Published monthly 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’s Assistant: Mal Moody
National Sales Director: Greg Topalian Ph: 0455 120 404
Advertising Manager: Mal Moody Ph: 0484 042 615
Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au
Managing Editor: Chloe Sargeant
News Contributors: Chloe Sargeant, Janani Srinivas, Lucia Lovell, Lydia Jupp, Michael James, Will Thorpe
Arts Contributors: Coffin Ed, Josh Kerwick, Lucia Lovell, Lydia Jupp, Mark Morellini, Michael James
Cover Photo: Mark Dickson / Deep Field
Photography
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: www.cityhub.com.au
If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au
HubNEWS
Legal challenge against Minns' anti-protest laws launched
BY LYDIA JUPP
The Palestine Action Group has launched a legal challenge against the controversial anti-protest laws passed by the New South Wales government.
The Palestine Action Group filed the challenge in the NSW Supreme Court on March 17. The change “impermissibly burdens the implied [commonwealth] constitutional freedom of communication on government or political matters,” their claim argues.
The lawsuit comes on the heels of the NSW Police revealing that Sydney's recent wave of anti-Semitic attacks, as well as the explosivesladen caravan found in Dural, was all part of an elaborate "con job". Police say this elaborate misinformation campaign was created by organised crime figures to influence prosecutions and distract the police.
As a result of the attacks, NSW Premier Chris Minns, who had initially labelled the caravan plot “terrorism,” passed a series of controversial bills regarding hate speech and protests near places of worship.
At time of publishing, neither Minns nor Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley have confirmed when they knew that the plot was a hoax.
The Opposition has implied that it would support a parliamentary inquiry into the controversy and “get to the bottom” of the matter.
The Greens and other members of the cross-bench have accused Minns and Catley of purposely misleading the public and the rest of parliament in an effort to pass the bills with little pushback.
Palestine Action Group spokesperson Josh Lees also accused the Minns government of misleading the public to get the laws passed.
“There are very few places left in Sydney where anyone could protest if these laws are allowed to stand. Hyde Park, Town Hall, right here outside the Supreme Court – all are near places
of worship, are near churches, and therefore the police could have powers to ban protests that happen in those locations,” Lees said.
“We say these laws are unconstitutional. They’re undemocratic.”
BILL BEING INTRODUCED TO REPEAL RELIGIOUS WORSHIP BILL
Greens MP for Balmain Kobi Shetty gave notice of a bill to repeal the religious worship bill on March 18.
“These laws were rushed, reactionary and fundamentally flawed,” Shetty said.
These laws were rushed, reactionary and fundamentally flawed
“Our community is sick of this government undermining the right to protest at every turn. The Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Act rammed through Parliament in February was the latest in a string of authoritarian laws that criminalise peaceful protest.”
Minns told reporters on March 17 that the government believed the laws were “constitutionally sound,” and that
he wasn’t going to “second-guess the courts.”
“There’s also the freedom in a big city like Sydney and a state like NSW, where people should have the freedom to practise their religion free from intimidation or hate… and that’s the reason we moved the laws in the first place.”
The Palestine Action Group is specifically challenging the offence that criminalises hindering someone from leaving or entering a place of worship. The laws also allow police to use their move-on powers 'in or near' places of worship, regardless of the purpose of the protest, or whether it is aimed at a place of worship. Police have the authority to issue an order if someone is obstructing someone ‘in or near’ a place of worship, but it is understood that it's also up to the police to decide how close ‘near’ is.
When the laws were passed, the NSW Bar Association agreed that the laws struck the right balance between the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expression.
However, the laws were called “undemocratic" by the NSW Council for Civil Liberties.
The legal challenge has been listed for mention in the Supreme Court on 8 April.
Photo: AAP / Steven Markham
Sweeping NSW rental reforms sees no-grounds evictions banned
BY LUCIA LOVELL
Over 2.3 million renters in NSW will soon benefit from sweeping rental reforms set to take effect on May 19.
The changes, which aim to create a fairer and more balanced rental market, include banning no-grounds evictions, making pet ownership easier, and ensuring fee-free rent payments.
Premier Chris Minns said the reforms will provide much-needed housing security for renters.
“By banning no-grounds evictions, this will give renters much-needed housing security. This will let them make a house a home,” said Minns.
The abolition of no-grounds evictions means landlords must now provide a valid reason for terminating any lease. In some cases, more extended notice periods will also be required, ensuring tenants
have more time to secure new housing.
Renters who find a new property before their notice period ends will gain greater rights to end their lease early.
reforms offer practical improvements for renters.
“Whether it’s ending no-grounds evictions, making it easier to keep pets, or ensuring renters have fee-free ways to pay rent, these reforms deliver practical improvements that will benefit millions of people across NSW,” said Chanthivong.
tenants to transfer their bond when moving homes.
The NSW Rental Commissioner, Trina Jones, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring renters and property owners understand the new rules.
NSW 2042
The process for keeping pets in rentals is also changing. Tenants will be able to apply for pet approvals, and landlords will only be allowed to refuse under specific conditions, such as owner-occupancy or council restrictions. A standardised application process has been introduced, with automatic approval if a landlord fails to respond within 21 days.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the
Renters will also be able to access fee-free rental payment options.
EVEN MORE RENTAL REFORMS TO COME
These reforms follow earlier changes introduced in October 2024, which prohibited background check fees and limited rent increases to once yearly. Further reforms planned for 2025 include stronger privacy protections and a portable rental bond scheme, allowing
“Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the new rental laws will help you avoid penalties and disputes,” said Jones.
