C I T Y H U B SY D N E Y. C O M . AU
APRIL 9, 2020
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@CityHubSydney
Art thrives online during social distancing Page 1-2 BY JAMIE APPS
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rtists are some of the most innovative minds in our community, so when faced with challenges they are typically the first to find solutions. The current COVID-19 situation and social distancing measures mean many artists are no longer able to showcase their works in a traditional way. However, the Sydney arts and creative communities have shown that with technology they can overcome any obstacle.
■ ACO Homecasts - The Australian Chamber Orchestra’s extensive new digital program will bring the music and musicians of the ACO into your home directly. ACO Homecasts have been curated by ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, with an emphasis on content that reflects the artistry, dynamism and sense of adventure for which the ACO is internationally renowned. Info: www.aco.com.au/ACOHomeCasts ■ Room 2 Radio - Dubbed as Sydney’s first online nightclub, Room 2 Radio is bringing together a selection of Sydney’s top DJ’s to keep the party alive in your own home. Running every Friday from 8pm until the early hours of the morning these streams really are a nightclub in your living room, with lights, drink recommendations and a busy chat group. Info: www.facebook.com/Room2Radio
■ Cougar Morrison - The queen of loveable dorkiness! ■ Book Shops - Better Read Than Dead, Bookoccino, Not just pretty, she’s also a singer, an Uncle, and adores and Potts Point Bookshop are all offering free delivery to reading stories to EVERYONE! These stories are often help people survive the monotony of self-isolation. Search books that she grew up reading herself many, many, for a good book, have it delivered right to your door and MANY years ago when the dinosaurs roamed, and spend some quality time exploring a literary world. include Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton and Dr. Seuss. Morrison Continued is bringing Dragqueen Storytime to Instagram Live every on the page 2 Sunday at 4pm, giggles provided but BYO snacks! Info: www.instagram.com/cougarmorrison ■ Sydney Vintage Dance Studio - Have transformed their once buzzing vintage themed dance studio into a very quite online studio where students can participate in a class via their living rooms. The studio is even offering two free classes a week or via a ‘pay what you can’ method. Info: www.sydneyvintagedancestudio.com ■ (Virus) Free Theatre Festival Online - Australian Theatre Live is bringing their locally filmed theatre productions to a small screen near you. This weekend’s show will be Mary Rachel Brown’s show, The Dapto Chaser. Info: www.facebook.com/AusTheatreLive ■ Pinot & Picasso + Cork & Chroma - Painting classes paired with wine were really exploding onto the creative scene prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Now though Sydneysiders can come together with friends online and still enjoy a couple of glasses of wine while painting their own personal masterpiece. Pinot & Picasso are even running FREE session over on their Facebook page! Info: www.pinotandpicasso.com.au & www.corkandchroma.com.au Cougar Morrison. Photo: Supplied
CONCERTS IN THE CLOUD
(Continuing from the cover) Baldwin, Aaron Glenane (68 Whiskey) and Andrew Henry with stage directions and descriptions read by lifetime member of the Actors Studio Judy Jerome. Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au ■ Betty Grumble - Every morning at 10am performance artist Betty Grumble is taking to social media with a live dance to help lift our collective spirits. Info: www.facebook.com/BettyGrumble ■ Laura ‘Sippy’ Patterson - Sippy has remained connected to her global audience by introducing a new weekly Instagram live show, Sunday sips with Sips. Each week Sippy asks her fans to join her with their beverage of choice, be that alcoholic or not, and simply sit down with her to have a chat and reconnect as “mates.” Info: www.instagram.com/sippyau
Cork & Chroma. Photo Supplied
■ Outside The Box - Why not use this time in self-isolation to expand your mind. Australia’s leading intellectual events and touring company, Think Inc., is here to help you do just that with a series of streamed talks. These will be more than just a simple webinar though as participants will be able to interact directly with the host and fellow viewers in realtime to have a deep, rational discussion around the various topics. Info: www.thinkinc.org.au ■ From Our House To Yours - The Sydney Opera House are bringing their stages to your house, weekly at 6pm. Tune in weekly from Wednesday to Sunday at 6pm for archival footage, live broadcasts and premieres of music, theatre and panel discussions. Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com/digital ■ Red Line Productions - By special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Australian Theatre Company Red Line Productions will present a live-streamed reading of Lyle Sydney Vintage Dance School. Photo Supplied Kessler’s visceral masterpiece Orphans, featuring Alec
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CITY HUB 9 APRIL 2020
Cougar Morrison. Photo Supplied
■ Nat ‘Dekkadence’ Dekker - Rather then let isolation get her down Nat Dekker, better known as Dekkadence, is using this time to further her skills. Not only Dekker has committed herself to learning how to produce music and improving her dance skills, but she is also staying connected to her fans via social media. Over the next 30 days Dekker will be doing a 30 day music challenge where everyday she will post a song, a dance or something fun to show off her personality. Info: www.instagram.com/dekkadence_ ■ TAP Gallery - Just because we can’t gather in groups doesn’t mean we have to miss out on viewing some incredible art. The TAP Gallery in Surry Hills are keeping their doors open, however visitation is strictly by appointment only. Just think, when will you ever get a chance to view a full gallery exhibition in perfect silence by yourself ever again! Info: www.tapgallery.org.au
