City Hub 20 August 2020 by Alt Media

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HubNEWS

Support for Bennelong Point rock art (See p.20)

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PRINTING THE NEWS AND RAISING HELL BY LAWRENCE GIBBONS he first edition of the City Hub was published 25 years ago this week. That same month, in August 1995 Bill Gates launched Internet Explorer, one of the world’s first web browsers. Since then, access to the world wide web has revolutionised the way news is delivered and has all but obliterated the old-fashioned newspaper business upon which the City Hub was based. More than any other technological advance over the last century, the internet has done more to obliterate the role of journalism in our modern society. Radio and television broadcasts may have whittled away at newspaper readership, but the Internet has driven a stake into the very heart of the local news business.

information is only available for those who can afford it. In order to bypass subscriptionbased news services, citizens increasingly turn to large transnational tech firms like Google and Facebook who do not generate content or employ journalists. Instead these massive US based tech firms dole out tailor made information according to each person’s existing prejudices, beliefs and algorithms, ensuring a loss of objectivity and balance.

T HubARTS: Pippin Tony Award winning musical Pippin will reopen the Lyric Theatre (See p. 22)

Published weekly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody News Editor: Allison Hore Contributors: Allison Hore, Wendy Bacon, John Moyle Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar Cover Photo: Sam Mcnair 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

Over the last quarter of a century the City Hub has chronicled the closure of numerous Sydney based publications, lamenting the loss of thousands of journalists’ jobs. Australia has long been one of the most monopolistic media landscapes in the developed world. But the devastation wrought on the media landscape over the last six months in the wake of the COVID pandemic has been unparalleled. Earlier this month, News Corp announced that revenues for its Australian and UK newspaper businesses were down by over $US1.5 billion with turnover at its Australian titles reduced by over 30%. In May News Corp shuttered more than 100 local and regional publications across Australia, with once successful inner city titles like the Inner West Courier and the Southern Courier permanently closed.

In April the Australian Community Media and News Corp Australia also closed down dozens of other regional newspapers, which it had recently acquired when Fairfax was disembowelled by the Nine Network. The Fairfax rural publications were siphoned off so that Nine could acquire the Sydney Morning Herald and the Melbourne Age creating a media corporation with more turnover in Australia than Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. 144 media jobs were slashed when Nine took over the former Fairfax assets and following the recent market downturn eight more journalists at the SMH were made redundant. No part of the Australian news business has escaped untouched by COVID. Even digital newsrooms have been impacted. BuzzFeed closed-down its Australian

operations retrenching five local journalists. The Ten Network eliminated 30 more local journalists from its online news operations. The ongoing erosion of media coverage threatens democracy itself. If the role of the fourth estate has been to serve as a watchdog of government and to educate and inform the citizenry of what their elected officials have been doing; the elimination of jobs for journalists means there are fewer people keeping the bastards honest. Studies overseas have shown that the loss of news readership leads to a lack of knowledge about local issues, disengagement, cynicism and ultimately distrust of all social institutions. As the Australian media duopoly of News and Nine hide their news coverage behind paywalls in order to make up for lost revenue,

Over the last quarter of a century the shift away from traditional news media outlets to new digital platforms has meant a loss of local advertising revenues that once supported jobs for journalists. It should come as no surprise that last month it was reported that Google and Facebook are now taking 85% more revenue out of the Australian economy than the nation’s two largest media conglomerates combined. Together News and Nine generated $2.7 billion in revenues compared to Google and Facebook’s Australian revenue of nearly $5 billion. 25 years after the launch of the City Hub, it is sobering to think that this publication is now one of only a handful of freely distributed publications on the streets of inner Sydney. From our very first issue we proclaimed it was our mission “to print the news and raise hell.” A small band of volunteer and underpaid journalists have diligently carried on that work in what is without a doubt the least competitive media market in the western world. And the news is not good. These are some of bleakest days the City Hub has chronicled over a quarter of a century. CITY HUB 20 AUGUST 2020

HubNEWS

A park too far T BY JOHN MOYLE he Berejiklian government’s creation of a new super body has been met with a mix of doubt and cautious optimism. Greater Sydney Parklands will oversee more than 6,000 hectares of public space across the Sydney Metropolitan area and will include Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parklands, Centennial and Moore Park and Callan Park. Three of the affected areas, Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parklands and Centennial Park are currently overseen

They are putting cars

on the park and she has agreed to it

by trusts, which will each contribute a member to the new entity. “Creating a single agency is a once-in-a generation opportunity to plan for our parklands and open spaces over the next 50 years as a connected network that forms the backbone of our city,” Rob Stokes, Minister Planning, Industry and Environment said.

Also included in the new body will be the newly purchased 412 Fernhill Estate at Mulgoa near Penrith. In a statement to City Hub, Planning said that members of each of the trusts were closely involved in creating the new agency as part of the working committee. Michael Waterhouse, president of Saving Moore Park said that the body is too big, too remote and that “you have a board with only one member who has any knowledge or experience with Centennial Park.” That person is Patrick St John who is the chair of the Community Consultant Committee of the Centennial Parklands and whose appointment is guaranteed by the act by which Centennial Park operates. “It remains unclear whether the new agency and trust will provide the needed commitment to protect the Centennial Parklands, particularly Moore Park from encroachment,” Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney said. “The minister told me that the organisation will implement the Moore Park Master Plan 2040, which includes the removal of event parking on Moore Park as an objective, however there is no plan or strategy to get there and it

Moore Park, which is often used for overflow parking for the nearby stadium. Photo: Wikimedia

appears that on-grass parking will return when events resume.”

PARK NOT CAR PARK

Saving Moore Park was formed over five years ago and currently has over 3,300 supporters. Their latest newsletter lamented the state of Moore Park as being in a “disgraceful condition, with half bricks, concrete aggregate and tar poking through”. Mr Waterhouse said “The premier has a program called Parks for People, but hello, they are putting cars on the park and she has agreed to it.”

“All of these problems stem from the major sporting clubs such as the SCG Trust and to a certain degree the sporting codes which are all about convenience in terms of proximity ( for parking).” Saving Moore Park’s campaign to remove event parking is certainly gathering support with an increase in membership and cross party support from politicians Alex Greenwich, Jenny Leong, Majorie O’Neill and City of Sydney councillor Christine Forster. Michael Waterhouse noted that while Callan Park received $10 million Moore Park and Centennial Park received nothing.

CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YEARS CITY HUB. As an active and progressive community, we value local, independent news.

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Open all week from midday till late With accommodation, private dining rooms, as well as daily food specials & Sunday live music from some of Sydney's finest artists from 3pm Call (02) 9692 0301 to make a booking 61 Harris Street, Pyrmont CITY HUB 20 AUGUST 2020

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Casino gift turns nightmare BY WENDY BACON SW police have charged a 30-year-old man after an investigation into his gambling transactions at The Star casino in July. He was searched while he was at the casino and more than $10,000 in cash, $50,000 in casino chips and documents were seized. A search of his home resulted in police seizing a further $70,000 in cash and a CCTV system. Police allege he bought the chips with the proceeds of crime. Assuming this is correct, the man was very likely part of an organised crime operation involving a number of people. It remains to be seen whether the ‘Organised Crime unit’ are able to penetrate the rest of the circle involved in this laundering enterprise or whether the arrested man will shut-up and cop the blame. There was nothing surprising about this small crime news event. Casinos have long been known to be a haven for organised crime to launder its money. Indeed some experts would argue that laundering cash is part of the very purpose of casinos. The most lucrative gamblers of all are the international high rollers that are targeted by ‘junkets’ who offer incentives and promotions to bring them on shore. A large number of junkets have been linked to triads (organised crime). Junkets also behave like banks, lending money to players and collecting debts. Over the last decade, the key strategy of Australian casinos has been to build the VIP high-roller business. New South Wales (NSW) Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) also fined The Star recently $90,000 when it reported three cases of underage gambling. In one case, the parents of a 12-year-old girl whose parents brought her through an exit door played the pokies. In another, a 16-yearold girl gained entry through a VIP checkpoint without showing any ID when accompanied by a middle-aged man who was a platinum VIP member. Gambling concerns ignored None of these unfortunate matters appeared to be on the mind of the NSW government last week when Planning Minister Rob Stokes announced the draft Pyrmont Strategy. This will allow The Star to build a luxury hotel of up to 180 metres on its site and other developers to build high rise buildings nearby. The government has already flagged more 45 storey residential buildings further west at Blackwattle Bay. This means that Sydney’s skyline will dramatically change from being human

CITY HUB 20 AUGUST 2020

Crown Sydney dominates but NSW government has approved 51 storey hotel at The Star Casino and more high rise to fill the sky. Photo by Wendy Bacon

scaled to one filled with high rise buildings, although it’s unlikely that any will challenge Crown Sydney in its ability to attract attention. The drivers of these planning decisions are the powerful developer lobby and a government that is focussed on keeping the construction industry afloat during COVID. The gambling connection was not missed by the Lord Mayor Clover Moore who rejected the strategy as ‘zombie planning’. “It is deeply disappointing to see The Star’s zombie tower rise from the dead,” she said.

