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Seven methods of killing kylie jenner & embracing varied cultural stories on stage Page 19
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CITY HUB APRIL 2021
HubNEWS
Honouring a local surfing legend (See p. 8)
Vaucluse MP backs discrimination bill BY ALLISON HORE n Eastern suburbs MP has backed a controversial bill which advocacy groups say would make it easier to discriminate against LGBTQI+ people. A NSW parliamentary committee reported on the findings of their inquiry into a set of “religious freedom protections” proposed by One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham. Member for Vaucluse, Gabrielle Upton, supported Mr. Latham’s changes. The amendments would explicitly make it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the basis of their religious beliefs, bringing NSW anti discrimination law in line with that of other states. A majority of the committee, chaired by Ms. Upton, endorsed the move to ammend the state’s anti-discrimination laws to protect religious freedom. The committee concluded Mr. Latham’s amendments were a useful template for reform. Ms. Upton urged the NSW government to take on the recommendations and introduce them to law by the end of the year. She said the committee had “raised complex issues about religious beliefs and activities which go to the core of who we are as individuals” and found there was a “strong need” to protect people on the basis of their religious beliefs. “It is my strong expectation that the important issue of protection from religious discrimination can finally be addressed through a Government Bill, thereby improving the lives of people in NSW,” she said.
A HubARTS: Hamilton Hamilton at the Lyric Theatre is a must watch! (See p. 21)
Published weekly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody Advertising Managers: Mal Moody 0484 042 615 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editor: Allison Hore Contributors: Allison Hore, Peter Hehir, Eva Baxter, Gavin Gatenby, Daniel Lo Surdo, Briannah Devlin, Sandy Symons Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou D,allow, Rida Babar, Linc Jenkin, Olga Azar & Patrick McKenzie Cover Photo: Teniola Komolafe. Vivienne Awosoga in seven methods mor killing kylie jenner Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney
SWORD OR SHIELD?
But some worry the changes will make it harder to protect other marginalised groups from religious based discrimination which could limit their access to essential services. Of the committee, independent member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, the Greens’ Jenny Leong and Paul Lynch of the Labor party opposed the amendments. Ms. Leong pointed out the hypocrisy in Mr. Latham being the one to put forward protections for religious people when his own party, One Nation, has pushed for discriminatory policies against muslims. “From the very start, the hypocrisy of having a member of One Nation [...] propose so-called religious freedoms legislation, should have been enough to have this whole thing scrapped,” she said in a scathing Facebook post.
Gabrille Upton speaks at a press conference. Photo: Via Business Insider
She said while she agrees there is a need to protect people on the basis of their religion, the “completely flawed report” put forward by the committee will do nothing to advance protections for those being discriminated against.
The government chose to entertain this disastrous One Nation bill “There is broad recognition across the experts and the community that there is a need to protect people from being discriminated against on the basis of their religious beliefs,” she said. “But that is not the same as enshrining protections for people to engage in wholescale discrimination against women and the LGBTIQ+ community under guise of religious freedoms.”
EXPERTS HIT BACK
A number of LGBTQI+ organisations, women’s organisations and health bodies have also spoken out against the amendments. An open letter to the Attorney-General of NSW denouncing the amendments has been signed by organisations such as ACON, Equality Australia, Domestic Violence NSW and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. “Unfortunately, the Committee’s report into the Bill introduced by One Nation NSW Leader, The Honourable Mark Latham MLC, has failed to address some concerns raised by our various organisations,” the letter said. “A Government Bill which adopts critical aspects of the One Nation NSW proposal
would not attract our support, as it would not protect all of us, equally.” The letter says the proposed amendments would privilege religion over other protected classes of people by giving them “freestanding rights against discrimination and setting standards for others to meet.” The changes would also make it harder for schools or businesses to “foster inclusive cultures” and protect their stakeholders from harmful behaviour justified by a person’s religious beliefs.
SYDNEY’S PROGRESSIVE EAST When it comes to LGBTQI+ rights Sydney’s eastern suburbs generally take a progressive view. In the federal seat of Wentworth, which covers the same areas as Ms. Upton’s seat of Vaucluse, 80 percent of the population voted “yes” for same-sex marriage. Ms. Upton herself acknowledges that the LGBTQI+ community faces a concerning amount of discrimination. In 2015, Ms. Upton (then NSW Attorney General) said in parliament that more work needed to be done at a state and federal level to protect LGBTQI+ rights. “I find it very worrying that many in the LGBTI community continue to experience… bullying, harassment, intimidation, even violence, based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status, and the impact this may have on their physical and mental health,” she said. However, by endorsing Mr. Latham’s bill Ms. Upton may be protecting the same bullying, harassment, intimidation and violence against the LGBTQI+ community which she said is “worrying.” CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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HubNEWS
Could dredging make harbour pools toxic?
BY EVA BAXTER ommunity around Balmain fears the looming construction of the controversial Western Harbour Tunnel will make the harbour west of the Harbour Bridge unfit for human use. Marine scientists have reported construction of the tunnel risks disturbing hundreds of years of toxic pollution on the harbour floor. Greens MP for Balmain Jamie Parker said in a media release the government has ignored overwhelming expert and public opposition to the Western Harbour Tunnel as well as evidence about the significant environmental impact of the project.
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The pollution could risk closing Dawn Fraser Baths He worries the toxic sediment disturbed by the construction process will make beloved harbourside swimming spots including Balmain’s Dawn Fraser Baths, which have faced a number of delays to their reopening, unsafe for the public. “The pollution could risk closing Dawn Fraser Baths indefinitely during construction,” he said.
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CITY HUB APRIL 2021
Fans of the Dawny worry about the impact the Western Harbour Tunnel will have on water quality. Photo: RMS & Inner West Council
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the Baths are 1500m upstream from the proposed dredging site. They say even in modelling which predicts the worst-case scenario, water quality there won’t be impacted. But the community is not convinced. Ros Dunlop lives in the middle of the North Rozelle Construction zone. She said WestConnex is an organisation that cares absolutely nothing about people. She “hates its guts”. “We do daily battle with this appalling organisation; they will not be any different
in their attitude to building the Western Harbour Tunnel.”
AGITATION IN COUNCIL OVER DAWNIES DELAYS
The Dawn Fraser Baths have been closed since October 2019 for heritage upgrades, a council project that Mayor Darcy Byrne recently referred to audit over its management and oversight. Ros, who has used the baths for 30 years, questions whether the trouble was worth it. “It is totally depressing, worrying and I am completely bemused as to why the
state and local governments bothered restoring Dawnies if the state government was then to turn around and approve this abominable tunnel,” said Ros. “Dawnies and all pools west of the Harbour Bridge will read red for years!” The Inner West Council has not seen any evidence that construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel will impact on Dawn Fraser Baths. A spokesperson for the council said, Council, NSW Government and the Australian Government all agree it is worth spending more than $8 million on the heritage upgrade to secure the Baths future. Council successfully obtained a $2.2 million grant from the NSW government and a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth Government for the Baths. The Western Harbour Tunnel Environmental Impact Statement states all toxic materials will be contained with the use of coffer dams and silt curtains. The Sydney Morning Herald reported in February marine scientists were divided over the effectiveness of measures along the tunnel’s route. Construction of the tunnel is expected to start in 2022.
WORD
No one could doubt the psychological impact that Covid-19 has had on young people around the world, and it’s been no different in Australia, where youth mental health was already a serious concern well before the pandemic. According to Beyond Blue, over 75% of mental health issues become apparent before the age of 25 and, shockingly, suicide is the major cause of loss of life in young people.
ON THE STREET
In the Inner West of Sydney, police youth liaison officers report an alarming rise in incidents of violent attacks by and against young people in the neighbourhood’s parks and reserves since MarchApril 2020, when schools were shut temporarily. Now, a new survey by La Trobe University has found that 81% queer youth nationally report high or very high levels of psychological distress. For Addison Road community Organisation, the mental health stress exacerbated by the pandemic is more than just heart-wrenching statistics. As a broad-based community development organisation, we engage with young people in many different ways, from our all-welcome lowcost Food Pantries in Marrickville and Camperdown, to the annual Public Schools Arts Festival.
Young people today have so much on their shoulders but perhaps too few opportunities to speak out and be seriously heard. During the hardest months of the pandemic in 2020, we provided assistance to young people from many walks of life through our Food Relief Hub, working with other organisations like Twenty10, Marrickville Youth Resource Centre and Weave Youth & Community Services. Many young people who come to us for food relief get on board as volunteers in the Addi Road Food Pantry or Food Relief Hub, demonstrating the powerful principle of mutual aid. They’re gaining work experience, developing skills and contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by helping us divert food from going into landfill. Offering opportunities and support to young people in our community is something we have been doing at Addi Road for many years, especially in Youth Week.
Ifeoma Obiegbu, former winner of Bankstown Poetry Slam’s Real Talk, will lead one of Addi Road’s Word on the Street workshops.
This year, we’re taking an extra-creative approach to Youth Week with our events. Word on the Street is a series of three poetry-spoken word workshops, followed by an all-ages poetry SLAM where participants can try out their new work, alongside established writers, poets and performers. The workshops, led by experienced, dynamic young poets, will help participants develop their own creative vision and voice – individual, idiosyncratic, reflective or angry. Young people today have so much on their shoulders and so much to say, but perhaps too few opportunities to speak out and be seriously heard. Recognising that LGBTIQ youth experience even higher rates of psychological distress, self-harm and suicide – while youth services generally cannot keep up with demand – we will be raising funds for Twenty10’s LGBTIQ youth support services at the Word on the Street Poetry SLAM at that follows the workshops.
$20 per workshop or free for participants referred by a youth service. Tickets from Humanitix. Word on the Street – Poetry SLAM for all ages at Addi Road, Friday, 16th April, 6pm supported by Sara Saleh, a Bankstown Poetry Slam director and recent winner of the prestigious Peter Porter Poetry Prize. The all-ages Friday night SLAM provides a public platform for participants in our spoken word workshops (13-15th April) to perform their new work. It is also open to any others who wish to come along and celebrate the power of words to create change in our lives and communities. You don't need to book – just come along to listen and support or perform.
