CITY HUB May 2023

OPENS THIS MONTH!

Aboriginal Legal Service declares funding crisis

(See p.9)

HubNEWS

Leichhardt Italian Forum’s future in limbo

BY ERIN MODARO

Speculation and concern have emerged in the wake of the recent purchase of the Italian Forum in Leichhardt by private property developers Redstone, a move that came with no warning from Italian charity Co.As.It who currently own the forum.

HubARTS: Supernova Comic Con

An animated weekend of pop culture delights

(See p. 26)

PUBLISHED DATE 11 MAY 2023

Published monthly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city.

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Co.As.It announced that an unsolicited offer for $11 million was made by Redstone developers, owned by Robert Paterson. Paterson was behind the purchase of the Pickled Possum pub in Neutral Bay in 2022.

The community is trepidatious over what to think about the future of the public spaces in the forum, which includes a cultural centre and a once-bustling piazza which now runs barren. The sale does not extend to the private commercial and residential aspects in the forum.

The Italian Forum itself was somewhat of an experiment in quasi public-private land that was gifted to the Italian community by then NSW Premier Neville Wran in 1988.

A covenant was formed between the operators of the forum and the publicone that bound the owners to ensure the piazza and cultural centre were used primarily for ‘cultural purposes’.

Co.As.It have been the up keepers of this agreement with the Leichhardt community since 2014 when they purchased the forum for $2.8 million, after the previous owners went into voluntary administration.

The unique ethos the forum was founded on could prove to be a difficult situation for a private company to reckon with. Newly elected Balmain MP Kobi Shetty, who is taking over the reins from former MP Jamie Parker (who had a close relationship with the forum throughout his terms in Parliament), expressed her disappointment that the sale had been made to a private company with a lack of transparency.

“It is disappointing to see the sale of this part of the Italian Forum and it passing to private interests,” Shetty said.

“It’s critical the covenants that provide for community benefit are maintained and protected, regardless of who the owner is.”

FROM CHARITY TO DEVELOPER

The change of hands does represent a shift away from how decisions throughout the forum’s history seemed to be made.

During the tumultuous pass over of the forum into Co.As.It’s care back in 2014, one of the reasons why then Mayor of Leichhardt Darcy Byrne claimed he backed the Italian charity was because of its ability to serve the community, both as a non-profit and as an Italian organisation.

Stephen Hathaway of SV Partners, who oversaw the site before the sale to Co.As.It, told City Hub in 2014 that there was essentially no other organisation considered for the sale.

Camporeale also revealed that the profits made by Co.As.It from the sale will go towards paying off $6.9 million in liabilities that the charity currently has.

FUTURE OF THE FORUM

As for what might happen with the forum now, several possibilities have been thrown around.

Robert Paterson, owner of Redstone developers, spearheaded the redevelopment of a well-known dive venue in Neutral Bay when he purchased it in 2022. Paterson wanted to be known in the media as ‘Possum Bob’ and told local papers that he aimed to preserve what he called “an important piece of Sydney history”.

“Leichhardt Council and particularly the previous Mayor, Darcy Byrne, had a very strong opinion that the forum should have only been sold to this one Italian group,” Hathaway said at the time.

“This is the best outcome for the community. Not just the Italian community, but the broader community as well,” General Manager of Co.As.It Thomas Camporeale said in 2014.

Co.As.It’s present situation in the forum, however, reveals the charity had a lot to reckon with in its operations and commitments to the Italian community.

“The Italian Forum had become difficult to manage and for reasons outside our control the precinct has seen a significant drop in patronage” Co.As.It said in a statement following the recent sale.

‘Possum Bob’ didn’t make many changes to the iconic Lower North Shore bar, instead opting for a sense of preservation for what he considered an iconic venue.

Seeing as Paterson is relatively new to Sydney’s developing scene, perhaps Possum Bob’s commitment to heritage and hospitality as proven with the Picked Possum will be a hint of his direction for the forum.

However, the planning controls for the Italian Forum also reveal the possibility for high-density development. A state government policy designed to bring density to Parramatta Road means the airspace above the forum is fair game for high-rise apartments up to 23 storeys tall.

The settlement of the sale is expected to happen in late 2023.

 disappointing to see the sale of this part of the Italian Forum

An empty fountain with a statue of Dante sitting in the Italian Forum piazza. Photo: Erin Modaro

BY JUSTIN COOPER

P

A major change to the plans for construction means tunnelling will be allowed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This tunnelling is expected to begin in 2024 for a period of 6 to 12 weeks. The initial proposal for modifications from NSW Government and Sydney Metro noted the possibility of a “sleep disturbance event for receivers” around Pyrmont Street, Edward Street, and Pyrmont Bridge Road.

 the quicker it is over the better I think

A spokesperson from Sydney Metro explained that the excavation of the metro will include methods to manage noise, including “regular monitoring, and the installation of hoardings and acoustically sealed sheds in some locations”.

“Sydney Metro has been engaging with the community in Pyrmont since 2019 and will continue to work closely with

them throughout the planning and construction phases of the project,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the modification “is consistent with all recent tunnelling projects in Sydney, including other stages of Sydney Metro West,” and was approved by the Department of Planning and Environment on April 19.

Tunnelling will be conducted 40 metres under the Pyrmont area to construct the

Waverley Council Update

visit:

Mayor's message

Voice to Parliament Community Forum

Waverley Council would like to thank members of the community for registering to attend our free Voice to Parliament Community Forum on Wednesday 10 May at Bondi Pavilion Theatre. You can still register to watch the forum via livestream on our website from 6.30pm. The forum is an opportunity to learn about the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum, a crucial vote that will determine whether an Indigenous Advisory Body will be enshrined in the Australian Constitution, to provide a platform for First Nations peoples to have a say on issues that affect them. It is for anyone who wants to learn more about the upcoming referendum and what it means for First Nations Peoples in this country. Our esteemed panelists include First Nations lawyer and Biennale Sydney board member, Ruby LangtonBatty; human rights activist, NSW Australian of the year 2023 and former Socceroo, Craig Foster; former Director General of the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Executive Officer to the Referendum Council, Geoff Scott, and Inner Sydney Empowered Communities Chief Executive Officer, Michael Ingrey. To register to view the livestream,

twin-rail underground station and crossover cavern.

COUNCIL ADDRESSES RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS

Pyrmont local Vanessa Joy said that she is forfeiting her choice to work from home due to the amount of disturbance around the area from construction.

“We are facing years of disruption with the harbourside rebuild so whilst it will

likely be annoying as hell, the quicker it is over the better I think,” Joy said.

Explaining that the amount of work in the area will ultimately affect everyone at some point, Joy hopes “that all care and consideration is made regarding the historic homes and buildings nearby.”

Due to the high levels of public concern following the modifications, City of Sydney Councillors have raised concerns.

On the April 3, a motion put forward by Cr Waskam Emelda Davis and seconded by Cr Linda Scott called on Sydney Council to address the vibrations, noise, and wellbeing of the public from the upcoming construction.

Cr Davis noted the exhibition of the modified plans was only available for 2 weeks with “a lot of technical information that was confusing and alarming for many in the community who will be affected by the changes”.

The motion was carried unanimously requesting that Lord Mayor Clover Moore write to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Planning to voice concerns. Commencement on construction for Pyrmont metro and cross-over cavern is due to begin in 2024 and continue into 2025.

events.humanitix.com/voice-to-parliament-community-

Swap and Wash

Waverley Council is trialing a new Swap and Wash reusable takeaway food container program in Bondi to help reduce plastic pollution and protect its beaches and the environment. Customers can now order takeaway food in specially designed reusable mealboxes at eight participating food vendors. Once customers have purchased the mealbox they then swap the containers for hygienically cleaned ones when they next order a takeaway meal. The mealboxes are made from certified ocean bound plastic by Bondi start-up and certified B-Corporation, rePlated and manufactured on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The program has the potential to save 437 kilograms of plastic waste and avoid four tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Participating businesses include Bangkok Bites, bRu Coffee, El Indio, Flave, Handmade Noodle and Dumpling Kitchen, Hong Ha Red Roll, Porch and Parlour and Gertrude and Alice. The 12 week trial is supported by NSW Environment Protection Authority, Waste Less Recycle More initiative funded by the Waste Levy. Details: https://hellobondi.com.au/eco-tourism/eco-business/.

Compost Awareness Week, until 13 May

Learn all about the value of compost and how to make the most of your food waste and scraps through a series of informative and fun events held online and in person including the Compost Revolution autumn webinar on 10 May and a guide to composting and worm farms for beginnings on Saturday 13 May at Randwick Sustainability Hub. Register at Register at https://bit.ly/3MOBeCe. For more composting information and to claim your subsidised composting and worm farming products

Waverley Customer Service Centre: 55 Spring Street, Bondi Junction. Ph: 9083 8000

Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel EOI

Waverley Council invites suitably qualified people to register their interest in representing the Waverley community’s interests on the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel. Sydney and Regional Planning Panels were established in NSW in 2016 for decisionmaking of regionally significant development and certain other planning functions under the EP&A Act, 1979. The panel consists of three members appointed by the State Government and two community members nominated by Waverley Council. Community representatives must be able to demonstrate professional expertise in the areas of urban design, planning, architecture, or similar discipline, demonstrate their knowledge of the local area, and be able to represent and communicate the interests of the local community at Panel meetings. Mayors, Councilors, property developers, and real estate agents are not eligible for appointment. Membership is for three years. Expressions of interest close at 5pm on the 1 June. For more information, please see our website or email wlpp@waverley.nsw.gov.au.

Park today, visit compostrevolution.com.au/easternsuburbs.

Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley

Stay in touch: waverley.nsw.gov.au/subscribe waverley.nsw.gov.au

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HubNEWS

Privatisation to blame for bus cancellations

BY CHRISTINE LAI

The NSW government has reported that the thousands of bus cancellations leaving Sydney passengers stranded have been as a result of increased privatisation in the transport industry.

Since taking over the portfolio, NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen found that a deal made by the previous government involved selling public bus services off to private operators and creating contracts that included financial incentive for cancelling services.

“In their rush to sell off our publicly owned assets, the former Liberal government created contracts with these private companies that actually give them financial incentives to cancel bus services,” Haylen said.

The contracts imposed financial penalties on the companies for failing to meet ‘on time running’ targets. However, bus services that are cancelled do not count as late, unless a certain number is surpassed.

“They created penalties for not hitting ‘On Time Running’ targets then let them off if they just cancelled the bus rather than let it be late,” Haylen said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns in April pledged an end to bus privatisation, following up on election promises to address the increasing selloffs of public transport services by the previous Coalition governments.

“Thanks to privatisation - It’s now cheaper for private bus companies to cancel buses than let them run late. So we’re ending privatisation,” Minns tweeted.

PASSENGERS LEFT STRANDED

According to the NSW government, since privatisation, provisions have left millions of passengers stranded at bus stops waiting for buses that never come. Last year, in August alone, 28,000 buses were cancelled across Sydney.

In September last year, The NSW Legislative Council released a report that detailed cost-cutting which had been exacerbated under the privatisation of Sydney’s bus network.

The report found that the move to further privatise the bus network had led to the incentivised implementation of cost-cutting strategies that impacted vulnerable people and would see a decline in service quality while charging higher prices for commuters.

The report was released following a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the impacts of the NSW government privatising bus services. Chair of the Inquiry, MP Abigail Boyd MLC, assessed that privatisation has been “nothing short of a disaster”.

“In the instance of bus services in New South Wales, the realisation of the NSW Government’s objective to cut operational costs, and the private operators’ objective to make a profit, has come at the expense of effective and reliable bus services for the public, and fair and equitable working conditions for bus drivers.

bus services have been cut dramatically,” the report reads.

In late 2022, the government rejected calls to reverse privatisation, Additionally, fewer bus stops and buses operating less frequently with reduced coverage has created difficulties for the public to access essential public infrastructure and services.

DECREASE IN PUBLIC BUS SERVICES

These impacts have been acutely felt in areas that in recent years have transitioned from public to private hands: Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Northwest, Northern Beaches, and Inner West, and in Newcastle. In these areas,

The NSW Legislative Council reported that the decrease in services created an “exacerbated” impact for the more vulnerable cohorts of the community, “who rely heavily on high quality and efficient bus services for their mobility and quality of life”.