It is deeply disappointing to see The Star’s zombie tower rise from the dead She was also a critic of Crown Sydney at Barangaroo when it was approved. Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich also noted in response to the Pyrmont strategy that exceptions were being made for ‘gambling magnates’ rather than consideration being given to community need. The plan for the luxury hotel was specifically promoted by The Star as a way of enticing more international high rollers to enable it to compete with Crown Sydney. It has also been given the right to be the only casino with poker machines until 2041. If another casino

is allowed to have poker machines, The Star will be paid compensation.

CROWN UNDER INVESTIGATION

Meanwhile, Crown Sydney will be completely dependent on high rollers for its gambling profits as well as the sale of its luxury apartments to recoup the money spent on its Lendlease development. It is being internally fitted with the specific aim of attracting very wealthy Chinese gamblers. Recently it drew down another $100 million bank facility to complete the construction. It was supposed to open this year but with the building still far from finished, a Chinese government crackdown on wealthy gamblers and no international tourists allowed into the country from anywhere, the short-term prospects for the casino are looking grim. There is also a serious ILGA inquiry that has not been going well for Crown. It’s been a year since the ILGA announced its powerful inquiry into Crown that will determine whether it will continue to hold its license to operate the casino. The Inquiry followed reports in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes that Crown worked with “junket” tour operators backed by powerful Asian crime gangs. These revelations built on earlier Four Corners allegations about links between Crown and junkets linked

with organised crime in 2014 and the arrest and conviction of a number of 19 Crown employees in China in 2016.They pleaded guilty to breaching Chinese laws that forbid the promotion and marketing of gambling. It is worth noting that the allegations in 2014 and 2016 did not stir the NSW government into questioning the wisdom of Crown Sydney holding its licence. It took what the former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin SC, who is presiding over the Inquiry, described as ‘dogged journalism’ for the allegations to get attention. James Packer, meanwhile, has paid $60 million for two floors of Crown Sydney where he plans to bring his children who live in Los Angeles for holidays so they will get to know Sydney. When he first put forward his unsolicited bid to build Crown Sydney at Barangaroo, Packer boasted that it was a great gift from himself to Sydney. Most of Sydney’s media, the Liberal government and Labor opposition cheered him on. Anyone who criticised was silenced or ignored. Whatever happens inside its walls, the Crown Sydney has already become an inescapable architectural landmark. It would be nice to think that Packer’s ‘gift’ was one final overreach that drew a line under the corruption of NSW planning decisions but that would unfortunately be naive.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

ell…what a year it has been for Sydney’s local businesses and organisations.With many facing strict restrictions and lockdowns, others having to close their doors completely, it’s phenomenal that so many are still standing. Sydney has always been an extremely dynamic city, embracing change but also battling hard when the going gets tough.And these are the qualities, among many others, that we’re celebrating in this year’s 25th Anniversary Issue of the

Best of Sydney awards.You’ll find some familiar faces from previous years in the Best of Sydney 2020 list, businesses and organisations that have continued to stand strong and serve their local communities.There are also a lot of newcomers, some newly opened businesses and some long-standing ones. Nevertheless, the Best of Sydney 2020 list highlights the strength and diversity of our city across a wide range of categories – a true celebration of spirit.

EDITOR:

MADISON BEHRINGER

CONTRIBUTORS: MADISON BEHRINGER,

KIRSTA CHEUNG, JAMIE APPS, RENEE LOU DALLOW, RIDA BABAR, IRINA DUNN,

COVER IMAGE:

SAM MCNAIR

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 BEST TRADITIONAL PIZZA

EAT BEST OLD-FASHIONED FEED THE DENDY CAFÉ MILKBAR

The Dendy Café Milkbar in Newtown is right next to the Dendy Cinema, earning its name as a result. It offers a chalkboard menu and relaxed environment with corner booths where creatives meet to discuss up and coming projects. The space is actually a little dark too, evoking the feeling of being in a cinema or even a library. The menu is healthy, full of fresh salads with smashed avo, sourdough and grain breads as well as muesli with granola and cheese and fruit platters. The Dendy Milkbar is also famous for its old-fashioned desserts including bread and butter pudding and sticky date too. Each dessert is served with a lashing of cream or ice cream, in true old-school style. 261 -263 King Street Newtown. 9516 5552. www.dendy.com.au

BEST MULTICULTURAL CAFÉ CUISINE DEVON CAFÉ

Upgrade your weekend brunch to this Surry Hills cafe on Devonshire Street. Devon Café serves restaurant quality food meanwhile mashing up different cuisines and cultures in a local cafe setting.Their all day menu covers a variety of popular brunch classics with surprising twists. Dishes include bruschetta with smashed avo, watermelon sourdough, tomatoes, feta and a dollop of gazpacho pudding.And for the sweet tooths looking for a treat, epic kakigori dessert and black rice pudding with coconut cream and banana are sure to satisfy your cravings. 76 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills. 9211 8777. www.devoncafe.com.au

ALBERTO’S PIZZA Alberto’s Pizza is a well-loved local fixture on Newtown’s main King Street strip. Alberto immigrated to Australia some 60 years ago and his charming and quaint restaurant brings light to the life he and his family have lived. Arriving in the country with a suitcase, a piano accordion and his traditional Italian recipes, Alberto’s Pizza was born. The restaurant specialise in traditional Italian cuisine with a range of home-made pastas and pizzas and a selection of chicken and beef mains. Alberto’s garlic bread is to-die-for, and you’ll find a menu full of traditional favourites such as chicken cacciatore, parmigiana and a seemingly endless pizza topping list. Alberto’s Pizza is the perfect place for a family dinner, a quiet date night meal before heading to the movies or somewhere to stop for a slice of pizza on your way to the pub. Traditional, classic and authentic Italian cuisine. What more could you ask for? 589 King St, Newtown. 9519 4262. www.albertospizza.com.au

BEST CONTEMPORARY INDIAN DINING DON’T TELL AUNTY There’s no ghee in the curry. There’s whiskey in your chai. The woman runs the business. The man does the cooking. These are the words of Jessi Singh and Raj Parr, owners and founders of Don’t Tell Aunty nestled in Surry Hills on Bourke Street. Both Jessi and Raj are Indian-born men and are pushing boundaries and challenging traditional cuisine while still bringing the flavours of their country to the locals. Jessi handles the fire in the kitchen while Raj brings perfect wine pairings to every dish. For a contemporary and outrageously fun dining experience, Don’t Tell Aunty is not to be missed.

414 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. 9331 5399. www.donttellaunty.com.au

BEST BOTTOMLESS CHICKEN GOOBNE CHICKEN

chicken or, put plainly, drumsticks dipped in melted cheese. Goobne also offers a list of wacky cocktails, and as bizarre as it may sound the vibrant blue tequila spiked Sharknado is one of their most popular drinks. Be sure to visit Goobne for a bottomless chicken experi-ence the next time you’re craving Korean fried chicken and beer! 16E Tumbalong Boulevard, Haymarket. 8417 6201. www.goobnechicken.com.au

BEST INSTAGRAM-WORTHY BRUNCH KAFFEINE & CO

Good news for chicken lovers, Goobne has announced a new all-you-can-eat deal on oven-roasted chicken and beer until the end of September. With five signature sauces to choose from including original, sweet galbi, fruity soy, cheese and volcano, there is something for everyone at the table to enjoy. Check out their signature dish: oven-roasted UFO fondue BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 If you’re looking for a pretty cafe where you can enjoy a stunning Instagram-able brunch, be sure to check out Kaffeine & Co in Yagoona. One of the defining features of Kaffeine & Co is their colourful, insta-worthy mocktails served five nights a week, made using only fresh fruit ingredients. Take, for instance, the crowd favourite pomegranate margarita a.k.a ‘the unicorn’- a layered multi-colour glass of passionfruit, lychee, blueberry, mango and coconut. Besides many more masterpieces to try, this Sydney cafe is definitely worth visiting. 7/44 Dargan Street, Yagoona. 9791 1000. www.kaffeineandco.com.au