Word on the Street at Addi Road 13-16th April
Word on the Street takes place in our large Covid-safe community space, Gumbramorra Hall. Refreshments from the Addi Road Food Pantry will be available in the Hall, and from the delicious Koshari Korner Egyptian food truck outside. Live captioning and Auslan interpreting available – please get in touch with Mina to arrange on 9569 7633 programs@addiroad.org.au
Poetry-spoken word workshops for young people (12-25 years) led by experienced performance
Word on the Street at Addi Road workshops and poetry slam are supported by Inner West Council.
Welcoming you to a Fairer Friday
Food rescue and security
We are inviting organisations and individuals who would like to run outreach, information or activity tables on any Friday throughout the year to come join our Community.a.Fair mini-hubs.
Addi Road Food Pantry is open at two locations: here in the centre at Marrickville; and at our new store in Camperdown. Building on six years of food rescue and food security work with the community, we provide low-cost groceries and free fruit, vegetables and bread to people in need, no questions asked. We are always seeking food and financial donors along with volunteers. Enquiries foodpantry@addiroad.org.au
By MINA BUI JONES
As well as meeting the community, it’s an opportunity for services and civil society groups to connect in an informal setting. The atmosphere is relaxed, with music, tea, coffee and snacks and the occasional BBQ. It’s a great platform for conversation and community building. The Addi Road Community.a.Fair mini-hubs are held in the sunshine, or under shady trees, in front of the Addi Road Food Pantry at Hut One, Addison Road Community Centre. Fridays are usually busy at our Food Pantry. This is also the day young migrant workers and international students come to access our Food Relief Hub. Mel Ree from Australian Poetry Slam will lead one of Addi Road’s Word on the Street workshops
poets from across Sydney (details to follow on social media) Wednesday to Friday, 13-16th April.
Addi Road Food Pantry Marrickville, Monday to Friday 12-4pm Addi Road Food Pantry Camperdown, Tuesday to Friday 12-4pm
Please let us know a few days ahead if you are interested in participating. Enquiries: programs@addiroad.org.au
CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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HubNEWS
Bondi microplastic audit an “eye opener”
BY ALLISON HORE o amp up their fight against microplastics, the Waverley Council invited a number of local environmental volunteers to a training day at Bondi Beach run by researchers from Ausmap on how to sample and anaylse microplastic pollution. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris, generally 5mm or smaller in diameter. Plastic which makes its way into the ocean doesn’t usually decompose, but is instead ground down into smaller and smaller particles. Despite their small size, these tiny microplastic particles can do a huge
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The variety of microplastics
[...] was a real eye opener
amount of damage to the environment. For example, marine animals may mistakenly feed on the particles causing poisoning, digestive blockage or internal damage from abrasion. Led by marine debris and litter expert, Dr Scott Wilson, Ausmap (the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project) investigates the levels and impacts
Volunteers check for microplastics in the sand on Bondi Beach. Photo: Waverley Council
of microplastic pollution in Australian aquatic environments, like Bondi Beach. To do this the Ausmap has developed a standardised method to assess and record levels of microplastics on beaches, and they train local environmental groups to be able to carry out these assessments. Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the amount of microplastics found in just a short auditing session on Bondi Beach was alarming and could do serious damage to native fish and bird life.
“The variety of microplastics that volunteers managed to find at Bondi Beach in just a short amount of time was a real eye opener and a sobering reminder of the need to limit single-use plastics and dispose of litter correctly at all times,” Mayor Masselos said.
PROBLEM PARTICLES
2019 data collected by Ausmap showed microplastics levels at Bondi beach to be “moderate,” with sampling showing 96 parts per square meter.
Areas considered to have high levels of microplastic pollution (that is, levels between 251 to 1,000 parts per square meter), include Watsons Bay, Port Jackson’s bay and Berry Island beach. Ms. Masselos said councils’ litter reduction initiatives and engagement with beachside businesses around reducing single use plastics has already led to a “very promising” decrease in litter. The most recent litter audit conducted by Waverley Council showed the amount of litter at Bondi Beach has reduced from 27 items per 48 square metres in 2007 to 10 items per 48 square metres. With only an estimated 18 percent of plastics being recycled in Australia it is no surprise a lot of waste finds its way into Sydney’s waterways. The Australian Government’s National Plastics Plan determined that the most effective way to reduce plastic waste was to phase out the use of single-use plastics entirely. Ms. Masselos agrees. “This problem isn’t going away, so we need the community to help support the litter reduction efforts of Council by doing the right thing including giving single-use plastics the flick,” she said.
COMMUNITY ACTION
Local Woman of the Year - Wendy Bacon
Wendy is a Walkley Award winning investigative journalist and political activist and has been a stalwart of the activist community in Sydney for almost 50 years. Amongst her many other achievements, Wendy co-founded the support group, Women Behind Bars, was a central driver in the campaign to stop WestConnex, and has most recently turned her attention to exposing issues with air quality in inner and western Sydney. What a champion - thank you Wendy.
#March4Justice We are still drawing strength from the massive women’s marches, and doing what we can in the Parliament to make the changes we need now - starting with enthusiastic consent. Enough is enough!
Authorised by Jenny Leong MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. 6
CITY HUB APRIL 2021
SCAN TO WATCH @jennyleong.newtown JENNY’S SPEECH
Rainbow Pride Mardi Gras this year was different that’s for sure, but from the march down Oxford St during the day, to the parade at the SCG in the evening, it was an incredible day of celebrating our LGBTIQ+ Wcommunity and standing up for their rights and freedoms. That’s what Mardi Gras is all about. @jennyleong @jennyleong.newtown
HubNEWS
Kirby calls for queer museum near Taylor Square By ALLISON HORE In the lead up to World Pride 2023 there is a renewed effort to set up a permanent pride museum in Sydney. And it’s already gaining momentum. Former High Court justice Michael Kirby, a patron of the Victorian Pride Centre, has written a letter to a number of prominent members of the LGBTQI+ community in Sydney, as well as allies, to make them aware of the new museum proposal. He said while the Victorian Pride Centre already contains “an archive of records which substantially deal with the history and personal stories of the hostility towards LGBTIQ persons in Victoria,” there is no NSW equivalent in Sydney. “Nor is there a suitable venue for the public display of records, interviews and memorabilia of leaders and participants in the LGBTIQ community over the past century and more,” he added. He said a preliminary committee for the museum has already been established and it is being organised by notable HIV/AIDs activist, David Polson. He has already been in touch with a number of potential supporters including ABC chair, Ita Buttrose, who has agreed to be involved.
EDUCATION AND REFLECTION
World Pride 2023 will see people from around the world descend upon Sydney in celebration of the LGBTQI+ community. For the influx of tourists, there are already many vibrant and fun queer spaces across Sydney to enjoy. But the yet-to-be-named museum, provisionally titled the “National Queer Museum,” would have a serious tone. It would be a space to document the history of oppression against the LGBTQI+ community and celebrate wins such as equal age of consent laws, expungement of historical homosexual convictions, same sex adoption and marriage equality. City of Sydney councillor, Dr. Kerryn Phelps, told City Hub the space would be an important educational tool as “the first step in learning from history is to record it.” “We have to hear and preserve first person reports of the struggle for recognition and equality so that future generations understand how important it is not to take freedoms for granted,” she said. “We have to record our own history
“I am sure these challenges will be front of mind for the steering committee as they get this latest attempt off the ground,” she said.
LORD MAYOR ON BOARD
Former High Court justice Michael Kirby is calling for the establishment of a Sydney pride museum. Photo: Wikimedia
because the role of the LGBTQI community is mostly invisible in the chronicling of mainstream history.” In his vision for the center, Michael Kirby said it should be a space for reflection akin to the Sydney Jewish Museum and include sections to do with colonialism, the first Mardi Gras and the HIV epidemic. There would also be sections celebrating notable LGBTQI+ Australians. “As this idea develops, I hope that it will have unanimous support, expressed in various ways,” he wrote in the letter. “It will be vital that the years of oppression of sexual minorities and the gradual liberation from oppression are faithfully and vividly recorded, for the benefit of future generations.”
FAILED ATTEMPTS
This isn’t the first time there has been a push for a pride museum to be established in Sydney. Previous attempts to get the idea off the ground have faced a number of obstacles including finding a suitable location and uniting the community behind a concept. Money is also an issue, with the project needing both startup funds and ongoing funding. Most recently in 2016, Labor councillor Linda Scott pushed for the rundown T2 nightclub building at Taylor Square to be transformed into an LGBTQI+ museum. The idea for the building to
be transformed into a pride museum was first put forward by independent councillor Angela Vithoulkas and had the backing of other councillors including Christine Forster of the Liberals. In 2014, Ms. Scott put a motion to council to begin storing and documenting artefacts of Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community. The motion passed, laying the groundwork for a museum. But, the idea to transform the T2 was knocked back by a majority vote, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore and her allies favouring a proposal for a bicycle hub in the building.
We have to record our
own history because the role of the LGBTQI community is mostly invisible Eventually the bicycle hub plans were scrapped and the building was put up for sale. Asked how this attempt would be different from the ones before it, and whether there was more backing this time around, Dr. Phelps said it’s still “early days,” but there is “consistent interest” in the project.
Despite knocking back previous incarnations of the project, Clover Moore told City Hub she is committed to the renewed museum push. “In 2014, Council resolved to support the LGBTIQ community if there was a viable proposal for a permanent museum, noting that such a facility could only be established and sustained with strong community, state and federal government financial support,” she explained. “To this point there hasn’t been a proposal that accounts for the resources, volunteer commitment and business plan needed to ensure such a project is viable.” “But I believe the people involved now, with their long histories as members or allies of the LGBTIQ community and deep commitment, might be just the group to achieve this.” Ms. Moore said a Pride Museum would be “a welcome addition to Sydney’s cultural infrastructure” and said while the City is “not in the business of establishing and running museums” themselves, they welcomed ideas from the community. She confirmed she had received the letter from Mr. Kirby, and a policy officer from her team has been in touch with the chair of the museum committee to schedule a meeting. “It is encouraging to see committed members of the community interested in establishing a Queer Museum or Pride Centre in Sydney. With WorldPride taking place here in 2023, it’s a great time to get such an initiative off the ground,” Ms. Moore said. Before any concrete plans can be laid out for the museum a suitable location must be identified. Dr. Phelps said a government or council owned site, preferably close to Oxford street, would be most suitable. “Sydney is the epicentre of the LGBTQI+ community in Australia and a Pride Museum would be an important statement of the integral role the LGBTQI+ community has played and continues to play in the life of the city,” she said. CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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HubNEWS
Waverley to honour an “unsung hero”
TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY
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STAYING IN TOUCH To keep up to date with my activities (incuding my mobile offices), issues and events - both locally and nationally, please subscribe to my eNews at tanyaplibersek.com.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES My office can arrange messages of congratulations for people who live in my electorate and are celebrating their golden (50th) and diamond (60th) wedding anniversaries; and 90th and subsequent birthdays. Please allow for 6-8 weeks for congratulatory messages from dignatories.
