City Hub 5 November 2015

from Bondi to Balmain...

City News Since 1995 cityhub.net.au

N OV E M BE R 5 , 2 0 1 5

FREE

TRUMPETING

THE CAUSE

Ellen Kirkwood will feature at the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival Page 11

SPECIALS validvALId WEEKLY SPECIALS SPECIALSSpecials WEEKLY SPECIALS November - 12th March August 5th 20th – 11th – 5th August 27th Sirena tuna in oil 185gm $1.60 perchampagne ham KRAFT CHEESE litre BLOCK 1KG ea

2.49

$

258 258Illawarra Illawarra Rd,Road, Marrickville Marrickville 258 Illawara Marrickville Phone: 9559 7064 Phone: 9559 7064

17.99 7.00

$ sa$ve $ 1.98$save 15.62 save coca-cola $ 2.97 Soft Drink canS 30X375ml VarS

11.99

$

watermelon whole

save $ hALf PRICE4.50 $save $ 1.00 $10.42 per kg save COLD POWER ULTRA greenSeaS LAUNDRYtuna LIQUID 1L OR $ 95g POWDER SelecteD900G/1KG 12.00

99¢

4.49

VarietieS

258WeIllawara Road, Marrickville Sell Organic Phone: 9559 7064 Fruit and

Vegetable 12c per 100ml SHAMPOO, PALMOLIVE s!

79 4.74 2.49 2.49

$

2 IN 1 $ CONDITIONER, BODY WASH 350ML $ c $ morning freSh save diShwaShing $ liquid 400/450ml 4.75 save save peterS $ original 2.504l$1.98 ice cream

Online Shopping Available – www.bananajoesfoodworks.com.au Online Shopping Available – www.bananajoesfoodworks.com.au

53c per 100gm ETA 5 STAR SPREAD 500G

2.00 $ save 0.99

$

2.11 save 1.70

$

$ corn kellogg’S flakeS 380g

We Sell Org anic We Sell Orga FrFr uiuit tand nic and VeVe gege tatablbl es es!!

GLEBE.COM.AU, CITY OF SYDNEY AND MOTHERSHIP EVENTS PRESENT

LONG TABLE DINING, LOCAL TALKS & HISTORY

BLOCK PARTY WITH LIVE MUSIC, ART, FOOD TRUCKS & BAR

250+ STALLS OVER A 1km ROAD CLOSURE

glebestreetfair.com / #glebestreetfair Gold Coin Donation to glebe.com.au Volunteers

2

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

Strata laws could push the elderly out

BY KENJI SATO In the wake of new strata law legislation in NSW, there are fears the laws could allow developers to target elderly residents.

Under the new laws, strata title holders who own a part of a building, such as an apartment unit, would be forced to sell their property to developers if 75 per cent of the other strata owners agree.

Currently, the law requires a 100 per cent agreement. The reduced quota requirement means that those who object to the sale could be forced to sell.

Amelia Christie, the Manager of Research and Advocacy at the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association, told City Hub that the laws leave elderly people vulnerable.

“Older people are more likely to live in older blocks that they’ve lived in for a long time, and those older buildings are being targeted by developers,” Ms Christie said.

“These are people who bought their home on the understanding that they could live in it for as long as they like, but the reform throws that back in their face.”

She said that older people will be pushed out and will not be able to buy back into the area.

“If somebody’s living on a pension and their home is their only asset, they’re not going to be able to buy into a building that’s been revamped.”

“They’ll be pushed away from those areas, their social ties, and the doctors they know, which is crucial for older people, and we fear that these people will be forced into nursing homes prematurely.”

Two bills passed NSW Parliament last week on 27 October, with the changes set to be implemented in July next year.

Strata campaigners say that the changes may allow for more urban renewal. Source: Wikicommons.

With one quarter of Sydneysiders living in apartment complexes with strata schemes, the latest change to the law has caused division in the community.

Chris Johnson, the CEO of Urban Taskforce Australia, said that the reforms were “essential” for Sydney’s growth.

“It’s a very good move, particularly the issue about changing the number of votes required for unit holders to 75 per cent from 100 per cent,” Mr Johnson told City Hub. “The previous issue about 100 per cent often meant that one single owner could hold out by ransoming the rest of the owners for a much

bigger sum. This stopped a lot of developments happening, which was very unfortunate.”

“The reform enables a lot of old, tired and substandard apartment buildings from the sixties to be replaced without a giant amount of problems.

There are many precincts around Sydney, some in the eastern suburbs, some in the middle suburbs, some further west that can all go through a renewal process, which we think is quite important.”

President of Strata Community Australia NSW Greg Haywood told City Hub that he was mostly happy with the reduction and that “old tired buildings” had become a work health and safety problem.

But Greens Newtown MP Jenny Leong said that the true purpose of the strata reforms was profit, not urban renewal.

“One argument used to defend this proposal is that it is in the interests of urban renewal, that older buildings will be replaced by newer, more sustainable developments. However there is no requirement that this has to be the aim of a redevelopment,” she said in a statement.

Ms Leong said she feared this may lead to existing affordable housing being replaced by luxury penthouses.

“There is no guarantee that the number of dwellings in a new development will be equal to or greater than the existing number of dwellings,” she said.

“The big winners will be the developers who know that there are big profits to be made and have been pushing for this change. This was a shameful way to deal with significant reforms that will impact on so many in our community.”

President and founder of Green Strata, Christine Byrne, said the she was “extremely disappointed” to find no new regulations around environmental sustainability in either of the two bills.

“There is not a single mention of anything to do with sustainability, even though they promised it would be in there years ago,” Ms Byrne said.

She also said she was unhappy with the way that the reforms were enacted.

“Yes, there have been legitimate cases where buildings are falling down and they cost more to maintain than to knock down and build again.

But I don’t believe there are enough protections in there where people can lose their home purely for the financial benefit of other owners when there’s nothing wrong with the building.”

Barangaroo Picnic turns ‘heavy handed’ Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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

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

ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Manager: Chris Peken Group Editors: Christopher Harris, Lydia Watson-Moore, Ryan Quinn, Kenji Sato Arts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan Advertising Managers: Robert Tuitama, Mark Barnes, David Sullivan Cover Photo: Chris Peken - Jenna Cave, Paul Weber, Amy Curl, Luke Davis, Paul Meo and Angelene Marmion Email: question@altmedia.net.au Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Contact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Web: altmedia.net.au

If you have a story you’d like to tell us: news@altmedia.net.au

altmediagroup

Chris Peken -

altmediasydney

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Campaigners trying to save Millers Point from privatisation at Barangaroo have told City Hub that multiple guards “descended” on them last Saturday, November 1 while they were gathering outside a celebratory picnic at the Barangaroo Reserve.

The campaigners were told they were not allowed to write on the footpath, or distribute their paper planes to passers-by.

According to the Barangaroo website, the series of Sunday picnics “celebrates a different theme – stone, sea and sky – to honour the history of the place, its people and their aspirations”.

But this apparently does not include the history of the nearby Millers Point residents.

November’s month was the celebration of ‘sky’. The Millers Point campaigners chose to hand out paper planes with messages written on them.

“Celebrate the Sky; Make a Sky Plane; Aim High in the Sky; Save the Millers Point Community,” read the planes.

The Save Millers Point Facebook page said that half a dozen security officers stopped the group campaigning.

“We were not to hand out material outside Barangaroo, and we were not to chalk the word ‘Community’ outside Barangaroo,” the post read.

“Head of security for Barangaroo said we had to get permission from the state government before handing out information or paper planes outside Barangaroo, where the signs say Hello Neighbour. Who are these signs for?”

Campaigner John Donne told City Hub that he found the security “heavy-handed”.

“A security guard collected names, and then he put them into his system,” he said.

Mr Donne said that he did not understand why it would be against the rules to distribute the paper planes on the footpath, outside the gates of Barangaroo Reserve.

“To me, I thought we were getting on alright with Barangaroo.”

“They made sure there was no more chalk being put on the footpath, and then they sent the young cleaner out to sponge it off,” he said.

Margaret Bishop, who was also amongst the campaigners, said that it was strange there were so many security personnel.

A Barangaroo cleaner scrubbing the pavement on Sunday. Source: Facebook.

“We are out on the footpath, there must have been something up because there was quite a lot of security around,” Ms Bishop said.

She said that she loved the development of the parkland, and despite the picnic controversy, the campaigners had a good working relationship with the park.

“We love the reserve, we think it is beautiful, and involving the arts is wonderful. We’re not a threat to them, we’re giving out little planes, and trying to get people to sign a petition, we got a really fabulous response from the general public,” she said.

“We try and do things in a light hearted way. We were doing it with a lovely smile.”

A spokesperson for the Barangaroo Delivery Authority said that one security member “politely requested” the campaigners to move away from the entrance, as the pathway needed to be clear for other visitors. “At no time were the Save Millers Point members asked to stop from handing out their flyers,” the spokesperson said.

City Hub was also told that the chalk was washed off due to the authority’s responsibility to clean and maintain the park. city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

3

Affordable housing causing controversy

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS The City of Sydney Council is partnering with the Salvation Army to deliver affordable housing in the inner city.

The City said it will pay the design costs for a new development, which will allow the development to exceed height regulations.

The development is planned to cost $55 million, and will deliver 166 low cost housing dwellings, including 48 homes to be used for crisis accommodation.

The City of Sydney is contributing $250,000 to the development which will meet ‘design excellence standards’, allowing the height restrictions of the area to be exceeded.

The proposed development is estimated to be 25 metres in height.

The 118 affordable housing units will have rents that are capped, in an effort to allow lower income workers to live close to inner city workplaces.

The City of Sydney said that the rent in the development will be generally capped at 30 per cent of a resident’s income City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that low cost accommodation was “urgently needed” for people who were finding it increasingly difficult to afford to live in inner city apartments.

“Every new affordable housing dwelling allows another lower income worker to live near essential city jobs, avoiding long trips from the city’s outer areas,” Clr Moore said in a statement.

“Successful global cities need a diverse mix of residents and affordable housing is essential to make sure Sydney doesn’t become an enclave only affordable for the well off.”

“We have an ambitious target to make 7.5 per cent of all housing in the City LGA affordable housing, delivered and run by not-for-profit organisations like the Salvation Army,” she said.

But not everyone is happy with the partnership between the City and The Salvation Army.

Convenor of the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Justin Koonin, said that The Salvation Army was known for its problematic relationship with the LGBQTI community.

In July this year, Fairfax media reported that the general manager of the Oasis Youth Centre in Surry Hills, run by The Salvation Army, quit after a young woman was told to pray away her feeling of same-sex attraction.

However, in 2012 the Australian Salvation Army distanced itself from comments made by the US branch of the charity that said homosexuality “is an unacceptable urge”.

Mr Koonin said that the Lobby group would be watching the partnership of the City and the Salvos very carefully.

“Given recent events at the Oasis Youth Centre, and previously in 2012 where a senior Salvation Army officer effectively said gay people deserve to die, and when the group made submissions to the House of Representatives as to why marriage equality was unsuitable, we would question whether the public statements matches with the actual practice on the grounds,” Mr Koonin said.

“It is natural to question whether those statements are put into practice, and will be watching closely to make sure services are provided in a manner which is wholly nondiscriminatory.”

Medical centres a fresh approach to health

OPEN

seven days Monday wednesday Friday 8.30am - 7pm thursday 8.30am - 9pm saturday 9am - 6pm sunday 10am - 6pm

2 hours

Free ParkinG 4

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

BROADWAY

Broadway shoPPinG centre level 1, 1 Bay street, Broadway (above rebel sport, below JB hi-Fi)

Broadway General Practice 8245 1500 dental connect 9211 2388 eye care Plus 9211 6635 diabetes australia centre 9281 6816 eternity laser cosmedic centre 9098 4310 laverty Pathology 9282 9245 Fresh therapeutics compounding Pharmacy 9281 6816

BONDI

westField Bondi Junction level 6, 500 oxford street, Bondi Junction (opposite Fitness First)

Bondi Junction Medical Practice 9389 9699 aBc dental 9388 9788 traditional chinese Medicine australia 9387 3319 advanced dermatology 1300 788 800 laverty Pathology 9389 9699 Physiotherapy seth hirschowitz 9389 9699 Psychology dr timothy J sharp 9231 2522 Fresh therapeutics compounding Pharmacy 9389 3168

www.sydneyhealthcare.com.au

concerned about the medicines you or your family member(s) take? www.freshtherapeutics.com.au

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: 0408 489 245 by improving the structure of the ground. We lift and relevel Call today to receive aasFREE assessment!

Call today to receive a FREE assessment! concrete slabs as well fill voids in the underlying soil strata.

ABC SEAMLESS 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.

$ GUTTER DISCOUNTERS $ Call today to receive a FREE assessment!

AGED CARE TRAINING

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

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

Licence No. 173676c

All Types of Gutters Installed Factory Direct • Comprehensive Warranties  Leafguard Metal Roofs  Watertanks NSW ProjectManager: 0408 489 245

• Practical Training on the wards not just in a classroom!

