries that “the true nature of street art” as a form of protest or to make statements about things that aren’t covered in mainstream media is being lost in the process. “When you think about how many political murals there are in Sydney you could probably count them on one hand,” he said. “I think if we get rid of all this political art it makes the environment very sterile and it becomes a slippery slope into censorship.”

Waverley Council Update

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HubNEWS

A park for “allsorts” of people (See p.4)

Overdose is the state’s “silent killer” BY ALLISON HORE ccording to new data more than 500 New South Wales residents lost their lives to overdoses for the fifth consecutive year. The data released by the Penington Institute reveals 524 NSW residents, or one person every 18 hours, lost their lives due to unintentional overdoses in 2018. In the Greater Sydney area six deaths per 100,000 were overdose related compared to 7.9 per 100,000 deaths across regional NSW. John Ryan, CEO of the Penington Institute said the number of overdose related deaths in the state is “absolutely unacceptable”. “The persistence of these numbers suggests one thing above all: we are not doing enough to lessen the harms of drugs in our largest state,” Much of the discussion about drug overdose in NSW surrounds party drugs and music festivals. Headlines were made last December when a 24-year-old man attending Strawberry Fields music festival in NSW’s Riverina region passed away from a suspected drug overdose. His death came during a time the state’s music festivals were under heightened scrutiny following a coronial inquest after

A HubARTS: The Country Witches Association The Country Witches Association looks to disrupt society. (See p. 6)

Published weekly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348

Prescription drugs were associated with more overdose related deaths in NSW than illicit ones. Photo: Flickr/The Javorac

six drug-related deaths at events across two summers. However according to the Penington Institute’s research, it’s not illicit drugs which are associated with most overdose deaths in NSW. In contrast to other states where heroin and ice were most commonly associated with overdoses, in NSW it is pharmaceutical opioids and benzodiazepines which are driving overdose deaths. Benzodiazepines including Diazepam and Temazepam, which the Penington Institute describes as Australia’s “silent killers”, are commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It is this type of drug which is most often

Sydney CBD COVID-19 cluster continues to grow

Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody News Editor: Allison Hore Contributors: Allison Horett Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar Cover Photo: Supplied. “Vote or Die - Deal with the devil’, a mural by street artist Crisp Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007

Sydney-siders were urged to be cautious during the spring weather over the weekend. Photo: Allison Hore

Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au

BY ALLISON HORE ealth authorities are warning people living and working in Sydney’s CBD to avoid visiting nursing homes and to get tested for COVID-19 as the city cluster continues to grow. On Saturday, 14 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in NSW over a 24 hour period, eight of which are linked to the

Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney

detected in unintentional overdose deaths in NSW. “Not enough Australians understand the potential risks of drugs you can get from your doctor or from the pharmacy around the corner and importantly the dangers of combining drugs,” said Mr. Ryan. The data was released to coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) which is held on the 31st of August every year. “This is Australia’s hidden health crisis. By releasing this Report with the most up-to-date data, we’re looking to start a conversation, bring overdose out of the shadows and ultimately reduce harms,” said Mr. Ryan.

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Sydney CBD cluster which now includes 23 cases. Of the 14 new cases, three attended the Tattersalls club and four were close contacts of people linked to the CBD cluster. An investigation into the Tattersalls outbreak revealed three people who caught COVID-19 in the initial outbreak attended the fitness center while still infectious.

Following the investigation NSW Health has deemed anyone who attended the Sydney Tattersalls club on Monday the 24 August from eight am to 2pm a close contact. All close contacts must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days and remain in isolation even if that test comes back as negative. Other cases confirmed over the weekend included a corrective services nurse in the Surry Hills Cell Complex and returning traveller in hotel quarantine. Three cases remain under investigation. As Spring approaches there are concerns that people will forget Sydney is still in the midst of a pandemic as they get out to take advantage of the weather. In a press conference on Friday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged Sydney-siders to enjoy the weekend’s Spring temperatures in a “COVID-safe way” “Please enjoy the great outdoor weather, please make sure you do it in a COVIDsafe way and let’s get through spring and some of the same way we have got through this winter.” CITY HUB 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

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HubNEWS

A sweet tribute to Rosebery’s history

BY ALLISON HORE he City of Sydney has put forward a proposal to name two areas of Rosebery after some of Australia’s favourite lollies. Under the proposal, a new park and a green link located in Sweetacres will be named Allsorts Park and Honeykiss Park, two sweets created at the former James Stedman-Henderson Sweets factory.

“The new park and link will enhance an important precinct in the Green Square area, attracting locals and drawing visitors to nearby cafes and restaurants.”