My office offers Justice of the Peace (JP) services on Mondays (2pm-4.30pm); Tuesdays (10am-1pm); and Thursdays (2pm-4.30pm). Please contact my office to make an appointment.
TANYA PLIBERSEK MP TanyaPlibersek.com to Help 2020 V1.indd 1 HUB APRIL 2021 8 SSO HereCITY
BY ALLISON HORE n 1982 Bondi local Pauline Menczer was just 12 years old. It was then she picked up the surfboard for the first time. Just six years later, she won the women’s amateur world title and in 1993 she took home the women’s world championship. Overcoming the physical challenges of the rheumatoid arthritis she has suffered throughout her surfing career, Pauline was a force to be reckoned with on the waves. A regular competitor on the world championship tour, Pauline Menczer is second only to Layne Beachley in the number of surf championships won. In her 20 years on the scene she has taken out the top prize at almost 30 events. Now Waverley Council are investigating options to recognise the local legend whose story is featured alongside other female professional surfers in the new documentary Girls Can’t Surf.
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RECOGNISING THE LEGEND
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016
Menczer in her younger years (left) and today (right) is proud to have grown up in Bondi. Photos: Supplied via Waverley Council
02 9379 0700
Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au 28/09/2020 1:23:20 PM
Despite Bondi being famous world over for its surf lifestyle, Ms. Menczer is the only local to take home a world surfing championship but did not receive any prize money or sponsorship. “I didn’t want this story of a forgotten World Champion to end there,” Waverley Mayor Masselos said. At the March meeting of council Mayor Masselos moved a mayoral motion acknowledging Ms. Menczer as an “unsung hero” of Bondi. She said Ms. Menczer’s ability to overcome her health conditions and the sexism she faced in a field dominated by men was worthy of recognition.
“Menczer was part of a trailblazing generation of female surfers and struggled throughout her career with rheumatoid arthritis and more recently pemphigus vulgaris, an excruciating skin condition,” she explained. “To somehow put the pain of knotted hands and aching hands to one side and take out the World Title is no mean feat for any man or woman.” Options the council are considering to honour Ms. Menczer include a mural in her honour on the Bondi Beach Sea Wall, showcasing her story in the new “story room” and Bondi Pavillion or a plaque, statue or other such suggestion.
I didn’t want this story of a forgotten World Champion to end there Ms. Menczer, now 51 and living in Byron Bay working as a bus driver, said she was “honoured and excited” that Waverley Council was investigating ways to honour her achievements. “I spent my entire childhood growing up on the beach in Bondi and Bronte with my brothers and it’s a very special place,” she said. “Bondi has a huge part of my heart. I’ll always remember when one of my older twin brothers snapped his Coolite and I grabbed the other half and caught my first wave. I was addicted from that moment.” Council officers will report back on outcomes of its investigation and funding sources in the “near future”.
HubNEWS
Rallying for transgender visibility protesters for coming out and making themselves visible and their voices heard. “We are a community under constant attack, and when we stand up to defend ourselves we will be victorious,” Mikhael said.
SELF IDENTIFICATION
Physics teacher Genevieve Doyle also spoke at the rally. She spoke about the difficulties trans people face in changing the gender marker on their birth certificate, which in NSW requires a person to have genital surgery verified by two independent GPs. Trans rights protesters march down King Street in Newtown. Photo: Allison Hore
BY ALLISON HORE head of Trans Day of Visibility, protesters took over King Street to raise awareness about a number of issues which impact the transgender community. International Transgender Day of Visibility is a day dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness about the discrimination they face. In NSW, some of the key issues faced by the transgender community
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include the hurdles which much be jumped in order to change the gender marker on birth certificates and an education bill being pushed by One Nation MLC Mark Latham which would prohibit discussion of gender diversity in schools. Around 300 protesters gathered outside Newtown’s the Hub Theatre before marching down King Street to Victoria Park. Speaking outside the Hub, Pride in Protest member Mikhael praised the
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT SYDNEY
We are a community under constant attack While gender affirming surgery can be life saving for transgender people, it is still considered an elective surgery and not covered under medicare. This means for transgender people on lower incomes, and those with conflicting medical conditions, genital surgery is inaccessible. She said it was desirable for transgender people to change the gender marker on
their birth certificate for completeness of legal identity. “It’s not an indulgence in altering history like some people think, most of us couldn’t care less about our history we know about it, it’s nothing to do with history it’s about completeness of ID,” “If you go for a job with a mismatched ID it looks like you’re some kind of fraud.” Protesters also spoke out against Mr. Latham’s proposed bill which would prevent teaching or discussion about transgender people in government schools by banning any mention of “gender fluidity.” Addressing the crowd member for Newtown, Jenny Leong, committed to standing against the bill in parliament to protect transgender and non-binary young people, who she says are “most under attack.” “You are the ones that we see the bullies and the likes of One Nation MP Mark Latham in the NSW parliament, you are the ones that he tries to bully, you are the ones who he tries to erase, you are the ones that he tries to remove,” she said. “We say that we will not stand for that bullying, we say that we are with you.”
WRITERS wanted
Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 131 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (Lot 1 on Plan DP34666) www.rfnsa.com.au/2000075
City Hub is expanding its coverage from Balmain to Bondi.
1. Telstra are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of LTE2100, and NR3500 (5G) technologies at Sydney. Proposed works at the above site will involve the installation of four (4) new AIR 5G antennas, the installation of four (4) Radio4480 antennas, and associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter located at the base of the facility
Got a flair for news? Do you have good writing and reporting skills?
2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the above description 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Tim Beck, Aurecon Australasia via email to: timothy.beck@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Tim Beck, Aurecon Pty Ltd, Locked Bag 331, Brisbane QLD 4001 by 5pm 29 April 2021.
Send a CV and writing samples to
news@altmedia.net.au CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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HubNEWS
Thousands say “enough is enough”
Thousands of protesters gathered at Town Hall to call for justice. Photo: Allison Hore
BY ALLISON HORE housands of protesters took to the streets in Sydney to stand against gender discrimination and sexual violence. The mass demonstration comes following reports of alleged sexual assault, misconduct and abuse by Australian politicians and parliamentary staffers. The rally in Sydney was just one of 40 March for Justice demonstrations across the country in major cities and regional centers. The rallies were organised just a week ago following Attorney General Christian Porter’s admission he was the subject of a 1988 rape allegation, which he denies. Crowds had already started to form at Town Hall almost an hour before the rally’s midday start. And, by the time speeches began, all of Town Hall Square and the part of George Street in front of Town Hall were filled with protesters. While protests in the Greater Sydney Area continue to be capped at 500 people, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard signed a last minute exemption to the public health order to allow 10,000 people to attend Sydney rally. NSW Police estimate between 7,000 to 10,000 showed up. Following a number of speeches, the huge crowd marched up Park Street and through Hyde Park towards NSW Parliament House.
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ABUSE IN NSW PARLIAMENT
Addressing the crowd in front of parliament house former NSW Liberal Party staffer Dhanya Mani, who alleges she was abused by a senior staffer, said she was “so angry.” She said the march was not just about Scott Morrison or 10
CITY HUB APRIL 2021
men, but “it is about every person in a parliamentary building who stood by and did nothing.” “Every single one of them is accountable, every single one of them has enabled the suffering of every woman I know who has been abused walking home, at work, on the street and throughout their lives,” she said. “We deserve better.” Pointing to parliament house behind her, Jenny Leong, Greens member for Newtown, said sexual harassment in parliament is not just a “Canberra problem.” “Politicians, staffers and interns and volunteers and journalists, and others, are being harassed and intimidated and assaulted, and we need to say enough is enough in this chamber or in any chamber of the parliament,” she said. “So together, I say this, today we march for the survivors. The ones that can be here and march with us and the ones that are not able to be with us today. We say that we much for you.” By the time the speakers outside Parliament House finished, the final protesters had reached Macquarie Street. Closing out the demonstration, the crowd enthusiastically sang a rendition of Helen Reddy’s song “I Am Woman.” Ms. Leong said it’s important that women and allies from across the political spectrum come together and be “uncompromising” in their demands for justice. She said while some of her colleagues took “a bit of convincing” to join the march, it was worthwhile they did. “While I might be a member of the Greens, that there are toxic masculinity problems in every political party in this country,” she said.
“And I want to acknowledge and pay a shoutout to my parliamentary colleagues from the Labor party and from the Liberal party and from the National party who are marching with us today.” On the morning of the march the Sydney Morning Herald reported that neither NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian or leader of the opposition Jodi McKay would be making an appearance at the rally. Asked at an unrelated press conference why she did not attend the rally, Ms. Berejiklian said she had to work.
Every single one of them is accountable “For every woman that marches, there are thousands of others who support the cause but who, because of work or family commitments, can’t get to the march and I put myself in that category,” she said. Though she did not speak at the rally, Ms. McKay made an appearance and mingled with the crowd outside Town Hall.
A NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Protest organisers estimate over 100,000 people marched in the 40 rallies which took place across the country today. In Canberra, the thousands of protesters who gathered outside federal parliament heard Brittany Higgins, a former Liberal party staffer who alleges she was raped by a coworker inside minister Linda Reynolds’ office, share her story. She encouraged victims of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace or in schools to speak up about what happened to them and “own their story” and “free” themselves “from the stigma of shame.”