BEST RETRO HONG KONG CUISINE KOWLOON CAFÉ

Situated in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown, Kowloon Cafe offers a broad range of Cha Chaan Teng favourites and authentic Hong Kong street foods.The menu is extensive with classics including pineapple buns slabbed with cold butter, thick-cut French toast filled with peanut butter alongside luncheon meat and fried egg noodles.The interior, decorated with intricate details and designs of retro booths, glass top tables and fold up wooden stools, will take you on a trip down memory lane to vintage era Hong Kong. From red lamps and store fronts of wet markets to a corner filled with vintage thermoses and a sign that advertises sugar cane juice, Kowloon Cafe is the place to enjoy authentic Hong Kong street food and the classic Cha Chaan Teng experience in a busy, buzzing setting. 421-429, Sussex St, Haymarket. 9211 1998. www.kowlooncafe.com.au

Serving both classic pizzas as well as those with an Indian-style twist, Monty’s Pizza is a must try. Affordable and delicious, this pizza joint has something for everyone, with cheese, Hawaiian, tandoori chicken, and everything in between. Monty’s also offer a ‘cheap eats’ menu alongside their India-inspired pizzas and traditional classics.They cater to most dietary requirements, making them an even more appealing option for a delicious and easy meal. Monty’s Pizza has outlets in Kings Langley, Parramatta, and Pendle Hill, and are open 7 days a week from 11:30am to 10pm. Shop 5, Ravenhill Street, Kings Langley. 9674 1642. www.montyspizza.com.au

BEST ICE-CREAM & DESSERT CAFÉ WINDOW’S COFFEE

BEST INDIAN-STYLE PIZZERIA MONTY’S PIZZA

their menu also offering colourful yoghurt smoothies, fruit shakes and ice-cream waffle platters, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to check out this hidden gem of a dessert cafe! 256 Chapel Road South, Bankstown. 9790 4800

BEST ALL-DAY BREKKIE ZIA KITCHEN Zia Kitchen boasts a menu of creative healthy breakfast options, gourmet salads and wraps and an array of lunchtime bites. Their all-day breakfast menu is the big standout here, offering locals a spot to come for eggs at any time of the day. With a more than attractive location, Zia Kitchen brings back summer holiday vibes with its everyday brunch favourites, acai bowls and seasonal fresh fruit. This food-to-fork restaurant ensures the best quality of dishes, offering innovative seasonally inspired dishes, made from locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your weekend brunch. 62 Canarys Road, Roselands. 9750 5122. www.ziakitchen.com

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream! Treat yourself with the classic flavours of chocolate mint, mango and tiramisu in addition to the unique flavours of salted pistachio, durian and purple rice at Window’s Cafe. Setting a new benchmark for ice cream parlours, its serving size of ‘one scoop’ is approximately a filled takeaway coffee cup.With

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Rehoming Organisation Number R251000224

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Inspiring current and future generations of thinkers working with Artists, Scientists, Mathematitians & Technology 6-8 Scott Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 | phone: 0401 884 716 | sherrylryan@cultureatwork.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 BEST CLASSIC PUB

DRINK BEST SMALL WINE BAR 10 WILLIAM ST

Nestled in the middle of Paddington, William St is a small wine bar featuring a sprawling selection of local, national and international wine and spirits. Their modern Italian menu is complimented by their wine list, and the staff are knowledgeable and provide that extra level of sophistication and poise you can only get from a small bar. With wine hailing from Orange, New South Wales to Italy’s Sicily and a menu boasting confit scallop and winter citrus or potato gnocchi with beef shin ragu, 10 William St in Paddington is the perfect hideaway to experience just a little bit of fancy. 10 William Street, Paddington. 9360 3310. www.williamst.com.au

LORD ROBERTS HOTEL Sometimes all you need is a couple of ice cold beers and traditional pub meal to make everything right in the world. Thankfully for Sydney residents there is one such pub, the Lord Roberts Hotel in Darlinghurst. Enjoy an afternoon drink in their rooftop beer garden, or grab a bite to eat from amazing as affordable bistro menu. If you’re a sports fan the pub also has an array of big screens showing all manner of live sport. The Lord Roberts Hotel is nestled comfortably in Stanley Street’s Little Italy, and boasts one of the best rooftop beer gardens in the area. A fantastic mix of professionals, tourists and locals young and old call the friend-ly pub home (even the odd celebrity), resulting in a laid-back, fun and friendly atmosphere. Cnr Riley & Stanley St, Darlinghurst. 9331 1326. www.lordrobertshotel.com.au

BEST ICONIC CAFÉ BAR ITALIA

BEST BUBBLE TEA BUBBLE NINI

can be easily found secluded in the quiet corner of Central Park for some ‘treat yourself’ bubble tea moments. 8 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale. 0478 052 603

BEST COFFEE ROASTERS COFFEE ALCHEMY

An iconic cafe and restaurant with flecked marble Italian floor tiles that have been there from the day it opened way back in the 1950s.There is a patio eating area out back and tables out the front where patrons love to sit and people watch while drinking their lattes. Bar Italia is more than a cafe/restaurant - it’s a tradition. A mecca for coffee lovers and for those who value authentic Italian food which they can savour slowly in a casual relaxed atmosphere. On the menu are pizzas, pastas, and even meat and three veg dishes. It was Bar Italia that first introduced gelato to Sydney and during the summer months there are long queues outside waiting for a gelato fix. Open for breakfast and lunch too for a tasty focaccia or ricotta cheese cannoli. 171 Norton Street, Leichardt. 9560 9981. www.baritalia.net.au

the inaugural Australian Cupping Champion title, the Coffee Guide Sydney “God Shot” plus 5 “coffee beans” Award in 2011 and 2013 and the “Best Coffee” award in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Cafe Guide in 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014. But setting their awards aside, whenever you pop into Coffee Alchemy for a quick brew, you’ll always be greeted with a friendly face and an amazing cup of coffee. 24 Addison Road, Marrickville. 9516 1997. www.coffeealchemy.com.au

BEST PUB WITH A VIEW

If you love flowers then this flower cafe is for you. Every wall in this Bubble Nini is perfect for Instagram, with flowers and neon-pink lighting decorating its bright turquoise walls. Their menu is sure to bring you fresh and healthier bubble tea through having everything made in-house. Amongst some of the prettiest drinks, Honey I’m Home is a crowd favourite, made with butterfly pea flower tea and flavoured with lime. With over 50 teas and six different house-made pearls to choose from: sakura, matcha, taro, brown sugar, mango, peanut or strawberry, you could customise your perfect drink. This hidden gem

What began as a childhood love for coffee has over many years transformed into a full-time roasting and café business for the owners of Coffee Alchemy in Marrickville where they house their office, roastery and café. These local roasters have garnered the Australian Barista Champion title, the NSW Championship titles,

THE GLENMORE HOTEL One of the older pubs in Sydney, The Glenmore was built in 1921 and was quickly surrounded by iconic buildings. It’s one of few pubs left in the area with a rooftop seating and bar space where punters can enjoy a view of the city with schooner in hand. The rooftop area is perfect for lunch in the sun or dinner under the stars and from on top of The Glenmore one can see the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Centrepoint Tower, all from the one roof. The only downside is that you need to get in early to secure the perfect spot upstairs before the place is packed. 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks. 9247 4794. www.theglenmore.com.au BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 BEST UNDERGROUND BAR RAMBLIN’ RASCAL TAVERN Ramblin’ Rascal is Sydney’s best kept secret underground bar – so secret that it can be hard to find the doorway on Sydney’s busy Elizabeth Street. Walk downstairs and you’re transported into a haven of cosy leather booths, exposed brick and music pumping just loud enough to make you forget you have work the next morning. Specialising in inventive cocktails and ‘no shit’ tinnies, you can also order fried chicken and burgers from Mary’s up the road. In the words of the Ramblin’ team, “get fat and drink like a champion!”

