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Surry Hills man charged with murder (See p. 10)

Oxford Street under threat BY DANIEL LO SURDO he National Trust of Australia has flagged concerns about the City of Sydney’s proposed Oxford Street development. The peak body for communitybased heritage conservation warned that potential changes to building heights, floor space ratios and infill developments would “drastically alter the distinctive character of Oxford Street and irreversibly damage the heritage” of the precinct. This comes as Toga and Ashe Morgan lodged a $7.5 million development application earlier this month with the City of Sydney, covering three blocks of Oxford Street. The application included “preparatory early demolition works to heritage buildings … removal of shopfronts and windows and erection of scaffolding around each building to allow cataloguing of all windows and inspections of existing bricks and sandstone”.

T HubARTS: Giant Dwarf Won’t Re-Open It is with the heaviest of heart that we share the news that our doors will not be reopening. (See p. 21)

PUBLISHED DATE 10 FEBRUARY 2022 Published monthly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody Advertising Manager: Mal Moody 0484 042 615 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editor: Daniel Lo Surdo Contributors: Daniel Lo Surdo, Patrick McKenzie, Toks Ogundare, Sharlotte Thou, Seja Al-Zaidi Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Rita Bratovich, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar, Olga Azar, Jarrod Wolfhunter, Tessa Pelle, Lucinda Garbutt-Young, Iki Minogue Cover Photo: Robert Knapman. Yaz Queen At Oxtravaganza Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney

 Developments would ‘drastically alter the distinctive character of Oxford Street’ This stage of development will be on public exhibition until February 8, when it will be presented to the City’s Local Planning Panel for determination. The application’s heritage impact statement concluded that “the proposed works are in keeping with the relevant objectives, provisions, and policies related to the heritage management of the site”. According to the development application, the works proposed include the removal of non-original and nonsignificant ceiling, wall and floor linings, as well as existing, non-significant shopfronts and windows. The National Trust believes that potential changes to Oxford Street would cause a “major heritage impact” that would not address the economic downturn that the precinct has experienced in recent years. According to the City of Sydney’s proposed Oxford Street Cultural and Creative Precinct plan, the City will allow property developers, such as Toga and Ashe Morgan, to increase floor space and building heights along Oxford Street if they dedicate at least 10 per cent to cultural and creative purposes. However, according to the City of Sydney’s website, these planning

The National Trust of Australia has flagged concerns about proposed developments on Oxford Street. Photo: Flickr/Alex E. Proimos

controls are still under review and have not yet been approved. The National Trust has suggested alternate methods to attract patronage back to Oxford Street. It recommended the installation of outdoor dining, public lights and artworks to help reinvigorate the area. The establishment of outdoor dining and amenities would be consistent with measures taken by Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the City during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city commissioned popup cycleways in the inner-city, a wider pedestrian zone on George Street, and a new $4 million grant for its creative and cultural precinct following the success of a six-week laneway festival in the precinct between Wynyard and Town Hall. These offered ventilated, socially distanced outcomes to encourage people to be confident about returning to the city and have all been largely successful.

MARDI GRAS

Proposed works to Oxford Street have also clouded the future of the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. When asked specifically how these works would impact the future of Mardi Gras on Oxford Street, a City of Sydney spokesperson said that “activity will be limited to works to the existing heritage buildings’ hazardous material removal, demolition, structural reinforcing, the removal of redundant services and the cataloguing of heritage items through the buildings”. The spokesperson added that

“pedestrian access will be maintained around these buildings, with construction zones largely off Oxford Street”. The community has echoed the National Trust’s concerns for the site, with increased building heights, additional storeys on existing heritage buildings and changes to planning controls being the principal concerns for the future of Oxford Street. In 1978 in Darlinghurst, a small group of protesters formed to contribute to the international Gay celebrations, which began a spate of police violence and arrests made in the coming months. The following year, the NSW parliament repealed the Summary Offences Act Legislation that allowed the arrests to be made, which helped set the stage for an incident-free Mardi Gras parade to occur in 1979. The post-parade party was introduced in 1980, with the Mardi Gras event gradually picking up greater media coverage and interest, with over 500,000 attending in 1993. This year, the Mardi Gras party will not go ahead due to the restrictions on singing and dancing and density limits in venues throughout NSW, with organisers saying that “the health and safety of our community will always remain our priority”. The party was due to be held at the Hordern Pavilion following the parade at the nearby Sydney Cricket Ground, with more than 10,000 people set to attend the March 5 event. CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

HubNEWS

Yabun Festival celebrates 20 years contemporary blak music, featuring the perspectives of Bunna Lawrie, Marlene Cummins, Nardi Simpson, Kaleena Briggs and Sydney-based hip-hop performer Brothablack.

 It was an honour to share it

A dance circle at Yabun Festival 2019. Last month, the event celebrated its 20th anniversary. Photo: Joseph Mayers/City of Sydney

BY DANIEL LO SURDO he Yabun Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary on January 26 as people from the inner city and beyond converged at Victoria Park and its surrounds to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia. Victoria Park welcomed both the Corroboree and the Yabun marketplace, while the neighbouring Seymour Centre was home to the Yabun Stage, a free event featuring performances from

Aboriginal country music singer Col Hardy, Maroubra-based Gomeroi hiphop artist Kobie Dee and country/roots musician Loren Ryan. The festivities were live-streamed on the Yabun Festival website and could be listened to through Koori Radio, and also included a legacy panel between Col Hardy, singer and songwriter Vic Simms and Nancia Guevarra, an inheritance panel with emerging leaders looking to blaze new trails, and an exploration of

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that the event provided the “opportunity to be together, support each other and, importantly, celebrate continuing culture together”, adding that during her time in public office, she has seen crowds “grow at the Yabun Festival, and with it our community’s understanding of resistance and mourning”.

INVASION DAY MARCH The event came as about 4000 people gathered at Town Hall for the Invasion Day march, which also marked the 50 year anniversary of the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. Speakers included Paul Silva, the nephew of David Dungay Jr., who died at the Long Bay Correctional Centre in 2015, and Palestinian activist Amal Naser, who spoke of his solidarity

and shared understanding with First Nations people. “We have been denied our right to return, our lands have been subjected to a colonial occupation,” Mr Naser said. “Every day is Nakbar day like every day is survival day and a day of mourning for First Nations people … these days mark war, they mark genocide against Indigenous people.” Following almost 90 minutes of speeches from First Nations speakers and allies, protesters marched to the Australian Hall in Elizabeth Street in silence and sat on the road, before continuing on past Central Station and to Victoria Park, where the Yabun Festival was taking place. Yabun organisers said their 20th anniversary was “celebrated the way it was supposed to be” and that “it was an honour to share it” with all those who participated in the festival. The first iteration of the Yabun Festival was held in Waverley in 2003, with the free event reliant on donations and sponsors, which include the City of Sydney and Inner West councils, for its survival.

Waverley Council Update Mayor’s message Economic recovery Waverley Council is helping our economy remain healthy by supporting our local businesses wherever we can. Our Business Resource Centre has been working closely with local businesses throughout the pandemic and there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel. Figures from the Australian Business Register show that in 2020/21, 289 new businesses were registered in Waverley. New business registrations outpaced business cancellations, bringing the total number of businesses in Waverley to 42,257 for the period. Our latest figures show that in the year ending October 2021, there were 33 million transactions recorded in Waverley, equating to a total local spend of $2,173 million. Around $433 million

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

was spent on dining and entertainment and $288 million was spent on specialised and luxury goods. To find out how we can help your business, visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/ businessresourcecentre

diverse backgrounds. Flickerfest is in its 31st year and is proudly supported by Waverley Council. It has been held at Bondi for the past 26 years and you can relive the magic of the festival on its national tour, from now until October. For more, visit flickerfest.com.au

COVID-19 update

Flickerfest at Bondi Beach

Flickerfest Congratulations again to the team at Flickerfest for another fantastic year of international cinema under the stars at Bondi Beach! Audiences were wowed with a varied program of international and Australian films from filmmakers from

With students back at school and more people returning to the workplace, it’s important to keep following the NSW Health advice about boosters and vaccination. COVID-19 is still circulating within our community and although we are seeing a decrease in the number of active cases in Waverley this month, case numbers remain high at more than 5204. Please, book in for your booster, continue to wear masks indoors, check in with a QR code and get tested if you have any symptoms or may have been exposed. Together we can help keep our families safe and our businesses open. Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley

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For all your cat care information and support visit

www.catprotection.org.au

Rehoming Organisation Number R251000224

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Controversial Western Harbour works beginning BY TOKS OGUNDARE arly works to the multi-billion dollar Western Harbour Tunnel started in January after the NSW government awarded a $722 million contract to deliver the first stage of tunnelling. The first 1.7 kilometres of tunnels will be built from Rozelle to Birchgrove, eventually linking the WestConnex motorway at the Rozelle Interchange to the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney. “This is a critical milestone which will support hundreds of jobs and ensure significant benefits for drivers, including improved travel times and reduced congestion,” NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.

PAST DISCONTENT

Locals in the inner west are living through the nightmare The controversial Western Harbour Tunnel has already come under fire from communities in the Inner West who have raised concerns about the project’s environmental impact, including pollution of the Dawn Fraser Baths, threats to Sydney Harbour’s marine life, ventilation pollution, and

Early works begin after former Inner West Mayor Rochelle Porteous told a parliamentary inquiry in September that the Western Harbour Tunnel would impact “dog walkers, fishers and swimmers, including users of Dawn Fraser Baths”, adding that the dredging of contaminated sediment from the harbour floor would result in damaging effects for the inner west community.