A statewide education campaign led by NSW Fair Trading has already seen over 1.2 million visits to its rental information pages and community information sessions have attracted more than 4,000 participants.
The government has also invested $8.4 million into a rental taskforce, which sits within NSW Fair Trading.
Greens to introduce bill for a NSW Human Rights Act
The NSW Government cannot be trusted when it comes to protecting and promoting human rights for people in our state - which is why it is time for the Parliament to act, and why I gave notice of a Bill to introduce a Human Rights Act for NSW.
In response to a question I asked of the Attorney General about increased human rights protection through a Human Rights Act, I very much welcomed his response in which he said that he was “open to considering the issue and working constructively” with the Greens.
From decimating our right to protest, to extending hate speech protections for only a select few, and ramming through bail laws that disproportionately impact First Nations kids, the NSW Government is playing fast and loose with our human rights - and playing straight
into the hands of the right-wing fringe who wants to promote division and erode our democracy.
Our communities deserve better than ad hoc, reactive reform that offers nothing beyond more criminalisation, more policing and more political spin: we need a NSW Human Rights Act that clearly sets out and protects equality and dignity for everyone - including rights to essentials like housing and education.
The Attorney-General's response in Question Time - as well as the recent news in the Sydney Morning Herald that former NSW Premier Bob Carr has also changed his mind and is no longer opposed to legislated human rights protectionis a welcome first step. Over the coming months I look forward to working with the broad coalition of civil society organisations who
support a Human Rights Act for NSW and parliamentary colleagues across the chamber to deliver on this longoverdue reform.
As the political landscape tilts increasingly to the authoritarian right, a proactive vision for defending and extending human rights is more urgent than ever - that’s why the Greens are taking the first step to enshrine protection for civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in NSW law.
Show your support for a NSW Human Rights Act using the QR code below:
Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Maud Page becomes first female director of Art Gallery of NSW
BY LUCIA LOVELL
The Art Gallery of New South Wales has appointed Maud Page as its tenth director, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the 154-year-old institution.
Page, who currently serves as Deputy Director and Director of Collections, will officially assume the role on March 28, ushering in a new era for one of Australia's most prestigious cultural institutions.
The decision follows an extensive global search for a leader to guide the gallery into the future. With over two decades of experience in public art institutions in Australia and internationally, Page is recognised for her strong curatorial vision, operational leadership, and expertise in collections and exhibitions.
“I strongly believe in the transformative
BY MICHAEL JAMES
Deputy Premier of New South Wales, Prue Car, visited Qtopia Sydney on March 27 to witness firsthand the impact of its education programs aimed at fostering awareness, inclusion, and advocacy in schools across NSW.
Qtopia Sydney has been collaborating with the NSW Department of Education for the past two years to develop programs that align with the curriculum while also offering additional initiatives that support LGBTQIA+ identity and advocacy.
These programs ensure that all young people, including those in regional areas, have access to learning about LGBTQIA+ history and its continued relevance.
During her visit, Deputy Premier Prue Car engaged with students from Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus, who were participating in Qtopia Sydney’s curriculum-linked program, Identity, Community, Connection
She also toured Qtopia Sydney’s exhibition spaces, gaining insight into how the centre’s immersive learning opportunities help students connect with the past and present struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community.
A key part of this discussion focused
power of art and look forward to working with artists and colleagues at my neighbouring cultural institutions and in greater Sydney as well as further afield with regional galleries and museums across the state, to welcome new audiences and families,” said Page.
Since joining AGNSW in 2017, Page has played a pivotal role in expanding the gallery’s outreach. She has successfully introduced programming that reaches new audiences, particularly in Western Sydney and regional communities. From blockbuster international exhibitions like Magritte to community-driven initiatives, her leadership has helped redefine the gallery’s presence in the Australian cultural landscape.
“With over two decades of experience in art galleries, Maud is highly respected nationally and internationally for her exceptional curatorial vision and financial acumen. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to community engagement, broadening cultural perspectives and attracting new audiences to public institutions for the benefit of all,” said the Art Gallery of NSW Trust President, Michael Rose.
PAGE SET TO EXPAND OUTREACH AND FIRST NATIONS VOICES
Page has also been a champion for First Nations voices, with AGNSW strongly emphasising Indigenous representation under her leadership. The opening of the Children’s Art Library and the success of the Hive Children’s Festival both highlight her focus on engaging young audiences and fostering an appreciation for art from an early age.
NSW Deputy Premier visits Qtopia with Sydney high school students
on legacy, highlighted by the students’ participation in the Rainbow Shoelace Project.
The Deputy Premier also expressed her support for Qtopia Sydney’s regional education programs, acknowledging their vital role in rural schools where LGBTQIA+ students often have limited support services.
Photo: Mark Dickson / Deep Field Photography
“I would also like to extend my deep gratitude to Michael Brand for his collegial leadership. Working alongside him for the conceptualisation and realisation of our new building, Naala Badu, was extraordinary and a highlight of my professional career,” said Page.
With the leadership of Maud Page, the Art Gallery of NSW is at the brink of an exciting new chapter that will bring inclusivity, innovation, and deeper connections across the state and beyond.