BEST RENOVATED PUB

happy hour period between 5 and 7pm each night. With 20% off everything during this time, patrons can enjoy one of the venues signature cocktails without a huge dent to the bank account. The Blue Lagoon, Smokey Old Fashioned and Sex on the Beach are just a few of the cocktails the Smoking Panda have on offer. Perfect for a ‘treat yourself’ moment after work or a cosy date night. 5-7 Park Street, Sydney. 9264 4618. www.thesmokingpanda.com.au

BEST BEER GARDEN

199 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. www.ramblinrascaltavern.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR COCKTAILS THE SMOKING PANDA The name says it all – The Smoking Panda on Sydney’s Park Street is home to some of the nation’s best cocktail connoisseurs. Specialising in cocktails that are literally smoking in front of your eyes, the venue has very limited trading hours, adding to its exclusivity while still offering a

THE WARREN VIEW HOTEL Nestled right on the corner of Stanmore and Enmore Roads, The Warren View or ‘The Waz’ as locals affectionately refer to it is everything you could want from your local. With pool tables, a bistro and a sprawling beer garden the Waz is the place to be on a sunny afternoon all year round. Feel bad about having to leave your beloved pooch at home while you head out for a schooner? At the Waz, dogs are welcome in the beer garden if they have good manners, creating a space where two of our favourite things can come together: beer and dogs. A match made in heaven! 2 Stanmore Road, Enmore. 9557 1064. www.warrenviewhotel.com.au

TERMINUS PYRMONT HOTEL The Terminus Pyrmont Hotel may be one of the oldest pubs in Sydney, having received its licence on Christmas Eve 1841, but it is in no way a run down, beat up establishment. In fact, it is one of the city’s finest venues, having been lovingly restored and revived. The restoration process which has transformed this beautiful venue was careful not to erase the rich and checkered history of the venue but rather restore the lustre and bring it into the 21st century. Whether you’re after a charming staycation or tasty night out dining then the Terminus Pyrmont Hotel has you covered. The venue boasts nine stylish double rooms which have been designed with comfort and elegance at the forefront. Treat yourself to a relaxing weekend not too far from home and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Darling Harbour. On the dining front who doesn’t love a good pub meal. Terminus delivers that and more with its Colin Fassnidge curated menu, which takes traditional pub grub and elevates it to new heights. 61 Harris St, Pyrmont. 9692 0301. www.terminuspyrmont.com

IT'S ON! PRELUDES: SATURDAY 03 OCTOBER SEMI FINALS: FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER

GRAND FINAL: FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 12

BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 BEST ICE-SKATING RINK CANTERBURY OLYMPIC ICE RINK Whether you’re an ice-skating pro or just a beginner, Canterbury Ice Rink is the place to be all year round if you’re keen to spend a few hours out on the ice. The team at Canterbury Ice Rink are proud to share that they have great ice, the most successful Skate School and the best coaches in the biz. If you’re looking to learn to ice-skate they have a class for everyone, from beginners to professionals. The team at Canterbury Ice Rink offer classes in Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Ice Hockey and Synchronized Skating, while also offering public skate sessions and a Friday night disco. The venue is CovidSafe and the team at Canterbury Ice Rink are excited to welcome skaters back onto the ice. 17A Phillips Avenue, Canterbury. 9789 4044. www.canterburyolympicicerink.org.au

BEST NIGHT OUT AT THE CIRCUS

PLAY BEST OLD-SCHOOL ARCADE 1989 ARCADE BAR Step inside Newtown’s 1989 Arcade Bar – geek chic, boozy and a whole lot of fun. The bar is packed with classic arcade games from the 80s onwards from Donkey Kong to old-school Pinball. The bar serves craft beer and cocktails, giving patrons the opportunity to enjoy drunk face-offs of Street Fighter or help each other level up in Space Invaders. A boozy but fun night out, this little Newtown gem is a hidden arcade treasure. 22-24 King St, Newtown. 9516 5581. www.1989.com.au

ARCHIE BROTHERS Head on over to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq for some good ol’ circus carnival fun. This space is packed with dodgem cars, carousels, crazy shakes and a cocktail bar. There is something for everyone at Archie Brothers, the menu offers shareable dishes designed to be enjoyed by young and old, while sitting in an old carousel or a saucer from a teacup ride. Be sure to check out the eye-catching Ferris Wheeler, a small scale ferris wheel of deepfried snacks, chicken wings and fries, or the freak shake that’s almost too gorgeous to drink. 75 O’Riordan St, Alexandria. www.archiebrothers.com.au

BEST ART CLASS CORK AND CANVAS Cork and Canvas is an exciting and innovative way of learning how to paint that takes it to a whole

Canterbury Olympic ice Rink

Figure skating Ice hockey Speed skating Public Skating

Let your kids learn something new!

• Open all year rOund • 20 min. from CBd • Free parking • CaFe On Site • lOCkerS 17a Phillips ave, Canterbury visit our website for more information on session times and prices

www.canterburyolympicicerink.org.au

new level. The rules are simple; bring a friend, a beverage and snack of your choice, and relax as you are guided through a step by step lesson on painting the featured artwork for your booking. Sessions run from 2 to 3 hours, costing no more than $60 per person. Every session has a unique new artwork to try, which can be chosen in advance or on site when booking your session. Cork and Canvas have locations in Crows Nest and Darlinghurst, and are currently running with COVID-19 guidelines in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. 106 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. 0499 007 234. www.corkandcanvas.com.au

must be done by phone and shown on your screen as you enter. While the theatre first opened in 1912 and has a seating capacity for 1600 people, this is the first time since the renovations in the 90s that the theatre has had to turn away artists. Many have rescheduled, which is a huge relief to fans. Spirit Of The Dance has now shifted to Sunday October 11 and John Paul Young, an Australian legend, will return in 2021. Even John Edward, world famous psychic, has rescheduled for November taking an afternoon slot. 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown. 9550 3666. www.enmoretheatre.com.au

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

BEST HARBOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A VIEW

ENMORE THEATRE The iconic Enmore Theatre, a venue for stars of music, burlesque and comedy, has had to close, open and close again, disrupting thespians and groupies alike.The Enmore Theatre though has come up with a unique way of selling tickets to events and booking

IGLOOS ON THE PIER The snow-globe style igloos are back at Pier One and in perfect timing for social distancing dinners. Look no further for a boujee, Instagram-able dinner experience. The menu offers glasses of champagne, cocktails and a variety of snacks from the Bar One

A great start at International Grammar School Uniq ue lang ua prog ges ram

IGS offers an innovative, cosmopolitan, secular and co-educational learning environment from Preschool to Year 12, close to the University of Sydney, UTS and Notre Dame. At IGS, we offer a broad liberal and bilingual education. We believe that the teacher’s role is to honour and nurture childhood while drawing out the innate gifts of the child. Unity Through Diversity is our motto, and our five core values – diversity, personal achievement, connectedness, vibrancy and authenticity – are at the heart of what we do.

• Central location near Sydney CBD • Out of hours care • Exciting music and STEAM opportunities

Find out more and book a tour: igssyd.nsw.edu.au | 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 menu. And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can choose from two other options of Hot Tub Igloo and Dream Igloo. Dream Igloo for an overnight stay, and as for the hot tub hire, fluffy robes, towels and toiletries are available. Enjoy sipping on a delicious cocktail and being toasty warm inside your chosen fancy igloo among the beautiful harbour views of Pier One. 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay. 8298 9999. www.pieronesydneyharbour.com.au

BEST ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE VENUE THE VANGUARD The Vanguard in Newtown is an alternative

BEST NIGHT OUT OF THE BOX WENTWORTH PARK In a land of social distancing and COVIDSafe measures an easy fun night out has never been more needed. Thankfully Wentworth Park has just the treat for Sydney residents. Get on down to a night at the greyhound racing, have a few drinks, grab some food and cheer loudly with friends. Where most venues now require prearranged bookings, particular-ly for groups, Wentworth Park has no such restrictions thanks to its open grandstand and concourse areas. Oh and did we mention that the food you’ll be able to enjoy isn’t just your run of the mill stadium pie or hot chips?! At Wentworth Park punters can enjoy fresh seafood (oysters, prawns and smoked salmon plates), chargrilled steaks with mash or chips, schnitzels, lasagnes, pizzas, salads, and even delicious deserts. Racing Wednesday and Saturday Nights. Wentworth Park Road, Glebe. 8587 1202. www.wentworthpark.com.au

BEST CREATIVE HUB CULTURE AT WORK performance venue with class. An intimate space catering for under two hundred people which serves live music with cocktails and also offers special dinner and show packages. Shows include jazz, burlesque and folk music. Author talks have also proved popular with Vanguard fans.The atmosphere is cosy and decidedly cabaret with a very special incandescent ambience.The Vanguard also runs a late-night kitchen. Their menu includes tacos, burgers, pizzas, pies and a good assortment of desserts. 42 King Street Newtown. www.thevanguard.com.au