We offer courses in: • CHC30212 Certificate III in Aged Care • CHC40108 Certificate IV in Aged Care • CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability • CHC30312 Certificate III in Home and Community Care • HLTAID003 Provide First Aid

 Roof Restoration  Gutter Vacuuming

www.resinject.com.au

Reliable Services & Competitive Prices

9748 3022 www.abcseamless.com.au

7 Days QUICK SERVICE SYDNEY’S CHEAPEST RUBBISH REMOVAL

All Areas Free Quotes

Ph:

9747 8471

We Load

Terms & Conditions

9576 7282

061ICT1203

• Tree Lopping • Yard Clean Up

(Delivered by Vital Pulse, Cert issued by ABC First Aid RTO No.3399)

• Job possibilities with our agency • Established Since 1990 • Your own NURSE COACH

• Small Demolition • Deceased Estates Mob:

www.austnursing.com.au

Australian Nursing & Training Services

0418 426 422

Annandale Interiors

TIMBER, TEXTILE, LEATHER, WINDOW TREATMENTS AND CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE

VISIT THE INNER CITY’S NEWEST MEDICAL CENTRE • • • • • • • •

ORLANDO SPRING PACKAGE 3.5 seater + 2.5 seater + Ottoman Sofabed

Normally $4,348 Now Only $2,999 Pre-Christmas Delivery (Fabric Options Available) 38-42 Parramatta Rd Stanmore 2048 Tel: (02) 9565 1275— annint1@optusnet.com.au www.annandaleinteriors.com.au - www.facebook.com/annandaleinteriors

• • • • •

100% BULK BILLED WALK INS ACCEPTED MINIMAL WAITING TIMES ONE MINUTE WALK FROM REDFERN TRAIN STATION CENTRALLY LOCATED AMPLE STREET PARKING FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS FEMALE AND MALE GENERAL PRACTITIONERS PSYCHOLOGOGITSTS CHIROPTRACTOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST DENTIST CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

7-9 Gibbons Street, Redfern Monday to FRiday 8am till late; SatuRday 10am to 2pm 8399 5320 www.citydoc.com.au city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

5

Leichhardt Sending Plastic Bags Packing

Important Information City of Sydney Non-Residential and Business Register

BY RYAN QUINN Leichhardt Council wants locals to say goodbye to plastic bags, and they’re serious this time.

A council campaign is set to be launched in February and March next year, which will urge local businesses to go plastic-bag free.

The council will also speak with NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman and ask him impose a ban.

Manager and owner of the Friendly Grocer in Annandale, Sam Assaf, said that he would be happy for the council to ban plastic bags.

“The customer is so dumb and stupid, they buy one cucumber, they need a plastic bag for it.

Just imagine how many carry bags we go through every single day, where is the plastic going to go?” he told City Hub. “Why they don’t just get a big bag, everyone carry his own bag and get his stuff and put it

Leichhardt municipality to come on board and sign a covenant. Which means that they will voluntarily take on board the ban,” he said.

“Ultimately we would like all the retailers in the Leichhardt municipal area, and that’s the ultimate aim, but you need to look at what’s going to be the most effective thing to begin with and that would be to get the big supermarkets on board.”

Leichhardt Council had tried in 2004 to run a similar campaign encouraging Rozelle small businesses to end plastic bag usage, but they were denied Plastic Bag Free status by not-forprofit organisation Planet Ark due to the limited success.

Only five Rozelle businesses went plastic bag free and 14 businesses on average reduced their plastic bag usage by 40 per cent by the end of the three month campaign.

Changes to the law mean that you may now have the right to vote in forthcoming City of Sydney elections as a non-resident.

These changes, made by the NSW Government, mean that it is now compulsory for City of Sydney to maintain a register of electoral information. Any owners, occupiers and rate-paying lessees of rateable property within the City of Sydney’s local government area (LGA) are required to provide information when requested by the City of Sydney. The City of Sydney will use this information to determine who needs to be added to the register and, once verified by the NSW Electoral Commission, on the non-residential electoral rolls for voting.

Could this be you?

The register needs to include your information if: • You own land in the City of Sydney and pay council rates (for residential or business rated property).

• You occupy land, by yourself or with others, in the City of Sydney LGA, you pay at least $4,000 p.a. in rent and you have had an entitlement to occupy the premises for the previous 3 months.

• You lease land, by yourself or with others, in the City of Sydney LGA, you pay at least $4,000p.a. for the lease which includes a portion for rates and you have been a lessee of the premises for the previous 3 months.

• Companies that solely or jointly own, occupy or lease property in the City of Sydney may also be eligible to nominate representatives or may have representatives deemed by the City of Sydney.

To find out if you are required to register you can: • Complete our step-by-step online guide at cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/register • Call our Customer Service team on 1800 101 667

6

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

Anti plastic bag campaigners want to protect the environment. Source: Kate Ter Haar

there. It would be nice to force them to do that [sic].”

Mr Assaf said that a wide ban would give environmentally-conscious businesses like his more financial security, as it would level the playing field.

“For me, I want to do the service; I don’t want to lose customers. But when the law comes for everyone, customers will have to carry their own bags. I won’t just be the only one losing customers just because I don’t want to give them plastic bags,” he said.

Currently there are 3 billion plastic bags produced in Australia each year, according to Labor Leichhardt Councillor Frank Breen.

“Only about 3 per cent of those bags ever get recycled, the rest of them end up in rubbish tips or blowing around the streets, and particularly our water ways. That has a bad effect on our environment,” he told City Hub. Clr Breen said that the NSW Government and big retailers were “dragging the chain” on banning plastic bags.

“It is something that is quite achievable. It was only a month or so ago that the state government received a petition of 12,000 signatures calling for the ban, which was discussed in parliament,” he said.

As well as the campaign, Leichhardt Council hopes to push the NSW Government to impose a state-wide plastic bag ban.

Currently, the ACT, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania have banned single-use, or “thin” plastic bags.

Clr Breen said that the Leichhardt campaign would target large retailers first, hoping for them to set an example.

“We’ll be approaching the big retailers in the

Council were inspired by successful NSW Plastic Bag Free communities, such as Oyster Bay in Sydney, Huskisson, Mogo, and Kangaroo Valley, as well as Birregurra and Cannons Creek in Victoria.

Leichhardt Council meeting documents indicate the council acknowledges it will be a difficult task, as the successful communities had “no major supermarkets in their locale and on average had around 25 retailers in the town”.

In contrast, the Rozelle shopping strip had 200 businesses during the 2004 campaign, meanwhile the entire Leichhardt area today has 450, including three major supermarkets.

When her community went plastic bag free in 2004, Oyster Bay resident Alexandra Hills said that her area showed that “any city suburb with locally owned retail outlets can go plastic bag free at the checkout”.

Clr Breen said that local government did not have the authority to fine, only the power to try and persuade retailers to voluntarily enter into the ban.

Freemantle City Council in WA have also tried to pass a ban in 2012, with legislation currently pending in WA State Parliament.

Leichhardt Council documents said that the “Freemantle experience” demonstrated the “need for the States to introduce the ban to avoid the legal complexities”.

Clr Breen said that the ban will reduce the amount of bags which are caught in the council’s Gross Pollutant Traps, which prevents stormwater pollution entering waterways.

The ban would also eliminate the need for more trap funding.

Council currently hosts a Plastic Bag Free website which only received 101 visits between June 2014 and October 2015.

OST E RIA BAL L A

BALLA LOVES LUNCH

MAN FR E DI

OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 9 NOVEMBER. THREE GREAT MENU OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING OUR NEW ORGANIC MENU. SPEND $50 OR MORE TO RECEIVE FREE SELF-PARKING MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 12PM-3PM.*

80 PYRMONT STREET, PYRMONT | STAR.COM.AU/BALLA

/THESTAR

@ THESTARSYDNEY

*Offer valid until 30 November 2015. Spend $50 or more in a single transaction. Standard parking rates apply beyond offer times.

Payment must be made either in cash, by credit card or debit card.

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

7

Leichhardt child care splurge Sky’s the limiting

BY RYAN QUINN Leichhardt Council has continued to build an expensive child care centre despite declining birth rates in the LGA. With rates at their lowest since 2004, Independent Leichhardt Councillor John Stamolis said that the council had done nothing at the time of the area’s baby boom in 2009.

“Leichhardt councillors had not kept track of trends in data nor listened to its staff when it decided to spend a very large $4 million on a child care centre in an out-of–the-way location for most parents, six years after the peak,” he said in a statement.

“Now that the boom is over, council are building one of the most expensive childcare centres in Sydney.”

Labor Leichhardt Councillor Frank Breen said that the Greens-led council between 2008 and 2012 were aware of the boom, but failed to give it priority.

“In 2012, local Labor [who were minority in the council] ran on a platform of increasing childcare places available in the Leichhardt munipality,” he told City Hub. The 2012 election of Labor Mayor Darcy Byrne initially proposed building three council-funded child care centres, which was then reduced to one.

It was found that demand had been met by the trending downturn in Leichhardt birth rates and privately-operated child centres which had opened in the absence of council-owned ones.

Clr Stamolis said that with most children from the boom now in primary school, funds would be better spent on youth facilities and amenities for children.

“The thing that is a priority item is providing the space that kids are going to need for sports, because they’re now coming into that age where soccer fields, tennis courts and netball courts are going to be needed,” he told City Hub. “So would you have spent 4 million dollars on a child care centre or would you have spent it on new courts?”

Clr Stamolis said that a possible baby boom could be foreseen as early as 2003 and 2004 but council did not address this, despite complaints from parents.

“The data showed us that we should’ve had this centre functional in 2008, 2009 when parents were screaming. Go back over your stories, you’ll see what I mean. They’re not screaming now,” he told City Hub.

factor for Kings Cross locales

Child day care services on board Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee. Photo: Joseph M Buliavac. Source: Wikicommons.

Although birth rates are down, director of the nearby St. Thomas Child Care Centre in Rozelle Anna Frade said that there was still a very high need for child care in the area.

“Our waiting list is quite long, so I think there is demand definitely for child care in the city area” “I do think it’s needed and I do also feel like it needs to be affordable too. I mean if they’re going to be charging more than a hundred dollars a day, it’s going to be a bit steep.”

Clr Breen said that the introduction of the new centre would help to set better quality and pricing standards for other local centres.

“The idea is that a council facility does have a positive impact on the rest of the providers, and if they’re good operators, they’ll be able to review their situation and make some changes,” he said.

Public Exhibition

Meriden girls make their marks.

Outdoor dining and display of retail goods on the footpath Give us your feedback on new draft policies to manage the use of public footpaths for outdoor dining and displaying retail goods.

A braille copy of the documents is available at Town Hall House and Customs House and on request.

Please provide your comments in writing before 5pm on Tuesday 15 December 2015.

Submissions should quote reference: ‘S060627-02 Outdoor Dining’ and be posted to: Chief Executive Officer, Attention: David Fitzpatrick, Specialist Planner, City of Sydney, GPO Box 1591, Sydney NSW 2001 or emailed to dfitzpatrick@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au For more information call 02 9265 9333 or email council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au 8

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

Since 1897 Meriden has produced confident and articulate young women, renowned for making their marks academically and in the global community. cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Sydney2030/Green/Global/Connected

The draft Outdoor Dining Policy and Guidelines and Outdoor Dining Action Plan set out where outdoor dining can take place. They take into consideration accessibility, safety, topography, the width of the footpath, and how many pedestrians are using the area.

The draft Local Approvals Policy for the Display of Goods allows retailers to place displays on the footpath in specific circumstances.

After exhibition the City will consider all submissions received and the results will be reported to Council.

The draft documents are available for inspection at sydneyyoursay.com.au in accessible electronic and audio formats.

Printed copies are available for inspection at the following neighbourhood centres: • Glebe NSC • One Stop Shop (CBD) 186 Glebe Point Road Level 2, Town Hall House, (cnr Wigram Road), Glebe 456 Kent Street, Sydney Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm Monday to Friday: 8am–6pm • Kings Cross NSC • Redfern NSC 50–52 Darlinghurst Road, 158 Redfern Street, Redfern Kings Cross Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm; Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm; Saturday: 9am to noon Saturday: 9am–noon • Green Square NSC 100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland Monday to Friday: 10am–6pm

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Local residents have slammed suggestions that planning and height restrictions need to be removed in order to attract high rise development in Kings Cross.

On Saturday, Vicki Laing of Laing Real Estate told Fairfax media that the suburb “has the potential to be a very good residential hub with the right kind of development”.

Ms Laing said there would “have to be change in the planning laws” in the area, including a removal of height limitations.

Ms Laing’s proposal to create a ‘mini Manhattan’ has been criticised by local resident action group, The 2011 Residents Association.

Convener of the association, Helen Crossing, told City Hub that the area had been subject to changes in height restrictions under numerous governments, and said the neighbourhood should not be subject to the wishes of developers who “would not have to live with the consequences”.

Ms Crossing said that she was worried the ‘vital’ greenspace in the area would be compromised by high rise development.

“The green needs to be on the ground, because there is problems with noise transfer. We need to remember if you create high buildings, you lose sunlight.”

“I think the key thing for everyone is preserving the village atmosphere [and] maintaining diversity among the residents.”

Ms Crossing said that the Association had a diverse group of members, like the local neighbourhood.

Previously popular Kings Cross nightclub “Goldfish” opened as an apartment showroom over the weekend.

On Sunday, some visitors to the showroom, which was exhibiting apartments planned for the current Mercure Hotel site on Darlinghurst Road, were slightly baffled and scared by the screams of the local homeless population who occupy the strip during the daylight hours.

City Hub understands that one typical 100 sqm apartment in the development, which did not have a harbour view, would cost $3 million.

Open Morning Tuesday 10 November 9am – 10.30am

Prep to Year 12 10–12 Redmyre Road | STRATHFIELD 2135 Telephone 9752 9444

www.meriden.nsw.edu.au

Christmas in Pyrmont Returns

After hosting last month’s colourful evening of Bollywood dance and entertainment at Pyrmont restaurant Bombay2Mumbai, local organisers are gearing up for their final fundraiser for the year, Christmas in Pyrmont.