“POWERFUL MOMENT” IN 78ERS LEGACY, SAYS CEO
Greg Fisher, CEO of Qtopia Sydney, emphasised the significance of these initiatives, stating:
"For two years, we’ve worked with the Department of Education to develop programs that not only link to the curriculum but also offer valuable learning experiences outside of it.
We are reminded that this was – and still is – a place of advocacy
These initiatives support inclusion, identity and advocacy, ensuring students—particularly in regional areas—have access to essential conversations about belonging and community. Seeing students here today, engaging with this history, is a powerful fulfillment of Qtopia Sydney’s purpose."
"In this place, shaped by the 78ers, we are reminded that this was—and still is—a place of advocacy. The freedoms we have today are a direct result of their courage. From having had all three levels of government acknowledge the importance of sharing our community’s stories to now be standing in such a historic space alongside the Deputy Premier and students today marks a powerful moment in continuing that legacy," he continued.
Alex Greenwich MP was also in attendance for the visit, and was excited to share the important work with Ms Car.
"Her visit, on the two-year anniversary of the formation of the Minns Government, highlights just how important Qtopia Sydney and the LGBTQIA+ community are to the NSW Government."
Car herself acknowledged the significance of Qtopia Sydney’s work and the collaboration between schools, Qtopia and the government.
"Just over a year ago, the Minns Labor Government officially opened this important institution in conjunction with Federal and local governments.
"Today, I had the great pleasure to see first-hand the great work that schools and Qtopia Sydney are doing together to promote inclusivity."
INDEPENDENT WOMAN: ALLEGRA SPENDER on loving Wentworth, staying accessible, and being a proud outsider
The morning the election was called, Independent MP Allegra Spender was already on the streets, chatting to voters at Edgecliff train station.
It’s clear that every choice Spender makes politically comes back to her deep love of her electorate. Wentworth is where she grew up, where her siblings and friends all live, where she chose to raise her family.
“It’s very personal for me,” she explains.
Her decision to enter politics wasn’t a flippant one. In the end, it was Spender’s sincerity in being an outsider to the ‘industry of politics’ that saw voters flock to her in 2022, winning her the seat from Liberal Dave Sharma. Her main driving force for deciding to run was simply “a real sense that we should do better”.
“I was so frustrated with the Coalition on climate, on women, but also just having long-term plans for the country,”
Spender explains. “It was just so unconstructive and destructive.”
“A woman said to me: [in] the major parties, everyone's about themselves. It's about them against each other, rather than who cares about the country,” she continues.
Allegra speaks about backing the local queer community, including issues like inclusion in the Census and protections for LGBTQIA+ students and staff in religious schools, as well
Cat Boutique
Marrickville Road, Marrickville Your one-stop shop for all your cat care essentials! Stock up on all your feline friends’ favourite treats, toys, food, litter and so much more.
lots of great gifts for cat lovers! Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm | Saturdays 10am – 2pm
focussing on areas like climate action, HECS, and cost of living.
“I think both the major parties in their budgets and budget reply, they're not dealing with the tough issues… But we actually have to deal with [them] if we want to continue to be the kind of country we want to be.
“As an independent, I don't get told what I have to do by some party buzz. I get told what's important by the people of Wentworth. Because I don't care whose idea it is, if it's a good idea, I'll back it.”
Without having to worry about party politics, Spender uses her time to really focus on the people she represents. It’s something she naturally does well — she’s relaxed, easy to talk to, and doesn’t take herself too seriously. And she genuinely listens to everyone.
“You come back from Canberra and you think the world's changing, then it's a bucket of cold water when people talk to you on the ground, speak about what's going on in their lives.”
But Spender is always there to hear it – she’s impressively accessible. She says people often approach her for casual chats, sharing their stories with her while she’s out doing everyday errands like grocery shopping.
“It's the stories that people tell me and the people I meet that keep me grounded.”
Not only is Allegra Spender creating change for Wentworth — she’s setting new standards from what we have all come to expect of our politicians.
Cat Of The Month
Name: GIGGLE, Age:
Gorgeous Giggle lives up to her name. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear with this kitty comedian by your side! Giggle is always up for a pat or three and with her in your life there will always be lots of love and laughter to share around! This cuddle bug has such wonderful whiskers, a fabulous fluffy tail and a sweet nature sure to fill your heart with joy. She is not a fan of other felines and would prefer to be the only cat in your life but that’s okay, you’ll be endlessly entertained with her fun-loving antics. Giggle is best suited to an indoor-only forever home to protect her pale features and so her special diet can be monitored. Giggle is ready to be your go-to when you some need cheering up and a chuckle!
INTERESTED IN ADOPTING?
visit www.catprotection.org.au
Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000224
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY
THE FEDERAL ELECTION IS MAY 3 –LET THE BUNFIGHT BEGIN!
With the federal election finally announced for May 3, now’s your chance to get on the ballot – if you are so politically motivated.
It will be a scramble to lodge the paperwork and you’ll need to fork out a $2000 deposit (a preventive measure to stop every Tom, Dick and Harriet stretching the ballot slip to toilet paper dimensions), which is refundable if you are actually elected.
Nevertheless, every election there are a swag of indie candidates, the majority of whom have no chance of ever making it to Canberra. Often their inclusion on the ballot is a political statement rather than a genuine aspiration.
In Australia, it’s the Senate seats that have long been a target of micro and spoof parties. It’s no secret that the 2022 election was a triumph for them. For the first time, both Labor and the Coalition
‘Single policy’ parties have had some success, though. In 2013, Ricky Muir of the Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party (AMEP) scraped into the last Victorian Senate seat with a manifesto based solely on the rights of four-wheel drive vehicle owners.