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FROM FACTORY TO PARK

These parks will be a constant reminder of the origins of the Australian lollies. Sweetacres was the name given to the 16 acre industrial estate owned by James Stedman Henderson Ltd which opened in Rosebery in 1918. The founder of the company, James Stedman, had been in the confectionery business since 1850. Together with his 6 sons, he built Australia’s largest confectionery import, manufacture and wholesale business. The iconic Australian mintie was created in the Sweetacres facility in 1922. The factory is also the birthplace of other

A van delivering Minties which were first produced at the Sweetacres factory. Photo:Flickr/State of New South Wales

popular sweets including Jaffas in 1931 and Fantales in 1939. In its heyday the site also provided for the 1000 plus mostly-female workers of the factory. Alongside the factory was a large canteen and social hall, sports and cricket grounds, a library, band and sports clubs. The business continued to operate onsite, producing all Australian products, until the 1960s when it changed hands.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it is “fitting” for the names of the new parks to recognise the site’s industrial history. The area already has three streets named in tribute to its sweet history- Sweetacres Park, Sweet Street, Confectioners Way and Stedman Street. “The proposed names of these parks will be a constant reminder of the origins of the Australian lollies that have endured for generations,” Ms. Moore said.

The landscape design for the 5,750 square metre park on Rothschild Avenue will also be fittingly sweets themed, inspired by the pink, yellow, orange, white and black layering of Licorice Allsorts. It will feature a new children’s playground, open space, paths and lighting. The new green link on Rosebery Avenue will be 4,200 square metres and will run along Stedman Street and Confectioners Way. It is proposed to be named after Henderson’s Honey Kisses, a discontinued sweet which was made from all Australian ingredients including sugarcane from Queensland and Honey from Camden. The proposed names will be open for community feedback for 28 days from late September. The City of Sydney is yet to finalise the design of the parks and community consultation on the designs will open later this year. Construction on the new green spaces is expected to begin in late 2021 and will take around a year to complete.

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COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

THE DEITY AWAITS

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hilst the focus has been clearly on the human dilemma during the current pandemic there has also been a conversation as to the effects on non-human animals. Currently little evidence exists to support COVID transmission between domestic pets like cats and dogs and their owners, however there is some suggestion that animals in close proximity to humans could act as carriers on their coats or fur. Generally speaking many animals throughout the world, both wild and captive, have benefitted because of the pandemic and the various lockdown measures. As the BBC reported earlier this year “coronavirus lockdowns globally have given parts of the natural world a rare opportunity to experience life with hardly any humans around.” In a world where wildlife is constantly under threat this has allowed many species a chance to regroup, multiply and enjoy at least a temporary reprieve from human interaction. Migratory birds have reaped the benefit of cleaner skies and the shutdown of international air travel whilst many sea creatures like whales and dolphins have enjoyed the freedom that shipping free channels and oceans allow. There have also been incidents, like that in Israel, where wild boar have invaded urban areas to take advantage of the increase in household garbage during the stay at home restrictions.

Some metro scavengers have not been as successful and pigeons throughout the world have reportedly been doing it tough. With the massive reduction in human traffic in public areas like parks and town squares, the discarded food pickings have become slim. In Sydney’s Hyde Park, once an oasis of lunchtime scraps, pigeons, possums and rats compete for a greatly reduced menu.

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The little old lady who sits on the park bench and feeds the clucking, strutting pigeons has never been in greater demand. When it comes to household pets it seems there is both good and bad in the lockdown scenario. Obviously your faithful mutt is enjoying the increased attention and basic company from you being at home on an almost permanent basis. Yet some canine shrinks have warned that as soon as you return to your normal nine to five workplace, the once spoilt Fido will feel badly neglected – even traumatised by the new loneliness. There is a solution of course. Sit your pooch in front of the flat screen and run endless repeats of Love Island Australia, The Block, The Masked Singer, Farmer Wants A Wife and all the other stupefying crap that the commercial networks throw up as entertainment. This brain numbing onslaught will soon lull Rover into a state of mindless stupor and combat any feelings of anxiety or separation. If we learn any lesson from the current pandemic it’s the vulnerability of the global economy and human beings in general. We have long regarded ourselves as the superior species, totally in control of our own destiny and the masters of all other animals. Yet somewhere in the wilds of the jungle is a Yoda like bat, the wisdom of the world reflected in its alien like eyes, who knows that the fate of humanity rests elsewhere. We await the real deity!