Christmas is Pyrmont will be held on Sunday 29 November at John Street Square, Pyrmont. It is shaping up to be a fun day featuring children’s band Jam on Toast and of course Santa will be there in the Snow Globe. For the grownups, there will be plenty of shopping and entertainment. There will also be a monster raffle on the day with fabulous donated prizes, including a night at The Darling and a day spa package.

All funds raised will benefit local organisations, including Barnardo’s, Pyrmont Cares and Ultimo Public School.

The event is not to be missed. The festivities kick off at noon, so put it on the calendar.

For more information, visit the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ ChristmasInPyrmont.

Edible Icons Named SCCA Runner Up

After wowing shoppers earlier this year, Broadway Shopping Centre’s popular Edible Icons exhibition has been recognised at the 2015 Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) Marketing Awards.

Edible Icons was a colourful series of six ‘edible’ portraits of music icons Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, KISS, Amy Winehouse, Elvis and Madonna. The exhibition explored the unique concept of food mapping - each subject was depicted with only fresh and dried food. The artists used dozens of ingredients, including cured meats, salt, seaweed and coffee beans.

The winners of the 2015 SCCA Awards were announced at a gala dinner at the Ivy Ballroom on Tuesday 27th October. The Edible Icons showcase was named Runner Up in the Community – Big Guns category of the prestigious Awards.

The Awards program gives shopping centres around Australia the opportunity to be recognised in one of five main marketing categories, and the chance to win the industry’s highest honour, the Sabina Rust Memorial Prize for Campaign of the Year.

Broadway’s in-centre ‘Edible Icons’ experience featured as part of the Pyrmont Festival. Broadway was a key venue partner for the annual Festival, which celebrates regional wine, food and art.

Broadway’s Marketing Manager, Vanessa Hinton said, ‘We are extremely proud that the shopping centre industry body has acknowledged this important community partnership between the Pyrmont Festival and Broadway Shopping Centre plus a new-ground event we were able to bring to customers this year’.

Powerhouse Reveals Super Powers

From November 21st, a never-beforeseen collection of Super Heroes and Super Villains will bunker down at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo for a new exhibition called The Art of the Brick: DC Comics.

Created by legendary LEGO® artist Nathan Sawaya, this contemporary art exhibition uses hundreds of thousands of the colourful bricks to create large-scale sculptures of the most enduring Super Heroes and Super-Villains of our times: from Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, to The Joker and Harley Quinn.

The exhibition reveals, for the first time, the world’s largest collection of DC Comics-inspired LEGO artwork.

Through a series of galleries, The Art of the Brick: DC Comics will showcase Sawaya’s interpretations on characters, vehicles, environments and themes found throughout the DC Comics mythology, including transformation and reinvention, strength and weakness, as well as good vs. evil.

Date: exhibition opens 21st November for a limited season.

VeNue: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, ultimo, 2007 BookINgS: http://premier. ticketek.com.au/shows/show. aspx?sh=aRtoFtHe16

Darling Harbour Construction Update

building, which will sit over Darling Drive, between the Western Distributor overpass and Quarry Street.

Given the location of the loading dock over the road and light rail corridor, and the nature of work that must be carried out, some of the associated construction activities are subject to access approvals from various authorities.

Throughout November, a series of night works and road closures are scheduled: • Sunday 8 November to thursday 12 November (inclusive) - Between 8pm and 5am, night works will be undertaken and Darling Drive will be closed.

• Friday 13 November to Saturday 21 November (inclusive) - Respite period. No night works. Darling Drive will reopen on the weekdays.

• Sunday 22 November to thursday 26 November (inclusive) - Between 8pm and 5am, night works will be undertaken and Darling Drive will be closed.

While some noise is expected at night, work activities have been programmed to minimise the potential impact on the neighbouring community where possible and appropriate mitigation measures will be in place.

Darling Drive will continue to be closed on weekends from midnight Friday to 8pm Sunday.

For more information, please contact the Darling Harbour Live Community engagement team on 1300 799 026 or info@darlingharbourlive.com.au.

Pyrmont Ultimo Dining Highlights

international beers and fine wines from the Verandah Bar or indulge your tastebuds with the delicious array of meals and share plates created by Australian Hotel Association Chef of the Year Finalist, Ashley O’Sullivan.

SyDNey SeaFooD SCHooL – SyDNey FISH Market, Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/ seafood-school/about-sss Learn how to cook seafood from the experts at Sydney Seafood School. With 13,000 guests attending classes each year, the School is Australia’s leading cooking school, hosting a wide range of classes for all skill levels, from a simple paella or stir-fry, to the more complex weekend workshops with leading chefs.

WateRSHeD – 198 Harbourside, Pyrmont www.thewatershedhotel.com.au With picturesque views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline, this eatery is a Sydney treasure, offering up hearty Australian pub food and an impressive selection of wine, beer and spirits. Happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday, making Watershed the perfect location to unwind after work.

Head online for more news & events

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

Join us on Linkedin LIKE us on Facebook

The latest edition of Pyrmont’s annual dining guide Dine Local showcases some of the region’s most well known favourites, promising newcomers and best-kept secrets. Feast your eyes on some of the best that our precinct has to offer.

MoMoFuku SeIoBo – 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont www.momofuku.com/sydney/seiobo/ This is French-Vietnamese dining at its best. Stemming from the famous New York City outpost, Momofuku Seibo offers an exquisite tasting menu that changes constantly, emphasising fresh Australian ingredients and Sydney’s diverse food culture.

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

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

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

The newsletter is published monthly in AMG publications and on the PUCC website, www.pucc.com.au. The PUCC e-mail database has about 1800 subscribers. Please note that inclusion is limited to space and timeliness.

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

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

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

PyRMoNt PoINt HoteL 59 Harris Street, Pyrmont www.pyrmontpoint.com.au You’ll find a sun-filled courtyard, a bistro and several cosy nooks at this multi-level venue. Sip on cocktails, Construction is currently underway to build the loading dock for the new ICC Sydney Exhibition

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

9

‘Lifers’ face maximum lockdown

BY KENJI SATO Haymarket-based community activist group, Justice Action, has slammed proposals to change the classification of all NSW prisoners on life sentences to maximum security.

Brett Collins, the coordinator of Justice Action, condemned these plans, which have been put forward by the NSW Minister for Corrective Services David Elliott.

Mr Collins submitted his condemnation to the current NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Security Classification and Management of Inmates Sentenced to Life Imprisonment.

The inquiry committee will meet on the 23rd and 27th of November to discuss whether ‘lifers’ should continue to have the opportunity to have their security classifications reduced with ‘good behaviour’.

Twelve ‘lifers’ have had their security classifications reduced to medium or minimum security over the past 30 years, sparking Mr Elliot’s calls for non-negotiable maximum security Mr Collins told City Hub that this would reduce lifers to the status of ‘living dead’.

“Minister Elliot has proposed to the Inquiry the punishment and exclusion of prisoners more severe than ever before. The classification and treatment of ‘lifers’ based on anything other than security offends many principles of the justice system,” he said.

“The classification should not be used as a punishment itself. That has never been the case until now. The idea of someone being held in a deliberately destructive high security is effectively torture. We spend taxpayers’ money to deliberately degrade people, and that runs counter to the idea of Corrective Services.”

The inquiry is examining whether rehabilitation programs should be offered to prisoners that have little or no prospect of release from custody, but Mr Collins said that access to rehabilitative

Goulburn Prison. Source: Wikicommons.

programs should not be dependent on the prospect of release.

“Everyone should have a chance to develop and improve. It’s the whole philosophy of hope that’s part of a civilised community, or any religious community,” he said.

But Victims of Crime Assistance League Inc. NSW, a support group for victims of crime, submitted that rehabilitation services should be prioritised for prisoners towards the end of their sentence. not for those without a release date.

“Corrective Services NSW has only limited resources available to provide rehabilitation programs to prisoners as they progress through the custodial system,” they said in their submission.

“A life prisoner, who has no prospect of release, should therefore not take the place of someone who has prospects of release.”

The Homicide Victims’ Support Group told the inquiry that ‘lifers’ should not have their sentences lowered to anything below medium security.

“There is a common (and reasonable) perception among the families and friends of homicide victims that a life sentence is ‘for life’ and hence the conditions of the inmate will not change significantly over time,” they said in their submission.

“Reclassification from a higher to a lower classification may indicate to victims that an offender will be entitled to certain special privileges

whilst serving their sentence. Particularly in the case of serious offenders, low security classifications are commonly perceived by victims as being irreconcilable with the extreme severity of the offences committed.”

The inquiry is also examining whether victims, including friends and family of the direct victims should be consulted before changing the security classification of prisoners.

The Homicide Victims’ Support Group recommended to the inquiry that victims be allowed to have a say in the reclassification process.

“For a victim to be curtly informed that the offender has been reclassified from the ‘A2’ level to the ‘B’ level in a one-line letter or a short phone call without explanatory information of any kind, is meaningless. It is disempowering to receive information by way of incomprehensible bureaucratic jargon,” they said.

But in a handwritten submission, one ‘lifer’ argued that the involvement of victims would emotionally impact the judge and affect the impartiality of the court process.

“Involving registered victims in the classification and management decision making process would prejudice such inmates and result in additional and unjust punishment to what is already regarded as a severe punishment being the loss of liberty,”the submission said.

In a separate submission, another ‘lifer’ said that the prospect of reclassification would give lifers an incentive to behave well.

“There are those that believe ‘lifers’ deserve absolutely nothing. Our punishment was to be locked away from our family, friends, and society for life. Giving hope gives us a reason to be well behaved, and also to not cause harm to other inmates, staff or ourselves. The chance of advancement gives us something to work towards.”

Randwick Block Devil’s in the Party Fund story detail of the EIS

BY RYAN QUINN Randwick Council is putting aside $10,000 dollars to cover the cost and planning of your next neighbourhood ‘block party’.

Liberal Randwick Councillor Brendan Roberts said that the council were supporting a sense of community by setting aside funds for traffic management during neighbourhood functions.

“It allows streets and neighbours to come together and not be hamstrung by local government red tape,” he told City Hub. “It allows communities that have been working hard all year to gather together, enjoy a barbeque, enjoy a street free of cars, enjoy letting their kids run around, and it’s an opportunity for council to support them to do that.”

November and December have A September 1945 street party in Selborne Road, Kent, celebrating victory in the been known to Randwick Council Second World War. Source: Brian Attree as a prime time for ‘block parties’. council “out of pocket”, as it was a “diversion of In 2014, Randwick Council received 8 council resources”. applications for street parties for the end of the Council documents said that the funds would year, according to council meeting documents. help to create a strong partnership between Without this new allocation of funding, residents the council, the community and government would be required to provide their own Traffic agencies, and would also ensure community Management Plan, which only larger organisations safety. have the capacity to provide.

“As part of council’s commitment to building “If anyone ever wants to close off a street for an “a sense of community”, support should be event, they have to provide a traffic management given towards neighbourhood street parties. plan to the council,” Clr Roberts said.

To safely close the road to facilitate street Clr Roberts said the plan would not “cost a lot parties, appropriate traffic control needs to be of money”, and said the plan would not put the implemented,” a council meeting document said.

10

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS According to the WestConnex Action Group, the Department of Planning and Environment received over 4,500 submissions in response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the WestConnex project.

City Hub understands that the majority of objections came from community groups opposing the project.

The EIS is 5,000 pages long, and was open for public comment for 55 days.

WestConnex Action Group spokesperson Pauline Lockie said the claims made in the EIS “did not stand up to scrutiny”.

“We knew the Baird Government was desperate to avoid any transparency when it came to the M4 East EIS, and when we went through it, we could see why,” Ms Lockie said.

She said that in the EIS, traffic modelling assumed dedicated bus lanes would be added to Parramatta Road, despite the fact they were not part of the project.

Ms Lockie said that the government had “used a different, made-up project to come up with these figures”.

“No wonder the Baird Government gave the community just 55 days to respond to this EIS, even after hundreds of people called and emailed Planning Minister Rob Stokes to demand more time,” she said.

They are not the only group to have found surprises in the 5,000 page government document.

On October 29, Leichhardt Council held a town hall meeting to discuss the “smoking gun” contained within the voluminous EIS statement.

Independent traffic experts told Leichhardt

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne. Source: Supplied.

Council that four key intersections between Haberfield and Leichhardt would be reclassified as an F classification in traffic impact, the worst rating possible.

Leichhardt Labor Mayor Darcy Byrne said that the EIS confirmed the project would turn Parramatta Road “into a carpark”.

“Worse still, this independent analysis shows that the first stage will create the mother of all rat runs through streets in Leichhardt, Haberfield and other inner west suburbs,” Clr Darcy said.

“After all the government’s bluster about WestConnex the truth is now revealed, the first stage is literally a tunnel to a traffic jam,” he said.

Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen said that the cost significantly outweighed the benefits of the project.

“The NSW Government is spending $15 billion on polluting tollway that will only save motorists 6 minutes on their travel times from Parramatta to the CBD,” she said.

ARTS FEATURE

Fourth Sydney International

Women’s Jazz Festival

BY JAMIE APPS When people think of jazz music, it is predominantly artists such as Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie that pop into their minds eye––and they all have one glaring thing in common… they are all male. It’s this predisposed idea that jazz is a male centric genre that the Sydney Women’s Jazz Festival set out to challenge and hopefully rewire four years ago.

“As well as celebrating women as musicians, composers, conductors and band leaders, we hope the festival provides role models for young and emerging artists who are considering a career in jazz,” explained Festival Director and General Manager of Sydney Improvised Music Association Inc (SIMA) Amy Curl.