Early works to the Western Harbour Tunnel, which will have its southern tip at the Rozelle Interchange (pictured), began last month. Photo: John Holland

tunnelling under highly valued heritage conservation areas. “Locals in the inner west are living through the nightmare of WestConnex,” State Member for Balmain Jamie Parker said last year. “Now they are being told that they will have to face another four years of noise, dust and disruption for a project that won’t even do what it says.”

With nurses and paramedics across NSW at breaking point and many resigning in recent weeks, it’s unacceptable that the Government is supporting businesses with JobSaver but not providing financial incentives for exhausted frontline healthcare workers.

Senior health staff are quitting in droves and thousands of nurses have been furloughed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If the Government does not act fast to retain nurses and paramedics then mass resignations could see our whole healthcare system come undone.

The Greens are calling on the NSW Government to immediately introduce NurseKeeper, a plan to retain and reward nurses and paramedics during this emergency. @jennyleong.newtown

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

The NSW government says that the new tunnel will reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, the Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and the Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent. “You’ll save up to 20 minutes in a journey from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney and up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to the airport at Mascot,” Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said.

NurseKeeper includes:

1. An immediate bonus of $5,000 to all nurses and paramedics working in the public health system in NSW to act as an incentive to stay for those currently considering resigning from the profession. 2. A ‘pandemic payment’ of at least $60 per shift, in line with the initiative taken by the Victorian Government. 3. A further $5,000 in 12 months time as an additional retention measure and gesture of gratitude.

Our State’s health system was understaffed and under-resourced even before the pandemic. Nurses are being pressured to work 18-hour shifts for days in a row, caring for more patients than they can handle. @jennyleong

Earlier last year, Mr Parker said that measures to minimise the impact of contaminated sediment dredging “may not be sufficient to prevent plumes of contaminated sediments escaping to the harbour”. A Transport for NSW spokesperson told City Hub in March last year that even in the worst-case scenario, water quality at the Dawn Fraser Baths won’t be impacted. In November, Inner West Council held a public meeting to voice the community’s key issues with the proposal, with residents flagging concerns with the consultation process and the adverse impacts that the project could bring to the area. Construction for Western Harbour Tunnel is expected to be complete in 2027.

Our nurses and paramedics are on the frontline of this pandemic - in Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units that are overflowing with Covid-19 patients. They are caring for us and helping people survive, but they are human and they can only take so much. Sign the Petition

Every time a nurse resigns, it’s a sign this Government has failed to provide adequate support for our health workers. Let’s keep our nurses. Let’s keep our paramedics. Let’s keep pushing for fair wages and conditions. It’s the best way to show our gratitude for those who have been going above and beyond during this crisis. @jennyleong.newtown

Food is Life

Chef Kylie Kwong and Addi Road driver Mark Locsei. (Right) Midwives at RPA say 'thank you' for meals from South Eveleigh

It’s 2.37am and a message pings through on Addi Road’s Instagram. Someone is awake late into the night, and they want to communicate with us. We won’t see the message from Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital in Camperdown till the following morning. “I am a midwife on the Postnatal floor,” it says. “I opened the fridge [here] and found delicious falafels. Thank you so much. Feeling the love.” Simple and heartfelt, it comes in response to an initiative we’re involved in called ‘Nourishing the Frontlines at RPA’. Along with chef Kylie Kwong and the South Eveleigh community of which she is an integral part, Addi Road has joined forces in supplying 50 delicious meals every Friday to nurses, doctors, midwives and staff on the night shift at RPA. ‘Nourishing the Frontlines at RPA’ targets a particular department and treats each of them across a ten-week campaign, offering bespoke meals to raise spirits and recognise their work. “It’s only a small contribution, I know” Kylie says. “50 meals. But when I see the photos from the nurses at RPA and receive the messages of thanks, it fills my heart with joy.” Funded by South Eveleigh, ‘Nourishing the Frontlines at RPA’ is into its third week as this story is being written. Addi Road sends our driver Mark Locsei with a refrigerated van across to South Eveleigh for the afternoon pickup and RPA delivery.

2021 NSW International Student Community Engagement Award Addison Road Community Organisation has been honoured with a 2021 NSW International Student Community Engagement Award. It recognises the “solidarity and aid” we offered international students. In the aftermath of the first lockdown in 2020 we began helping hundreds of students left abandoned by casual job losses (without recourse to any government support) and suddenly closed international borders. Addi Road developed a safety net of healthy, culturally-appropriate food and a community network to strengthen social cohesion and belonging. Our ‘Zoom Aunties’ meanwhile program connected socially-isolated senior Australians (mostly women) with younger foreign students and migrant workers who were far from their families and home environments, engaging them in English-language conversation and advancing their ability to articulate diverse and

The menu draws from Kylie’s Lucky Kwong restaurant, Wally Mostafa’s Bekya Egyptian, Hanny Tang and Hoang Nguyen’s Eat Fuh, and Tom Sangpoowong’s Pepper Seeds Thai. Matt Whiley from Re adds to the South Eveleigh meals with his non-alcoholic Peach & Mandarin Americano soda. Mark Locsei tells us how grateful the response from the RPA is each time he arrives. “Just through seeing that someone is thinking about their well-being and doing something for them.” He laughs and says, “the biggest response is to when I open up the van. They can’t believe how good it smells! And how delicious it looks. The hand-delivery of food into their lives, food that doesn’t come from a factory, they really appreciate it.” In a message posted online Kylie Kwong feels the love this week in an especially meaningful way. “Lucky has an extremely close connection with midwives. He and I will never ever forget their hyper-sensitivity, nurturing kind hearts, gentleness and deeply compassionate ways during what was a very dark experience when Lucky was born.” Kwong and her wife Nell lost their baby boy Lucky in stillbirth almost a decade ago. Never forgotten; with them always. “Midwives are extraordinary people. I feel particularly connected to them, that is for sure. Lucky Kwong was named after my son. It honours him. He wants to be a force for good.”

Kylie sees “a real practical line between food-health-safety” in how we can make a better, happier community. She also understands the feelings of loss and grieving that riff through our society in the wake of the pandemic and its presence in our lives. Our relationship with Kylie Kwong was forged when she began volunteering at the Addi Road Food Relief Hub last year, stepping up to curate culturally-appropriate emergency hampers for the diverse communities and organisations we service. An individual of great feeling, Kylie says that “Addi Road is all about humanity. One of the greatest things for me was coming along and being a part of it during the Delta lockdown. It was life-changing for me, this wonderful connection to community.” Of course, there is anger about “the way government figures keep saying our medical health system is the best in the world. That it is coping. It is not coping. We know this. Our frontline medical workers are exhausted, frustrated, and overworked. I feel like their voices are not being heard and not acknowledged by the authorities. When I briefed everyone at South Eveleigh about what we were going to do they really put their heart and soul into it. They really go the extra mile preparing the food. We all feel the pain; we read about it every day; we know the truth. ‘Nourishing the Frontlines at RPA’ is just a way for all of us to come together and say we hear you, we see you.” Written by Mark Mordue

complex needs. Our work with these students helped bring their plight to national media attention.

Space in our place Be part of our increasingly progressive community. Hut 9 is now available. A great space located on the left as you enter Addi Road.110 square metres. info@addiroad.org.au

2021 Sustainable Cities Awards – Highly Commended Addison Road Community Organisation was Highly Commended as a finalist in the ‘Resource Recovery and Waste Management’ category of the Sustainable Cities Awards 2021. Run by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, the awards took note of our hugely successful food rescue program. It’s now understood that one of the most effective individual actions people can make to tackle on climate

change is to stop food from going into landfill. The EPA supported our two Addi Road Food Pantries in Marrickville and Camperdown, which have rescued good food and fed over 280,000 people in 2021.

addiroad.org.au

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COVID-19 SUPPORT

STAY

City schools shine in HSC

HOME

IF YOU CAN

COVID-19 DISASTER SUPPORT PAYMENT Scan here to access support payments for workers adversely affected by a state public health order.

NSW RESTRICTIONS Scan here for the the latest health orders from the NSW Government.

TESTING CLINIC LOCATIONS Scan here for a list of COVID testing locations.

COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT Scan here to access financial support for businesses and not-for-profits impacted by the recent COVID-19 restrictions.

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY Scan here to find out when and where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

THANKS TO YOU, we are saving lives and stopping the spread of Covid-19. We’re all in this together, so let’s continue to keep each other safe.

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP Federal Member for Sydney

1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern NSW 2016 T: 9379 0700 E: Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au

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Sydney Grammar in Darlinghurst was the fourth-best performing school in the 2021 HSC. Photo: Facebook/Sydney Grammar

BY PATRICK MCKENZIE ifteen high schools across Sydney’s inner west, city and eastern suburbs have ranked in the state’s top 50 best-performing cohorts after the Higher School Certificate (HSC) results were released last month. Sydney Grammar was the highestperforming school in the area, the fourth-best in the state and the strongest private school overall and was closely followed by Sydney Girls High School at fifth and Bondi’s Reddam House at sixth. The eastern suburbs saw the strongest results between the three regions, with ten of the 16 top-ranked schools located in the area. St Clare’s College (29th in the state) was the highest-performing Catholic

THE FULL LIST IS AS FOLLOWS: Sydney Grammar School (Darlinghurst) – 4th Sydney Girls High School (Moore Park) – 5th Reddam House (Bondi)

– 6th

Kambala (Rose Bay)

– 11th

Sydney Boys High School (Moore Park) – 13th Conservatorium High School (Sydney) – 14th Ascham School (Edgecliff)

– 16th

SCEGGS Darlinghurst (Darlinghurst)

– 17th

Moriah College (Queens Park)

– 18th

Fort Street High School (Petersham)

– 22nd

St Catherine’s School (Waverley)

– 23rd

Kincoppal-Rose Bay (Vaucluse)

– 28th

St Clare’s College (Waverley)

– 29th

Cranbrook School (Bellevue Hill)

– 35th

Emanuel School (Randwick)

– 36th

Systemic School in NSW. Identical twin sisters Lily and Hannah Simos were the school’s top students, with ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) results of 99.30 and 99.00 respectively. Some high-scoring students became aware of their results earlier than expected, after the NSW Education Standards Authority accidentally uploaded a near-finalised version of the 2021 HSC Distinguished Achievers List.