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION including 5G AT 5 FLORENCE AVENUE, EASTLAKES NSW 2018 The proposed upgrade to the existing facilities involves: • Installation of three new 5G antennas on existing mounting poles; • Reconfiguration and replacement of existing panel antennas (measuring no more than 2.8m long) on existing mounting poles; • Reconfiguration of existing and installation of new ancillary equipment that may include RRUs, GPS antennas, cabling and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility • Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter. Vodafone regards the above proposed installations as Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Vanessa Wan from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Thursday 17 September 2020. Further information may also be obtained from the RFNSA websites at www.rfnsa.com.au/2018017. CITY HUB 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

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HubARTS

THE EIGHT HUNDRED: Chinese cinema hits the Australian big screen (See p.7)

GLOBAL FRINGE WEEK 1

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lobal Fringe by Sydney Fringe is well underway with Ninefold’s A Murder Story, Retold opening to a

Trainlord by Oliver Mol. Photo: Tristán Jensen and Orson Heidrich

sold out, COVIDSafe, live audience this week. The show continues nightly until Saturday, Sep 5 at Old 505 Theatre in Newtown. Next week, Global Fringe continues to offer Sydneysiders an opportunity to stay local and watch global with the next Gala Live Stream, Gritty Intimacy at 6.30pm on Wednesday, Sep 9. The stream features the award-winning mystery Basement Tapes courtesy of New Zealand Fringe, Adelaide Fringe’s Best Theatre award winner Oliver Mol presenting the hilarious and heartbreaking Trainlord, and the deeply intimate By Virtue Of The Same Movement from Israel’s Mica Kupfer. Can’t make the live stream on Wednesday? Stream select shows online every Thursday through Sunday in September. Want to return to see live theatre, safely and socially distanced of course? Oliver Mol’s Trainlord plays the Old 505 Theatre in Newtown next week from Sep 9-12. Tickets and online streaming details at www.sydneyfringe.com

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT Rooftop, 204-212 Victoria Street, Potts Point NSW 2011 Optus Ref: S0076, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011007 The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: swapping three (3) existing 4G panel antennas with three (3) new 4G panel antennas (2.533m in legnth) and the installation of three (3) new 5G antennas (0.81m in length). The upgrade also involves the reconfiguration of existing equipment on the building rooftop to facilitate the new 5G equipment Rooftop, 58-72 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042 Optus Ref: S1769, www.rfnsa.com.au/2042001 The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: the relocation of three (3) existing 5G panel antennas and the installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m in length), together with ancillary equipment and works. The upgrade also involves the installation of replacement mounts to facilitate the new equipment 1. Optus regards the proposed installations as Exempt Development under State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above 2. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment 3. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 21 September 2020. 6

CITY HUB 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

THE COUNTRY WITCHES ASSOCIATION

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he Country Witches Association (CWA) consists of comedian, Mandy Nolan and singer/songwriter, Áine Tyrell. As regulations in NSW ease, they are planning to embark on their first socially distanced road tour shows in Sydney and Katoomba. Despite putting on online shows during the more restrictive times, the two are eager to begin performing live once again. In an interview with City Hub, Mandy described the CWA as “a group for women who are social disruptors, who are sick of things being the way they are.” In the dynamic duo’s upcoming shows, viewers can expect to get involved through their own ideas in the interactive aspect of the shows, as well as comedy, music, a secret handshake, oath, card, and more. “It’s like being part of a club!” as put by Mandy. “We thought we’d make a movement

of women who can’t be bothered, like a DISorganisation. “When you couldn’t perform live you feel like you have to reach out to your audience, have a bit of fun, and some serious conversations,” Mandy said about the CWA’s online meetings which were held during the peak of the restrictions. “We do have strong feminist perspectives and we talk about things at times like domestic violence and what it is like for women in the world where things don’t appear to be changing that much, or fast enough. They’re not always comfortable conversations, but we feel that they are important.” (RBa) Sep 4-5. Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton St, Petersham. $30+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.thepbc.org.au

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS AT ALEXANDRIA AND MASCOT WITH 5G S0023 Alexandria: 70-74 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 (RFNSA 2015006) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new panel antennas, 0.59m long, on an existing headframe • Installation of new ancillary equipment, including twelve (12) Remote Radio Units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter, including removal of existing Remote Radio units S1920 Mascot 2: 265-275 King Street, Mascot NSW 2020 (RFNSA 2020004) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of four (4) new panel antennas, 0.59m long, installation of one (1) new panel antenna, 0.81m long and Installation of two (2) new panel antenna, 2.68m long, on an new headframe • Installation of new ancillary equipment, including sixteen (16) Remote Radio Units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter, including removal of existing Remote Radio units and relocation of existing equipment onto new headframe 1. Optus regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the descriptions above 2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposals. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Chan Chen at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Friday 18 September 2020. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2015006, www.rfnsa.com.au/2020004


HubARTS

FATHER’S DAY WITH BONDI RESCUE’S MAXI

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rent Maxwell, better known as Maxi, is a firefighter and lifeguard well known for his time on Bondi Rescue and being the youngest lifeguard to patrol Bondi Beach. In an interview with City Hub, Maxi revealed his plans for this Father’s Day and how his dad inspired his life changing career. “He [Dad] got me into swimming at a young age, I used to sail as a kid and do a lot of water sports, he then got me involved in lifesaving down in Maroubra and helped in keeping my fitness up. He took me to swim training every morning at 5am all through my teenage years and that definitely contributed to me becoming a professional lifeguard at Bondi.