By simply looking at the growth of the festival itself, having gone from “a handful of events” in the beginning “to a continuous two week event that includes 14 club gigs, four free outdoor events and late sessions as well as developing its own exclusive international component”, it is fairly clear that the desired results are taking hold.

For artists this is an extremely positive evolution and one that they feel has long been overdue. Ellen Kirkwood reflected on her time at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as “the only woman in my year, and out of the entire jazz course there were only three women total.”

Ellen believes the severe disparity in the gender mix can be put down to two main factors: historical precedence, and a lack of female role models thus following on from that. “Throughout history there has been mostly male jazz musicians, so it wasn’t really considered a feminine thing to do and it never really shifted away from that until now. So the more women we can get playing jazz and being seen, the more it will cease to be seen as a ‘boys thing’,” said Kirkwood.

Jenna Cave, Paul Weber, Amy Curl, Luke Davis, Paul Meo and Angelene Marmion. Photo: Chris Peken

The need for aspiring female musicians to have strong female role models is extremely high, because for artists such as Kirkwood they were hard to find initially. “Eventually I found Sandy Evans and Ingrid Jensen. Then when I was in year 12 I did the young women’s jazz course and met awesome female musicians like Cathy Harley and found out about Julie Bailey.”

Thankfully now as the gender gap is closing in Sydney, the city is also experiencing a “venue explosion over recent years” which is “largely due to efforts by the City of Sydney” according to Curl.

Jenna Cave another artists at the festival reaffirmed this sentiment, pointing out that from her experience “especially within the past ten years there is just so

◆ Corner Jazz Featuring BB+Cam Sat, Nov 7, Lord Worsley Hotel. FREE ◆ Divergent Jazz Orchestra Conducted

by Jenna Cave Sun, Nov 8, Foundry616. $10-25 ◆ The Mieville Project Tue, Nov 10, Foundry616. $10-25 ◆ TheBop Darlings Featuring Virna Sanzone Wed, Nov 11, Tatler Bar. FREE ◆ Mimi Jones - Camille Thurman Quatet (USA) Thu & Sat, Nov 12 & 14, Foundry616. $20-39 ◆ Sandy Evans Trio Featuring Bobby Singh Sun, Nov 15, Foley Park Stage - Glebe St Fair.

FREE

many more female jazz artists and a thriving community in general.”

One of the complimentary elements of the festival that has been vital to the reinvigorated jazz scene in Sydney is the Young Women’s Jazz workshops which began in 2002, hosted by Sandy Evans OAM and SIMA. Over the years these workshops have hosted many of the faces that can be seen gracing the stages of this years edition of the festival. Such overwhelming success from projects such as this never go unseen, and as such they have been duplicated recently in Western Australia to hopefully replicate results there.

As the festival has grown in size it has also grown in scope, they have been able to commission new works

EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Popolo Diving into an established all-male Italian kitchen as the new head chef could be daunting (especially as a half-English, half-Welsh woman) but Naomi Lowry has taken it in her stride. She’s maintained the menu’s confident Southern Italian focus, notching it up with Sardinian Fregola ($27/$35) resplendent with perfectly cooked cuttlefish, calamari, prawns and mussels, and topped with a generous helping of bottarga. Bottarga also features (albeit with a lighter touch) over EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES The Village Inn After a tough week due to his ‘no high vis.’ dress code, Leeroy Petersen showed me what his new venue should be known for – good food. Inside the once ‘durty’ old Irish bar, you’ll now be bathed in natural light as you tuck into The Underwood ($18) with braised, pickled beef, honey carrots and mustard on toasted soy linseed bread. Pet Two Four ($17): ham hock terrine with duck rillette win best tasting pun (ducks have two legs and pigs have four). The lighter Nordic ($17) cured salmon with smoked baby potatoes and crunchy capers, pairs nicely with Pfeiffer Pinot Gris ($12/glass); and the snazzy ‘tradies’

ACME While the much-lauded ACME’s Macaroni, Pig’s Head, Egg Yolk ($18) is undeniably delicious, you might be left wondering: where’s the rest of it?

Engaging staff do give adequate warning duos need three pastas, three entrees, salad and probably dessert. Gnawing on a fistful of raw baby Turnips in Bottaga Butter ($12), it’s hard not to contemplate food costs - especially as a snack-sized half roasted Beetroot on Macadamia Butter ($14) lands, accentuated by grated coffee bean.

The winning aspect is Chef Mitch

created specifically for the festival since last year. This year the commissioned piece is Ellen Kirkwood’s ‘The Mieville Project’ which is inspired by British fantasy fiction author China Mieville. The Mieville Project also features narrator Caroline Leview, who will assist Kirkwood and her collaborators to conjure Mieville’s futuristic machines, creatures and constructions to life.

“I’ve written a set of music that is essentially musical illustrations of excerpts from Mieville’s books that I really liked or felt had striking imagery. If you like music that is a bit different to what you’re used to, if you like stories or if you like stuff that is a little bit weird you will enjoy this,” explained Kirkwood.

While the future appears to be looking bright and sunny for women in jazz, Amy Curl stresses that it is crucial that “we as audiences play an important role in supporting live music, both performers and venues, too. We have to get out and hear it!”

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

beautifully toothsome Pappardelle Verdi ($26/$34) served like a ragu with tender baby octopus. Both go gangbusters with a smooth, cherry-like 2012 Cos Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico ($110) blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato from Sicily. Produce-centred cooking starts with Naomi receiving a 7am call each morning from her seafood providore, giving her the lowdown on the catch of the day. It ends in plump Yamba Whitebait ($22) joining the menu as an entree special, alongside Coffs Harbour Swordfish ($36) as her fish of the day. Deep crosshatched grill marks and a juicy moist centre ensures the swordfish sings against a summery panzanella salad and bright green watercress purée.Where you will see a change at Popolo is in the desserts, where chef Naomi smiles about “getting to play”. And her spherical Coconut Panna Cotta ($17) is a showstopper, cracked open tableside to reveal hidden mango purée.

50 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay (02) 9361 6641 popolo.com.au Italian $$$$

doughnut’: Chocolate Churros ($8) goes down a treat.

9-11 Glenmore Road, Paddington (02) 9331 0911 thevillageinn.com.au Pub Food $$

FULL PROGRAM: sima.org.au CITY HUB HIGHLIGHTS

Orr’s imaginative combinations: Beef Tartare, Prawn and Burnt Onion ($24) and Spaghetti ($24) with calamari and Korean bolognaise. Foamy Coconut Rice Cream ($10), hiding a treasure trove of caramelized white chocolate, nails dessert.

60 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay (02) 8068 0932 weareacme.com.au Modern Australian $$$ DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Geisha Haus Handsome bartenders spent a lot of time muddling, freezing and whirling smoke through a range of bespoke Japanese-inspired cocktails. Frozen using liquid nitrogen, into a pretty pink slushy, Kawaii Kisses ($19) with watermelon,

Mamasan Scratch beneath the hipster veneer and many venues come up lacking. Underlying kooky décor that includes a glowing sakura ceiling in the upper bar, and erotic shibari prints, Edison bulbs in birdcages and dangling autumnal leaves downstairs, is both clever architecture (courtesy of FJMT https://fjmtstudio. com/who did neighbouring Surry Hills Library) and a raison d’etre. Fusing Taiwanese street food and Japanese cuisine came about because owner Gemma Lin grew up in a tiny Taiwanese fishing village where T2 Just Rose tea, Belvedere vodka and sake, could well become the taste of Sydney summer. Chef Rajendra Tamang’s resume includes time at Sokyo, which shows in modern Japanese-influenced bites like Maguro Hana ($18/4 pieces), tuna ‘flowers’ glued onto tempura rice squares with spicy mayonnaise; and blackened Miso Cod ($24) served à la san choy bau. Pro-tip: don’t breathe out while eating the Haus Cigar ($9) of tuna tartare resting over maltodextrin sesame ash - you risk being covered in suspicious white powder.

Level 1/5-9 Roslyn St, Potts Point (02) 8065 1812 geishahaus.com.au Cocktails, Modern Japanese $$$ Rosie Campbell’s Bright, sunshiny colours and a cosy, welcoming interior transform this

“on a clear day, you can see the coast of Okinawa,” her partner Adam Hunt explains. Taking cocktails with him at the base of a Japanese maple, it’s hard not to share in his enthusiasm for their “bitchin’ bar”.

Our liquid journey flows from the smooth Brand New Old Fashioned ($19) using Nikka from the Barrel, to Brewing Dude Kamoshibito ($36/300ml) from their interesting sake list. It’s perfect if you like full, funky rice flavours. Chase it with imported Japanese beers, including my favourite Koshihikari Echigo Rice Beer ($16/500ml). Maintain control using a steady stream of bar bites, from tender sashimi off cuts in Popcorn Fish ($19) to sticky-sweet Buffalo Wings ($19) topped with chilli threads.Your musthaves both cleverly employ red Sichuan peppercorns – floating in excellent Homemade Miso Soup ($7) and enlivening pickled cabbage accompanying their achingly tender One Bite Beef ($31).

403 Crown Street, Surry Hills (02) 9331 8881 mamasan.com.au Taiwanese, Japanese, Cocktails $$$$

difficult corner space into the type of spot you’ll enjoy spending time in.

Throw in a waitress with a Caribbean grandmother, and you’ll soon have toasted coconut-topped Corn ($8) and vibrant, soupy Callaloo Greens ($8) on your table, with some idea about how to eat them. Hint: they’ll brighten up Grilled Jerk Chicken ($18). Snapper Ceviche ($20) accentuates lovely fresh snapper with hot sauce. My hot sauce highlight is their house-made habanero guava sauce – smother it over the fries that come with your Soft Shell Crab Burger ($18). The kitchen outpaced our rum-based cocktail selections, but a Red Stripe ($8) will tide you over.

320 Campbell Street, Surry Hills 02) 8356 9120 rosiecampbells.com Caribbean, Jamaican $$

Master Breaking ranks with the ‘simple food done well’ trend everyone seems to be following, Master takes some risks in a reasonably priced menu.What looked like tuna sashimi turned out to be Watermelon in Preserved Mustard & Nori ($10), and tasted like nothing I’ve tried before.

Roasted Squid with Snow Pea Sprouts ($20) convinces you the noodle-looking things are noodles, but they’re squid. Burnt Cabbage with Fish Sauce Butter ($18) is the best cabbage I’ve had. Period. If you go here and don’t order it, we can’t be friends.

Trying to explain the flavour of Congee with Pear and Coriander ($10) would be like trying to describe a colour you’ve never seen, so I won’t bother.

368 Crown Street, Surry Hills (02) 8065 0838 masterdining.com.au Chinese $$ city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

11

EAT & DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

La Puerta Latino Flavours

By Alex Harmon Taking someone who has just arrived back from Peru to a South American restaurant is a double-edged sword.They’re full of helpful advice, but they’re also a little, well, full of it.

Luckily one of La Puerta’s owners’ Colombian wife, Catherin Rodriguez, was there to step in: “We’ve taken our favourite $ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

ROCKS & CBD LP’s Quality Meats If there’s a better BBQ Beef Short Rib ($44) in Sydney, I don’t know where to find it. Luke Powell coats his fat, juicy ribs in little more than salt and pepper, and sticks ‘em into the wood-fire smoker for nigh on sixteen hours.They’re charred, smoky and delicious.And while this is definitely American BBQ, the lack of obvious Americana - well except the (must-have) Mashed Potato and Gravy ($12) – means it also speaks to Europeans. Smoked Sausage ($14) and generous slabs of silky Chicken Liver Pate ($16) go flying out. Sides like Kale, Chickpeas and Anchovy Caramel ($14) serve the same purpose as Porteno’s famous crisp Brussels sprouts with vincotto – cleverly cutting the fat.

$$$ - mains between $22-$30

Suite 1, 12-16 Chippen Street, Chippendale (02) 8399 0929 lpsqualitymeats.com American $$$ Abode Bistro Hotel restaurants are curious beasts; and while Abode has been located as a stylish, stand-alone restaurant, it’s still part of the Parkroyal Darling Harbour. So, alongside seasonal, well-handled proteins – including crisp-skinned Cone Bay Barramundi ($32) - you’ll find the occasional spark of interest, like Salt Baked Celeriac ($18) with toasted hazelnuts, sweet and sour dressing and ricotta. Mostly it’s straight-up, honest cooking of dishes you’ll recognise, like Braised Short Rib ($30) with buttery mash and glazed carrots. Sommelier Jasmin Leighton commands an interesting list, with by-the-glass selections like the 2013

$$$$ - mains over $30

Harewood Estate Chardonnay ($13) supplemented by Aussie benchmarks like the 2013 Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling ($52/bottle).The latter is great with Rhubarb Four Ways ($15).

159 Day Street, Sydney (02) 9260 2945 abodebistro.com Modern Australian $$$

INNER WEST Da Vinci’s With the upsurge of enthusiasm for pizza certified Napoli, it’s easy to lose sight of styles popular across the rest of Italy. Nicola Piteo is set to change that using bases crafted using unrefined, stone-ground Petra 1 flour, and a 48-72 hour dough maturation process.The resulting pizzas are crisper, without being dry.They’re perfect for

dishes using more than 75% local produce – it’s buy-local on a whole new level. Throw in quality art, showcased in a beautifully decorated room, and you start to get the impression that country life doesn’t have to be rustic. Modern techniques used in beautifully presented dishes like Textures of Corn ($25) and Potato, Leek, Onion ($25) help solidify this. The former combines sweet corn and ginger puree with burnt corn, corn crisps, slow cooked egg, farro, sautéed cubed potato and wood ear mushrooms without losing the integrity and simplicity of the key ingredient: corn. Heaped pork rillettes prove the highlight of the generous Charcuterie Board ($25).