“I encourage each and every one of you to set boundaries for yourself and be ruthless in your defence of them. Speak up, share your truth and know that you have a generation of women ready, willing and able to support you,” she said. “Together, we can bring about real, meaningful reform to the workplace culture inside Parliament House and, hopefully, every workplace, to ensure the next generation of women can benefit from a safer and more equitable Australia.” The man at the center of Ms. Higgins’ allegation has not yet been charged with any crime. Responding to the protest outside parliament, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has been criticised for his lack of action towards Christian Porter and in dealing with Brittany Higgins’ attacker, did not have a lot to say. He instead pointed abroad to countries where protesters might be killed by authorities for taking to the streets. “This is a vibrant liberal democracy, Mr Speaker, not far from here, such marches, even now, are being met with bullets, but not here in this country, Mr Speaker,” said Mr. Morrison. The man at the center of the rally cries, attorney general Christian Porter, used the moment to announce he has begun defamation proceedings against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan. A statement from his office claims “the article he sues on made false allegations against him in relation to a person he met when he was a teenager.” Although Mr. Porter was not named in the article, his office claims “the attorney-general was easily identifiable to many Australians as the subject of the allegations.”
HubNEWS
Amended Glebe proposal a “great win”
BY ALLISON HORE ocial housing advocates are celebrating a “huge win” following the announcement a new development proposed for Glebe would be fully set aside for social housing. The proposed housing development which will spread across two sites in Glebe, 17-31 Cowper Street and 2A2D Wentworth Park Road, has been amended to now deliver 100 percent social housing.
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That’s a great win and a true credit to community activism The $34 million project was initially expected to raise the number of social houses on the property from 19 to 35. But with 100 percent of the dwellings being allocated for social housing, there will now be 75 social housing residences on the site including five three-bedroom terrace houses suitable for larger families. Behind, and across from the terrace houses, will be two eight-storey woolstore-style apartment buildings designed by architect Johnson Pilton
Walker. Both buildings would have communal rooftop gardens for residents and non-residential ground floor spaces. Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the reimagining of the development from mixed-tenure to one that is fully percent social housing will give the government “greater flexibility” to carry out other redevelopment projects across the city. “This exciting project showcases the vision and quality of new social housing we’re delivering across the city – homes that complement and enhance the character of the Glebe area, and connect residents to jobs, transport links and vital community services,” she said.
A “CREDIT TO ACTIVISM”
The project is just one piece in the puzzle of the NSW government’s push to deliver almost 4,300 new homes across the City of Sydney local government area. Of these homes, 1,300 will be social housing homes. The announcement was welcome news for community groups who have been campaigning for more social and public housing in the area. “That’s a great win and a true credit to
Concept art for the new development on Wentworth Park Road and Cowper Street in Glebe. Photo: NSW Government
community activism,” said City of Sydney councillor, Kerryn Phelps. Jamie Parker, Greens member for Balmain, has been active in the campaign to save a number of public housing estates in Glebe. He said while the fight for other developments is ongoing, the reimagined proposal was a “huge social housing win.” “This decision demonstrates that community action can and does change government decisions. I’ve been so proud to see the support for public housing tenants and the effort
to maintain a diverse community,” he said. “We’ll keep up the pressure on the Franklyn Street development but this is a great result.” He said although the properties being delivered are social houses, rather than public, it would make no practical difference for the tenants. Social housing is administered by a not for profit housing organisation, rather than the government, but has to provide houses using the same rent caps and waiting list the government does.
Ageing Support Supporting people living with HIV aged over 45, through the maze of aged care, disability, and healthcare services in NSW Contact Positive Life NSW on (02) 9206 2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall)
CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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Opinion
Hey Rob Stokes... P BY GAVIN GATENBY lanning Minister Rob Stokes is spruiking a “bold” new post-Covid planning statement for Sydney – a “regulatory instrument” that, among other laudable things, enshrines the creation and protection of accessible open spaces for everyone. Supposedly, it’s all about the government stepping in to “ensure good design”. So here’s a challenge for Rob and his fellow ministers: get together to stop Sydney Water engineers ruining forever what should be a triumphal portal to a unique urban bushland experience near the heart of Sydney, and one easily accessible by foot, bicycle, public transport and car. Some background: after a conservation battle that lasted for a quarter of a century, Inner South-West Sydney’s environmental gem, the Wolli Creek Valley was finally, officially, in 1998, saved from destruction for an 8-lane surface motorway. The Cooks River valley had been spared a similar fate a few years earlier. With these hard-won decisions, a fine environmental prize – a naturally-flowing creek, 50 hectares of open space and precious bushland – remnants of the pre-European landscape – were saved for future generations. It’s a four and a half kilometre long oasis of green and an important urban wildlife migration corridor that’s become more valued since high-rise redevelopment reconfigured the inner suburbs. But Wolli Creek Regional Park, and the Two Valley Trail – a 13.5 km walk that links the parklands along Cooks River with the Wolli bushland – now face a new threat in the form of an odour control unit (OCU), an ugly and intrusive piece of sewage infrastructure that Sydney Water wants to place right at the eastern gateway to the regional park.
An artist’s impression of the proposed Odour Control Unit based on Sydney Water engineers’ diagrams. Photo: Wolli Creek Preservation Society
WOLLI VALLEY POPULATION BOOM
It’s ironic that Sydney Water’s engineers have chosen this moment to advance a plan that would mar the experience. Since the Covid-19, usage of the trail, along Cooks River and through the Wolli Valley has more than doubled as residents of the inner suburbs and Greater Sydney flock to locally-available outdoor recreation and opportunities to enjoy natural environments. There can be no objection to an OCU as such. It will deal with sewage odours and buildup of corrosive gasses within the 125 year-old South-West Ocean Outfall Sewer, the SWOOS, that passes under the Two Valley Trail before crossing Wolli Creek on an elegant, heritage-listed, brick and wrought-iron aqueduct. The problem is the insensitive and unnecessary location of the OCU. Sydney Water’s plan would have the OCU sited on a steep slope, astride the Two Valley Trail, bulldozing bushland
and cutting into the natural sandstone rockface. When reopened after several months, their design has the trail squeezing past this structure with its industrial tanks, pipes, pumps and barbed wire-topped security fence on a narrow cantilevered walkway.
[It] should be a triumphal portal to a unique urban bushland experience This location also violates the heritage conservation zone set out in Sydney Water’s conservation management plan for the SWOOS which states that any new feature or service should be “confined to areas of lesser prominence and not impact on the item when viewed from a distance”. But it does not have to be this way because a few metres from the engineers’ preferred site, right next to the sewer pipelines, there’s a vacant
parcel of government-owned land that’s entirely suited to the task and not suitable for anything else. In this location the OCU can be placed out of sight, screened by a planting of native vegetation. This would clear the way for an attractive entry to Wolli Creek Regional Park. Councils call for review Sydney water’s preferred site is opposed by the Nature Conservation Council and – by unanimous vote – Inner West, Canterbury-Bankstown and Bayside councils which have called on Water Minister Melinda Pavey to urgently review the matter. It’s all very well to tout bold vision and sweeping new design principles, but it’s also axiomatic that good urban planning involves coordination between relevant government agencies. This problem involves three ministers: Water Minister Pavey, whose department wants to construct the OCU in the wrong place, Environment Minister Matt Kean, under whose responsibilities the regional park falls, and Planning Minister Rob Stokes, whose department owns the vacant block. Can they please gather down the corridor for a quick chat and authorise something better? If they don’t, the engineers’ casual indifference to detail and aesthetics will otherwise mar forever what should be an accessible, life-enhancing experience for Sydneysiders. Gavin Gatenby is a past president of the Wolli Creek Preservation Society. A petition to Water Minister Melinda Pavey and a short video on the issue can be accessed at the Nature Conservation Council’s website.
An Australian Premiere
Written by Jasmine Lee-Jones Directed by Shari Sebbens
17 April – 2 May Book now at darlinghursttheatre.com 12
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HubNEWS
Remembering friend to Darlinghurst, Norman Thompson he was an active member of the Darlinghurst Residents Action Group (DRAG). Alongside DRAG, Mr. Thompson played an instrumental role in the campaign to stop a sensitive site next to the historic St John’s Church on Darlinghurst Road being transformed into a high rise residential development.
BY ALLISON HORE arlinghurst is mourning the loss of a beloved community advocate this week with the passing of Norman Thompson. Born in Orlando Florida in 1936, Thompson grew up, studied and entered the world of academia in the United States before moving to England in the 1970s. There, he was a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. In 1977, he found his way to Australia where he taught psychology in the School of Behavioural Sciences at Macquarie until he retired in 1993.
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EXPOSING POLITICAL DONATIONS From politics to free speech, green energy and transport infrastructure- Thompson’s research and community advocacy spanned a wide range of issues.
Norman Thompson (left) pictured on one of his trips to Japan (right) a place he loved. Photos: Supplied
He fell in love with [Darlinghurst] and stayed “He saw Sydney as a stepping stone in his future academic career, but he fell in love with the place and stayed,” explained Andrew, Norman’s partner of 36 years. After following Andrew around in his career- from Darwin, to Canberra and back to Sydney- it was in 2001 when Thompson and his partner settled down in Darlinghurst, a neighbourhood he
would make a name for himself in thanks to his participation in local campaigns. When it came to community advocacy and holding truth to power, Thompson was a force to be reckoned with. His history of academia across the globe and long list of research publications gave him knowledge and credibility, and his passion for the community gave him drive. Mr. Thompson was described as an “irreplaceable” member of the 2011 Residents Association.
TELSTRA IS PLANNING TO REMOVE A PAYPHONE
Throughout his time with the organisation he worked on many campaigns and brought “organisational energy, ideas and methods” through his experience working with and in the government. Using his expertise and research into the history and background of Australia’s political parties, he was able to offer the group guidance when government proposals impacted the community. As well as being a member of 2011RA,
He spent a decade volunteering his time to work on an eye-opening research project exploring the issue of political donations and exposing the “dirty money” behind elections. The project, which began as an initiative of former Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon, has proved an invaluable tool to anyone interested in following the money trail in Australian elections. Mr. Thompson passed away peacefully at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst on Monday morning, he was 85 years old. City Hub would like to extend our sincere condolences to Thompson’s friends and family, and his husband Andrew.