The eastern suburbs saw the strongest results The list displays the names of the students who achieved marks within the top band of one or more subjects. It was removed several hours after it was originally published. School rankings are determined by a school’s ‘success rate,’ a percentage calculated from the ratio of the number of Band 6/E4 results (an overall subject mark 90 per cent or higher) a school achieves to the total number of HSC exams students attending the school sat.

SYDNEY SUCCESS

Government-funded academically selective James Ruse Agricultural High School in Carlingford topped the state for the 26th consecutive year and was followed by North Sydney Boys and Baulkham Hills High School. HSC results are usually released to students via email and text message in mid-to-late December but were delayed several weeks after HSC exams were postponed due to the pandemic.

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Masselos and Keenan to lead Waverley BY DANIEL LO SURDO ncumbent Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos returned to her posting last month after support from fellow Labor councillors and the Greens helped to defeat Liberal challenger Will Nemesh for the mayoralty. Cr Masselos achieved a majority through the support of the four Labor councillors (including herself) and Green Crs Dominic Wy Kanak, Elaine Keenan and Ludovico Fabiano. Cr Nemesh earned the votes of the Liberal caucus but was absent from the meeting and therefore unable to vote for himself, with Cr Sally Betts saying that “he may or may not be here depending on if he gets home from hospital”. Cr Masselos reaffirmed the stance of council upon being reelected as mayor. “We are committed to supporting our community and our local economy, and protecting our environment and neighbourhoods,” she said. “We will be working very hard and fast to ensure that we can deliver as much as possible during our truncated term for the benefit of Waverley.” Cr Keenan was re-elected as deputy mayor after similarly gaining the

support of the Greens and the Labor caucus. The Greens councillor was voted as deputy mayor in 2019 along with fellow Lawson Ward representative Cr Masselos. The pair have led council throughout the pandemic, and hope that important work can continue to be achieved in the new term. “Council is delivering the biggest capital works program in Waverley’s history,” Cr Masselos said.

 We will be working very hard and fast “We have so much to be proud of and excited about including the restoration of the Bondi Pavilion and the Boot Factory building, our path to net zero carbon emissions, the Bondi Memorial Project, the COVID-safe management of outdoor public spaces and our commitment to supporting local infrastructure.” Cr Masselos also signalled her excitement to continue leading council alongside Cr Keenan, saying “I look forward to working with her and our progressive councillor colleagues for

Paula Masselos (left) and Elaine Keenan (right) were both reelected as Waverley Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Photo: Facebook

the benefit of our Waverley community”. Both councillors will hold the positions until 19 September 2023, when a new mayoralty and deputy mayoralty vote will occur.

ELECTION RESULTS

December’s Waverley elections forged no changes in party representation on council, with the five Liberal, four Labor and three Green elected councillors

identical to the results from 2017. Liberal councillor Angela Burrill joined Crs Masselos and Keenan in the Lawson Ward, to form the same representation as the previous term. The Liberal party amassed 43 per cent of votes, Labor received 27.4 per cent, and the Greens tallied 27.3 per cent. Cr Keenan secured the final seat in the ward after tallying over 2,100 more votes than fellow candidate Charles Hunter.

Reducing emissions. Creating jobs. Cutting power bills. Boosting renewable energy.

Labor’s Powering Australia Plan It’s time to put the climate wars behind us. Labor’s Powering Australia plan will: 1

reduce Australia’s emissions by 43% by 2030 – which will become Australia’s new target under the Paris Agreement, keeping us on track for net zero by 2050.

create over 600,000 new jobs – five out of six of these new jobs will be in regional Australia.

bring cheaper renewable energy to Australian homes and businesses and will cut power bills for homes by $275 a year.

spur $76 billion in investment, both public and private.

increase the share of renewables in the National Electricity Market to 82% by 2030.

Labor has an ambitious and achievable plan to combat climate change. It is fully costed and it is backed by the most extensive independent modelling ever carried out for an Opposition.

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/ Power-Australia to read Labor’s Powering Australia plan: Authorised by A.Albanese, ALP, 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

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Surry Hills man charged with murder BY DANIEL LO SURDO 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder at a unit in Surry Hills last month following an investigation into the disappearance of a nine-year-old girl. This comes after the human remains of a child, which were found to be “consistent” with those of missing nine-year-old Charlise Mutten, was found in a barrel in the vicinity of the Colo River. The nine-year-old girl was last seen in the Blue Mountains region while holidaying with her mother and was reported missing the next morning. The man charged with murder, Justin Stein, is the fiancé of the girl’s mother. The last place that the girl was seen alive was at Mount Wilson wedding venue Wildenstein, which is owned by Mr Stein’s parents and billed as a destination for “some of Australia’s most breathtaking & memorable events” on its Instagram profile. NSW Police later confirmed that the child died after being shot, with investigators believing Charlise was killed at the Mount Wilson property. It’s understood that a small-calibre firearm was used in the alleged murder. Following the disappearance, the multiagency search operation Strike Force Buena was established by the Blue Mountains Police Area Command, with police divers, the Hawkesbury Police Area Command, the public order and riot squad, operational support groups and the police rescue squad called to help with the investigation. NSW homicide detectives also joined the search, as local volunteers, including those in the Rural Fire Service, offered their assistance with the operation.

School said that they were “absolutely devastated” to hear of Charlise’s death, describing their student as a “much-loved member of our school who brightened all our days, every day”. A candlelight vigil was to be held for Charlise at the front gates of the school.

 We will leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth While the force was investigating the Colo River area, the human remains of a child were found in a barrel within the vicinity of the region, which has since been found to be consistent with those of Charlise. A crime scene was established for examination by specialist forensic officers. Detectives arrested Mr Stein in a unit on Riley Street at 8:30 pm last month and was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with murder. Mr Stein was refused bail and appeared via audio-visual link in the Central Local Court, with the court hearing that he has suffered from “long-term” mental health problems. Mr Stein will face court again on March 18. 10

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

COURT APPEARANCE

Justin Stein (pictured), the stepfather of Charlise Mutten, who was found dead last month, has been charged with murder by NSW Police. Photo: Facebook

ONGOING INVESTIGATION

Charlise lived with her grandmother at Coolangatta in Queensland and attended Tweed Heads Public School just south of the New South WalesQueensland border. NSW Police said that the remains were in the “hands of the coroner”, adding that investigations are still ongoing.

police then tracking the man to the Colo River, about an hour away from where Charlise was last seen alive. In a Facebook post, Tweed Heads Public

Mr Stein was taken to Silverwater Prison, where he underwent a 14day quarantine in line with COVID-19 measures and will remain behind bars until he appears at Penrith Court in March. Deputy Commissioner Hudson said that “we will leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth of this matter”, with Police Commissioner Karen Webb adding that “there are still many elements of this investigation that we have to work through”. Police continue to investigate Mr Stein’s alleged motive. Charlise’s mother is being treated as a witness, as police gave evidence that she was not at the Mount Wilson property at the time of the alleged murder.

Police have alleged that Mr Stein murdered Charlise sometime between 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 11 and 10:00 am the following day. On Thursday, January 13, police allege that Mr Stein purchased a number of sandbags from a hardware store after a conversation with his fiancé and Charlise’s mother, Kallista Mutten, who was hospitalised on Friday after suffering a medical episode following her daughter’s disappearance. NSW Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said that “the accused is responsible for first placing her in the barrel and then disposing of that barrel” after detectives used GPS data and CCTV to follow the movements of Mr Stein and find the barrel in a bush near the Colo River. Police became suspicious of Mr Stein after uncovering inconsistencies in his version of events prior to Charlise going missing. Charlise was holidaying with her mother in the Blue Mountains and according to family was last seen on the afternoon of Thursday, January 13 while staying at Mr Stein’s family property in Mount Wilson. Deputy Commissioner Hudson alleged that the accused unsuccessfully tried to float a boat on Sydney Harbour, with

Charlise Mutten (pictured) was described as a “much loved member” of Tweed Heads Public School. Photo: Facebook

SPENDING A DAY IN...

SURRY HILLS Planning a day out in Surry Hills? Look no further, here’s the only guide you’ll need, from true crime, to art, and truly terrific food. By Rida Babar.

Belvoir St Theatre

Button bar

Soda factory

Catmosphere

Detective for a day - MURDERS MOST FOUL TOURS

For the inner detective in us all, the Murders Most Foul true crime tours in Surry Hills are a must-do experience. Picture this; you’re walking through the suburb’s most well-known buildings, evidence and case files in hand as your tour guide reveals the clues that led 19th century police to uncover the secrets behind these gruesome crimes. Explore the scenes of eight gruesome murders in this not-so-typical historical walking tour. The tours can be completed as 90 minute or three hour adventures, and are completely outdoors, making them the ideal COVID-safe activity. Murders Most Foul are also accepting NSW Dine And Discover vouchers for added convenience, with ticket prices starting at $40.

Step into the life on an artist BRETT WHITELEY STUDIO

If you’re feeling particularly artsy, the Brett Whiteley Studio is a bite size look into the area’s creative scene, boasting an array of works and a personal look into the world through the eyes of iconic Australian artist, Brett Whiteley. Look through unfinished paintings, equipment, books, and graffiti walls covered with quotes and images from

Whiteley’s life, as well as his personal music collection and photographs. This unique experience is a step into the life of an artist, unlike galleries you’ll find elsewhere. Aside from being easily accessible by means of public transport including light rail and buses, entry to the studio is free if you’re looking for a fulfilling activity on a budget.