Culture at Work is an artist-led Australian creative hub with a mission and vision to connect art and science through artists and scientists to inspire future generations of creative thinkers through collaborations. Culture at Work is a ground breaking artist led initiative with a research committee of artists, scientists and educators. The institute supports artists and researchers to innovate across disciplines and in experimental projects through studio residency programs. Located in the heart of Pyrmont within the historic Scott Street Terraces the institute also curates exhibitions and public talks by artists and scientists, provides creative workshop programs for parents and children, creates educational programs for schools, universities, local councils and curates arts festivals to foster exciting new links between the arts and sciences. 6-8 Scott St, Pyrmont. Bookings by Ph: 9518 8813 or Email: info@cultureatwork.com.au. www.cultureatowork.com.au

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BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 BEST INTERIOR STYLING ANNANDALE INTERIORS

SHOP BEST ART SUPPLY SHOP ART ON KING

Established in 1979 as a book shop, Art on King has changed with the Newtown tides throughout its decades on King Street. Now spread across two shopfronts, Art on King has been busy as usual throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, with CovidSafe measures being quickly implemented to limit business interruption. Art on King is a family run business sell-ing books, art supplies, stationery and gifts.With a focus on supplying local products and supporting local artists, a visit to Art on King is guaranteed to make your day a little brighter. 199-201 King Street, Newtown. 9516 2342. www.artonking.com

Annandale Interiors is not your regular furniture store. If you’re looking for a complete design experience from beginning to end, Kim and her team on Parramatta Road in Stanmore have you covered. With over 30 years experience in styling and décor, the team offer knowledgeable styling advice for your home or office space and are happy to come and offer a design quote. With larger statement pieces such as lounges, beds, cabinets and dining tables on offer alongside smaller decorative items, each piece is custom designed and produced. Using only the highest quality materials including mahogany, rosewood, oak, leather and textiles, any piece purchased from Annandale Interiors is guaranteed to be beautifully designed furniture made exceptionally well. 38 – 42 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore. 9565 1275. www.annandaleinteriors.com.au

BEST ONE-STOP SHOPPING CENTRE BROADWAY SYDNEY Located in the heart of Ultimo, close to Glebe Markets and Sydney University, Broadway Sydney offers a one-stop place for all your shopping needs. With over 150 stores to browse through and of course major grocery chains like Coles and Aldi, Broadway has something for everyone. Parking is free for your first two hours of shopping making the centre a great option for your weekly grocery shop or a place to meet friends for a coffee and a day of shopping. With the cinema re-opening its doors, it’s hard to find a better place with something for the whole family. 1 Bay Street, Ultimo. 8398 5620. www.broadwaysydney.com.au

BEST AQUARIUMS AND FISH SHOP NEWTOWN AQUARIUM Tucked away on the Princes Highway in St Peters, Newtown Aquarium have been a local fixture for some time now. Selling only the highest quality equipment and food, they also sell top notch live fish and reptiles.The staff are knowledgeable and are ready to guide you through the process of buying your new fish and the aquarium they’ll be living in. The team provide ongoing support and advice to

BEST PLACE TO BUY A BED BEDS AUSTRALIA We spend a third of our lives sleeping and experts agree that a good night’s rest leads to happier and healthier days. That’s why investing in a quality mattress is so important. At Beds Australia, customers have access to the widest range of leading brands, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when you visit their showroom - it’s worth the trip! Not to mention, the freshly laundered pillowcases for each customer. What truly sets Beds Australia apart are their professional consultations, resulting in an informative experience that you will enjoy. Their reputation is backed by positive word of mouth and multiple accolades. This September marks their two year anniversary and the addition of Sealy’s hand-tufted Crown Jewel range, the first independent retailer to do so. True to their name, Beds Australia sell only Australian made brands of heritage, quality and innovation. With made to order bed frames and headboards to suit your lifestyle needs, Beds Australia is your one-stop bed shop. 503 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay. 1300 588 788. www.bedsaustralia.com.au

customers and are the perfect one-stop shop for all your aquarium and reptile needs. 66 Princes Highway, St Peters. 9519 3631. www.newtownaquarium.com.au

BEST GARDEN OASIS NEWTOWN GARDEN MARKET

This little Newtown gem is hard to miss as you walk or drive down south King Street.The team at Newtown Garden Market are indoor, balcony and small garden specialists and they are perfectly located amongst locals who are seeking just that.Their plants and gifts are very reasonably priced, meaning it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to deck out your new balcony space. Although they’re only able to have a few customers through the garden at a time with CovidSafe restrictions, the team at the Garden Market are always available to chat over the phone about your horticultural needs and offer local delivery.They’re dog friendly too! 538 King Street, Newtown. 9516 4044. www.newtowngardenmarket.com.au

BEST SECOND-HAND BOOK SHOP SAPPHO BOOKS, CAFÉ & BAR On Glebe Point Road sits Sappho Books, a second-hand bookshop with a café, bar and courtyard to satisfy all your literature needs. Whether you’re popping in to buy a book or feel like settling in for the day with a cup of coffee, some cake and a good book, Sappho’s have you covered. Between Wednesday and Saturday their fairy-lit courtyard turns into a Wine and Tapas Bar at night, with live poetry readings and other events drawings locals in. They also have a resident cat – always an added bonus! 51 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. 9552 4498. www.sapphobooks.com.au

BEST PLACE TO BUY SEAFOOD SYDNEY FISH MARKET The Sydney Fish Market has been Australia’s home of seafood since 1966 and features a huge range of seafood retailers from across Sydney. Located right on the harbour, the market is your one stop shop for all things seafood, including open air dining, bars and baked goods.With restrictions easing, some Sydney Fish Market retailers are opening their dining areas to the public again, while still offering home delivery and their usual takeaway market offerings. Pyrmont Bridge Road & Bank Street, Pyrmont. 9004 1100. www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au

BEST ITALIAN FURNITURE SAVI MAURIZIO FURNITURE The story behind Savi Maurizio Furniture in Camperdown is one of passion for quality and beauty. Established in 1998, Savi Furniture specializes in bringing classically beautiful and exquisitely crafted Italian furniture to the Australian market. Owners Maurizio and his wife Diane operate the furniture store from their beautiful showroom on Australia Street in Camperdown, boasting a wealth of experience in the industry. Maurizio spent his younger years in Italy training in traditional furniture making and restoration with supreme craftsmen. The couple have a strong vision within their business: to provide high quality Italian furniture with superb attention to detail at an affordable price, with all their furniture being made with full respect for the environment. Their new showroom is open Monday to Saturday and Maurizio and Diane are excited to welcome you into their new design space. 8 Australia Street, Camperdown. 9698 1112. www.savifurniture.com.au BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORT

BEST HAIRDRESSER HAIR ON DARLING Hair on Darling is the name of the always busy Balmain hairdressing salon that is run by Greek sisters Georgia Poniris and Flora Di Girolamo. These two hair magicians have been coiffing and colouring the hair of Balmain residents for 20 years and they are so well-regarded that even when residents move to places such as the Blue Mountains, they still return to Hair on Darling for their cuts and colour. Georgia says, “We are passionate about what we do. We always want to give our clients a personal experience to ensure they leave happy”. And they do! 380 Darling St, Balmain. 0411 399 355.

SERVICE

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BEST COSMETIC TATTOOIST COSMETIC TATTOOING SYDNEY This boutique clinic on Macquarie Street Sydney specialises in permanent makeup, paramedical tattooing, plasma lift skin tightening, dermal needling, scalp micropigmentation and much more. Susie Finato is one of the most highly regarded professionals in the field of permanent makeup and cosmetic tattooing. She is also recognised as a specialist in minimising the appearance of surgical scars and correction of breast areola and hair-loss scalp pigmentation. She offers state of the art micropigmentation techniques and is recommended by some of the best reconstructive surgeons in NSW. Her reputation has been built on her unique style, combined with the use of the highest quality permanent makeup products and equipment available. 229-231 Macquarie Street, Sydney. 8542 4387. www.cosmetictattoingsydney.com

BEST ADOPTION CENTRE

NEWTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE The Newtown Neighbourhood Centre always has its finger on the pulse and has been running its volunteer outreach program a little differently as a result of Covid, by sending people out to the needy rather than on-site.They have just expanded their outreach program to include the CBD and have just recently finished training a new batch of volunteers on how to engage effectively with the homeless.The centre provides trauma services as well as helping out with concerns people have on things that most of us take for granted, like where to find a bed for the night and how to access food. 1 Bedford Street, Newtown. 9564 7333. www.newtowncentre.org