BY RIDA BABAR ustralian band Papaya Tree has released their new single Flowergirl, streaming now on most platforms. Papaya Tree is a band influenced by eclectic jazz and indie sounds and consists of six members; Lee McDermott, Jack Johnston, Zac Olsen, Alistair Hayes, Jordan Tulinsky, and Joe Plunkett. Lee, lead singer of Papaya Tree said, “Flowergirl is a true story written about Joe (bass player) and his time working in a Newtown Bar and the crush that never came to be. One day during a never-ending shift, a girl came to change the bistro flowers. Before Joe could ask her name, she’d left, only knowing her as ‘Flowergirl’. Whilst being a love song, it is also an escapist anthem about the mundane aspects of life, menial jobs and hope for a future.

“It’s given me the opportunity to do a lot of good in the community, I’ve created my own company Live Learn Survive. We teach water and fire safety all over the world. “Bondi Rescue was a big part of getting my name out there.” When asked about his plans for this Father’s Day, Maxi said, “Part of the present was taking him to Lane Cove and had a Glen Grant tasting, but this Sunday I’m having a family barbecue.” Maxi and his father’s initial plans to visit the Glen Grant Distillery in Scotland for Father’s Day were cut short due to travel restrictions, so the pair instead visited Lane Cove National Park and shared a glass of Glen Grant’s latest release, Arboralis, instead. (RBa)

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PAPAYA TREE

Flowergirl provides a distraction from all these and a reminder to live in the moment. Sonically, Flowergirl takes inspiration from 90s Britpop, channelling energy from Oasis and The Verve as well as mixing orchestral power with floating guitar tones evocative of The Smiths and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.”

In an interview with Lee, he revealed where the quirky band name originated from. “I was studying corporation law and tried to say the words proprietary limited and kept saying papaya tree limited. We thought that sounded like an indie band name, so we went with that.” Papaya Tree began with two members, Lee and Jack,

Trent and Robert Maxwell

who were washup boys at a butcher shop. “The only other musician we knew at the time was a trumpet player, so we started a rock band with two guitars and a trumpet.” Lee revealed that the band’s musical inspirations are greatly varied, with “Joe being very ‘early and late 90s oasis brit pop feel’, very story based. Then you’ve got Zac and Jordie who are trained in jazz. “Lyrically I base everything off stories, I try not to write about myself or feelings because its hard to talk about your feelings.” When asked his future vision for Papaya Tree, Lee said that it was to stick together. “It’s pretty turbulent times right now and we’re looking forward to seeing how the year ends, getting back on the road when we’re allowed to, and continue enjoying each others’ company. And we might write some music along the way.”

JOSH PYKE - ROME

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n a year where everything is unusual and the world appears to be in upheaval it’s nice to have something familiar and cosy. Josh Pyke delivers just that with his latest record, Rome. Rome is Pyke’s sixth album and his first new release in over five years. Despite this lengthy break away from the spotlight Pyke returns with an indie-folk release which will immediately sound familiar and comforting to longtime fans. Throughout the 11 tracks Pyke delivers his signature moody melodies and harmonies whilst also injecting detailed storytelling within the lyricism. When we’re all so desperately in need for comfort this may just be the perfect album for 2020, just don’t go in expecting anything earth shattering or new. (JA)

WWW

THE EIGHT HUNDRED

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he Eight Hundred is one of the most ambitious and incredibly enthralling epic war dramas ever produced and is currently a runaway hit at the Chinese box office. As the war heightened in 1937, North China was conquered by the Japanese. The Chinese army retreated after the three-month Battle Of Shanghai, but a single regiment known as the ‘Eight Hundred Heroes’ remained at Sihang Warehouse to fight the war of resistance against the entire Japanese army. During the course of the film’s running time of 148 minutes, audiences will witness the courage and resilience of these Chinese soldiers who vastly lost

their lives in one of the most barbaric battles ever fought in modern history. As one onlooker remarked, “If only every Chinese was as brave as them the Japanese would never have done this!” The Eight Hundred is dark and unsettling and excels in every department – production, acting, writing, direction, art direction, and cinematography. The atrocities of war and the effects on the human psyche are authentically depicted in this actionpacked film which can only be categorised as essential viewing. (MMo) WWWW1/2 CITY HUB 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

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The Good Neighbour Project Supporting responsible cat ownership Protecting wildlife and feline welfare Keeping your cat happy and healthy Join our Good Neighbour Project. Visit catprotection.org.au

Rehoming Organisation Number R251000224

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