Cuddle up with some kittens CATMOSPHERE CAT CAFE Calling all cat lovers! Catmosphere Cafe is the purr-fect place to visit if you’re after a relaxing afternoon cuddling cats and sipping on the cafe’s variety of drinks, from coffee to tea and everything in between. When booking your experience on the Catmosphere website, you are invited to choose from a number of experiences. The most popular choice, the cat lounge, allows you to interact with a number of friendly felines who roam the lounge. As a plus, all of the cats are rescues and can be sponsored or adopted through the cafe.

Become an artist yourself PINOT & PICASSO A tried-and-true favourite for many, Pinot & Picasso is the perfect weekend winddown. Painting your next masterpiece while sipping on wine has never been easier with these three hour guided sessions. Enjoy it with friends, or go alone, either way you’re guaranteed a good time. Every session offers a new artistic adventure, from ‘A Day in Santorini’ to ‘Paint your own Zodiac’ and ‘Frida Kahlo’. There’s even the option to book your artistic journey as a private event, the perfect fit for a birthday, bridal shower, team building, or Christmas party. Now accepting NSW Dine And Discover vouchers, visit the Pinot & Picasso website to book your session.

BREATH TAKING LOCAL THEATRE BELVOIR ST THEATRE

An Aussie classic, Belvoir St Theatre is a homegrown stage in the heart of Surry Hills and is home to some of the city’s most entertaining shows. The 2022 season boasts an array of colourful, hilarious, and positively insightful plays, starting with Black Brass which tells the story of voyaging and discovery as told through music, and ending with The Jungle And The Sea, following the story of hope during

dark times of war in a once harmonious nation. For details about booking and the 2022 season, visit the Belvoir St Theatre website.

Party it up - TRADE CLUB

With Mardi Gras approaching, Sydney’s largest men’s gay bar Trade Club is worth a mention. It is the place to be on weekends, with a fully licensed bar and large cruise areas spread over four levels. The club is a welcoming place and holds frequent events and themed parties throughout the year, the details of which are updated on the club’s Facebook page. As well as being operating six days a week for general entry, the club is also open for private event bookings. Perfect for a birthday, bachelor party, or men’s weekend away, Trade Club is the perfect place to get a taste of Surry Hills’ LGBTQI scene and get in the spirit for Mardi Gras.

Hidden gem - HUMBLE BAKERY A personal favourite, Humble Bakery serves a slice of the freshest and most delicious goods Surry Hills has to offer. Hidden away in Holt Street, this food lovers’ heaven is sure to have something for everyone. With an open kitchen beside the counter, you can watch the bakers turn flour into humble-deliciousness from fresh pizza, to cakes, and much more. You’ll find yourself wanting to return to Humble before you’ve even left, and it will assuredly turn into your new favourite joint for a quick bite of coffee and pastries as you roam the suburb.

Art walks and drinks - ELIZABETH ART STREET & FOVEAUX ST + BUTTON BAR

There’s no shortage of artsy streets tucked away in the hustle bustle of Surry Hills, but in this writer’s humble opinion, Elizabeth Street and Foveaux Street are two of the best. If you’re after a cost-friendly, COVIDsafe, outdoor activity for your Sunday afternoon, these self-guided tours along the suburb’s art streets are the way to go. Begin your trip at Elizabeth Street, surrounded by comical artist Evie Hilliar’s works, and make your way up to Foveaux Street, where you’ll find a mural of Adam Goods which was amongst the most highly sought out street art works of 2020. To end off your afternoon, you can visit Button Bar on Foveaux Street with cocktails and decor almost as artsy as the streets.

Time to eat - THE SODA FACTORY

This American-style diner and bar is sure to live up to your wildest 90s sitcom dreams, with the burgers, hotdogs, retro cocktails, and live music meaning that you get both dinner and a show. Half the fun of going to this joint is getting in–hidden behind the facade of Bobby’s Soda Factory, you enter the actual bar through a secret entrance disguised as a 50s coke machine. There’s no shortage of themed parties throughout the year, so if you’re looking for a quiet dinner, or to dance the night away, the Soda Factory is the place for you.

Sing the night away - GOROS KARAOKE A Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar all in one? Yes, please! Goros is located on Surry Hills’ Mary Street and is the ideal place for a weekend night out. If the Japanese food, cocktails, games, and karaoke (to list a few) aren’t enough to pique your interest, maybe the fact that they have not one, but two life-size Garfields on premises as the official mascot will be. Just think about the photo-ops. Book your slot on the Goros website for a night out that’s anything but average.

Goros Karaoke

Humble bakery

Murders most foul tours

Trade club CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

HubNEWS

Clover backs cycleways to roll on “Now that they’ve experienced the benefits for themselves – including travel time reliability, easy parking, saving money, refuelling at cafés instead of petrol stations, and the physical and mental health benefits – we think many people will continue using this healthy, fun, and sustainable transport mode more,” Cr Moore said.

“It’s possible that living with the virus will go on for some time and that people will want to remain cautious. Regardless, we still think that once people have experienced the joy and benefits of riding on safe cycle routes, they are likely to want to continue.” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore believes pop-up cycleways will remain popular following COVID-19. Photo: City of Sydney

BY SHARLOTTE THOU ity of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has backed her COVIDinduced pop-up cycleways to maintain their popularity following the pandemic, saying that many will “continue to ride” once user confidence is regained in rivalling transport options. Improving cycling pathways has been one of Cr Moore’s key policies and aims to “make Sydney a city for walking and cycling as part of the commitment

to reducing emissions and improving liveability”. Cr Moore called the increased use of cycle paths “unprecedented”, with a 40 per cent increase in riders since the popups were installed and a 500 per cent increase in riders using the Pitt Street cycleway in the first three months. A survey of City of Sydney residents found that 71 per cent supported the decision to allocate more space for people to ride.

A great start at I N T E R N AT I O N A L G R A M M A R S C H O O L

Cr Moore told City Hub that transport remains a “major source” of emissions contributing to climate change and that cycling as an alternative to driving presented a “great opportunity” to reduce these emissions.

GROWING PAINS

Six pop-up cycleways (Pyrmont Bridge, Pitt Street, Moore Park Road and Fitzroy Street, Ashmore to South Eveleigh, Sydney Park Road and Dunning Avenue) were constructed as part of the city’s emergency transport response, which

was constructed to free up space on public transport and roads to “allow the community to return to businesses safely, supporting NSW’s economic recovery”. So far, the pop-up cycleways have been a successful alternative to public transport, with plans in place to make the cycleways permanent.

 We think many people will continue using this ... transport mode more Cr Moore said that the cycleways have made “roads safer, calm[ed] traffic, and have created attractive environments that leave room for people” while providing space for outdoor dining and surrounding businesses. Not all councillors have supported this move, with Liberal councillor Shauna Jarrett saying that Cr Moore is “prioritising cycling over other modes of transport” amid calls for a more coordinated transport approach. The lord mayor also noted that the pandemic has presented a strategic opportunity for this change, saying “normally it is difficult to get people to change their transport behaviour, particularly for commuting”.

NOTICE UNDER SECTION 45E(2) OF THE REAL PROPERTY ACT 1900 (NSW) – APPLICATION FOR POSSESSORY TITLE TO LAND Application AR79799 has been made by Alexander Walker Hinds and Anna Clare Bardsley (‘Applicants’) for a title pursuant to Part 6A of the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) (‘Act’) (possessory title) in respect of the undermentioned land:

•

Co-educational and secular

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Early Learning to Year 12

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Central location near Sydney CBD

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Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

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Celebrating diversity and personal achievement

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Join our local school with a global outlook

Find out more and book a tour: igssyd.nsw.edu.au | 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au 12

Uniq lang ue uage s prog ram

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022



Property situated adjacent to 16 Parkham Street, Surry Hills



Being land referred to in part Certificate of Title Volume 282 Folio 156

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In the Local Government Area of Sydney, Parish of Alexandria and County of Cumberland.

The Applicant claims title by possession adverse to James Jones, their successors and assigns. The Registrar-General intends to grant this application on the expiration of one month from the date of publication of this notice, unless before the expiration of that time period an objection is lodged in the form of a caveat pursuant to section 74F(3) of the Act. Enquiries may be made at NSW Land Registry Services, Level 30, 175 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Enquiries: Legal Registry Services, Tel: (02) 8364 0192 (JS LEG4 AR79799) Email: ldr@nswlrs.com.au

HubNEWS

Couple found dead in Redfern

BY TOKS OGUNDARE Trigger Warning: This story has details of a gay couple’s gruesome death and might be distressing to some readers. For 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.

ARREST

A 41-year-old man was arrested at a unit on Cleveland Street and was taken to Mascot police station, where he was charged with two counts of murder. Police allege the man lives at the same premises as the victims, and all three men knew each other.

olice are investigating the deaths of two men whose bodies were discovered in a boarding house in Redfern last month. Emergency services were called to the apartment on Cleveland Street at around 11:50 pm following a concern for welfare report. On arrival, officers found the bodies of 52-year-old Steven Finlay and his 32-year-old partner Mitch Watson. Officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command established a crime scene, which specialist forensic police have examined. A neighbour of the couple told the Daily Telegraph that he heard fighting shortly before the police discovered the two men, saying he had heard “clashing moments before the room went quiet”.

A spokesperson for NSW Police said all lines of inquiry were still open and under investigation.