CORE OPTIQUE Wouldn’t it be great if you could correct your eyesight and reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, without having to undergo eye surgery? Now you can! Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is the fitting of specially designed gas permeable contact lenses that you wear overnight.While you are asleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eye, your cornea, so you can see clearly the following day after you remove the lenses when you wake up. Owner of Core Optique Corey Hawley and his team of highly trained optometrists specialise in contact lens fittings, macular degeneration, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma, and cataract assessments. In addition to this, Corey understands that eyewear is a unique accessory, one that is essential for functionality, but also transcends each and every space of the individual. As a result, he knows that it is key that clients connect to their chosen eyewear, and feel as though it reflects and speaks to their personality and style. Head on in to Core Optique for a boutique optometrist experience. 215 Glenmore Road, Paddington. 8593 7156. www.coreoptique.com

CAT PROTECTION SOCIETY OF NSW

The Cat Protection Society began in 1958 with just a small group of people looking to limit the number of stray cats on the streets of their local area. Although the charity has now grown exponentially, their vision remains the same - that every cat has a loving and responsible home. In addition to this, the Society also offer a range of feline care services from their nokill shelter in Newtown.The Cat Protection Society are members of Animals Australia and International Society of Feline Medicine, and a society affiliate member of the International Society for Anthrozoology.Their no-kill shelter in Newtown aims to re-home surrendered and stray cats in the local area and across New South Wales are committed to finding the perfect fur-ever families for all their cats. 103 Enmore Road, Newtown. 9557 4818. www.catprotection.org.au

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BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

BEST OF SYDNEY 2020 BEST SKIN CLINIC RESULTS SKIN & BODY CLINIC Based in Sydney’s Bondi Junction, Results Skin & Body Clinic offers a broad range of revolutionary skin care treatments, as well as products that are clinically proven to fight the effects of aging skin.Their clients enjoy the unique combination of the very latest equipment, the best skin care products, and the wealth of experience from their team, headed by Lana Dodd. Lana is a Paramedical Aesthetician with nearly 40 years’ experience in the Beauty & Cosmetic Industry. She is also one of Australia’s few licenced Laser Technicians.The clinic deliver results, not just promises. 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction. 1300 766 088.

BEST CREATIVE LEARNING INTERNATIONAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL Everybody wants the best for their kids and one of the best options for Sydney parents is the International Grammar School in Ultimo. The International Grammar School is a local, independent, secular, co-educational Early Learning Centre, Primary School and High School with a unique languages program. In addition to a full range of subjects and activities, children experience bilingual tuition, in either Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian or Japanese, with Spanish an additional option in High School. Philosophy is then added to the vibrant subject mix in High School, and there are more than 100 special interest groups before and after school, where care is available from 7.30am to 6pm and during school holidays. The School was founded by the late Professor Reg St Leon OAM in 1984 with the motto Unity Through Diversity. 8 Kelly Street, Ultimo. 9219 6700. www.igssyd.nsw.edu.au

BEST HIV SUPPORT POSITIVE LIFE Positive Life is a not-for-profit organisation based in Surry Hills, providing support and education to people living with HIV. Positive Life aim to eliminate the stigma that is still associated with HIV through a program aimed at attitude reform.Through programs highlighting education, awareness and advocacy, Positive Life continue to support members of the community living with HIV as well as their families, friends and communities. Since 1988 the organisation has been supporting those in the local and wider community through direct engagement while also providing a website full of invaluable information with in-depth HIV info, links to helpful resources, support network connections and event listings. One of the most inclusive organisations in Sydney, Positive Life aim to keep HIV in the public eye and strive to continue supporting the local community long into the future. 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills. (02) 9206 2177 www.positivelife.org.au

BEST VET THE WILD VET Dr Emma Hall has spent over 15 years travelling around Australia learning everything there is to know about treating animals – big, small, exotic and domestic. She’s now settled in Glebe, opening her clinic The Wild Vet to local pet-owners and their beloved animal friends. The clinic offers a range of services for animals big and small with animal wellbeing and comfort being their number one priority. The Wild Vet clinic is set up a little differently to your regular vet practice. They have restructured their hospital to mimic that of human hospitals, streamlining the consultation process and allowing your pet to be seen with minimal waiting time. The team at the clinic are also very focused on your pet’s long-term wellbeing, with wellness plans available following treatment. On top of all the fantastic stuff going on at The Wild Vet, they’re doing their best to support the environment with a soft plastic recycling collection point and a paperless clinic. What more could you want from your vet?! 22a Bridge Road, Glebe. 1300 9453 838. www.thewildvet.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

WISHING THE CITY HUB A VERY HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY !!! Here at the Lord Roberts Hotel, we love what we do and

Here at the Lord Roberts Hotel, we love what we do and when that when that happens, everything falls into place. happens, everything falls into place. There is something for everyone: There is something herehere for everyone:

Daily food specials for lunch and dinner ● Food specials & gourmet shawarma + plate + veg souvlaki bowl Happy Hours and rotating beer of the month ● Drinks + cocktails specials Live sports on full HD screens with sound ● Live sports + UFC on full HD screens with surround sound Weekly live music and DJ's ● Live music + DJs Special occasions, functions and events ● Group lunches + dinners, special occasions, functions & events

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP Federal Member for Sydney

We don't want you to just have a good time, we make sure We don’t want you to just have a good time, we make sure you have you time. have a great time. a great

Authorised by T.Plibersek, 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern

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(a) - 64 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, 2010 (a) -- 64 Stanley East Sydney, 2010 (p) 02 9360 9555Street, Darlinghurst (p) 02 9360 9555 (e) - admin@lordrobertshotel.com.au (e) -- admin@lordrobertshotel.com.au (w) www.lordrobertshotel.com.au

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19/8/20 2:12 pm

EATING OR BODY CONCERNS?

Talking helps “I didn’t even recognise myself as having an eating disorder”

Anyone, of any age, gender, culture or background can experience eating or body image concerns. That’s why our confidential, free and expert support team are here from 8am to midnight AEST, seven days a week, ready to talk. Whether you’re concerned for yourself or for someone else, talking helps. For information, a referral to someone in your local area, or just to talk: Webchat: www.butterfly.org.au Phone: 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) Email: support@butterfly.org.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 20 AUGUST 2020

HubNEWS

Struggling students to be cut off from HECS BY ALLISON HORE ew legislation being proposed by the Australian government as part of the Job-ready Graduates package will leave low performing students without government support, if it passes through parliament. Under the scheme students with a “low completion rate” will no longer be able to access a Commonwealth supported place, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. For a first year Bachelor degree student, a low completion rate would mean failing more than 50 percent of eight or more units.

It is an agenda to incentivize success through fear of punishment The government says the scheme will help “protect” students and taxpayers from situations where students accumulate “large HELP debts that do not provide benefits to the student and are unlikely to be repaid”. “These measures will ensure students can’t take on a study load they won’t complete, leaving them without a qualification but a large debt,” said

Students on University Avenue at the University of Sydney. Photo: Allison Hore

federal minister for education, Dan Tehan. Mr. Tehan said the government is aware of cases where students have racked up debts ranging from $220,000 up to $660,000 across multiple incomplete courses, with no qualification to show for it. In introducing the legislation the minister gave an example of a student who accumulated $663,000 in debt after starting 44 courses at 26 institutions. The student, who started university in 1991, did not graduate. The government has since introduced a cap on how much money students can

borrow which currently sits at a little over $106,000.

PUTTING STUDENTS LAST

Despite the education minister’s assurance the proposed legislation is “putting students’ interests first” it has already received widespread backlash from students and graduates. Molly Willmott, president of the National Union of Students, said that factors such as financial instability, disability, mental health challenges and poor teaching quality can all be impediments to the success of students.

“These are issues that are often unreported and receive inadequate support from tertiary institutions or the government,” she said in a statement. Minister Tehan said that students who can demonstrate they are in situations of hardship which negatively affect their academic performance, such as illness or bereavement, may be allowed special consideration by their education institution. Students’ “low completion rates” will also not be carried with them if they transfer to another course. But for Ms. Willmott this is not enough. She thinks students having “the future of their study taken away from” unless they can prove to their universities or the government, which she says are “failing young people”, they are struggling is not acceptable. She also worries that the extra pressure from failure will be harmful to students’ wellbeing. “It is an agenda to incentivize success through fear of punishment, which will only harm the wellbeing and success of our students,” she said.Should the legislation pass, the changes will commence on January 1 next year.