“They created an utterly demoralised workforce. Now we can’t recruit enough

drivers to keep the system going,” NSW Transport Minister Haylen said. In March this year, there were more than 500 bus driver vacancies across Sydney for a workforce of about 7,000.

In the Legislative Council report, the twotier class resulted in some bus drivers working on exactly the same buses and routes as their colleagues being paid less and having worse conditions because they were employed by the private operator under a separate industrial instrument.

“Contempt for the workers who make the system run. And complete indifference to passengers queued up at crowded bus stops in the rain, dreading telling their bosses why they are late again,” Haylen said.

The NSW Legislative Council responded to the significant decline in the quality of transport, higher prices, reduced services, and reduced accountability by including several recommendations for the NSW Government to take up. Some of the recommendations included ensuring that every community in NSW has access to reliable and accessible bus services to and from essential public infrastructure and services, and for the NSW government to consider taking action to revert bus services to being publicly-owned-and-operated for:

Bus services in the four recently privatised Contract Regions in metropolitan Sydney that were previously operated by the State Transit Authority and bus services delivered under the integrated public service contract for Newcastle.

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen. Photo: Facebook/Jo Haylen

Privatisation of bus services has impacted the frequency and reliability of bus services across Sydney.

Photo: Flickr

Bondi Beach pop-up slammed by council

alcohol is sold on the sand for an extended period of time,” Masselos said in the council meeting.

A motion from Masselos to recognise the groundswell of opposition to events of this nature among Bondi residents passed unanimously.

“Alienating the beach through commercialisation for prolonged length of time goes against the egalitarian values of our community,” Masselos said.

the community, our visitors or to the world,” she said.

The Bondi community has opposed the use of public land for private interests.

“Our community does not need revitalising” said Bondi resident Lee Kirkland.

“It should grow and evolve naturally. It does not need to be reshaped by some money making businessman. Public space is for the public not private use.”

Other reasons for community opposition are the fact that the proposal would seek to sell alcohol in the sand in an alcohol-free zone.

BY HENRIQUE MONTEIRO

An application for a controversial pop-up restaurant on Bondi Beach has been withdrawn, after Waverley Council expressed they were going to oppose the proposal.

The pop-up restaurant was the idea of businessman Janek Gazecki, who’s previous bid for an Amalfi Beach Club at Bondi was also rejected by Council in 2020. Gazecki’s most recent idea was for a pop-up restaurant on the sands of Bondi Beach, including a licensed bar, in which food would be sourced from local

restaurants or caterers and brought into the beachside venue to be served.

Shortly before an April 18 Waverley Council meeting, in which a report concluded that council should oppose the ‘high-impact’ event, the application for the International Beach Festival was withdrawn.

MOTION OPPOSES EVENT

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos noted that there was strong community opposition to the proposal.

“I note the strong community concern about proposals such as this, where

Masselos went on to explain how large the impact of the event would have had on the beach.

The application requested 875 square feet of space on the beach to accomodate infrastructure, as well as a water tank, 3 by 1110 litre skip bins, a demountable toilet block, a children’s play area, 36 beach umbrellas and 46 beach lounges.

“Definitely not how we would want to present Bondi Beach to our residents,

“We have a huge problem with alcohol use and abuse in our community, we need to keep the beach alcohol free and continue the healthy message promoted at the beach, and that we can have fun without alcohol,” said resident Stav Zotalis.

Lesley-Ann Marincowitz, a third Bondi resident, said she “is not in favour of commercial festivals” being held on Bondi Beach.

“I don’t think it does much for community building or gives a positive message to younger people,” she said.

Greens to push for emergency rent freeze in new Parliament

The rental crisis is out of control.

Over the past 12 months, rents have risen at four times the rate of wage growth, and costs of living have skyrocketed. People who rent in our local area and beyond are struggling to make ends meet, with record low vacancy rates meaning they can’t simply find a new place to live when hit with a massive rent increase.

Conditions for renters across the state grow more dire by the day, but so far both major parties have failed to treat the crisis with the urgency it requires.

That’s why, with Parliament back, the Greens are moving on our legislation that would freeze rents in NSW for two years. This would prevent all residential rents from rising above their current rate for the next two years - regardless of whether a tenancy ends at a property - and provide immediate relief to renters

living in fear of another rent hike while broader reforms can be undertaken.

Beyond this, we know that the root causes of the rental affordability crisisworsening inequality, laws that disproportionately favour landlords over tenants, and a public housing shortagerequire long-term, systemic solutions.

That’s why during the 24-month emergency rent freeze period the Greens would work with the new parliament to develop and implement long-term solutions like an end to unfair no grounds evictions, rent controls, expansion of rental subsidies and massive investment in public and social housing.

Lockdown-era eviction moratoriums and rent freezes for commercial tenants showed us that if they want to, governments can take swift and substantial action to protect renters

from a volatile housing market. We know an emergency rent freeze is an immediate solution to stop the escalation of the current crisis: what we need is the political will and a community-led, grassroots movement to make it a reality.

Find out more about our emergency rent freeze bill at jennyleong.org/emergency_rent_freeze _bill or scanning the QR code below:

Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown

 goes against the egalitarian values of our community

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos.

Photo: Bondi Surf Life Saving This regular column is authorised by Jenny Leong MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements

City Suburbs Local Business Awards

TANYA PLIBERSEK

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

HERE TO HELP

As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems you have with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, superannuation, Child Support payments, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Veterans’ Affairs, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the National Broadband Network (NBN), universities, employment, training, Commonwealth funding and grants.

STAYING IN TOUCH

To keep up to date with my activities (incuding my mobile offices), issues and events - both locally and nationally, please subscribe to my eNews at tanyaplibersek.com

CONGR ATUL ATORY MESS AGES

My office can arrange messages of congratulations for people who live in my electorate and are celebrating their golden (50th) and diamond (60th) wedding anniversaries; and 90th and subsequent birthdays. Please allow for 6-8 weeks for congratulatory messages from dignatories.

Balmain Woolies downsizing to Metro

last month resolving to convene a meeting between the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce and the supermarket chain to discuss changes to the store.

STUDY ON SPENDING HABITS IN INNER WEST

In 2015 the Inner West Council conducted a study into the spending habits of locals.

Now, Byrne said council is working to engage Woolworths to consult with the local community about changes to the store.

Nolan said while the updates to the Balmain Woolies store aren’t coming for some time, “any changes will be based on engagement with locals to hear feedback from the Balmain community on what they would like to see instore and we’ll keep them updated on progress.”

BY ERIN MODARO

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has expressed his concerns over the downsizing of the Balmain Woolworths on Darling Street.

Woolworths Balmain will be changing the layout of the store to become a Metro- a more convenience store style of supermarket, which generally has a limited or curated range of products.

Woolworths Metro Director Justin Nolan said in a statement that Woolies will be engaging with the local community to help “tailor the range of products

available as plans are made to update the current 40-year-old supermarket to a new neighbourhood Metro store”.

Byrne said the updates to the store will reduce product ranges, meaning shoppers are more likely to leave Balmain to do their shopping.

“Any further reduction in a product range at a Woolworths Metro will have a further negative impact on the local Balmain/Rozelle local economy and local businesses,” Byrne said via social media.

Byrne and Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott passed a motion at a council meeting

“The study demonstrated that due to the limited product range at Woolworths Balmain a high percentage of local residents were leaving Balmain for their regular grocery shop,” Byrne said in a Facebook post.

Back in 2016 the Inner West Council released recommendations based on the study data, which said council should meet with Woolworths to “improve the retail offers on its Balmain site,” an IWC release says.

“We know this will be a bit of a change for customers, but the same friendly staff and great Woolworths value will still be there when the renovations are completed,” he said. Woolworths Metro stores are aimed towards inner-city residents shopping for local produce and easy dinner options. Metro stores and their stock are tailored towards the community they are based in. “Detailed design and planning is underway and we will share our plans and timelines in the near future” Nolan said. While no timeline for community consultation nor dates for the upgrades are available yet, residents can expect public consultation to be carried out in the future.

 a further negative impact on the local Balmain/ Rozelle local economy

Woolworths in Balmain will be changed into a Metro style store.

Photo: LinkedIn

Aboriginal Legal Service in ‘crisis’

BY ERIN MODARO

Warning: This article mentions the names of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This month the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (NATSILS) held an emergency meeting in the midst of what Chair Karly Warner has called a “funding crisis” that threatens to freeze essential legal services.

Chair of NATSILS and CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Karly Warner has said that the nation-wide legal service is on the “brink of collapse” following years of underfunding and an unprecedented demand for services.

The meeting was called as NATSILS is requesting $250 million of emergency funding from the government to keep essential services running.

“We are facing an unprecedented crisis caused by the systemic undervaluing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services by government,” Warner said. Loved ones of First Nations peoples who have died in custody spoke to the importance of keeping essential legal services afloat.

Uncle Percy Lovett, partner of Veronica Nelson who died while in custody in a Victorian prison, was set to speak and attended the meeting.

In 2023, Veronica Nelson died after she was repeatedly denied medical attention while behind held in detention after being arrested for shoplifting. Victorian Coroner Simon McGregor slammed corrections officers and labelled Nelson’s treatment as “cruel and degrading”.

Nelson’s grieving family was left with the task of investigating the circumstances of her death, and bringing those involved to justice. Lovett enlisted the help of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services for culturally appropriate help in navigating Australia’s legal system, and ensuring justice for Veronica was served.

Makayla Reynolds, sister of Nathan Reynolds who died on the floor of a prison after suffering an asthma attack, spoke about the help that the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) provided her family. Reynolds explained why it is crucial to have culturally sensitive legal services available to families in her situation.

“We had legal services from all over Australia make contact with us because they [saw] a civil claim potentially come out of Nathan’s death, and they wanted to jump on board and take on Nathan’s coronial inquest,” Makayla explained. “ALS did not, obviously, treat us like that” she said.

Matthew Cash, whose sister Narisha ‘Nish’ Cash died after a significant

delay in emergency services when she called triple zero in 2020, spoke on his experience of needing help with her case.

“I’m in Queensland” Cash said. “I didn’t know who to turn to for aid, or to even help.”

“There was a lot of issues that happen through the emergency services that fell through the gaps” he said.

“So for my family, it was very devastating… we didn’t know who to talk to.” Cash and his family got aid from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service to assist with his sister’s case.

services because not often when they contact us it’s just a criminal matter,” Waight said.

“They often flow into what are other service areas including family and civil.” Waight explained that legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is often complex and takes a large amount of time and resources for lawyers.

people remain the most incarcerated people by population per capita globally. “We’re not seeing any reduction in service demand. We’re not seeing any less complex clients. Everything is continuing. What isn’t is increased funding to support that demand,” Waight said.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GIVES STATEMENT

Currently, ATSILS in NSW and the ACT have said they will have to freeze services across 13 regional courts if no emergency funding is given.

“We know that when culturally safe legal support isn’t available, the result is more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody, more families torn apart and more intergenerational trauma,” Warner said.

OVER-DEMAND FOR LEGAL SERVICES

CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Nerita Waight said that with an average of 38.5 Aboriginal people arrested in Victoria per day, demand for legal services is at an all-time high. She explained the high arrest numbers result in a “flow on demand for our legal

“We see our clients have high rates of disability, high rates of mental health, high rates of homelessness, and all these issues have to be addressed as well as any holistic legal response,” she said. Warner reported that national demand for legal services has increased by up to 100% since 2018. While the reasons for an increase in demand are complex, Warner said successive governments pushing a “law and order agenda” is a driving factor.

In Victoria, Warner said that “record investment in policing has resulted in an 18% rise in demand for the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service over just 6 months”.

September 2022 statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reveal an increase in both Aboriginal adults and young people currently in prison. The bureau does note legislation meaning it’s mandatory for officers to ask offenders if they identity as Aboriginal might have had an effect on the numbers.

Aboriginal adults make up 29.3% of the adult penal population in NSW. In 2023, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney and Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus were invited to the meeting. Both Ministers gave their apologies that they couldn’t attend.

Dreyfus submitted a statement that Warner read at the meeting.

“I note with concern your advice about the imminent service delivery freezes and closures across some ATSILS. I emphatically support the role of ATSILS in providing accessible, culturally appropriate legal and non-legal services and programmes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who remain disproportionately represented at all points of contact within the justice system,” the statement reads.

Dreyfus said an independent review of the national legal assistance partnership will be commencing this year, which he said will “include an assessment of unmet legal need and demand in all areas including across disadvantaged groups in regional, rural and remote Australia”.