 Police have been there all day Steven Finlay and his partner Mitch Watson were found dead inside their Redfern boarding house. Photo: Star Observer

Siti Hajar Abdul Karim and Far Akma Norma, neighbours who live in another apartment at the residence, told The Sydney Morning Herald police woke them up at midnight for questioning. “I talked to the police last night, and they asked me whether I knew anything … or if I had heard anyone fighting,” Ms Norman said. “Police have been there all day.” According to the ABC, Assistant Police

Commissioner Stuart Smith said one of the men had been calling triple zero on a mobile phone when he died. Detectives have started investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. “It’s early days,” Commissioner Stuart Smith said. “Crime scene [officers] will spend the rest of the day with investigators to work out what happened in the flat.”

As part of Strike Force Menlow, which included detectives from the South Sydney Police Area Command and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, a crime scene was executed at the premises and following extensive inquiries, the man was arrested and was refused bail, and was to appear at Central Local Court. A number of items had been seized from the property, which will be used for forensic examination.

PRIME LEGAL & TAX SERVICES primelegaltax.com.au Level 1, 149 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2020 | 1/299 Elizabeth St, Sydney 2000 Ph 0409 813 622/9281 3230 | E admin@legalexchangelawyers.com | Whatsapp +61 409 813 622 | Weechat alextees

Ageing Support Supporting people living with HIV aged over 45, through the maze of aged care, disability, and healthcare services in NSW Contact Positive Life NSW on (02) 9206 2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall)

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

HubNEWS

Markets return to Watsons Bay

The Watson Bay markets at Robertson Park returned last month. Photo: Woollahra Council

BY DANIEL LO SURDO

he Watsons Bay markets returned on January 30, as a three-year, $17,500 funding boost from Woollahra Council readied organisers to welcome back visitors for the summer period. Local retailers and businesses across Sydney have struggled over a summer period that was initially billed as the return to regular trading following high vaccination numbers but has been soured by the Omicron outbreak, which continues to surge COVID-19 cases throughout NSW. Organisers of the Watsons Bay markets, Cambridge Markets Sydney, received a total of $17,500 from Woollahra Council under its placemaking and revitalisation grant programs during the past three financial years. The markets were the

only successful applicant across both 2019/20 and 2020/21 placemaking grants and the $115,000 revitalisation program. The council said that the market’s “boutique homewares, fashion, design, specialty craft and gourmet foods” complemented its own services and was important for community-focused economic development, adding that it provided “a beautiful and happy experience for residents and day-trippers alike”. The revitalisation grants program, which was designed to help rejuvenate the Woollahra area following the Sydney lockdowns, awarded the Watsons Bay markets with $5000 of funding, the highest amount eligible for non-profits and charities in the scheme. Cambridge Markets were initially provided with $5000 under the placemaking grant

in 2019/20 and were granted an additional $7500 the following year. As part of the COVID-19 stimulus and recovery plan, the NSW government announced its small business fees and charges rebate, which has since increased from $1500 to $2000 and could be used to offset costs and charges due and paid from 1 March last year.

 It provided “a beautiful and happy experience”  Demand soared for outdoor hospitality and entertainment venues during the pandemic, with many Sydney councils providing funding to help businesses pivot their operations to continue trading. In Woollahra, a total of $7.9 million has been spent as part of relief measures

13 11 February February — — 11 6 March sydneyoperahouse.com “A Chorus Line” is presented by permission of ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC, A Concord Theatricals Company

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett Book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante

Music by Marvin Hamlisch

Lyrics by Edward Kleban

Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian

to ease the burden of COVID-19 on the local economy. Part of the funding included waiving $700,000 worth of footway dining fees during lockdowns and for the two months following the resumption of footway dining, switching parking meters off and providing $3.2m of commercial tenant relief.

NEIGHBOURING GRANTS

In the neighbouring City of Sydney, a $4 million grant was recently announced for its creative and cultural sector in a bid to promote the return of activity in the inner city to workers, tourists and international students. This follows the completion of the first section of a new $43.5m pedestrian zone in George Street in September of last year, which signalled a commitment to wider spaces for commercial operation and social distancing in the city.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS AND VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS 1.

4. 5. 6.

Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003 The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility Rooftop Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 Optus Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003 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 (2.69m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m 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 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 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) • 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 Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment 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.

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS Bottomless Brunch, Live MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS Music, Art, Drag Shows, Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street, Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2, Surry Hills NSW 2010 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001 Food, Drink, Cabaret, 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G 3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: equipment and associated works as follows: Trivia, Speed Dating, Fun! • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)

• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) and antenna mounts • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room the overall scale of the facility • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy Determination 2018 based on the description above (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, Optus Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 Randwick NSW 2031 Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: 4. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) • Installation of one (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) and antenna mounts • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the equipment shelter the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Determination 2018 based on the description above

18 Feb — 6 March oxtravaganza.com theglitteringmile.com.au

5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment. 6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021. CITY HUB FEBRUARY8/2/22 2022 1:51 pm15

HubNEWS

Wynne returns to lead ‘progressive’ council

Man dies after Coogee cliff fall BY DANIEL LO SURDO 20-year-old man died at Coogee last month after falling 30 metres from a cliff between Coogee Beach and Gordons Bay, with NSW Ambulance inspector Lucky Phrachanh describing the tragedy as a “horrible accident”. Dion Papanakos, 20, was walking with his girlfriend along the cliff following an afternoon at the beach when he lost his balance and fell.

“The patient has sustained fairly significant head injuries, was in cardiac arrest,” NSW Ambulance inspector David Stride told Nine News. “With the water washing up on the rocks, it was very difficult.” Susan Wynne was returned as Woollahra Mayor last month. Photo: MoneyMe Investor Centre

BY DANIEL LO SURDO “our elected representatives is a clear indication of the progressive nature of oollahra Council welcomed an Woollahra’s residents”. all-female, all-Liberal mayor and deputy mayor tandem last “We have a proud history as a month as Susan Wynne and Isabelle progressive council, from our leadership Shapiro were voted to the respective on climate change, to our strong postings following the party’s success at support of the arts and longstanding the December local elections, whereby local disability and mental health its majority was held in the fifteen-seat initiatives, and 50 per cent women on council chamber. our executive team,” Mr Swift-McNair said. Challenging Cr Wynne for the mayoralty was Greens councillor Matthew “Our councillors have an exciting Robertson, who was defeated behind opportunity to work with residents and the Liberal bloc, whose eight votes businesses to make a real difference in outlasted the seven from the Residents Woollahra, and I look forward to working First Woollahra and Greens councillors, with them in continuing to build and who backed Cr Robertson for the support an even more thriving local position. community.” Cr Wynne, who first The new term of held the mayoralty council sees four new  I remain committed in September 2019, elected representatives will now continue to working with our welcomed to the in the posting until chamber and 10 of the community September 2023. 15 seats occupied by “It is an honour and a females, the highest privilege to continue serving Woollahra number of female councillors in NSW. It as Mayor. I am looking forward to comes as the nearby Randwick Council working with councillor Isabelle welcomed their first female majority Shapiro as Deputy Mayor and all the on council, while also having a female councillors,” Cr Wynne said. general manager on council. “This role comes with great responsibility and I remain committed to ELECTION FALLOUT working with our community in ensuring At the December elections, the makeup Woollahra is a wonderful place to live, of the Woollahra Council chamber did work and visit.” not undergo any major shifts, as the Cr Shapiro defeated Greens councillor representation of each party remained Nicola Grieve in the deputy mayoralty by the same. The Liberal party kept its nine votes to six, with Cr Harriet Price eight seats, Residents First Woollahra (Residents First Woollahra) the only maintained five seats while the Greens non-Liberal councillor to support Cr won two. Shapiro. Crs Wynne and Shapiro will both hold Council General Manager Craig Swifttheir terms until September 2023, with McNair called the result “another the newly-elected council to serve until significant achievement”, saying that 2024.

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

Emergency services were called to Dunningham Reserve at about 3:00 pm, where officers attached to the Eastern

be transported to hospital. Authorities think that the man may have climbed the fence on the cliff face to take a photograph, before losing his balance. Witnesses told Nine News that a surprise 21st birthday party had been planned for the man next week. “Our thoughts go out to the friends and family after this horrible accident,” Ms Phrachanh said in a statement. “Please avoid high cliff top areas – tragedies can occur in a split second.

The whole thing was a shock “A massive thanks to the bystanders, NSW Police and the Surf Life Saving team for your assistance at this complex scene.”

Dunningham Reserve in Coogee, where emergency services were called last month. Photo: Sydney Coast Walks

Suburbs Police Area Command located the man, who had sustained critical head and chest injuries. A critical care team were unable to save the man after CPR was attempted. Police at the top of the cliff were tasked with keeping the public away from the scene, while further rescue workers prepared an urgent descent to the bottom of the cliff.

IN SHOCK

The man’s girlfriend was distraught, finding some solace through the support of witnesses at the reserve. “The whole thing was a shock to her, it happened so quickly,” Mr Stride said, adding that she was being treated by ambulance officers for shock, and would

Dunningham Reserve is described by Randwick City Council as a “popular location for photographers and filmmakers” due to its “spectacular ocean and coastline views”. It is located on the northern headland of Coogee Beach, with the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walk pathway running along the coastal boundary of the reserve, making it a popular spot for walkers and joggers. It preceded the death of a 50-year-old man at North Bondi, who also fell from a cliff in January. NSW Police were called to a golf course on Military Road following reports that a person had fallen 10 metres from a cliff onto the rocks below, with the man, who had sustained significant head injuries, dying at the scene.

HubNEWS

City announces $4 million revival grant many hospitality and entertainment venues in the inner city, with outdoor settings where ventilation and social distancing could occur preferred to indoor spaces.