If the last federal election is any indication, part of the battle will be fought on the streets, with candidates’
posters and billboards. Surprisingly, unlike other countries, defacing campaign posters is not a crime under our Electoral Act.
If you are caught taking a spray can to your least favourite political candidate’s poster, your local Council has the option of fining you – but they seldom do so, and the perpetrators are rarely caught.
The local council is more than likely to rip down posters on lamp posts or trees advertising local music gigs. If it’s for a state or federal election, they are inclined to turn a blind eye, regardless of their own set of regulations governing political display material – which often have some curious inclusions.
For example, Tweed Shire Council has a blanket ban on any such propaganda including on trees, roadsides, footpaths and public spaces, and any placement that could be considered a hazard for motorists. Does that include a large portrait poster of Peter Dutton?
The bunfight continues!
50 Cent Public Transport Fares:
A Win for Families, Workers and our City
Unfortunately, Sydney’s public transport system is often unreliable, with fares that are far higher than other states in Australia and other countries around the world.
In fact, Australia has the third-most expensive public transport in the world, behind Switzerland and the Netherlands. Data from the Australian Automobile Association revealed that Sydney commuters spend an average of $50 a week on public transport, or $2600 a year.
In a cost of living crisis, this really adds up.
The Queensland Government recently introduced 50 cent public transport fares state wide. This is providing meaningful cost of living relief for everyone who needs it.
It’s time for the NSW Government to follow suit and lower the cost of public transport for our community.
We’re in the middle of a cost of living crisis, and one thing we can do to put more money back into people’s pockets is to significantly lower the cost of public transport.
For a full-time worker in Sydney, dropping public transport fares to 50 cents would save a full-time worker a whopping $2,160 per year.
Making public transport affordable for everyone would help ease cost of living pressures, and it would reduce congestion on our roads.
Please join us in calling on the NSW Government to introduce 50c public transport fares today.
shameless MAGA rip-off, Trumpet of Patriots.
Photo: Coffin
SCAN HERE
Kobi Shetty MP Member for Balmain
TANYA PLIBERSEK HAS “BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE”, BUT SHE’LL NEVER TAKE HER SEAT FOR GRANTED
Tanya Plibersek will have held the seat of Sydney for half her life next year, having been elected to the position when she was just 28.
Shortly before our interview begins, Plibersek is approached by a local, asking for a photo with her. She agrees breezily, and the pair chat as her staffer snaps a picture of the two of them. The exchange is brief, but it encapsulates Plibersek’s status as a local member – she’s admired in the community, but hasn’t created so much distance between herself and her constituents that she’s untouchable. She’s still warm and approachable, even after holding her role for so long.
Sydney is one of the safest Labor seats in the country, but Plibersek says it’s not something she takes for granted.
“As a local member, I really feel like I take the responsibilities of my local community seriously,” she tells City Hub. “And I've been around for a while.”
“I make sure that I continue to work with organisations in our local community to improve quality of life for residents… making sure that physically the needs of the electorate are met, and making sure that we have good, strong community connection and cohesion.”
She had been expecting to carry her shadow portfolios as education and women’s minister through when Labor formed government in 2022, and taking on the responsibility of environment minister hasn’t been easy.
In the midst of a climate crisis, the environment portfolio is a hard job to manage, and Plibersek has inevitably faced backlash, but when asked how she wants people to remember her time in the role, she says she’s really proud of what she and her team have achieved in a little under three years.
“I think the environment is one of the areas where we absolutely can't afford
approved — almost every house in Australia,” Plibersek says. “It is an enormous transition, and it's happening right now. 10,000 extra jobs in renewables. That stops if Peter Dutton gets elected.”
Politicians like Dutton stand in stark contrast to people like Plibersek –through their actions and policies, it’s easy to tell that they both entered government for entirely different reasons.
“I think a big motivator for me with politics was that my parents came here from what was then Yugoslavia in the 1950s,” Plibersek says. “They left in the middle of the night, escaped the country with closed borders as refugees... My brothers and I were the first in our families on either side ever to go to university.
I remember the first day I walked into Parliament House… I just thought, ‘what a country that someone with my background can participate in our democracy in this way'
to rest on our laurels, because we've got a lot of making up for lost time.”
Time is a luxury we do not have. After all, 2025 is an election year, and the prospect of a Dutton-led approach to the climate crisis is like something out of a horror movie.
“I've approved 80 renewable energy projects. That's 10 million homes worth of renewable energy that we've
“I feel like it's my responsibility to turn that around, to make sure that the next generation have at least the opportunity that I did, that they inherit a country where they can afford a home, get a job with decent pay and conditions, that's secure and predictable.”
It’s clear Plibersek cares a great deal for the Australia that’s provided her with a free education, given her security, and allowed her to raise a family. It’s a dream she holds not only for her children, but for anyone who wishes to make their home here.
“I remember the first day I walked into Parliament House, before I was elected, when I was working there, and I just thought, ‘what a country that someone with my background can participate in our democracy in this way.’”