An online petition to the Attorney General calling for emergency funding has been started.

CEO of NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service Karly Warner. Photo: Supplied

 We are facing an unprecedented crisis

Oxford Street Cycleway: boon or bane?

cease to provide easy access for people to cross the street.

“What we want is for the city to limit the speed to 30 km/hr on the street which will help cyclists be safe with a 2-lane clearway on both sides, a wider median strip, and a wider footpath”.

SAFETY CONCERNS ARISE

A resident of Paddington, Justin Bowra, is worried about how unsafe the cycleway might be.

“I have tried to cycle to work, but it is too dangerous as I have been nearly run-off the road by careless drivers. I have seen lots of people injured by cars. As a parent, and whose family is scared to ride on Sydney streets, the safety of cyclists is more important than the convenience of motorists.”

Bowra said, “As an emergency doctor, parent and resident, I strongly support the proposal in principle”.

“There has been a lot of misinformation about cycleways. Evidence shows that cycleways provide a retail benefit and improve traffic congestion”.

“Just like pedestrians and buses, providing a cycleway is simply the right thing to do,” he said.

BY ABHA HAVAL

Residents and businesses along Oxford Street are split over the addition of new cycleways on the busy Sydney street.

The NSW government has proposed a two-way cycleway on Oxford Street in Paddington as part of the program to build more than 100 kilometres of new cycleways by 2028.

The proposed cycleway will run on the south side of Oxford Street between the Paddington Gates and Taylor Square. The new cycleways will completely change the allocation of road spaces by reducing the four traffic lanes to two lanes by retaining the bus lanes and allocated parking spaces on either side of the road.

The Oxford Street East cycleway is the missing link which will connect the Centennial Park cycleway and the Oxford Street East cycleway. Together, these cycleways will create a continuous cycle corridor between Bondi and Sydney CBD.

Resident Philip Ingram started a petition to stop the Oxford Street cycleway, arguing that congestion will increase by converting the corridor into a two-traffic lane.

“Free-flowing traffic is essential,” Ingram said.

Ingram says in the petition, “Not everyone wants to ride a bike and there will be a detrimental impact on the local

businesses because the increased congestion will force people to go elsewhere.

“It is also a safety issue as access to bus stops will be problematic, especially for senior travellers.”

Cycling advocates, however, are in favour of the new cycleway.

CEO of Bicycle NSW, Peter Mclean said that the bike lanes will be “a vital east to west link that connects existing cycleways in Sydney CBD and the new cycleway at Bondi Junction.

“The streets will be calmer and safer so it will be much more user friendly for pedestrians and other road users”.

Mclean anticipates that, “it would create a congestion if no one was to use the cycleway. Although, projected users’ number (from other cycleway count data) suggests that the Oxford Street East cycleway will be a very popular corridor in addition to filling the missing link”.

“Slower traffic users, pedestrians and cyclists are proven to make over 30% more purchases from businesses (as per UK data). They simply have more time to see, consider and make purchases,” he said.

OXFORD STREET CURRENTLY UNSAFE

According to City of Sydney, around 2,000 people ride their bikes along Oxford Street every day, and with no designated

cycleway, they are forced to ride alongside cars and buses during peak hours.

As per data reported by Bicycle NSW last year, more than 12,000 cyclists have died over the past decade on Australia’s roads.

A spokesperson for the Paddington Society told City Hub that they applaud the efforts of the city to create a safe environment for cyclists but they “oppose the current plan which puts cyclists ahead of residents”.

“Oxford Street is considered as Paddington’s high street and what we

Another resident of Paddington, Chloe Mason, said, “It is important to make the street safer for people. We need to have good consultation”.

“It will be beneficial to reduce the use of cars for short trips as it will improve the air quality and reduce the pollution”.

Mason is in favour of the environmental benefits the cycleway will have in reducing carbon emissions and pollution.

“The past tradition is for people to travel by cars, but the cycleway will be designed for the modern world. We need to take steps to reduce the reliability on cars,” she said.

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said, “Transport has begun consultations on an early design of the cycleway, to ensure the project is informed by community needs and balances the needs of all road users with the local businesses and residents.

want is for both sides to be as integrated as possible. On one side of the street is the retail sector and on the other side is the shopping precinct.

“The key thing about Oxford Street is that it is majorly operated by residents, and they cross the street a number of times. The key users here are the pedestrians”, he said.

The Paddington Society’s spokesperson is concerned that the safety of the pedestrians will be compromised with the change in road spaces, and adding another use of space on the street will

“Maintaining access for residents and businesses, and encouraging people to visit and dwell in Paddington are key objectives, which we will be working to realise through the design process”.

“Customer research conducted for Transport research found that 45% of the NSW urban population were interested in cycling more but would feel safe being separated from cars, more direct routes and better information in order for them to ride more”.

Transport for NSW will continue to engage with the community throughout the design process and propose further formal consultation later this year.

Former Transport Minister Andrew Constance (left), Sydney MP Alex Greenwich (left-centre), Lord Mayor Clover Moore (right-centre), and MP Dave Sharma (right) on Oxford Street at announcement of cycleways. Photo: Twitter

 I have been nearly runoff the road by careless drivers 

Harwin’s hope for Metro Minerva Theatre

BY JOHN MOYLE

As a politician Don Harwin was a rarity in that he genuinely liked his final portfolio as arts minister. He was admired by both the public and performers for his attention and understanding across its many facets. Since leaving politics after 22 years, Harwin has rarely spoken to the media at length.

However, as developer Central Element is petitioning City of Sydney for a modification to their development application to turn Potts Point’s heritage listed art deco Metro Minerva Theatre into a 63 room boutique hotel with bars, undefined spaces and underground car parking, he now feels the need to speak out in defence of the theatre. The development will destroy the streamline modern lines of the world class art deco structure, that is surprisingly intact after 84 years.

“The design puts the ceiling in danger and puts the structure on top of the ceiling that can take hotel rooms and will be strong enough to take additional height in the future,” Don Harwin, former Arts and Heritage Minister said. Central Element has put forward the

argument that the restoration of the 1,000 seat theatre is both physically impossible and economically unviable.

“Not so,” says the former Arts Minister.

“The Minerva Theatre has a dedicated group of people who want it preserved,” Harwin said.

 very few opportunities for new theatres in Sydney

“The reality is that there are very few opportunities for new theatres in Sydney.

“The Minerva gives us an opportunity for a 1,000 seat theatre in a location adjacent to the city that is desperately needed.”

RESTORATION

During Harwin’s time in the arts portfolio it was determined that Sydney needed at least two 1,000- 1,200 seat lyric theatres, as well as one larger theatre, to attract the shows that it has been losing to Melbourne for years.

“I got the Theatre Royal reopened, which filled one of those gaps, and the Minerva could easily be the second,” Harwin said.

“If we have a new 1,000 seat theatre, and preferably some other larger lyric theatre as well, we will get a much broader range of theatre being presented in Sydney.” A lyric theatre is one that is generally capable of staging performances involving both music and singing. While acknowledging that restoring an old theatre can be expensive, “The cost of reopening the Minerva as a 1000

seat theatre is considerably less than obtaining a strategic site and starting from scratch,” Harwin said.

“There is no doubt that reopening the Minerva Theatre with associated food and beverage outlets and entertainment spaces would have a massive multiplier effect (and) would reactivate the area and be a stimulus for further activation of spaces for arts and culture.”



Former NSW Arts and Heritage Minister Don Harwin speaks on the Metro Minerva Theatre. Photo: AAP Photos

Mobile phones banned in NSW schools

BY ABHA HAVAL

The Minns government has followed through on an election promise to ban the use of mobile phones in NSW public high schools from Term 4 2023.

The NSW government will consult with schools on options to implement the ban while maintaining caution that exceptions be made for students with disabilities and health problems. The ban will be in place during school hours, while students will be allowed to carry their phones travelling to and from school.

EXPERTS WEIGH IN

While the NSW government announced a ban on mobile phones in schools, experts say the ban will not affect the learning process and academic results.

Dr Joanne Orlando, a digital expert at the University of Western Sydney told The Guardian that she is sceptical over the ban. Dr Orlando said that current research does not support that phone bans lead to academic improvement in schools.

“We need to think about how we teach the right habits and help young people to be able to use them in a productive way for their learning and work,” Orlando said in a Guardian article.

Over the past decade, education outcomes have been in decline. PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) rankings have fallen significantly since 2006.

Labor aims to conduct a review into the impact of technology on young people and children to develop digital media

literacy programs with a focus on online ethical behaviour, critical thinking skills and data privacy.

Several high schools in NSW have already banned the use of mobile phones by putting them in lockers, bags, lockable pouches, or handing them over at the beginning of school.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said that the mobile phone ban will be implemented using “common sense” and will include consultation with experts.

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“It will affect 400 schools across the state. Over 320,000 students will be caught up in this ban. I believe that it’s necessary when you look at other states across Australia that have implemented a similar ban,” Minns said.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said, “A blanket ban in high schools will create a level playing field, reduce distractions, help address cyberbullying issues, and improve student learning outcomes.

A Swedish study published in 2020 found no improvements in the results of high school students after a year of ban on mobile phones while it is suggested that there is little to no evidence that such bans will reduce cyberbullying, continuing it to be more prevalent in person than online.

Considering that the promise to implement the ban was achievable, several high schools across the state will need time to update their school systems.

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 A blanket ban in high schools will create a level playing field

NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Photo: Facebook/Chris Minns

Albanese called on to ‘Raise the Rate’

BY WENDY BACON

Anti-poverty protesters chose the Prime Minister’s own office in Marrickville for a rally on April 28 to demand the Albanese Labor government raise the rate of JobSeeker and Youth Allowance above the poverty line. With the Budget to be released on May 9, pressure is building on the Albanese government to stand by their previous support for raising the rate.

Organisers from the Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union (AUWU) and the Anti-Poverty Centre highlighted the hypocrisy of Labor ministers by holding signs quoting the politicians’ previous statements in support of raising the income support rate made before Labor won last year’s election.

AUWU Jeremy Poxon told the crowd that when he was in opposition, Albanese said the JobSeeker rate was “unliveable” and that “nobody can live on $40 a day”. Since Albanese made these comments the cost of living has increased and rents have spiralled. The current JobSeeker rate is $693.10 a fortnight for a single person with no children which works out to approximately to $49 a day. “This government thinks it can say one thing in opposition, and then come out and starve millions of people on welfare,” Poxon said. “It’s a national disgrace.”

Another speaker quoted the Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth’s accusation that the Morrison government lacked empathy for allowing Newstart (now called JobSeeker) to stagnate below the Poverty Line.

The only politician to attend the rally was the Deputy Leader of the Greens Senator for NSW Mehreen Faruqi.

“They tell us that they have to make tough choices at this budget. But the fact is that it is people like you who have to make tough choices. People every single day have to choose between putting food on the table or buying medicines, choose between turning the heater on in freezing cold or paying the rent,” she said. “It’s absolutely unconscionable that this Labor government thinks it’s a good idea to give $254 billions of tax cuts to the wealthy and commits to $386 billion for war machines while refusing to raise … income support.”

The rally topped off a week of intense #RaisetheRate campaigning that included a huge media conference in Canberra on Wednesday at which a letter co-signed by 350 prominent people was released. It called for Albanese government to address deep seated structural inequality and raise the JobSeeker (now $49 a day) and Youth Allowance ($40 a day) to 90% of the aged pension.

CAMPAIGNS ONGOING

Campaigns to raise the rate of income support have become regular events but the unprecedented support for this initiative reflects a shift in national politics. Five Labor backbenchers, Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Arthur, the Greens, the Jackie Lambie network, Independent MPs including all teals, David Pocock, Andrew Wilkie, Helen Haines and Lidia Thorpe have all signed the letter. This reflects a shift in national politics with a weakened far right LNP coalition in disarray, a Labor government that is occupying the centre ground on asylum, foreign policy, defence and inequality and an unprecedented growth number of Greens and Independent MPs. Others joining the call this week include ex-Labor MP Doug Cameron. Explaining why he signed the letter, he tweeted, “No good having nuclear submarines if you’re starving.”

The findings and recommendations of the first report by the Committee for Economic Inclusion are no surprise. This doesn’t make them any less serious or urgent. More than one million people in Australia who receive JobSeeker or Youth Allowance are paid incomes that are “seriously inadequate”, no matter what way you measure them.