A great start at I N T E R N AT I O N A L G R A M M A R S C H O O L
It is proposed that a coin and card payphone be removed from: Outside 55 Tenterden Street corner Hastings Street, Botany NSW 2019 (Payphone ID: 02931602X2) The next nearest coin and card payphone is located: Outside Botany Post Office, 2 Banksia Street, Botany NSW 2019 and is approximately 530 metres away from the payphone that is proposed to be removed. (Payphone ID: 02931608X2) Reference Number 44999 Telstra intends making a final decision on this proposal by: 25th May 2021
Uniq lang ue uage s prog ram
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Co-educational and secular
To assist us in making a final decision, we invite your comments on this proposal. Please send us your comments in writing to:
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Early Learning to Year 12
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Central location near Sydney CBD
Telstra Payphone Siting Manager Locked Bag 4850 Melbourne Vic 3001 or by calling us on 1800 011 433 selection Option 2 or by email to Payphones@team.telstra.com
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Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)
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Celebrating diversity and personal achievement
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Join our local school with a global outlook
For more information on payphone services (including, any applicable payphone consultation document) see: https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones
Find out more and book a tour: igssyd.nsw.edu.au | 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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HubNEWS
Climate rebels arrested Palm Sunday rally for refugee justice for CBD protest BY DANIEL LO SURDO undreds gathered in Haymarket’s Belmore Park Sunday afternoon as part of the National Justice for Refugees Palm Sunday Rallies. The rally petitioned for the release of Medevac refugees and all those transferred from Manus and Nauru and now being held in hotels and detention centres within Australia, as well as a focus on permanent visas and peaceful refugee relations. Presently, 240 refugees remain in limbo in Nauru and Papua New Guinea, many of which without any viable resettlement option.
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to English classes, education, family reunion or Centrelink support. During the pandemic, JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments were also denied to refugees beginning life in Australia. General Secretary of the Independent Education Union of Australia (NSW/ACT Branch) Mark Northam called for an allembracing cultural shift across the nation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I believe [Australia] has opportunities and I think we can move forward,” Northam said. With 38,000 refugees currently being afforded only bridging or temporary visas, Centre Director and Principal Solicitor of
Sam, a 59 year old blind grandmother from Dapto, was among those arrested. Photo: Facebook/Extinction Rebellion Sydney
BY ALLISON HORE “Yet for some reason people won’t listen to scientists when they say we’re in a rotesters, chained to oil barrels climate and ecological emergency. And full of cement and glued to the road, were arrested after blocking we need to do something now.” a busy CBD road for almost an hour. The protesters, calling for climate action PROTESTERS ARRESTED and an end to the Narrabri gas project, Protesters on the road were issued blocked the intersection of Bathurst and ‘move on’ orders by police but refused George Streets in Sydney at peak hour to comply. on Monday, causing traffic chaos. Two women and one man who had The target of their protest was the APA affixed themselves to concrete-filled Group, a natural gas transmission barrels were arrested. Another woman, company which is developing the a blind, 59-year-old grandmother, was Western Slopes Pipeline (WSP), a $500 arrested after she had glued herself million 460-kilometre gas pipeline to the road. They were charged with which will deliver natural gas from the “preventing free passage of person, Narrabri Gas Project to homes and vehicle or vessel” and failing to comply businesses across New South Wales. with police directions. “Today we’re here to Another protester People won’t listen demand no gas, and climbed onto an awning climate action now,” out the front of the APA to scientists when explained a member of building on George Extinction Rebellion in Street holding a sign they say we’re in a a live video posted to saying “APA and Santos, climate emergency your gas is killing us” their Facebook page. and throwing fake The group who money down onto the footpath below. orchestrated the protest, Extinction She was arrested by police and charged Rebellion Australia, is one branch of for littering and for “risking the safety of the global protest group which began others” by climbing a building or structure. in London in 2018. They describe Arrests are not something Extinction themselves as a “non-violent civil Rebellion is unfamiliar with. In fact, disobedience movement.” it is par for the course for Extinction One protester who glued her hand to Rebellion, and worth it to send a strong the road of the intersection wore a sign message. around her neck saying “Glued on for “Many of the actions will be arrestable. Grandchildren Everywhere.” All are meant to be disruptive,” they say. “I’m here for my grandchild, and all the “We believe these are the lengths grandchildren everywhere, because we must go to if we are going to get I listen to scientists. Most people will our governments to respond with the listen to scientists when it comes to required urgency to the climate and medical stuff, flying in aeroplanes, they ecological emergency that is only just know they can land a rover on Mars,” beginning.” she said.
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Protesters march from Belmore Park to Victoria Park in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday. Photo: Daniel Lo Surdo
Thanush Selvarasa, a Medevac refugee released from Melbourne’s Park Hotel just two months ago, detailed the frustration felt while in detention. “I came to Australia seeking asylum and safety, but eight years of my life was taken from me,” Selvarasa said. “This is unacceptable.”
BRIDGING VISA UNDERCLASS
The protest also highlighted the Federal Government’s cultivation of a permanent underclass of increasingly-vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees, who live without adequate government support and security, on bridging and temporary protection visas that deny any sense of safety or reliability within Australia. “With a temporary visa, I couldn’t find a good job here,” Selvarasa said. “This has been a very big challenge for me - I’ve had to recover all of my life in less than six months.” More than 1200 of those sent to offshore detention centres in 2013 have been effectively resettled into the Australian community, yet are left without access
the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) Sarah Dale demanded reform for Australian refugee policy. “My voice is that of a witness … to these policies that mean you may only ever be eligible for a temporary visa, without the ability to travel freely, have your children join you in safety, and the need to prove yourself every three to five years,” Dale said.
It’s time we stand and
call it for what it is: blatant cruelty “It’s time we stand and call it for what it is: blatant cruelty.” Following the speeches in Belmore Park, protests began marching westbound along Broadway, concluding at Camperdown’s Victoria Park. Palm Sunday rallies were held in every Australian capital city, with twelve other regional cities and towns staging protests against the mistreatment and injustices of refugees seeking entry to Australia.
HubNEWS
Sydney after dark: Open for business BY ALLISON HORE he City of Sydney council voted unanimously to approve a plan which would allow shops and businesses in the city to stay open until 10pm, without needing further approval. Under a suite of changes aimed to revitalise the city’s struggling economy, existing shops and businesses in the City of Sydney local government area will be allowed to extend their opening hours from 7am to 10pm, seven days per week, without further development consent. Other reforms laid out in the proposal include allowing “minimal impact” cultural uses of existing office, business, retail and community facility buildings without development consent and establishing new planning controls specifically for cultural and creative uses. Erskineville Town Hall will also be opened up for entertainment and leisure purposes such as theatre, cinema, music and dance. Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore hopes the reforms will help reignite the city’s struggling 24-hour post-COVID and postlockout economy. “It is so important that we make and
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maintain space for artists in our cities,” she said. “By removing red tape we are making it easier for small businesses to open later, put on small-scale cultural events and set up maker spaces in the heart of our villages.”
A LATE NIGHT LIFELINE
In February 2021 data from the Australian Bureau of statistics revealed COVID-19 restrictions significantly impacted business for 80 percent of accommodation and food services and 70 percent of the arts and recreation industry.
We are making it easier for small businesses to open later And with the federal government’s JobKeeper payments ending, things are not expected to get a lot better. Federal Treasury officials advised they expect up to 150,000 people to lose their jobs once JobKeeper ends. These losses are most likely to come from small to medium sized businesses operating in the tourism,
The City of Sydney council has voted to approve a plan which would see shops open later. Photo: City of Sydney
hospitality and arts and entertainment sectors. But the City of Sydney hopes the changes will give these sectors a much needed boost by making it easier for alternative venues to hold cultural events. Ms. Moore said it would be an opportunity for the city to reinvent its nightlife and increase its standing as an international city. “We are creating a city where locals and visitors alike can stumble onto diverse and exciting cultural activity in unexpected locations all around Sydney,” the Lord Mayor said. “This groundbreaking policy work to
bolster our night time economy and support creative industries has been in development for some time, but will now help us to support our creative-led recovery from COVID-19.” Similar changes doing away with development applications for alternative venues like office spaces to be used for cultural and entertainment purposes have also been passed by the Inner West Council. The City of Sydney’s reforms came after extensive consultation with the business community as well as research and consultation which has been ongoing since 2015.
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS AND VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility 2026 Road Safety Action Plan Rooftop Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 Optus Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003 Road safety community forum 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Installation of three (3)Road new 5G panel antennas Action (1.35m long)Plan is being developed as part A new five-year Safety • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) of • the NSW Government’s commitment to reduce serious injuries and Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) fatalities on equipment our roads. • New ancillary including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter Members of the community are invited to attend a two-hour forum to • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility discuss road safety and possible improvements Rooftop issues Facility, 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo NSW to 2011help shape Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002 the future of road safety in NSW. 3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: Date • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) Time 6 – 8pm • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) • Replacement ofSMC three (3)Conference existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) withCentre three new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long) Venue & Function • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts Location Goulburn NSW 2000 • Reconfiguration66 of existing equipment onStreet, the facility andSydney within the equipment shelter 4. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above For more information, and to register to attend the forum: 5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment towardszero.nsw.gov.au/2026plan 6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.
BLZ_SB2284
Have your say on the future of road safety in NSW
Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street, Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2, Surry Hills NSW 2010 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G 3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) and antenna mounts • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room the overall scale of the facility • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy Determination 2018 based on the description above (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, Optus Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 Randwick NSW 2031 Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: 4. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) • Installation of one (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) and antenna mounts • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the equipment shelter the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Determination 2018 based on the description above 5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment. 6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021. CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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HubNEWS
57 years of family at Papa Joe & Co
BY BRIANNAH DEVLIN n Saturday March 20, Papa Joe & Co opened its doors to the public to come celebrate 57 years in Balmain on Darling Street. Despite the endlessly heavy rain, the family business was humbled by the amount of people that turned up to the celebration of homemade Italian goods, deli delicacies, a little bit of bubbly, balloons and even a four-legged friend. The deli, green grocer now including a generous offering of fresh flowers and pot plants, has seen generations of the Panetta family offering the warmth and service regular and new customers come for.