Finish frosty green Apple ($18), cucumber, honeydew melon and sweetened goat’s cheese, a dish that will cleanse your palate and probably turn your mind to grapes – ideal with so many Orange wineries on your doorstep.

42 Lake Canobolas Road, Orange (02) 6365 3275 racinerestaurant.com.au Modern Australian $$$$

TRA

VEL

TRAVEL Racine Restaurant Our understated country waitress is effortlessly beautiful. She gestures casually out one window to show where the 2014 Logan Sauvignon Blanc ($12/glass) comes from, then the other to indicate the origins of the Pressed Duck ($36) with lentils and heirloom carrots. If we hadn’t guessed from picturesque grapevines, her nonchalant answer certainly reminded us we weren’t in Sydney anymore.

Surrounded by a food bowl, Chef Shaun Arantz employs symbols on his menu to indicate

NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS Pana Chocolate Raw, organic and vegan are three words that I tend to ignore in life, unless I’m at Pana Chocolate in Alexandria, where it’s literally impossible.The Pana Chocolate Smoothie ($9.50) would satisfy anyone with a penchant for banana smashed within an inch of its life, and doesn’t mind the odd hint of coconut. Citrus Fruit Tart ($11.50), whilst immaculately presented (a common theme), was perhaps too lemony - we forgave its congealed texture in light of its raw constituents. Refreshing Cacao Granola ($12.50) taught me that 12

Brazil nut milk is actually worth a shot, even if it sounds wankier than almond milk.The Crepes ($11.50), which were flavourful without being too rich, were my standout.

21 Fountain Street, Alexandria (1300) 717 488 panachocolate.com Dessert $ The Bach Eatery Whispers of New Zealand cuisine prompted my visit to see what the hype was about.The predictably trendy interior was actually very welcoming. Being in a Kiwi joint, I assumed the 2013 Earth’s End Central Otago Pinot Noir ($13.50/ glass) would be a safe bet, but

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

“It’s like meat butter,” my dining companion exclaims, gesturing with half a two-bite Cannolo alla Mortadella ($4/each) in her hand. It’s crude, but apt: the balsamic cannoli come rolled in pistachio and filled with imported Italian mortadella that has been fashioned into pâté.They’re the first hint of the modern sensibilities, neatly interwoven with rustic, produce-centred cooking, at this vibrant Norton Street newcomer. Juicy rounds of pork sausage with pickles on tasty malt-darkened lentil buns make the Cotechino Sliders ($8/each) melt even the heart of this jaded slider aficionado. Or, if you prefer meat and bread the old-fashioned way, their wood-fire oven baked Foccacia ($5) with Porchetta ($10/100g) both eat wonderfully too. Start your drinking journey with a post-work palate cleanser - the Campari Spritz ($16) - elevated by freshly squeezed blood oranges.Third generation restaurateur, Matteo Galletto, will shepherd you through a succinct Italian wine list. His suggested Sardinian 2013 Terresinis Cantine Vernaccia ($14/glass) tames the normally floral varietal with combination oak and concrete tank ageing. It’s a fruit-driven companion to delightfully cheesy Cacio Fave e Pepe ($19) - rigatoni with Pecorino Romano

dishes from the whole of South America and adapted them to the Australian palate.” Before you can say ‘this one time in Cusco’, we were showered with share plates, including Platanitos ($9) - elaborate plantain chips that come with a delicious avocado dip - and Cassava Flat Cheese Bead ($8), which is worth it for the smoked butter alone.Throw in some cocktail twists like the Basil Passionfruit Caipirinha ($14) and the salty Chimichurri Margarita ($18) and you have yourself a party.The Wild Ceviche ($25) is “better than anything you’ll find in Peru” (say both) and the Crispy Pork Belly ($24) topped with chorizo crumbs is a Colombian specialty you’ll want to get acquainted with. If you have room, don’t neglect the tasty homemade Corn Cakes with Cuban Beef ($5/each). I could eat them all day, or for something excruciatingly sweet, the chef’s take on pavlova, the Merengon ($12), sums up this Aussie-Latino union perfectly.

Shop 5/2A Waters Road, Neutral Bay (02) 9953 8367 lapuertarestaurant.com.au South American $$

the less thematic Chocolate Box Barossa GSM ($11/glass) was better.Thirlmere Chicken Liver Pate ($19) wasn’t the best I’ve tried, but Pappardelle with Wild Mushroom Ragout ($22) is worthwhile, if only for the slow cooked egg hiding below the mountain of welcome Parmesan.

Broccoli & Almond Butter ($8) was literally just steamed broccoli with shaved almonds on top, but the 16 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder ($22) proved pretty decent.

399 King Street, Newtown (02) 8084 4093 bacheatery.com.au Kiwi $$

exploring high quality toppings, like Norma ($19) featuring fior de latte, deep fried eggplant, basil and shaved salted ricotta or Ortaggina ($23) which dribbles eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion and fire-roasted capsicum with stracciatella di bufala (the gooey heart of burrata cheese).

Buffalo milk cheese is also featured on Nicola’s antipasti plate - Montagna ($28), against great Italian salumi.

25 Lackey Street, Summer Hill (02) 9716 9000 davincispizzeria.com.au Italian, Pizza $$ Damda The first thing you’ll notice at Damda, beyond the strong design aesthetic, is the monstrous, smoke-belching oven and tattooed, Korean coal-master.This modern reinterpretation of Korean barbecue - the name means ‘resemble’ – is doing things differently. Instead of cooking at your table,

Capriccio Osteria brightened with broad beans. It’d be hard to beat the modern Cappuccino ($12) with brownie, condensed milk gelato and crisp milk skin, well, unless ricotta cheesecake is their Dolce Del Giorno ($12) (dailwy dessert).

159 Norton Street, Leichhardt (02) 9572 7607 capriccio.sydney Italian $$-$$$

sit back and enjoy cocktail carafes like delicate Green Seoul ($25) with mint, grape and lemon. Sticky-sweet chilli rice cake skewers, Ddeok Ggochi ($8/10 pieces), are great against Korean Cass ($6) beer.

Outstandingly tender and smoky Kalbi Beef Ribs ($35.50) arrive in a large metal tray, laden with gochujang noodle salad, cornballs, lotus root chips and house-made kimchi.Add on more meat – like Bossam ($17) (pork belly) – and apply the three accompanying sauces.

166 Norton Street, Leichhardt (02) 9560 0527 facebook.com/damda2015 Korean $$

GREATER SYDNEY Mrs Mi Mrs Mi in Chatswood Chase brings the authentic taste of Northern China’s Shanxi region into what appears to be

FOOD NEWS

a bustling, vibrantly coloured street-side location.Their specialty is knife-shaved noodles, made by none other than the robot chef. Braised Beef with Noodles ($14.80) are the freshest you’ll taste.

You can see the (human) chefs preparing everything right before your eyes. Go for the naturally colourful Handmade Dumplings ($14.80) against palatecleansing (and surprisingly delightful) Cherry Tomatoes in Plum Juice ($7.80) before diving into Taiwan-Style Fried Chicken ($15.80) - the perfect street food.You should also try the crowd favourite - Pan Fried Pork Buns ($11.80) – which ooze sweet, tender pork from inside their delicate casings.

Shop B-040, Lower Ground, Chatswood Chase, 345 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (02) 9904 6375 facebook.com/mrsmiaustralia Chinese $-$$

By Ryan Kennedy

Where The Locals Go On Tuesday 20 October, the Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce held their third Seafood Spectacular to launch Where the Locals Go—a guide promoting the best of the Pyrmont Ultimo precinct. By way of live theatre, fourteen Sydney TAFE apprentice chefs were turning out fresh seafood canapés at a rate of knots over various bubbling pots and sizzling hot plates in the Sydney Seafood School.

With fish and cooking tips stencilled around the walls and a view over the auction floor at the Sydney Fish Market, it was an appropriate scene for eating fresh and tasty pickings, while celebrating one of the precinct’s most iconic venues. With the students doing apprenticeships everywhere from Wenty Leagues to Rockpool, there were a range of ideas on offer, from simple grilled scallops and gently fried curls of squid, to more elaborate Scandinavian-inspired prawns on toast circles, and sesame grilled tuna on guacamole. Where the Locals Go was published in October as an insert in the City Hub

bar fly

Public House Petersham

newspaper as well as produced as a stand-alone glossy, booklet distributed throughout Pyrmont, Ultimo, Darling Harbour and the CBD at key retailers and businesses.

Keep your eyes peeled for it while shopping locally! www.pucc.com.au

By Amie Barbeler 292 Stanmore Road, Petersham (02) 9568 3703 publichousepetersham.com.au The Newington on Stanmore Road has been given a new lease of life; getting a fresh lick of paint and recently being re-launched as Public House Petersham – a funky space where the focus is on the community. The traditional pub decor has been ditched and replaced with cool street artworks, pinball machines, a woodfire pizza oven and a shipping container beer garden. Perfect for sharing on a warm day is the strange but summery Local Haloumi ($24) – a vibrant salad of haloumi, grilled Hawkesbury squid and watermelon. Feeling daring, I ditched sliders for the Steak Tartare ($22) this week. “It’s basically a deconstructed burger,” my date offered. A stolen sip of her New Port Sour ($16) – whisky, lemon, sugar and cinnamon bitters – quickly returned my tastebuds to normal.

While I love my whisky, I found my summer spirit drink in the Hard Lemonade ($16) - gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon, thyme and in-house lemonade.Yum.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The 16th Inaugural Chaser Lecture The team behind The Chaser have spent ten plus years parodying and satirising the media. Whether it is a twenty four hour news show with CNNNN, or lampooning politicians on The Chaser War on Everything, and most recently discussing consumer affairs on The Checkout, they are known for skimming the line on comedy and information.

The 16th Inaugural Chaser Lecture is another tick in the box for things to satirise.

Several years ago, Julian Morrow (the executive producer for most things Chaser related) was invited to give the Andrew Olle Media Lecture. While incredibly honoured, he thought with the right person this is definitely something that can be parodied.

That person was found in Bassem Youssef, a comedian and host of Al Bernameg.

Youssef, a former surgeon, is known as the John Stewart of the Arab world, having launched his show in Egypt under the presidential rule of Morsi. His show was terminated in 2014 and his family now live outside Egypt for their own safety. With the help of several talented staffers, Morrow and the Chaser team were shocked to hear Youssef said yes to giving the lecture. All proceeds for the lecture will go to the freedom of expression campaign of the charity Article 19, whose current focus is on the sedition charges faced by Malaysian cartoonist Zunar.

(LB)

a&e

Review: Danny Bhoy – ‘Please Untick This Box’ Tour

Nov 9, 7pm.

Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney. $80-$330 (dinner seating).

Tickets & info: giantdwarf.com. au/events/chaserlecture/

Scottish-Indian comedian Danny Bhoy’s new show ‘Please Untick This Box’ presents him at his best: funny, quirky, and unpredictable.

Considered as one of the top billers in his field, Danny is currently in the midst of his 2015/16 Australia & New Zealand tour.

In a sea of stand-up comedians, there is something fundamentally unique about Danny: his penchant for straying completely off-topic and then suddenly realising he has ventured off and coming back to his original joke, is what makes his shows unique. Or perhaps it is the fact that he has caught the essence of Australian & Scottish lifestyle that sets him apart. It is not easy to pin-point what is that makes this comic genius tick every time, but whatever it is, it sure keeps the audiences rolling in the aisles.

Danny’s humour is mostly observational, involving his own personal experiences, which helps him connect with the audiences. At his packed show at the elegant State Theatre in Sydney, at one point he literally had to stop for someone to finish going crazy with laughter.

His gags have over time become refined, and he seems to have developed his own genre of comedy.

From joking about Australian politics and the Sydney noodle markets, to poking fun at an international Blues singer and American politics, Danny’s performances are not to be missed.

His show guarantees a fun-filled evening with great laughs, and in the world ruled by Eddie Murphys and Chris Rocks, Danny Bhoy has set his own mark. (JR) Danny Bhoy returns to Australia next year. See tour dates at: dannybhoy.com/ tour-dates/dates2016/

Disability is such a strange word, for it defines people by what they aren’t.Where else do you hear of people being described in terms of what they cannot do? But for members of the Sydney based theatre ensemble RUCKUS, the word ‘cannot’ is simply not part of the vocabulary.The sixmember group comprises an extraordinary array of performing talents and abilities, including a gold medal gymnast, a Tropfest winner, slapstick comedian and a number of award-winning stage and screen actors.

Currently hosted by PACT centre for emerging artists in Erskineville, RUCKUS have begun workshopping their next major production, Speed of Life, which is scheduled for May 2016.The final stage of production should take them on exchange to visit Epic Encounters, a similar inclusive arts centre in Kampot, Cambodia.To make this dream a reality, they have embarked on an ambitious crowd-funding campaign.

13 STAGE 16 SCENE 17 SCREEN 18 Sounds

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

Creative director, Alison Richardson is optimistic but under no illusion as to the financial challenges. “There is so much pressure on funding for the Arts in Sydney and we are no different,” said Richardson. “That’s why we have turned to this crowd-funding initiative”.

The desire to change the attitude of hearts and minds towards disability is at the forefront of their art form.

Travelling widely and running theatrical workshops is central to this process.

“It’s all about what we do,” explained Audrey O’Connor––actor, dancer and filmmaker. “We show people what we dream and help them with their dreams.”