Even those on the minimum wage struggle to survive but Job Seeker is only 41% of the minimum wage. In 2000, there was a gap of about $35 a week between unemployment benefits and the Aged Pension. The difference was $160 a week at the end of 2021.

When compared to the average income of the poorest 20% of Australian households, Jobseeker has dropped sharply. In 2000, the difference was about $25. On the latest figures, it is $140.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers response that the government despite its commitment to act on disadvantage cannot fund “every good idea” is so low key that it seems to trivialise the issue.

The ex-Minister for Social Services and Chair of the Economic Inclusion Committee Jenny Macklin, ex-Liberals Fred Chaney and John Hewson, prominent Voice supporters Professor Megan Davis and Thomas Mayer, exSecretary of Treasury Ken Henry, exGovernor of the Reserve Bank Bernie Fraser, and the respected retired senior bureaucrat and feminist Marie Coleman also supported raising the rate.

RAISING THE RATE MUST TAKE PRIORITY

Chalmers deflects from the urgency of raising the rate to the importance of getting people into jobs. But the Committee for Economic Inclusion report found that the inadequacy of income support payments is so punitive that raising the rate must take priority over all else. The stresses of living on current

JobSeeker are often an obstacle rather than an incentive for getting a job. About a million Australians are receiving income support. Many of them face discrimination when they try to get jobs. According to an ACOSS study in 2021, half of them have been unemployed for two years, 44% are over 45, 34% have a disability and they are more likely to be single parents or from First Nations or culturally diverse backgrounds. So far the noises from the government are not encouraging. There are rumours something smaller could be offered. The most likely shift is allowing single parents, who have children between 8 and 14, to move back onto Single Parent’s pension rather than being forced to relying on Jobseeker. Most of this group are women. Forcing women onto JobKeeper rather that Single parents support is not only punitive but it can make it impossible for them to leave them dangerous situations. The previous Labor government allowed this situation. It should have reversed it as soon as it got elected last year. But this change would only account for about 50,000 of the one million people on income support. 95% would continue to live in grinding poverty. Will Labor lift people out of poverty or will they refuse to do that?

Senator Faruqi summed it up this way: The Prime Minister has a choice. He can lift people out of the poverty or refuse to do that. If he refuses to do it, it’s not a tough choice, it’s a bad choice.

It’s a national disgrace

Protestors holding signs at a ‘Raise the Rate’ rally. Photo: Wendy Bacon

Record high indexation hits students

student debt of $40,000 or higher will face a rise of $2876.21.

“The growing burden of student debt is making news every day and it’s beyond clear that urgent intervention is warranted. But Labor has elected to sit back and watch as millions of Australians are hit with a student debt avalanche on June 1,” Senator Faruqi said.

“Soaring student debt is locking people out of the housing market, inflaming the cost-of-living crisis, crushing dreams of further study, stopping people from starting families and causing enormous mental and financial stress,” she said.

USYD SRC WEIGHS IN University of Sydney Student

Representative Council President Lia Perkins told City Hub that, “It is terrible that the Labor government don’t see the enormous burden university debts have on students and university graduates.”

By LAUREN FROST

Millions of Australians could be hit with thousands of dollars of increased student debt after Labor and the coalition have knocked back a Greens bill to end indexation. The bill, which was put forward by Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson, would have put an end to the rapidly rising indexation on student debt as well as increase the repayment threshold.

Last year, Aussies with student debt were hit by a record high indexation rate of 3.9%, increasing the average student loan by a whopping $923.

This year on June 1, the already record high indexation rate is set to nearly double, with student debt holders likely to be facing an indexation rate of about 7%.

This will mean people with the average $24,770.75 worth of student debt will be hit with a $1700 increase. Those with

With Smith & Sons

The indexation rate is tied to inflation, hence the soaring impact on student debt. With wages falling, the situation is becoming even more crippling for those with student debt.

Last year, wages fell by 4.2%, the biggest drop since the ABS began tracking wages in 1997.

“An education system that traps graduates in a debt spiral and forces them to repay student loans when they are barely earning above the minimum wage is unsustainable and broken,” Senator Faruqi said.

“Freezing indexation would have been one small step to address our urgent needs and to ease the cost-of-living crisis,” Lia said.

“Labor is ensuring that people with student debt will be trapped in this unnecessary cycle for much longer, which is particularly cumbersome for those from low-SES and diverse backgrounds.”

To check how impending indexation on student debts will affect personal debt on the 1st of June, Senator Faruqi recently launched a student debt calculator to give an estimate.

 millions of Australians are hit with a student debt avalanche

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi. Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Princess Mary cycles Sydney’s streets

BY ERIN MODARO

Princess Mary of Denmark has been spotted taking a leisurely bike ride around Sydney’s Hyde Park in her first Royal visit to Australia in over a decade.

Born in Tasmania, Princess Mary’s visit to home soil included a lap on one of Sydney’s cycleways inspired by Denmark’s success in active transport.

Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she was “excited to host the Danish delegation” and was keen to show off “some of the infrastructure they have helped inspire”. Moore also praised the Danish seeing the now-completed light rail running along George Street; the concept of which was inspired by Danish Architect Jan Gehl. Gehl was awarded a key to the City of Sydney in 2017 for his contributions to making Sydney a haven for cyclists and pedestrians, after working with City of Sydney council for over a decade.

The Danish architect inspired solutions to transforming Sydney from a car-centric city to a walkable and liveable city, including the suggestion of a light rail. Now, Moore is showing the fruits of labour off to the Danish delegation during the Princess’ visit to Sydney.

The continuation in relationships between Sydney officials and the Danish reflects the City’s commitment to adopting world practices in active transport, mirroring Copenhagen’s traffic calmed streets lined with simple but effective bike lanes. The myriad of new pop-up cycleways across the city that appeared during the Covid-19 pandemic and are now here to stay are another testament to Sydney’s transformation.

excited to host the Danish delegation

“Creating this infrastructure will help us reach our target of 9 out of 10 people working in the city using public transport, walking or cycling, and help us meet our ambitious emissions reduction targets,” Moore said.

TRANSITION TO RENEWABLES

Princess Mary led a discussion with the Danish delegation on Australia’s transition to renewable energy. While Sydney’s urban planning and transport strategies are moving towards

greener values, Australia is lagging behind European countries such as Denmark on a move towards renewable energy.

In 2021, Australia ranked the 10th highest in the world for C02 emissions per capita, coming ahead of the United States at number 12 and Canada at number 14.

Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024

1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:

• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length)

• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long)

• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts

• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room

• Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Optus Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001

Denmark and other Scandinavian countries have made some of the fastest transitions towards renewables. According to data published in 2022 by the International Trade Administration, 67% of Denmark’s energy came from renewables.

In 2021, Australia produced just 29% of its energy from renewable sources.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2, 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001

3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:

• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)

• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts

• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter

Redfern Street • Saturday 13 May

• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility

Stanley Street • Saturday 20 May

Haymarket • Saturday 24 June

• Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, Randwick NSW 2031

• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility Rooftop Facility, 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo NSW 2011 Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002

3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:

• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long)

• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long)

• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long)

• Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long)

• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts

• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter

4. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above

5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment

6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.

Princess Mary of Denmark cycles around Hyde Park with City of Sydney officials. Photo: AAP/Rick Rycroft

Pro-Putin group hijacks Sydney concert

supported their actions,” he told City Hub, noting how quick pro-Russian media outlets were to report on the incident. Fomin also noted the pro-Russian movement’s connections with other far-right, extremist causes. “Pro-Russian sentiment has spread beyond just Russian nationals, it is being adopted by all sorts of anti-government and antidemocracy groups,” he said.

REOCCURRING ‘Z’ SYMBOL

In the days following the incident, users on Twitter have since claimed to identify neo-Nazis and Serbian nationalists as being among the group of men wearing the ‘Z’ symbol, captured in the footage taken from inside Sydney Town Hall. Telegram messages also reveal their actions were endorsed and linked to Simeon Boikov, a pro-Putin campaigner based in Sydney.

BY CHRISTINE CHEN

The actions of a group brandishing proRussian symbols during an Orthodox Easter music concert in the heart of Sydney last Friday have been condemned by the concert’s organisers, politicians, diplomats, and community leaders.

Audience members say a group of seven men dressed in all black, emblazoned with the letter ‘Z’, and carrying Russian flags “gate-crashed”the concert, before lining up in front of the crowd of about 800 people.

“Their presence was definitely political,” said Malcolm McPherson, a concertgoer on Friday night.

“They seemed to be trying to interact with audience members, possibly clergy, at the front left of the hall… when the concert was over they were holding a very large banner which required three or four people to hold up,” he told City Hub

The concert, organised by the Russian Orthodox Male Choir of Australia (ROMCA) and sponsored by Multicultural NSW and the City of Sydney council, aimed to be a “positive and inclusive vehicle for peace and harmony” for Sydney’s Antiochian, Greek, Russian and Serbian people, showcasing choirs from each ethnic community.

Shortly after the event’s conclusion, images and videos of the pro-Russian supporters began circulating on social media, prompting the ROMCA to dissociate itself from the group.

“As organisers of the choral we were concerned,” it said on Facebook, writing that it is “apolitical, and promotes peace and harmony. ROMCA’s message is one of peace and love, not hatred and fear.”

COUNCILS CONDEMN GROUP

Government agencies, politicians and diplomats have condemned the group’s actions

On Twitter, the City of Sydney council stated the concert’s rehearsal showed no indication of any political activity, calling the incident an unprecedented “hijack”.

Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW, tweeted “I absolutely condemn any kind of violence, glorification of violence or symbols of violence.” Multicultural NSW added that it had referred the matter onto NSW Police, stating that it will “work with the many amazing community leaders in NSW to offer support.”

Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore said in a statement condemning the group that seeing “young men posing for photos in the Town Hall wearing ‘Z’ t-shirts” was “a shock”.

Ilya Fomin, President of Svoboda Alliance NSW, a community organisation of “antiwar Russian Australians”, expressed his belief that the group’s presence and display of pro-war symbols in an iconic Sydney venue, in the presence of representatives from state government agency officials, was a deliberate act of propaganda.

“It was definitely staged to create a false narrative that the NSW government

Despite its statement denouncing Friday’s events, the ROMCA also performed for the Double Headed Eagle Society, a far-right fundamental Orthodox Russianbased organisation spearheaded by Boikov.

Fomin also warned that other Russianrelated events in NSW could also be susceptible to stunts used to further proRussian agendas.

“There was a reasonable expectation something like this could happen [at the Sydney Town Hall]. It is very likely the upcoming Victory Day car convoy will be used to deliver a similar message,” he said.

Fomin has written to the City of Sydney Council to request the cancellation of the event’s permit, but has not yet received a response.

“It’s a disgusting public display of the Z symbol…Z stands for the Russian aggression in Ukraine, rape and murder,” tweeted Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko on Saturday.

The ‘Z’ logo worn by the group was first observed on Russian military vehicles at the Ukraine border in February 2022. Over a year later, its use has proliferated to become a symbol synonymous with support of Russian aggression and totalitarianism.

In January, organisers of the Australian Open were forced to prohibit all spectators from bringing flags of the Russian tricolour and Russian empire, and items with the ‘Z’ symbol after their use by some spectators. However, despite calls to ban the symbol, its use is not illegal in Australia.

Pro-war group brandishing Z symbol hijacks Easter concert at Sydney Town Hall. Photo: Twitter

Their presence was definitely political 

Russia Consul-General Igor Arzhaev (left) shakes hands with one of the demonstrators. Photo: Twitter/Chriscoveries

Councils front $77 million levy

BY LAUREN FROST

The decision to increase the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) could have Councils scrounging for funds. The NSW Labor Government has decided to cease the ESL subsidy, leaving councils to front $77 million in unforeseen emergency services cost.

11.7% of the ESL is paid for by councils with another 14.6% paid by the state government and the remainder paid as part of insurance premiums. However, for the past several years local councils’ portion of the ESL has been subsidised.

In 2019, following an 18.5% increase in funding to Fire and Rescue NSW and a 73% increase to the State Emergency Service, council backlash led to the former Berejiklian Government announcing a “one-year reprieve” for councils regarding the ESL.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW WEIGHS IN

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has said that the ramifications of this decision could be catastrophic for councils, however, a spokesperson for the NSW Government insists that the ongoing ESL

top-up from the State Government was “never guaranteed”.