HubNEWS
Coronavirus cruise ships leave (See p.4)
Bin and tonic BY VERONICA ANASSIS housands of housebound Australians are relieving the stress of COVID-19 by dressing up to take their garbage bins out for collection. Making light of the only social outing available these days - a trip to take out the trash in this state of nearlockdown - social isolators are sharing footage of themselves completing the chore decked in their Sunday best, or silly costumes, on Facebook group ‘Bin Isolation Outing’. Bin Isolation Outing’s creator, Danielle Askew, told Mornings with Kia Handley radio show that the inspiration for the trend came from a dare. “It started out when a friend put it on Facebook about how it’s bin day and how she’s excited because she’s isolated,” Danielle explained. “And I said ‘I dare you to frock up in your best dressed.’ And she goes, ‘I will.’ So, I said alright … I’ll make a Facebook page for it for us girls.’ And it just went from there.”
T HubARTS: Sam Wade Dress for business casual up top but let your business get casual down low. (See p. 6)
Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.
Many housebound Australians on Covid-19 restrictions are wearing wacky costumes to take garbage bins out. Photo compilation: Facebook
The concept has now has expanded to include cosplay, outrageous outfits and extravagant bin props. “It’s because amidst the chaos we need to let our inner child out and have fun’, Askew said.
Covid-19 racism on rise
with the Akubra-clad man threatening violence against members of the consulate staff and blaming members of the public visiting the consulate for “deliberately” spreading the virus.
ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons News Editor: Alec Smart
The shocking attack is just one of many racist attacks faced by people of Asian appearance that have come in the wake of coronavirus.
Contributors: Alec Smart, Wendy Bacon, Allison Hore, Veronica Anassis, Alexi Demetriadi Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps
According to Australian Human Rights Commission data, one in four people who lodged racial discrimination complaints in the last two months said the attacks were COVID-19 related.
Contributors: Erika Echternach, Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Olga Azar, Renee Lou Dallow, Rita Bratovich, Olga Sedneva Advertising Manager: Georgina Pengelly Cover Photo: Andrew Quilty. ACO Homecasts Richard Tognetti Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney
Since the group’s creation on March 28, membership has jumped to 303,000. Content is now pouring in from all over the country and as far away as North America and Europe.
One in four people who lodge racial discrimination complaints say attacks were Covid-19 related. However, most attacks go unreported. Photo: Thiszun/Pexels
BY ALLISON HORE ideo emerged of another racist attack on Chinese people fuelled by the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The video, posted to YouTube, showed
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a man cracking a bullwhip while on a racist tirade outside the Chinese consulate in Camperdown, in Sydney’s inner west. The incident went on for several minutes,
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Chin Tan, encourages Australians to “show kindness” and “support each other” as the crisis unfolds. “Members of the Chinese and other Asian communities, like every Australian, are already suffering and stressed by the impact of the pandemic, and should not have to endure additional fear of discrimination, abuse or violence because of their ethnicity,” he told the ABC. Those who experience racial discrimination are encouraged to report the incidents to Anti-Discrimination NSW. CITY HUB 9 APRIL 2020
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HubNEWS
Glebe Ferry future doubtful Coronavirus cruise ships leave
While NSW Police announced a criminal investigation into Ruby Princess, three other coronavirus cruise ships left Sydney. Photo: Dietmar Rabich Wikimedia Balmain MP Jamie Parker has been a prominent advocate of the Glebe Ferry scheme from the start. Photo: supplied
BY ALEXI DEMETRIADI he Glebe On-Demand ferry has become the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic with the trial put on indefinite hold after its conclusion on 13 April. On-call from 7am, the ferry was ordered and tracked by an app or summoned at self-service kiosks located at wharves in Glebe and Pyrmont area. Its route took it between Blackwattle Bay Park in Glebe, Pirrama Park in Pyrmont, Barangaroo Wharf in Cockle Bay, and Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont. “The initial feedback and patronage from the last six months have been encouraging,” said a Transport for NSW
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spokesperson. “However, this is an opportunity to explore what other areas in the region may benefit from an ondemand ferry and to ensure that when the service does resume, it is a great option for people travelling in Sydney.” Transport for NSW said that they will now take some time to assess all elements of the on-demand ferry with the aim to resume the service later this year, with possible new routes around the Bays Precinct. Greens MP for Balmain, Jamie Parker, was an instrumental figure in driving the on-demand ferry into service. He is hopeful that the service can continue once the trial finishes.