We needed to do something big to attract people back

The City has announced a new grant of up to $4 million for its creative and cultural industry. Photo: City of Sydney

BY DANIEL LO SURDO he City of Sydney has announced that it will inject up to $4 million into the inner city’s creative and cultural precincts as it continues its plans for a 24-hour economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will host an evening of

“networking and collaboration” this month for property owners and businesses along with those involved in the creative and cultural sector, with the new grant expected to be issued in $100,000 to $300,000 allocations to a minimum of five successful applicants. COVID-19 pivoted the operations of

The City has supported these measures in the past 18 months, with council funding being allocated to street activation and live performances in what Lord Mayor Clover Moore described as a “silver lining” of the pandemic, after the NSW government agreed to partner with the City on the policy. The York, Clarence and Kent (YCK) Laneways project, a six-week popup festival in the precinct between Town Hall and Wynyard, was recently launched behind the backing of a City grant. The project involved 10 late-night venues collaborating to bring cultural and creative events back to life after almost two years of a COVID-induced slumber. Programming during the festival included live music, comedy, poetry and

live art, with Karl Schlothauer, owner of Stitch Bar in York Street, saying that “venues who challenged the status quo with their events saw the best results”. “We needed to do something big to attract people back to the city centre and it is a lot easier to make yourself heard as a collective rather than an individual,” Mr Schlothauer said. “Each of us brought different strengths to the table, allowing us to divide and conquer.”

REBUILDING CONFIDENCE

In September last year, the City announced that the first section of a $43.5m pedestrian zone on George Street had been opened for public use as part of a commitment to allow for greater social distancing and opportunities for commercial operation. While announcing the project, Cr Moore said that council needed to “rebuild confidence and promote the return of activity in the city” following the loss of tourists, workers and international students. “We need to prioritise access for people to move around safely so we can remain vigilant and reduce the risk of virus outbreaks,” she said.

$22.5m grant funding Norton Street works BY DANIEL LO SURDO orks on Norton Street are taking shape ahead of an expected completion date this month, with a $22.5 million grant from 2018 financing the facelift for the area. Streetscape works hope to provide a safer place for pedestrians and instil a greater sense of pride in the public domain but have frustrated residents who believe alternate measures, including the widening of footpaths, al fresco dining and greater public transport options could be more effective as part of the development. “These are steps in the right direction, to provide better walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure around Norton Street,” Inner West councillor Marghanita da Cruz told City Hub. “Electric buses are a great improvement to Norton Street but the community laments the loss of bus stops along Norton [Street]. There is a need for pick up points for shoppers outside Norton Plaza and the Italian forum.” An Inner West Council spokesperson said that the works will “not only make the area more attractive, but also provide more safety for pedestrians”,

Rossi and Adam Cruikshank wanting to pay homage to the Italian who migrated to Australia in the 1950s and 60s, saying that the assembly of multicoloured cell structures would form a “canopy of colour and intrigue” that would “symbolise interconnectedness” in the area. The artwork is expected to be installed in April.

The community laments the loss of bus stops

Works to Norton Street are expected to be completed in February. Photo: Inner West Council

adding that enhancing the pedestrian experience is a high priority for council. Under the new plans, six multifunction ‘smart’ poles will be installed on the Norton Street strip between Parramatta Road and Norton Plaza, with the spokesperson confirming to City Hub that they would “feature banner arms for community events and advertising”.

According to Inner West Council, construction was expected to be completed by the end of January following delays from COVID-19 lockdowns and approval processes from Transport for NSW, with completion marked for February. The new streetscape will also include a new gateway light work, Chiaroscuro, on Norton Street, with artists Alessandra

The grant was provided by the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program in 2018 as part of a program to improve areas around Parramatta Road. The Norton Street strip was one of seven projects financed under the grant, with council saying in 2018 that the public domain improvements “should be completed by 2021”.

LOOKING LOCAL

Works on Norton Street come as a new Inner West council chamber prepares for the first ordinary meeting of its term this month, following December’s local elections. Councillors will next meet on February 8. CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

HubNEWS

Inner West set to embrace Uluru Statement and systemic issues faced by the Indigenous community today. When asked about how council plans to incorporate the Statement into the Community Strategic Plan, Cr Byrne said that “we are not just endorsing it but identifying the Statement From the Heart as the guiding philosophical position that will determine our relationship with Aboriginal people in the inner west, and our policy outlook on reconciliation more broadly”.

Incorporating those

perspectives ... is a really good start

Council will look to incorporate the Uluru Statement from the Heart (pictured) as its “philosophical underpinning”. Photo: ulurustatement.org

BY SEJA AL-ZAIDI nner West Council has announced that they will incorporate the Uluru Statement from the Heart into the council’s Community Strategic Plan following last month’s elections. Councillor Darcy Byrne, who was reelected as Inner West Mayor in December, said that the Uluru Statement from the Heart would become the “philosophical

underpinning of our relationship with Aboriginal people in the Inner West”. The Uluru Statement From the Heart is the largest consensus of First Nations peoples on a proposal for constitutional recognition in Australian history. The Statement calls for Parliamentary recognition of the sovereignty of Indigenous people and comments on varied social

The newly-elected Council is comprised of 15 seats, with Labor holding eight, the Greens holding five, and the remaining two being held by Independents Pauline Lockie and John Stamolis. The act appeared to be unanimously embraced by both factions of the council, with Greens councillor Kobi Shetty calling the move “wonderful”. “I’m really happy to see that’s the direction the Council wants to go. I think the Uluru Statement is a really important Indigenous voice, so incorporating those perspectives into the way we run our community is a really good start,” Cr Shetty said.

The Statement was rejected by the federal government in 2017, with then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull calling the framework “too ambitious”, saying that a referendum would not get majority support from Australians across the states. “It’s really sad that almost immediately after it was drafted, a number of federal politicians went out of their way to misinterpret it and describe it as a call for an additional chamber of Parliament, which it’s simply not,” Cr Byrne said. Part of the Statement’s significance is its commentary on the structural impediments to true empowerment of the Indigenous community from a First Nations perspective. “In decades and centuries to come people will look back and see just how crucial a turning point it was for the Aboriginal community to come together and draft it,” Cr Byrne said.

MOVING FORWARD

Council’s next steps are engagement with Indigenous consultative committees to determine what it can do at a local level to promote reconciliation in partnership with First Nations people.

COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

IS THE CLOCK TICKING FOR TIKTOK?

here you were waiting for your bus in a terminal in the US in the early 1970s. No mobile phone to keep you endlessly amused and you had just read every inch of the daily newspaper. Your Greyhound was running late and you had a whole hour of your lifetime to fill. Not to worry, as you settle down in a comfy ‘TV Chair’ for 60 minutes of sport, sitcoms or variety shows. The concept soon spread to airports and hospitals and the companies involved spruiked the possibility of placing the sets wherever Americans had a loose hour or two to occupy. The TV Chairs did become a common fixture during the 70s and early 80s, but by the late 80s most were heading to landfill or as collector’s item in a nostalgia ridden man cave. The moral of the story (if you’ll forgive the mixed metaphor). Today’s techno-Rooster is tomorrow’s feather duster! This week Facebook lost a staggering $230 billion in market capital. Whilst it’s unlikely to evaporate into the ether any time soon, like those once groovy TV Chairs, many are forecasting its long term demise. As Facebook begins to fizzle the trumpet is currently sounding for TikTok, the haunt of shameless narcissists, loathsome influencers, randy teenagers flaunting their sexuality and even Bob Katter. Owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, and originally introduced as ‘Douyin’ in China in 2016, the app has spread like wildfire since its international launch in 2017. Whilst 40% of subscribers are said to 18

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be between 16 and 24, it’s now being embraced by an older generation and even Scott Morrison has an account. Given our current relations with China, and our protests over their human rights abuses, the latter seems a conflicted choice. Try posting your concerns over China’s treatment of the Uyghurs on TikTok and see how long it takes the algorithm to rip it down. Facebook has a long history of controversy when it comes to misinformation and hate speech and TikTok is certainly following suit, even though much of its content is perceived as teenage pranks and dance moves. It’s been banned or intermittently blocked in countries like Indonesia, India and Pakistan.

In June of last year two Egyptian female TikTok artists received a total of 16 years jail time for encouraging women to use the platform to earn money. And Trump’s battles with the company, in which he threatened to ban it if a US takeover failed, are well documented. Ironically his fist waving ‘Trump Dance’, performed at many of his election rallies, became as they say “a TikTok sensation” – with numerous imitations and challenges posted. Ever since the internet became widespread, accelerated by digital technology, there has been constant change and redundancy. Who remembers Netspace, Myspace and the days when you had to pay for all downloaded porn? Unless TikTok is sold off to a Western country, its future must surely depend on the relative stability of global politics. The same could also be said for Facebook. What happens (perish the thought) if China invades Taiwan and the conflict spreads throughout the region. Will Scott Morrison and Bob Katter delete their TikTok accounts and will Joe Biden or the re-elected Donald Trump ban the app outright? Will Xi Jinping be booted off Facebook? In the meantime go ahead and post that 30 second video of your labradoodle doing the Watusi and message your self-obsessed, constantly preening, ultra egotistical 20-year-old influencer and let them know that one day they will look like Bob Katter (no offence Bob) on a bad hair day. The clock is Tiktoking for us all!