Breaking down the barriers of exclusion is not easy, but RUCKUS is making plenty of noise. (GW) Details of the RUCKUS crowd funding campaign can be accessed at ruckus.org.au/donate.

Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Alicia Sim, Nyssa Booth, Lauren Edwards, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olga Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Jemma Clarke, Jacqui Rothwell, Anvi Sharma, Emily Shen, Silvia Cheung.

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

13

Review: CATS The Musical More than thirty years after its international debut, CATS the musical returns to Sydney with an allAustralian cast for its 2015 revival–– with spruced up choreography and new music.A teeming, oversized junkyard spills out of the stage as the Jellicle cats take over the Capitol Theatre on the night of the Jellice Ball.

“It still has that authentic CATS feel, nothing in that sense has changed, there’s just some little extra things…if you’re a fan of the show you’ll notice the changes in a really good way,” explained Josh Piterman, who takes on the role of Gus the old theatre cat (aka ‘Growltiger’).“I think Andrew [Lloyd Webber] has a deep love for the piece, he wouldn’t be going back to it all the time if he didn’t love it so much,” he added.

CATS can be enjoyed on three levels––firstly for the spectacle, the gorgeous vision of the staging and costuming; for the form, the level of competency and talent of the performers; and the story.While the relentless singing (although flawless) may make it difficult for some to comprehend the larger plot, just settle in and enjoy all the various sub-plots about the many and varied Jellice cats (and if Act I is

slightly too morose for your taste, hang around for the uplifting second act).

While Delta Goodrem taking on the role of former glamour cat Grizabella has been hotly publicised, this appearance is only brief, the rich talent of the other performers taking centre stage for the main part of the show (notably, Matthew McFarlane as the commanding Munkustrap––and a questionable ‘hip hop’ update with a rapping Rum Tum Tugger, pulled off by Daniel Assetta).That said, Goodrem is gripping when she creeps onto the stage, and on opening night her rendition of ‘Memory’ summoned tears even from those most indifferent to her pop music career.

Piterman himself overwhelms when he erupts into a newly-penned Italian aria for one of the most fascinating origin stories, the infamously rough pirate Growltiger, serenading his ladylove Griddlebone (proving the talent that has seen him tour with the Ten Tenors).

Overall, CATS is an unmissable spectacular for fans of felines, with new joys for audiences who have seen its previous incarnations, and satisfaction for those of us wanting to finally experience a musical they have seen referenced in popular culture their entire lives. (AMaher) Until Nov 29. Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket.

From $74.90.Tickets & info: ticketmaster.com.au or catsthemusical.com/australia

The Vagina Monologues

The world famous play all about being a woman is coming to Sydney to be performed by the Lane Cove Theatre Company. For four nights you have the opportunity to watch some of the most powerful feminist prose ever performed at the Northside Baptist Church in Crows Nest.

Written by Eve Ensler, who shares heartbreaking moments and stories from numerous women around the world, this play will also make you laugh.

Director Megan Spindler was drawn to The Vagina Monologues because of it’s uniqueness and importance towards women.

“The play allows a space for women to speak about their experience without judgement or restriction. I love that this play is not about raging against society or making comparisons to others. It is just about women telling their stories,” said Spindler.

“We live in a society that can seem restrictive when it comes to peoples honest stories and still places expectations on what it is to be a certain gender.”

Her favourite monologues are the ones bringing life to taboo topics, such as ‘Wear and Say’ and ‘Smell and I was 12’.

This production features Lauren McNaught, Lilli Toll, Portia Prednay, Kelly McGowan, Sasha Murray, Nicole Smith, Kathryn Thomas, JoAnna Ferrari, Belinda Humphries and Rose Edwards.

“This is a great conversation that doesn’t happen and should.Yes, some parts are slightly cringe-making, however it’s hilarious how common and similar many women’s experiences are and how much less isolating it is to actually talk about something whose existence (or lack of) becomes a big part of a woman’s life,” added Spindler. (AMal) November 6–13, 7.30pm. Northside Baptist Church, 63 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest. $20-$25.Tickets & info: trybooking.com/JAMW

Roundheads and Peakheads Bertolt Brecht’s Roundheads and Peakheads is an uncomfortably funny, social and political statement––tackling issues of racism, materialism and class warfare.The play will be on show at the Bondi Pavilion, as part of the Actors College of Theatre and Television graduating season.

Director, Lex Marinos, wanted to challenge and inspire his students, and felt that Brecht was the best way to do so.

“When choosing Roundheads and Peakheads for this graduating group of actors, I thought it was important to choose a piece that explored themes that are completely relevant to today’s society,” Marinos explained.“Themes that would inspire the actors to delve into the political and social issues our country is facing every day.”

Written in 1936, Roundheads and Peakheads is a satirical anti-Nazi

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE GOOD WORKS An emotional and exquisitely told Australian story by acclaimed playwright, Nick Enright. Good Works follows the pasts and presents of two boyhood friends, and travels between several decades and generations in order to explore the family histories that have helped to shaped them as men. It presents a moving story that deals with timeless issues.The play will offer the audience a complex ride, with an underlying emotional through-line, giving an insight of what it’s like to be different while growing up in a small country town. (NB) Nov 5–29. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst. $38-$45.

Tickets & info: darlinghursttheatre.com 14

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

THE REAL THING Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing is a theatrical comedy/ drama focused on two central characters––Henry (Christopher Tomkinson) a successful playwright, and Annie (Ainslie McGlynn) his mistressturned-wife.The entire cast are involved in the inevitably precarious dance of fidelity. Instantly amusing, this play is filled with dry English humour. Quick and witty repartee, along with comical facial expressions from all involved, set the scene for a mere comedy––but it soon exceeds the expectations it, itself, sets.

The second act is greatly superior, thought-provoking and emotionally involved. (RM) Until Nov 7. New Theatre, 542 King Street Newtown. $17-$32.Tickets & info: newtheatre.org.au/the-realthing/

parable, set in the fictitious town of ‘Woop-Woop’, where the rulers maintain power and attempt to stem a revolution by pitting the ‘Roundheads’ against the ‘Peakheads’.The play is an exploration of how racism is used in order to cover up underlying social issues.

Marinos hopes the performance will remind the audience that theatre is a powerful platform for debating and discussing important social issues:“I hope the audience will acknowledge the hard work and intelligence, talent and creativity of an ensemble of young actors, who are about to make the leap into the professional world of acting,” he concluded. (NB) Nov 5–9. Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach. $15-$25.

Tickets & info: rocksurfers.org/roundheads-and-peakheads/ A GIRL WITH SUN IN HER EYES A Girl with Sun in Her Eyes offers insight from the rare perspective of a woman who chases down violence, and the psychological repercussions of being faced with it every day. Lucy, an undercover cop, poses as a prostitute in an attempt to get a very terrible male off the streets. This play leaves you wondering how far you would go to protect what you have and love; and how much of yourself would you give up in order to fight for a cause you believe in. (MS) Until Nov 14 (Tues-Sat 9pm, Sun 6:30pm). Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Corner Cathedral Street), Woolloomooloo. $25-$28.

Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com/ girl-with-the-sun-in-her-eyes

VELVET Exploding into Sydney in an electrifying boogie wonderland of glitter and glamour,Velvet is an amalgamation of variety and concert forms set to a pumping disco soundtrack. It also charts a young man’s (Brendan Maclean) journey of self-discovery as he is guided through the evening by a fairy godmother like figure (Marcia Hines).“Velvet is a nightclub, but it’s a state of mind, it’s a fantasy”––director Craig Ilott has assembled a handpicked cast of ten including “an astonishing bunch of Australian singers and performers” accompanied by astounding international circus and variety acts.With an extended season just announced, this is an unmissable experience. (AM) Until Nov 22. Studio, Sydney Opera House. $35-$89.Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse.com or velvettheshow.com

MY ZINC BED Sam O’Sullivan plays Paul Peplow, a recovering alcoholic, poet and freelance journalist. Paul gets taken under the wing of Victor Quinn (Sean Taylor), a self-made software mogul.Victor challenges the nature of Paul’s addiction. Paul gets introduced to Victor’s wife Elsa (Danielle Carter), who is also a recovering addict––they inevitably form a connection that quickly becomes inappropriate. “Dramaromance-comedy is the genre…

People will have… a good time seeing how we deal with the situations we get ourselves into,” said O’Sullivan.

(MS) Until Nov 22. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $55$69.Tickets & info: ensemble.com. au or 9929 0644

STC’sTHE WHARF REVUE Celebrating 15 years and 21 shows of irreverent political satire, the Sydney Theatre Company is putting on a special birthday edition of The Wharf Revue.

Offering a mix of new sketches alongside the most beloved highlights of previous productions, this year’s show features all three original creators: Jonathan Biggins, Phillip Scott and Drew Forsythe, with Amanda Bishop.The show displays an immense demonstration of satiric versatility and has outlasted the last few Prime Ministers, challenging the performers to swiftly adapt their shows to reflect the tumultuous events of Australian politics. (ES) Until Dec 19.Wharf 1, SydneyTheatre Company, Pier 4/5 Hickson Rd,Walsh Bay. $48-$65.Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or (02) 9250 1777

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

15

THE NAKED CITY

BIENNALE’S EMBASSY BRAND! With Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death Remember the old Coles “Embassy Brand”? Everything from toothpaste to exercise books given that stamp of quality with the Embassy seal of approval. Okay, not everybody has been around for that long but the word does evoke some kind of passport to adventure, an exotic destination and a life reinvented––or maybe just a jar of greasy old hair cream.

Whatever its connotation, the 20th Biennale of Sydney has seized upon this brand power to label its various venues around Sydney as collectively the “Seven Embassies of Thought”.There’s our favourite ex-toxic dump, Cockatoo Island, billed as the “Embassy of the Real”; the gothic-like Mortuary Station at Central, aptly dubbed the “Embassy of Transition”; and the Art Gallery of NSW, packed with the ghosts of a thousand dead artists, appropriately titled “The Embassy Of Spirits” (we hope they’re not methylated!).

Some may think it’s all a bunch of arty farty pretence, but we have to admit we rather love the idea. After all embassies have definitely been in the news of late, in particular London’s Ecuadorian, where Julian Assange has long been a prisoner, and ‘thought’ is no doubt his primary preoccuptation.Whether this well celebrated incarceration of the intellect has inspired the Biennale is open to question, but the ‘embassy’ tag certainly works for us.

Rather than contain the Sydney Biennale’s array of wacky installations, performance art and other indecipherables to these seven ordained venues, we would love to see the “embassy” theme reach out into the broader community. After all the philosophy of the Biennale is to engage the world at large through the medium of art, highlighting all that is good, bad and questionable.

Woolloomooloo’s Walla Mulla Park, with its towering graffiti daubed

those much maligned magpies. Redolent of Jeff Koon’s famous topiary puppy, this living display outside the MCA could be orchestrated (with birdseed and bread crumbs) to spell out the word “BOLLOCKS”––on the hour, every hour. A witty comment on the world of contemporary art and the sheer absurdity of life.

iStockalypse – Global Photography Summit

The Art of Shakespeare

A three-day stock photo convention is heading to Bondi. At iStockalypse, photographers from the iStock community meet up and discuss their ideas, collaborate, share knowledge and tips with each other, and inspire each other to continue to take images.

Byron Local and iStockalypse veteran David Freund says this is an important event for photographers so they can learn to take better images. They’ll be hanging around Bondi taking photos showing true Aussie culture. “iStockalypses offer a massive opportunity for iStock contributors to learn what makes the top photographers tick and to take their imagery to the next level. We really do get to feed off each other at iStockalypses,” said Freund.

For example, David wants to expand his knowledge and get a

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Bell Shakespeare presents The Art of Shakespeare. Featuring renowned Australian visual artists such as Ken Done and Wendy Sharpe, the exhibition totals fourteen artworks inspired by a line, speech, character or play from Shakespeare.

These works will be exhibited nationally and available for sale.

“We wanted a way of celebrating our 25th anniversary in a cross-art form way and to open up the works of Shakespeare to the general public in a different sort of way,” explained Gill Perkins, the general manager of Bell Shakespeare. “It’s about celebrating John Bell, the company’s 25 years, and the enduring legacy of Shakespeare.”

Inspired by Bell Shakespeare’s Mind’s Eye arm, which uses the works of Shakespeare as an artistic starting point for all disciplines, the exhibition is a showcase for both Australian visual art and how Shakespeare has culturally resonated with audiences for 400 years. “[Shakespeare] still provokes a response because he challenges what it means to be human and you’ll see from the exhibition, people have a very potent response to it,” said Perkins. “I think Shakespeare asks us to look inside ourselves at the human experience.” (ES) Nov 2–15. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point.

Free. Info: bellshakespeare.com.au

LIVEWORKS FESTIVAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ART Presented by Performance Space, Liveworks features acclaimed Australian and international artists who are breaking new grounds of performance, and challenging the way visual art is traditionally perceived.The festival presents a diverse variety of works ranging from theatre, dance, digital technology and visual arts. Guests can explore 11 major works and interventions as part of the Liveworks Free Performance Program, as well as take part in specially curated workshops, screenings and lectures. (NB) Until Nov 7. Carriageworks, 245 16

murals and colourful itinerant population, would be the perfect spot for the “Embassy Of Indifference”.

Renowned for its daily shouting matches and occasional boozy melees, it would be the ideal location for some Biennale performance art. Civic leaders, like our own Lord Mayor, who opened the cosmetic makeover of the park some years ago, could be all be invited to participate in a kind of flashmob primal scream––a massive sonic metaphor of apathy that would echo throughout the suburb, waking even the homeless from their daytime slumber.