Photo: Mark Dickson / Deep Field Photography
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
HubARTS
REVIEW
BY JOSH KERWICK
Atragic tale of a forbidden love that spans continents and decades, Saints of Damour at Qtopia Sydney is enrapturing. Writer James Elazzi explores a number of hefty themes – queer love, immigration during wartime, the rise of HIV/AIDS – with a deft pen, assisted by a spectacular cast and crew that make the show absolutely superb Saints of Damour follows the life of Pierre (Antony Makhlouf), a farmer barely making a living with his mother in 1970s Lebanon, which is on the cusp of civil war. In the town of Damour he falls deeply in love with Samir (Saro Lepejian), but must soon move to Australia in an arranged marriage and leave his true love behind. In both rural Queensland and 1980s Darlinghurst, Samir constantly haunts Pierre’s life as he attempts to balance who he truly is with who his family want him to be.
The play feels deeply personal for Elazzi, a queer Lebanese man himself, as it takes inspiration from
TROPHY BOYS
FIRST LOOK
Sydney Film Festival unveils powerful program preview (See p.21)
SAINTS OF DAMOUR: AN ESSENTIAL PLAY ABOUT LOVE, LOSS & IDENTITY
the experiences of himself and his communities. This makes Saints of Damour upsetting, but there’s plenty of levity throughout, encapsulating the myriad feelings that come with a sense of fractured identity.
BY LUCIA LOVELL
Hit queer comedy Trophy Boys will head to Carriageworks from 23 July to 3 August this year as part of a major national tour.
Written by Emmanuelle Mattana (Mustangs FC) and directed by Marni Mount (POTUS), this razor-sharp satire focuses on elite private school boys arguing the topic ‘feminism has failed women’ in a Year 12 debating tournament Grand Final.
Performed by a cast of women and nonbinary people in masculine drag, the play unpacks power, privilege, and masculinity through a wildly funny and profoundly incisive lens.
“Trophy Boys is as provocative as it is funny, and a true testament to the power of bold, young, queer art,” said Mattana.
“As bad faith commentary rages on both globally and closer to home about the themes at the heart of Trophy Boys – gender, misogyny and male violence –we're proud to share theatre that sparks conversation.”
Returning to the cast are Leigh Lule as awkward David, Gaby Seow as lovable Scott, and Fran Sweeney-Nash as jockwith-a-heart Jared. Newcomer Myfanwy Hocking joins as brainy scholarship student Owen.
Following its Sydney run, Trophy Boys has its sights set overseas, with an OffBroadway premiere in New York later this year directed by Tony Award-winner Danya Taymor.
Tickets for the Carriageworks season will go on sale soon.
The cast of Saints of Damour is excellent. Antony Makhlouf’s performance as Pierre captures the character’s internal dichotomy perfectly, portraying this struggle simply in the way that he carries himself.
Samir is portrayed by Saro Lepejian, who brings a real sense of life to the show in its opening act that only remains in Pierre’s memories.
Veteran actress Deborah Galanos is terrific as Pierre’s stern but vivacious mother Zienab. Nicole Chamoun portrays Layla, Pierre’s wife, who loves him but comes to realise that her husband is simply unable to love her back, and Max Cattana wonderfully plays a number of smaller but indispensable roles.
The result is an utterly essential play. James Elazzi’s play is rooted in a rich sense of history that tackles heavy subjects in a way that provokes both tears of joy and misery, assisted by a phenomenal troupe of actors that bring this tale to life in Qtopia’s Loading Dock Theatre.
HIGH OCTANE
BY JOSH KERWICK
The latest work from acclaimed choreographer Emma Harrison begins with literal burning rubber, as a car tears into the Campbelltown Arts Centre’s courtyard, immediately setting your adrenaline into overdrive.
What follows in the choreographed section of High Octane is a relentlessly mobile piece of work. Harrison is joined on stage by Emma Riches and Frances Orlina, and the trio push themselves to the limit.
Orlina begins by walking across the stage on helmets, talking about her desire to be famous – quite literally standing on the heads of her fellow performers. It’s an evocative image that speaks to that
nebulous desire for success and 'making it', which was uber-popular at the birth of 2000s internet culture.
The performers occasionally utilise speech, but majority of the storytelling comes through High Octane’s intense physicality and staggering choreography.
High Octane is an entertaining show with plenty to say, and it certainly doesn’t mind if you’re left in the dirt as it moves at unrelentingly breakneck speeds. But that’s an intended feature of the show, given its characters' intentions to ascend to fame and fortune, no matter the cost.
High Octane was unlike any show I’d seen before, and was well worth the trip to Campbelltown.
Photo: Ben Andrews / Supplied
Photo: james.elazzi / Instagram
Photo: Nat Cartney / Supplied
25th BIENNALE OF SYDNEY
TO RETURN TO WHITE BAY POWER
BY LUCIA LOVELL
TSTATION IN 2026
he Biennale of Sydney will make its highly anticipated return to White Bay Power Station for its 25th edition, running from 14 March to 14 June 2026.
Following the success of its debut at the historic venue last year, the internationally renowned contemporary art festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors and solidify the site as a premier cultural destination.
NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham welcomed the festival’s return, highlighting the unique setting of White Bay Power Station.
“The White Bay Power Station is
this space to inspire, engage, and connect people through a festival of contemporary art, music, and ideas," said Biennale of Sydney CEO Barbara Moore. "We are proud to return to White Bay Power Station in 2026 for the 25th edition in one of the city’s most exciting new creative precincts."
First launched in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney has become a significant fixture on the city’s cultural calendar. Last year’s White Bay Power Station event attracted 174,000 attendees, and the 2026 edition is expected to draw more than 27,000 visitors to Sydney and contribute $18 million to the NSW economy.
a bold canvas for the colour and creativity of the Biennale of Sydney, so it’s great to see it coming back next year,” said Graham.