“But I couldn’t find a job, I couldn’t speak English, and 57 years later here we are,” he smiled.
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COMMUNITY CREATES HOME
Everybody knew each
other, they talked to each other
Joe, his wife Maria and daughter Luisa have been getting the shop ready for people to walk through the doors. When he first arrived in Australia at about 16 years old, it was not his initial plan to stay in Australia, but to stay for a few years then return to Calabria. But when he returned 10 years later, it was not the same, so he came back to Australia. “After you’re here, you don’t feel like going back,” he said.
Papa Joe & Co. has been a fixture in Balmain for decades. Photo: Papa Joe & Co
He also laughs and admits that it was not love at first sight with the shop he has been at for decades, when he came to Australia with an apprenticeship as a barber. At the time, it was his brother-in-law
For the love of cats BY SANDRA SYMONS never set out to acquire a cat, rather cats acquired me. Once, when I was coming home late at night with my young husband, walking across the grass under the northern pylon of the Harbour Bridge, a pretty little calico cat started following us. Every few metres, we stopped, I turned and said, “shoo”. The little cat stopped with us but as soon as we moved, she followed. All the way to our nearby flat. Since she was at our heels at the front door, I invited her in. Yes, she was a little female as we soon discovered. The next day, I was patting her and noticed writhing movements in her belly. I said to my young husband, “she is pregnant”. So we made her a cosy birthing box under the kitchen bench and two nights later she gave birth to three kittens, one ginger, one beige and one golden.
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We gave the beige and golden kittens to friends and kept the ginger boy. We named him Gympie after a ginger cat 16
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my young husband had as a boy called Gympie. When we moved to house sit a friend’s terrace in a neighbouring suburb we took Mother and Gympie with us. They mostly stayed indoors being city- dwelling, flatliving cats. Later they moved with us to a little house in another neighbouring suburb.
I said to my young husband, “she is pregnant They settled in as cats do, taking over the small second bedroom as their domain. One day I heard my young husband talking in the backyard, but to who? When I went outside he was murmuring to a feisty chap, a somewhat chewed up young grey boy. I immediately named him Butchie. When grey Butchie joined our little gang, he was sent off to the vet to be desexed like the others. He came back a less scrappy chap but still Butchie.
who owned what is now known as Papa Joe & Co. “When you have white shirts [as a barber] and you’re nice and clean and you come here and work in the dust, wasn’t my job really,” he began.
Despite not initially loving the shop, Joe came to love the small community. “You know everybody, talk to everybody,” he said. “Now, Australia’s home after so many years.” Joe bought family shares of the shop after relatives went overseas. Joe admitted that while that community spirit is still there, with him and Luisa knowing their regulars, only needing to see who it is to know their usual, it is not like it used to be. “Everybody knew each other, they talk to each other. Now is different. They’re rushing now,” he explained. “Life is much busier than it used to be.” But not all is lost. “When you know people, you trust them, and that’s why they keep coming back,” he said. Luisa and Joe said they love connecting with customers to learn more about their families, and have seen generations of families grow as they come to their shop. “When I was out with a girlfriend, everybody kept walking up and saying “Hello!” because they get excited when they see you out of context,” said Luisa.
He was particularly fond of my young husband and was constantly by his side, especially in the garden of the first little house we owned. When we were both given overseas transfers, we found homes for the members of our gang of three.
A NEW GENERATION
I never had another cat of my own but years later my elder daughter was acquired by two cats. First came Ouzi, a marvellous big black and white boy who found his way into my daughter’s back courtyard. Young cat and young woman looked at one another and fell in love. A year or two later, a young pregnant cat, to be named Chloe, also adopted my daughter. A wild girl, she had a clutch of kittens in the yard but recognising a cat lady in my daughter, soon brought them inside. One of the kittens became Charlie and lived her life out with my daughter. History repeating itself.
Charlie, constant companion. Photo: Sandra Symons
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Opinion
The fallacy of sustainable growth
BY PETER HEHIR In the slums of the England that Dickens wrote so vividly about, the working poor saw 3 or four families squeezed into one dwelling with a dozen or more sleeping in one room. Irish immigrants were welcomed as a source of cheap labour and in the eyes of many English, they were also seen as sub-human. Occupancy of a home and occupancy of a city have much in common. The nationality, race, colour, religion or
Raise these concerns and you’re branded either a racist or a looney country of origin of those streaming into our major cities is of little consequence, except perhaps for how they are likely to ultimately vote. Overcrowding cities places unsustainable demands on resources. This overcrowding is neither healthy nor desirable. Those fleeing persecution in China, the Nepalese, the Falun Gong who are being harvested for body parts and the Uighurs - currently the subject of genocide, are much more likely to be hostile to any form of socialist government in Australia.
These immigrants are welcomed by the NeoCons. When they become citizens they can be guaranteed to vote against Labor and the Left, which in turn further perpetuates Neo Conservative philosophy - and the inevitable ever increasing destruction of both the natural and built worlds, as the population continues to spread out from our major cities. Immigration guarantees the construction of more and more of the high rise soulless “milk crates” that so many abhor. Structures ultimately destined to become slums; the New York “projects” of the future.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH VERSUS ENVIRONMENT
David Attenborough sees through the fallacy of sustainable growth. He comes from a privileged background and so could easily be mistaken for a political conservative; yet due to his detailed documentation and meticulous observation of the relentless destruction of the natural world over 60 or more years, he’s come to see that overpopulation, whether animal or human, is the biggest problem facing the world today.
A growing population leads to the construction of apartment buildings to meet demand. Photo: Greenland
What Berejiklian and Barilaro are doing to the koala population is a case in point. They will soon only be found in zoos or in the most inaccessible parts of Australia. Places that are too difficult to be logged; along with those areas deemed unsuitable for “development”. Now there’s a hijacked word if ever there was one. But raise these concerns and you’re immediately branded either a racist or a looney, or both. How can any sane
person argue against “growth” and “development” and the perpetuation of the species? It’s akin to opposing motherhood. However I passionately believe that we need to hit the pause button on immigration and then set about putting our own house in order. If these observations- along with the millions of others all over the world who share my concerns - makes me a nutter, then so be it.
COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY
INSIDE WIRIAN – THE LUNA PARK FIRE
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he recent three part ABC documentary Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire was a meticulous piece of investigative journalism that confirmed many of the rumours that had existed for decades following the horrendous Luna Park inferno. That it took some 40 odd years to see the light of day says a lot about the depth of the original conspiracy and cover up and the way the law operates in NSW. Lucy Desoto is a musician, songwriter, filmmaker and writer who spent endless hours transcribing the cassette interviews that Martin Sharp recorded following the fire. This is how she recalls what has now become a pivotal moment in the history of Sydney. “In 1979 I was the editor of the Sydney University Union Recorder. At 19 years of age, I was an Arts student, inspired by the radical, independent press at the time, The National Times, and The Living Daylights in particular. These were the ignition to my ambition, believing like all defiant people, I could change the world. Early in the year, I decided to ask Martin Sharp if he’d talk to me about his affiliation with Luna Park. The lease there was contested and he’d recently been making appearances again in the media, decrying shady deals and nefarious influences that were scheming to undermine the existence of Luna Park. I found his phone number in the White Pages, called to 18
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the truth to light. He asked me to transcribe many of the cassette tapes he made. The ledgers of my transcriptions in the cupboard where Martin archived all the evidence, furnished much of the material for a recent ABC documentary. These hand-written transcriptions were of conversations Martin had with the witnesses, police, fire brigade, survivors, park workers, politicians including Neville Wran and crooks including Abe Saffron. We all knew the fire was deliberately lit and the outcome of that arson was the murder of six innocent children and a father.
ask if he’d be interested in speaking to me for a feature article in the Union Recorder. Of course he said, “yes, be delighted, come over, here’s the address.” Months later, on the June 9, 1979 I was having dinner with a friend in a flat in Lower Fort Street, at The Rocks. The old flats were slumped under the southern pylon of the Harbour Bridge over-looking the gleaming dark waters of the harbour. We sat together at the table by the window that winter night, watching the blaze at Luna Park, burning, burning, speculating as to what it meant, but we knew it could only be very bad news. A heavy cold feeling lodged itself in my sternum that revisits me even now when I think about that night. Martin undertook his own investigation into the fire immediately. Among a handful of trusted friends, I worked closely with him to do everything to help him bring
As the months moved on, we realised the extent of the cover-up, and we became scared of reprisals, as every avenue for justice was blocked by corruption and lame officials. One night Martin said to me, “if anything ever happens to me I’m making duplicates of everything, to be held in a safe with my solicitor.” Later that night there was an explosion outside, and the retaining wall along the driveway collapsed, damaging the cars parked there. We were all scared for good reason. Of course, the official cover-up was so thorough, all Martin could do in the end, was to play the long game. I’d like to thank Jason Holman for finally releasing the evidence that Martin Sharp collected and cared for so dedicatedly and devotedly. As a result of Martin Sharp’s determination the ABC documentary, Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire exists as a gift and a balm to the wounded soul of the City of Sydney.
CREATIVE CULTURE
Indigenous actor and director Shari Sebbens speaks about the changing culture she is witnessing, and helping to manifest, in Sydney’s theatre scene BY JAMIE APPS hari Sebbens is a Bardi, Jabirr Jabirr woman born and raised on Larrakia country in Darwin. Since graduating from NIDA in 2009, Shari has helped lead a culture shift in Australian theatre. In an industry which has long been viewed as the domain of the upper class white community Sebbens has been paving a path not only for Indigenous artists but artists from all cultures to tell their stories on stages around Sydney.
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Moreblessing Maturure and Vivienne Awosoga in this “confronting” work.
Vivienne Awosoga & Moreblessing Maturure. Photo: Teniola Komolafe
“This show is a big ask of the actors,” explained Sebbens. “It’s about going large and finding the absolute moments of truth and vulnerability within that. When you’ve got women of colour and black women together in a room where the world is very unsafe for black femmes and for female presenting performers it can be confronting and hard to lay all of those experiences aside or on the table. To then acknowledge those feelings and let them be seperate from your work is a very big ask.”