YAZ QWEEN

OXTRAVAGANZA IS BACK Oxtravaganza is a conglomeration of local artists and businesses coming together to celebrate the gayest suburbs in Sydney, and the gayest night in Sydney. BY IKI MINOGUE pread across Darlinghurst and Potts Point, from Friday, February 18 through till Sunday, March 6, Oxtravaganza elongates the pulsating energy the city shines with during the time of Mardi Gras. Whether you are interested in visual or performance art, speed dating, cabaret, supporting local bars, having a gay bevvy, or a discount on retail-you will find something at this celebration of the historical area, and the locals who add to its rich cultural makeup. In 2020 it was decided to move the ever loud, bold and fierce parade of Mardi Gras from Oxford Street in an attempt to keep the event more COVIDsafe, the first time Mardi Gras was celebrated away from the legendary Oxford Street since the epic conception of the parade in 1978. But this did not stop the local businesses and local hooligans from coming together to celebrate and collaborate through their passion project, Oxtravaganza. In fact Oxtravaganza was one of the first COVIDsafe outdoor events which occurred in 2020, unintentionally paving the way for other outdoor events which later followed, showing that the gay community remains innovative and ahead in many different ways. Like many others, the local businesses of Darlinghurst have been greatly affected by COVID, but there are contesting narratives on whether it can be seen wholly as negative or positive for the community. One local business owner tells us that residents and business owners greatly feel the absence of the once bustling nightlife which is now replaced with a loud silence as we all wait to return to some semblance of normalcy post COVID. He tells us that over the last two years, Oxtravaganza has helped the local community come together, lifting the spirits of locals and small business owners who have otherwise struggled both with the effects of COVID and with the decision to move the Mardi Gras parade away from Oxford Street. During the two weeks of Oxtravaganza the area once again see’s people

all dedicated to supporting each other, keeping Oxford Street alive and bustling, and keeping the spirit of community alive and gay.

Peach Fuzz (@peachykween). Photo: Robert Knapman

Oxtravaganza and the celebration of Mardi Gras in the areas of Potts Point and Darlinghurst are extremely valuable and important to both local residents and the broader gay and queer community. Although Oxtravaganza serves to highlight the areas rich queer heritage, there is still space in the festival for younger queers. Program director Lorraine Locke has done an incredible job of connecting with a younger cache of artists and highlighting the fresh approach they can bring to these spaces. For example, you can experience the renaissance of drag at Chingalings on Sunday, February 27 and see the range of talent present in the younger generation

gathering on the street, flowing in and out of the local stores and bars - both creating and enjoying the colourful and vivacious energy that Oxford Street is well known for.

 Oxtravaganza’s ethos is ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ Speaking to another local business owner however, we talk about the different creative ways the gay and queer communities of the area have had to adapt and grow due to dancing restrictions, a lack of a nightlife, and restrictions on large numbers gathering indoors. As a community which has historically, and with tangible reason, gathered around dance and live music, the ban on dancing has encouraged queer locals to innovate and approach connecting with community in a new and different way, reaffirming the many different ways there are to connect. This has taken shape via local performance artists partnering with local bars as opposed to the larger venues they may have hired in the past. Or visual artists choosing to showcase in local retail stores, all strengthening the bonds within the gaybourhood.

Yaz Qween and Carmen Geddit. Photo: Robert Knapman

This strengthening of community is very much in line with Oxtravaganza’s purpose, having started off with one local business owner who had a small grant he didn’t feel was fair to spend solely on his own business, thus choosing to spread it across the local businesses, in a Mean Girls Spring Queen crown moment. This notion for building community and supporting each other continues to this day, an ethos popular amongst the board being that a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’. The board consists of almost a couple of hundred volunteers, mostly small businesses around Darlinghurst, who are

who will carry forward the work of those who cemented what is now known as the celebration of Mardi Gras. Sydney’s relationship with its queer identity is rotted in the suburbs of Darlinghurst and Potts Points, this is where the 1978 protests originally started, and this is where Australia’s views on gay rights were originally contested. There is a rich queer history and it is ingrained in the identity of the gay community, and Oxtravaganza is another way of championing this history in the present. CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

HubARTS

INDIA SWEETS & SPICES: simplistic and pleasant viewing with moments of comedy and drama (See p. 23)

A CHORUS LINE ALWAYS HAVING TO 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL PROVE YOURSELF

FINALLY OPENS IN SYDNEY

Casey Donovan, Marina Prior, Erin Clare. Photo: Peter Brew-Bevan

BY MARK MORELLINI fter the postponement owing to COVID-19 restrictions 9 To 5 The Musical has finally arrived in Sydney…get ready to be entertained! The musical remains faithful to the iconic 80s flick which starred Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin as the office workers who kidnapped their sexist male boss and then proceeded to run the office their way. Actress Erin Clare who plays alongside Marina Prior and Casey Donovan explained that this is a fun night out at the theatre. “The score is Dolly Parton and audiences will be treated to the most singable music, big dance numbers, fantasy sequences and it’s so fabulously written. Dolly Parton also makes an appearance – but not in person!” Clare enthused about the other two actresses of the fabulous three. “I’m so excited to be working with Casey as we previously performed together on We Will Rock You and Marina, she doesn’t know but I am obsessed with her. I admire these women so much!” Underlying the music and comedy of this musical, are there any subtle messages for each and every woman living in what

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may be classified by some as a man’s world? “I think on a deeper level it’s really amazing to be telling a story that’s about three unlikely friends coming together not being pitted against each other so much in musicals, movies and popular culture, where women are categorically pitted against each other to compete for roles and for men etc. I think it’s important to be telling a story where women are powerful together, unified and supporting one another.” For maximum enjoyment do audiences need to be fans of the film or Dolly Parton? “Not at all. The story is timeless, and the movie is iconic and if you know it that’s great. We’ve basically been on Zoom for two years so perhaps people who have been working from home or missed the office so much can come along to the theatre and watch a musical set in an office!” laughed Clare. “Seriously it’s accessible to everyone and that’s what’s so great about the show.” Feb 16–27. Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket. $69-$185+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.9to5themusical.com.au

BY RENEE DALLOW ngelique Cassimatis, the star of many musical shows from that of Annie, to replacing Kerri-Anne Kennerly in Pippin, to the hauntingly tragic role of Mimi in Rent and a main role in Carmen with the Sydney Opera Company for performances on Sydney Harbour. Angelique now stars in A Chorus Line as a dancer much in demand. Being of Greek heritage Cassimatis has a very different story to tell of how and why she became a dancer. Something that all the characters auditioning for a role in, A Chorus Line, are required to explain on stage. According to Cassimatis this is such a hard thing for a performer to do as the need to be liked is just as important as the need to be appreciated for your talent. “The most important thing for a performer is resilience and if you lose the love of performing and allow it to become just another job you might as well walk away. Otherwise it’s too heartbreaking. Some members of my extended family wanted me to just get a university degree and a normal nine to five job, but when my mother took me along to dance classes at the age of three, thinking dance would just be a hobby, I was hooked. There was no other choice for me. My hobby became my love.”

The role played by Cassimatis in the show is a role she has said she can identify with. The character she plays, Cassie, is 30 or so - which is considered old for a dancer, and can’t get a job even though already well established in the dance world with many shows under her belt. Cassie is, as the director Zach says, too good for the chorus. But Cassie truly needs the job and, as anyone in the theatre knows, for a performer getting that next role is a life or death scenario. It’s imperative, desperate, terrifying and intensely personal. A Chorus Line was the longest running show on Broadway back in it’s heyday in the 70s. A show that has stood the test of time and is just as relevant today as it was then. In fact, in the current climate, with so many shows having to be cancelled it is even more so. Like the 17 auditionees on stage vying to be included in the final cast of eight chorus dancers, the show must go on. Expect all new choreography too from a fresh and inspiring cast, directed by the wonderfully versatile Amy Campbell, in this all singing, all dancing musical production where art really does reflect life. Feb 13 - Mar 11. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. 110-$170+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

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HEATHERS, THE MUSICAL

GIANT DWARF

WON’T REOPEN BY JAMIE APPS he management team behind Redfern’s Giant Dwarf Theatre took to social media recently to make the devastating announcement that the venue would not be reopening. “It is with the heaviest of heart that we share the news that our doors will not

We simply cannot survive through this ongoing pandemic. We fought as hard as we could for almost 8 years and we are so proud that we even made it as far as we did and of what [Giant Dwarf] became. This decision was not an easy one to make and we can assure you, we have thought it through.”

be reopening,” read the statement. The team then went on to site difficulties the venue faced during the second COVID-19 lockdown in Sydney and the uncertainty of the “ongoing pandemic” as the reasoning behind the decision. “The second lockdown really hit us hard and we have been unable to find a way to continue. Even with a reduction in rent during the lockdown period, it is so difficult to continue in such uncertain times and very little funding support.

The thought process behind this decision is one which many arts venues, promoters and even artists are similarly contemplating. With a lack of government financial support & the risk of reduced capacity or snap shutdown many arts businesses are struggling to make ends meet. In closing their statement the team at Giant Dwarf thanked everyone who has helped make the venue such a special place for many people.

BY TESSA PELLE he production is based on the cult classic 80s film of the same name where hilarity and self-destruction ensue. Kira Leiva plays Heather Duke, one of the three titular mean girls. She says the show plays into some typical high school tropes. “If you’re familiar with the movie Mean Girls [Heather Duke] is almost the equivalent of Gretchen, however later in the show, she kind of steps into her power and becomes a little power hungry and uses it for evil,” Kira says. “I think Heathers takes it to another level because there’s not just one mean girl, there’s three, and they’re all very different.” Although the production is a highenergy black comedy, Kira says open conversations about mental health, bullying and teenage suicide are what

drives the show’s ability to stay relevant. “It covers a lot of topics that are still pretty relevant. It addresses gun violence, suicide, alcohol and drug use, bulimia, homophobia. Unfortunately, these are all still things teenagers are confronted with,” she says. Featuring new songs straight from the original West End production, the show is bound to please fans old and new. “The film and the musical are slightly different. I think the musical is a little more uplifting with these big dance numbers; it has very catchy and lighthearted moments. But I think it has a wonderful balance of presenting these really heavy topics with a little bit of that humour as well.” Until Mar 5. ARA Darling Quarter Theatre, 3/1-25 Harbour St, Sydney. $49.90-$74.95+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.mitchellold.com.au

INNER WEST AUTHOR JACK ELLIS RELEASES NEW BOOK BY RENEE DALLOW ack Ellis is a writer with two novels under his belt. His first, The Best Feeling Of All, deals with girls growing up through various stages of their lives. It explores their friendships and new relationships as they traverse their worlds both together and separately. Ellis’s latest novel, Home And Other Hiding Places, again explores the theme of growing up, only this time the main character is an eight year old boy, Griffin - or Fin for short. The novel has the feel of a Boy’s Own Adventure story with a touch of dysfunctional family dynamics thrown in. Ellis also has a day job as a Family Mediator and deals with dysfunctional family issues on a daily basis. He is especially focused on the effects these issues have on children. In this novel Ellis wanted to present the world in the way a child would see it.