“As the payments to cap ESL contributions at 2019/20 levels was ad-hoc and not budgeted for, ideally, local governments will have been budgeting for the full emergency services levy, including any increases, since 2019-20,” the spokesperson said.

“Our emergency services agencies have long been funded through this cost sharing arrangement – local government contributions to the cost of emergency services date back to the 1800s.”

“These legislative requirements have not changed.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS & VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION IN SURRY HILLS INCLUDING 5G

1. Site Number: S5765 – 418A Elizabeth Street SURRY HILLS NSW 2010 (RFNSA number: 2010007). The proposed facility consists of the addition of new Optus and Vodafone equipment and associated works as follows (including 5G);

• Swap out existing Optus and Vodafone antennas with three (3) new Optus passive antennas and three (3) new Vodafone passive antennas (dimensions 2688mm (H) 498mm (W) 197mm (D)) on proposed antenna mount at a height of 51.2m

• Installation of two (2) new Optus AIR3219 AAU’s (dimensions 750mm (H) 506mm (W) 197mm (D)) at a height of 51.06m

• Installation of three (3) new Vodafone AEQE AAU’s (dimensions 750mm (H) 450mm (W) 240mm (D)) at a height of 52.17m and 51.2m

• Existing Vodafone remote radio units (RRU’s) to be swapped out with twelve (12) new Nokia RRU’s installed on new RRU mount

• Existing Optus RRU’s to be swapped out with seven (7) new Optus RRU’s to be installed on new RRU mount

• Swap out existing GPS antennas with proposed two (2) new GPS antenna (like for like), installed on shelter wall

• The removal, replacement and reconfiguration of existing panel antennas and associated ancillary equipment including AAU’s and RRU’s

• The reconfiguration and installation of ancillary equipment including MHAs, combiners, cabling, hybrids, feeders, and other associated equipment

2. Optus & Vodafone regard the proposed installation as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the descriptions above.

3. The proposed infrastructure will be in compliance with the ACMA EMR regulatory arrangements.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information requests and/or comments should be directed to Ventia Solutions: E. community.consultation@ventia.com

M. Ventia, 1-31 Commercial Drive, Shailer Park QLD 4125 Ph. (02) 8248 6496. We will accept comments on the proposed upgrade until 5pm Friday, 26th May 2023.

“This increase was approved by the former government and the Government did not have the time to engage with the process without jeopardising the funding arrangements for emergency services.”

However, LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM called the move by the state government an “absolutely blatant cost shift”.

“To make things worse,” Cr Turley continues, “the ESL has seen stratospheric increases year-on-year to make up for the Government’s unfunded workers’ compensation liability for emergency services workers struck down by a range of cancers.

“Now it appears councils are being asked to fund massive rises in emergency services budgets, including a 73% increase in the budget allocation to the State Emergency Services (SES).

“The levy increase for the State’s 128 councils in 2023/24 alone sits just under $77 million,” Cr Turley said.

absolutely blatant cost shift

“The effect will leave some councils with insufficient funds to cover cost increases in other areas. These costs will need to be met by cuts to staff and services.”

The spokesperson for the NSW Government has said that, “The NSW Government recognises that councils are facing increased cost pressures and is focussed on ensuring the sustainability of the local government sector.”

“The NSW Labor Government has committed to implementing a review of financial modelling for councils, with a lens on the increasing cost burdens on residents, and we remain committed to that promise.”

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT (LOT 1 DP 1035345) 2-26 LORD ST, BOTANY NSW 2019 WITH 5G

1. Optus and Vodafone plan to upgrade the existing telecommunications facility below through the addition of new equipment: S0490 – Mascot: On the existing building rooftop at the above address. The proposal involves:

• The installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G antennas on the new mount

• The relocation of three existing Optus 5G antennas on new mount

• The replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas for Optus and Vodafone (six in total) on the new mount; All new antennas will measure no more than 2.8m in length

• The installation and reconfiguration of ancillary equipment including remote radio units (RRUs), GPS antennas, antenna mounts, cabling and other associated equipment necessary for the proper function of the proposed facility

2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. The proposed infrastructures will be in compliance with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information requests and/or comments should be directed to Ventia:

M. Community.Consultation@ventia.com

N. Ventia, 80 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060

Ph. (02) 9834 7229

W. www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001

We will accept comments on the proposed upgrade until 5pm Friday, 26th May 2023.

LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley.

Photo: Facebook/LGNSW

Grave concerns for Sydney’s cemetery crisis

BY CHRISTINE LAI

Sydney’s severe burial shortage has presented a looming crisis where the cemetery capacity for the city is predicted to be exhausted in the next two decades. Urgent action is required to provide for the future burial needs of the city and prevent further financial strains for individuals under the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis.

According to a 2020 report, “The 11th Hour Report: Solving Sydney’s Cemetery Crisis”, which sought to review cemetery capacity and sustainability in the Sydney region, it found that Sydney was running out of burial space and that the existing cemeteries were not being managed sustainably.

Tim Scott, author of the 11th Hour, made findings which stated that the cemeteries that have served Sydneysiders for over a century (Rookwood, Botany, Field of Mars, and Macquarie Park) were in their final years of being able to accommodate the burial needs of Sydney. The independent report also found that some of these cemeteries would need to close within three years and all existing operational Crown cemeteries would close to new burials within the coming 10-12 years. The financial implications for the burial shortage and near-capacity cemeteries in the city is severe, with the requirement needed to ensure the long-term maintenance of cemeteries even after they close to new burials presents a considerable financial liability, “in excess of $300 million”.

FINANCIAL LIABILITY

The required capital to build new cemeteries amounts to approximately $200-300 million. The last cemetery built in Sydney was Pinegrove Memorial

Park, a crematorium in Minchinbury that was established over 50 years ago. Since its establishment in 1962, the Sydney population has grown by almost 3 million, raising concerns surrounding land availability and affordability of interment options for citizens.

The combination of a shortage of burial land, passive regulation and increasing prices (reflective of the supply-demand imbalance), has also resulted in religious communities being frustrated by the lack of strategic planning on behalf of the Crown, as they require burials to meet their customs and beliefs.

key areas requiring immediate NSW Government action including: Crown sector consolidation (addressing the financial sustainability of the Crown sector), strengthening the regulator (to enforce operator accountability and pricing transparency) and the acquisition of land to ensure the continuity of burial services for the community.

The representative for OneCrown Cemeteries outlined that they were committed to and were working steadily to meet the provision of available and affordable interments for all “communities, equity for all religious and cultural beliefs and long-term sustainability at all our sites”, which includes exploring a range of options to meet community needs for burial spaces into the future.

government approach to address the issue.

The Department of Planning and Environment has updated its planning rules so that cemeteries of 5,000 or more plots will be considered state significant developments.

According to the Department, the updated planning rules provide a “clear and consistent planning pathway for assessment and decision-making to help deliver burial space for future generations”.

On 19 April 2023, the Minister for Lands and Property Stephen Kamper announced that the new NSW Government was working to address the challenges around cemeteries and crematoria policy, including by completing an audit into the supply of cemetery space in Sydney.

A spokesperson for OneCrown Cemeteries spoke to City Hub regarding Sydney cemeteries reaching near-capacity and concerns with the exhaustion of burial land in metropolitan Sydney by 2051.

“Much has been written about the current state of the cemeteries sector and about the state of the operators and cemetery management historically in NSW. We acknowledge the real and present challenge of a reduction in burial space at our sites, in light of a growing and ageing population in NSW.

Since its formation in May 2021, OneCrown Cemeteries has prioritised and continues to work diligently across our cemeteries to develop a range of sustainable options to meet our multicultural community’s needs for burial spaces,” they said in a statement.

The 11th Hour Report highlighted three

“In 2020 the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal released a report recommending changes to ensure interment prices are affordable, equitable, and transparent. We have adopted these recommendations within our pricing policy.

A funeral is a necessary part of their grieving process, it is therefore our responsibility to make the burial or cremation experience as easy as possible, which includes providing affordable and equitable services and making pricing transparent,” OneCrown Cemeteries spokesperson said.

PLANS FOR NEW BURIAL SPACES

A spokesperson from the Department of Planning and Environment told City Hub that the NSW Government was aware of future burial space shortages in metropolitan Sydney and that NSW agencies are taking a whole-of-

The development of Macarthur Memorial Park at Varroville is currently underway and will provide new burial space to meet future demand for Greater Metropolitan Sydney in coming years.

The Department of Planning and Environment has stated that the Macarthur Memorial Park has planning approval to develop about 136,000 burial plots.

Following the statutory review and 11th Hour report, Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW (CCNSW) is implementing an Interment Industry Scheme that will require cemetery and crematoria operators to provide easy-to-understand pricing for basic burial and ash interment products, plain language contracts for consumers, and minimum maintenance standards to help ensure pricing transparency and affordability for consumers.

According to the CCNSW, the new scheme will help consumers understand their options and provide them the ability to exercise choice.

Waverley Cemetery. Photo: Wikimedia commons

 the real and present challenge of a reduction in burial space 

COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

VIVA LAS PIG’S ARSE

Given some of the more publicised events of the last few weeks I’m not surprised I recently had the kind of bad dream that lingers in your mind for days after. Somehow I found myself in Westminster Abbey where DJ Albo was hosting a karaoke session with Nick Cave and Lionel Ritchie, smack dab in the middle of the wretched coronation.

I only caught a few glimpses of the coronation TV coverage but both Charles and Camilla looked totally ridiculous in their pompous regal garb, as did the rest of the royal family.

Whilst there is continuing talk about Australia’s identity as a country, it will forever be besmirched while we play lip service to this regal hogwash, with the PM swearing allegiance to a relic of colonialist oppression.

On a different level, but still a question of identity, the chairman of the Australian Rugby League commission

Peter V’landys was off to Las Vegas last week to set up the opening game of the 2024 season in Sin City.

Taking a couple of League teams to Las Vegas would seem a costly exercise, even allowing for sponsors and TV rights, but the thinking is that it will promote the game to a US audience and also open up the opportunities for sports betting there. The reality is that Americans care about baseball, basketball and their version of football – nothing else! Even soccer, which is clearly the world game, takes a back seat in the US.

You can’t help think that it’s a kind of cultural cringe, relocating a rugby league game in Vegas – a city synonymous with gambling, sex and boozy end-of-season footy holidays.

Glitz and glamour in a neon wonderland and the chance to catch Wayne Newton warbling “Danke Schoen” at Caesar’s Palace – why wouldn’t you chose Las Vegas to show the yanks what real body contact football is all about?

Strangely this possible move comes at a time when Rugby League in Australia is enjoying record popularity, with a resurgence in crowds following the Covid years and the addition of a brand new team in the Dolphins. Why then, when the game is enjoying so much success at home would you take even a single match to this tacky tourist town? The League has always demonstrated that it’s keen to promote the game in PNG and throughout the Pacific so why not stage one of the opening games in this precinct. Maybe the Australian Rugby League could reverse the tables and bring Las Vegas to Sydney for the opening games. After all we’ve got the slot machines and a dodgy casino, a little bit of neon here and there and plenty of both legal and illegal knock shops. Wayne Newton is eighty one but with his multiple facelifts he still looks sixty five. Imagine a medley of “Advance Australian Fair”, “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Danke Schoen” at the opening game at Accor. And if Souths are playing, DJ Albo would be an essential!

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSICAL

BY RITA BRATOVICH

The show is about to launch yet another Australian season - a re-staging of the phenomenally successful 2017 production - and the excitement from prospective audiences is palpable.

Featuring 22 songs penned by powerhouse writing team, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and book by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! The Musical is a funny, clever tale of life and love set on a picturesque Greek island. Donna, an ex-pat Aussie, runs a taverna on the island. Her daughter, Sophie, is about to get married and would love her father to walk her down the aisle, but she doesn’t know who he is. A sneak peak at Donna’s diary reveals that there are three contenders and Sophie, unbeknown to her mum, invites all three men to the island.

This upcoming production introduces an all new cast and reunites much of the creative team from the 2017 tour

including director, Gary Young. Young actually has quite a history with the show; he was associate director on the premiere Australian production in 2002 and returned for the 10th anniversary show in 2009.

“It’s such a delight. We had such a good time working on the show the last time,” says Young about working with the same creatives. “It’s lovely to have all these Australian creatives being able to do their thing. And it’s a terrific team.”