BY ALEC SMART
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ver the weekend of 4-5 April, five cruise ships loitering in Sydney Harbour were restocked with fresh food and supplies and, after some crew members transferred vessels, escorted out into the Pacific Ocean. Those that departed were the Spectrum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Celebrity Solstice. At the same time, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller announced a criminal investigation into the Ruby Princess. The notorious Ruby Princess is the death ship that delivered hundreds of Covid-19 infected passengers to Sydney on March 19. At least 600 people linked to the
cruise ship have now tested positive for Covid-19 - ten of whom have since died. Around 200 of Ruby Princess‘ 1150 crew also tested positive for Covid-19. Those needing urgent medical attention were transported to Sydney’s Prince Alfred and St George hospitals. Despite the focus on Ruby Princess, three of the cruise ships that departed also discharged Covid-19 infected passengers - Voyager of the Seas with 34; Celebrity Solstice with 12; and Ovation of the Seas with a massive 84. Despite initial denials, NSW Health acknowledged responsibility. However, NSW Police will focus on whether Ruby Princess ignored or evaded responsibility for disembarking coronavirus-infected passengers.
COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY
PARLOUR GAMES FOR THE PANDEMIC!
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ith self isolation and family lockdowns now part of the national landscape, stay at homers are now looking at all possibilities when it comes to passing those many extra hours of confined leisure time. If you share an enthusiasm for jigsaws, like our beloved leader Scott Morrison, you’ll no doubt be working your way through a 2000 piece puzzle of a Hawaiian beach scene or hunting dogs at dawn. Then again if you are more intellectually inclined you might find yourself ‘slow reading’ your way through the 1,463 pages of Xavier Herbert’s Poor Fella My Country. Whilst endless web browsing and Netflix bingeing can certainly erase some of the boredom I would love to see a renaissance of some of the more traditional pastimes, that once occupied Australian households. Here’s just a short list of some of the activities you and your family, your flatmates or even your good old solitary self might like to consider. 4
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PADDLE POP ART: With its heyday in the 1960s the distinctly Australian folk art of building stuff out of paddle pop sticks is definitely due for a revival. Rather than consume thousands of sugary pops you can buy the actual sticks in bulk and set about constructing your very own model of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House.
PAINTING BY NUMBERS: Not everybody has the artistic ability or technique to create a masterpiece but with a painting by numbers kit you can achieve the next best thing. Simply daub the paint in the appropriate spot and within an hour or two you’ll have your very own Mona Lisa or scaled down version of Picasso’s Guernica.
SILK WORMS: Ask any baby boomer if they ever kept silk worms at home and the answer is almost certainly yes. School kids loved them in the 50s and 60s and whilst they never produced enough silk to make even a handkerchief, the fun was watching them chomp through a whole bunch of mulberry leaves and leave their cute little droppings. SEA MONKEYS: These loveable aqua critters have never really gone out of fashion and you can still pick up a Pets Playset at your local Kmart. A type of tiny shrimp, all you need to do is add water, and they will live for up to two years. Even more fun when the naughty kids drop one into Gran’s cup of tea. TWISTER WITH A TWIST: Finally, what better way to practice self distancing and sneezing etiquette than with an old fashioned game of Twister. It might require some extra nimble gymnastics but try and keep the mandatory two metres apart and cough only into your elbow.