“Kids see the possibilities in things. They have a way of filtration and take time to stop and observe things that an adult would walk straight past. They are enchanted by the world” said Ellis. Fin is a boy with a healthy curiosity about the world and all the creatures in it. Including humans. He wonders about things like how God got all the details right, like the bones in the fish he catches and the shell on the crab he eventually sets free. He also wonders whether or not his mum will be on time to pick him up from school and whether or not friends can be relied upon. Without giving too much away this novel is full of adventure, humour and astute observations of human flaws. Full of defining moments. A real page turner and proof that, as one of the characters in the book says, “Sometimes things are real even when they aren’t.”

Home And Other Hiding Places by Jack Ellis and published by Ultimo Press will be in book shops and online from February 2, 2022. CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

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LITTLE QUIRKS CHAT ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN A FAMILY BAND A BY JAMIE APPS s we all know, the past couple of years have been incredible difficult for the music industry. So when live music returned Little Quirks were excited to hit the road for their The Rain Is Coming tour, only to be met with a whole new level of stress. Speaking to City Hub in the midst of the tour Abbey Toole explained how they had to quickly reformat the shows when COVID restrictions were suddenly reintroduced all around the country. “It has been a very different tour because of COVID... early on we were able to get a few dancy gigs, which are definitely our favourite, but then we had to change things up & make sure it was all about the visual part of the show.” Whilst being forced to make these changes mid tour was difficult Abbey says it’s still

“awesome” to play live shows & absolutely “won’t ever take that for granted.” During the now seated concert events Abbey has also noticed one major change in how the audience absorbs the music, “I see people getting antsy & wanting to dance but I’ve also noticed that they definitely listen much more intently when it is a seated show.” For audiences to still be so connected to the music & determined to see live performances was another thing which Abbey was very thankful for, “everyone who has come out has been amazing & think that really shows how strong the audience is in supporting live music to try to keep it going during this time.” As a family band Abbey, her sister Mia & their cousin Jaymi have a special bond which has really helped them grow & evolve as musicians together. As Abbey explained the most beneficial element

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION 333 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042 www.rfnsa.com.au/2042009 • The proposed upgrade to the existing facility consists of the following works; replacement of two (2) existing panel antennas (not more than 2.8m long) on new mounts on a new headframe, installation of nine (9) new 5G panel antennas (not more than 0.81m long) on new mounts on the new headframe, associated ancillary equipment including sixteen (16) new Remote Radio Units and one (1) new GPS antenna on new mounts on the new headframe and reconfiguration of existing equipment at the facility and within the equipment shelter, including removal of existing Remote Radio Units. Optus regards the proposed installation as an Exempt Development in accordance with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: BMM Group, 1300 260 834, submissions@bmmgroup.com.au by 25 February 2022. Further information may also be obtained from the website provided above. 22

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of the family dynamic has been their openness to criticism from each other, “we’re not afraid to tell each other when ideas suck... There’s an honesty & a trust in what we do.” You might think this would lead to tension but as Abbey revealed their most heated moments come when choosing outfits for live shows. “There’s not a lot of juicy gossip unfortunately. Probably the most heated we get is fighting over what outfit we’re going to wear because we like to have matching themes for live shows but we don’t always feel like wearing certain things.” Looking ahead fans of Little Quirks can expect to see the go from strength in the next year or two. This comes as all three members are focusing 100% on music

with Mia finishing high-school last year. When asked how tough it was for the band to juggle music commitments with Mia’s school commitments Abbey said, “We just had to give Mia support & be as flexible as possible on our part. Mia is super woman, but I definitely felt for her though because a lot of stuff got messed up for both the band & school.” No that Mia is finished school Abbey said, “it feels really exciting because we’ve kind of been waiting for this moment. Now we can start planning longer tours & tours further from home. We’ll be able to do a lot more things which we weren’t able to do before.” At the top of that list though is completing their first ever album, a project which now appears to be more achievable than ever.

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BENEDETTA

BY MARK MORELLINI nspired by true events this French film is set in Pescia, Italy in the 1600s and tells the story of Sister Benedetta who arrived at a convent as a young girl and lived there until her death at the age of 70. Her forbidden love with another nun is detailed and she is ultimately charged and put on trial for blasphemy, heresy, and bestiality. It’s difficult to believe that this is a true story with all the torturous practices utilised by the church to extract false

confessions. Quite disturbing audiences may turn away from the screen as violence builds in what can aptly be described as a story of religious hypocrisy. “Miracles are more trouble than they’re worth!” exclaimed the Reverend Mother early in the film and when Benedetta reported having experienced stigmata, an investigation by the church ensued which led to the belief that she was deceitful, a liar and a trickster. This controversial film may lead audiences to ask, was Benedetta a saint or a mad woman? It’s really left up to audiences to decide. With much nudity and graphic lesbian scenes this film may not be appropriate viewing for all devout church attending congregations. It’s dark, sinister and may prove to be offensive for most audiences. However, it’s indisputably a highly crafted, beautifully executed film with mesmerising cinematography and the era is recreated in meticulous detail. The angelic music plays throughout the film but it doesn’t subside the feeling that what transpires on the screen is unholy and contrary to the religious beliefs that have been distilled upon us since childhood. WWWW

ETHNIC ROM-COM ‘INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES’ BY MARK MORELLINI ust when you thought you’d seen every possible flick about ethnic communities along comes India Sweets And Spices, an American rom-com from the producer of Crazy Rich Asians. This film explores the secrets and lies that are uncovered within a family when an Indian college freshman returns home for the summer and romances a young man who comes from a lower caste system than her family. This is not an original concept and primarily tries to capture the same humour and sweetness of the box office hit Crazy Rich Asians. However, it feels somewhat like a copycat film with the same assortment of stereotyped characters, the same high-class snobs and underlings who seem to have higher morals and standards in life - with the exception that the story surrounds an Indian family. Indian culture is detailed. Should women stand up for their rights and protest for women’s equality? Does an arranged marriage guarantee a monogamous, stronger, and more

fulfilling relationship? Class division is alive and well within Indian communities in the US and a standout theme is that no family lives a flawless life – they may be rich but are definitely not perfect. The predominantly unknown cast to Australian moviegoers is headed by Sophia Ali (soon to be seen in the blockbuster Uncharted) who convincingly portrays college freshman Alia. This is simplistic and pleasant viewing with moments of comedy and drama and a finale which should have audiences laughing and hesitantly questioning whether they live within a ‘perfect’ family environment. WWW

EUROPA, EUROPA FILM FESTIVAL BY MARK MORELLINI ovie-goers who enjoy attending film festivals should be happy to learn that the inaugural Europa, Europa Film Festival is coming to Sydney! This specially curated film festival will screen 43 films from 42 countries all over Europe. Sydney currently has many annual European film festivals from Italy, Germany, France and Greece, just to name a few. So when asked how he would respond if somebody asked, ‘do we really need another European Film Festival?’ Artistic Director Thomas Caldwell explained that this is a very legitimate question. “We wanted to do something quite specific and curated. There’s no film festival focused directly on European cinema as a whole which would capture all those countries that you don’t tend to get represented. We didn’t just want to pick one region and program every film that comes from that country regardless of quality. We really wanted to nail down what were the really good films from each country. It’s a mid-sized festival

and some countries are represented more than others because different countries have different outputs.” With so many good films to choose from Caldwell explained that it’s difficult to pick three ‘must see’ films screening at the festival. For horror film enthusiasts’ the Norwegian production of The Innocents is a film that won’t disappoint. “Set on a summer resort a group of children discover they have telekinetic powers and being children, they don’t

channel it in the most appropriate way. There’s a lot of resentment, anger and rage that builds up. It’s just an intense beautifully made but quite full-on film and I enjoyed how uncomfortable and frightened I was. One of the most refreshing horror films I’ve seen in a long time!” The Souvenir Part II opens the festival and is the sequel to the UK hit The Souvenir. “This lovely, frequently funny, very self-aware, film is about a

young woman becoming an emerging filmmaker.” The Finnish production of Compartment No. 6 had its premiere screening at the Sydney Film Festival and should also prove a crowd-please at the festival. “It’s about a chance meeting between strangers while journeying on a train. The story focuses on the bond between the two, that romantic twinge that’s not going to happen, but there’s something quite special there about their meeting.” Coming along to catch a couple of films at this festival is a great way for moviegoers to see films that would otherwise not be seen in cinemas, especially now with the streaming platform. “You just see fewer and fewer films outside the big blockbusters and to be honest a lot of these films may not emerge in Australia in any form. If a film doesn’t fit in an easy niche, it won’t get picked up.” Feb 4-27. Ritz Randwick, 45 St Paul’s St, Randwick. $23-$175+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.europafilmfestival.com.au CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022

CITY HUB FEBRUARY 2022