Speaking with City Hub ahead of the opening of seven methods of killing kylie jenner, which she is directing, at the Darlinghurst Theatre Sebbens said she feels theatre as a storytelling medium is at a turning point. “It’s funny because I think for some people that [culture shift] is scary, but it shouldn’t be. The more stories we tell, the more audiences we have, and the more audiences we have the more content we have to produce. I think some people think their piece of the pie is going to get smaller but in actuality the pie is just going to get bigger.” Plays like Hamilton, with it’s cast of predominantly people of colour, and the Sebbens upcoming show at the Darlinghurst Theatre the cultural shift is evident. According to Sebbens the Black Lives Matter movement really helped to to ramp up the change last year, “Darlinghurst, and a lot of other theatre companies, put their money where their mouth was a year ago and now we’re seeing the fruits of that effort.” As an Aboriginal artist Sebben’s told City Hub she has been very fortunate to “tell a lot of Aboriginal and First Nations” stories on stage in the past but now the theatre industry is expanding it’s views and reach. “Now we’re asking ‘where are the other people of colour?’ We know they live in our communities and we are employing them on stage as actors, but where are there stories?’”
DISCOVERING THE NEXT STORY
At the end of April, Sebbens and the team from Green Door Theatre Company will present an Australian premiere which tells one such story at the Darlinghurst Theatre.
ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY Not only has the team done a lot of work to create and present a beautiful show they are also working hard behind the scenes to engage with the communities that this show is written for.
After searching through the last 20 years worth of two-handler plays spherically for black women Sebbens and actress Moreblessing Maturure found the perfect play in the form of seven methods of killing kylie jenner. Written by Jasmine Lee-Jones this play combines theatre with gifs, memes and emojis to explore stereotypes of Black womanhood, white capitalist exploitation, and the politics of social media activism.
“Moreblessing and the team have done some excellent work with the community engagement strategy, which is about making sure that the people this play is intended for all feel welcome into the venue,” explained Sebbens. “That is something that we’re really proud of and excited about.” Sebbens hopes that audiences who do make the effort to witness a performance of seven methods of killing kylie jenner are able to connect with it and take two very important messages way with them.
Now we’re asking ‘where are the other people of colour?’ We know they live in our communities and we are employing them on stage as actors, but where are there stories? “We were searching and looking at a bunch of plays when this show came across my desk when I was in my role as a Richard Wherrett Fellow at the Sydney Theatre Company,” said Sebbens. “It was the most perfect script. I couldn’t believe the timing, the tone and the piece itself. It just fell into our laps in a way.” For Sebbens finding a show written by and for black women was something very special.
Vivienne Awosoga & Moreblessing Maturure. Photo: Teniola Komolafe
“Every year we import a lot of stories from the UK about the black experience. But I think this might be one of the first few, it’s definitely in the first five, productions which speaks to the black female experience written by a black woman for black people. It is so potent and of the absolute moment, which makes it really thrilling.” For the actors and production team this production is also trilling. Voice coach Angela Sullen, which Sebbens said is potentially the first black woman to graduate from NIDA with a post-grad majoring in voice, is guiding actors
“I think for women, and black women in particular, it’s about healing. It’s about allowing yourself, in the face of everything that society throws at you, to come back to your own space to heal, be vulnerable and to take time out from the world - whether online or in real life. “For the non-back audience it’s a real question of ‘what are you going to do after you sit through this show, have all of this information ad understand the experience of a black women more deeply than you did before? What are you going to take back into your life?’ This is not just a one-off play or night at the theatre. You will carry this with you and create some sort of impact in your immediate circles which will then ripple out into society.”
Apr 17-May 2. Darlinghurst Theatre, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $35-$42+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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THE RUBENS:
After four albums The Rubens achieved something they didn’t think possible (See p.22)
PETE THE SHEEP BY RENEE LOU DALLOW ete The Sheep is another magical production from Monkey Baa Theatre Company. A true Aussie story which portrays the true Aussie spirit. Four actors, wearing an assortment of headgear, play shearers, sheep and dogs. The minimalist set depicts a shearing shed complete with stairs on either side and a viewing platform, with storage space underneath for pulling props on and off stage. Shaun, played by Oliver Lacey, a newcomer to the world of shearing, brings with him new ideas and a fresh new vision of what it is to be a good shearer. He doesn’t just want to shear sheep he wants to style them. To top his versatility as an actor, Lacey, has a wonderful singing voice. Pete The Sheep, played by equally versatile Joe Kalou, is the perfect foil with great one liners and comic timing. Dry humoured Ratso, Andrew James, is the boss of the shearing shed resistant to change and the hilarious head shearer, Big Bob, is played with great dexterity by Joe Dinn. Extraordinary three dimensional performances by each of these actors who can sing, dance, wag their tails and preen their woolly locks all at the same time. Director Johnathan Biggins and
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STOP GIRL Photo: Daniel Boud
BY IRINA DUNN ally Sara has produced her first play based on her life as a foreign correspondent. Suffering from PTSD after a stint in Afghanistan, Suzie had difficulty adjusting to normal life back in Sydney. Sara’s script interested director AnneLouise Sarks, who says, “You don’t often get to see these stories on our stages,” largely because most journalists will write a memoir of their experiences rather than produce a work for the stage. Sara is collaborating with Sarks, but is giving the director and designer the freedom to contribute their own expertise to the production It is not surprising that Sara experienced difficulties in Afghanistan,
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with its strict imposition of laws on women, but this enabled her to get the stories of women, which a male reporter may not have been able to do. Sara suffered a breakdown in 2012 as a result of her work, and says, “Emotionally speaking, you can’t deal with anything over there, so if something is going to rupture, it’ll be back here, where you have time to think.” Having completed a screenwriting course at the University of South Australia, Sara is now, many years later, able to fulfil her dream of seeing her play performed on the Belvoir stage. Until Apr 25. Belvoir Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $33-$83+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.belvoir.com.au
FUENTE OVEJUNA
BY OLGA AZAR his early 17 century play is from one of the most celebrated authors from what is called the Golden Age of Spanish Theatre, Lope de Vega, and here adapted with sometimes necessary vicious energy by director Angus Evans of Dream Plane Productions. Fuente Ovejuna, roughly translated as the Sheep Fountain, is based on historical events involving the brutal methods deployed by a deputed Commander over a town in the midst of a battle between royals in 15th century Spain. As the story goes, the people rose up, and killed the small-town tyrant after his unpunished violence against the townspeople, and were themselves punished. In this creative staging (which has musicians
onstage providing music that seamlessly blends with action), the royals are portrayed with giant face puppets operated by ensemble members, and a bit of shadow-puppetry thrown in to portray violent scenes. The Commander, always recognisable for his leering dell’ Artemask and conquistador helmet, is
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Tristan Black and Madeleine Withington. Photo: Clare Hawley
composer/lyricist, Phil Scott, both of Wharf Revue fame, have outdone themselves, on the clever synchronisation of movement and music with lyrics often based on a play of words or on character banter. The lighting too set the mood for day, night and grand production numbers. Overall a proudly Aussie production. Until Apr 17. ARA Darling Quarter Theatre, 1-25 Harbour St, Sydney. $29-$34+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.monkeybaa.com.au
played by a different member of the ensemble from scene to scene, suggesting that anyone, in some circumstances, might become so monstrous. The plot involving heroines and heroes meeting in the woods and enjoying a teasing, playful sort of courtship. Laurencia (Lucinda Howes) and her female friends, including Pascuala (Madeleine Withington), exchange banter about men, while the men chase after them with words of high praise. When the dark presence of the Commander arrives, the inhabitants of Fuente Ovejuna are forced to make unconscionable decisions. This is an engaging play, with a balanced rhythm between showing, telling, comedy and chaos. Even at nearly three hours it never flags. The main detraction was the finale, which, though heartfelt, felt out of place. The staging speaks for itself, and does not need a PS. Until Apr 11. Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. $25-$35+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.flightpaththeatre.org
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REVIEW
THE TWINS
HAMILTON
BY JAMIE APPS he Australian production of Hamilton has been presented with a very unique opportunity, as one of the only major live theatre productions occurring in the world, and if it could speak it would most certainly say “I’m not throwing away my shot!” This version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s instant classic takes all of the elements that we know and love from the original stage and Disney+ versions and infuses them it’s some trademark Aussie flair. Doing this makes the story of America’s forgotten founding father one which is especially compelling for an Australian audience.
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Ian Darling and Greg Fleet. Photo: Nathanial Mason
BY IRINA DUNN irected by Terry Serio and Sarah Butler, this droll two-hander sees two real-life friends, Ian Darling and Greg Fleet, musing over the “twins” roles they played 40 years earlier and the different paths their lives have taken since then. At the private school Geelong Grammar, the boys played Antipholus of Ephesus and Antipholus of Syracuse in Shakespeare’s Comedy Of Errors. A son of the Melbourne establishment, Ian Darling leaves school to spend a period in the world of high finance before becoming a filmmaker. This is his first role in decades. Greg Fleet becomes a successful comedian, writer and – “heroin enthusiast,” winning admiration for his honest discussion of his addiction.