Tenants left swinging BY WENDY BACON lthough the NSW Parliament passed an emergency law granting the NSW Govt the power to place a moratorium on evictions, Gladys Berejiklian’s government has failed to take action or introduce new regulations under existing laws. The original COVID-19 Emergency Measures Bill included nothing for housing or homelessness. But NSW Greens Housing spokesperson and Newtown MP Jenny Leong then worked with the Tenants’ Union of NSW on an amendment to fix what she described as a “massive oversight”. The Greens moved the amendment in the NSW Upper House and it passed, despite the opposition of LNP and One Nation MPs. It was then supported by the government in the Legislative Assembly. At the end of March, a 10,000 strong #NoEvictionCovid-19 petition supported by more than 100 organisations was sent to the Prime Minister Scott Morrison. It called for a National Eviction Moratorium, which resulted in the National Cabinet announcing a national moratorium. At the time of writing, only Tasmania had taken action to put this into effect. Tenants Union of NSW spokesperson Leo Patterson-Ross told City Hub that the organisation had received many complaints from tenants about landlords demanding rent, even if they were unemployed. Some landlords who had agreed to rent discounts last week have attempted to reverse them after the announcement of the Job Seeker and Job Keeper wage subsidies. In the meantime, some landlords, real estate agents and property managers have sent intimidating letters to tenants who are anxiously waiting to see what a six-month ban on evictions and calls for rent relief will mean for them. In late March, two tenants who had
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THAT SNEAKY RABBIT
Hugh Scott received a letter from his landlords warning he was “gravely mistaken” if he assumed he was entitled to Covid-19 rent relief. Photo: supplied
lost their jobs, one of whom is an international student who is entitled to no benefits, negotiated a 20% reduction for two months. After the Morrison government’s Jobseeker announcement, they got a phone call from their agent telling them the reduction was cancelled.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY CRISIS EXACERBATED
The current COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating an entrenched housing affordability crisis in Sydney, which leaves residents exposed to unfair and ruthless conduct by landlords. Many landlords themselves will now be under pressure to make loan payments as their incomes fall and properties lose value. Leong says the best way to protect the landlords is for tenants to receive a rental subsidy so they can continue to pay rent. In researching this story, City Hub came across a wide range of actions taken by landlords, some of whom have directly contacted tenants to tell them that they will reach arrangements to reduce rent by up to 50% or even freeze rent altogether. But real estate agents are another factor: some have told landlords that they won’t approach tenants to offer
By Sam Mcnair #thatsneakyrabbit
them reassurance or reductions. The big issue worrying tenants is what will happen to them after they ban is lifted, and whether they will be forced to pay arrears which many are unlikely to be able to do. This future is especially worry for tenants in NSW who can be evicted on ‘no grounds.’
Gladys Berejiklian’s
government has failed to take action or introduce new regulations under existing laws
One of Australia’s biggest real estate agents sent an email to tenants stating that assistance would be available on a case-by-case basis but that breach notices and data collection of arrears would be kept on records. “It’s a delay only of eviction notices and “any arrears will remain a debt to be paid when you are able to do so.” They suggested tenants could draw on their superannuation if in difficulties. One tenant, who has rented his property for three years but is currently unemployed, showed City Hub the email, which he found intimidating. The corporate regulator ASIC has since said that the offering of such financial advice about the use of superannuation by unlicensed persons is illegal and it “will not hesitate to act quickly to protect vulnerable consumers.” Every week in NSW, there are scores of evictions, which means that some tenants are facing homelessness right now. While tenants wait anxiously for the NSW government to implement the moratorium, Leong has also called for all current eviction notices to be invalidated. “A moratorium on evictions is a crucial step - but more needs to be urgently done. A moratorium without direct financial support to renters is only pushing the problem further down the road.”
HubNEWS
“We know that many renters have lost their income, so the last thing they need is to be living with the reality of an evergrowing rental arrears debt. At the end of this pandemic, it isn’t acceptable for people who rent to be left with huge and unserviceable debts – all this does is kick the homelessness problem down the road. If significant amounts of direct financial support can be handed out to big business and banks in this current crisis, then there is no excuse for not also providing direct financial support to renters.” NSW Tenants Union’s Leo PattersonRoss said that tenants are concerned that if they resist demands to pay rent, they will be ‘blacklisted’ in the future. “Even before this there was a crisis of renters in Sydney, so this is only highlighting and exacerbating existing problems.” Currently, tenants can be blacklisted on databases without landlords providing real evidence. If and when tenants find out, they have to apply to New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an order to have their name removed. The Tenants Union argues that the system does not operate well during normal circumstances and will be ripe for abuse without government intervention now to prevent listings. Like Leong, Sullivan is arguing that “the only way to prevent this is for the Federal government to subside rents now so that tenants don’t fall into arrears.”