Working with the community

JAMIE HAS DELIVERED  $10 million to improve Callan Park  Powerhouse Museum will stay in Ultimo  Green electric bus trial in inner west  New public school for Ultimo “Some people think they can’t win against bad governments but time and again, our community proves that we can.”

JAMIE PARKERAINMP MEMBER FOR BALM

Our office is currently closed to face-to-face meetings due to Covid-19 but we are still here to help.

balmain@parliament.nsw.gov.au 02 9660 7586

Authorised by Jamie Parker MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

CITY HUB 20 AUGUST 2020

HubNEWS

Public backs Aboriginal art for Bennelong Point BY ALLISON HORE ust under 20,000 people have signed a petition in support of a proposed artwork telling the story of Bennelong and Pemulwuy. Behind the artwork and petition is Bandjalung artist Djon Mundine OAM, who is most famous for his work ‘The Aboriginal Memorial’ which is on display at the National Gallery of Australia. Mr. Mundine told City Hub after coming back from the Northern Territory in the 1980s, he thought Sydney “deserves” a major, iconic, aboriginal artwork.

Even the biggest bronze

statues can be taken down

“A major, iconic aboriginal artwork that’s on permanent display and in a very prominent space, should be in this city,” he said. “This needs to be a major statement that defines Australia and defines the history of the city.” For him Bennelong point is the perfect location for such an artwork and to showcase what he says is the traditional

Djon Mundine wants to create an artwork at Bennelong in the style of various rock carvings such as these around Sydney. Photo: Wikimedia

artform of the indigenous groups around Sydney- line drawings cut into sandstone, as “it’s the site of everything” “I came up with this idea about a piece dealing with living with colonialists. Pemulwuy fought the British and Bennelong seemed to be able to live with them,” he said. “The Song of Bennelong and Pemulwuy is an artwork which would honour the Aboriginal people living in what is now called the Sydney Basin when the British when the English arrived in 1788.” Mr. Mundine has lobbied the NSW

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Government for almost thirty years for this artwork, and Indigenous art in general, to be on display in Sydney as part of the city’s historic narrative. To garner public support for the proposal he created an online petition with the help of his niece. He hopes to get 25,000 signatures.

BLACK ART MATTERS

Mr. Mundine thinks the Black Lives Matter movement, which has drawn people’s attention to the issue of Indigenous representation in Australia, helped the petition gain traction so quickly.

Recently bronze statues of controversial colonial figures such as captain Cook have come under fire and some have suggested the artworks be taken down or statues of significant indigenous figures be erected by their side. Mr. Mundine, however, questions a colonial art form being used to tell the story of Indigenous people rather than an Indigenous art form. “The connotation is, academically, people talk about civilisations and they talk about the iron age, the copper age, the bronze age, and that people become more civilised as they develop new types of metal,” he explained. “Whereas human beings are civilised and they’re intelligent even if they’re just wandering around, going ‘walkabout’. That’s an intelligent and spiritual exercise.” Rock art also makes a stronger statement in its permanence, Mr. Mundine feels. “Even the biggest bronze statues can be taken down, these cuttings are permanent,” he said. Mr. Mundine encourages people who “believe in Aboriginal inclusion and the importance of Aboriginal historical narratives” to show their support by signing the petition on change.org.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE AND OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT 701-705 ANZAC PARADE, MAROUBRA 2035 The proposed upgrade to the existing facility includes: • Installation of three 5G panel antennas for Vodafone and six for Optus (nine in total), to be attached on new mounts; Installation of three new Optus panel antennas (measuring no more than 2.8m) on new mounts; • Reconfiguration and replacement of existing panel antennas to be installed on new mounts; • Installation and reconfiguration of ancillary equipment, including RRUs, cabling, a GPS antenna and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility; and

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In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Thursday 3 September 2020.

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CITY HUB 20 AUGUST 2020

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COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

ydney without its annual pyrotechnic binge (aka the NYE Fireworks) is like Donald Trump without his fake tan, the Royal family without systemic dysfunction or the New York Post without the rantings of Miranda Devine. Okay, the analogies display where my prejudices lie but they also extend to the almost primal fascination some people have with fireworks. That said we are currently getting mixed messages as to whether the normal $6.5 million festival of the cracker will proceed this year. The Lord Mayor Clover Moore has already suggested it might be “irresponsible” noting:” It would be incredibly sad if Sydney New Year’s Eve cannot go ahead, but that is a real possibility we’re facing. The community’s health and safety is paramount and it may not be responsible to encourage large crowds to our foreshore.” Her concerns seemed to be more towards the social distancing factor rather than the enormous spend at a time when so many people are doing it incredibly tough. One of the reasons for the extravagance,

trotted out each year, is that the fireworks bring thousands of tourists to Sydney and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Well I have news for the tourist bosses - nobody is coming this year, either from overseas and more than likely from a number of the other Australian states. Whilst the Lord Mayor has expressed her COVID concerns regarding the fireworks, others such as NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres have suggested that the New Year’s Eve celebrations should go ahead “after such a putrid 2020.” It’s that feelgood factor we crave, like a 12-minute

crack cocaine rush, followed by the grim reality of a shattered economy as we all wake up in 2021. There will no doubt be a toing and froing between the various forces, notably those who see an economic and public relations gain from the midnight merriment going ahead and those that regard it as either a health risk or an obscene waste of public funds in dire economic times. Those grinch like firework haters like myself, as we as phonophobiacs and pets across the metropolitan area will take some joy if the plug is indeed pulled, and

Heritage Act 1977 S60 Application

Notice is hereby given, under Section 61 of the Heritage Act 1977 that the Heritage Council of NSW has received an application for proposed works at 102 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, which is within the curtilage of the State Heritage Register listed Sydney Supreme Court House (SHR 00800), Banco Road Court (SHR 00799) and the Old Registry Office, Sydney Supreme Court House (SHR 00801) made under the Heritage Act 1977.

Notice is hereby given, under Section 61 of the Heritage Act 1977 that the Heritage Council of NSW has received an application for proposed works at 138 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, which is within the curtilage of the State Heritage Register listed Darlinghurst Court House and Residence (SHR 00792) made under the Heritage Act 1977. Proposal: Proposed new security entrance gatehouse, perimeter and building security and upgrade of staff offices and holding cells on ground and basement.

Proposal: Proposed new security entrance to the Sydney Supreme Court House from King Street, internal modifications to the Sydney Supreme Court House and the Old Registry Office and new security awning along St James Road.

Heritage Council of New South Wales Locked Bag 5020 PARRAMATTA NSW 2150

citYh U B sY d n E Y. c om.AU F E B R UA RY 2 0 , 2020 @CityHub Sydney

The Heritage Council invites written submissions regarding the proposal. Submissions are to be forwarded to the Heritage Council’s postal or email address, to be received by close of business 10th September 2020. Note that if a submission is made by way of objection, the reasons for objection must be specified in the submission. Unless you state otherwise, copies may also be provided to the applicant or other interested parties in some circumstances.

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Further enquiries may be made at Heritage NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet, by contacting Caitlin Stevens, Senior Heritage Assessment Officer, at Caitlin.Stevens@environment.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9895 6582.

There’s also the rather radical suggestion that we cancel NYE altogether, encouraging most of Sydney to hit the sack around 10pm, waking up the first day of 2021 with both a clear head and the determination to face what is bound to be a stinker of a year.

Applicant: Department of Communities and Justice.

even some minor satisfaction if the usual display is reduced to a more token (and less costly) event. Given the current climate many people will be busting to let off some steam and soothe their anxiety on NYE. Now is the time that the various government bodies should be looking towards some creative alternatives rather than lining Sydney Harbour with hundreds of thousands of coughing, sneezing, nose dribbling people. Kids love fireworks and maybe we could revive, for one night only, the old cracker bags that Coles and Woolies used to flog in less enlightened times. These could be distributed free to needy families and the sight of a couple of flower pots and catherine wheels lighting up the backyard would soon displace the disappointment of the harbourside binge.