“It’s so exciting to have this former power station firing for big cultural events. It has the scale to stage big works, stunning backdrops, all centrally located for art lovers around Sydney and beyond.”
"The Biennale of Sydney was the first cultural organisation to bring White Bay Power Station to life, transforming this iconic and historic landmark into a dynamic hub for community events and exhibitions of international calibre. The overwhelming success of the Biennale’s 24th edition showed the incredible potential of
Minister for Planning and Public
Spaces Paul Scully said the event reinforces the power station’s transformation into a cultural hub.
“The return of the Biennale will further cement White Bay Power Station’s status as a building dedicated to arts and culture,” said Scully.
The NSW Government has invested $100 million in restoring White Bay Power Station, with plans to preserve its role as a long-term arts and creative industries space. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper emphasised the festival’s role in positioning Sydney as a global arts destination.
The full program for the 25th Biennale of Sydney will be disclosed later this year.
LGBTQIA+ VENUE ARQ HOSTS FINAL PARTIES AFTER 26
YEARS IN BUSINESS
BY MICHAEL JAMES
After 26 years in business, beloved LGBTQIA+ venue ARQ has officially closed the revolving doors.
The iconic Darlinghurst venue threw a weekend of sold out farewell parties in late March to celebrate more than two decades of legendary nights.
Poof Doof hosted the venue's final party. Celebrations continued through the Saturday night and right into the next morning, with DJs and performers scheduled up until 10am on the Sunday.
ARQ opened in 1999 on Friday 13 August, timed deliberately to defy the superstition the date traditionally evokes, and quickly established itself as Sydney's premier gay nightclub.
This isn't the first time the venue has closed its doors: the venue shut at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, and was listed for sale in 2021, alongside its neighbour, Bodyline Sauna.
The venues were pulled from the market, and then re-listed a month later, only to make their return in December 2022, just in time for Sydney to host World Pride in 2023.
However, this time, the closure appears to be for good, with plans for a new venue to open in the coming months.
Home The Venue took over ARQ's lease in mid-2024, with owner Susanah Page promising to maintain the legacy of the iconic club.
“The entire Home The Venue team feel very privileged to have the opportunity to operate another iconic Sydney venue,” Page stated.
“We are staying true to the history of this venue and have no intention of undergoing exhaustive renovations or changing the things that people love about it. This venue has a deep connection to its community. We know we need to preserve that connection while ensuring we are growing a commercially viable business that can serve that same community for many years to come.”
Shadd Danesi, the founder and operator of ARQ, was to maintain ownership of the premises, but will be retiring and "passing the baton" on.
"It has been an absolute privilege and I’m excited to see what comes of the venue in new hands,” said Danesi when the sale was made last year.
Dave Auld, co-founder of the straight Oxford Street club Noir, announced earlier this month that the venue will be rebranded to Aura The Nightclub which is scheduled to open in autumn.
Photo: Arq Sydney / Facebook
Photo: Toby Peet / Supplied
Photo:
BELOVED NYE CELEBRATION SHORE THING TO RETURN TO BONDI BEACH
BY JANANI SRINIVAS
I
n a major step towards restoring the vibrant energy and culture of Bondi, a motion to bring back Bondi Beach's beloved New Year's Eve festival Shore Thing was supported by the council.
The motion was put forth by Bondi Ward Councillor Michelle Stephenson and Waverly Council Mayor Will Nemesh at last month’s council meeting.
The council will undergo an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to find a partner to run the event. Council is also eager to secure the support of the State Government and Destination NSW.
“Bringing back a NYE event at Bondi Beach is part of our plan to create more fun for our residents, visitors and community,” said Mayor Nemesh.
“We want to see greater activation of our public spaces and a New Year’s Eve event is the perfect activity for welcoming in the new year. I am energised by Council’s focus and priority to provide our residents and community with more festivals, more events and more options to have fun,” he continued.
“Last night was a real win for music lovers across the city’s east and around the world,” Stephenson told Rolling Stone
“Not only are we bringing back live entertainment to our much-loved iconic beach, but we are also helping boost our
local economy. Our city has long needed a nighttime refresh, and this New Year's Eve event will do just that."
Shore Thing was originally terminated after complaints from residents that it drove families away and brought antisocial behaviour. Throughout the years, the festival brought in big names such as Snoop Dogg, Calvin Harris, Skrillex, Flume, Underworld, and The Presets.
After working on Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras' Bondi Beach Party the past few years, it’s understood the Council is confident that they will be able to collaborate with industry to minimise the negative impact on residents. Some of these proposed measures include curfews, cleaning, waste disposal and effective transport management.
“As a Bondi Ward Councillor one thing I consistently hear is how the community has lost its vibe," Stephenson said. "Many locals are crying out for ways to reconnect and what better way than through music.
“Local businesses including bars and restaurants are also looking for ways to increase visitors in a tough economic climate. Top tier talent performing on an iconic beach. I honestly can’t think of a better way to bring in the New Year.”
GOOD LIFE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES HIATUS FOR 2025
BY JANANI SRINIVAS
Good Life is the latest victim of the wave of live music cancellations. The festival announced that it will not return for 2025, citing “rising operational and talent costs”.