NO SECURITY
So far, the National Cabinet seems to be more interested in providing certainty for commercial tenants, leaving residents to fend for themselves. The Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar suggested that tenants and landlords would be asked to work out arrangements for themselves. While they may work out for some tenants, it would leave residents in an unsafe and precarious situation as thousands of big and small landlords, property managers, real estate agents and marketers struggle to survive a crash in the property market. Behind the scenes, the property lobby which has long held huge sway in NSW will be applying pressure. And while most tenants are only too willing to negotiate, it is little wonder that there are rumblings of rent strikes. On Friday 3 April, Greens NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi posted a message on her Facebook: “Unbelievable. Still no rental and mortgage holidays for residential tenancies, still no ban on foreclosures, still no boost to rent assistance payments. The government needs to get its act together.” CITY HUB 9 APRIL 2020
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HubARTS
ABC TV tackles the difficulties faced by a transgender 12 year old (See p.7 )
SAM WADE - LIVING THROUGH A SHUTDOWN, A COMEDIAN’S PERSPECTIVE
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’m pretty sure 2020 did some shady shit back in the 80s because I have never seen something get so thoroughly and completely cancelled. We live in a time where most everything is shutdown, every job is essential and also completely expendable, where catching up with your mates is now a health hazard (unless you stand four square meters apart, in a bootcamp, while getting your hair did). It’s hard. Social distancing and isolation is rough. Fair play, there is a legitimate health crisis right now, we should all be taking
precautions not to spread the virus. It is, however, a bit rich, to be told off by our narc of a school principal about not taking things seriously and going to the beach, when Scotty from marketing fucked off to Hawaii as the country burned to the ground. This is a particularly hard time for stand-ups. Because as grumpy and misanthropic as we can be (we can, we’re deeply insecure, it’s not you, it’s us) we thrive on face-to-face connection. We need it. There’s only so much material I can make from my sofa. Streaming comedy is not the same as
being in a room and feeling the crowd go with you. As good as technology is at bringing people together nothing is as good as actually being together. Laughter is unifying. And now, more than ever, we need a laugh. So take the situation seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously. Dress for business casual up top but let your
business get casual down low. Just make sure you wash your hands after. (SW) Sam will be joining the Red Light Confidential - Isolation Series for a comedy stream on Instagram at 7:30pm, April 9. Info: www.instagram.com/ redlightconfidential
The Good Neighbour Project Supporting responsible cat ownership Protecting wildlife and feline welfare Keeping your cat happy and healthy Join our Good Neighbour Project. Visit catprotection.org.au
Rehoming Organisation Number R251000224
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CITY HUB 9 APRIL 2020
HubARTS
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU NEED THE LOO… AND HAVE NO TOILET PAPER
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ver the past month it has been nearly impossible to find toilet paper anywhere as a result of COVID-19 and the panic buying that ensued. Have you become a terrified victim of the toilet paper shortage? Are you tired of that sinking feeling of dread each time you turn your trolley into the toilet paper aisle at Woolies or Coles? Look no further! We took to social media to ask the one question that is gripping the nation: what are some alternatives to toilet paper? USE SOME UNWANTED LITERATURE: Just grab a few pages out of an unwanted book and wipe away. “[Malcolm] Turnbull just released his book
– it makes for a good arse wipe”, said Frank on City Hub’s Facebook page. Another reader Martin also suggested Hilary Clinton’s biography saying, “[It’s] sort of already covered in crap but if you’re desperate…” CLEAN OUT YOUR WARDROBE: We’re living in desperate times here, people. Do an annual wardrobe clean-out but instead of bagging everything up and donating it to Vinnies, cut your old clothes into strips and use them to keep your parts clean. City Hub reader Maz said, “…if you’re not allowed out [to buy toilet paper], tear up the old t-shirts!”
INVEST IN A BUM GUN: Locals have been using them in Thailand for years. Buy a shower head and connect it directly to your toilet’s water supply. You might end up with a wet bathroom, but Dennis says it does the job. “It attaches to the water outlet on the toilet and then I guess you just…use a flannel to wipe dry?” (MB)
SIMA TURNS TO STREAMING
Steve Hunter
BY JAMIE APPS ocial distancing might mean we can’t physically attend concerts but it doesn’t mean we have to forgo the experience entirely. The Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) is using the COVID-19 situation as a welcome push to finally experiment with streaming technology for concerts. When speaking with SIMA General Manager Amy Curl she revealed that this is a direction the company had been exploring for some time, but just needed a final push.