The recent announcement that James Packer’s casino monstrosity at Barangaroo is running years behind schedule would certainly provide a window of opportunity for the “Embassy Of Greed and Vulgarity”, constructed entirely out of donated Lego by Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei. At the end of the Biennale, Sydneysiders could enjoy their own “Burning Man” moment when the towering plastic skyscraper is ignited, melting ingloriously to the ground, musically accompanied by a soundtrack of Mariah Carey’s greatest hits.

Finally as a tribute to the spiritual home of the Biennale in Venice, we would kill to see a living “Embassy Of The Avian Disruption”.There’s a famous postcard of pigeons spelling out the words ‘Coca Cola’ in St Mark’s Square, after birdseed was strategically placed. Here in Sydney, we can surely do much better, attracting all matter of local birdlife––ibis, pigeons, cockatoos and even

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

better grip at producing and postproducing video stock imagery.

There will be over 60 professional photographers at the event coming in from all over the world, plus new contributors who are interested in becoming stock photographers for iStock.

The three-day event will include educating and shooting sessions, and on the final day attendees have the opportunity to shoot and portfolio their work they produced during the day.

Freund encourages Bondi locals to get involved if they see any photographers out and about to get them photographed in their local environment, work or home.

All you need to do is sign a model release form. (AMal) Nov 6–8. Bondi Bowling Club, 1 Warners Avenue, Bondi.

Various times each day. $50.

Tickets & info: istockalypse.com/ CurrentLypse.aspx?lypse_id=13

Wilson St, Eveleigh. FREE Performance Program.Ticketed Events: $25-$35.Tickets & info: performancespace.com.au/events/ liveworks-fpp/ N.A.S. POSTGRADUATE EXHIBITION The National Art School Postgraduate Exhibition showcases and celebrates the achievements of the graduating students from the Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) and Master of Fine Art, a group of more than fifty artists majoring in ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography or sculpture. For more than

100 years, the National Art School has nurtured the talents of some of the most respected artists in the nation. (AM) Until Nov 7, Mon–Sat, 11am-5pm.

National Art School Gallery, National Art School, Forbes Street, Darlinghurst. Free entry. Info: nas.edu. au/NASGallery/

rawness about them, visible through the mixing of the fleeting shades of blue and earthly, grounded browns.The artworks symbolise a journey of self-reflection and acceptance for the artist. (ASha) Until Nov 7.Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay. Info: arthousegallery.com.au

DANELLE BERGSTORM – RETURN Inspired by her own experiences and memories, Bergstrom paints a series of evocative and highly reflective landscape pieces inspired by the land around her enclave in Hill End. The dream-like sceneries have a sense of

SCULPTURE BY THE SEA Back for its 19th year running, Sculpture by the Sea is the world’s largest outdoor exhibition, featuring over 100 sculptures from global artists. Receiving over 500 submissions worldwide, a curatorial panel selected the featured

The Red Room Company’s Poetry Object Competition This week a national poetry competition for teachers and students from Years 3–10 announced their winners and highly commended awards, with three from NSW and two from Sydney.

The competition invites participants to write poems inspired by objects which are special to them in some way. For judge Lisa Gorton, the standard this year was exceptional: “I was amazed and delighted by the high standard. Some poems were funny, some heartfelt or dramatic; some were like speech and some were like a song; but every poem had something original and brilliant in it.”

In regards to local Sydney poets, two students picked up highly commended awards with the first being year five student Louise McWhinney from Balgowlah Heights Public School for her poem ‘Wildcat’. The second local highly commended recipient was year ten student Jenny Pang from Meriden for her poem ‘Nothing’. (JA) See more about the competition at redroomcompany.org/projects/poetry-object/

works to complement the twokilometer Bondi stretch. One inclusion to look out for is local artists Gillie and Marc Schattner’s six-meter tall flying fish. (ES) Until Nov 8. Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk, Sydney.

Free. Info: sculpturebythesea.com or (02) 8399 0233 UNDERNEATHTHE FIGTREE Local experimental artist Michelle Genders brings to us her latest solo multi-media art exhibition; an explorative and imaginative take on a metaphysical fig tree in the Marrickville local government

area.The interesting (and from first glimpses, visually appealing) exhibition is about Michelle’s experiences through this space, and she takes us through her own journey of memories associated with this metaphysical fig tree and what it symbolises in her life.The preview art piece seems almost to read as if a grid of human life is spread across a green canvas of nature. (JR) Nov 5–15,Thurs to Sun, 11am to 4pm. Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Pidcock Street, Camperdown.

Info: marrickville.nsw.gov.au/ ssiecottergallery/

Lead Me Astray

NOW ADD HONEY

Life falls in further disarray for a dysfunctional family when Honey, a US based pop-star, comes to visit down under.

Honey (Lucy Fry), a dumb blonde and barbie-doll look-a-like doesn’t initially fit into the Morgan’s simplistic lifestyle, but ultimately learns some valuable life lessons.

This is quintessentially an Australian film which highlights the difficulty in writing a funny script. Some scenes extracted the occasional chuckle, but the laugh-out-loud comedy mandatory for films of this genre, was non-existent.

The writers tried hard, perhaps too hard, to extract laughs with an absurd and unfunny script and failed dismally.

Erik Thomson was wasted in a small role as the cheating husband and the rest of the cast, including Portia De Rossi who played Honey’s mother, could do nothing to salvage this minor train wreck.

There was a possibility of redemption on a few occasions when the story meandered in the right direction addressing some emotional issues, but succeeded only in slipping further down the hall of shame. (MMo) WW

THE DRESSMAKER Based on the novel by Rosalie Ham, this is an outback drama about revenge with dark comedic undertones. Fashionable femme fatale and dressmaker, Myrtle ‘Tilly’ Dunnage (Kate Winslet), returns to her dusty country home of Dungatar to take care of her unstable mother (Judy Davis) and confront the demons of her past.The black hole of a town is full of morally bankrupt souls, and as the colourful Tilly transforms the loathsome people with sartorial skill, her story begins to unravel, leading to a satisfyingly deranged and over-thetop ending. (LL) WWW SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE Our story begins with a conventional meet-cute: Lainey (Alison Brie) is hammering on the door of college guy Matthew (Adam Scott), yelling about losing their virginities. She’s about to get kicked out of the dorm when she’s saved

by Jake (Jason Sudeikis), who invites

her into his room. Hours of conversation later they realise they’ve got amazing chemistry––too bad Lainey bolts the next day without so much as a goodbye note.

They don’t cross paths again until 12 years later––at a sex addiction meeting, ironically––and they’re very different people. (SC) WWW BRIDGE OF SPIES Tom Hanks plays attorney James Donovan, an insurance lawyer who is thrust into the middle of the Cold War when he’s asked to defend a captured Soviet spy known as Colonel Abel (Mark Rylance). When an American pilot is shot down over enemy territory, Donovan is sent to Europe to negotiate Abel’s exchange for the captured pilot. Steven Spielberg has a natural affinity with retelling historical events, and Bridge of Spies delivers a strong narrative with solid performances from a top cast. (LL) WWW

This English/French co-production surrounds a case of mistaken identity and is the surprise romantic comedy of the year which should have audiences laughing out loud.

Nancy (Lake Bell) is a 34-year-old vivacious, wise-cracking and selfconfessed loser in romance, who has had numerous failed relationships. Fred (Simon Pegg) is a 40-year-old emotional jig-saw and soon-to-be divorcee, on his way to meet Jessica (Ophelia Lovibond) his 24-year-old blind date.

When fate intervenes and Nancy is mistaken as Fred’s mystery date, an instant connection develops.They’re fun-loving and audiences will enjoy their frolicking, as this likeable couple acquaint themselves through heavy drinking, partying and fast-

ALEX & EVE Aussies take the backseat in this enchanting Australian romantic comedy which centers on a forbidden inter-racial relationship.Alex (Richard Brancatisano) is a maths teacher who meets Eve (Andrea Demetriades), a prominent lawyer.

Their relationship is doomed from the moment they meet, as Alex is Greek Orthodox and Eve is a Muslim Lebanese. Based on the hit play by Alex Lykos, this is not an original concept, but it is hysterically funny and a delight to watch. (MMo) WWW1/ 2 ONLY THE DEAD Australian journalist Michael Ware was on assignment for seven years in the Middle East, reporting on the American war against terrorism. Ten years on he has produced this extraordinary documentary which will shock and arrest audiences.

Detailing the origins of Islamic State, this film touches on the shattered lives of civilians and how American

talking sexual chit-chat.

As this web of deceit progresses so does the comedy, enhanced by Sean (Rory Kinnear) Nancy’s quirky exadmirer, whose sexual antics will hilariously fail to arouse unsuspecting movie-goers.

Has Jack met the wrong girl who ends up being the right girl––or is Jessica, his original date, destined to be his soulmate for life?

Is Nancy stealing another woman’s date or is she inadvertently fulfilling her dream of meeting her perfect partner?

This fast-paced comedy overloaded with cheeky dialogue and silly scenarios leads to a heart-warming but slightly cheesy and predictable finale. (MMo) WWW1/ 2

soldiers have been desensitized and depersonalized by the extremities of war. Provocative, insightful and seemingly uncensored, this is not a film to be enjoyed, but one which must be seen. (MMo) WWW1/ 2 CRIMSON PEAK The latest offering from Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) is a gothic twist on the romance genre formula. When mysterious stranger Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) rides into town, aspiring writer Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) falls hard and fast for him. However upon getting married and moving back to his castle in England with his less-thanwelcoming sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain), she soon discovers that the siblings and their house are haunted with secrets and bloody apparitions. A visual feast with beautifully constructed sets and exquisite costumes. (ASim) WWW

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER

testament to the sheer will and determination of director of Tom Danger and his team to produce an excellent thriller, in spite of the odds.

This film may not have the simplest plot to follow, but the pay-off is a spectacular twist at the finish line. Occasional corny scripting and the high concept personas of the gang of ‘bad guys’ should be accepted as part of the charm of the genre.

In October the film has had its Sydney premiere and was selected for the 2015 Yonkers Film Festival in New York. The creators continue to submit to numerous film festivals, vying for local and international attention.

The team hope to take what they’ve learned into producing their next bigger, better and bloodier production. Lead Me Astray has the essence of a project that will be looked back on as the starting point of some very interesting film and acting careers.

(AM) WWW

MAN UP

Lead Me Astray is not your usual indie thriller. While the small budget may be blindingly obvious at times, it is offset by the meticulous detail and crafting that went into all aspects of production.

Inspiration from the gritty ‘Ozploitation’ genre (a low-budget film type born of the burgeoning Aussie film community of the 70s and 80s, that spawned the likes of Razorback and Mad Max), is evident in all aspects of the film––from the synth-driven musical score, to the surreal lighting.

Troubled protagonist Alexis Willard, portrayed by the NIDAtrained Jace Pickard, is a 23-year-old veterinary student whose violent and troubled past comes back to haunt him after he inadvertently kills a gang member whilst defending his girlfriend Lacey (Alannah Robertson) from an assault. The truth of his past slowly unravels, culminating in a deadly game of cat and mouse in an abandoned prison.

The riveting, suspenseful action of the prison sequence is a

Kaulder, an 800-year-old witch hunter cursed with immortality, currently fighting modern-day black magic in New York City.

When Kaulder’s priestly advisor retires (Sir Michael Caine), and a dark witch queen threatens to return, things get actionpacked.

From the producers of the 300 film franchise, The Last Witch Hunter is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing, with athletic action scenes complemented by truly touching human moments. The inspiration for Kaulder and his story came from Diesel’s days as a gamer––particularly his fascination with the

MISS YOU ALREADY Milly (Toni Collette) and Jess (Drew Barrymore) have been best friends all their lives.

Now adults, with their own families and careers––their lives are upended when Milly, the more gregarious of the two, is diagnosed with breast cancer.

While the film is about the tight bonds that bind female friendships, it becomes more about Milly’s battle with cancer and its emotional toll on her and everyone around her. Collette turns in an amazing performance and the film should be commended for its unflinching and realistic perspective.

(ASim) WWW1/ 2 LEGEND Throughout the 1960s, a pair of identical twins controlled London’s dark underbelly.Tom Hardy attempts to fill the shoes of both Ronnie and Reggie Kray in new flick, Legend. Hardy does a rather admiral job in what must have been an extremely difficult set of roles to perform.‘Muddled’ is perhaps the best

role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons–– and his passion for this project certainly shines through.

This is an action-fantasy film that will keep you on edge with enough sudden surprises, but still has a plot that holds up. Vin Diesel is a reliable performer in this genre, and he doesn’t disappoint, delivering a strong performance as the charismatic Kaulder. An easy-to-watch film whose horror scenes mercifully won’t keep you up at night, although I can’t guarantee you won’t be dreaming of witches…

(LS) WWW

word to describe this film, as it seems that director Brian Hegeland was unable to decide on one particular story arch to follow––is this a crime drama, a love story/tragedy, or a comedy? Excellent cinematography and visual effects. (JA) WW1/ 2 THE WALK The masterfully told true story of Frenchman Philippe Petit’s daring high-wire walk between New York’s (then not-quite-finished) World Trade Centre Twin Towers in 1974. Director and writer Robert Zemeckis (Cast Away, Forrest Gump) has created a remarkably suspenseful film with the best use of 3D seen in a long time––beautiful cinematography and fluid special effects complement the Petit’s high-wire movements.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) portrays Petit––one of a few actors consistently at the top of their game, a true creative who can disappear into a character quietly. (LL) WWW city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

17

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps The Waifs & Mia Dyson: Two acts who broke onto the scene at the same time are coming back together tonight as part of their 16 stop tour tour together. This is bound to be an extremely fun filled evening with these true friends joining forces for the first time in a decade.