Good Life, owned by Mushroom Group, launched in 2010 and is a multi-city day festival exclusively for teenagers. It has held more than 100 events nationally — most recently, last April's Lost City Festival in Brisbane and Sydney, headlined by US rapper Lil Pump and UK DJ Joel Corry.
In a statement released to social media on March 19, the festival told their followers that “this isn’t goodbye,” and that they planned to return in 2026.
"After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause Good Life in 2025 due to rising operational and talent costs. These challenges have made it unfeasible to deliver the world-class lineup and experience that Australian teens have come to expect," reads the social media post.
"Since its inception in 2010, Good Life has been more than just a music festival—it’s been a rite of passage for Australian teens. Our mission has always been to provide an affordable, drug- and alcohol-free event where young people can safely immerse themselves in live music and entertainment, fostering real
connections in an increasingly digital world."
In the past Good Life has featured major international and Australian acts such as Avicii, The Kid LAROI, Lil Uzi Vert, Macklemore, Havana Brown, Rudimental, Skrillex and A$AP Rocky.
Good Life's cancellation is just the latest in a series of music festival cancellations in Australia. Splendour in The Grass and Groovin The Moo both have announced their cancellation for the second year in a row.
Earlier this year, Souled Out was cancelled a week before it was scheduled to begin in Melbourne.
In a report released last year by arts investment and advisory body Creative Australia, it was found that more than one-third of Australian music festivals were losing money as the sector faced increasing operational costs. The report also found that in the 2022-23 season, only 56 percent of music festivals were profitable and that the 18-24 audience was no longer the sector’s primary market.
A parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s live music sector recommended many different ways to help the industry, including tax offsets, a rebate or voucher scheme in line with programs in certain European countries, and the reduction or elimination of policing costs for festivals.
Photo: goodlife.presents / Instagram Photo:
HERE’S YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL 2025 PROGRAM
Photo: IMdB BY LUCIA LOVELL
The Sydney Film Festival has unveiled a powerful early preview of its 2025 program, spotlighting 16 daring and diverse films ahead of the program launch on 7 May.
One of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious film festivals, the 72nd edition of the Sydney Film Festival will run from 4 to 15 June, showcasing a mix of homegrown premieres, internationally acclaimed features, and groundbreaking documentaries.
Festival Director Nashen Moodley said the preview reflects “bold storytelling and distinctive voices,” with selections that span genres, geographies and perspectives.
REVIEW
“From inventive new Australian work to major prize-winners from the international circuit, these films reflect the ingenuity and diversity of cinema today, and offer a glimpse of the rich and rewarding program to come.”
Among the standout local offerings is Fwends, a whip-smart buddy comedy by two-time Dendy Award winner Sophie Somerville, and the Berlin Teddy Awardwinning Lesbian Space Princess, an animated queer sci-fi odyssey. Other highlights include Make It Look Real, a documentary from Kate Blackmore that offers rare access to the work of an intimacy coordinator on a film set—shining light on one of the film industry’s most rapidly evolving roles.
BOB TREVINO LIKES IT
BY JOSH KERWICK
Lily Trevino (Barbie Ferreira) has had a hard life, with her largely absent mother leaving her with her narcissistic father Bob (French Stewart). After a nasty fight she tries to find her dad online, only to become Facebook friends with another man called Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo), and an unlikely friendship forms.
A bittersweet, terrifically crafted film, Bob Trevino Likes It works due to the sensational performances by Ferreira and Leguizamo. The two seem an improbable pairing themselves, with
Ferreira at the beginning of her career and Leguizamo an industry veteran – but the actors have a very unique chemistry.
Leguizamo is perfect as a lovably dorky middle-aged man who harbours deep trauma. Meanwhile, Ferreira is excellent as an elder Gen-Zer masking a lot of pain, but with genuine love in her heart.
Despite holding plenty of sadness, the film ultimately feels life-affirming — a warm reminder that you can choose your family.
Internationally, the sneak peek features The Blue Trail, winner of the Berlinale’s Grand Jury Prize, which follows a 77-year-old woman’s surreal Amazonian escape from a dystopian fate. Also making waves is DJ Ahmet, Sundance’s Audience Award-winner about a North Macedonian teen discovering electronic music and selfexpression.
Documentaries are especially prominent this year, with Mr. Nobody Against Putin exploring Russian classroom propaganda amid the Ukraine war and Farming the Revolution chronicling the mass protest of Indian
farmers on Delhi’s outskirts. Star power arrives with Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott in Irish drama Bring Them Down, while Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon headline In The End, a post-apocalyptic musical from Oscar-nominated director Joshua Oppenheimer.
Other notable entries include music documentaries on John & Yoko and Marlon Williams, Venice thriller Stranger Eyes, and a marathon 14-hour dive into radical art in Exergue – on documenta 14 Flexipasses and subscriptions are on sale now at sff.org.au, with full session tickets available from 7 May.
Make It Look Real. Photo: Supplied
OH, CANADA
BY NAOMI LAWRENCE
Paul Schrader’s Oh, Canada is a slow-burning but emotionally potent exploration about a man confronting his life’s mistakes, based on the novel Foregone by Russell Banks.
The story follows Leonard Fife (Richard Gere), a revered documentary filmmaker who, nearing the end of his life, wants to set the record straight before it’s too late. He agrees to sit for a filmed interview with his former students—“The Mr. and Mrs. Ken Burns of Canada” as Leonard mockingly calls them—Malcolm (Michael Imperioli) and Diana (Victoria Hill), who are making a documentary about his career. However, Leonard hijacks the process to confess the untold truths and lies of his life.