WRITERS WANTED

The application relating to the proposal may be inspected at Heritage NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Level 6, 10 Valentine Avenue, Parramatta 2150 between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. City of Sydney Council will also have copies of the documents available for inspection at 456 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. Electronic copies can be made available upon request. Contact officer below. Further enquiries may be made at Heritage NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet, by contacting Caitlin Stevens, Senior Heritage Assessment Officer, at Caitlin.Stevens@environment.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9895 6582. Heritage Council of New South Wales Locked Bag 5020 PARRAMATTA NSW 2150

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NORTHLANE:

Fans who missed Northlane live last year can redeem themselves this weekend (See p.23)

MERCHANT OF VENICE A

seen through the lens of current events. It’s great to see a theatre company embracing the ‘new normal’ of delivering artistic endeavours, and could perhaps open new eyes and minds to theatre. Aug 21-23. Streaming online. $10+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.trybooking.com

fter their successful live-streamed takes on The Tempest and Titus Andronicus Streamed Shakespeare have now set their sights on The Merchant Of Venice. However, for this performance they want to go even further with the online performances by putting on a show which goes beyond a dramatic reading of the script by instead delivering a fully realised online theatrical production. Sydney based actor/director Roslyn Hicks will take the reins of the production to bring the story of a vengeful moneylender and an unlucky trader to Streamed Shakespeare’s everexpanding audience. The production will be particularly topical as it will tackle contemporary questions of tolerance vs inclusion, revenge vs reconciliation, as

ulture At Work is an artist-led Australian creative hub with a mission and vision to connect art and science through artists and scientists to inspire future generations of creative thinkers through collaborations. In September Culture At Work welcomes Tarli Bird as an artist in residence. By collaborating with her uncle, Professor Trevor Bird, Tarli aims to use the residency to investigate the development of maps and surveying technology used to create maps, particular in reference to Pyrmont from the 1800s until today. During the course of her residency Tarli will be looking to create a series of mixed media prints that will be exhibited at Culture at Work on completion of her

PIPPIN RETURNING TO SYDNEY STAGES

n very exciting news for Sydney theatre lovers this week we have learned that the Tony Award winning musical Pippin will reopen the Lyric Theatre this November. Filled with extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, Pippin is Broadway’s high-flying, deathdefying hit Broadway musical. The unforgettable production is winner of four Tony Awards for Best Musical Revival, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical and Best Featured Actress in a Musical. The producers and host venue are equaled excited to welcome audience back into the theatre after an extended hiatus due to COVID-19.

CITY HUB 20 AUGUST2020

CULTURE AT WORK TARLI BIRD C

“We’re thrilled to invite audiences back to the theatre to experience this magical show,” said producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones. “Foundation Theatres is delighted to be reopening the Sydney Lyric in November with this brilliant show” said Foundation Theatres’ Owner, Stephen Found. “We are a proud part of the wonderful tapestry of venues, producers, artists, managers, technicians, crew and creatives that all combine to make magic on our stages, and we want to see them back at work. It’s now time to act to restore confidence in the theatre industry for theatre-goers to feel safe when seeing shows again and for theatre-makers to weave their magic. To all who love the live theatre experience, our message is clear: Help us to raise the curtain on Sydney’s theatres and reignite the creative industries in NSW.” Nov 24-Dec 13. Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont. Tickets On Sale Now, $69.90$199.90+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.pippinthemusical.com.au

FORCE OF NATURE

geing Lethal Weapon star Mel Gibson appears in this crime thriller set in Puerto Rico and showcases that he hasn’t lost his mojo when it comes to playing an action hero. As a category 5 hurricane is looming, a young police officer with the aid of an elderly but virile man (Mel Gibson) comes against a group of criminals in a coastal apartment block who will stop at nothing to steal artwork valued at $55 million. Expectations were high after viewing the trailer but unfortunately, it was evident

residency. Trevor, who is from Sydney, will source relevant technical history to be used in the prints. 6-8 Scott St, Pyrmont. Bookings by Ph: 9518 8813 or Email: info@cultureatwork.com.au

soon after the opening credits that this low budget film was ‘straight to DVD’ quality. The nonsensical demise of Gibson’s character early in the film came as a complete surprise leaving a cast of predominantly unknowns to carry the film. Giving Gibson top billing for a smaller role (unbeknown to audiences) to garner interest was a great strategy but may backfire through word of mouth. Setting the crime story in the midst of a hurricane was also a writer’s fruitless attempt at complementing a run-of-themill screenplay with a heightened thrill factor. Several action sequences and a humorous script may intermittently hold the audience’s interest but ultimately Force Of Nature is a disappointment. (MMo) WW1/2

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NORTHLANE - LIVE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE BY JAMIE APPS n October last year Sydney’s Northlane took to the stage of The Roundhouse to kickoff the world tour of their latest record, Alien. Fans who missed out on the experience, or those that simply wish to relive it, will have the opportunity to do so this weekend (Aug 21-22) when the concert is presented as a pay-per-view live stream event on Netgigs. As mentioned this show was just the start of their world tour, but it was also the biggest show on the schedule given that it was their hometown performance and a celebration of a decade of Northlane. Performed in front of a sold out

crowd, filmed by 14 cameras and with audio mixed by album engineer Chris Blancato this concert is something to behold. The visual production of the concert, in particular the

lighting effects combined with the motion graphics introducing each song, take the experience to a new level. From the outset of the show the crowd is at a fever pitch and they don’t let up until

the very end. Watching this gave me huge FOMO vibes for having missed experiencing this show live and in person but I am now thankful to have had this opportunity to experience the concert in a unique way, particularly during this very strange year without gigs. With Northlane joining viewers to chat about the shows during the pay-per-view streams it’s a certainty that this will be an unforgettable concert experience, even without the sweatiness or tired, aching body you’d normally have after a Northlane show. Watch Northlane - Live At The Round on Aug 21-22 for US$9.99 at www.northlaneband.com

THE DEAD LOVE GET TATTOOED DURING CONCERT BY JAMIE APPS ast Wednesday Sydney punk band The Dead Love performed perhaps the most innovative COVIDSafe concert ever. The concert was held within the intimate confines of tattoo parlour The Tattoo Movement for a small number of fans and media. To add yet another wrinkle to this interesting concert the band performed whilst being tattooed by the talented artists from The Tattoo Movement (see video on our Facebook page). This concert is just the first in a series of intimate COVIDSafe gigs being curated by spiced rum brand Sailor Jerry. The Sailor Jerry Sessions have been formulated to support a music scene which has been rocked by COVID-19 restriction in prior months,

THE SHALLOWS OF KABUL O

ppression in society is effectively brought to the screen in this dark and arresting French animated drama based on the Algerian novel by the same name. Set in 1998 the story surrounds two loving couples living in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, which is under constant threat of terrorist attacks mainly from Taliban insurgents. Their controlled lifestyles under the regime of the extremist Muslim faith is

fully explored, where music is banned and women are forced to wear a burka in public. The barbaric stoning of women in public executions is also practised for what would be deemed as minor offences in westernised countries. It was quite ambitious bringing this story to the screen as an animated feature. Devoid of stereotyped cartoon characters the merciless violence and mental duress these communities endure is depicted.

Speaking ahead of their concert The Dead Love said, “The last couple of months in lockdown have been tough, not just for bands, but for the entire industry. It sucks we can’t play and hit up live shows in our local venues. When Sailor Jerry gave us the call and told us they wanted to support the industry, we were super keen to get involved! Then when they asked us if we’d be up for the challenge of getting tattooed while we perform, we thought ‘why the hell not?!’ We appreciate all the support and can’t wait to have a banger night with crew that are into our music.” Another Sailor Jerry Session is scheduled for Aug 19 at Newtown cocktail bar Earl’s Juke Joint and will feature The Polish Club.

“We must live and fight for our true values in this battered country!” screams a female character who strives for freedom and change. “But God created women too didn’t he?” questions a man who is then reprimanded and forced to pray. This is by no means enjoyable entertainment, but it’s a film which must be watched. It’s harrowing and emotionally draining. Audiences should feel empathy towards many of the characters who believe that a flicker of

IN HEARTS WAKE KALIYUGA

020 has been filled with catastrophe after catastrophe, whether that be deadly bushfires, a global pandemic and now floods. With mother nature seemingly fighting back it seems fitting that Byron Bay’s earth consciousness metal band In Hearts Wake have delivered their latest record Kaliyuga this year. Opening track Crisis features samples from climate activist Greta Thunberg’s now infamous UN speech, which sets the tone for the remainder of the record. Throughout the record In Hearts Wake explore themes of environmental activism while also including occasional introspection about their hopes for the future. The latter of which being the high points of Kaliyuga. During the record In Hearts Wake deliver traditional heavy metal rock elements interspersed with soaring vocal melodies and stirring guest spots. Overall Kaliyuga is another fantastic record, but also one which will likely divide fans given the hype levels built ahead of its release. (JA) WWW1/2

humanity remains as the young offer hope for a better future. (MMo) WWWW1/2 CITY HUB 20 AUGUST2020

CITY HUB 20 AUGUST2020