Thu, Nov 5, Enmore Theatre Mick Thomas & Squeezebox Wally: Having returned from a recent tour across South Africa with 14 fans where they recorded an album of live bootleg versions of their most beloved tunes, Mick and Wally will arrive in Sydney for the second stop of a celebratory tour performing the back catalogue of songs they enjoyed re-exploring.

Fri, Nov 6, Petersham Bowling Club Ayla: For such a young talent Ayla continues to astound everyone that hears her perform, with a commanding signature vocal style and slightly cynical yet poignant lyrics. Now as she releases her debut self-titled EP the youngster is set to kick-off a run of intimate headline shows tomorrow.

Fri, Nov 6, Brighton Up Bar Sol3 Mio: New Zealand tenor trio returns to Australia this weekend to show off their recently released second album On Another Note. Bringing a unique, energetic, young flair to classical and opera alongside some contemporary covers, this show should appeal to a wide audience.

Sat, Nov 7, City Recital Hall

James Muller and the Jazzgroove Mothership: This weekend two different artists both on the cutting edge of their field come together for an exciting performance. Sydney’s Mothership Orchestra (which comprises of seventeen members, five saxophones, five trumpets, four trombones, guitar, piano, bass and drums) will hook up with guitarist James Muller. Muller is known as one of the most exciting and innovative musicians around thanks to his distinct sound and masterful improvisation.

Sun, Nov 8, The Basement Tame Impala: Fresh off their recent #1 chart debut, Australia’s rock titans will be performing a one off party style show on the Forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. The Forecourt is one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor performance spaces which should make for an incredible show for fans of the group.

Wed, Nov 11, Sydney Opera House Forecourt Sampa The Great: A little over a month ago most people wouldn’t have even heard of this Sydney-based, Zambia-raised artist who has rapidly won the hearts of fans. Already in extremely high demand to perform live, having recently supported Hiatus Kaiyote, fans will now have a chance to see Sampa and her eight-piece band in their own show.

Wed, Nov 11, Newtown Social Club

City And Colour

BY JAMIE APPS Throughout his entire life, going all the way back to his roots in post-hardcore band Alexisonfire, to his solo project City And Colour, and then onto his duo collaboration You+Me with Pink, Dallas Green has always been known for penning deep, emotionally charged songs which explore the few certainties of life. His latest record If I Should Go Before You, which he will be touring Australia in support of next March and April, continues this tradition.

“Sometimes it can be [emotionally draining] depending on how heavy the subject matter may be, but it’s also a way of working through whatever I may be going through at the time,” explained Green.“No matter what I’m writing about I always find the lyric writing difficult because I’m terrified of writing the wrong thing down.”

With some of these fears in mind, and having had a chance while touring with his band for the past two years to build a relationship both personally and musically, it was a “no brainer” to include the band in the writing process for a City And Colour record for the very first time.

“Having the safety net of a great band to fall back on when I was coming up with song ideas, and knowing I didn’t have to fully shape everything was a real release,” said Green.

For Green, writing with a band was nothing new given his background

Mailer Daemon – Ronin 2

The continuation of the Ronin album series once again breaks away from the usual music conventions of the current hip-hop scene with sophomore release Ronin 2.The album incorporates elements of post-trap, future base and grime to create something unique within the local scene.

Production-wise, every track has a catchy bass line that is easy to dance along with.The album doesn’t persistently pound you with driving hip-hop tracks though with smoother chilled out tracks such as ‘Wish You Well (ft. Sage)’ breaking it up in the middle.

In terms of pure fun the top tracks on offer are ‘Let’s See (ft. Sage)’ and ‘Level Up (ft Harry Wizard)’.The last of which features multiple video game references while conveying the point that everyone needs to always strive to level up and better themselves. (JA) WWW1/2

with Alexisonfire, who recently announced their reunion following their first tour together since breaking up in 2012.That short tour seems to have boosted Green’s energy and creativity level, as it gave him a chance to “revisit our youth a little bit,” he said.“I’m surprised that physically we were able to do it as old men now but it was a lot of fun.”

Alexisonfire fans should temper their excitement though, because for now Dallas has his entire attention focused on supporting If I Should Go Before You:“I’m proud of this record, so as of right now that’s where I’m at creatively, and I’m going to just focus on that.”

Dallas has gone on record many times professing his love for Australia and his fans here, which he explained is why he enjoys making his way down here to perform:“Australia has always been very kind to me. I sort of feel responsible in a way, if people are listening I want to come and play.”

Apr 4.The Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $75+b.f.Tickets & Info: enmoretheatre.com.au

Danny Yau – Do You Think We’ll Live Here Forever?

This album is very easy to relate to. Danny Yau’s Do You Think We’ll Live Here Forever? is inspired by our very own Sydney, imbued with names and experiences unique to the ever-growing city.

The nine tracks pulse with the ups, the downs and the disappointments of trying to live with not enough money and really big dreams.Yau sings with conversational nostalgia, seeing a life over again. He wavers delicately between genres with a bit of several strains of the Sydney music scene, stringing them together with skill and spontaneity.

Travelling around Sydney on the ‘Nightbus Home’,Yau takes us through wellknown places and well known feelings with hope, several A-HA! moments, and a touch of sadness immortalising Sydney and the lives within it.

There are many reasons to buy this album, not least WWW

FREEWILLASTROLOGY

by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1978, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield began selling their new ice cream out of a refurbished gas station in Burlington, Vermont.

Thirty-seven years later, Ben & Jerry’s is among the world’s best-selling ice cream brands.

Its success stems in part from its willingness to keep transforming the way it does business. “My mantra is ‘Change is a wonderful thing,’” says the current CEO. As evidence of the company’s intention to keep re-evaluating its approach, there’s a “Flavor Graveyard” on its website, where it lists flavors it has tried to sell but ultimately abandoned.

“Wavy Gravy,” “Tennessee Mud,” and “Turtle Soup” are among the departed. Now is a favorable time for you to engage in a purge of your own, Aries. What parts of your life don’t work any more?

What personal changes would be wonderful things?

a

b TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Before

he helped launch Apple Computer in the 1970s, tech pioneer Steve Wozniak ran a dial-a-joke service.

Most of the time, people who called got an automated recording, but now and then Wozniak answered himself. That’s how he met Alice Robertson, the woman who later became his wife. I’m guessing you will have comparable experiences in the coming weeks, Taurus. Future allies may come into your life in unexpected ways.

18

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

It’s as if mysterious forces will be conspiring to connect you with people you need to know.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): small, nondestructive earthquakes are common. Our planet has an average of 1,400 of them every day. This subtle underground mayhem has been going on steadily for millions of years. According to recent research, it has been responsible for creating 80 percent of the world’s gold. I suspect that the next six or seven months will feature a metaphorically analogous process in your life. You will experience deep-seated quivering and grinding that won’t bring major disruptions even as it generates the equivalent of gold deposits. Make it your goal to welcome and even thrive on the subterranean friction!

C

CANCER (June 21July 22): Here’s the process I went through to create your horoscope. First I drew up a chart of your astrological aspects. Using my analytical skills, I pondered their meaning. Next, I called on my intuitive powers, asking my unconscious mind to provide symbols that would be useful to you. The response I got from my deeper mind was surprising: It informed me that I should go to a new cafe that had just opened downtown. Ten minutes later, I was there, gazing at a menu packed with exotic treats:

d

Banana Flirty Milk . . . Champagne Coconut Mango Slushy . . . Honey Dew Jelly Juice . . . Creamy Wild Berry Blitz . . . Sweet Dreamy Ginger Snow. I suspect these are metaphors for experiences that are coming your way.

to manipulate the future so that it’s more like the past? Are you justified in demanding that your head and your heart come to identical conclusions? No, no, and no. Allow the differences to be differences.

And more than that: Celebrate them!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The Beatles’ song “You Never Give Me Your Money” has this poignant lyric: “Oh, that magic feeling, nowhere to go.” I suggest you make it your motto for now.

And if you have not yet begun to feel the allure of that sentiment, initiate the necessary shifts to get yourself in the mood. Why? Because it’s time to recharge your spiritual battery, and the best way to do that is to immerse yourself in the mystery of having nothing to do and nowhere to go. Put your faith in the pregnant silence, Leo. Let emptiness teach you what you need to know next.

g

e

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Should a professional singer be criticized for her lack of skill in laying bricks? Is it reasonable to chide a kindergarten teacher for his ineptitude as an airplane pilot? Does it make sense to complain about a cat’s inability to bark? Of course not.

There are many other unwarranted comparisons that are almost as irrational but not as obviously unfair.

Is it right for you to wish your current lover or best friend could have the same *je ne sais quoi* as a previous lover or best friend? Should you try

f

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the mid-19th century, an American named Cyrus McCormick patented a breakthrough that had the potential to revolutionize agriculture. It was a mechanical reaper that harvested crops with far more ease and efficiency than hand-held sickles and scythes. But his innovation didn’t enter into mainstream use for 20 years. In part that was because many farmers were skeptical of trying a new technology, and feared it would eliminate jobs. I don’t foresee you having to wait nearly as long for acceptance of your new wrinkles, Libra. But you may have to be patient.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Is it possible to express a benevolent form of vanity? I say yes.

In the coming weeks, your boasts may be quite lyrical and therapeutic.

They may even uplift and motivate those who hear them. Acts of selfaggrandizement that would normally cast long shadows might instead produce generous results. That’s why I’m giving you a go-ahead to embody the following attitude from Nikki Giovanni’s poem “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)”: “I am

h

so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal / I cannot be comprehended except by my permission.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Regard the current tensions and detours as camouflaged gifts from the gods of growth. You’re being offered a potent opportunity to counteract the effects of a self-sabotage you committed once upon a time. You’re getting an excellent chance to develop the strength of character that can blossom from dealing with soul-bending riddles. In fact, I think you’d be wise to feel a surge of gratitude right now. To do so will empower you to take maximum advantage of the disguised blessings.

i

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19): You are slipping into a phase when new teachers are likely to appear. That’s excellent news, because the coming weeks will also be a time when you especially need new teachings.

Your good fortune doesn’t end there. I suspect that you will have an enhanced capacity to learn quickly and deeply. With all these factors conspiring in your favor, Capricorn, I predict that by January 1, you will be smarter, humbler, more flexible, and better prepared to get what you want in 2016.

j

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): American author Mark Twain seemed to enjoy his disgust with

k

the novels of Jane Austen, who died 18 years before he was born.

“Her books madden me so that I can’t conceal my frenzy,” he said, even as he confessed that he had perused some of her work multiple times. “Every time I read *Pride and Prejudice,*” he wrote to a friend about Austen’s most famous story, “I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.” We might ask why he repetitively sought an experience that bothered him. I am posing a similar question to you, Aquarius.

According to my analysis, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to renounce, once and for all, your association with anything or anyone you are addicted to disliking.

PISCES (Feb. 19- March 20): The Sahara in Northern Africa is the largest hot desert on the planet. It’s almost the size of the United States. Cloud cover is rare, the humidity is low, and the temperature of the sand can easily exceed 170º F. (80º C.). That’s why it was so surprising when snow fell there in February of 1979 for the first time in memory. This oncein-a-lifetime visitation happened again 33 years later. I’m expecting a similar anomaly in your world, Pisces. Like the desert snow, your version should be mostly interesting and only slightly inconvenient. It may even have an upside. Saharan locals testified that the storm helped the palm trees because it killed off the parasites feeding on them.

l

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

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

Approachable managers help you choose a lady for your massage. There is a fair queuing system and no hidden charges or credit card fees. We are just along from Central Railway at 261 Parramatta Rd Glebe, NSW 2037 Phone 02 9660 0666 Visit our web site at

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

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

Parking is available in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe, 2 hrs free.

Check out the website:

www.kingscourt.com.au for information, funny stuff and pictures of pretty women. There are no photos of the regular girls as they are too shy and we don’t provide full service.

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

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

VACANCIES Kings Court is the best place to learn adult massage. You can work with us part time or casual and you are paid cash daily. Work times can suit students or young mothers. When you start we get one of the regular girls to show you how to do your first massage. We have off street parking for ladies with cars and for your interview you can park in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entry with two hours free parking. The 18 Grose Street Glebe NSW 2037 address is the best way to find us using GPS plotting. Ring us on 02 9660 0666. Some ladies from out of town stay over when they visit. We have the bestest and sweetest customers of any place. The website is www.kingscourt.com.au On the home page have a look at, “Is this your first time” and see the ten tips that help customers to understand how we do business and how they must behave towards our girls.

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

Big John says: These cartoons really are based on things that happen!

Juice Magazine printed an interview with a star drummer (name changed) from a major group from the USA and we made our full page cartoon from the words he had actually said. When asked about his trip over here they printed it exactly as above, except for the last panel.

It seems that from time to time guys just want to meet normal ladies and have a nice time being polite. They come to Kings Court Massage and enjoy the relaxing informal atmosphere in the lounge, spa and massage. It really

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

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

city hub 5 NOVEMBER 2015

19

SPEND $30 OR MORE

TO RECEIVE 2 HOURS

FREE PARKING WILSON PARKING, MARKET CITY • SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY PADDY’S HAYMARKET ONLY • VISIT WEBSITE FOR DETAILS • CONDITIONS APPLY

HAYMARKET

9 -13 Hay S t ,

Haymarket NSW

10.00AM-6.00PM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY

WWW.PADDYSMARKETS.COM.AU