There have been a lot of juke-box musicals, especially in recent years, and they aren’t always successful, so why does Mamma Mia! work?

“I think this is a little different in that the songs in Mamma Mia! are absolutely part of the narrative,” explains Young. “It goes to how brilliant the writing of the lyrics is in those ABBA songs. Catherine Johnson, when she originally wrote this script, was so clever in the way she constructed the piece and the way that the songs are used, they all further the narrative.

And they all work in terms of character development as well.”

Mamma Mia! has garnered a following beyond fans of ABBA’s music, with many people going to see the show repeatedly. While this is essentially a re-mounting of the last show, there are a few changes around design and staging, and of course the new cast inherently brings freshness and diversity.

accordingly. It freshens it up, makes it more exciting for me and also the cast has more ownership over a show that they know has already been done,” says choreographer, Tom Hodgson who also worked on the previous tour.

Hodgson says working with the same creative team is an advantage because most of the negotiation and creative decisions have been made, and the team has developed a rapport.

“We’re all in agreeance about what we’re going to keep. But absolutely, just having worked with those people before, we already have a solid working relationship, we already agree on where we want the show to go. That’s really helpful.”

“A lot of the choreography’s the same but I’ve sort of tweaked and adjusted all the way through, and anywhere where we’ve developed new characters for people and allowed them to bring their own personalities in, we’ve adapted

In creating the choreography, Hodgson took his cue from the way ABBA songs are used in the real world. For instance, big hits like “Voulez Vous”, “Gimme Gimme”, “Waterloo” and “Dancing Queen” are favourites at functions and parties. “You know wherever you are they can usually fill a dance floor. I wanted

Twenty-four years after its debut and up to four decades since the songs were written, Mamma Mia! The Musical still brings joy.

It’s a light-hearted rom-com, really

Principal Cast. Photo: Sam Bisso

to recreate that energy on stageobviously with a lot more structure and choreography - but I wanted that feeling of a sort of joy and inclusivity,” he explains. “I wanted to make sure that the whole cast, not just the people who are the stronger dancers, were involved in those big numbers.”

ABBA songs are quite theatrical and lend themselves to broad, fantastical interpretation - something that appeals to Hodgson’s imagination. There is also the setting on a Greek island that allow multicultural elements to be included.

“I mean I think the Greek people may look at them and raise their eyebrows, but I certainly tried to be authentic in it, and we certainly do have moments in the party scene of the wedding where I’ve used those sort of traditional Greek formations in the dancing.”

Hodgson believes the success of Mamma Mia! can be attributed to the story, the atmosphere, and the relatability of the characters.

“It’s a light-hearted rom-com, really. It’s an easy few hours at the theatre. You certainly come away with a feeling of joy. But I think the story’s interesting. I think the book’s well written. It’s really powered by the female leads - the whole story.” Elise McCann who plays the lead role of Donna, says much the same thing, in particular with regard to the strong female characters.

“One of the things that I love so much about this show is that connection between mother and daughter and that friendship and that love, as well as the female friendships all around between Donna and her friends and Sophie and her friends. I just feel like it really is a love letter to and celebration of family and friendship and female friendship and I just love that.”

McCann was also in the premiere production of Mamma Mia!. She played

Ali, one of Sophie’s best friends, so now, it feels like she’s come full circle.

“I find it quite moving to be honest - Ali was my first role ever and the show itself has a really special place in my heart because it’s the first time I had the opportunity to do something like that,” says McCann, adding that she always aspired to play Donna. “I want to do it justice because I know how special the show was to me when I was younger.”

There are two distinct age brackets among the characters in this show: the older set which includes Donna and her friends and the three potential fathers; and the younger set which is Sophie and her friends and her fiance. It’s part of what gives the show such universal appeal and it also allows for broader exploration of themes and emotions.

That a collection of songs that were never written to have association with each other, let alone with a whole single work, can someone fit so seamlessly is astounding. For McCann, it’s testament to the songwriting mastery of Ulvaeus and Andersson.

“I don’t think I fully understood or respected their music as much as I do now having done this musical twice,” says McCann. “Now that they’re in the context of this musical, you realise how genius and how brilliant they are, because the lyricism is incredible for one thing […] The harmonies they put in, the musical progressions, where they kind of shift

things - they themselves are their own little story.”

Martin Crewes, who plays Sam, agrees that the script and the way the songs are naturally inserted are extremely clever.

“I personally think the script is, if not a work of genius then it’s pretty close in terms of creating this storyline that contains these ABBA songs in a dramatic sense.”

His character is the most developed of the three men, with a past relationship with Donna that continues to evolve. They had been in love 20 years ago, but Sam left and married someone else.

“Particularly in the second act, for Sam, it gets heart-rending where he opens up about the pain of marrying the wrong person and he tries to reconnect with Donna and they’re slightly at cross purposes,” says Crewes. “Then, of course, it has to have a happy ending. But it’s not tacked on, it absolutely makes sense.” Crewes says they spent a long time prerehearsals talking about the history of their characters and creating backstories. “I sort of decided, in these discussions, that it didn’t really make sense for Sam to be from Australia, or if he was from Australia then he was living in London, so my Sam is British.”

Crewes actually auditioned for the role of Sky (Sophie’s fiancé) for the premiere London production of Mamma Mia! The Musical. His only other previous connection is that he has seen the show four or five times around the world.

“I can’t really remember too many things apart from just sitting there with a massive smile on my face and then standing up at the end. And I’ve always thought: what more do you want from a show?”Indeed.

not a work of genius, then it’s pretty close

Martin Crewes.

Photo: David Hooley

Deone Zanotto, Elise McCann, Bianca Bruce and company.

Photo: David Hooley

Lewis Francis, Sarah Krndija

Photo: David Hooley

HubARTS

METROPOLIS

BY RITA BRATOVICH

Fritz Lang’s opulent black and white masterpiece based on Thea von Harbou’s epic novel is distilled for the small Hayes Theatre stage without losing the profound intensity of the story. Julia Robertson wrote the book and lyrics, and directed this impressive musical adaptation of Metropolis, beautifully complemented by Zara Stanton’s eerie, majestic score.

Created in the 1920s, Metropolis is a science fiction story set in a dystopian future where a hubristic magnate has built a modern city for the privileged class, underneath which is a workhouse and residency for the minions. Amidst a worker uprising is a tale of betrayal, love, patriarchy, loss and redemption.

Nick Fry has created a minimalist set that abstractly and simultaneously represents the two worlds of Metropolis: the subterranean powerhouse, intimated by dull lighting and the banal movement of the workers; and the bourgeois, ultrastylish outside world, depicted by the art deco stained glass windows and mock building facades.

A sliding door at the rear of the stage opens to reveal a large wall panel of light bulbs which are used to great effect for lighting and to suggest machinery. Arguably, the most impressive creation is the puppet android, that, though operated by clearly visible puppeteers, is eerily life-like.

Performances by all the cast are very good. Joshua Robson is enthralling as

SMARTFONE FLICK FEST

The biggest small screen film making competition

(See p.30)

BY JOHN MOYLE

Bold, imaginative and creative, re:group’s UFO at the Griffin Theatre shakes up conventional theatre while delving into our inner selves as we face the fear of the unknown.

From the pen of Kirby Medway, and under the direction of Solomon Thomas, UFO uses a mix of live and pre-recorded video feeds combined with stop-motion miniatures to tell its story of four young people who have been tasked to watch a large UFO that has landed on a suburban golf course.

What should be an exciting job turns out to be indeterminably boring as they repeatedly note down the sequence of flashing lights emanating from the object —and they have to do this with pen and paper as using bluetooth could disrupt the craft.

The miniatures are set on three tableau which the actors walk around, investigating with their cameras and communicating with each other in mesmerising monotonal voices.

The set design, movement of figures and general staging is perfectly suited to the small space the the SBW Stables Theatre offers, and helps draw the audience into what is ultimately a thrilling experience. Lighting, sound design and music take their cues from sci-fi gone before and add tension and texture to the artificial setting that we quickly become engaged with.

Re:group have taken new technology to the stage and made it more accessible and intimate, while pointing the way that future theatre can interact with technology, opening up endless possibilities.

the narcissistic overlord, Joh Fredersen. Tom Dawson is his son, Freder, the young, idealistic but inept wanna-be hero. Maria, the messianic-like figure whose hopeful crusade is sabotaged by an imposter, is played in both roles by Shannen Alyce Quan. Quan has a quiet solemnity that alternates with fiery passion, Thomas Campbell is outstanding as Rotwang, the vengeful inventor whose anguish, peppered with spite, leads to ultimate destruction. Tomas

Parrish uses every muscle in his face and body to express the journey of his character, Georgie, a worker who gets to taste the good life only to find it’s not so good. Metropolis is intriguing, disturbing, fascinating. It has strong religious overtones and socio-political resonance. Until May 20. Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Elizabeth Bay hayestheatre.com.au/event/ metropolis

TICK, TICK…BOOM

BY RITA BRATOVICH

Jonathan Larson is better known for his spectacularly successful musical, Rent, and sadly remembered for the fact that he died the night before its premiere performance.

Tick, Tick…Boom! is a kind of memoir told from Larson’s perspective. In the week before his 30th birthday, Jon is lamenting his frustrated ambitions, oblivious to the woes of his girlfriend and friends around him.

The current Sydney production by StoreyBoard Entertainment, directed by Tyran Parke, has Hugh Sheridan in the lead role of Jon. Sheridan does an admirable job, bringing a sweetness, almost naïvety to Jon’s frenetic desperation.

Elenoa Rokobaro is stunning as Jon’s girlfriend, Susan (plus secondary characters). Rokobaro owns the

auditorium with her soulful rendition of “Come To Your Senses”.

Finn Alexander plays Jon’s best friend Michael. Michael once wanted to be an actor but cashed in his star-gazing for a high-paying job with an advertising firm. Michael is gay and is HIV positive. Alexander is vivacious with well placed moments of sombreness. He also plays several secondary characters and he and Rokobaro comically share the character of Jon’s eccentric agent.

Sheridan Adams and Hamish Johnston are ensemble/stage hands with a few break out moments of their own. The cast is very good. The set is stagnant. It feels like it needs more. Projections, clever, simple props, lighting – something more to support the story which is devoid of much depth. The songs are fun but not powerful enough to carry the musical without the help of some visual stimulus.

Finn-Alexander and Hugh-Sheridan

Joshua-Robson. Photo: Grant-Leslie REVIEW

James Harding. Photo: Lucy Parakhina

REVIEW

AWARDS AND PRIZE POOL ANNOUNCED

FOR SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL 2023

BY JASMINE SIMMONS

The 70th Sydney Film Festival has announced a number of prestigious awards for the 2023 festival. This will be the 15th year of the Festival’s Sydney Film Prize, containing a pool of over $160,000 for filmmakers.

Ten documentaries are in competition for the 2023 Australian Documentary Award. The competing films are: The Cape, The Carnival, Climate Changers, The Defenders, Keeping Hope, Kindred, The Last Daughter, Man on Earth, Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped in Black) and Rachel’s Farm . This year is the 10th year celebrating Australian documentaries at the festival and is a significant category for the 70th anniversary. Dr Mitzi Goldman, CEO of Documentary Australia, stated that the prize money for this award has doubled to showcase the importance of documentary filmmakers.

This year, the Sustainable Future Award has increased its prize from $10,000 to $40,000. The large cash

IT’S EUROVISION TIME!

BY RITA BRATOVICH

The 67th annual Eurovision

The awards and prize money for filmmakers and their work are sectioned into various categories. The major awards include an Official Competition and Sydney Film Prize worth $60,000, an Australian Documentary Award worth $20,000, and a Sustainable Future Award worth $40,000.

The 2023 Official Competition celebrates 15 years of cutting-edge and daring cinema. The films in competition for this award are: Afire, Art College 1994, Bad Behaviour, Cobweb, The Dark Emu Story, Fallen Leaves, Joram, Monster, The Mother of All Lies, The New Boy, Past Lives and Scrapper.