Leonard’s past is full of moral compromises—his avoidance of the Vietnam War draft, a string of failed relationships and bold-faced deceit. As the interview unfolds, Leonard gradually reveals painful yet muddled
truths, reflecting on his younger self’s (played by Jacob Elordi) long journey from youthful idealism to his eventual disillusionment.
Schrader excels at telling the seemingly self-reflective story of a man reckoning with his legend (signature raspy cough included). Inspired by Schrader’s own experience, Oh, Canada is a poignant meditation on exploitation and mortality, asking: Is the damage done worth how we’re remembered?
But while thematically strong, the film occasionally stumbles in its execution.
The narrative is intentionally fractured and can sometimes feel disjointed.
Schrader’s use of non-linear storytelling and frequent flashbacks mirrors Leonard’s inner turmoil, but can distance audiences from the character’s journey.
Richard Gere brings a quiet intensity to the role of tormented Leonard, capturing the internal conflict of a man who is self-aware and regretful. As an
unreliable narrator, Gere makes Leonard somewhat sympathetic but as the story unfolds and his increasingly far from heroic past comes to light, any remaining empathy is snuffed out.
Uma Thurman adds complexity as Emma, Leonard’s furtive yet supportive wife and former student, while Jacob Elordi effectively captures the young, ambitious Leonard— lacking conviction and running from himself. While the A-list cast delivers strong performances, the characters feel hard to connect with due to a lack of engaging dynamics.
Visually, Oh, Canada is striking.
Schrader skilfully shifts warm tones, colour palettes and aspect ratios to reflect Leonard’s state. The cinematography heightens the film’s atmosphere of America in the 50’s and 60’s, blending the historical and personal.
Despite Oh, Canada’s strong visuals, thematic ambition and strong lead performance making it an interesting meditation on mortality and regret, its slow pacing and narrative confusion results in a slow and meandering film.
Oh, Canada is out in cinemas now.
THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE
BY JOSH KERWICK
Did you know that a straight Looney Tunes movie has never been released in theatres before? Sure, there have been hybrid films like Back in Action or the culturally bankrupt Space Jam films, but Peter Browngardt’s The Day The Earth Blew Up is the first time a straightforward Looney Tunes movie has been released in cinemas.
Watching this film, which is definitionally making history, it’s hard to fathom why. With a modest budget but charm in spades, The Day The Earth Blew Up really does feel like a feature-length Looney Tunes extravaganza. Taking loving cues for its premise from 50s sci-fi B-movies, it puts Daffy Duck and Porky Pig (both voiced by Eric Bauza) in a number of increasingly insane situations to amusing effect.
After their father figure Farmer Jim (Fred Tatasciore) seemingly ascends to heaven, Daffy and Porky are living alone when a UFO takes a huge chunk out of their roof. They only have a short
amount of time to fix it before their house is foreclosed, and so they get to work at the gum factory with flavour scientist Petunia (Candi Milo). But when the pair discover a conspiracy regarding the gum, it kicks off a crazy adventure as only a Looney Tunes cartoon could envision.
It’s uncanny how much The Day The Earth Blew Up feels like a blast from the past. Apart from some glaringly modern references, the film feels like a classic Looney Tunes caper with gags both visual and written. In particular, the excellent animation bolsters this feeling, choosing to utilise hand-drawn
animation and matte backgrounds in what feels like an increasingly lost art. Being a feature-length Looney Tunes film, it’s no shock that The Day The Earth Blew Up moves at a hundred miles a minute. Jokes constantly spill out of this movie while still managing to tell a fairly cohesive story, even if the gags don’t have a 100% hit rate. But, the narrative is a surprisingly solid anchor. Telling a reimagined version of Daffy and Porky’s childhoods as quasi-brothers, The Day The Earth Blew Up has a surprisingly solid emotional arc for these beloved characters.
As such, it’s pretty easy to enjoy The Day The Earth Blew Up. It doesn’t fire on all cylinders all the time, but its charming animation and solid character work make it a fine entry in the Looney Tunes canon, and is surely best seen in cinemas for the most historically significant experience.
In cinemas from March 27th
Photo: Supplied
Photo: IMdB
FOR SYDNEY LUC VELEZ
THE GREENS PLAN FOR SYDNEY
No more coal and gas, action on climate and stronger environmental protections
Fix the housing crisis, more public homes and a freeze on rent increases
Cost-of-living relief, an end to supermarket pricegouging and dental and mental health into Medicare
Stand with the queer community, improve protections from discrimination and ensure gender affirming care is free and publicly accessible
Protect human rights, justice for refugees, a strong stance against the genocide in Palestine and sanctions on Israel
POWER SELF REVEAL YOUR SUPER SELF
An exalted version of who you are. It is no longer about searching it’s about being fully present.
Dual in its essence, POWER SELF blends the softness of white florals with the vibrant intensity of musks and spices. This contrast creates a unique alchemy, instantly activating self-confidence and inner strength.
With POWER SELF, INITIO ushers in a new era where science enhances the power of scent. By harnessing the direct connection between fragrances and the brain’s sensory receptors, this creation goes beyond mere olfactory pleasure: it measurably influences self-confidence and well-being. More than just a fragrance, POWER SELF transforms every gesture into an act of accomplishment and self-affirmation. Become your Super Self.