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The bio of each reveals two very accomplished individuals, one might say two privileged white males, who have won recognition for their creative work. Their conversation takes place in a hut surrounded by bushfire in Kangaroo Valley, NSW in late 2019. Perhaps this is Australia’s version of “Huis Clos”? Their easy banter and humorous impersonations of Steve Coogan’s and Rob Brydon’s impersonations of Michael Caine provide flashes of humour in a warm and nostalgic dialogue. The show comes to Sydney after a successful premier season at the Adelaide Fringe. Until Apr 17. Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd &, Cleveland St, Chippendale. $20-$31+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.seymourcentre.com
Having watched, and adored Hamilton on Disney+, I walked into the Lyric Theatre with incredibly high expectations for this show and yet these expectations were still exceeded. Witnessing Hamilton live is a truely special experience, which saw me connecting with the story more deeply on an emotional level. Hamilton at the Lyric Theatre is a must watch! WWWWW
Until Sep 5. Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont. $70-$200+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.hamiltonmusical.com.au Jason Arrow. Photo: Daniel Boud
CONCRETE JUNGLE BY YASMIN MUND BY JAMIE APPS ulti-award winning freelance photographer Yasmin Mund’s second ever photographic exhibtion is set to open at the Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club this week. Concrete Jungle explores and documents the experience of residents living in the iconic Glenview Court apartment block where Yasmin resided prior to its closure for re-development. The exhibition explores the themes of gentrification, history, art, design, architecture, and how our homes represent a huge part of our human existence. Glenview Court is known as one of Sydney’s ugliest buildings in one of its most stunning locations. A brutalist white concrete block perched on a clifftop overlooking Tamarama Beach, it has been nicknamed The Beast, Tamarama Toaster, Soviet Hospital, and the Housing
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Commission. A building often loathed from the outside but adored from within, anyone who hasn’t lived in the building could not understand its appeal. Only the residents understood its beauty. Outside was one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches, inside was a diverse and convivial community of retirees, travellers, backpackers, low rent paying artists, creatives, and even squatters. The juxtaposition of living in such a derelict building, in one of Sydney’s most glamorous and expensive suburbs, staring at a million dollar view every day provided a truly unique experience. All proceeds from the exhibition are being donated to Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club for their upcoming renovation. Apr 14-18. Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club, 1A Pacific Ave, Tamarama. Info: www.yasminmund.com CITY HUB APRIL 2021
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THE RUBENS
SPACEY JANE
BY JAMIE APPS fter four albums The Rubens achieved something many of them didn’t think possible, they had a record debut at number one on the ARIA chart. Perhaps what made this even more shocking was that this record was produced under entirely new circumstances than they had ever employed before. 0202 was the first record The Rubens had ever engineered and produced solely by themselves, but this wasn’t the only change employed during its creation. For this record the band split the recording sessions up across a number of weeks, and in doing so tricked themselves into not realising they were even making a record explained keyboard player Elliott Margin. “It was a really cool process for us where we would go away between shows and record one or two songs then go back to playing songs on the weekend. So it never felt like we were in that record making process because usually we’d go away for a couple of months and lock ourselves in a studio, which can get claustrophobic, but this was a nicer way to do it.” Creating a record in this way gave The Rubens a lot more freedom, significantly reduced the pressure they felt throughout the process and was
A BY JAMIE APPS ver the last 12 months Perth band Spacey Jane released their debut album, which peaked at number two on the ARIA charts and was voted the ‘Album Of The Year’ in Triple J’s listener poll despite being unable to tour it around the country. That all changes shortly when Spacey Jane arrive in Sydney for a run of shows at the iconic Enmore Theatre. Speaking to City Hub ahead of the shows drummer Kieran Lama spoke about the disappointment of being unable to tour nationally last year, how the band filled their time during that period, and the special bond the members of Spacey Jane share. “It definitely was a bummer of a year for everyone, but I think that there is a little silver lining for us,” explained Lama. “We were really lucky to be in Perth, where things were fairly fine after about July last year. So we’ve been able to tour regionally over here from August onwards, which was a really great way to prepare for this run of east coast shows and really road test all of the songs. It was heaps of fun as well because I got to see a lot of places that I don’t think I would have otherwise.” With a few months of regional touring under their belts Spacey Jane have been able to fine tune their show and will be able to arrive on the east coast ready to make an immediate impact on the live music scene. “We’re really proud of where the show is at now,” said Lama. “We made a lot of changes to the production of the show over the back of half of last year and have figured out the best way to run the show and bring these songs to life. I hope people leave impressed.” When asked about how special it was to be performing at the iconic Enmore
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Theatre Lama recalled the moment they first laid eyes on the venue during a previous visit to Newtown. “I remember back in 2018 during our first visit to Newtown we walked past the venue, had a look in there while it was closed and [vocalist] Caleb [Harper] said ‘we’re going to play this one day.’ None of us actually thought that or believed him, maybe he did, but now a few years later here we are. It’s going to be a pretty special few nights.” With their debut album, Sunlight, performing so well commercially and critically we asked Lama about the inspiration behind the record. A question which he answered with a wry giggle, “That’s a tough one, mostly because I just play the drums hey.” However, upon further discussion Lama revealed that this record was a deeply personal record for vocalist Caleb Harper, and one which the band was happy to help him with as he worked through the emotional turmoil that the record dealt with. “I know for Caleb it was very much a personal album, especially regarding relationships and some tumultuous experiences that he had gone through over the last 12-18 months. We all have our own personal lives but it’s impossible not to involve each other in those. I think that is foundational to all of our friendships and love for each other. “Being in a band is a pretty intense thing as it is, so sharing that with three other people who you see more than anyone else in life is awesome. It’s definitely the part that I like the most. Having these people to lean on for the rest of my life is something I’m never going to take for granted.” Apr 17-19. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $57.50+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.enmoretheatre.com.au
also COVIDsafe before that was even necessary. “This was all before COVID, in a way which would have worked during lockdown but funnily enough none of it was made during lockdown,” said Elliot. “To play shows and then come back to recording gave us energy. You realise why it is that you spend hours in the studio labouring over your music.” One sad side effect of recording in this way and tricking themselves into not thinking they were making a record meant Elliot didn’t document the process as he typically would have, “For every other record I would document the whole thing but for this record, it’s kind of sad, because as a result of not thinking we were making a record I’ve taken barely any footage or photos.” Despite this Elliot says he doesn’t imagine ever “veering too far away from this process because it was so enjoyable and beneficial.” As they now gear up to hit the stage again though Elliot said fans can expect the “biggest show we’ve done” because they now have four albums worth of material to “cherry pick” from and craft a show that “really goes off” because it has “peaks and troughs.” Apr 16. Enmore Theatre 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $69.45+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.enmoretheatre.com.au
THE OFFSPRING - LET THE BAD TIMES ROLL BY JAMIE APPS unk rock pioneers and innovators The Offspring have returned for the first time in almost a decade with their 10th studio album, Let The Bad Times Roll. With this latest offering the band continue to push boundaries of the genre, but perhaps not in as innovative ways as they have done previously. Let The Bad Times Roll attempts to tap into the public consciousness and
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highlight topical themes but fails to do so in a timeless and everlasting way. Across the 12 track offering the band use punk elements which are also imbued with elements from ska, but these unfortunately didn’t resonate with me. Overall this is an interesting record but not one which will stick in my memory as previous records from The Offspring have. WWW
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THE FATHER
don’t need help and I’m not leaving my flat!” he shouts as audiences side with him. But all is not as it seems. Intriguing at first, it’s puzzling as to why his loving daughter would inflict such torment upon her elderly father, but as the movie progresses audiences will come to the realisation that the accelerating adverse effects of dementia are distorting his memory and judgement. The filmmakers have produced a BY MARK MORELLINI film that vividly depicts the effects of rilliant is the only word to describe dementia on a man and notably, the this incredible piece of filmmaking intense pressure which it instills upon which deals with the debilitating illness the person he loves most, his daughter dementia. Nominated for six Academy who has stood by him through all Awards it’s a film that may be too close circumstances, no matter how difficult. to home for many moviegoers. The Father has received an Oscar Anthony Hopkins gives a predictably nomination for Best Film and Anthony outstanding performance as an elderly Hopkins has justifiably been nominated man who feels that his daughter is for Best Actor. Olivia Coleman who scheming and trying to evict him from delivers a memorable performance as his apartment. the unnerved daughter has also gained But can his daughter be so evil? a nomination for Best Supporting “There’s something funny going on! Actress. This nonsense is driving me crazy! I WWWW1/2
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NOBODY
BY JAMIE APPS verybody who works a mundane nine to five job will have moments when thy feel like a nobody and wish they could be something more. For Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk, of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fame) his monotonous life as an accountant becomes too much to bear when intruders break into his house and steal his daughter’s ‘kitty cat’ bracelet. After the break in Hutch’s hidden life begins to seep out into the light and we learn that he was previously an assassin
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THE LAST VERMEER BY MARK MORELLINI t was quite refreshing watching this very original post-WWII movie which tells the story of little-known Dutch folk hero Han Van Meegeren, regarded as one of the most ingenious art forgers in history. He swindled millions of guilders from Nazi officers by selling them his own forgeries of 17th Century painter Johannes Vermeer’s artwork. Set in Holland, 1945 three weeks after the fall of Hitler’s Third Reich convicted collaborators with the enemy were being executed. Meegeren was charged and defended in court by a Jewish Captain who believed he was innocent of these charges.
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But was this man who was regarded by most as a’ raging narcissist’ and by others as ‘the life of every party’ conspiring with the enemy and perhaps even a Nazi spy? Australian actor Guy Pearce has come a long way since his breakout role in the 1990s hit The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert. Significantly, it’s his flamboyant and memorable portrayal of Han Van Meegeran which shines and keeps audiences captivated in what would otherwise have been a well-produced, yet banal cinematic achievement. WWW1/2
TOW BY TWO: OVERBOARD
for the government. As this happens he inadvertently places himself in the crosshairs of a Russian gangster and chaotic violence ensues. Nobody is an action packed ride filled with funny quips and violent action sequences. Much like the John Wick franchise Nobody establishes a world which could easily be explored further. Unfortunately for the film though because John Wick already exists this one fails to feel new or innovative despite being very enjoyable.
BY OLGA AZAR he now sometimes perfected balance of creating animated movies with appeal to kids and adults has been sharpened by a booming genre, but Two By Two: Overboard falls flat. It delivers the whistles and whimsy for the kids in what becomes a bizarre narrative arc, and it seems underdeveloped for the kids and just a wallop on the intellect for adults. The story concerns an ark in wild seas (no humans involved, and the chief is a lion) and there is appealing humour
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in that situation: Don’t eat each other! Circumstances grow volatile, and two juveniles are swept to sea. They find themselves in a settled society, and the race is on the to lead the animals from the ark to the refuge of a place populated by creatures with noses so grand it must obscure their ability to see. Subtlety is not a strong point. It’s a bizarre movie, and apparently a sequel, so it must have been successful. But it feels more like a tv special with squeaks to amuse kids and annoy adults. WW1/2
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