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FIRST DAY W
ith the LGBTQ community gaining continued acceptance in recent years, it was only a matter of time before a children’s show was produced which dealt with the hardships experienced by a 12-year-old transgender girl traversing into high school. ABC Television has courageously tackled the topic, possibly for the first time, in this excellent four part miniseries (four 30-minute episodes) which
“This is a new foray for us, but it’s something we’ve talked about doing for so so long. Nobody has really embraced streaming before, so this situation has been a real push in that direction. For me personally, and I think for SIMA, I’m actually grateful to have the push,” said Curl, “Everything was ready. The research had been done and we already knew who we would work with. It was just a matter of finding the funding to do it.” These funds became available thanks to The Australia Council and Create NSW lifting restrictions on previously allocated art grants. With the removal of the restrictions on their funding SIMA was able to quickly pivot and reallocate those funds and invest in video production and streaming. “The funding agencies have been really helpful in that they’re giving us the flexibility to repurpose our grants to get through the year,” said Curl. “At times it can be a bit of struggle to find funding as a small to medium company. But at times like this it’s incredibly beneficial to be lean because it allows us to innovate, respond and adapt to change quickly.” As they experiment with this new concert
also serves as an educational tool against bullying and discrimination. Young actress Evie Macdonald plays the pivotal role of Hannah, the girl who is terrified that the bully from her previous school may reveal her secret and shatter her life. Should she reveal her secret to her best friend? Is it wrong of her parents not to allow her to engage in sleepovers with girlfriends? Should she attend the swim camp? These are just a few of the traumas she must contend with.
delivery method SIMA has made the “conscious decision” to provide these streams for free. “It’s a great opportunity to let audiences know we’re delivering with very high production value,” said Curl. “We’re recording with some of the best engineers from our genre, in the best studios and with excellent film producers. I want people to get a sense of the quality that they’re going to get from a SIMA stream.” For the artists these concerts not only provide a source of income in a time when they can’t play gigs, but they’ll also walk away with high-quality, professional content to use as a promotion tool further down the track. For audiences the SIMA streaming concerts provide a unique music watching experience according to Curl. “These concerts a unique in that they’re interactive. You can interact with other audience members in real time through the comments, which you wouldn’t be able to do if you were sitting in a concert hall or club.” Every Friday Night. Watch via www.facebook.com/SIMAJazz
VERMONT SELF-TITLED EP
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eing locked away in self-isolation will fill anybody with angst. Luckily Melbourne emo/alt-rock four pierce Vermont have just the cure with their debut self-titled EP The four track offering is filled with classic alt-rock that blends fear, anxiety, anger, and fury with vulnerability, passion, and honesty. Throughout the punchy sub 15 minute listen Vermont dips their toes into exploring relationships, growing up and finding an identity. While this EP is incredibly crisp in regards to the production it unfortunately fails to stand out from the crowd. Vermont’s debut EP is disappointingly far too similar to everything else within the genre. (JA) WW 1/2
The need for belonging, acceptance and self-identity issues are themes handled with honesty and emotion, ultimately delivering the message that everybody should be proud of who they are. Suitable for all audiences over the age of 12, this is a program that parents should watch and discuss with their children afterward. Congratulations to ABC Television for bravely bringing this rarely told story to children’s television! (MMo) WWWW CITY HUB 9 APRIL 2020
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How we can all help stop the spread of Covid-19: Observe social distancing
Strict limits on public
gatherings
STAY HOME IF YOU CAN
Practice good hygiene
Follow the self-isolation rules
Covid-19 Support Financial support
For the latest advice, information & resources:
www.health.gov.au NSW Health: www.health.nsw.gov.au
If you’ve lost your job, lost hours, or are suffering financial hardship, find out what support is available, including wage subsidies: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.
Support for businesses & sole traders If you’re a business or a sole trader, find out what support is available at www.business.gov.au or 13 28 46.
+
If you have concerns about your health,
seek medical advice. National Coronavirus Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support for renters The National Cabinet has agreed to ban evictions over the next six months for commercial and residential tenants in financial distress who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus. For help: NSW Fair Trading at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or 13 32 20 or the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service at www.tenants.org.au or 02 8117 3700.
1800 020 080 Translating & Interpreting services
131 450
If you need further assistance, please call my office on 9379 0700 or email me: Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au
TANYA PLIBERSEK MP COVID-19 UPDATE (AS AT MARCH 31, 2020) Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP, Australian Labor Party, 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern
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