Festival director Nashen Moodley says these films “push boundaries, challenge norms, and ignite conversations”, offering new perspectives on captivating storytelling. The Official Competition is endorsed by the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF) and is judged by international and Australian industry professionals.

prize is an incentive for filmmakers to produce materials tackling climate change and sustainability. The film that explores social, political, economic, and environmental consequences of climate change and highlights an urgent need for action will be awarded the prize. Competing in this category are Australian films Climate Changers and Rachel’s Farm , and overseas films Against the Tide and Paradise The Sydney Film Festival takes place from June 7 to 18. For full program visit: sff.org.au

Song Contest is underway. This year, 37 countries will compete for prestige, glamour and that gorgeous crystal microphone trophy. Opting out this year are Bulgaria, Montenegro and North Macedonia; Australia, on the other hand, will be competing as hard as ever. Eurovision 2023 is being held in Liverpool, England at the magnificent Liverpool Arena (aka M&S Bank Arena). It’s the ninth time the UK has hosted Eurovision, having previously held it in 1960, 1963, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1977, 1982 and 1998. Traditionally, the winner of the competition is given the honour of hosting the event the following year. Ukraine actually won in 2022 with the song “Stafania” by Kalush Orchestra, but it was ultimately deemed too unsafe to hold the event in that country due to the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine has won Eurovision twice before and did host the event in Kyiv both in 2005 and 2017. The only other time another country has hosted on behalf of the winner was in 1980. Israel had won the 1978 competition and hosted in 1979. It then won the 1979 competition but declined to host the very expensive event for a second time and it was instead held in Netherlands in 1980. This year’s British broadcast will be co-hosted by Ukrainian lead

singer from alt-rock band, The Hardkiss, Julia Sanina. She’ll be joined by British personalities Alesha Dixon and Hannah Waddingham. Graham Norton will add his special brand of flair on the final night.

Australia will be competing in Eurovision for the eighth year. This year’s contender is Perth synth-metal band, Voyager made up of lead vocalist Danny Estrin, guitarists Simone Dow and Scott Kay, bass guitarist Alex Canion and drummer Ashley Doodkorte. It’s the first time Australia has chosen a band as its representative, with previous entrants having been Guy Sebastian, Dami Im, Isaiah, Jessica Mauboy, Kate MillerHeidke, Montaigne and Sheldon Riley.

Voyager has vied for the right to represent Australia since it first entered Eurovision in 2015. They came second in the selection show last year with “Dreamer” and now their dream is coming to fruition as they take to the laser-lit, multi-effects stage in Liverpool with their hopeful song, “Promise”.

SBS will be broadcasting the Eurovision 2023 semi-finals and final from May 10 to May 14 live from Liverpool in the early hours, then replaying in the evening and making the broadcast available on On Demand. Viewers who tune in to the live broadcast will be able to vote.

For all broadcast and voting details visit sbs.com.au

Afire

The Cape

The Dark Emu Story

The Carnival

MAY YOU SPARE THE ANIMALS FOR A MONTH

BY RITA BRATOVICH

What can you do for the rest of this month that will improve your personal health and make the world a better place? Don’t eat meat.

No Meat May is a month-long campaign encouraging people to abstain from meat or animal products. There are four good reasons to opt for a vegan diet: Health – it’s been proven that eating more vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes and fruit can help prevent chronic disease and improve overall well-being. Environment – the meat, dairy, egg, fish

and other animal-product industries use practices that, on a large scale, are devastating to surrounding waterways, landscapes and air quality.

Animals – the breeding and treatment of animals used for food and products is egregiously cruel and unnecessary. Food security – animal-based food production requires resources, costs and wasteful practices that render it a much less efficient method of feeding the global population than vegan-based food. There are no strict rules, just helpful guidelines and lots of positive

reinforcement. There is an optional fundraising aspect to the campaign, the proceeds of which go back to supporting this non-profit organisation. Participants will receive access to an online cookbook with celebrity chef demonstrations; dietician-designed meal

plans; regular emails with new recipes, tips, and motivational info.

It’s estimated that the lives of 31 land and sea animals per participant will be spared through the No Meat May campaign. For more info and to sign up visit: nomeatmay.org

EXPLOSIVE COMIC CON WEEKEND PORTRAIT OF COMEDIAN WINS ARCHIBALD

BY JASMINE SIMMONS

The Supernova Comic and Gaming

Convention returns to Sydney next month. The event has been home to Australia’s pop culture fandom since 2000 and is a space for fans to come together under one roof to celebrate creative worlds.

The genres featured at the Supernova convention include comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, nostalgia and literature. It is custom to attend this event in a costume roleplay (cosplay) of any character to express one’s inner geek and creativity.

The best cosplays this year will be professionally captured by Australian photographer Steamkittens at the cosplay photo booth.

Supernova provides aspiring fans, artists, and creators a national platform to showcase their talent to the local public and other enthusiastic fanbases. Entertainment includes technology,

collectables, toys and four-colour fun. Competitions will be held for the best dressed fans with a range of prizes to be won. Anime, film and gaming fans can join creative workshops on special effects and illustrations to touch on airbrushing and digital makeup skills and learn tips for publishing their artworks.

Event participants will also have an opportunity to engage with various celebrities, fan clubs, and exciting exhibitors. Last year’s exhibitions included an Australian film showcase, a cosplay showcase and parade, geek trivia, and superstar Q&As.

Joining the convention in Sydney this year are Alyssa Milano, Tyler Hoechlin, Cristina Fee, and Faye Mata. These headlining guests will appeal to supernatural, DC heroes, comic, and anime enthusiasts.

Supernova Comic Con, June 17 & 18, 10am – 6pm, The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park, supanova.com.au

BY ERIN MODARO

The prestigious Archibald Packing Room Prize has been awarded to artist Andrea Huelin for her portrait of New Zealand born comedian Cal Wilson. The award is chosen by the staff who unpack and curate the finalist artworks for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes each year.

The panel is comprised of packers Timothy Dale, Monica Rudhar and Alexis Wildman; three experienced packers who have been involved in the Archibald for many years.

Wildman said that Andrea’s work “jumped out at us as soon as it arrived”. “Cal’s been such a mainstay on Australian television for two decades. We love the interesting pose and unique headwear and, in the tradition of the Packing Room Prize, Andrea’s painting

looks like Cal!” Wildman said. A real switch up for who could be the Packing Room winner was on the table for this year, with Cuthbertson saying under his and Steve Peter’s stewardship the prize always went to a celebrity or a sportsperson.

While the Packing Room prize is a great honour for artists to receive, and comes along with a neat $3000 cash reward, it’s considered a bit of a bad omen for going on to win the esteemed Archie award.

Along with the reveal of the Packing Room prize, the finalists for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes was also unveiled.

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes will be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW from May 6 to September 3.

A computer generated landscape created by students at National Art School.

Photo: Supplied

The Packing Room Prize has been awarded to artist Andrea Huelin for her portrait of comedian Cal Wilson.

Photo: Art Gallery of NSW

HOCKEY FIELDS CO-HEADLINE TOUR

BY EMMY WHITE

NSW surf rock band Hockey Dad will be joining forces with Sydney singersongwriter Ruby Fields next month for an Australian co-headline tour.

The Hockey Fields Tour will kick off on Saturday, 24th June with a performance in Brisbane, followed by shows in Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney.

The Windang band was formed in 2013 when childhood friends Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming began jamming out in their parents’ garage when there was no surf. Since then, they have released three studio albums and achieved one platinum single.

Since the release of her debut EP Your Dad’s Opinion for Dinner in 2018, Sydney singer-songwriter Ruby Fields has become

a talented addition to the Australian indie rock scene. In 2019, her single “Dinosaur” reached number nine on triple j’s Hottest 100 of 2018. Her debut album Been Doin’ it For a Bit debuted at number one on the ARIA Charts.

Hockey Dad and Fields have crossed paths numerous times, both performing at festivals like the Gold Coast’s Best Night Ever and Victoria’s NYE on the Hill festival.

Joining them at all four shows is Sydney indie rock band Dear Seattle, whose talent saw them nominated for Best Independent Punk Album or EP at the 2020 AIR Awards.

Tickets for the Hockey Fields Tour go on sale on Tuesday, 9th May. hockeydadband.com/gigs

BY EMMY WHITE

Iconic American country trio The Chicks have announced that they will return to Australia for the first time since 2017. This will mark the legendary group’s fifth visit to our shores since their highly acclaimed Australian debut in 1999 and the first time they have performed in Australia since the release of their 2020 album Gaslighter

Formerly known as the The Dixie

Hub

some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including London’s O2 Arena and New York’s Madison Square Garden.

In 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, the group underwent a name change, dropping the word ‘Dixie’ due to its slavery-era connotations. “It’s been feeling a little bit uncomfortable, just knowing what that word in the States conjures up for people,” Maguire told Q host Tom Power.

Photo:-Robert Catto

Chicks, the group was formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989 by Laura Lynch, Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer. Since 1995, it has consisted of Maguire, Strayer and lead vocalist Natalie Maines.

With thirteen Grammy awards, six Billboard Music Awards and four American Music Awards, their global success has seen them perform at

Supporting them on all Australia and New Zealand tour dates is four-time Grammy nominee Elle King. King made her debut in 2015 with her album Love Stuff, and has gone on to achieve multiple platinum singles. In January she released her third album Come Get Your Wife.

Sydney concert: October 19, QUDOS Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park thechicks.com

BEETHOVEN AND FARRENC ON NATIONAL TOUR

BY RITA BRATOVICH

It’s a musical battle of the sexes – Ludwig van Beethoven and Louise Ferrenc will share the program when The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra goes on tour at the end of May.

Taking in Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle and Melbourne, the New Perspectives tour will include a mix of outstanding local musicians and international guest artists. The fully global ensemble features three visiting overseas artists: London-based hornist, Anneke Scott; German oboist Tatjana Zimre; and American violinist Jenna Sherry.

Joining them are two Australian internationals: Francebased flautist Georgia Browne (originally from Perth); and Belgium-based bassoonist Lisa Goldberg (Canberra). Plus, outstanding local musicians: violist Stephen King

(Adelaide), cellist Daniel Yeadon (Sydney), double bassist Rob Nairn (Adelaide) and clarinettist and Co-Artistic Director Nicole Van Bruggen (Brisbane). The double-header program features Beethoven’s Septet in E flat major, Op.20 and Farrenc’s Nonet in E flat major, Op.38, both stunning works highly revered at the time of their first performances.

Along with the orchestral performance will be the very popular education program, Voyage of Musical Discovery. Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne will each enjoy highlights from the touring concert program plus – in the second half of each Voyage – appearances from a contemporary guest artist or ensemble.

May 31, 6.30pm – The Hills Grammar School, Kenthurst, June 2, 7pm – The Neilson, ACO Pier 2/3, Sydney. arco.org.au

LIGHTNING IN A CLEAR BLUE SKY

ends, and an apocalyptic last verse.

“I was dealing with Old Testament imagery in the song, but I was not consciously doing it, it was something that was rolling out by itself,” Walker said.

The track also introduces a mariachi trumpet that was recorded in Mexico City.

“When I was doing post production a couple of months after recording I thought of the mariachi horns as a late night joke and we followed it up and found this trumpeter. And that was the only thing on that song that didn’t happen in real time,” Walker said.

VIVID LIVE 2023A KALEIDOSCOPE OF SOUND

BY JOHN MOYLE

Don Walker’s new album Lightning in a Clear Blue Sky is a musical journey cast with characters living life in the margins, brought to life by a writer and a band at the height of their game. Walker’s lyrics bring to each of the album’s eight tracks narratives that stay with you long after you have stopped listening.

Lightning in a Clear Blue Sky is Walker’s first solo album in ten years and shows the benefits of working with a core of longterm musicians.

The track “Tommy Hanlon’s Motor Home” is another example of movement where Walker describes the once famous television compere’s life after the small screen where he has bought a circus, walks with a cane and is trying to escape constant depression as he moves from town to town.

Costigan’s tasty pedal steel-playing underscores “When I Win the Lottery” where Walker promises “When I win the lottery there’ll be hell to pay in every casino on the lost highway.”

A longtime fan of Argentinian tango legends Astor Piazzolla and Carlos Gardel, Walker brings a South American feel to

Like a modern day Stevie Ray Vaughn, Roy Payne’s powerful guitar work on “Jungle Pam” is juxtaposed by the sweet sounds

“I had been a fan of the Melbourne band Tom Lyncoln’s Harmony and their setup

angelic singers – The Harmonettes – so I contacted them about working on the title song and then I thought to use them on shorter and easier songs,” Walker

Lightning in a Clear Blue Sky is a an album of great musical and lyrical accomplishment that swings easily from blues to tango, hopefulness to melancholy and back

Album available at donwalker.com.au

Don Walker & Band,

BY EMMY WHITE

Running between Friday, 26th May and Saturday, 17th June, Vivid LIVE will take over the Sydney Opera House with a spectacular lineup of both local and international artists. It will feature over 45 musicians, including nineteen international artists and six Australian debuts.

Vivid LIVE will also feature a number of talented local artists, including Jaguar Jonze, Becca Hatch, Budjerah and legendary Sydney Jazz trio The Necks.

Since its first festival in 2009, Vivid Sydney has been voted Australia’s best tourism event six times and has become one of Sydney’s most loved attractions. Vivid LIVE is the musical centrepiece of the event, showcasing artists from a variety genres, from orchestral masterminds to indie rock. German pianist and composer Max Richter will return to Vivid for the first time since 2016, when he wowed Australian audiences with his eight-hour epic Sleep. This year, he will be accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, alongside conductor Matthew Lynch.

American artist Ethel Cain will deliver her first Australian performance in the Sydney Opera House’s drama theatre from 2nd June to 4th June.

Often likened to American gothic Lana Del Rey, Cain released her highly acclaimed debut album Preacher’s Daughter in 2022, with her song “American Teenager” making its way onto Barack Obama’s annual playlist.

The Necks first performed at Vivid LIVE in 2009 at the special request of curator Brian Eno. Dubbed “the greatest trio on earth” by the New York Times, the group’s hypnotic masterpieces have earned them multiple ARIA and APRA awards, as well as a number of film scores. Wollongong band Pirra will also make an appearance, performing in the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room on 1st June. Named after the Luritja word for moon, the four piece indie pop group consists of Luritja-descended singer-songwriter Jess Beck, guitarist James McKendry and twins Curtis and Jeffrey Argent on bass and drums.

The lineup also includes prominent artists like Cat Power, Thundercat, Kimbra, José González and Ella Mai. May 26 – June 17, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, sydneyoperahouse.com/vivid-live

Don WalkerLightning in a Clear Blue Sky album cover

TheNecks. Photo: Camille Walsh Photography

PIrra. Photo: Supplied

Don Walker.

Photo: Wendy McDougall

BY RITA BRATOVICH

T he Sydney Antique and Collectables

Fair was one of the largest and most popular antiques markets in the city. It was founded 23 years ago by antiques lover, Joe Percival and a bunch of friends and ran as a monthly market at Wentworth Park Greyhound centre until only recently.

Percival, who has been in the antiques business for 43 years, was ready to

retire but not ready to let the prominent antiques and collectables market he’d helped build up over the last two decades simply disappear. Fortune put Percival in touch with Michael Vardakis, co-owner of the online antique and collectables marketplace, The Collectors Mark.

Vardakis thankfully shared Percival’s vision to have the Sydney Antique and Collectables Fair continue and

enthusiastically accepted responsibility for the legacy.

“Joe literally handed over his laptop and gave me the password” Danny Tomic of The Collectors Mark said. He walked us through everything - and he was there on day one to make sure everything went smoothly.”

Each month, the fair was attended by regular buyers and sellers as well as attracting new-comers from near

and far. Experts, novices and casual browsers enjoy the cornucopia of delightful relics from the past. “The fair is a place where people meet and share their passion. I love it” says Percival.

The Sydney Antique and Collectables Fair will continue under the name: The Collectors Mark Antique & Collectables Fair, and be held on the third Sunday of the month at the indoor Wentworth Park Greyhound’s Function Centre.

BY RITA BRATOVICH

The Addi Road Writers’ Festival

2023 is a one day event with a hearty program of literary and artistic delights. This year’s theme is Inner Worlds, with guests and events seeking to

explore the tension between real and imagined lives; between public and private persona and where the illusory and the manifest intersect.

The festival is funded by Addi Road Community Organisation

with support from Inner West Council. Sessions are being held across two main venues: Gumbramorra Hall and the Drill Hall, and book sales and author signings will happen in the special pop-up Marquee Moon area. There will also be an all-day exhibition in the StirrUp Gallery. Hold It by Stuart Spence is a mixed media installation that features a display of Spence’s photographic work and responses to those images from poets, songwriters, novelists and other visual artists. The responses are presented as written captions with the images, and a selection has been read and recorded by various friends of Spence. They can be accessed through a QR code.

QR codes will also be placed at various points throughout the festival grounds allowing visitors to access an audio installation called Passage [Re]visitation, a collection of recorded poetry, birdsong, and other sounds. The main program is an eclectic mix of literary offerings.

THE COLLECTORS MARK ANTIQUE & COLLECTABLES FAIR

3rd Sunday of the month, 9am - 3pm Wentworth Park Greyhound’s Function Centre, Wentworth Park Road, Glebe

thecollectorsmark.com.au/page/Fair

A NEW HOME FOR OLD TREASURE INNER WORLDS AT ADDI ROAD

SOME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

BAD ART MOTHER

Musician and author, Edwina Preston’s 2022 novel, Bad Art Mother, interrogates the societal expectations around being a selfless mother and the supposed inherent self-interest of pursuing artistic ambitions and whether the two can co-exist. She’ll be joined in conversation by poet, Magdalena Ball and poet Gillian Swain.

POMEGRANATES AND FIGS IN AFGHANISTAN

Zaheda Ghani’s debut novel Pomegranate & Fig (2022) examines tradition, family, war and displacement. Tracing the lives of three young people, the narrative takes us from the streets of Herat in the 1970s, invaded by Soviet forces, to India in the 1980s and then to the suburbs of Sydney. Pomegranate & Fig vividly illuminates the disruption, displacement and tragedy that war unleashes. Author, Ghani will be in conversation with writer and researcher, Zarlasht Sawari.

SONGWRITING – MUSE OR MACHINATION?

Join Murray Cook (Warumpi Band, Mixed Relations, Midnight Oil, Mental As Anything) and Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil), Amanda Brown (The Go Betweens; REM) and Reg Mombassa (Mental As Anything; Dog Trumpet) in a conversation about originality, influence and theft inside the tower of song. This sample barely scratched the surface of the diverse and fascinating sessions and speakers.

The festival will open with a welcome to country by Aunty Jenny Thomsen followed by an introduction to the day by Addi Road CEO Rosanna Barbero and Artistic Directors Mark Mordue and Sheila Ngoc Pham.

Eda Gunaydin (and Miro Bilbrough) photographed during the ‘Inside the Confession Machine’ panel at the 2022 Addi Road Writers’ Festival. Photo: Bleddyn Butcher

DEVICE-IVE FILM FESTIVAL

BY RITA BRATOVICH

Entries are now open for Smartfone Flick Fest (SF3) with an amazing array of prizes up for grabs for films made exclusively on a smartphone or tablet.

The 9th annual SF3 will take place in November this year and feature a series of screenings as well as the gala awards night. Judges in this year’s event are luminaries in the industry haling from Australia, America, and African.

Last year, the competition attracted 300 entries from around the world and this year that number is expected to be repeated or exceeded. And it’s little

SOUTH AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

BY MARK MORELLINI

wonder, with $50,000 worth of prizes spread across 35 awards.

Entries need to be in one of the five following categories: SF3 Gala Awards open category (for short films up to 20 minutes); SF3 Kids (up to 10 minutes) for young people 16 and under; SF3 Mini (up to 3 minutes) with a theme this year of ‘Up’; SF3 feature films (at least 40 minutes long); and SF360 (up to 20 minutes) for films in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and 360 degree genres.

Entries close on August 1. More info at sf3.com.au

POLITE SOCIETY

The South African Film Festival returns to Sydney with a specially curated program consisting of five in-cinema feature films and an online program boasting 25 features and shorts. This was the first film festival to go online during the pandemic and the advantage was that people all over Australia and New Zealand could sign on and watch these films.

“We soon discovered that there were so many South Africans and small groups of people living in regional and rural areas that could now enjoy the films, so we’ve decided to keep the online festival going,” explained Claire Jankelson, Festival Director.

When asked what she would hope that festival attendees would learn about South Africa by watching movies at this festival Jankelson was quick to respond.

“People should recognise the complexity and beauty of this country, the remarkable people that dwell there and their human rights.”

This festival is primarily known as the ‘festival with a conscience’ as all proceeds are donated to an education program in South Africa called Education Without Borders. May 4 – 31, Randwick Ritz, 45 St Pauls Street, Randwick, saff.org.au

BY RITA BRATOVICH

Polite Society is an action-comedythriller with a quirky edge. A directorial debut for Nida Manzoor, Polite Society has women in all the major roles and deals with cultural gender norms as its core theme.

The Khans are a British-Indian family comprising father Raff (Jeff Mirza), mother Fatima (Shobu Kapoor), elder sibling Lena (Ritu Arya) and younger sibling Ria (Priya Kansara).

Ria is an expert in martial arts and aspires to be a stunt-woman, much to the disappointment of her parents. Lena shows promise as an artist but hasn’t

the confidence in herself and gives away the brushes and easel in favour of marriage to the most eligible bachelor in town and mummy’s boy, Salim Shah (Akshay Khanna).

Salim’s mother, Raheela (Nimra Bucha) has the whiff of malevolence about her, something only Ria seems to smell.

Ria enlists her besties Clara (Seraphina Beh) and Alba (Ella Bruccoleri) as commandos in a plot that goes awry. This is chaotic, twisted fun with lots of stylised violence and “Matrix” type aerial slo-mo kicks.

 1/2

In cinemas now

BY MARK MORELLINI

This intense drama is fictional but inspired by the true story of the coordinated Islamic extremist terrorist attacks upon Paris on November 13, 2015, that killed 130 people and injured over 400. The movie doesn’t detail the attacks but concentrates on one of the biggest manhunts in history led by the French anti-terrorism services. Five exhaustive and highly pressured days were consumed in bringing these fugitives to justice before they reoffended.

November is powerful, captivating

and highly suspenseful but thankfully without the high octane over the top action sequences which do provide value for dollar entertainment but also normally detract from reality. This high quality feature had filming locations in Morocco, Greece, Belgium, and France.

French A-List performers Jean Dujardin and Sandrine Kiberlain head the cast as the anti-terrorism unit leaders who put their lives on hold for five days as they work against time to restore peace and normality in Paris.

In Cinemas May 11

Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya in Polite Society

Photo: Film still

Part Time: City Hub or Full Time: City Hub & Star Observer

The City Hub is a 28-year-old independent alternative media outlet targeting young urban readers in inner Sydney. We produce an independent alternative to Australia’s media conglomerates. We are cover local and state politics, social justice topics and environmental issues from a progressive point of view.

We are a digital first news outlet posting regular news coverage to our website and across social media platforms. We produce a weekly e-newsletter. We print a monthly glossy magazine containing the best online content.

We are seeking a news editor to join our Ultimo team. This role will be responsible for planning, writing editing and commissioning news stories for the City Hub across our various platforms.

We are a sister publication to the Star Observer, Australia’s oldest and largest LGBT media outlet. Candidates will work part time on the City Hub and will have the option of working full time across both the City Hub and the Star Observer (depending on suitability and availability). Duties across the Star Observer are like the City Hub, but the content in the Star Observer focuses exclusively on the LGBT community.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL….

• Post no fewer than fourteen City Hub news stories per week to the website (2 to 3 per day).

• Generate regular news coverage across local, state and national topics from an independent and progressive perspective.

• Work with freelance contributors, interns and citizen activists to generate copy.

• Edit and sub copy and headlines; ensure all legal issues are resolved prior to publishing, source images and post copy to WordPress ensuring correct tags etc.

• Post stories across social media platforms including Google Showcase, generate a weekly e-newsletter.

• Oversee the content in the news section of a monthly print edition selecting best online content, subbing to size and working with designer to sign off pages.

• Monitor news sources for stories and issues which will provide distinctive stories for City Hub.

YOU’LL BRING….

• A good grasp local and state news, progressive issues and significant experience working for a news website in journalistic capacity.

• Experience in writing, commissioning, and editing news content.

• A strong understanding of digital journalism, knowledge of WordPress, strong SEO skills and good news judgement

• An understanding of diversity and inclusion issues

• Excellent writing, editing, communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

• The ability to work with speed whilst also maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

• A passion for independent journalism, an interest in local and state politics and a commitment to social justice issues.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

please send a covering letter CV and writing samples of previous news stories to: lawrence@altmedia.net.au

This role is being offered on a part-time (20-to-24-hour basis) or a full-time permanent basis based out of our Ultimo office.